Put Em On The Couch

Let's Talk About Last Words: From Suicide Notes to Death Poetry

Episode 84: Let's Talk About Last Words: From Suicide Notes to Death Poetry
In this compelling episode of Put Em On The Couch, hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu explore the powerful concept of last words, diving into everything from famous last statements of historical figures to suicide notes and death poetry. What do these final words really say about a life lived, and what can they teach us about human psychology and mortality?
Jason enriches the conversation by weaving in insights from psychological research, including the work of Todd Kashdan (George Mason University), Kurt Gray (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill), Heather Servaty-Seib, and Kathryn Mannix. They explore the significance of final statements, addressing questions such as, "What would your last words be?" and whether it's truly necessary to think about death or if it only serves as an anxiety-inducing distraction.
Join Jason and Nelson as they reflect on the intersection of death awareness, psychological research, and the fascinating role that last words play in understanding our lives and our legacy.
Key Topics:
Famous last words of historical figures
Suicide notes and death poetry
Psychological research on mortality and death anxiety
Todd Kashdan’s insights into death and anxiety
Kurt Gray’s research on human behavior and mortality
Exploring what last words reveal about a life’s meaning
The impact of thinking about death on mental health and well-being
Tune in to Put Em On The Couch for a thought-provoking discussion about death, mortality, and the lasting words that define us.

10 Shocking Signs Trump Wants to Be an Autocrat

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/
 
 

Could Shooting Bambi Help Save Mother Earth?

Episode Title:"Could Shooting Bambi Help Save Mother Earth?"
Podcast Description:🎧 Episode 82: Could Shooting Bambi Help Save Mother Earth? | Put Em on the CouchIn this thought-provoking episode, we’re putting Mother Nature on the couch to explore our complex relationship with her. From bizarre weather events to the psychology behind anthropomorphizing non-living things, we dive deep into how we perceive and interact with the planet. Freud would have a lot to say about our maternal metaphor, and we discuss how our conservation efforts (or lack thereof) have left Mother Nature “hormonal” and in need of care.
We also challenge traditional views with the controversial idea that hunting might actually help save the Earth. You’ll hear why “shooting Bambi” could be more beneficial than you think for conservation efforts. Plus, we explore the history of Earth Day, how weather impacts politics, and why we’re still at Mother Nature’s mercy.
🌍 Listen now to discover how we can help Mother Nature thrive, one controversial idea at a time.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners! Don’t forget to share this episode with friends and family who care about the planet.

They Not Like Us: College Professors "Squabble Up" Over the Drake vs Kendrick Lamar 'Diss'course

"They Not Like Us: College Professors Squabble Up Over the Drake vs Kendrick Lamar ‘Diss’course"
Description:
In 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.
In this lively and sometimes incendiary conversation, Jason and Nelson dissect the tension between these two artists, exploring everything from Drake's shifting genre versatility and his critics’ accusations of being a "culture vulture," to Kendrick’s status as a lyrical genius and a hip-hop icon whose music often offers a history lesson. As the discussion heats up, the professors debate the greater sociopolitical implications of their rivalry, touching on themes of class, power, and representation in modern music.
Whether you’re firmly in one camp or just curious about what all the fuss is about, this episode will leave you with a deeper appreciation for hip-hop, rap, and black culture. Tune in for an academic yet passionate exploration of the ultimate Diss'course.
Join the conversation! We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out via email at putemonthecouch@gmail.com, or leave a comment on Apple or Spotify to share your take on the Drake vs Kendrick debate.

The Price of the Ticket: Professor Lettie Gore on Confronting White Supremacy

Episode 80:  The Price of the Ticket: Professor Lettie Gore on Confronting White Supremacy
In this eye-opening episode of Put 'Em on the Couch, Professor Lettie Gore joins host Jason McCoy to dive deep into the ongoing fight against white supremacy and the cost of racial injustice. Drawing from her powerful work in social justice, Professor Gore exposes the brutal realities Black Americans continue to face—being "hunted and murdered" simply for existing.
She reflects on what she calls the "Great White Awakening," the surge of awareness around racism and police brutality that many experienced during the pandemic. Yet, as Professor Gore points out, this awareness is far from enough, and she fears that the urgency of confronting systemic racism is fading.
With a nod to James Baldwin’s "The Price of the Ticket," she underscores the profound cost Black Americans pay just to survive, let alone thrive, in a society built on white supremacy. In this raw and honest conversation, Professor Gore challenges the very idea of a "Great America," asking: When was that, exactly?
Throughout the episode, Professor Gore urges all listeners—especially white Americans and so-called allies—to go beyond performative allyship and take tangible, sustained action in dismantling racial injustice.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the depth of racial injustice and the moral responsibility we all share in confronting it.
 

