Episode 76: The Art of the Con – Exploring the Psychology and Tactics Behind Famous Con Artists

In this gripping episode of Put Em On The Couch, hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu take a deep dive into the world of con artists—those charismatic manipulators who make deception an art form. From 19th-century fraudsters like Samuel Thompson to modern-day scammers like Anna Sorokin (aka Anna Delvy), this episode explores the fascinating techniques and psychology behind the perfect con.

We break down the lives of some of history's most infamous conmen, including the legendary Ferdinand Waldo Demara, who successfully posed as a Canadian Navy surgeon, a prison warden, and even a college professor. We also explore the motivations behind cons like the "Nigerian Prince" scam and discuss the fascinating charisma that makes con artists so compelling.

Whether you're curious about the psychology of persuasion, the traits that make a successful conman, or why we sometimes idolize these criminals, this episode has it all. We explore classic cons, modern scams, and discuss how confidence and charm play a pivotal role in pulling off the perfect deception. Plus, we get into the psychology behind successful cons, such as the "foot-in-the-door" technique, and debate whether even conmen can get conned themselves.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by human behavior, persuasion, or the fascinating world of deception.

Listen now to discover:

• The story of Samuel Thompson, New York’s first “confidence man”
• The psychology of persuasion and the dark triad of personality traits
• How Anna Sorokin conned her way into the high society and landed on Dancing with the Stars
• Why con artists like Frank Abagnale and Ferdinand Waldo Demara are so compelling

Like, share, and subscribe to Put Em On The Couch for more deep dives into the minds of fascinating figures in history!

Join the cast of Put Em On The Couch for our election day special coverage.

In this hair raising episode of Put Em On The Couch, we explore the psychology of fear, starting with a chilling reflection on the 1966 mass shooting at the University of Texas. Join me and co-host Nelson as we discuss a range of fears—rational and irrational—beginning with John B. Watson's infamous experiments.

Nelson shares his thrill-seeking experiences, while I confront existential fears like extinction and loss of autonomy, drawing on Mary Ainsworth's research in developmental psychology. We also examine Chapman University's latest survey revealing Americans' top fears, including cyberterrorism and corrupt government officials, and how political leaders use fear to manipulate.

Our conversation delves into the biology of fear, particularly the role of the amygdala, and the difference between fear and anxiety. We explore quirky irrational fears and the therapeutic potential of fear experiences, as highlighted by researcher Margee Kerr.

As we wrap up, we encourage listeners to transform their fears into action as we approach the election, emphasizing the importance of staying engaged and empowered.

Tune in for an enlightening exploration of fear—its origins, consequences, and how we can navigate it in our lives!

Listen now and confront your fears with us!

Election 2024: Is it still the economy, stupid?

Episode Description:

With less than two weeks left before the 47th American Presidential Election, join Jason and Nelson in this engaging episode as they dissect the current presidential race, focusing on key themes like masculinity, the economy, and the implications of authoritarianism.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 - Opening remarks on Tucker Carlson’s comments about Trump.
• 4:00 - Discussion on masculinity as a central theme in the election.
• 10:00 - Jason shares his approach to parenting and the importance of education.
• 22:00 - Economic discussion: Are we better off today than four years ago?
• 30:00 - Exploration of authoritarianism and Trump’s rhetoric.
• 45:00 - Final thoughts on the tight race and the future of democracy.

Call to Action: Make sure you’re ready to make your voice heard—get out and vote before or on November 5! If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share our show. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners!

Episode 71: The Science and Secrets of Sleep on Sleep on the Couch

In this episode of Sleep on the Couch, hosts Jason and Nelson dive deep into the fascinating world of sleep. With insights drawn from historical perspectives and modern research, they explore our love-hate relationship with sleep, the evolution of sleep patterns, and the implications of our increasingly demanding schedules.

Key Topics Covered:

• Historical Perspectives: Discover how our ancestors approached sleep and how this has evolved in modern society.
• Circadian Rhythms: Learn about the importance of our biological clocks and how they impact our daily lives, especially for adolescents.
• Fascinating Studies: Hear about Nathaniel Kleitman's groundbreaking cave study and its implications for our understanding of sleep cycles.
• Health Risks: Understand the serious health risks associated with sleep deprivation, including increased susceptibility to heart disease, diabetes, and more.
• Improving Sleep Quality: Get practical tips on enhancing your sleep hygiene, from caffeine consumption to the impact of blue light.
• Dreams and Parasomnias: Delve into the mysteries of dreaming, including REM sleep, lucid dreaming, and the intriguing world of sleep disorders.

Join us as we unravel the complexities of sleep, challenge common misconceptions, and share personal anecdotes that resonate with anyone navigating the demands of modern life. Whether you struggle to find the right balance or are simply curious about the science behind sleep, this episode offers valuable insights for everyone.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review Sleep on the Couch on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to explore the fascinating world of sleep! Have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover? Connect with us on social media or visit our website to share your thoughts. Sleep well, and join us next week for more insights!

In their 70th episode of Put 'Em on the Couch, hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu delve into the provocative saga of NC Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. Once celebrated as a rising conservative star, Robinson's career took a dramatic turn after revelations about his alleged online activities and incendiary comments came to light.

Join us as we dissect the intersection of morality, sexuality, and politics in Robinson’s story, exploring how his controversial views clash with his private life. We’ll discuss the implications for his gubernatorial aspirations and what this says about the broader landscape of political hypocrisy. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on the complexities of sex and power in the political arena!

Don’t miss this compelling episode! If you enjoyed our discussion on the politics of sex and want to support the show, please take a moment to listen, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue these important conversations. And don’t forget to share this episode with your friends—let’s spark the dialogue together!

Feeling trapped in a cycle of boredom? In this episode of Put Em On The Couch, Jason and Nelson invite you to Shock Your Boredom as they explore the rich history and surprising science behind this often-misunderstood emotion. From the Ancient Greeks’ concept of Acedia to modern experiments that reveal our responses to boredom, discover why this feeling can be both challenging and transformative.

Join us as we delve into shocking findings, including a study where participants opted for electric shocks over sitting in silence. With insights from comedian Louie CK and leading researchers like Dankert and Eastman, we’ll uncover how boredom can be a catalyst for creativity and self-discovery.

Tune in and learn how embracing boredom might just spark your next big idea!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Share your thoughts on boredom and let us know how you cope with it on social media!

In this captivating episode of Put Em On The Couch, we explore how disgust shapes our moral decisions and political beliefs. Recorded on Friday the 13th, we dive into the unsettling moments from the latest presidential debate between Trump and Harris, examining how these emotional reactions reveal deeper truths about our political psychology.

Join us as we dissect the impact of disgust on voting behavior and political orientation. We’ll explore the biology of emotion, the psychology behind moral judgments, and the ways in which disgust influences our perceptions of political debates and candidates.

Discover why emotions like disgust are crucial in understanding political ideologies and how factors such as family influence and social dynamics come into play. We’ll also discuss the five prongs of morality and how disgust sensitivity connects to conservative viewpoints.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that bridges the gap between emotions and politics, and gain insights into how primal feelings like disgust drive our moral and political choices.

Subscribe, listen, and share your thoughts on how disgust influences our decisions on Put Em On The Couch!