In this captivating episode of Put Em On The Couch, we explore how disgust shapes our moral decisions and political beliefs. Recorded on Friday the 13th, we dive into the unsettling moments from the latest presidential debate between Trump and Harris, examining how these emotional reactions reveal deeper truths about our political psychology.

Join us as we dissect the impact of disgust on voting behavior and political orientation. We’ll explore the biology of emotion, the psychology behind moral judgments, and the ways in which disgust influences our perceptions of political debates and candidates.

Discover why emotions like disgust are crucial in understanding political ideologies and how factors such as family influence and social dynamics come into play. We’ll also discuss the five prongs of morality and how disgust sensitivity connects to conservative viewpoints.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that bridges the gap between emotions and politics, and gain insights into how primal feelings like disgust drive our moral and political choices.

Subscribe, listen, and share your thoughts on how disgust influences our decisions on Put Em On The Couch!

Title: Power on the Couch: Unpacking Influence, Wealth, and Responsibility

Description: In this episode of Put Em On The Couch, hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu dissect the multifaceted nature of power. From understanding how influence shapes behavior and society to exploring the effects of wealth on honesty, this episode covers it all. We compare Machiavellian tactics with cooperative strategies, delve into historical and modern perspectives on power, and discuss the role of gossip in holding leaders accountable. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the dynamics of power and its implications for personal and societal responsibility.

Timestamps:

• 1:53 – Defining Power
• 4:30 – Different Forms of Power
• 8:00 – Who Seeks Power? Insights from Research
• 11:00 – Wealth and Its Impact on Behavior
• 17:00 – Power Dynamics and Success Attribution
• 20:00 – Benefits and Drawbacks of Power
• 25:00 – The Role of Soft Power in Diplomacy
• 33:00 – Power Through History
• 45:00 – Gossip as a Check on Power
• 48:00 – Imagining Immense Power
• 52:00 – The Desire for Power
• 57:00 – Political Power and Democracy
• 61:00 – The Influence of Modern Internet Personalities
• 65:00 – Responsibility and Voting

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode of Put Em On The Couch, don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave us a review on Apple, Podbean, and/or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners! For updates on new episodes and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on [social media platforms, e.g., Twitter, Instagram, Facebook]. Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Reach out to us at putemonthecouch@gmail.com

Thanks for tuning in!

Episode 66: You Know What Is WEIRD? | Put Em On The Couch Podcast

Welcome to the 66th episode of Put Em On The Couch! In this engaging installment, hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu explore the concept of "weird" through four distinct psychological lenses, providing a comprehensive analysis of what makes something appear strange or out of the ordinary.

We start with a thought-provoking clip from Gov. Tim Waltz and J.D. Vance using "weird" to critique political ideas and opponents. How does the term shape our understanding and perception of various topics?

Jason and Nelson delve into four key perspectives on what defines "weird":

1. Understanding: Does the behavior or idea challenge our comprehension, making it appear "weird" simply because it is not easily understood?
2. Norm Violation: Does the behavior or concept violate societal or cultural norms, leading us to label it as "weird"?
3. Moral Violations: Does the behavior breach moral or legal standards, contributing to its classification as "weird"?
4. Statistical Uniqueness: Is the behavior statistically rare or deviates from the norm, which might make it seem "weird" in comparison to the average?

The episode also explores real-world examples, including RFK’s unusual fascination with roadkill and the effects of brain parasites on behavior. Insights from Dan Dennett on microorganisms that influence the brain provide an intriguing addition to our discussion.

Additionally, we examine the concept of W.E.I.R.D. (Western, Educated, Industrial, Rich, Democratic) and its impact on social science and psychology. How does this framework influence our understanding and categorization of "weird" behaviors?

Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to Put Em On The Couch for more in-depth explorations of complex topics! If you found this episode insightful, please leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform—it helps us reach more curious listeners. Follow us on social media and join the conversation!

Keywords: weirdness, psychological lenses, political rhetoric, clinical psychology, James Joyce, brain parasites, RFK, Dan Dennett, W.E.I.R.D., social science, human behavior, understanding norms, moral violations, statistical uniqueness

Hashtags: #Weirdness #PsychologicalLenses #PoliticalRhetoric #ClinicalPsychology #JamesJoyce #BrainParasites #RFK #DanDennett #WEIRD #SocialScience #HumanBehavior

In this episode of Put Em On The Couch, titled "Teachers Unite! A Conversation with Jen Mangrum," host Jason McCoy explores the pressing issues facing public education in North Carolina. With teacher vacancies skyrocketing, morale at an all-time low, and funding falling short, the state's education system is in crisis.

We’ll dive into the challenges—like dwindling teacher pipelines, stagnant pay, and the struggle to secure necessary resources—while also examining the efforts of advocates like Brian Proffit, VP of the NCAE, who are sounding the alarm on these critical issues. We’ll also discuss the role of state leaders such as Phil Berger and the implications of the Leandro Ruling on the future of public education in the state.

