55 episodes

Welcome to ’Put Em on the Couch,’ the podcast where hosts Nelson Beaulieu and Jason McCoy invite you to explore the every nook and cranny of this thing called life. Join long-time friends and educators, weekly as they embark on a variety of evocative discussions and fun thought experiments. Who knows, you may even come away happier and smarter.

Put Em On The Couch Michael Jason McCoy

    • Science

Welcome to ’Put Em on the Couch,’ the podcast where hosts Nelson Beaulieu and Jason McCoy invite you to explore the every nook and cranny of this thing called life. Join long-time friends and educators, weekly as they embark on a variety of evocative discussions and fun thought experiments. Who knows, you may even come away happier and smarter.

    Poverty By Design: Then and Now

    Poverty By Design: Then and Now

     








    Welcome "couch surfers" to another thought-provoking conversation. This time on Put Em on The Couch, we turn our attention to Poverty in America. 
    Join us as we engage in an edutaining exploration of this existential scourge and attempt to identify and perhaps unravel some of the most stubborn myths associated with poverty.
    We 'll be delving into topics such as the war on poverty, the perpetuation of poverty by design, and the challenges faced by those marginalized by socioeconomic barriers. Through engaging narratives and insightful analysis, we shed light on the harsh realities that often go unseen, inviting listeners to confront their preconceptions and expand their understanding of this pressing issue.
    Tune in to join the conversation and discover how we can collectively work towards a more equitable future for all.

    • 54 min
    Anniversary Episode of Put Em On The Couch

    Anniversary Episode of Put Em On The Couch

    Let’s celebrate our 1st year in the podcast game with this episode.

    • 41 min
    Freud on the Syllabus: A conversation with Dr. David Livingstone Smith

    Freud on the Syllabus: A conversation with Dr. David Livingstone Smith

    In this 53rd episode of Put Em On The Couch, I have the honor and privilege of sitting down with a living philosophical legend. Dr. David Livingstone Smith is a professor, interdisciplinary philosopher, author, thinker and most importantly, a new friend of the show.  Dr. Livingston Smith's most recent book, Making Monsters: The Uncanny Power of Dehumanization, ” was a finalist for the 2023 Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize for Interdisciplinary Philosophy and was awarded the 2023 Joseph B. Gittler Award from the APA. Before that, his 2012 book, Less Than Human: Why We Demean, Enslave and Exterminate Others,”  won the 2012 Anisfield-Wolf award for nonfiction. 
    David was generous enough to join me on the couch today to discuss one of his oldest and most foundational influences - Sigmund Freud.  During this conversation, I will ask about a variety of things related to the life and legacy of this most perplexing man of science. For instance, was Freud enmeshed with his mother? How did Freud die? Why didn't he stick with medicine? Did he really believe psychotherapy was the answer to all psychological ills, and so, so much more. 
    Join me as I talk with Dr. David Livingston Smith about a man who's ideas and writings shaped and continue to impact his own writings and thinking. 

    • 49 min
    Happy Mother's Day from the Couch

    Happy Mother's Day from the Couch

    Happy Mothers Day to our favorite mothers today. 

    • 11 min
    Constitutional Crossroads: Navigating Democracy's Greatest Threat

    Constitutional Crossroads: Navigating Democracy's Greatest Threat

    More than Trump or MAGA extremism or political divisiveness, the single greatest threat to our American style Constitutional Democracy - says Political Scientist and Historian, Nelson Beaulieu is the constitution itself. 
    Join us as we delve into the heart of America's democratic experiment on this enlightening episode of Put Em On The Couch. Host Jason McCoy and political scientist/historian Nelson Beaulieu embark on a thought-provoking journey through the corridors of power, dissecting the very foundation of our democracy: the Constitution.
    In this educational and entertaining exploration, we uncover the hidden dangers lurking within the framework of the Constitution. From the deliberate ambiguity of its language to the ingenious, albeit controversial, mechanisms such as the Electoral College designed to guard against the tyranny of the majority, we unravel the intricate tapestry of American governance.
    Drawing on insights from history and political theory, we confront the uncomfortable truth that the greatest threat to democracy may not lie in external forces, but rather within the very document intended to safeguard it. With a keen eye on the encroaching powers of the executive branch and the delicate balance between norms and laws, we challenge conventional wisdom and provoke critical reflection on the state of our democracy.
    So tune in as we interrogate the fault lines of American democracy, exploring the tension between populism and constitutionalism, and daring to ask the question: Is the Constitution itself the greatest threat to our democracy?
     
     

    • 54 min
    Under Pressure: The History and Science of Stress

    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.
     

    • 57 min

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