
The Brain Candy Podcast
Laugh and learn with Susie Meister PhD & Sarah Rice MFT from MTV's The Challenge as they cover psychology, pop culture, human interest, and science, and make everything from The Kardashians to quantum physics accessible to all.
Latest episodes

Jun 24, 2024 • 1h 3min
824: Stingray Scandal, Tony Danza, & Internet in the Wild
Sarah is in the "carpentry" era of her single lifestyle, and she's whipping up a coffee table. We learn how to spot overpriced furniture. Sarah is in mourning over the "pregnant" stingray who is mysteriously not pregnant and the aquarium that thought she was is tight-lipped. We realize we need to apologize to Madonna because it turns out you can adopt a foreign accent just by visiting another country. We hear why Tony Danza is championing teachers, he needs a new publicity, and we think we love him. AI isn't as advanced as people would like to believe (but it will be the death of us all). We discuss an Amazonian tribe that got the internet, and now they're addicted to adult content, playing Candy Crush, and scrolling on social media. Plus, we learn why people are suddenly becoming nearsighted.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/idea-man-88k-for-clams-hoa-paybackJoin our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.comConnect with us on social media:BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastSusie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterSarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodSponsors:Get $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to https://wildgrain.com/BRAINCANDY to start your subscription!This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/braincandy today to get 10% off your first month!Go to https://paireyewear.com and use code BCP for 15% off your first pair!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 20, 2024 • 1h 1min
823: Green Flags, Zookeepers, & Dance with the Devil
Sarah wants to thank all the lesbians and allies for welcoming her back into the fold. She explains why she thinks she's following in her grandma's power lez footsteps. We hear about "green flags" women have when they're dating a guy, and we're disturbed at how low the bar is (bed sheets) and also disagree about men presenting as feminists. We discuss the TikTok dance cult where a pastor posing as an entertainment manager takes control of his church members's lives. We learn about a woman who saved a tree from loggers by living in it for two years, and why we think she could've done more to help the environment by working with legislators instead of camping in tree branches. We learn why zookeepers have the most "meaningful" jobs, and we debate whether a job is exploitative if the person doesn't believe they're being exploited.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/new-horoscopes-saving-trees-kyle-texasJoin our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.comConnect with us on social media:BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastSusie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterSarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodSponsors:Visit https://www.carawayhome.com/braincandy you can take an additional 10% off your next purchase!Head to https://www.smalls.com/braincandy and use promo code BRAINCANDY at checkout for 50% off your first order PLUS free shipping! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 17, 2024 • 1h 1min
822: Banksy Museum, What's Your Sign, & Slap Fighting
There's a new Banksy museum in New York that has not been approved by the artist, but if he were to sue them he might reveal his closely guarded anonymity, and we are delighted that someone might beat him at his own game. We discuss Kansas City Chiefs' football player Harrison Butker's commencement speech telling women to stifle ambitions, be submissive to husbands, and become mothers, and why the reaction of his coach and teammates (including Taylor Swift's man Travis Kelce) reveal how misogyny is still accepted. We celebrate the Reading Rainbow documentary and the work Levar Burton and the show did to help inspire readers across genders and races. We announce changes to the astrological calendar that might affect which horoscope sign is yours! A town in Texas tried to have the largest gathering of people with the same name, but they failed, and we have some ideas why. We hear what age becomes a person's measure of all things cool, and learn why political affiliation predicts how nostalgic you are. We learn about a new sport called slap fighting, the rules involved, and debate why men enjoy violence.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/new-horoscopes-saving-trees-kyle-texasJoin our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.comConnect with us on social media:BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastSusie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterSarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodSponsors:Stop wasting money on things you don’t use. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to https://rocketmoney.com/braincandyGet 20% OFF @honeylove by going to https://www.honeylove.com/BRAINCANDY! #honeylovepodGet 15% off LolaVie with the code BRAIN at https://www.lolavie.com/BRAIN #lolaviepodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 13, 2024 • 1h 2min
821: Serenity Prayer, Dangerous Energy, & Atomic Priesthood
