Put Em On The Couch

Under Pressure: The History and Science of Stress

"Dive deep into the multifaceted world of stress with a special milestone episode of 'Under Pressure,' hosted by Nelson Beaulieu and Jason McCoy, the "psych guy". Join us as we celebrate the 50th episode of 'Put Em On The Couch' by uncovering the intricacies of this universal phenomenon.
Together, Nelson and Jason explore the definition and spectrum of stress, including the surprising dynamics of good, bad, and insufficient stress. From tracing the footsteps of pioneering figures like Hans Selye to examining groundbreaking experiments, each episode offers a unique blend of insight and intrigue.
Delve into the realm of presidential stress, unraveling how the weight of leadership can visibly impact those who bear its burden. Whether you're seeking a deeper understanding of stress or practical strategies for navigating its challenges, 'Under Pressure' equips you with the knowledge and tools to thrive in an ever-demanding world.
 

Am I Too Hard On My Kids?

"Welcome to the 49th episode of 'Put Em On The Couch,' where Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu, two academic buddies, delve into real-world topics from the comfort of your living room. In this episode, they tackle the pressing question on every parent's mind: 'Am I Being Too Hard On My Kids?'
Join them for an enlightening 80+ minutes as they explore the nuances of parenting pressure, from deciphering the role of a 'soccer mom' to identifying signs of overbearing expectations. Delve into the potential pitfalls of academic and athletic rigor, and uncover the possible negative consequences of pushing children too far. Tune in for expert insights, thought-provoking discussions, and practical advice to navigate the delicate balance of nurturing and challenging our next generation.
Don't miss out on this engaging episode that promises to shed light on one of the most important dilemmas facing modern parents. Follow and join the conversation!"
#neverenough #parentalpressure #acheivementpressure #livingvicariously #sportsparents #soccermom #soccerdad #tigermom #psychology #JasonMcCoy #professormccoy #putemonthecouch 
 
 

Are Smartphones Bad for Kids?

 In this compelling episode of Put Em On The Couch, Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu discuss the evolving world of smartphones and social media, exploring questions on every parent's mind: At what age should I give my kid their own smartphone? Are smartphones bad for kids?  As we compare today's digital engagement with historical media consumption like radio and television, we discuss whether our modern concerns about screen addiction and mental health echo past fears about new technologies. Featuring insights from Jonathan Haidt's book, "The Anxious Generation," we analyze the link between the rise in teen mental health issues and the proliferation of attention-demanding technologies since 2012. Join us as we unravel the complexities of digital parenting in a world where screens are omnipresent. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on how to approach technology use in a healthy, informed manner for our children's future.

When Memory Serves You INcorrectly

"In this episode of 'Put Em on the Couch,' we delve into the intricate world of memory and its fascinating complexities. Join us as we explore the fallibility and construction of memory, from the enigma of infantile amnesia to the reminiscence bump of our twenties and thirties. Through captivating anecdotes and expert insights, we uncover how memory can be both reliable and malleable, challenging conventional notions of truth and perception. Discover the profound implications of memory distortion on eyewitness testimony and the criminal justice system, and learn how understanding memory's quirks can lead to a deeper appreciation of human cognition. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the contours of memory and its impact on our lives."
 
#memory #reminisciencebump #ElizabethLoftus #SaulKassin #CentralParkFive #CentralParkJogger #NPR #HiddenBrain #falliabilityofmemory #Loftus&Palmer1974 #childhoodamnesia #infantileamnesia #CarolineMiles #eyewitnesstestimony #memoriesareconstructed #memoryislikeaWikipediapage #RonaldCotton #JenniferThompson #wrongfulconviction #falseconfessions #misinformationeffect# misattribution #falsememory #JuliaShaw

How Does Memory Work?

The episode of 'Put Them on the Couch' takes listeners on a comprehensive journey through the concept of memory, starting from the ancient times with philosopher Cicero's fascinating approach and leading up to the modern scientific understanding. This episode is an instructive lecture, mirroring a college-class experience, that delves into what memory is, what it isn't, and how it has been researched over centuries.
The journey is complete with anecdotes and fascinating experiments about memory, from a nobleman and a poet's memory experiment which gave birth to Cicero's "method of Loci," to a British professor's investigations into memory recall using narratives. Throughout the discussion, the host emphasizes on the pivotal functions of memory in our daily life, influencing our understanding of a range of topics from guilt, insult, truth, evidence, to confidence in the criminal justice system.
As the discourse advances, the team explores further into the nature of memory, discussing how the passage of time, subjective interpretations, and capacity to recall and retell events can modify memories. While narrating detailed analyses of past experiments and theories, the host prompts listeners to reconcile with the dynamic, faulty, yet essential nature of our memory. The phenomenon of 'summarization,' the human brain's strategy to bypass excessive details and focus on broad contours, is also critically discussed.
Towards the end, the episode examines an intriguing condition identified as Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (H-SAMs). It delves into the complex phenomenon of recollective construction, challenging common beliefs about memory recall, and analyzing intriguing case studies. It also explores the process of 'schematizing' and 'synthesizing,' techniques of the brain used to group information or fabricate detailed narratives. Closing on a reflective note, the host leaves listeners with the implications of such memory systems, hinting at the potential biases and virtues they invite.
 
