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The Brain Candy Podcast

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Mar 6, 2025 • 60min

894: Love is Blind, Jack the Ripper, & Busy Beavers

It's Sarah's birthday party, and we are happy to celebrate this amazing woman! She is talking about her reality tv obsession, Love is Blind, and why the show feels ethical while also shocking enough to make great tv. We hear how the Jack the Ripper serial murder case has finally been solved over 100 years after it happened, and why the detectives got so close, but never finished the job until now. We discuss a dilemma in the Czech Republic that required a dam being built to handle a waterway issue, but despite years of red tape and bureaucratic delays the problem was solved by an unlikely hero. And we learn how Russia is employing the world's oldest profession to solve political issues, and Susie feels like she missed her calling to be a spy.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/a7rva747meJoin 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 25% off your first month at https://ritual.com/braincandyGet 20% OFF 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.
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Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 6min

893: Gen Z Lower Case, Brain Break, & Black Genius

Sarah is having another medical situation, and this time Susie is blaming all of her wild outlaw habits lately. Susie explains why Gen Z insists on using all lower case letters, and we're wondering if the kids are alright. We discuss the Surviving Black Hawk Down documentary, and the ways the government, society, and media paint a picture of the United States as the "good guy," but often it's just a matter of perspective. We talk about a brain surgeon who describes the ways our brains lie to us about our "selfhood," identity, and free will, and why things may not be what they seem when it comes to how we see ourselves. We hear about the Sly Stone documentary that looks at the idea of "Black genius," and the price Black artists and thinkers can pay because of their incredible talent and the pressures of success. Susie's favorite scams are by the Chinese, but this time, it's not a zoo, it's a tourist attraction that is truly phoning their scam in and it's hilarious. We learn about a child influencer who is making a splash in the restaurant world with his mission to bring honor to the classic mocktail beverage, the Shirley Temple. Plus, we hear why YouTube's branding doesn't really match how people are using its infrastructure.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/a7rva747meJoin 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://cozyearth.com and use our exclusive 40% off code BRAINCANDYVisit https://www.carawayhome.com/BRAINCANDY to take an additional 10% off your next purchase.Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code BRAINCANDY15 at https://lumedeodorant.com #lumepodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Feb 27, 2025 • 56min

892: Telepathy Tapes, Monopoly Theft, & Purple Lies

Today we're preparing for Sarah's 40th birthday even though she just turned 39. We're going to give ourselves the gift of affordable healthcare for her milestone birthday (and maybe a head to toe spa situation). Susie thinks she is slowly morphing into that annoying tech bro who is trying to live forever. We discuss our fantasies of doing roller derby despite Susie's questionable roller skating training and Sarah's inability to do anything but rollerblade. We revisit the origin story of Monopoly, why the game has lost its way from the original aim, and why the woman who created it got screwed (you could say, she did not pass go and did not collect $200). Sarah explains why the color purple is an illusion and it is freaking us out. Sarah is worked up about a new podcast that claims that some nonverbal people on the autism spectrum seem to be communicating telepathically with their family members, and she bemoans the way scientific inquiry is imperfect when dealing with the more metaphysical aspects of human experience.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/do-you-make-your-guests-remove-their-shoes-in-your-homeJoin 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 plus free shipping forever, head to https://filtereasy.com/candy and use code CANDY.Go to https://www.hungryroot.com/braincandy and use code: braincandy to get 40% off your first box, PLUS get a free item in every box for life!Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V. when you go to https://www.liquidiv.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.
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Feb 24, 2025 • 59min

891: Barkley's Marathon, Monkey Business, & Left-handedness

Susie's mad at people for how they talk about a common ailment, so we're debating the origins of this odd phrase. We learn about the hardest ultramarathon in the world, the crazy rules around it, and how a woman finally completed it after a 37 year run of only male finishers. A monkey turned off the power in all of Sri Lanka, and it made us realize how tenuous everything really is. We're debating shoes on or off in the house again, and Susie is not budging. We learn why handedness is so mysterious and consider the oddity and rarity of being left-handed in a world of righties.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/do-you-make-your-guests-remove-their-shoes-in-your-homeJoin 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:This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit https://www.betterhelp.com/braincandy today to get 10% off your first month.Visit https://cozyearth.com and use our exclusive 40% off code BRAINCANDY See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 5min

890: Bob Dylan Science, Making Lemonade, & Broken Hearts

Sarah's love for snowboarding has forced her into sleeping in her car, but don't worry she is armed with aluminum foil to keep her warm. We learn about some scholars who have been sneaking song lyrics into their research and it is Susie's dream come true. Sarah explains how scientists are boring into ice to see into the past, and lord only knows what they'll find. Let's hope it's not a dormant virus we bring back to life. Fun! We discuss the concept of "color spotlight effect" and how it can help you deal with difficult times, and why playful people have a secret to life that others don't.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/psychodynamic-nonsense-spotify-paradox-chinatown-vendorsJoin 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:This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit http://betterhelp.com/braincandy today to get 10% off your first month.Get an exclusive 20% off your first order at https://thrivecausemetics.com/braincandyCancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to https://rocketmoney.com/braincandy today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 6min