You asked for personal stuff, so we're giving it to you. Hear how Sarah is dealing with the hysterectomy aftermath and accepting she won't bear children. We discuss the idea of a meritocracy and the lottery of life that can make you feel out of control. Sarah explains how futurists are planning to warn future generations about the dangers of nuclear waste. We hear how laser ray cats (???) might play a role in helping people spot dangerous energy (what?). We discuss a new trend of "friendship marriages," and Susie gets curmudgeonly (again) about polyamory and non-traditional relationships. Plus, we trash talk a celebrity child despite the fact that we are mature adults who know better than to do this.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comJoin our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.comConnect with us on social media:BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastSusie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterSarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodSponsors:Go to https://www.stopscooping.com/braincandy and enter promo code BRAINCANDY to save an EXTRA $50 on any Litter-Robot bundle!Go to https://hellofresh.com/braincandyapps for FREE appetizers for life! One appetizer item per box while subscription is active!Head to https://moshlife.com/braincandy to save 20% off plus FREE shipping on your first 6-count Trial Pack!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 10, 2024 • 1h 2min
820: Cheese Addiction, Fake Canadians, & Hug Rights
We get an update on MouseGate 2024, and hear why Sarah left it "in God's hands." Susie says snakes on an island off of Los Angeles are getting aggressive and are proving Darwin wrong. A woman went to rehab for her cheese addiction, and we hear how much she was eating, debate whether it's a real addiction, and suspect we haven't heard the last of her. A woman lived inside of a grocery store sign for one year, and Sarah thinks it shows how bad the housing market is while Susie thinks she's just a goon. Male scientists in Antarctica are as misbehaved as men elsewhere, and their female colleagues are sounding the alarm about the harassment and assaults. American hockey players develop a unique way of speaking in an effort to sound more like their teammates. Susie reveals why Carlos Mencia was accused of joke theft and cultural appropriation, and lost millions as a result while other comics are allowed to do all manor of things without consequences. One family is suing for the "right to hug" their incarcerated loved one, and we learn how prisons are making a lot of money by eliminating in-person visits in favor of video calls.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comJoin our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.comConnect with us on social media:BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastSusie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterSarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodSponsors:Get an exclusive 10% off your first order at https://thrivecausemetics.com/BRAINCANDYGet 15% off @OakEssentials with the code BRAINCANDY15 at https://oakessentials.com/BRAINCANDY15. #oakessentialspartnerControl Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code BRAINCANDY15 at https://lumedeodorant.com! #lumepoSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 6, 2024 • 1h 4min
819: Mouse House, Puppy Dog Eyes, & Dinosaur Wings
It's an animal-themed episode for better or for WAY worse. Sarah reports on a new dinosaur fossil discovered in silica, which preserved its strange, patchy feathers and scaly skin, but made her wonder why the devil he had teeny tiny arms (that make the t-rex's seem like Shaq's), so she's got a theory. We have a mystery in Colorado involving a bunch of women's shoes, a fence, and a lake, and Susie thinks there was an avant garde photoshoot, but Sarah thinks there is a serial killer on the loose. We hope Susie is right. We learn why scientists were wrong about the origins of puppy dog eyes. But the real memorable moment of this episode came when Sarah had to confront one of her worst fears live on the air. If you ever wanted to hear what true terror sounds like you're in for a real treat!Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/colorado-mystery-update-iran-filmmaking-rules-worlds-fattest-monkeyJoin our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.comConnect with us on social media:BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastSusie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterSarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodSponsors:For 50% off your first order, head to https://www.smalls.com/BRAINCANDY and use code BRAINCANDYHead to https://nakedwines.com/BRAINCANDY and click ‘Enter Voucher’ in the top right and put in BRAINCANDY for both the code AND password to get 6 bottles of wine for JUST $39.99 with shipping included.Head to https://www.factormeals.com/braincandy and use code braincandy50 to get 50% off your first box plus 20% off your next month!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 3, 2024 • 1h 42min
818: Ashley Madison, Diss Tracks, & Near Death Experiences
Sarah is thriving and we're here for it! She even joined a special club of like-minded people, and it's kind of hilarious, but also awesome. We talk about the Ashley Madison dating site for married people seeking affairs and how the documentary showed the range of outcomes for people who were exposed in the data breach. The world's fattest monkey, Godzilla, died and we're giving him a proper send off (sans sugar). We discuss the Kevin Spacey scandal, and how the new film about it shows how harassment and assault has the same effect regardless of gender, and how his victims felt guilt and shame for thinking they asked for it. Sarah breaks down the Drake and Kendrick Lamar diss track feud, and why Drake is cancelled. Susie explains new research on near death experiences, and how our dream states and animals "playing dead" might unlock new information on what the brain is doing during this strange, yet not uncommon, phenomenon. Iran has strict laws about men and women in films and maintaining Islamic modesty, and the directors found a useful tool in purses, luggage, and bags to get around the limitations. Plus, we talk to writer Chelsea Devantez about her memoir, I Shouldn't Be Telling You This (But I'm Going to Anyway).Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/colorado-mystery-update-iran-filmmaking-rules-worlds-fattest-monkeyJoin our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.comConnect with us on social media:BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastSusie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterSarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodSponsors:Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V. when you go to https://www.liquid-iv.com and use code CANDY at checkout!Get 25% off your first month for a limited time at https://ritual.com/BRAINCANDYThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/BRAINCANDY today to get 10% off your first month!Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to https://www.honeylove.com/BRAINCANDY! #honeylovepodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 30, 2024 • 1h 4min
