The Brain Candy Podcast - podcast cover

The Brain Candy Podcast

Susie Meister PhD & Sarah Rice AMFTthebraincandypodcast.com

Laugh and learn with Susie Meister PhD & Sarah Rice MFT from MTV's The Challenge as they cover psychology, pop culture, human interest, and science, and make everything from The Kardashians to quantum physics accessible to all.

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Episodes

539: Gray Hair Reversal, Bear Terror, & Bezos Rage

Today we discuss Sarah's theory about bathroom habits relating to disposition. Susie describes a short film that made her see her own ablism. We learn about a study that shows even a two week vacation can reverse the graying of your hair. Sarah gives us tips for curating our TikTok feed. Susie discusses a man who was terrorized for days by a bear in Alaska, and we theorize that it's because of climate change. We debate whether animals can be sociopaths. Susie claims phones aren't the problem wit...

Aug 05, 20211 hr 1 minEp. 539

538: How Sarah Got Her Groove Back

Today we find out how Sarah is starting to feel more herself, and participated in an unusual ceremony with a Buddhist ritualist to make it official. We discuss her affinity for heart shapes, and why they tend to appear when she needs a sign from the universe. Susie wonders aloud how it's possible that Sarah never joined a cult, and we're starting to think she should join a religion. Plus, we find out about a community in Florida where people are purposely (maybe) cutting off body parts to get a ...

Aug 02, 202159 minEp. 538

537: Reality TV Shame, Resting Bitch Face, & Mystery Packages

Today we find out whether marijuana can actually make you a better athlete (if Sarah is any indication, then the answer is yes!). We learn about very strange mystery packages that showed up across the country, and we are stumped about what is actually going on. We hear why resting bitch face has always been an accusation leveled at women--even 450 years ago. We find out why the national spelling bee brings immigrants closer together. And we discuss why reality tv imposes unnecessary shame on its...

Jul 29, 202157 minEp. 537

536: Uniform Patriarchy, Water Food, & Birds Aren't Real

Today we find out about the makeup discoveries Sarah recently made, and why she was out of the beauty loop. We get very wound up about the Olympics and their uniform rules in women's sports, and Sarah reveals uniform nonsense prevented her from becoming a volleyball player. We learn why growing plants underwater might be the solution to our soil issues. Plus, we hear about a vast community of weirdos who truly believe birds don't exist, and think they are secret government drones rather than, yo...

Jul 26, 202152 minEp. 536

535: Rent a Friend, Expiration Dates, & Religious Disgust

Today we follow-up on the baby fetish debate, and respond to feedback from a listener. We learn about Williams Syndrome which makes people filled with love for everyone they meet. We discuss a company where you can "rent" a friend, and we debate whether this is a nice idea or an AWH (accident waiting to happen). We learn the truth behind expiration dates, and the reason Big Grocery wants you to throwaway your food. Susie explains why crowds disgust humans unless the other people in the crowd are...

Jul 22, 20211 hrEp. 535

534: Christmas Cards, Cult of Busy-ness, & Women's Parade

Today we find out why women in Ukraine's military wear heels. We learn why people are into dog years, but not cat years. We discuss the cult of busy-ness, and the cultural reasons why appearing busy is seen as a status symbol. Susie reveals the weird religious origins of this phenomenon, and Sarah explains why we should fight the impulse to busy ourselves. We learn about a study done on Christmas cards that shows when people started trying to seem busy. Susie wants to know if she really is "seri...

Jul 19, 20211 hr 2 minEp. 534

533: Fat Suits, Google Maps Bereavement, & Bird Paramedics

Today we learn about Hollywoods uncomfortable history with the fat suit. We discuss whether this trend is changing, and why it was such a common plot device. We hear why people are searching Google Maps for pics of their loved ones. We find out about a rural Chinese town catering to the Instagram community, and why we're of two minds about it. We learn why African villagers get excited about wrong numbers, and make new friends from telephone misdials. We debate about whether elephants like to pa...