Our special guest, Dr. Jen Mangrum, a veteran educator and newly appointed leader with the American Federation of Teachers (#AFT), joins us to discuss her bold new role in driving reform. Dr. Mangrum will share her insights on the current state of public education, her mission to support educators, and what actions can be taken to improve the system.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and solutions facing North Carolina’s public schools and hear from a key figure dedicated to making a difference.

To learn more about the AFT and/or what you can do to support public education, email Jen Mangrum at aft.jennifer@gmail.com or Jason McCoy at putemonthecouch@gmail.com and/or visit the AFT website at aft.org

Keywords & Hashtags: #NCAE #AFT #TeachersUnite #PublicSchools #EducationReform #TeacherSupport #CollectiveBargaining #SchoolChoice #TeacherMorale #NorthCarolinaEducation #RandiWeingarten #EducationCrisis #TeacherVacancies #TeacherPay #EducationAdvocacy #JenMangrum #EducationEquity #RedForEd #TeacherUnion #PublicEducation #PhilBerger #LeandroRuling

Description:

Why does coming in second often feel worse than finishing third? In this episode, we dive into the "Silver Medal Paradox," exploring why silver medalists sometimes experience more regret than bronze winners. We examine how this psychological phenomenon, tied to #ProspectTheory and #LossAversion, affects not just Olympic athletes but also talent show contestants, backup quarterbacks, and even social contexts like dating.

From exploring historical examples and famous runner-up stories to analyzing reality TV and sports, we uncover why being "almost the best" can feel like a bigger letdown. We also discuss how these insights apply to everyday life, from job interviews to romantic relationships. Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of how second place impacts our emotions and perceptions of success.

Keywords: #SilverMedalBlues, #SecondPlace, #ProspectTheory, #LossAversion, #RunnerUpRegret, #OlympicAthletes, #TalentContests, #RealityTV, #BackupQuarterbacks, #Dating, #SocialPsychology

Call to Action:

Enjoyed this episode? Please like and rate our show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts—it really helps us reach more listeners! Share this episode with friends who might enjoy it, and join the conversation on social media using #PutEmOnTheCouch. We’d love to hear from you—email us at putemonthecouch@gmail.com to comment, say hello, or send us recommendations for future shows. Your feedback and ideas are always welcome!

In this eye-opening episode of Put Em on the Couch, Jason sits down with Dr. Regina Nouhan, a retired plastic surgeon and host of Plastic Surgery Decoded. Together, they unravel "The Paradox of Pretty" and delve into the intricate dance between societal standards and personal desires in the realm of aesthetics.

Tune in to discover:

• The Paradox of Beauty: What truly defines "pretty"? Explore how our perceptions of beauty can be both captivating and flawed.
• Plastic Surgery Unveiled: Understand the critical differences between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, and the ethical considerations that guide these practices.
• Innovations and Insights: From cutting-edge 3D printing to personalized patient care, uncover the latest advancements shaping the future of plastic surgery.
• Ethical Dilemmas: Learn how plastic surgeons balance personal and societal expectations while upholding professional integrity.

Whether you're fascinated by the science behind beauty or intrigued by the ethical dimensions of cosmetic procedures, this conversation with Dr. Nouhan offers profound insights and thought-provoking perspectives.

Don’t miss this enlightening episode! Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your podcasts. Share it with friends and family who are curious about the evolving world of plastic surgery and beauty.

In this eye-opening episode of Put Em On The Couch, hosts Jason and Nelson tackle the prevalent myth that hard work is the ultimate path to success. "Why Your Best Effort Might Not Be Enough: The Hard Work Myth" questions the assumption that putting in more hours and effort always leads to better results.

In This Episode:

• The Limits of Hard Work: Discover why relentless effort doesn’t always yield success and explore the concept of “leverage” as an alternative approach.
• Defining Hard Work: Examine the varying interpretations of hard work and why a universal definition remains elusive.
• The "Rise and Grind" Fallacy: Analyze the popular mantra of working tirelessly and its potential downsides, including incentivizing unnecessary misery.
• Success Perspectives: Compare insights from figures like Elon Musk and Warren Buffett on whether hard work alone is the key to success.
• Beyond Effort: Reflect on the roles of luck, talent, and strategic decisions in achieving success.

Featured Clips:

• Motivational speaker insights
• TED Talks and news segments highlighting key themes

Join Jason and Nelson as they challenge conventional beliefs about hard work and offer a new perspective on achieving success. If you’re an ambitious professional, entrepreneur, or curious about what truly drives success, this episode will provide thought-provoking insights.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates and more discussions!

Join us as we delve into the latest political whirlwind! In this episode (61) we analyze the seismic shifts following Trump's unexpected choice of J.D. Vance for Vice President and Biden's pivotal endorsement of Kamala Harris for President. From dissecting the unconventional speakers at the RNC to debating Trump's unwavering persona amidst these developments, we explore what these decisions mean for the upcoming election landscape. Don't miss our insights on the strategies, surprises, and strategic implications shaping the race ahead.

If you aren't already doing so, please be sure to Follow Put Em On The Couch on Spotify, Apple or most anywhere you listen to podcasts. You can also join the "couch surfering" listenership and supportship by giving us a follow on Facebook.