The Psychology of Greed
Episode 77: The Psychology of Greed | Put Em On The Couch Podcast
In this 77th episode of Put Em On The Couch, hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu dive deep into the complex and often controversial topic of greed. What drives us to want more—whether it’s wealth, power, or possessions? How does greed shape our happiness, behaviors, and society at large?
We explore:
What is greed and its roots in human nature.
The psychology of greed: Is it a personality trait or a temporary emotion?
How greed negatively impacts well-being and life satisfaction.
Paul Piff’s studies using Monopoly to demonstrate how wealth affects behavior.
The upside of greed: Can it fuel capitalism and economic growth?
Greed as addiction: How the cycle of acquisition can become never-ending.
The impact of greed on society, from greedy billionaires to unethical behaviors.
The difference between the desire to acquire versus the fear of losing.
This thought-provoking episode unpacks the forces that drive human behavior and the implications of greed—both on a personal and societal level. Don’t miss out on this important conversation!
A Special Thank You & Merry Christmas!As we wrap up the year, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our listeners for your continued support. Merry Christmas! May this season bring joy, reflection, and meaningful connections.
Call to ActionIf you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners like you. And don’t forget to share this episode with your friends and family—let's keep the conversation going!
Keywords: Greed, Psychology of Greed, Dispositional Greed, Capitalism, Wealth, Monopoly Study, Paul Piff, Behavioral Addiction, Dark Triad, Emotional Instability, Greedy Billionaires, Social Comparison, Happiness, Put Em On The Couch Podcast.
Let's Talk About Giving: From Psychopaths to Extreme Altruists
In Episode 76 of Put Em On The Couch, Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu dive into the fascinating spectrum of giving—from the cold, calculating behavior of psychopaths to the boundless generosity of extreme altruists. We explore the psychology behind why we give, what motivates us, and how giving shapes our relationships and society.
Along the way, we discuss Paul Slovin’s research on “warm glow,” the neurobiology of generosity, and whether non-human animals display altruistic behavior. Nelson shares a personal story of the best gift he’s ever given, while we also tackle tough questions: Can giving ever be truly selfless? Why do we expect gift-givers to be mind-readers? And why is giving sometimes more about the giver than the recipient?
Plus, we look at the politics of charitable giving, the costs of bad gifts, and share a story about a friend who gave a kidney to a complete stranger. It’s an episode that will make you rethink what it means to give.
As always, thank you to our amazing listeners! In lieu of gifts or monetary contributions, you can show us some love and appreciation by liking, following, commenting, and rating us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support means the world to us and helps us continue to bring you more engaging and thought-provoking content.
Election Day Special: Nov 4, 2024
Join the cast of Put Em On The Couch for our election day special coverage.
Fear: From Mongers to Monsters
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
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!
Sleep on the Couch
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!
Mark Robinson & The Politics of Sex
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!
Painfully Boring!
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!
How Disgust Shapes Our Moral Decisions
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!
Power on the Couch
Title: Power on the Couch: Unpacking Influence, Wealth, and Responsibility
Description: In this episode of Put Em On The Couch, hosts Jason McCoy and Nelson Beaulieu dissect the multifaceted nature of power. From understanding how influence shapes behavior and society to exploring the effects of wealth on honesty, this episode covers it all. We compare Machiavellian tactics with cooperative strategies, delve into historical and modern perspectives on power, and discuss the role of gossip in holding leaders accountable. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the dynamics of power and its implications for personal and societal responsibility.
Timestamps:
1:53 – Defining Power
4:30 – Different Forms of Power
8:00 – Who Seeks Power? Insights from Research
11:00 – Wealth and Its Impact on Behavior
17:00 – Power Dynamics and Success Attribution
20:00 – Benefits and Drawbacks of Power
25:00 – The Role of Soft Power in Diplomacy
33:00 – Power Through History
45:00 – Gossip as a Check on Power
48:00 – Imagining Immense Power
52:00 – The Desire for Power
57:00 – Political Power and Democracy
61:00 – The Influence of Modern Internet Personalities
65:00 – Responsibility and Voting
Call to Action:
If you enjoyed this episode of Put Em On The Couch, don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave us a review on Apple, Podbean, and/or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners! For updates on new episodes and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on [social media platforms, e.g., Twitter, Instagram, Facebook]. Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover? Reach out to us at [email protected]
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