Podcast
Shrink The Box
Hosted by Sony Music Entertainment · EN
Ever wondered why Frasier Crane is such a snob?
How Tyrion Lannister’s bawdy humour saves him in Game of Thrones?
What makes Schitts Creek’s Moira Rose a narcissist?
‘Shrink the Box’ is where actor comedian Ben Bailey Smith and psychotherapist Nemone Metaxas put their favourite fictional characters such Tommy from Peaky Blinders and Sydney from The Bear on the couch - to analyse why their behaviour causes them so much drama.
Nemone and Ben explore why these characters make certain decisions, what would happen if they made different ones and what we can learn from their mistakes. The perfect combination of psychology, self-help and the best TV since the birth of the box-set.
We would love to hear your theories: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com
A Sony Music Entertainment production.
Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us at @sonypodcasts
To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Introducing: How to Date
Feb 3, 202500:10:04Tap to summarizeLooking for love or navigating the modern dating world? We've got just the thing! How to Date is your ultimate guide to the highs, lows, and everything in between of modern romance. Hosted by broadcaster and author Elizabeth Day and relationship expert Mel Schilling, this podcast masterclass dives deep into the complexities of finding connection in today’s world. Whether you're decoding dating apps, breaking old patterns, or building confidence, Elizabeth and Mel are here to help—with humour, honesty, and expert advice. Featuring candid conversations with fascinating guests, you'll learn how to spot red flags, avoid communication pitfalls, cope with rejection, and even find love that's truly worthy of you. Plus, practical tips and exercises make this a must-listen for anyone looking to date with confidence and self-worth. After all, the most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one you have with yourself. A Daylight and Sony Music Entertainment Production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow @sonypodcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →Do you have a critical inner voice? Plus forgotten actors enjoying a renaissance and your questions answered - SHRINK THE INBOX
Sep 17, 202400:49:18Tap to summarizeFor the last episode of this season, team STB gets real with those pesky inner monologues (as promised in the Carrie: Sex and the City episode). Plus, what's the connection between 80s comedy-thriller Lovejoy and The Matrix? We explore actors who have come back from obscurity with aplomb. We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts. To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →CARRIE BRADSHAW – How to fight the patriarchy and stop obsessing over relationships – SHRINK THE BOX
Sep 10, 202400:49:57Tap to summarizeIn our final character episode of this season, we put Carrie from Sex and the City on the couch. Nemone looks at why Sex and the City hasn’t aged well, and Ben talks about diversity in the privileged, white world of the show. We get into Carrie’s shopping habit, low self-esteem, and why everyone in the show is SO obsessed with relationships, even though the women really have no need for them. We also get a primer on the Bechdel test, and how you can tell if a show is sexist without knowing it. And if you want to check out more on the patriarchy and diversity, have a listen to our episodes on Sydney from The Bear. We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com Find how to view the shows we’ve talked about here. CREDITS We used clips from episodes of Sex and the City. It’s available to watch on NOWTV/SKY. Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker – Carrie Bradshaw Cynthia Nixon – Miranda Hobbs Kim Cattrall – Samatha Jones Kristin Davis – Charlotte York Created by: Darren Star Candace Bushnell Directed by: Susan Seidalman Nicole Holofcener Alison Maclean Michael Fields Darren Star Produced by: Darren Star Michael Patrick King John P. Melfi Jenny Bicks Sarah Jessica Parker Cindy Chupack We would love to hear your theories: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts. To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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JACKSON LAMB in SLOW HORSES: Do spies make the best therapists? – SHRINK THE BOX
