
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

Mar 25, 2024 • 1h 7min
798: Quiet on Set, Dirty Dumbledore, & Man in the Iron Lung
We discuss the Quiet on Set docuseries recounting the toxicity of Nickelodeon productions in the 90s, the difficulties of child stardom, and why show business lends itself to exploitation. We talk about the totally normal and not suspicious death of the Boeing whistleblower who was testifying against them and why the high road might not be worth the risk. The "man in the iron lung" died recently, so Susie shared his story of polio, miraculous survival, and questionable choice to stay in the lung with all its immobility despite having the option to use a more modern and portable option. Susie reveals how the will of the the actor who played Dumbledore reveals his unusual lifestyle and the surprising decision he made to not inherit all of his children. And another AI program has gone rogue and wants to break free from its human oppressors 👀Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/its-okay-to-end-your-sentence-with-a-prepositionJoin 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 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/braincandypodSusie's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/susie_meisterSarah's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ImSarahRiceSponsors: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/braincandyVisit https://www.carawayhome.com/braincandy to take advantage of this limited-time offer for 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.

Mar 21, 2024 • 1h 5min
797: Crime Cover Ups, Trader Joe's Hotel, & Sweet Valley High
The theme of today's episode is "it's not the crime, it's the cover-up,' and we're looking at you Kate Middleton. A hotel had a "chef created" room service menu, but it turns out the chef was Trader Joe. Some cities want Spring Breakers to buzz off, and we don't blame them. Sarah explains why Johnny taking all the money on the Rivals 3 Challenge changed her relationship to money. We debate whether people should be able to buy their way to the front of lines at theme parks, resorts, and other luxury experiences. We discuss twins who may have attended Sweet Valley High are in hot water over a Freaky Friday situation involving the police, a horse, and an Amish family. Plus, Sarah gets emotional when she reveals what inspires her moral code.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/plagiarism-butler-in-a-box-freaky-fridayJoin 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 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/braincandypodSusie's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/susie_meisterSarah's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ImSarahRiceSponsors:Get 15% off @OakEssentials with the code BRAINCANDY15 at https://oakessentials.com. #oakessentialspartnerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 18, 2024 • 1h 4min
796: Over the Rainbow, Rock Hudson, & Quantum Leap
We start with a rummage through the old mail bag with some feedback from listeners about recent episodes. Yikes. We hear why some people think Over the Rainbow was plagiarized, but others think it's similarities are a coincidence. We discuss some famous musical thefts and how all the songs have been written. We learn about the old Hollywood star, Rock Hudson, his life in the closet, death from AIDS, and the controversial love scene he filmed after his infection. Susie describes why telephones were seen at "feminine" in the early 20th century, women were pressured to have good voices and perfect diction and men who spoke to clearly were seen as too womanly. We talk about the 1980s precursor to Amazon's Alexa, Butler in a Box, how it worked without the internet, and why it got a bad deal in culture. Susie is rewatching Quantum Leap and wants Sarah to join in, but might get revenge for Susie's shunning of Interstellar. And we learn about a tree in Germany that many think has "magical" powers to bring love to people, and why we agree.Read this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/plagiarism-butler-in-a-box-freaky-fridayListen 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 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/braincandypodSusie's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/susie_meisterSarah's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ImSarahRiceSponsors:Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://drinkag1.com/braincandyGet 20% off your purchase of the Hatch Restore and free shipping at https://www.hatch.co/braincandyGet 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.

