Episodes

  • 987: Triggering MTV Experience, America's Next Top Model Documentary, and EMDR Therapy

    987: Triggering MTV Experience, America's Next Top Model Documentary, and EMDR Therapy
    Feb 23 2026

    Lordy, lordy, Sarah is almost 40! In this episode, Susie shares a wild story she heard about the OJ Simpson case that has her questioning everything. We also dive into the America's Next Top Model documentary. As two women with reality TV backgrounds, we found it triggering, and discuss why people get so offended when we share negative experiences from our time on MTV.

    From the chaos of TV to the delights of recovery, we then explore the topic of EMDR therapy. We break down what experts are saying about it, why there is disagreement on why it works, and the concerns about some therapists getting fast and loose with their implementation of it. Finally, Susie discusses an interview with a woman who had no idea she was pregnant and accidentally gave birth in a toilet. We examine how it is possible for someone to be completely unaware of their pregnancy.

    In This Episode:

    • Sarah is almost 40!
    • A wild story about the OJ Simpson case
    • The America's Next Top Model documentary and our MTV reality TV experiences
    • What experts say about EMDR therapy and its implementation
    • How someone can not know they are pregnant and give birth in a toilet


    The Sponsors & Partnerships we Love:

    Get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life when you go to https://www.hungryroot.com/braincandy and use code braincandy

    Support the Brain Candy Podcast:

    • Website: https://thebraincandypodcast.com/
    • Book Recommendations: https://thebraincandypodcast.com/books/
    • Merchandise: https://thebraincandypodcast.com/candy-store/
    • Candy Club: https://thebraincandypodcast.com/product/candy-club/
    • Sponsor Codes: https://thebraincandypodcast.com/support-us/
    • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/braincandy (JOIN FREE - TONS OF REALITY TV CONTENT)

    Follow Us on Social Media & Platforms:

    • LIVE Interactive Trivia Nights: https://www.youtube.com/@BrainCandyPodcast/streams
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcast
    • Host Susie Meister Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeister
    • Host Sarah Rice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahrice
    • Brain Candy Podcast on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypod


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • 986: The Amazon Mystery, Aspirational Clutter & The "Fresh Start" Effect

    986: The Amazon Mystery, Aspirational Clutter & The "Fresh Start" Effect
    Feb 19 2026
    Is Sarah the victim of a "brushing scam," or does she have a secret admirer living down the street? This week, we are playing detective to solve the Amazon mystery box riddle. Sarah received a random assortment of items that suggests she either has a stalker or a crafting soulmate she hasn't met yet. Meanwhile, Susie learns the hard way that Facebook Marketplace is a lawless wasteland after a "porch pirate" swiped her items right from under her nose.In This Episode:The Amazon Glitch: We debate whether receiving random packages is a fun surprise or a security breach.Aspirational Clutter: We break down the psychology behind the stuff we keep for our "fantasy selves." If you have a closet full of hobbies you never started, you are suffering from Aspirational Clutter. We discuss how to let go of the guilt and clear the space.The Fresh Start Effect: Did you already abandon your New Year's Resolutions? We explain the science of the "Fresh Start Effect" and how to hit the reset button on your goals without waiting for January 1st.The Friendship Move: We tackle a massive cultural debate: Society expects us to move across the country for a romantic partner, but is it crazy to move for your friends? We discuss the rise of platonic life partnerships and why prioritizing community might be the key to happiness.Whether you are drowning in clutter, dealing with online scammers, or reconsidering your living situation, this episode is the reset you need.Join the Debate! We need your vote in the comments:The Box: Is Sarah’s mystery sender creepy or sweet?The Move: Would you pack up and move to a new city just to be closer to your best friend?The Clutter: What is the one "aspirational" item you refuse to throw away? (We know you have that yoga mat...)Tell us your "Facebook Marketplace Horror Story"!#AspirationalClutter #FreshStartEffect #AmazonMystery #DeclutteringTips #FriendshipGoals #MovingForFriends #Podcast #FacebookMarketplace #NewYearsResolutions #PsychologyHacksBrain Candy Podcast Website - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/Brain Candy Podcast Book Recommendations - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/books/Brain Candy Podcast Merchandise - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/candy-store/Brain Candy Podcast Candy Club - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/product/candy-club/Brain Candy Podcast Sponsor Codes - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/support-us/Brain Candy Podcast Social Media & Platforms:Brain Candy Podcast LIVE Interactive Trivia Nights - https://www.youtube.com/@BrainCandyPodcast/streamsBrain Candy Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastHost Susie Meister Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterHost Sarah Rice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBrain Candy Podcast on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodBrain Candy Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/braincandy (JOIN FREE - TONS OF REALITY TV CONTENT)Brain Candy Podcast Sponsors, partnerships, & Products that we love:Get $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you visit https://nutrafol.com and enter promo code BRAINCANDYHead to https://cozyearth.com and use my code BRAINCANDY for up to 20% off.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • 985: Olympic Drama, The Lucy Letby Verdict, & The Ethics of "Arrest" YouTube

