
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

Aug 17, 2023 • 1h 6min
738: Sublimation, Simulation, and a Superfan Situation
It's raining cats and dogs, cactuses are dying, our pets' heads are falling off! Well, some of those things are true, and Sarah's had it. We hear why Colorado snow is vanishing into thin air, and frankly, the scientists seem to be approaching the problem with a shrug. Susie explains why climate change is exposing even more a-holes on Mt. Everest. Sarah had an experience with a Challenge superfan recently that she thinks is evidence that we're in a simulation, and we need answers. Susie talks about an incredible celebrity sighting and why it was one of her best life experiences. Sarah describes a strange incident on an airplane and why people online are convinced the woman involved "isn't real." Susie is dubious as usual.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/is-this-a-real-bear-or-a-person-in-a-costumeJoin our book 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:Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/braincandy today to get 10% off your first month!Get 5 free AG1 Travel Packs and a FREE 1 year supply of Vitamin D with your first purchase at https://drinkag1.com/braincandyCancel your unwanted subscriptions – and manage your money the easy way – by going to https://rocketmoney.com/braincandyGo to https://go.mycopilot.com/braincandy to get a 14-day FREE trial with your own personal trainer!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 14, 2023 • 1h
737: Plant Gang, PeeWee, & Pet Cosplay
Susie is trying to call a truce with the airlines. We'll give a little, they'll give a little. Sarah discussed a recent plant theft she participated in and the karmic repercussions she incurred as a result, but Susie is more intrigued by a pattern of plant burglaries Sarah has conducted over the years. Turns out, Sarah is in an actual plant gang. It's hilarious. Susie finally convinced Sarah to join Arnold's Pump Club, and her reaction was shocking. Susie talks about an article on the author of The Body Keeps the Score, and why he's a hero and a villain (and so are the rest of us). We mourn the death of Paul Reubens and Sarah shares what PeeWee meant to her. We discuss the release of one of Charles Manson's "Family" members from prison and debate whether their sentences were fair. We analyze the decision of one man to spend $14,000 on a realistic Collie costume and Sarah explains why someone's childhood might be the driving force to such a strange choice. Plus, we can't stop laughing about the Chinese zoo that was accused of having humans dress up as bears, and we truly can't decide whether we think they are animals or humans in costume.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/is-this-a-real-bear-or-a-person-in-a-costumeJoin our book 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 when you go to https://www.liquid-iv.com and use code: CANDY at checkout!Open a Chime Checking account with at least a $200 qualifying direct deposit to get started at https://www.chime.com/braincandyGet an exclusive 20% off your first order when you visit https://thrivecausemetics.com/braincandyGo 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.