Jul 15, 20211 hr 1 minEp. 533

532: Fetish Furniture, Sarah's Vagina, and Modest is Hottest

Today we talk about Sarah's trip to Pittsburgh. She reveals why her competitive nature has decreased in her old age. We find out about an academic journal that wrong a strangely sexual fan fiction article about Britney Spears. Sarah explains why she's feeling extra empowered these days and why she wrote a letter to her vagina. We discuss the "ring by spring" phenomenon amongst evangelical women and the viral song called Modest is Hottest. Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnet...

Jul 12, 20211 hr 2 minEp. 532

531: Suitcase Wheels, Laundry Quandary, & Mirrors

Today we find out what happened on Sarah's blind date. We find out why space travel is more disgusting than we realized, and now Sarah can't become an astronaut. We hear why suitcases didn't have wheels for too long (hint: the patriarchy). A woman fell 2 miles from a plane and survived, and we can't get over it. We discuss the Zodiac Killer, and the reason some people don't want to solve the mystery. Susie reveals the history of mirrors and their effect on human behavior. Plus, we learn a surpri...

Jul 08, 20211 hr 4 minEp. 531

530: Sarah's Blind Date, Free Britney, & Introverts

A Brainiac set Sarah up on a blind date, and we discuss how she's feeling about and preparing for it. Susie rants about her "invisible labor" of making conversation and her weird resentment towards "introverts". We are angry with Nick Cannon and his sperm. We discuss whether Chris Brown can be rehabilitated. We lament Britney's conservatorship, and discuss her recent testimony. Sarah describes the rise and fall of Boyz II Men and how boy bands appropriated their whole look and sound. We find out...

Jul 05, 202155 minEp. 530

529: Slip n Slide Shiz, Food Racism, & Telepathic Friends

Today we find out why production was shut down on a network show because of...poo. We hear why some people think the grocery store's ethnic food aisle is racist. We learn how car roofs were originally seen as too *feminine* and we get ALL WOUND UP about men insisting on discomfort. It's a whole thing. We find out why women are getting ripped off on Cameo. We celebrate the end of Victoria's Secret's misogynistic rein. Susie describes a comedy special that was "genius" even though a white man made...

Jun 28, 20211 hrEp. 529

528: Whale Tale, Changing Reality, & Night Pee

Today Sarah revealed that she finally broke down and started watching the Bachelorette. Sure, she doesn't know the name of the bachelorette and refers to the men as "chicken boy," et al, but there's some real potential for some high-quality commentary. Hear why Susie thinks reality tv and its audience has changed over the last year, and she doesn't enjoy it. Sarah discusses the man who was almost swallowed by a whale, and we debate the authenticity of his claim. We try to find out whether murder...

Jun 24, 202156 minEp. 528

527: Hysterical Pregnancy, Feeling Small, & Scissoring

Today we find out about a very real and very weird phenomenon known as Couvade Syndrome, where a man develops pregnancy symptoms while his partner is pregnant. We debate whether this is attention-seeking, pouting, or sympathy pain. We learn about Pablo Escobar's "coke hippos" and a little more than we wanted about hippopotamus testicles. Sarah shares a hilarious story about her community college days. Susie teaches us how to feel small (in a good way). We hear about an woman who made elaborate, ...

Jun 21, 20211 hr 39 minEp. 527

526: Mindful Snack, Hangover Anxiety, & Boomer Bodies

Today Sarah is a live wire--her ADHD is providing energy and emotions, and we're here for it. We find out about another high school yearbook scandal involving the "Senior mosts" or superlatives awarded to certain seniors, and we're blaming Covid. Sarah reveals the reason why Dalmatians are fire dogs, and it's not because they're deaf as some people have speculated. We find out why Susie is making friends with raccoons. We hear why there are more emotions than we realized including one for when y...

Jun 17, 20211 hr 2 minEp. 526

525: Talking Dogs, Marriage Pacts, & Crossword Equality

Today we find out about a man whose bride died at the altar, so he married her sister instead (romance is alive!). Find out why people think dogs can talk, and Sarah is ready to train Bo to have some girl talk. Plus, we learn why robot dogs for lonely senior citizens might not be helping as much as we'd hope. We find out about the Marriage Pact Questionnaire sweeping the nation, and the reasons why young people are seeking mates at a young age now. We hear why one crossword puzzle editor is chan...