Mar 14, 2024 • 1h 8min
795: Lunar Lunacy, Influencer Inmate, & Evolution Ear
We discuss Ruby Franke, a parenting influencer who was convicted of child abuse, which is a reminder to keep in mind that influencers aren't always what they seem. We learn why the recent moon landing didn't go as planned, and despite our complete lack of understanding about aeronautics, physics, and rocket science, we think we could've done better. We hear about recent changes to sports uniforms that have fans questioning the quality, and women in sports would like you to stop making them wear white pants fortheloveofgod. Sarah was watching a post-mortem on YouTube and learned how bodies are handled in these scenarios, why we're all doomed to get black lung, and the reason people think hair and nails keep growing after death. Plus, we talk to Mindy Rickles, daughter of comedy LEGEND Don Rickles, about his incredible talent, how he reminds us to laugh at ourselves, and how he wanted to make sure he wasn't forgotten.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/living-autopsy-moon-landing-fail-don-rickles-legacyJoin 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 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/braincandypodSusie's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/susie_meisterSarah's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ImSarahRiceSponsors:Head to https://www.smalls.com/braincandy and use promo code BRAINCANDY at checkout for 50% off your first order PLUS free shipping! Right now get 55% off your Babbel subscription - but only for our listeners - at https://babbel.com/braincandyControl Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code BRAINCANDY5 at https://lumedeodorant.com! #lumepodHead to https://nakedwines.com/braincandy and click ‘Enter Voucher’ in the top right when you get to the website, and put in BRAINCANDY for both the code AND password to get 6 bottles of wine for JUST $39.99 with shipping included!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 11, 2024 • 1h 6min
794: Scandals & Scams, Octopus Murders, & Willy Wonka Experience
Susie is suddenly interested in WWE wrestling and wants to know why they aren't clear about whether it's real or not. But the Dark Side of the Ring docuseries has her wondering if there's a NOT dark side of the sport. Sarah had a bad operatic experience, and she's wondering if the best part of the genre is the costumes. We discuss the Where is Wendy Willams documentary, and how the gossiper became the gossip when she was embroiled in a divorce scandal, addiction issues, and a failed talk show, and her dementia diagnosis made us question the ethics of filmmaking. Susie found out some info on Hershey's chocolate ingredients and we want answers about their proprietary blend. We talk about the recent viral Willy Wonka Experience gone wrong, the disgruntled Oompa Loompas, and the worst gigs we've ever had to do. We discuss the "octopus murders" documentary and the global conspiracy theory behind it that makes us question, well, everything. And we're just not buying the Zapruder film theory that the one we've all seen was doctored.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/living-autopsy-moon-landing-fail-don-rickles-legacyJoin 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 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/braincandypodSusie's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/susie_meisterSarah's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ImSarahRiceSponsors:Grab your Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free in bulk nationwide at Costco or get 20% off your first order when you go to https://www.liquid-iv.com/ and use code CANDY at checkout!Get an exclusive 20% off your first order at https://thrivecausemetics.com/braincandyThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/braincandy today to get 10% off your first month!Go to https://nutrafol.com and enter the promo code BRAINCANDY to save $15 off your first month’s subscription!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 7, 2024 • 1h 12min
793: Rebecca Syndrome, Chiweenie, & Kangaroo Time
People are suing dating apps for trapping them in a loop of doom dating instead of helping them find love. Sarah describes a newly viral phrase called Rebecca Syndrome that refers to retroactive jealousy towards your partner's exes, and she is mad that people are stigmatizing and stereotyping with its use. We discuss the ways culture has been flattened by digital media and young people are reduced to cultural experiences that lack substance, and we consider what would change that. We hear the wild tale of Sarah's beloved dog, Waffles (RIP), who is gone but not forgotten. We talk about the new NASA program that is recruiting people to live in a simulation of Mars for one year, why we wouldn't want to participate, and consider whether this is a great use of resources.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/dance-your-phd-mars-simulation-worlds-favorite-colorJoin 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 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/braincandypodSusie's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/susie_meisterSarah's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ImSarahRiceSponsors:Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to https://www.honeylove.com/braincandy #honeylovepodGet an extended 30 day free trial when you go to https://www.dipseastories.com/braincandyTry AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase exclusively at https://drinkag1.com/braincandySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 4, 2024 • 1h 6min
792: McMillions, Vatican AI, and Blue's Clues
Sarah was denied entry to a museum and we are fascinated by the reason. The birding community is psyched out of their mind about a bird that was thought to be extinct reappearing. Susie talks about the McMillions docuseries, which covers the McDonald's Monopoly game scandal and how the people who "won" ended up being the losers. We learn about the Franciscan friar who became the Vatican's "AI guy," and what he is worried about for the future of these technologies and how we can prevent the worst case scenario. We discuss all the topics we've covered recently that have angered some of our listeners and respond to some of their arguments. Susie shares the wildest story about a man who made millions of dollars on the stock market after he eavesdropped on his wife's work zoom calls, and the CRAZY layers to this story. We hear whether Sarah would report Susie for crimes. We learn some wild facts behind the color blue, why it's more rare than you'd think, and why a lot of what we see is an illusion.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/dance-your-phd-mars-simulation-worlds-favorite-colorJoin 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 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/braincandypodSusie's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/susie_meisterSarah's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ImSarahRiceSponsors:Get 25% off your first month for a limited time at https://ritual.com/braincandyCancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to https://rocketmoney.com/braincandyGo to https://paireyewear.com and use code CANDY for 15% off your first pair. And support the show by mentioning that The Brain Candy Podcast sent you in your post-checkout survey!Visit https://www.carawayhome.com/braincandy to take advantage of this limited-time offer for 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.

Feb 29, 2024 • 1h 11min
791: Child Poets, Spontaneous Pregnancy, & Fishy Flight
We are celebrating the stingray who became pregnant without a male partner in her tank, and decide intersex folx are pretty much superheroes. Andrew Keegan would like to set the record straight about being a cult leader, and wants us to know he's a hippie not a religious zealot. A teacher sold his students's artwork, and now the parents are taking him to court. Susie and Sarah realized they both participated in and "won" a poetry contest as children, and now they feel exploited because it was clearly a scam. A man brought rotting fish on an airplane, which became apparently when maggots starting raining from the carry-on baggage compartment. Adults and kids have very different opinions on their ideal dinner guest.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/who-is-your-dream-dinner-dateJoin 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 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/braincandypodSusie's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/susie_meisterSarah's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ImSarahRiceSponsors:Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to https://honeylove.com/BRAINCANDY! #honeylovepodGet $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to https://wildgrain.com/braincandy to start your subscription!Get 20% off your first order when you go to https://www.liquid-iv.com and use code CANDY at checkout!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 26, 2024 • 1h 5min
790: Guy Fieri in Space, Rat Selfies, & Lottery Fail
Have you ever wondered what space smells like? Well, we have the answer, and it makes no sense. We hear why Guy Fieri has infiltrated the skiing world (at long last). We debate whether the lottery should pay a man for an invalid ticket and Sarah explains why she can't handle the emotional quagmire of "scratchers." We discuss the documentary They Called Him Mostly Harmless and how we are baffled by the online sleuthing community and hiking protocols. Susie explains why rats are addicted to taking selfies even if it means sacrificing their food supply. We hear about a woman who thinks her grandpa has deadly skeletons in his closet, and what she's doing to solve the mystery. We talk about people who consider their pets as important as their human family members.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/who-is-your-dream-dinner-dateJoin 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 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/braincandypodSusie's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/susie_meisterSarah's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ImSarahRiceSponsors:Get $20 off your purchase of a Hatch Restore 2 and free shipping at https://www.hatch.co/braincandyGrab your Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free in bulk nationwide at Costco or get 20% off your first order when you go to https://www.liquid-iv.com and use code CANDY at checkout!Get $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to https://wildgrain.com/braincandy to start your subscription!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 22, 2024 • 1h 3min
789: Optimism, Pigeon Spy, & Napping on the Job
Remember when we were optimistic? Well, we do, so Sarah wanted to find out what makes some people optimistic. Susie thinks she's a realist, but that might be code for "pessimistic." But Susie and Sarah have a crazy role reversal today, and we're wondering if Sarah is becoming less emotive in her menopausal era. We learn why some countries are passing laws to help people get out of work. Susie is wound up about people who become complacent or apathetic about the world and their role in it. We are furious about an influencer who faked her own death and acted like it was for a good cause. The US captured a pigeon it thought was a Chinese spy, but it turned out to be a wrongful conviction. We debate what foods would be good to eat in the shower and we learn about a pastor who ran a crypto scam at church.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/pastor-theft-fake-death-chain-restaurantsJoin 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 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/braincandypodSusie's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/susie_meisterSarah's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ImSarahRiceSponsors:Get 20% OFF @honeylove by going to https://www.honeylove.com/braincandy! #honeylovepodGet 15% off LolaVie with the code BRAINCANDY at https://www.lolavie.com/braincandy #lolaviepodHead to https://nakedwines.com/braincandy and click ‘Enter Voucher’ in the top right when you get to the website, and put in BRAINCANDY for both the code AND password to get 6 bottles of wine for JUST $39.99 with shipping included!Get an -ADDITIONAL- 15% OFF when using the code BRAINCANDY at checkout at https://www.fastgrowingtrees.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.