50 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
    • 5.0 • 16 Ratings

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.

    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
    Am I Too Hard On My Kids?

    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 
     
     

    • 1 hr 2 min
    Are Smartphones Bad for Kids?

    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.

    • 54 min
    When Memory Serves You INcorrectly

    When Memory Serves You INcorrectly

    This episode of Put Em On The Couch explores the problems associated with memory.

    • 29 min
    How Does Memory Work?

    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

    • 35 min
    Man Up: Is There Really a Masculinity Crisis?

    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. 

    • 1 hr 17 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
16 Ratings

16 Ratings

Reuben’s Dad ,

Enjoyable!

A great mix of topics and worth a listen!

riddikuluspatronus1 ,

Great!

Really a variety of topics. Really interesting topics. I truly enjoyed the Halloween Special. It’s interesting to think how Halloween changed over time. Great hosts and audio. The conversations are intriguing and detailed. The episodes are not too long and easy to listen to. Looking forward to more.

putemonthecouch ,

Good stuff

I really enjoy this podcast. These guys are fun and interesting!

Top Podcasts In Science

Hidden Brain
Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
Something You Should Know
Mike Carruthers | OmniCast Media | Cumulus Podcast Network
Radiolab
WNYC Studios
Ologies with Alie Ward
Alie Ward
Crash Course Pods: The Universe
Crash Course Pods, Complexly
StarTalk Radio
Neil deGrasse Tyson

You Might Also Like