
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

Jul 10, 2023 • 1h 1min
728: It's Like Riding a Bike, Billionaire Babies, & Ant Apocalypse
Sarah thinks they should change the phrase "it's just like riding a bike" to mean that something is very hard, doesn't come naturally, and causes great pain because mountain biking is brutal! This is why Susie is very passionate about her hobby of not moving. It's much better for bruise control. We lament the immaturity of the "billionaire community" and wonder why these man babies can't put their energy toward things that make the world better instead of ego inflation. Millionaires have discovered Dollar Stores and their minds are blown. Ants are aplenty, and we are thoroughly grossed out. Hear why a governmental employee quit her job after just a few days because she was the target of a deep fake campaign and doxxing--just for telling the truth. We discuss the "psychic" who sued a doctor for $1M for causing her "psychic abilities" to "vanish," and what the court had to say about this lawsuit. Sarah is starting a new category of research that she is calling "duh studies."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:Get $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to https://wildgrain.com/braincandy to start your subscription!Visit https://ritual.com/braincandy to start Ritual or add Essential Protein to your subscription today!Visit https://www.carawayhome.com/braincandy to get 10% off during their Summer Refresh Event!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 6, 2023 • 1h 6min
727: Kiss My Butt, Negative Brain Bug, & Friendship Lies
In episode 727, we discuss some feedback we got from a listener who was none-too-pleased with our belief that drag queens are fun for the whole family, but what got Susie wound up is that the listener was only mad at Susie. She wants to know why people never get mad at Sarah. Let's spread the hate around a little, people. We debate whether we should talk about the submersible and why it's so horrifying. We hear the history of kissing, and learn what animals kiss romantically besides humans. Sarah thinks it all comes down to oral, but Susie thinks it's an evolutionary hack. We get some old gossip about David Letterman and his head writer in the 80s, Merrill Markoe. We learn why she was fired and how it's an industry-wide issue. Hear why men are still outnumbering women even in cartoons and why the Challenge is part of the problem. Plus, we learn why friendship is different in other countries and the government plays a role in the who you consider a "good friend."Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/6q0y0bbjxvJoin 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 30% off your entire order at https://www.mykitsch.com/braincandyGet 15% off your first order when you use promo code: CANDY at https://www.bollandbranch.comCancel unwanted subscriptions – and manage your expenses theeasy way – by going to https://rocketmoney.com/braincandySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 3, 2023 • 1h 1min
726: Declared Dead, Famous Alumni, & Beige Flags
In episode 726, we find out the crazy connection between Wordle and one of our favorite documentaries. We question why so many people are buried alive, and suggest putting in some safeguards so we don't have any more zombie funerals. We lose our minds about the fact that neither one of us is listed among the famous alumni of our schools, but some bozo who was on an episode of the Voice and a celebrity's assistant made the cut. Hear some of the worst jobs we've had to take--we're talking recently here--and why we never stop hustling. We learn about "beige flags" and discuss some of our own as well as those of our partners. We realized we're pretty weird, and frankly, we should be glad we found people to live with us. We took a moment to say thank you to books. And we hear why more parents are getting involved in their adult kids' careers, and we are not happy about it.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/6q0y0bbjxvJoin 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 exclusive 20% off your first order when you visit https://thrivecausemetics.com/braincandyThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/braincandy today to get 10% off your first month!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 29, 2023 • 1h 3min
725: Sooz Reviews, Titanic Truthers, & The SNL Problem