Jun 14, 20211 hr 33 minEp. 525

524: Sarah's Invention, Women's Holes, & Dirty John

Today we find out why Sarah has a list of inventions she can't discuss, but will also not invent. We find out about a "big little" farm that is getting things right. Sarah reveals an elevator horror story that makes us wonder why we ever got on an elevator. Susie and Sarah marvel at the miracle of flight. We learn about a 2-year-old genius who just tested into Mensa, and hear the reason Sarah relates to prodigies. Plus, we hear about the Dirty John series that made Sarah realize how marriage, di...

Jun 10, 202156 minEp. 524

523: Slut Text, School Censorship, & Diamonds in Auschwitz

Today we find out about an accidental slut-shaming text that has us WOUND UP. We discuss a public school who decided to censor yearbook pics that they deemed to be too racy because of *gasp* too much shoulder, a shadow of cleavage on girl's chests, and more while allowing boys to be scantily clad. Susie describes a magic trick that no one can figure out, and it's driving us crazy. We find out about some beautiful art that has been placed around the world to bring people into nature, but it has u...

Jun 07, 20211 hr 33 minEp. 523

522: Sarah's Vulnerability, Post-Pandemic Dating, & Epiphanies

Today we basically have a therapy session where Susie and Sarah switch roles and Susie offers insight about Sarah's personality, life, and behaviors. We discuss food habits, childhood trauma, and mindfulness. Plus, Sarah reveals why post-pandemic dating might actually be better because people have changed their intentions since last year. She also discusses a recent law that was overturned that allows students to do yoga, but not without a few caveats. Hear why she is shocked about it all and ho...

Jun 03, 202156 minEp. 522

521: Disgusting Food, Underwater Church, & Cheetos Scam

Today we find out why Susie's ghost left her house. We find out what the Museum of Disgusting Food is all about, and why it might encourage ethnocentrism. Susie describes a town submerged underwater whose church steeple can be seen emerging from a lake. We find out why one man has been lying about inventing Flamin' Hot Cheetos. Hear why architecture is made for a 6 ft tall man, and women are mad about it. Susie describes the spiritual practice of remembering your death, and why it can help you l...

May 31, 202155 minEp. 521

520: Power of Habit, Parallel Universe, & Being Cheugy

Today we find out why Sarah has been diving in to more wellness habits to combat burnout. She describes how the book The Power of Habit taught her how to become the person she wants to be. She reveals how bees damage plants to make the grow and model the benefits of delayed gratification in the process. We learn how Susie's bee moment on Instagram might have created a psychic parallel universe situation with Sarah. We hear about what "cheugy" means and we debate whether we qualify. Plus, we talk...

May 27, 20211 hr 20 minEp. 520

519: Chimp Mom, Mountain Confusion, & Drugs for Grown-ups

Today we find out why Susie had an existential crisis over chimpanzees. She explains why liminal spaces like hallways, parking garages, and abandoned Kmarts are all the rage. We learn tips on making your home cozier, and why it's important for women specifically to repair their homes. We find out why mountaineers who thought they'd reached the summit might have to try again. We are infuriated about a gynecological practice called the "husband stitch." Susie explains why you might want to say yes...

May 24, 202159 minEp. 519

518: Challenge Tweets, Glass Bridges, & Shark Dispute

Today we hear about Sarah's late night Challenge tweets and why she has regrets. We discuss why reality tv isn't all it's cracked up to be. Sarah raves about a show that opened her eyes to an underground ballroom dance scene. We discuss the horror of glass bridges, and why one man almost fell to his death after a strong gust of wind. Sarah describes a shark attack that ended up in court. We find out about Sarah's "lucky bump" and hear why a bomb squad was recently called to handle a sex toy. Lis...

