Put Em On The Couch

In this heartfelt episode, host Jason McCoy and cohost Nelson Beaulieu dive into the complex journey of aging — from the political spotlight on leaders like President Joe Biden to the deeply personal struggles of autonomy and independence as we grow older. Along the way, they explore the evolving role of grandparents in our lives: the support, wisdom, and unexpected gifts they offer as families change.

In this episode, we tackle a big question: What is the point of college? Is it worth the high costs, or is it just an outdated rite of passage? We start with Harvard President Allan Garber’s 2025 commencement speech, which touches on the political controversies surrounding higher education today.

This is a preview episode for what is to come in Season 3.

In this 83rd episode of Put Em on the Couch, we break down 10 clear signs that suggest President Donald Trump may be steering our country towards Autocracy. Nelson and I rewind Trumps recent speech to a joint session of congress. Using the President's own words, we analyze his rhetoric and discuss how it mirrors that of authoritarianism. Tune in to find out what all of this might mean for the future of American democracy. References: Arendt, H. (1973). The origins of totalitarianism. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. Friedrich, C. J., & Brzezinski, Z. K. (1956). Totalitarian dictatorship and autocracy. Harvard University Press. Hetherington, M. J., & Weiler, J. D. (2009). Authoritarianism and polarization in American politics. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511627012 Pepinsky, T. (2017, January 9). Life in authoritarian states is mostly boring and tolerable: Americans have an overly dramatic view of what the end of democracy looks like. The Big Idea. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/the-big-idea/2017/01/09/life-in-authoritarian-states-is-mostly-boring-and-tolerable/

n this episode of Put Em On The Couch, college professors Jason McCoy (psychology) and Nelson (political science and history) squabble up over the ongoing Drake vs Kendrick Lamar ”Diss’course”—a year-long back-and-forth between two of the biggest icons in hip-hop. With nearly a dozen diss tracks thrown, Kendrick Lamar’s anthem They Not Like Us has become the centerpiece of this highly charged feud.

Classroom lecture introducing Social Psychology

In this 77th episode of Put Em On The Couch, hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu dive deep into the complex and often controversial topic of greed. What drives us to want more—whether it’s wealth, power, or possessions? How does greed shape our happiness, behaviors, and society at large?

This episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by human behavior, persuasion, or the fascinating world of deception.

In this episode of Put Em On The Couch, we explore the multifaceted nature of fear, from its psychological roots to its societal implications, examining how it shapes our lives and influences our decisions. Through personal anecdotes and research insights, we encourage listeners to confront their fears and transform anxiety into empowerment, especially in today’s uncertain political landscape.

In this episode of Sleep on the Couch, hosts Jason and Nelson dive deep into the fascinating world of sleep. With insights drawn from historical perspectives and modern research, they explore our love-hate relationship with sleep, the evolution of sleep patterns, and the implications of our increasingly demanding schedules.

Join us as we delve into shocking findings, including a study where participants opted for electric shocks over sitting in silence. With insights from comedian Louie CK and leading researchers like Dankert and Eastman, we’ll uncover how boredom can be a catalyst for creativity and self-discovery.

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!

A conversation about public schools, teacher morale and what we can do to improve both with Dr. Jen Mangrum.