Shrink The Box

Looking for love or navigating the modern dating world? We've got just the thing! How to Date is your ultimate guide to the highs, lows, and everything in between of modern romance. Hosted by broadcaster and author Elizabeth Day and relationship expert Mel Schilling, this podcast masterclass dives deep into the complexities of finding connection in today’s world. Whether you're decoding dating apps, breaking old patterns, or building confidence, Elizabeth and Mel are here to help—with humour, honesty, and expert advice. Featuring candid conversations with fascinating guests, you'll learn how to spot red flags, avoid communication pitfalls, cope with rejection, and even find love that's truly worthy of you. Plus, practical tips and exercises make this a must-listen for anyone looking to date with confidence and self-worth. After all, the most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one you have with yourself. A Daylight and Sony Music Entertainment Production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow @sonypodcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the last episode of this season, team STB gets real with those pesky inner monologues (as promised in the Carrie: Sex and the City episode). Plus, what's the connection between 80s comedy-thriller Lovejoy and The Matrix? We explore actors who have come back from obscurity with aplomb. We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts. To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our final character episode of this season, we put Carrie from Sex and the City on the couch. Nemone looks at why Sex and the City hasn’t aged well, and Ben talks about diversity in the privileged, white world of the show. We get into Carrie’s shopping habit, low self-esteem, and why everyone in the show is SO obsessed with relationships, even though the women really have no need for them. We also get a primer on the Bechdel test, and how you can tell if a show is sexist without knowing it. And if you want to check out more on the patriarchy and diversity, have a listen to our episodes on Sydney from The Bear.     We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com  Find how to view the shows we’ve talked about here.   CREDITS  We used clips from episodes of Sex and the City. It’s available to watch on NOWTV/SKY.  Starring:  Sarah Jessica Parker – Carrie Bradshaw  Cynthia Nixon – Miranda Hobbs  Kim Cattrall – Samatha Jones  Kristin Davis – Charlotte York  Created by:  Darren Star  Candace Bushnell  Directed by:  Susan Seidalman  Nicole Holofcener  Alison Maclean  Michael Fields  Darren Star   Produced by:  Darren Star  Michael Patrick King  John P. Melfi  Jenny Bicks  Sarah Jessica Parker  Cindy Chupack    We would love to hear your theories: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com  A Sony Music Entertainment production.  Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts.  To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Nemone put Jackson Lamb from Slow Horses on the couch. Gary Oldman’s version of Mick Herron’s character has become household name, and you can see why. A man with many layers, a million secrets, and a lightning rod for other’s emotions – perhaps he is the perfect Freudian analyst. Nemone gives us a crash course in transference and counter-transference, looks at why people mask and create false selves, and what drives people into a career where they hide their true selves from everyone, including themselves.     This is the PERFECT watching companion to Season 4 of Slow Horses, coming 4th September on AppleTV+!  And if you want to look at false selves, then listen back to our episode on The Morning Show’s Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.   We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com    NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here   Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (selected episodes)    CREDITS  We used clips from Season 1 of Slow Horses. It’s available to watch on AppleTV+.   Starring:  Gary Oldman - Jackson Lamb  Jack Lowden - River Cartwright  Kristin Scott Thomas - Diana Taverner  Saskia Reeves - Catherine Standish  Rosalind Eleazar - Louisa Guy  Christopher Chung - Roddy Ho  Created by:  Mick Herron  Will Smith  Directed by:  James Hawes  Jeremy Lovering  Saul Metzstein  Produced by:  Iain Canning  Hakan Kousetta  Jamie Laurenson  Gail Mutrux et al.    We would love to hear your theories: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com  A Sony Music Entertainment production.  Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts.  To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Nemone put Raymond Holt on the couch. We look at how this trailblazing policeman (the first black, gay police captain in the force) stands out from the rest of the precinct. We learn how family dynamics inform behaviour and what it takes to be a great leader. Nemone looks at a diagnosis of ASD or Asperger’s Syndrome for the captain, and Ben gives a heartwarming tribute to the great actor who played him, André Braugher. We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here Jackson Lamb, Slow Horses (Season 1) Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (selected episodes) CREDITS We used clips from episodes of Brooklyn 99. It’s available to watch on Netflix. Starring: Andy Samberg - Jacob "Jake" Peralta Stephanie Beatriz - Rosa Diaz Terry Crews - Terrence "Terry" JeffordsMelissa Fumero - Amy Santiago Joe Lo Truglio - Charles Boyle Chelsea Peretti - Regina "Gina" Linetti Andre Braugher - Raymond Holt Dirk Blocker as Michael Hitchcock and Joel McKinnon Miller as Norm Scully Created by: Dan Goor Michael Schur Directed by: Craig Zisk Julie Ann Robinson Troy Miller Dean Holland Jason Ensler Produced by: Dan Goor Michael Schur David Miner Phil Lord Christopher Miller (both; pilot) Luke Del Tredici David Phillips We would love to hear your theories: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts. To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Nemone put Moira Rose on the couch and take a deep dive into her narcissistic tendencies, and what effect that has on the rest of the Schitts. Nemone explains how narcissism is not as easy to spot as its widespread use would have you believe. We also discuss the collection of wigs that Moira keeps in her closet and why they are transitional objects. And if you’re interested in hearing more on narcissism, then check out our episode on Game of Thrones’ Cersei Lannister. We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here Raymond Holt, Brooklyn 99 (selected episodes) Jackson Lamb, Slow Horses (Season 1) Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (selected episodes) CREDITS We used clips from episodes of Schitt’s Creek. It’s available to watch on Netflix. Starring: Eugene Levy - Johnny Rose Catherine O'Hara - Moira Rose Daniel Levy - David Rose Annie Murphy - Alexis Rose Created by: Daniel Levy Eugene Levy Directed by: Jerry Ciccoritti Paul Fox Produced by: Eugene Levy Dan Levy Fred Levy Andrew Barnsley Ben Feigin Kevin White David West Read We would love to hear your theories: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts. To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If characters in ‘trapped’ dramas escape, is that the end of the show? Ben and Nemone explore The Handmaid’s Tale and Severance as examples. Plus, Ben reacts to a listener’s ‘constructive’ feedback and Nemone explores Polyvagal Theory to explain why we might react in the way we do from childhood trauma.  We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com  NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here   Raymond Holt, Brooklyn 99 (selected episodes)   Jackson Lamb, Slow Horses (Season 1)  Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (selected episodes)  Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts.  To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Nemone discuss The Wire’s ‘Bubbles’ aka Reginald Collins. An informant and heroin user, a man with a fragile support network who finds himself stranded while trying to forge closer bonds with those around him. Nemone tells Ben how unconditional love is the hardest thing to give an addict, and the key to helping them start their journey to sobriety. Plus we hear wisdom from Gabor Maté. Our episode on the Queen’s Gambit has great insights into addiction if you’re looking for even more on this subject.     We talked about AA, Al Anon and Samaritans in the show. Here are links:  AA: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/  Al Anon: https://al-anonuk.org.uk/  Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/  We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com  NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here   Moira Rose, Schitt's Creek (Season 1)  Raymond Holt, Brooklyn 99 (selected episodes)   Jackson Lamb, Slow Horses (Season 1)  Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (selected episodes)    CREDITS  We used clips from Seasons 1 of The Wire. It’s available to watch on NOWTV.  