#memory #putemonthecouch #Cicero #Scopus #mnemonics #methodofloci #SirFredrickBartlett #WarofGhosts #memoryisconstructed #memoryisfalliable #memorylecture #JasonMcCoy #psychology #howdoesmemorywork

Man Up: Is There Really a Masculinity Crisis?

Are boys and men in crisis? What lies beneath the surface of traditional masculinity, and what impact does it have on society? Is it still okay to be a man? Join teaching colleagues Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu on the 45th episode of "Put Em On The Couch" as they peel back the layers of manhood to uncover the complexities and contradictions that shape our understanding of what it means to be a man. From the rise of incel communities to the challenges posed by toxic masculinity and the influence of the manosphere, they'll confront uncomfortable truths and explore controversial topics head-on.
In this episode, Jason and Nelson challenge myths and misconceptions surrounding masculinity, offering valuable insights and practical guidance for navigating gender roles, mental health, and societal expectations. Their guests share personal experiences and perspectives, fostering meaningful conversations about masculinity, gender equality, and psychological well-being.
But amidst the chaos, they'll also seek to understand the struggles of men caught in the crossfire, grappling with societal expectations and the legacy of generations past. Get ready to dive deep into the heart of masculinity, where the answers aren't always easy, but the conversations are always worthwhile. Welcome to Man Up: Is There Really a Masculinity Crisis? ," where Jason and Nelson fearlessly tackle the tough questions and shed light on this most evocative phenomenon. 

Secret Life of Cats

Join us for a purr-fectly delightful episode of Put Em On The Couch. This time, the your hosts Jason and Nelson explore the secret life of cats. Listen as they delve deep into the enigmatic world of our feline friends. From the cool cat demeanor to the irresistible charm of the 'cat call,' we explore every whisker and meow with CatGPT insights and a touch of whimsy. Discover why cats hold a special place in our hearts, from their independent nature to their knack for mischief and mystery. Whether you're a devoted cat parent or simply a feline enthusiast, this episode is sure to leave you feline fine!"
 
 

Charlotte the Pregnant Stingray

Are you ready to plunge into the depths of marine science? Listen as Put Em On The Couch discusses the viral phenomenon of Charlotte, the pregnant stingray. 
In this episode, I welcome conservation biologist Dr. David Shiffman to the Couch. 
Shiffman, a marine scientist and shark expert will help bring some sanity back to the discussion surrounding the mysterious pregnancy.  He will help us dispel the sensationalism and get to the heart of the matter of exactly how this stingray got pregnant without a mate. This and much more on this episode of Put Em on The Couch.
🎙️ Put Em On The Couch - Episode [43]: "Charlotte The Pregnant Stingray"
🦈 Join Jason McCoy and his very special guest, conservation biologist, Dr. David Shiffman as they unravel the fascinating story of Charlotte, the pregnant stingray, making headlines worldwide.
You can follow Dr. Shiffman on social media @WhySharksMatter and explore more insights on marine science at his blog, The Southern Fried Science Blog. Don't miss his book "Why Sharks Matter" by John's Hopkins Press. 
   🌐   [Social Media] @WhySharksMatter
  🔬    [Southern Fried Science Blog] https://www.southernfriedscience.com/
  👑    [The Royal Institution Lecture] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYXQs1g8dw0 
  📚    [Why Sharks Matter: A Deep Dive with the Worlds Most Misunderstood Predator]              
           https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/12267/why-sharks-matter
 
Unlock the secrets of the land and sea with Put Em On The Couch. Listen and  Follow today to stay in the know!

American Democracy on the Couch

 
Description: Join hosts Jason, a college psychology professor, and Nelson Beaulieu, a seasoned political scientist and historian, on an enlightening 75-minute tour of American democracy. In this thought-provoking episode, the duo explores the intricacies of American-style presidential democracy, delving into fundamental questions such as the role of political science, the significance of local politics, and the unique characteristics of the American Constitution.
Nelson provides a historical and political analysis, questioning the very nature of democracy and highlighting potential pitfalls, especially for nations adopting the American model. As the conversation unfolds, he passionately defends the value of taxation, drawing inspiration from an inscription he encountered as a middle school student in Washington, D.C.
Later in the episode, the tables turn as Nelson prompts Jason to share his psychological perspective on politics and government. Jason, drawing on the insights of sociobiologist E.O. Wilson, explores concepts such as group polarization, echo chambers, and the impact of tribalism on political affiliations.
American Democracy is not just a podcast episode; it's a journey through the heart of American governance, a blend of history, political science, and psychology that leaves listeners with a deeper understanding of the complexities shaping our democratic system.
Tune in for a captivating exploration that transcends the ordinary and challenges perceptions about the foundations of democracy.

Protesting: Is there a "right" way to do it?

"Listen now to hosts Nelson Beaulieu and Jason McCoy on this episode of 'Put Em On The Couch' as they explore fundamental questions surrounding protest rights. What is the purpose of a protest? How do we define a protestor? Is there a right way to protest? Delve into the intricate landscape of activism and engage in a heated academic debate between these two long-time friends and academic sparing partners on the limitations of protest rights, especially outside government officials' homes. Uncover ethical dilemmas, the spectrum of activism, and government responses. Tune in for a compelling exploration of the right to protest and its multifaceted dimensions in our society."  
 
#ProtestRights #ActivismDebate #PoliticalLandscape #EthicalDilemmas #GovernmentResponses #SocialChange #PowerandBoundaries #HeatedDebate #PutEmOnTheCouch #PodcastDiscussion #SecBlinken