In episode 725, we start with a brand new segment we're calling Sooz Reviews where Susie tells us which things to watch or read. Today she's giving her thoughts on a bunch of stand-up specials made by women comics including Sarah Silverman, Amy Schumer, Hannah Gatsby, Wanda Sykes, and Leanne Morgan. She talks about how exciting it is to have more perspectives on the stage instead of the same old jokes. We try to understand people who insist on believing in conspiracy theories about things that are not really up for debate (we're looking at you Flat Earthers) including people who think the Titanic didn't sink or was sunk purposely. We discuss the 1972 Best Documentary film, MarJoe, and how we can't believe we didn't hear about it before. Marjoe was a child preacher who decided to return to revivals just to make money even though he didn't believe his message any more and let a film crew document his methods of swindling people. Plus, we talk about the issues SNL has had over forty years, and the reasons Lorne Michaels hasn't been held accountable for the deaths, alleged assaults, and misconduct among the cast.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/is-sarah-returning-to-the-challenge-sooz-reviewsJoin 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/braincandyControl Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code: BRAINCANDY at https://lumedeodorant.com/braincandy! #lumepodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 26, 2023 • 59min
724: White People Lunches, Hobby Lobby Satan, & Prosthetic Penis
Hear why Sarah says she's not going back on the Challenge (but Susie is trying to persuade her to change her mind). We hear about a woman who went viral with an image of Satan at Hobby Lobby and the conservatives got really scared they might have to boycott. UPS finally got air-conditioning for their vans thanks to union efforts, but Susie is hoping they move to better uniforms next. Chinese people are making fun of "white people lunches" because they look like "rabbit food." Sarah is loving it, but Susie is getting defensive about her raw carrots. We celebrate a boy who got hired to work on the SpiderMan movie after his LEGO creation went viral, but Susie would rather talk about a hilarious LEGO rivalry/mystery. We learn about the "glamorous" life of a hand model, but get real sidetracked when we think about other body parts that have models, and Susie finds out that Huey Lewis has a giant wiener (aka The News). We debate whether women have "dick amnesia" and hear why Susie thinks she has dick photographic memory. Plus, we revisit the Duggar discussion, and hear why Susie related to their story.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/is-sarah-returning-to-the-challenge-sooz-reviewsJoin 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 an extended 30 day free trial when you go to https://www.dipseastories.com/braincandyGo to https://nutrafol.com/ and enter the promo code: BRAINCANDY to save $15 off your first month’s subscription!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 22, 2023 • 1h 7min
723: Be Useful, Artistic Swimming, & Little Richard's Complicated Life
Today we wonder if we'll ever run out of things to talk about (and then quickly realize we never shut up, so we're probably ok). We celebrate the genius of Swedish pancakes and Sarah confesses to a typo on Brain Candy merch. Susie has decided to join a cult, and her leader is none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger. She explains why he is her newest obsession and his motto is something she is going to embrace because it's wonderful, but also because it's the antidote to self-pity. Susie can't believe what her son had to do in school, but Sarah says she had to do it too, and it's no big whoop. We learn the new name for synchronized swimming and the reason why these amazing athletes pass out underwater. Plus we discuss the legacy of Little Richard, and how he was a trailblazer for the gay community, but never fully accepted himself despite his presentation as a flamboyant and fabulous musical genius.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/check-out-this-hollywood-memorabilia-auctionJoin 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 a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase at https://athleticgreens.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/braincandy! #lumepodVisit https://ritual.com/braincandy to start Ritual or add Essential Protein to your subscription today!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 19, 2023 • 1h 3min
722: Sherpa Shunning, Jungle Miracle, & Adult Dreams
Our lives are so crazy that even Sarah's roof's membrane has been punctured and we don't even know what that means. There has been extreme weather events and she has swarms of birds chasing her, so several of the biblical plagues are already affecting this poor woman. We talk about how dumb people are and airlines are even dumber. We discuss the Hollywood auction that is making us want to save our pennies or start a GoFundMe. We learn why men are fickle about the size of women they date. We celebrate the four children who survived forty days in the jungle, but worry that the worst is still ahead for these amazing siblings. Sarah explains why her dreams have been disappointing lately, and she is trying to become a kid again, at least while she sleeps.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/check-out-this-hollywood-memorabilia-auctionJoin 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 $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to https://wildgrain.com/braincandy to start your subscription!Sign up for a Chime Checking Account today to link your paycheck. It only takes two minutes and doesn’t affect your credit score. Get started at https://www.chime.com/braincandyGo to https://paireyewear.com/braincandy for 15% off your first pair!Find your forever pieces @jennikayne and get 15% off with promo code BRAINCANDY at https://www.jennikayne.com/braincandy! #jennikaynepartnerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 15, 2023 • 1h 4min