    985: Olympic Drama, The Lucy Letby Verdict, & The Ethics of "Arrest" YouTube
    Feb 16 2026
    We are officially living the "O-head" Olympic lifestyle, but the podium isn’t all glory. This week, we’re debating Lindsey Vonn’s controversial decision to compete on a torn ACL. Was it a display of heart, or did she rob a healthy athlete of their shot at gold? Plus, we break down the most unhinged post-race interview in history: a Norwegian bronze medalist who decided a global broadcast was the perfect place to trauma-dump about his infidelity and recent breakup.The conversation takes a serious turn as we dive into the Lucy Letby case. We analyze the trial of the neonatal nurse convicted of murdering infants and ask the tough question: was justice served, or did a flawed medical system produce a flawed trial?We also tackle the modern feminist dilemma of splitting the bill on a first date and explore the dark side of the creator economy—YouTubers who use FOIA requests to profit off body cam footage of women being arrested. Finally, Sarah is prepping for jury duty, and we’re taking bets on how long it takes her to turn the courtroom into a Law & Order episode. #LucyLetby #OlympicDrama #LindseyVonn #TrueCrimePodcast #FirstDateEtiquetteBrain Candy Podcast Website - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/Brain Candy Podcast Book Recommendations - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/books/Brain Candy Podcast Merchandise - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/candy-store/Brain Candy Podcast Candy Club - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/product/candy-club/Brain Candy Podcast Sponsor Codes - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/support-us/Brain Candy Podcast Social Media & Platforms:Brain Candy Podcast LIVE Interactive Trivia Nights - https://www.youtube.com/@BrainCandyPodcast/streamsBrain Candy Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastHost Susie Meister Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterHost Sarah Rice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBrain Candy Podcast on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodBrain Candy Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/braincandy (JOIN FREE - TONS OF REALITY TV CONTENT)Brain Candy Podcast Sponsors, partnerships, & Products that we love:For 50% off your order, head to https://www.dailylook.com and use code BRAINCANDYFor a limited time, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping, when you head to https://www.smalls.com/braincandyHead to https://www.brodo.com/CANDY for 20% off your first subscription order and use code CANDY for an additional $10 off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins
  • 984: Friends, Communities, and Explosive Extractions

    984: Friends, Communities, and Explosive Extractions
    Feb 12 2026
    Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches, but while Sarah and Amy are navigating a new romantic milestone, Susie is mostly just finding the whole shift deeply annoying. The duo dives into the social dynamics of the season by dissecting the functional differences between friendship and community, exploring why we need both even if they serve wildly different purposes in our lives. The conversation takes a sharp turn into "fitness cults" as Sarah realizes her old workout routine was less about health and more about a non-religious devotion to a gym leader, before pivoting to a bizarre news story involving a WWI artillery shell and a very delicate emergency room extraction. Naturally, this leads to a candid and hilarious debate over the 69 position; Sarah maintains it is an overrated logistical nightmare, but after Susie’s passionate defense, the pair concludes that Sarah’s distaste is likely just a result of poor execution.00:00 - New Relationship Dynamics and Valentine's Day Expectations10:19 - Understanding the Different Needs of Friendship and Community16:44 - Film Students and the Decline of Attention Spans24:41 - Manage Your Money and Cancel Subscriptions with Rocket Money26:46 - The Problem with Grading on a Curve in Academia30:47 - A Bizarre Emergency Room Visit: Unexploded Artillery Shell42:07 - Amplify Your Everyday with Thrive Cosmetics and Community Support44:56 - Sarah and Susie Debate the Logistics of the 69 Position49:57 - Experiencing Awe: Aquanauts and the Underwater Overview Effect54:16 - Why Public Dancing is Disappearing and Overcoming EmbarrassmentBrain Candy Podcast Website - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/Brain Candy Podcast Book Recommendations - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/books/Brain Candy Podcast Merchandise - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/candy-store/Brain Candy Podcast Candy Club - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/product/candy-club/Brain Candy Podcast Sponsor Codes - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/support-us/Brain Candy Podcast Social Media & Platforms:Brain Candy Podcast LIVE Interactive Trivia Nights - https://www.youtube.com/@BrainCandyPodcast/streamsBrain Candy Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastHost Susie Meister Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterHost Sarah Rice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBrain Candy Podcast on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodBrain Candy Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/braincandy (JOIN FREE - TONS OF REALITY TV CONTENT)Brain Candy Podcast Sponsors, partnerships, & Products that we love:Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at https://rocketmoney.com/braincandyGo to https://thrivecausemetics.com/braincandy for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order.Head to https://www.wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • 983: LEGO Poop Study, Toxic Stadiums & The Susan Powter Story

    983: LEGO Poop Study, Toxic Stadiums & The Susan Powter Story
    Feb 9 2026
    On this episode of The Brain Candy Podcast, Sarah Rice and Susie Meister discuss the viral scientific study regarding LEGO digestion. We explore the pediatric research that determined exactly how long it takes for a swallowed LEGO brick to pass through the digestive system and the hilarious acronym scientists created for the process. The conversation then shifts to the rise and fall of 90s fitness icon Susan Powter. We discuss the documentary detailing how the Stop the Insanity spokesperson went from leading a multimillion-dollar wellness empire to working in the gig economy, and the complex legal battles that led to her decline.We also investigate the rare medical condition known as Foreign Accent Syndrome, where patients suddenly speak with an unlearned accent. Finally, we break down the conspiracy theory involving the San Francisco 49ers and their practice facility, examining the speculation that toxic field conditions are contributing to the NFL team's high injury rate. Plus, Sarah shares stories from her girls' weekend and Susie celebrates her new bowling ball ownership.00:00 - Susie's New Bowling Ball and Sarah's Empowering Girls' Weekend08:55 - Delicious & Healthy Meal Delivery with Hungry Root14:43 - Mr. Rogers Tattoo and the Scientific Lego Poop Study28:20 - Transform Your Skincare Routine with One Skin's OS1 Peptide30:54 - The Rise and Fall of 90s Fitness Icon Susan Powter44:01 - Unexplained Brain Phenomena: Foreign Accent Syndrome and Identity51:04 - Find Your Support System with Better Help Online Therapy53:48 - Acquired Savant Abilities and the 49ers Toxic Stadium Controversy59:59 - Episode Recap and Sarah's Unexpected Ventriloquism TalentBrain Candy Podcast Website - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/Brain Candy Podcast Book Recommendations - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/books/Brain Candy Podcast Merchandise - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/candy-store/Brain Candy Podcast Candy Club - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/product/candy-club/Brain Candy Podcast Sponsor Codes - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/support-us/Brain Candy Podcast Social Media & Platforms:Brain Candy Podcast LIVE Interactive Trivia Nights - https://www.youtube.com/@BrainCandyPodcast/streamsBrain Candy Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastHost Susie Meister Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterHost Sarah Rice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBrain Candy Podcast on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodBrain Candy Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/braincandy (JOIN FREE - TONS OF REALITY TV CONTENT)Brain Candy Podcast Sponsors, partnerships, & Products that we love:Get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life when you go to https://www.hungryroot.com/braincandy and use code braincandyThis episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://www.betterhelp.com/braincandyGet 15% off OneSkin with the code BRAINCANDY at https://www.oneskin.co/braincandy #oneskinpodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 7 mins
  • 982: The Truth About Scurvy, Yogurtland Hacks, & A New Kingdom?