Aug 10, 2023 • 1h 2min
736: Powerful Brain Damage, Dream Decoding, & Body Anomalies
Sarah has a new persona, and she is a Southern Belle. She. Can't. Stop. Bless her heart. Susie found out an Old Gossip celebrity lives five minutes from her house, and she needs tips for how to have a meet cute. Sarah shares scholarship on what power does to the brain, and it is horrifying. Apparently, all it takes is the smallest amount of power and you're basically suffering from a traumatic brain injury, what! Sarah has an equivalent to Susie's love for Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Susie has a theory about him. Sarah had an allergic reaction to her plants, but Susie has finally decided to bite the bullet and get a mammogram, so it's not all bad news around here. We learn what her big Shark Tank plan is for a million dollar idea, and we debate whether bleaching creams are the same as tanning. Sarah talks about a new company that claims it can decode your dreams, and we're kinda convinced.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/how-power-affects-the-brainJoin our book 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 10% off your next purchase at https://www.carawayhome.com/braincandy or use code: BRAINCANDY at checkout!Head to https://www.smalls.com/braincandy and use promo code: BRAINCANDY at checkout for 50% off your first order PLUS free shipping!Head to https://embracepetinsurance.com/braincandy and sign up for pet insurance today!Get 15% off your first order when you use promo code: CANDY at https://www.bollandbranch.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 7, 2023 • 1h
735: Whistleblowers, Benihana Training, & Barbie Mania
Sarah went to a bridal shower and it was like a Crocodile Dundee experience where there were fancy finger sandwiches and tea and she was still trying to throw down in the shower game. Susie is still immersed in sports, and this time it's NBA legend (and alleged womanizer) Wilt Chamberlain. We discuss why his reputation in the bedroom is more well-known than his basketball talent. Susie talked about a financial whistleblower who turned over billions to the government and had to go to jail anyway (but we think his $104M payout probably softened the blow). We learn why old people actually are buttholes, and the reasons we become cranky in old age. We had a good laugh about our theories about Benihana hibachi chefs and whether we could do that job. We think it's a lot of smoke and mirrors (and shrimp tails) and not a lot of chef skills. Sarah also wants Susie to drop by Panda Express and pick up their latest menu item, and she said ok, so standby for that Sooz Reviews Food Edition. We discuss the Rat Pack and why Dean Martin was a real standup guy. Plus, we revel in Barbie mania and how awesome it is that a "female" movie is such a hit.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/how-power-affects-the-brainJoin our book 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:Go to https://www.greenchef.com/braincandy50 and use code: braincandy50 to get 50% off plus free shipping!Get an extended 30 day free trial when you go to https://www.dipseastories.com/braincandyVisit https://ritual.com/braincandy to start Ritual or add Essential Protein to your subscription today!Modern Fertility is offering our listeners $20 off the test when you go to https://modernfertility.com/braincandySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 31, 2023 • 1h 6min
734: Euro Fashion, Gold Medal Packing, & Mosquito Genocide
Today we get a full Croatia Catchup from Sarah Louise, and it's a hilarious journey. We hear why people flock to the country due to their Game of Thrones passion. Sarah naturally had a run-in with an AirBnb host who basically shamed Sarah for asking a question. Susie says Sarah deserves a gold medal in packing and we hear how she managed to pack two weeks worth of clothes AND FOUR PAIRS of shoes in her carryon bags. Sarah has decided she is now a fan influencer, and if you see anyone ANYONE in Denver using a handheld fan it is because Sarah influenced them and not any other reason. We discuss some strange European fashion trends that Sarah wants to embrace despite being what Susie claims is the uniform of a bad cult. We learned some things about mosquitoes that are whatever the opposite of a fun fact is, and Susie would like to eradicate them off the face of the Earth consequences be damned. Finally, we discuss the Long Island Serial Killer (LISK) who lived a double life for decades.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/bwa1i0joutJoin our book 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 5 free AG1 Travel Packs and a FREE 1 year supply of Vitamin D with your first purchase at https://drinkag1.com/braincandyGet 20% OFF @honeylove by going to https://www.honeylove.com/braincandy! #honeylovepodGet 30% off your entire order at https://www.mykitsch.com/braincandyGet $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to https://wildgrain.com/kya 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.