Starring:  Dominic West - Jimmy McNulty  Idris Elba - Stringer Bell  Lawrence Gilliard Jr. - D’Angelo Barskdale  Wood Harris - Avon Barksdale  Deirdre Lovejoy - Rhonda Pearlman  Wendell Pierce - Detective Bunk  Lance Reddick - Cpt. Cedric Daniels  Andre Royo – Reginald Collins, aka Bubbles  Sonja Sohn - Kima Greggs  Created by:  David Simon  Directed by:  Clark Johnson  Peter Medak  Clement Virgo  Ed Bianchi  Gloria Muzo  Produced by:  Karen L. Thorson  Ed Burns  Joe Chappelle  George Pelecanos  Eric Overmyer  David Simon  Robert F. Colesberry  Nina Kostroff Noble  We would love to hear your theories: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com  A Sony Music Entertainment production.  Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts.  To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Nemone discuss Helen McCrory’s iconic Poly Shelby from Peaky Blinders. She’s a devout Catholic, but up to her neck in the murky world of bootlegging and murder. Nemone gets into the thorny question of how she might match those up, and reveals how each of us has a ‘silent observer’ inside. We also dive into the history of women’s rights in 1920s England. Look out for some killer lines from our Polly, too. If you like this, you’ll love our look at Cersei Lannister and how to lead violent men using more than physical force, and the toll that takes.   We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com    NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here Reginald "Bubbles" Cousins, The Wire (Season 1)  Moira Rose, Schitt's Creek (Season 1)  Raymond Holt, Brooklyn 99 (selected episodes)   Jackson Lamb, Slow Horses (Season 1)  Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (selected episodes)    CREDITS  We used clips from Seasons 1&2 of Peaky Blinders. It’s available to watch on BBC iPlayer.  Starring:  Tommy Shelby - Cillian Murphy  Polly Gray - Helen McCrory  Arthur Shelby - Paul Anderson  Ada Shelby - Sophie Rundle  Finn Shelby - Harry Kirton  Lizzie Shelby - Natasha O'Keeffe  Linda Shelby - Kate Phillips  Created by:  Steven Knight  Directed by:  Otto Bathurst   Tom Harper   Colm McCarthy  Produced by:  Katie Swinden  Laurie Borg   We would love to hear your theories: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com  EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!   A Sony Music Entertainment production.  Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts.  To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben and Nemone discuss Tasha Jefferson, aka Taystee, from Orange is the New Black. We get fascinating insights into child states and how difficult they are to escape; attachment theory and why prison can be a better alternative to living in the outside world. Expect to laugh and cry while reliving one of the early bingeable series on Netflix. And if you’re interested in looking further into issues of adoption and racism, check out our episode on The Queen’s Gambit, from Season 1.    We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com    NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here   Polly, Peaky Blinders (seasons 1&2)  Reginald "Bubbles" Cousins, The Wire (Season 1)  Moira Rose, Schitt's Creek (Season 1)  Raymond Holt, Brooklyn 99 (selected episodes)   Jackson Lamb, Slow Horses (Season 1)  Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (selected episodes)    CREDITS  We used clips from Season 1 of Orange is the New Black. It’s available to watch on Netflix.  Starring:  Taylor Schilling as Piper Chapman  Laura Prepon as Alex Vause,   Michael Harney as Sam Healy  Michelle Hurst as Miss Claudette Pelage  Kate Mulgrew as Galina "Red" Reznikov  Jason Biggs as Larry Bloom  Uzo Aduba as Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren  Danielle Brooks as Tasha "Taystee" Jefferson  Natasha Lyonne as Nicky Nichols  Taryn Manning as Tiffany "Pennsatucky" Doggett  Selenis Leyva as Gloria Mendoza  Adrienne C. Moore as Cynthia "Black Cindy" Hayes  Dascha Polanco as Dayanara "Daya" Diaz  Created by:  Jenji Kohan  Directed by:  Michael Trim  Andrew McCarthy  Uta Briesewitz  Jodie Foster  Matthew Penn  Produced by:  Jenji Kohan  Sara Hess  Tara Herrmann  Lisa Vinnecour  Neri Kyle Tannenbaum  Mark A. Burley    We would love to hear your theories: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com    A Sony Music Entertainment production.  Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts.  To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices