

The Brain Candy Podcast
Susie Meister PhD & Sarah Rice AMFT
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

Feb 19, 2024 • 1h 1min
788: Elmo Abuse, Apollo 13, & Guinness World Records
Sarah is in her cranky era since she's dealing with her menopausal symptoms. Susie gives Wil Wheaton a real earful about his ridiculous rant about Larry David's recent bit on a morning show with Elmo. We mourn the loss of Sarah Rice (not our Sarah Rice, a different one). Susie shares the story of Apollo 13 including the reason their mission to the moon was ill-fated, some old gossip about the crew, and why NASA didn't realize the flight was a success for many years. Susie is mad at the Guinness World Records organization for nit-picking with a man who made a replica of the Eiffel Tower out of matchsticks. Sarah is on the fence about their rules. We discover a wild fact about Guinness World Records live on the air and we're still stunned. We discuss the business of infomercials, products we are tempted to buy, and why they are so addicting to watch.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: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/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!Get an exclusive 20% off your first order at https://thrivecausemetics.com/braincandySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 15, 2024 • 60min
787: Cupcake Kisses, Voices that Care, & Pez Outlaw
Sarah shares some of the things she watched during her recovery and what kinds of things she found soothing (and relatable). We discuss American Nightmare, a documentary that describes the abduction of a woman that the media and law enforcement concluded was a hoax that was actually not, and how these mistakes can happen due to problems in the system and human psychology. We hear why the group Insane Clown Posse was investigated by the FBI and why their art is not a reflection of the artists or their fans. Sarah has some tips for Susie's one hit wonder inspired by We Are the World, and we learn about another celebrity song she saw produced in real life and why she thinks it's better (it's not). Susie shares a story about a news organization that ran an experiment to show the pressure their female anchors face to look and dress a certain way. We hear about a man who outsmarted a CEO all by smuggling and selling Pez dispensers. We find out why insider trading isn't Martha Stewart's only moral failing and we unmask the Masked Magician.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 Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/braincandypodSusie's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/susie_meisterSarah's Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ImSarahRiceSponsors:Get extended 30 day free trial when you go to https://www.dipseastories.com/braincandyHead to https://www.smalls.com/braincandy and use promo code BRAINCANDY at checkout for 50% off your first order PLUS free shipping! Get 50% off a ONE-TIME PAYMENT FOR A LIFETIME Babbel subscription - but only for our listeners - at https://babbel.com/braincandyGet 20% off your first month for a limited time at https://ritual.com/braincandySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 12, 2024 • 1h 2min
786: Biscuits & Gravy, Candyland, & Moth to Flame
Sarah makes her triumphant return to today's show, and we are so glad she's on the mend. We hear some of the details form her surgery and recovery and what she learned through it all. She describes how she feels like she's a wise old woman now and suddenly has a new food obsession. We learn what her happy place looks like and how it was inspired by her childhood. We discuss the ways that people find comfort during difficult life events and how sometimes it can just be in the form of a yummy dessert. Susie discusses the documentary David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived about the stunt performer and body double from Harry Potter who was injured on set, and how he is so inspiring. Plus, we hear why it turns out that moths aren't actually attracted to flames, and our minds are blown that we've been living a lie.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 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!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.