    982: The Truth About Scurvy, Yogurtland Hacks, & A New Kingdom?
    Feb 5 2026
    Is Alex Honnold a "bad dad" for scaling the Taipei skyscraper? Susie and Sarah react to his latest feat and debate where the line is between bravery and recklessness.In this episode, Sarah also reveals her secrets to becoming an all-time Yogurtland champion, including how to maximize toppings to get the absolute most bang for your buck. We also dive into some wild science news: what scurvy actually is (and why you definitely don't want it), plus the discovery of a brand new "kingdom" of living things that is unfortunately for us, already extinct.Finally, we cover the latest breaking Olympic news. We discuss why we might be future Olympians, and break down the ridiculous controversy coming out of Norway involving uniforms, stitching, and a very awkward wardrobe malfunction.Topics in this Brain Candy Podcast Episode Include:Yogurtland Strategy: How to maximize your cup value.Science Class: The horrifying reality of Scurvy and a lost biological Kingdom.Alex Honnold: Reaction to the Taipei climb and parenting debates.The Olympics: Norway's uniform controversy and how winning comes down to the stitching.Comments are gold to us. Leave on would ya!00:00 - Mastering Yogurtland: Toppings, Cones, and Candy Shop Nostalgia10:20 - Unveiling Scurvy: Old Wounds Reopen and Teeth Fall Out14:46 - Discovering a New Extinct Kingdom and Debating Flat Earth26:16 - Alex Honnold's Climb: Bravery, Recklessness, and Parental ResponsibilityBrain Candy Podcast Website - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/Brain Candy Podcast Book Recommendations - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/books/Brain Candy Podcast Merchandise - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/candy-store/Brain Candy Podcast Candy Club - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/product/candy-club/Brain Candy Podcast Sponsor Codes - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/support-us/Brain Candy Podcast Social Media & Platforms:Brain Candy Podcast LIVE Interactive Trivia Nights - https://www.youtube.com/@BrainCandyPodcast/streamsBrain Candy Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastHost Susie Meister Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterHost Sarah Rice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBrain Candy Podcast on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodBrain Candy Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/braincandy (JOIN FREE - TONS OF REALITY TV CONTENT)Brain Candy Podcast Sponsors, partnerships, & Products that we love:Get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life when you go to https://www.hungryroot.com/braincandy and use code braincandyHead to https://cozyearth.com and use my code BRAINCANDYBOGO to get these pj’s for you and someone you love!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • 981: Elizabeth Smart, Secret Mall Apartment, & Pungent Food

