Picking a New Pope

Put ’Em on the Couch — Episode 89: What’s the Point of Grandparents? In this heartfelt episode, host Jason McCoy and cohost Nelson Beaulieu dive into the complex journey of aging — from the political spotlight on leaders like President Joe Biden to the deeply personal struggles of autonomy and independence as we grow older. Along the way, they explore the evolving role of grandparents in our lives: the support, wisdom, and unexpected gifts they offer as families change. Featuring a touching voiceover with a treasured audio clip of Jason’s late grandpa and a special memory shared by his brother Andy, this episode blends personal stories, science, and social commentary to uncover why grandparents matter more than we often realize. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of aging yourself or seeking to understand the powerful place grandparents hold in our families and evolution, this episode offers insight, warmth, and plenty to think about. Don’t forget to listen, subscribe, and share Episode 89 with anyone who values family, aging, and the stories that shape us. Your support keeps Put ’Em on the Couch going strong!

🎙️ Episode 88: "My Parents Had Me Kidnapped" In this gripping solo episode of Put Em On The Couch, host Jason McCoy, college psychology professor and mental health advocate, pulls back the curtain on the dark underworld of the Troubled Teen Industry (TTI)—a billion-dollar network of controversial youth programs, "behavioral boot camps," and residential treatment centers. You’ll hear the harrowing true story of Kelly, a young woman who was forcibly removed from her bedroom in the middle of the night by two strangers wearing shirts labeled only “TRANSPORT.” Her journey—spanning several states from Maryland to Georgia—echoes the chilling experiences recently brought to light by Paris Hilton, who has become a vocal advocate for survivors of TTI abuse. Just like Paris, Kelly’s ordeal began with a decision made not by the state—but by her own family. With the support of her grandparents, her parents researched “what to do with a troubled teen” and signed off on a journey that would leave lasting emotional scars. 🎧 Tune in as we explore: What really happens inside these unregulated programs Why families turn to the TTI as a solution The psychological trauma of youth transport and forced institutionalization How survivors like Kelly are finding their voices—and their healing Whether you're a parent, educator, mental health professional, or just someone who believes in protecting vulnerable teens, this is an episode you can't afford to miss. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share Put Em On The Couch—where real stories meet real psychology. #TroubledTeenIndustry #ParisHiltonTTI #MentalHealthAwareness #YouthTransport #PsychologyPodcast #TTISurvivors #PutEmOnTheCouch #JasonMcCoyPodcast

In this episode of Put Em on the Couch, we ask the 20,000 dollar question" Is College Worth It?  This week, we kick off with a striking moment from Harvard’s 2025 Commencement: President Allan Garber’s opening remarks, which sounded a lot like a subtle—but pointed—response to President Trump and ongoing political attacks on higher education. From there, we dive into the bigger question: Is college still worth it? Or is it, as some critics argue, an overpriced scam or outdated rite of passage? Jason and Nelson go head-to-head on the deeper value of college—not just as a place for learning, but also for growth, connection, and challenge. We unpack: 🎓 The rising skepticism around the cost and purpose of college 💡 Whether higher ed truly leans "liberal" or is just being mislabeled 🧠 The difference between critical thinking and political indoctrination ❤️ The social side of college—lifelong friendships, relationships, and more This episode explores the nuance often missing from the “college debate” and asks: Can multiple things be true? Can college be flawed and valuable? Overpriced and transformative? Tune in as we challenge assumptions, push each other’s perspectives, and get into what college really means today.

Season 3 kicks off with a bang as hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu dive deep into the mysterious world of the papal conclave following the sudden death of Pope Francis. From Vatican politics to wild conspiracy theories, no question is too strange — or too sacred. Can you bet on the next Pope? Did it really smell that bad in the Sistine Chapel? And what’s the deal with the rumored female Pope? Inspired by the new film Conclave, this episode is a bold, irreverent, and thought-provoking look at one of the world's oldest institutions.

🎙️ Put Em On The Couch is back for Season 3, and we’re diving in headfirst—no seat belts, no apologies. In this special Season Premiere, hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beauieu kick things off with a candid, no-holds-barred preview of the bold, bizarre, and brain-twisting topics coming your way. Ever wonder why females orgasm, what’s really going on with Grandma, or why the penis looks the way it does? Curious if luck is real, or whether cursing is actually all that bad? Well, get ready—because we’re unpacking it all on the couch. As we celebrate two years on the air (shout out to our Couch Surfers!), we're leveling up with fresh perspectives, wild questions, and even deeper dives into the human mind and behavior. Season 3 is shaping up to be our most daring and dynamic yet. We’re incredibly grateful for your continued support. Keep the feedback, suggestions, and episode shares coming—we love hearing from you and couldn't do this without you. So, grab a seat on the couch. Let’s get into it. 🛋️💭

