Songs On The Couch
Welcome to Songs on the Couch – the comedy podcast where music and psychology cozy up for a deep dive into the strange, wonderful world of your favorite songs. Hosted by Mo, the ever-curious psychologist who can diagnose your favorite lyrics (and maybe you too), and AJ, the musician who can hear a diminished seventh chord in their sleep and still deliver the artist’s backstory with flair – we’re here to unpack one song per episode, one existential crisis at a time. Each week, we dive into the history of the artist and their song, break down the sonic and musical weirdness (with love), analyze the lyrics and psychology behind them, and sprinkle in enough comedy to keep your inner child entertained (and possibly therapized). It’s like therapy... if your therapist brought a guitar and knew all the words to ”Bohemian Rhapsody.” New episodes every week.
Episodes
Love it. Hate it. Hear it against your will every December.
This week on Songs on the Couch, we tackle the most unavoidable Christmas song of all time: Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” We break down how a song written in 1994 became a yearly cultural event, a retail worker’s nightmare, and a festive juggernaut that refuses to die.
On the couch, we explore the psychology behind why this song brings some people joy a...
In this episode of Songs on the Couch, we dive deep into Sam Smith and Kim Petras’ explosive hit “Unholy.” We break down the song’s dark, industrial-pop production, the choral hook that feels both sacred and subversive, and the musical choices that made this track an instant global phenomenon.
On the psychology couch, we explore the song’s themes of secrecy, shame, rebellion, and empowerment - and this time, we also dive into perso...
This week on Songs on the Couch, we dive into the purple depths of Prince’s “When Doves Cry” - the groundbreaking hit with no bass line, emotional chaos, and a whole lot of genius.
We’ll unravel how a song that sounds like heartbreak mixed with electricity became one of the most influential tracks of the ‘80s. From the psychological storm of love and identity to the sheer perfection of Prince’s control-freak brilliance, this episod...
On this episode of Songs on the Couch, we dive deep into Taylor Swift’s shimmering, emotionally charged hit “Cruel Summer.” From its bold synth-pop production to its raw lyrical honesty, we explore the song through both a musical and psychological lens. What makes “Cruel Summer” so cathartic? How does Swift capture the thrill and agony of forbidden love? Join us as we unpack the tension, vulnerability, and sonic brilliance behind o...
In this episode of Songs on the Couch, we unpack Forget Me - Lewis Capaldi’s triumphant return after a three-year break. From his emotional struggles and raw honesty to the tongue-in-cheek video inspired by Wham!’s Club Tropicana, we explore how Capaldi balances heartbreak with humour. Join us as we break down the song’s meaning, its comeback significance, and the psychology behind turning pain into pop perfection.
In this episode of Songs on the Couch, we dive into the hauntingly beautiful ballad Kiss from a Rose by Seal. From its mysterious lyrics to its lush orchestration and unexpected rise to fame through Batman Forever, we unpack the history, meaning, and psychological layers behind one of the most iconic songs of the 1990s. Was it really about love, loss, or something deeper? Join us as we explore the story behind Seal’s masterpiece.
Feeling the weight of the world? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into Billy Joel’s 1982 classic Pressure, a synth-driven anthem of stress, anxiety, and modern life.
We’ll explore: The story behind The Nylon Curtain - Billy’s most ambitious (and almost conceptual) album. How the cultural backdrop of the early ’80s - recessions, Cold War tensions, and looming Wall Street crashes - fueled the song’s anxious energy. The psyc...
Is Green Day’s Boulevard of Broken Dreams really just a sad, lonely anthem… or something much deeper? In this episode, we break down the history of the band, from their scrappy punk beginnings to the post-9/11 world that shaped American Idiot. We dive into the sonic layers of the song, why it struck a chord with a generation, and the surprising psychology behind loneliness, identity, and resilience.
Expect laughs, insights, and a f...
Think this 80s pop hit is just about love and loyalty? Think again. We dig into the silky synths, Rick’s legendary rise, the Rickroll takeover, and the surprising psychological layers hiding under that catchy chorus. Spoiler: it’s more than just a feel-good bop!