Classroom Lecture on Social Psychology

In this Episode, Professor McCoy delivers a classroom lecture on Social Psychology. Here, he traces the history - specifically the early research into human performance, social facilitation, attributions/judgements, impressions and decision making, and attitudes.  
 
 

Fit Check: Mind and Body

In this 78th Episode of Put Em On The Couch, hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu launch Season 3 with a New Year's Show about Health and Wellness.  Easier said than done, Getting and Staying Fit is more than maintaining a certain weight, visiting a gym and/or dieting.  Whether your resolution in the new year is to be better, do better or something in-between, we offer some practical advice for how to make those change commitments "stick"!!!!
 

The Psychology of Greed

Episode 77: The Psychology of Greed | Put Em On The Couch Podcast
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?
We explore:
What is greed and its roots in human nature.
The psychology of greed: Is it a personality trait or a temporary emotion?
How greed negatively impacts well-being and life satisfaction.
Paul Piff’s studies using Monopoly to demonstrate how wealth affects behavior.
The upside of greed: Can it fuel capitalism and economic growth?
Greed as addiction: How the cycle of acquisition can become never-ending.
The impact of greed on society, from greedy billionaires to unethical behaviors.
The difference between the desire to acquire versus the fear of losing.
This thought-provoking episode unpacks the forces that drive human behavior and the implications of greed—both on a personal and societal level. Don’t miss out on this important conversation!
A Special Thank You & Merry Christmas!As we wrap up the year, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our listeners for your continued support. Merry Christmas! May this season bring joy, reflection, and meaningful connections.
Call to ActionIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners like you. And don’t forget to share this episode with your friends and family—let's keep the conversation going!
Keywords: Greed, Psychology of Greed, Dispositional Greed, Capitalism, Wealth, Monopoly Study, Paul Piff, Behavioral Addiction, Dark Triad, Emotional Instability, Greedy Billionaires, Social Comparison, Happiness, Put Em On The Couch Podcast.

Let's Talk About Giving: From Psychopaths to Extreme Altruists

In Episode 76 of Put Em On The Couch, Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu dive into the fascinating spectrum of giving—from the cold, calculating behavior of psychopaths to the boundless generosity of extreme altruists. We explore the psychology behind why we give, what motivates us, and how giving shapes our relationships and society.
Along the way, we discuss Paul Slovin’s research on “warm glow,” the neurobiology of generosity, and whether non-human animals display altruistic behavior. Nelson shares a personal story of the best gift he’s ever given, while we also tackle tough questions: Can giving ever be truly selfless? Why do we expect gift-givers to be mind-readers? And why is giving sometimes more about the giver than the recipient?
Plus, we look at the politics of charitable giving, the costs of bad gifts, and share a story about a friend who gave a kidney to a complete stranger. It’s an episode that will make you rethink what it means to give.
As always, thank you to our amazing listeners! In lieu of gifts or monetary contributions, you can show us some love and appreciation by liking, following, commenting, and rating us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support means the world to us and helps us continue to bring you more engaging and thought-provoking content.

Confidence Men: The Art of the Con

Episode 75: The Art of the Con – Exploring the Psychology and Tactics Behind Famous Con Artists
In this gripping episode of Put Em On The Couch, hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu take a deep dive into the world of con artists—those charismatic manipulators who make deception an art form. From 19th-century fraudsters like Samuel Thompson to modern-day scammers like Anna Sorokin (aka Anna Delvy), this episode explores the fascinating techniques and psychology behind the perfect con.
We break down the lives of some of history's most infamous conmen, including the legendary Ferdinand Waldo Demara, who successfully posed as a Canadian Navy surgeon, a prison warden, and even a college professor. We also explore the motivations behind cons like the "Nigerian Prince" scam and discuss the fascinating charisma that makes con artists so compelling.
Whether you're curious about the psychology of persuasion, the traits that make a successful conman, or why we sometimes idolize these criminals, this episode has it all. We explore classic cons, modern scams, and discuss how confidence and charm play a pivotal role in pulling off the perfect deception. Plus, we get into the psychology behind successful cons, such as the "foot-in-the-door" technique, and debate whether even conmen can get conned themselves.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by human behavior, persuasion, or the fascinating world of deception.
Listen now to discover:
The story of Samuel Thompson, New York’s first “confidence man”
The psychology of persuasion and the dark triad of personality traits
How Anna Sorokin conned her way into the high society and landed on Dancing with the Stars
Why con artists like Frank Abagnale and Ferdinand Waldo Demara are so compelling
Like, share, and subscribe to Put Em On The Couch for more deep dives into the minds of fascinating figures in history!