May 20, 202156 minEp. 518

517: Jeopardy Racism, Border Dispute, & Color of Colors

It's 5/17 and it's episode 517, so this is bound to be a great episode. We discuss the Jeopardy scandal where a contestant might have used a white power signal, and debate whether it was racism or an honest mistake. We find out why a woman got a felony because of Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Susie reveals why a man moving a stone in his yard ended up in trouble with the Belgian and French governments. We learn about a girl who accidentally moved into a senior living facility. Susie explains how on...

May 17, 202159 minEp. 517

516: Failures, Big Noses, & Racist Graffiti

Today we find out why 2021 is turning into a year of firsts and failures for Sarah, and she's none too pleased. Susie inquires about Sarah's single life, and if she's ready to start dating again. Sarah discusses the phrase "big nose, big hose," and reveals whether it is scientifically true that big noses correlate with large penises. We get super worked about racist graffiti on an ancient Native American site, and we're doubly mad because it also includes spelling errors, profanity, and poorly d...

May 13, 202155 minEp. 516

515: Mormon Murders, Silent Treatment, & Canadian Tuxedos

Today we discuss the documentary Murder Among the Mormons and the reasons why booksellers are in a weirdly dangerous business. Sarah reveals her love of door-to-door salespeople and religious proselytizers. Susie explains the psychology of the silent treatment, and reveals why it's toxic to both people. We discuss the baby boom among dancers, and why it's so hard to work in an industry where your body is critical. We discuss the Canadian Olympics uniforms, and debate the virtues of denim. Plus, ...

May 10, 20211 hr 1 minEp. 515

514: Mosquito Nightmare, Scorekeepers, & Side Hustles

Today we heard about Sarah's latest catastrophe and why it was caused by "Wonder Woman syndrome." We discuss why pigeon nests are inspiring us to be thankful for what we have in life. Sarah describes a plan in Florida to release a BILLION mosquitoes and we are not happy about it. In fact, we wish nothing but death to those blood suckers. We find out why keeping score in your relationship isn't a bad thing, and could protect you from unfair division of labor. Sarah inquires about Pokemon collecto...

May 06, 20211 hr 2 minEp. 514

513: Heavens Gate Cult, Racist Dancing, & Cow Eyeballs

Today we find out why Sarah regrets using a Val-Pak for a dinner deal. We discuss the biggest art heist in the world, and how somehow it became boring. Susie describes the Heaven's Gate cult, why it can help people understand persuasion and human psychology. We learn about the origins of Nickelodeon, and why we have women to thank for its genius. Susie reveals why you were forced to learn square dancing in elementary school, and why it has nefarious roots. We learn about a man who shipped himsel...

May 03, 202157 minEp. 513

512: Language of Pleasure, UFOs, & Rod Stewart Armpits

Today Sarah weighs in about the Frank and Cindy documentary. We learn about a new study that gives women the language they need to teach their partner how to be better lovers. Sarah went down a rabbit hole about UFOs and the "dark forest hypothesis," and now we're all freaked out about aliens. Sarah reveals why she started growing her armpit hair, and her description of it is Susie's new favorite thing that ever happened on the show. Plus, find out why people in Poland were calling the police ov...

Apr 29, 202159 minEp. 512

511: Nocturnal Binging, World Records, & Card Games

Today we get an update on the naming of Sarah's new duck friends. Sarah reveals why people who binge eat at night are less likely to be team players the next day, and she shares some of her nocturnal eating habits. We find out the cure for "everything" and it's exactly what no one wants to hear. We discuss the woman who cut her world recording-holding fingernails, and Susie is mad about world records for some reason. We debate what we might win a world record for, and plan our training. Sarah ce...

Apr 26, 202157 minEp. 511

510: Nuclear Waste, Jo Van Gogh, & Wikifeet

Today we find out why Sarah is worried about her new home thanks to a documentary about a nuclear disaster. Susie reveals why you might be doing more harm than good when you try to "save the bees." We find out why one Japanese biker catfished the world with his instagram account. Sarah is wound up about an animation she saw featuring women of color. Susie reveals why Vincent Van Gogh's sister-in-law is responsible for his success and how she changed the art world forever. We find out the tricks ...

Apr 22, 20211 hr 25 minEp. 510
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