817: Broken Noses, Hungry Judges, & Handwriting Memories
Sarah has big news, and we're so excited for her next chapter. She's growing up, making moves, and being committed. We discuss the Westminster Kennel Dog Show and the amazing dogs and their quirky owners. We learn about the Hungry Judge Effect and how seemingly minor, inconsequential factors can change your life. We hear whether handwriting is better than typing and the effects it has on your memory, recall, and information processing. We discuss a Bumble dating app ad campaign against celibacy that has women up in arms. Sarah explains why so many statues have broken noses, and why it has a hilarious, modern day application we've all seen. We discuss why paper cuts and stubbed toes are so painful and whether penises are less sensitive than fingers. We talk about pet rocks coming back in fashion and Susie wonders if we're being too hard on their owners when people across this great land are dressing geese statues and collecting dolls. Finally we learn why boredom makes us hungry and how to combat it.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/find-out-how-many-lies-people-tell-in-a-dayJoin our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.comConnect with us on social media:BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastSusie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterSarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodSponsors:Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to https://www.honeylove.com/braincandy! #honeylovepodHead to https://laundrysauce.com/braincandy and use promo code BRAINCANDY at checkout for 15% off!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 27, 2024 • 1h 3min
816: Furries, Liars, and Not Safe For Work
Susie wants to understand the allure of furries. Is this costumed situation kinky or innocuous (just the fur, baby!)? And would you be ok with your college professor doing his lectures in a full costume? We discuss a new Only Fans sensation, Girth Master, who has, you guessed it, a full circumference on show. Susie watched a documentary about Dustin Diamond from Saved by the Bell that helps explain the complexities of his childhood and trauma that may have contributed to his troubled adulthood, arrest, bankruptcy, and decision to do adult films. We consider whether Sarah would be a good or bad prisoner. We discuss why hair in our food is so gross, which leads to a misunderstanding about why Sarah thinks women have to deal with this more than men. We learn how frequently people are lying in daily conversations and what means of communication people are using when they lie the most.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/find-out-how-many-lies-people-tell-in-a-dayJoin our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.comConnect with us on social media:BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastSusie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterSarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodSponsors:Get $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to https://wildgrain.com/BRAINCANDY to start your subscription.Cancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to https://rocketmoney.com/BRAINCANDYIf you visit https://www.carawayhome.com/BRAINCANDY you can take an additional 10% off your next purchase.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 23, 2024 • 1h 10min
815: Single Sarah, Musical Death, & Northern Lights
Sarah is a single lady again, and she wanted to share what happened, how she's feeling, and why she's, you guessed it, optimistic. Susie just wants to make sure Sarah gets custody of all of her electronics. Sarah had serious FOMO over the North American Northern Lights anomaly, and wants to go to Iceland to get a fix. Sarah has a proposal for youth sports that she thinks will help boys see girls' amazing athleticism. We hear the most likely cause of death for various musical artists, and consider why country artists seem to escape unfortunate demises. Susie has a theory about death metal fans, and shares how one death metal singer collects toys for sick children. Sarah explains why we have so many clothes, how the French cooked up a scheme to increase consumerism, and why social media has our closets busting at the seams (so to speak). Plus, we discuss the importance of preserving indigenous languages.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/musicians-life-expectancy-hidden-pregnancy-shitthropoceneJoin our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.comConnect with us on social media:BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastSusie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterSarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodSponsors:Get 20% off your first order when you go to https://www.liquid-iv.com and use code CANDY at checkout!Get 15% off LolaVie with the code BRAIN at https://www.lolavie.com/BRAIN #lolaviepodGo to https://www.stopscooping.com/BRAINCANDY and enter promocode BRAINCANDY to save an EXTRA $50 on any Litter-Robot bundle.Go to http://hellofresh.com/BRAINCANDYSWEET for FREE dessert for life! One dessert item per box while subscription is active.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.