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.

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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.

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.

Episode 75: 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!