Jul 27, 2023 • 1h 10min
733: Competitive Eating, The Dress, & Soul Boom!
Sarah is home from her Croatian vacation, and she's back in the Brain Candy saddle. We talk about how her summer is shaping up much better than Susie's, and we're wondering if her "year of adventure" is cursed. We hear her latest sports doc commentary on competitive eating, and why her sister couldn't keep watching it, but it made Susie emotional. We debate whether Vanna White deserved a pay increase in the last two decades, and why she apparently has the world's worst agent. We talk about The Dress that went viral years ago for dividing the world about what color it was: blue and black or white and gold. We find out some interesting research that determined the types of people who thought it was dark vs. light, and why their lifestyle informed how they saw it. Plus, we are aghast at the wild twist the Dress took recently with the groom turning out to be a complete psycho. We also hear some Old Gossip about Bruce Lee that we did not see coming. Plus, Susie interviewed Rainn Wilson about his wonderful book, Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution, and why spirituality is so important for The Office actor and the rest of us too! (Note: This interview was conducted before the SAG AFTRA strike.)Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/24o3vht5paJoin our book 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 during your first month at https://ritual.com/braincandyTreat yourself to the best shapewear on the market and save 20% off at https://www.honeylove.com/braincandySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 24, 2023 • 1h 2min
732: Coliseum Graffiti, Moving Walkway, & Psychedelic Supremacy
Sarah explains why she's nervous about her vacation, and the reasons this year's trip might turn things around. We are furious about the complete moron who carved his and his girlfriend's name on the coliseum, and Susie thinks his punishment is too harsh and not harsh enough at the same time. We learn about an airport moving walkway that caused a serious injury and a roller coaster that is literally falling apart, and we speculate about why these technical issues are more common than they should be. We hear about a man whose racism was cured through the use of drugs, and we are thrilled about the possibilities of hallucinogens for "changing our minds."Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/24o3vht5paJoin our book 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:Cancel unwanted subscriptions – and manage your expenses the easy way – by going to https://rocketmoney.com/braincandyGet an exclusive 20% off your first order when you visit https://thrivecausemetics.com/braincandyGet 15% off your first pair when you go to https://paireyewear.com/braincandyGo 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.

Jul 20, 2023 • 60min
731: Roid Rage, Mean Girls, & Sports Scandals
The hosts dive into the controversies of sports, discussing the disparity in punishments for athletes like Marion Jones and Lance Armstrong. They explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding doping and the complexities of fame in the sports world. Intriguingly, they link this to the struggles faced in professional wrestling and the exploitation of athletes. The conversation also touches on mental health, women’s health issues, and nostalgic cultural phenomena, including the infamous Pink Floyd and Wizard of Oz connection, blending personal stories with broader societal critiques.

Jul 17, 2023 • 59min
730: Graduation Registry, Pink Lemonade, & OnlyFans
We consider the possibility of a Sarah proposal and whether she would ever get down on one knee. We hear about a woman who had a gift registry for her doctoral graduation, and Susie is weirdly mad about it. But Sarah thinks it's a cool way to celebrate something other than marriage and kids. We talk about paper weights and antiquated office supplies, and learn they actually make paper weights that aren't useless. We discuss the Harvard morgue manager who was selling body parts, and we realize the media didn't accurately portray him. We learn the origins of pink lemonade, or do we? Apparently, pink lemonade is a confusing and possibly racist drink. Or it's just gross. Or both. We celebrate wieners (not that kind) and talk about how terrible horse racing is. Oh, and we're pretty sure Susie just talked Sarah into starting an OnlyFans.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/f4oboq4cbsJoin our book 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:Sign up for Chime today, and make this summer the best one yet - for yourself and your wallet at https://www.chime.com/braincandyGet an extended 30 day free trial when you go to https://www.dipseastories.com/braincandyGet 20% off when you go to https://www.liquidiv.com and use code: CANDY at checkout!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.

Jul 13, 2023 • 1h 5min
729: American Gladiators, Shark Attacks, & Nude Bowling
We wonder how future is doing in Croatia, and we hear what Sarah has to say to her future self. We discuss the American Gladiator documentary and all the wild ways it is EXACTLY like the Challenge. Hear why the creators of American Gladiators share the same drama and documentary dichotomy as the Challenge, and why the injuries of the participants are seen as just collateral damage for the "honor" of being on the show. We lament the ways our present self always screws our future self and how humans aren't as evolved and sophisticated as we like to imagine. We discuss nude bowling and theorize why the women are allowed to wear bottoms and we discuss whether a nude model might have motives for his profession that have nothing to do with kinkiness. We hear the history of sharks before and after Jaws, and hear why the movie had a negative impact on the animal kingdom.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/the-impact-managers-have-on-their-employees-mental-healthJoin our book 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:Go to https://www.reliefband.com and use promo code: CANDY to receive 20% off plus free shipping!Try AG1, and get 5 free AG1 Travel Packsand a FREE 1 year supply of Vitamin D with your first purchase at https://drinkag1.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/offer/braincandy5! #lumepodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.