On the couch this week: a two-minute metal masterpiece that changed the course of music history. We’re diving into Paranoid by Black Sabbath — a song that was literally written as filler... and ended up inventing heavy metal. Ozzy Osbourne's vocals, Tony Iommi’s detuned riffing, Geezer Butler’s dark lyricism, and Bill Ward’s thunder — all packed into one urgent, chaotic, sonic punch. We explore the birth of metal, the psychology of...
Episode 10 is out now!
This week on Songs On The Couch, we’re turning it up Aussie-style with Ego Is Not a Dirty Word by Skyhooks — the glam-rock anthem that dared to celebrate confidence, challenge conformity, and raise eyebrows in 1970s Australia.
We explore the bold lyrics, the theatrical sound, and the psychological punch behind Skyhooks’ unapologetic swagger—and why ego might just deserve a little redemption.
This week on Songs On The Couch, we sink our teeth into Bad Habits by Ed Sheeran — his synth-pop detour into late-night temptation, self-sabotage, and vampire club vibes.We unpack the sonic shift, the catchy darkness, and the psychological spiral behind one of Ed’s most unexpected—and infectious—hits.
This week on Songs On The Couch, we're breaking down Clocks by Coldplay — the hypnotic, piano-driven anthem that turned time, tension, and existential dread into pure sonic beauty.
We explore the song’s unusual chord progressions, haunting melodies, and the emotional psychology behind Coldplay’s breakthrough into the mainstream.
This week on Songs On The Couch, we’re diving into Paper Planes by M.I.A. — a genre-bending global hit packed with political bite, satire, and the most iconic cash register sound in pop history. We explore how M.I.A. flipped hip-hop, punk, and world music into a protest anthem disguised as a pop banger — and why its message still hits hard today.
This week on Songs On The Couch, we’re unraveling the chaotic brilliance of Flagpole Sitta by Harvey Danger — a furious, funny, and oddly prophetic anthem of paranoia, media overload, and identity crisis.
We dig into the song’s alt-rock edge, biting lyrics, and the weirdly timeless mental state it captured back in 1997 (and still today).
Listen now—available on all major podcast platforms.
This week on Songs On The Couch, we’re diving into Stressed Out by Twenty One Pilots — the anthem of a generation stuck between childhood dreams and adult pressures.
We unpack the song’s genre-blending sound, vulnerable lyrics, and psychological themes of anxiety, identity, and nostalgia.
Stream it now—available on all major podcast platforms.
Episode 4 is here! This week we’re diving into Blinding Lights by The Weeknd — the retro synth-pop smash that lit up the charts and our brains.
From neon-soaked production to emotional disconnection, we’re breaking down the sound, the style, and the psychology behind one of the most streamed songs of all time.
Tune in now—available on all major podcast platforms.
Songs On The Couch Episode 3 - Post Malone, Rockstar This time, we’re diving into rockstar by Post Malone (feat. 21 Savage) — a dark, moody anthem about fame, identity, and the cost of living like a legend. 🥀🎤
From trap beats to toxic bravado, we’re unpacking the sound, the swagger, and the psychology behind one of Posty's biggest hits and the the musical elements that make the song so addictive The psychological themes behind th...
Songs On The Couch Episode 2 - Lorde, Royals We’re diving into Royals by Lorde — the minimalist masterpiece that flipped pop music on its head and questioned the whole idea of fame, luxury, and identity.
From sparse beats to sharp lyrics, we explore what makes this song so hypnotic—and what it says about the world we live in, the musical elements that make the song so addictive The psychological themes behind the lyrics Some laugh...
🎙️ Songs On The Couch Episode 1 - The Killers, Mr Brightside
Welcome to the very first episode of Songs on the Couch! This week, we're diving into Mr. Brightside by The Killers — a song that's not just a karaoke classic, but a modern anthem of jealousy, hope, and emotional chaos. Join our musician and psychologist duo as we unpack: The history of The Killers and the making of Mr. Brightside The musical elements that make the song ...
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