Put Em On The Couch
Put Em On The Couch
Michael Jason McCoy
Welcome to ’Put Em on the Couch,’ the podcast where hosts Nelson Beaulieu and Jason McCoy invite you to explore every nook and cranny of this thing called life. Listen weekly as long-time friends and educators, embark on a variety of evocative discussions and fun thought experiments. Who knows, you may even come away happier and smarter.
What's The Point of Grandparents: From Presidents to Loli and Pops
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.
Jun 16, 2025
1 hr 3 min
My Parents Had Me Kidnapped
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.
Jun 9, 2025
33 hr 3 min
Is College Worth It?
In this episode, we tackle a big question: What is the point of college? Is it worth the high costs, or is it just an outdated rite of passage? We start with Harvard President Allan Garber’s 2025 commencement speech, which touches on the political controversies surrounding higher education today.
May 31, 2025
1 hr
Picking a New Pope
Let’s Put The Next Pope on the Couch
May 23, 2025
1 hr 7 min
Season 3 Preview
This is a preview episode for what is to come in Season 3.
May 15, 2025
41 min
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?
Mar 15, 2025
49 hr 26 min
10 Shocking Signs Trump Wants to Be an Autocrat
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/
Mar 8, 2025
53 sec
Could Shooting Bambi Help Save Mother Earth?
🎧 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.
Mar 1, 2025
48 hr 28 min
They Not Like Us: College Professors "Squabble Up" Over the Drake vs Kendrick Lamar 'Diss'course
n 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.
Feb 16, 2025
1 hr 5 min
The Price of the Ticket: Professor Lettie Gore on Confronting White Supremacy
n 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.
Jan 29, 2025
1 hr 17 min
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