Episode 84: Let's Talk About Last Words: From Suicide Notes to Death Poetry In this compelling episode of Put Em On The Couch, hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu explore the powerful concept of last words, diving into everything from famous last statements of historical figures to suicide notes and death poetry. What do these final words really say about a life lived, and what can they teach us about human psychology and mortality? Jason enriches the conversation by weaving in insights from psychological research, including the work of Todd Kashdan (George Mason University), Kurt Gray (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill), Heather Servaty-Seib, and Kathryn Mannix. They explore the significance of final statements, addressing questions such as, "What would your last words be?" and whether it's truly necessary to think about death or if it only serves as an anxiety-inducing distraction. Join Jason and Nelson as they reflect on the intersection of death awareness, psychological research, and the fascinating role that last words play in understanding our lives and our legacy. Key Topics: Famous last words of historical figures Suicide notes and death poetry Psychological research on mortality and death anxiety Todd Kashdan’s insights into death and anxiety Kurt Gray’s research on human behavior and mortality Exploring what last words reveal about a life’s meaning The impact of thinking about death on mental health and well-being Tune in to Put Em On The Couch for a thought-provoking discussion about death, mortality, and the lasting words that define us.

In this 83rd episode of Put Em on the Couch, we break down 10 clear signs that suggest President Donald Trump may be steering our country towards Autocracy. Nelson and I rewind Trumps recent speech to a joint session of congress.  Using the President's own words, we analyze his rhetoric and discuss how it mirrors that of authoritarianism. Tune in to find out what all of this might mean for the future of American democracy.   References: Arendt, H. (1973). The origins of totalitarianism. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. Friedrich, C. J., & Brzezinski, Z. K. (1956). Totalitarian dictatorship and autocracy. Harvard University Press. Hetherington, M. J., & Weiler, J. D. (2009). Authoritarianism and polarization in American politics. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511627012 Pepinsky, T. (2017, January 9). Life in authoritarian states is mostly boring and tolerable: Americans have an overly dramatic view of what the end of democracy looks like. The Big Idea. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/the-big-idea/2017/01/09/life-in-authoritarian-states-is-mostly-boring-and-tolerable/    

Episode Title: "Could Shooting Bambi Help Save Mother Earth?" Podcast Description: 🎧 Episode 82: Could Shooting Bambi Help Save Mother Earth? | Put Em on the Couch In this thought-provoking episode, we’re putting Mother Nature on the couch to explore our complex relationship with her. From bizarre weather events to the psychology behind anthropomorphizing non-living things, we dive deep into how we perceive and interact with the planet. Freud would have a lot to say about our maternal metaphor, and we discuss how our conservation efforts (or lack thereof) have left Mother Nature “hormonal” and in need of care. We also challenge traditional views with the controversial idea that hunting might actually help save the Earth. You’ll hear why “shooting Bambi” could be more beneficial than you think for conservation efforts. Plus, we explore the history of Earth Day, how weather impacts politics, and why we’re still at Mother Nature’s mercy. 🌍 Listen now to discover how we can help Mother Nature thrive, one controversial idea at a time. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners! Don’t forget to share this episode with friends and family who care about the planet.

"They Not Like Us: College Professors Squabble Up Over the Drake vs Kendrick Lamar ‘Diss’course" Description: In this episode of Put Em On The Couch, college professors Jason McCoy (psychology) and Nelson (political science and history) squabble up over the ongoing Drake vs Kendrick Lamar "Diss'course"—a year-long back-and-forth between two of the biggest icons in hip-hop. With nearly a dozen diss tracks thrown, Kendrick Lamar's anthem They Not Like Us has become the centerpiece of this highly charged feud. In this lively and sometimes incendiary conversation, Jason and Nelson dissect the tension between these two artists, exploring everything from Drake's shifting genre versatility and his critics’ accusations of being a "culture vulture," to Kendrick’s status as a lyrical genius and a hip-hop icon whose music often offers a history lesson. As the discussion heats up, the professors debate the greater sociopolitical implications of their rivalry, touching on themes of class, power, and representation in modern music. Whether you’re firmly in one camp or just curious about what all the fuss is about, this episode will leave you with a deeper appreciation for hip-hop, rap, and black culture. Tune in for an academic yet passionate exploration of the ultimate Diss'course. Join the conversation! We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out via email at [email protected], or leave a comment on Apple or Spotify to share your take on the Drake vs Kendrick debate.

Episode 80:  The Price of the Ticket: Professor Lettie Gore on Confronting White Supremacy In this eye-opening episode of Put 'Em on the Couch, Professor Lettie Gore joins host Jason McCoy to dive deep into the ongoing fight against white supremacy and the cost of racial injustice. Drawing from her powerful work in social justice, Professor Gore exposes the brutal realities Black Americans continue to face—being "hunted and murdered" simply for existing. She reflects on what she calls the "Great White Awakening," the surge of awareness around racism and police brutality that many experienced during the pandemic. Yet, as Professor Gore points out, this awareness is far from enough, and she fears that the urgency of confronting systemic racism is fading. With a nod to James Baldwin’s "The Price of the Ticket," she underscores the profound cost Black Americans pay just to survive, let alone thrive, in a society built on white supremacy. In this raw and honest conversation, Professor Gore challenges the very idea of a "Great America," asking: When was that, exactly? Throughout the episode, Professor Gore urges all listeners—especially white Americans and so-called allies—to go beyond performative allyship and take tangible, sustained action in dismantling racial injustice. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the depth of racial injustice and the moral responsibility we all share in confronting it.