    981: Elizabeth Smart, Secret Mall Apartment, & Pungent Food
    Feb 2 2026
    We discuss the Elizabeth Smart documentary about her kidnapping and miraculous rescue, and the complicated nature of healing from that trauma. We learn about a graduate student who was offended when people in the department asked him to stop microwaving his "pungent" food, so he sued the school claiming he was discriminated against. We talk about the people who created a secret apartment in the mall and lived there for a long time without being detected, why they did it, and whether we love it or are annoyed by it. Susie talks about a woman who was busted for drunk driving and drug possession, but handled it in a hilarious way.00:00 - Why Don't Modern Films Teach Us Lessons Anymore?04:08 - Susie's Obsession with HBO's The Pit Series06:24 - Ice Storms, Bowling Ball Gifts, and Caraway Cookware13:10 - Unpacking the Elizabeth Smart Kidnapping Documentary22:21 - Artisan Bread & Pastries with Wild Grain24:54 - The Grad Student Who Sued Over Pungent Microwave Food32:14 - Living Undetected in a Secret Mall Apartment45:28 - The Woman with a Bag Labeled 'Definitely Not Drugs'51:05 - The Flippant Attitude of Free Solo Climber Alex Honnold54:54 - Tyra Banks and Blaming the Audience for Spectacle57:49 - Join Our Community & Support the PodcastBrain Candy Podcast Website - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/Brain Candy Podcast Book Recommendations - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/books/Brain Candy Podcast Merchandise - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/candy-store/Brain Candy Podcast Candy Club - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/product/candy-club/Brain Candy Podcast Sponsor Codes - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/support-us/Brain Candy Podcast Social Media & Platforms:Brain Candy Podcast LIVE Interactive Trivia Nights - https://www.youtube.com/@BrainCandyPodcast/streamsBrain Candy Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastHost Susie Meister Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterHost Sarah Rice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBrain Candy Podcast on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodBrain Candy Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/braincandy (JOIN FREE - TONS OF REALITY TV CONTENT)Brain Candy Podcast Sponsors, partnerships, & Products that we love:Visit https://www.carawayhome.com/braincandypod to take an additional 10% off your next purchase!Get $30 off your first box - PLUS free Croissants for life - when you go to https://wildgrain.com/braincandy to start your subscription today!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • 980: Case Closed, Umbrella Upgrade, & Exclamations

    980: Case Closed, Umbrella Upgrade, & Exclamations
    Jan 29 2026
    Sarah is all hot and bothered for the "gay hockey show," Heated Rivalry, and she explains why lesbians would enjoy male on male heat. Susie is all wound up about something totally different: umbrellas. To each their own. We learn about a practice that was created in the 1980s where people dying of AIDS would sell their life insurance policies to investors, and we debate the ethics of betting on someone's death. We discuss the difference in written communication between women and men, and the reason women have to track their punctuation and balance perceived warmth and competence. We find out which celebrities are mentioned the most in pop songs, and the three factors that can increase your chances of being name dropped. Plus, Susie shares big news in the true crime world, where two of the biggest unsolved cases in history have been solved--and the same person (allegedly) did both.00:00 - Finally, an Umbrella That Actually Works: The Origami Design12:26 - Boost Your Hair Growth with Neutrophil Supplement14:18 - The Ethics of Viatical Settlements During the AIDS Epidemic22:01 - Do Parents Really Have a Favorite Child? The Surprising Study Results32:30 - Cozy Earth: The Secret to a Better Night's Sleep34:48 - Women, Exclamation Points, and the Balance of Warmth vs. Competence44:58 - Who Gets Name-Dropped Most in Pop Songs? The Data Reveals All50:21 - The Zodiac and Black Dahlia Killers: One Person, Two Unsolved Mysteries Solved01:01:39 - From Hidden Treasure to DB Cooper: Updates on Famous Unsolved CasesBrain Candy Podcast Website - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/Brain Candy Podcast Book Recommendations - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/books/Brain Candy Podcast Merchandise - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/candy-store/Brain Candy Podcast Candy Club - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/product/candy-club/Brain Candy Podcast Sponsor Codes - https://thebraincandypodcast.com/support-us/Brain Candy Podcast Social Media & Platforms:Brain Candy Podcast LIVE Interactive Trivia Nights - https://www.youtube.com/@BrainCandyPodcast/streamsBrain Candy Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braincandypodcastHost Susie Meister Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemeisterHost Sarah Rice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imsarahriceBrain Candy Podcast on X: https://www.x.com/braincandypodBrain Candy Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/braincandy (JOIN FREE - TONS OF REALITY TV CONTENT)Brain Candy Podcast Sponsors, partnerships, & Products that we love:Get $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to https://nutrafol.com and enter the promo code BRAINCANDYHead to https://cozyearth.com and use my code BRAINCANDYBOGO to get these pj’s for you and someone you love! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins