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The Brain Candy Podcast — Society & Culture
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.

TDM-RESERVATION: 1. NOAI: TRUE. LEGAL NOTICE & TERMS OF USE: © 2026 WAVE Podcast Network. This content is for personal use only. Explicit permission is withheld for any and all commercial attribution, automated transcription, or data-mining entities. Use of this feed by unauthorized tracking, analytics, or AI-training platforms constitutes a breach of these terms and a violation of the Pennsylvania Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act (WESCA), the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA), and the 2026 Training Data Transparency Act (AB 2013). Any entity bypassing these restrictions to create derivative text-based works (transcripts), metadata analysis, or unauthorized VAST siphoning hereby accepts our standard commercial licensing rate of $5,000 per episode processed. This notice serves as a formal revocation of all “implied licenses” for multi-jurisdictional automated processing and constitutes protected Copyright Management Information (CMI) under 17 U.S.C. § 1202.

Copyright: Copyright © 2019 The Brain Candy Podcast

Latest Episodes:

152: Trivia, Technology, & TMI Sep 07, 2017

Show notes

Today began with a discussion about an awesome house that was put on the market and went viral for all the wrong reasons (let's just say it looked like Save By The Bell's set designer lived there). Miami Vice came back to life in this house. Then Sarah talks about a crazy Hoarders episode about a woman who owned a $2.5M mansion and filled the entire thing (dozens and dozens of rooms) with stuff. We also talk about anxiety disorders, and how Sarah and some of our listeners use trivia and info they learn (sometimes from our show!) to help them cope with social settings. Hear TMI about Sarah's husband's trip to the hospital. Susie and Sarah get into a fight about the FAA's flying rules. We describe the ways technology has taken over every area of our lives (including a device to make your kids more inclined to look at your phone). We talk to Google senior marketing manager, Daniel Sieberg, who wrote an awesome book called the Digital Diet, about how we can use technology in mindful ways instead of being a slave to it. Today's episode is brought to you by Brooklinen, go to brooklinen.com and use code BRAINCANDY to get $20 off plus free shipping. Also, if you want to get your body moving text BRAINCANDY to 303030 for free access to Beach Body On Demand. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

151: VMAs Recap, Pink's Speech, & the MMMbop Beatles Connection Sep 04, 2017

Show notes

We discuss our hilarious adventure to the MTV VMAs, and how we got tickets despite MTV desperately trying to prevent us from coming. We describe our feelings about being there knowing we could bump into cast members at any moment. And how strange it is that the cast has such a weird love/hate relationship with us. Then we move on to a recent video that shows the way we treat babies differently based upon whether we think they are male or female, and how it has long-term effects on how men and women live. We also discuss the strange phenomenon of animals evolving due to pollution in what is called industrial mutation. Susie tells the story of how she compared the Beatles to Hanson, and once she thinks about the musical masterpiece that is MMMBop she is kind of standing by this position.

Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com

Read this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/151-152

Join our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:

BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcast

Susie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeister

Sarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahrice

BCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypod

Susie on X: https://www.x.com/susie_meister

Sarah on X: https://www.x.com/ImSarahRice

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

150: Protests, Trigger Warnings, & Victoria's Secret Tragedy Aug 31, 2017

Show notes

Today we discuss some of the recent events with white supremacists, pulling down Confederate statues, and protests, and we talk about whether we think these protests are helpful or necessary. Sarah tells a bizarre story about what the original use of a chainsaw was (spoiler: it involves gynecology). We learn about the sad tale of the Victoria's Secret founder, and how beautiful undies have a tragic backstory. Plus, we debate whether trigger warnings are important or extraneous, and where we draw the line at when to offer a warning.

Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com

Read this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/148-150

Join our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:

BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcast

Susie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeister

Sarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahrice

BCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypod

Susie on X: https://www.x.com/susie_meister

Sarah on X: https://www.x.com/ImSarahRice

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

149: Sheetcaking, Trolls, & The Magic of Tidying Up Aug 28, 2017

Show notes

Today's show focuses on some issues we've had lately with trolls--and one incident where Susie thought she had a troll and it turned out to be a big misunderstanding. We talk about an incident Sarah experience recently where she was at a party with someone with a white pride tattoo. We talk about how to handle people who have views like that, and whether you should intervene or ignore. We also talk about some cool articles we've read recently like the one in the New York Times about the Boomer generation and their tendency to be pack rats. And their kids are having to figure out what to do with all the stuff they inherit but don't actually want. Finally, we talk about a new trend in rock-n-roll where bands are getting group therapy.

Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com

Read this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/148-150

Join our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:

BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcast

Susie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeister

Sarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahrice

BCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypod

Susie on X: https://www.x.com/susie_meister

Sarah on X: https://www.x.com/ImSarahRice

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

148: Celebrity Worship, Paparazzi, & The Price of Fame Aug 24, 2017

Show notes

Today's show is all about celebrity, and why we all have stars in our eyes. We explore the sometimes excessive tactics of the paparazzi, and how it ultimately cost Princess Diana her life. We talk about the way cellphones and the ubiquity of cameras changed the nature of celebrity forever. Plus, we discuss cyber mourning when celebrities die, and why it can feel so personal to lose someone we've never even met. We also talk with book club author, Julie Klam, who wrote The Stars in Our Eyes. She unpacks the nature of celebrity, why we want fame, and the consequences of celebrity worship.

Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com

Read this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/148-150

Join our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:

BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcast

Susie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeister

Sarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahrice

BCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypod

Susie on X: https://www.x.com/susie_meister

Sarah on X: https://www.x.com/ImSarahRice

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

147: Reality TV Casting, Fidget Spinners, & Childhood Sexism Aug 21, 2017

Show notes

This episode has us talking about the casting of reality shows, how they decide which people to put on the show, and what is in a "casting Bible." We then discuss fads and trends, and why Beanie Babies were such a huge cultural phenomenon. We compare that type of trend to more short-lived viral hits like fidget spinners. We discuss a recent online post by a clown who was asked by a boy to paint a butterfly on his face, but his mom said no. She made the clown paint a skull and crossbones instead. We talk about this type of sexism, and how it plays into male violence and masculinity culture in adults. Susie talks about an amazing video that describes how colors are seen in different cultures. And she talks about the business of produce, and why millennials might save rare types of fruit.

Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com

Read this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/147

Join our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:

BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcast

Susie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeister

Sarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahrice

BCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypod

Susie on X: https://www.x.com/susie_meister

Sarah on X: https://www.x.com/ImSarahRice

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

146: Fantasies, Body Positivity, & Gender in Sports Aug 17, 2017

Show notes

Today we are exploring the mysterious world of asexuality, and learning about excites people who claim no attraction to men or women. We also delve into the complicated issue of gender and competition. We discuss how the Olympics and other competitive organizations are dealing with gender ambiguity, fluidity, and intersex individuals. We also look at the example of Ammo on the Challenge, and how Dirty 30 handled his gender fluid identity. Plus, we talk about the curious case of Weight Watchers, how it originated, and how they are rebranding to handle the trend of "wellness" over thinness. Susie describes a recent pic she posted where people commented on her breasts, and how upsetting it was for her. Finally, we debate whether there is a difference between drinking wine, beer, or liquor biologically-speaking.

Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com

Join our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:

BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcast

Susie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeister

Sarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahrice

BCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypod

Susie on X: https://www.x.com/susie_meister

Sarah on X: https://www.x.com/ImSarahRice

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

145: Missing White Women, Catfights on the Challenge, & Curvy Wives Aug 14, 2017

Show notes

Today's show took a very female point of view. We start with a discussion about Elizabeth Smart, who was kidnapped at knifepoint many years ago. She lived with her captors for 9 months before being rescued. We talk about why missing white women capture so much media attention. We also learn how our ovulation and menstrual cycle affects everything in our life including when and why we buy things. This same theory also might help explain why women on the Challenge end up in verbal and physical fights with each other (but why we can still blame the men ultimately). Plus, Sarah reveals why women shouldn't eat their placenta (as if we needed a reason besides the ick factor). Finally, we get totally creeped out by robots taking over the planet.

Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com

Read this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/144-145

Join our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:

BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcast

Susie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeister

Sarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahrice

BCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypod

Susie on X: https://www.x.com/susie_meister

Sarah on X: https://www.x.com/ImSarahRice

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

144: Popular Porn, Astrology, & Ouija Board Science Aug 10, 2017

Show notes

Today we talk about the popular porn searches over the years, and why they change year-to-year. We also find out (whether we like it or not) why Sarah is not into creampie videos. We hear about the horrible tale of a woman who bleached her own hair (and what Sarah thinks is the worst part of the story is absolutely not the worst part of the story). We find out about the science of ouija boards, and why they seem to actually work. Plus, we debate whether people should pay drug addicts to be sterilized to prevent unwanted pregnancies and babies who can't be cared for. Sarah also rants about how men are babies. Finally, we explore why Western astrology is being embraced in Chinese culture. Also, a bonus story about the time Sarah got a papercut on her eye!

Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com

Read this week's Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/thebraincandypodcast/144-145

Join our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:

BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcast

Susie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeister

Sarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahrice

BCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypod

Susie on X: https://www.x.com/susie_meister

Sarah on X: https://www.x.com/ImSarahRice

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

143: Magical Scandal, Failed Romance, & World of Pigeons Aug 07, 2017

Show notes

Today we are discussing a scandal that is rocking the world of magic. Apparently a magician is trying to steal the tricks from another magician. We discuss intellectual property and patents, and why it's hard being a magician, but how we don't know what to believe. Is it all an illusion?! We also rant about whoever the asshole is that broke up a child's lemonade stand, and fined them for running a business without a license. We also talk about a viral Twitter thread about what it's like to fly as an overweight passenger. We talk about the shame, frustration, and embarrassment that comes with being a larger flyer. Plus, we learn about the "butt bump phenomenon" that makes consumers uncomfortable when they're in stores and don't have enough space. We also get the chance to talk to Danny Goldberg who wrote the book In Search of the Lost Chord, which explores the magic of the Sixties. We're wondering if we can get back to the time in history when people felt they could make a difference through peace, love, and even music.

Listen to more podcasts like this: https://wavepodcastnetwork.com

Join our Candy Club, shop our merch, sign-up for our free newsletter, & more by visiting The Brain Candy Podcast website: https://www.thebraincandypodcast.com

Connect with us on social media:

BCP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcast

Susie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeister

Sarah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahrice

BCP on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypod

Susie on X: https://www.x.com/susie_meister

Sarah on X: https://www.x.com/ImSarahRice

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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