721: Shiny Happy People, Natalia Grace, & Anne Frank Detective
Sarah had a drunken weekend, and her arch supports were working overtime on the dance floor. Susie reviews the Duggar documentary series, Shiny Happy People, and we hear why the child predation, religious extremism, and patriarchy are predictable, but the shock came in seeing how the Discovery channel seemed complicit (or at least incompetent/negligent in stopping) the abuse. We learn about a woman who was catatonic for twenty years, and then awoke with memories from her childhood, the ability to talk, and an awareness about her identity. Susie thought a beluga whale was a robot, but found out it was just Flipper with a Go-Pro strapped to its back. She was giving Russian way too much credit. We discuss the Curious Case of Natalia Grace, and why we had originally fallen for the lie that a Ukrainian orphan was a woman instead of a child. Plus, Susie reveals who is responsible for the capture of Anne Frank and why her dad never pursued revenge on the man who caused his family to die in World War II.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/is-sex-going-to-become-an-official-sportJoin 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:For a limited time only, get 25% off with the code BRAINCANDY at https://www.trueclassic.comIf you go to https://www.reliefband.com and use promo code: CANDY you’ll receive 20% off plus free shipping!Go to https://www.fastgrowingtrees.com/braincandy NOW to get 15% OFF your entire order!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 12, 2023 • 1h 1min
720: Arch Support, Darwin Awards, & Sexy Sports
Sarah is leaving her crop top era and entering her roomy sweatshirt era. It's a vibe. We hear a symptom of her aging process that requires the help of Dr. Scholl's. And only Sarah could mess up the cure for what ails her in such a hilarious way. We learn about a strange trend on Amazon that Sarah is convinced is the work of a ring of fetishists who can't get enough of a good product review. We discuss some contenders for this year's Darwin Awards including a man who drank gasoline thinking it was an energy drink. We hear why some think social media and YouTube content encourages indentured servitude and the exploitation of kids. And we debate the Swedish Sex Federation's proposal to make sex an official sport complete with categories of seduction and posing to be judged for proficiency. All of the sudden Susie is pro-sports.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's episode: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/is-sex-going-to-become-an-official-sportJoin 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 theeasy way – by going to https://rocketmoney.com/braincandyGrab your Liquid I.V. in bulk nationwide at Costco or you can get 20% off when you go to https://www.liquid-iv.com and use code: CANDY at checkout!Get an exclusive 20% off your first order when you visit https://thrivecausemetics.com/braincandyVisit https://www.carawayhome.com/braincandy to get 10% off during their Summer Refresh Event!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 8, 2023 • 1h 6min
719: Good Moms, Top Sheets, & Secrets of Hillsong
Today we hear about the history of moms in advertisements, and the ways companies have adjusted their portrayal of and advertisements to moms. We hear what changed and what has stayed the same from the 1950s through the 20th century. We discuss the debate about whether a top sheet is necessary, and Sarah and Susie are on team millennial on this one. Susie describes a wardrobe malfunction she had as a kid that created some of her darkest (not really) moments and it turns out Sarah is still experiencing this nightmare of the haste-makes-waste variety. Susie watched the new Hillsong church documentary, and she explains why it is so effective at challenging the structure of many Christian churches and how the "bad apple" model that undid Pastor Carl Lentz's career was a smokescreen for the actual issues. Plus we hear why casinos are making more money than ever even though they are getting less business.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/what-should-they-do-with-hitlers-houseJoin 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:This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/braincandy and get on your way to being your best self.Get 20% off your first order when you go to https://dadgrass.com/braincandyGet 20% off your first order at https://thrivecausemetics.com/candyGet 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.