In this captivating episode of Put Em On The Couch we are joined by the passionate and insightful Sue Frantz, a veteran psychology educator with over three decades of experience. Sue shares her profound love for psychology, describing it as a "user's manual for life." She delves into the significance of understanding psychology as a fundamental tool for navigating the complexities of human behavior.

Sue highlights the growing importance of undergraduate education in psychology, noting that "big schools are beginning to believe that undergraduate education is worth caring about." She emphasizes the crucial role of introductory psychology courses, likening them to psychology's "PR program," designed to captivate and inform students about the discipline's broad impact.

For those aspiring to a career in psychology education, Sue recommends connecting with established professionals and suggests joining the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (STP), an accessible resource through the American Psychological Association, with annual memberships costing around $35.

In a fascinating analogy, Sue describes psychology as "Volume 1 of the human user's manual," with anatomy and physiology as "Volume 2," underscoring the interconnectedness of these fields in understanding the human experience.

Tune in to discover the invaluable insights Sue Frantz offers on the transformative power of psychology and the vital role of educators in shaping future generations. Whether you're a psychology enthusiast, a prospective educator, or simply curious about the field, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration.

#putemonthecouch #SueFrantz #SocietyfortheTeachingofPsychology #MacmillianCommunityBlog #psychasusermanual4life #HighlineCollege #DouglasBernstein #StephenChew #BryanSaville #CharlesStangor #PsychOneConference #AaronRichmond #learningstyles #LillianMollerGilbreth #CharlesLindbergh #Interteaching #EricLandrum

Welcome "couch surfers" to another thought-provoking conversation. This time on Put Em on The Couch, we turn our attention to Poverty in America. 

Join us as we engage in an edutaining exploration of this existential scourge and attempt to identify and perhaps unravel some of the most stubborn myths associated with poverty.

We 'll be delving into topics such as the war on poverty, the perpetuation of poverty by design, and the challenges faced by those marginalized by socioeconomic barriers. Through engaging narratives and insightful analysis, we shed light on the harsh realities that often go unseen, inviting listeners to confront their preconceptions and expand their understanding of this pressing issue.

Tune in to join the conversation and discover how we can collectively work towards a more equitable future for all.

Join us as we celebrate you - the listeners - as well as our 1 year of podcasting. Listen as Nelson and Jason give some very well deserved shout-outs to our listeners and supporters. In this 54th episode, we wax nostalgic about the past year and talk excitedly about what we have in store for year 2. 

In this 53rd episode of Put Em On The Couch, I have the honor and privilege of sitting down with a living philosophical legend. Dr. David Livingstone Smith is a professor, interdisciplinary philosopher, author, thinker and most importantly, a new friend of the show.  Dr. Livingston Smith's most recent book, Making Monsters: The Uncanny Power of Dehumanization, ” was a finalist for the 2023 Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize for Interdisciplinary Philosophy and was awarded the 2023 Joseph B. Gittler Award from the APA. Before that, his 2012 book, Less Than Human: Why We Demean, Enslave and Exterminate Others,”  won the 2012 Anisfield-Wolf award for nonfiction. 

David was generous enough to join me on the couch today to discuss one of his oldest and most foundational influences - Sigmund Freud.  During this conversation, I will ask about a variety of things related to the life and legacy of this most perplexing man of science. For instance, was Freud enmeshed with his mother? How did Freud die? Why didn't he stick with medicine? Did he really believe psychotherapy was the answer to all psychological ills, and so, so much more. 

Join me as I talk with Dr. David Livingston Smith about a man who's ideas and writings shaped and continue to impact his own writings and thinking. 

Happy Mothers Day to our favorite mothers today. 

More than Trump or MAGA extremism or political divisiveness, the single greatest threat to our American style Constitutional Democracy - says Political Scientist and Historian, Nelson Beaulieu is the constitution itself. 

Join us as we delve into the heart of America's democratic experiment on this enlightening episode of Put Em On The Couch. Host Jason McCoy and political scientist/historian Nelson Beaulieu embark on a thought-provoking journey through the corridors of power, dissecting the very foundation of our democracy: the Constitution.

In this educational and entertaining exploration, we uncover the hidden dangers lurking within the framework of the Constitution. From the deliberate ambiguity of its language to the ingenious, albeit controversial, mechanisms such as the Electoral College designed to guard against the tyranny of the majority, we unravel the intricate tapestry of American governance.

Drawing on insights from history and political theory, we confront the uncomfortable truth that the greatest threat to democracy may not lie in external forces, but rather within the very document intended to safeguard it. With a keen eye on the encroaching powers of the executive branch and the delicate balance between norms and laws, we challenge conventional wisdom and provoke critical reflection on the state of our democracy.

So tune in as we interrogate the fault lines of American democracy, exploring the tension between populism and constitutionalism, and daring to ask the question: Is the Constitution itself the greatest threat to our democracy?

"Dive deep into the multifaceted world of stress with a special milestone episode of 'Under Pressure,' hosted by Nelson Beaulieu and Jason McCoy, the "psych guy". Join us as we celebrate the 50th episode of 'Put Em On The Couch' by uncovering the intricacies of this universal phenomenon.

Together, Nelson and Jason explore the definition and spectrum of stress, including the surprising dynamics of good, bad, and insufficient stress. From tracing the footsteps of pioneering figures like Hans Selye to examining groundbreaking experiments, each episode offers a unique blend of insight and intrigue.

Delve into the realm of presidential stress, unraveling how the weight of leadership can visibly impact those who bear its burden. Whether you're seeking a deeper understanding of stress or practical strategies for navigating its challenges, 'Under Pressure' equips you with the knowledge and tools to thrive in an ever-demanding world.

"Welcome to the 49th episode of 'Put Em On The Couch,' where Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu, two academic buddies, delve into real-world topics from the comfort of your living room. In this episode, they tackle the pressing question on every parent's mind: 'Am I Being Too Hard On My Kids?'

Join them for an enlightening 80+ minutes as they explore the nuances of parenting pressure, from deciphering the role of a 'soccer mom' to identifying signs of overbearing expectations. Delve into the potential pitfalls of academic and athletic rigor, and uncover the possible negative consequences of pushing children too far. Tune in for expert insights, thought-provoking discussions, and practical advice to navigate the delicate balance of nurturing and challenging our next generation.

Don't miss out on this engaging episode that promises to shed light on one of the most important dilemmas facing modern parents. Follow and join the conversation!"

#neverenough #parentalpressure #acheivementpressure #livingvicariously #sportsparents #soccermom #soccerdad #tigermom #psychology #JasonMcCoy #professormccoy #putemonthecouch 

 In this compelling episode of Put Em On The Couch, Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu discuss the evolving world of smartphones and social media, exploring questions on every parent's mind: At what age should I give my kid their own smartphone? Are smartphones bad for kids?  As we compare today's digital engagement with historical media consumption like radio and television, we discuss whether our modern concerns about screen addiction and mental health echo past fears about new technologies. Featuring insights from Jonathan Haidt's book, "The Anxious Generation," we analyze the link between the rise in teen mental health issues and the proliferation of attention-demanding technologies since 2012. Join us as we unravel the complexities of digital parenting in a world where screens are omnipresent. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on how to approach technology use in a healthy, informed manner for our children's future.