889: Childhood Trauma, Misophonia, & Existential Animals

Susie read a controversial article that is questioning the foundation of the psychological field, and explains why the author thinks our focus on our childhoods, trauma, and negativity are actually making us less happy and healthy. And we hear what you should do instead if you want joy and peace. We learn about misophonia and the challenges people face who hate the sound of others chewing, and we hear why their disgust is usually directed at one particular chewer. We debate whether animals know they're going to die, and what their behavior shows us about how different species deals with death. Plus, Susie and Sarah get all existential and philosophical about animals they think they have a connection to.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/psychodynamic-nonsense-spotify-paradox-chinatown-vendorsJoin 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://paireyewear.com and use code BCP for 15% off your first pair. And support the show by mentioning that The Brain Candy Podcast sent you in your post-checkout survey!For 50% off your order, head to https://www.dailylook.com and use code BRAINCANDYGet $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to https://nutrafol.com and enter the promo code BRAINCANDYSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Feb 13, 2025 • 59min

888: Orion's Shoes, ADHD Longevity, & VIP XXX Club

Sarah went on a date to the nerdiest place ever and we are here for it. And Susie spoke at a university and Gen Z made her have hope for the future. We learn what an ADHD dignosis means for your lifespan and why the symptoms of the disorder affect your longevity. Sarah explains why people are paying $250,000 for membership in an exclusive adult club, and Susie argues they're wasting their money. We learn why the monumental study that showed human babies prefer helpers over "hinderers" was flawed, and the truth is they probably don't care. After losing someone close to her, Susie explains why you should reach out to people and tell them what they mean to you because it might be your last chance. Plus, Sarah reveals what all the road, drive, avenue, boulevard, and street designations mean and why it's not random at all!Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/japans-loneliness-epidemic-the-monty-hall-puzzle-an-influencer-lawsuitJoin 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/braincandypodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 1min

887: Elderly Inmates, Influencer Lawsuit, & Bridge to Nowhere

Today we hear why Susie likes asking people uncomfortable questions without people getting offended. We learn about a technology being used to determine the contents of unopened trading card packs so the owner can decide whether to discard them or not, and whether this is an ethics violation of the tradition of collecting. Susie explains why Japan's prisons are showing a huge increase in elderly inmates, and what it says about the country in general. We hear why female nudes in the Renaissance had some anatomical errors. Susie discusses one of her favorite game theories and why people get so angry about the math problem. We debate the influencer lawsuit that is considering whether someone's vibe/aesthetic/style can be protected from "theft" (imitation), and what the ruling will do to the broader influencer industry. We discuss a lawsuit brought by the creator of an outdoor art installation who claims their contract was violated by a museum who dismantled it without consent. Plus, we hear about the new Aaron Hernendez documentary, and how the culture of his high school football team may have led him and two other players down a path of destruction.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/japans-loneliness-epidemic-the-monty-hall-puzzle-an-influencer-lawsuitJoin 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:Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code BRAINCANDY15 at https://lumedeodorant.com! #lumepodVisit 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.
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Feb 6, 2025 • 57min

886: Swim Lessons, Mouse 2 Dads, & Optimal Stopping Theory

Susie got into some trouble (again) and almost got booted from a concert. We hear what Boomerasking is and theorize why it's so common now. Susie tries to figure out why an old clip of Road Rules that she posted was so evocative. We discuss a documentary short film about swimming and consider why it's such a fundamental human skill. We learn about scientists who created mice using the DNA from two males, and why they would want to make people with two dads. Sarah explains what "optimal stopping theory" is and why you should never stick with the first guy you date or the first apartment you look at. We find out scholars are offering $1M to anyone who can decode an ancient language.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/boomerasking-planetwalker-the-37-ruleJoin 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:Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get 15% off with promo code BRAINCANDY15 at https://lumedeodorant.com! #lumepodStart the new year off right with Honeylove. Get 20% OFF 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.
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Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 8min

885: Vow of Silence, Soup Candy, & Reality TV Surgery

It's Sarah's birthday month, and Susie is debating what to get the woman who only wants snow. We discuss the SNL documentary, and hear why auditioning for the show is a nightmare, we all need more cowbell, and there is one very weird season of the show that almost ended its run forever. Plus, we predict the show will have much more daming documentaries that come out later. We hear about a man who gave up automobiles after an oil spill in the 70s, took a vow of silence that went on for a VERY long time, got a PhD, and changed the world. Susie shares a disturbing new product to hit the market: soup hard candy. Progresso is making lozenges that taste like chicken noodle soup for all the sickos out there who should see a physician rather than eat soup candy. We explain why "flaking" (cancelling plans) is on the rise, why Susie says people shouldn't do it, and how mental health is used as a shield from accountability. We discuss the reality tv show, The Swan, twenty years after its airing, why it was worse than we remembered, and the surprising reason the contestants don't regret doing it.Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.comRead this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/boomerasking-planetwalker-the-37-ruleJoin 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://cozyearth.com and use our exclusive 40% off code BRAINCANDY Get 25% off your first month 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.

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