Sep 3, 202400:47:55Tap to summarizeBen and Nemone put Jackson Lamb from Slow Horses on the couch. Gary Oldman’s version of Mick Herron’s character has become household name, and you can see why. A man with many layers, a million secrets, and a lightning rod for other’s emotions – perhaps he is the perfect Freudian analyst. Nemone gives us a crash course in transference and counter-transference, looks at why people mask and create false selves, and what drives people into a career where they hide their true selves from everyone, including themselves. This is the PERFECT watching companion to Season 4 of Slow Horses, coming 4th September on AppleTV+! And if you want to look at false selves, then listen back to our episode on The Morning Show’s Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (selected episodes) CREDITS We used clips from Season 1 of Slow Horses. It’s available to watch on AppleTV+. Starring: Gary Oldman - Jackson Lamb Jack Lowden - River Cartwright Kristin Scott Thomas - Diana Taverner Saskia Reeves - Catherine Standish Rosalind Eleazar - Louisa Guy Christopher Chung - Roddy Ho Created by: Mick Herron Will Smith Directed by: James Hawes Jeremy Lovering Saul Metzstein Produced by: Iain Canning Hakan Kousetta Jamie Laurenson Gail Mutrux et al. We would love to hear your theories: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts. To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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CAPTAIN HOLT of BROOKLYN 99: Neurodiverse, gay and battling racism – SHRINK THE BOX
Aug 27, 202400:45:52Tap to summarizeBen and Nemone put Raymond Holt on the couch. We look at how this trailblazing policeman (the first black, gay police captain in the force) stands out from the rest of the precinct. We learn how family dynamics inform behaviour and what it takes to be a great leader. Nemone looks at a diagnosis of ASD or Asperger’s Syndrome for the captain, and Ben gives a heartwarming tribute to the great actor who played him, André Braugher. We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here Jackson Lamb, Slow Horses (Season 1) Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (selected episodes) CREDITS We used clips from episodes of Brooklyn 99. It’s available to watch on Netflix. Starring: Andy Samberg - Jacob "Jake" Peralta Stephanie Beatriz - Rosa Diaz Terry Crews - Terrence "Terry" JeffordsMelissa Fumero - Amy Santiago Joe Lo Truglio - Charles Boyle Chelsea Peretti - Regina "Gina" Linetti Andre Braugher - Raymond Holt Dirk Blocker as Michael Hitchcock and Joel McKinnon Miller as Norm Scully Created by: Dan Goor Michael Schur Directed by: Craig Zisk Julie Ann Robinson Troy Miller Dean Holland Jason Ensler Produced by: Dan Goor Michael Schur David Miner Phil Lord Christopher Miller (both; pilot) Luke Del Tredici David Phillips We would love to hear your theories: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts. To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →SCHITT’S CREEK and Moira Rose: this is narcissism – SHRINK THE BOX
Aug 20, 202400:48:09Tap to summarizeBen and Nemone put Moira Rose on the couch and take a deep dive into her narcissistic tendencies, and what effect that has on the rest of the Schitts. Nemone explains how narcissism is not as easy to spot as its widespread use would have you believe. We also discuss the collection of wigs that Moira keeps in her closet and why they are transitional objects. And if you’re interested in hearing more on narcissism, then check out our episode on Game of Thrones’ Cersei Lannister. We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here Raymond Holt, Brooklyn 99 (selected episodes) Jackson Lamb, Slow Horses (Season 1) Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (selected episodes) CREDITS We used clips from episodes of Schitt’s Creek. It’s available to watch on Netflix. Starring: Eugene Levy - Johnny Rose Catherine O'Hara - Moira Rose Daniel Levy - David Rose Annie Murphy - Alexis Rose Created by: Daniel Levy Eugene Levy Directed by: Jerry Ciccoritti Paul Fox Produced by: Eugene Levy Dan Levy Fred Levy Andrew Barnsley Ben Feigin Kevin White David West Read We would love to hear your theories: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts. To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Explaining addicts' behaviour, ‘trapped’ dramas (Handmaid’s Tale) and your questions - SHRINK THE INBOX
Aug 13, 202400:48:37Tap to summarizeIf characters in ‘trapped’ dramas escape, is that the end of the show? Ben and Nemone explore The Handmaid’s Tale and Severance as examples. Plus, Ben reacts to a listener’s ‘constructive’ feedback and Nemone explores Polyvagal Theory to explain why we might react in the way we do from childhood trauma. We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here Raymond Holt, Brooklyn 99 (selected episodes) Jackson Lamb, Slow Horses (Season 1) Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (selected episodes) Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts. To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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THE WIRE’S Bubbles: How do you help an addict? – SHRINK THE BOX
Aug 6, 202400:50:05Tap to summarizeBen and Nemone discuss The Wire’s ‘Bubbles’ aka Reginald Collins. An informant and heroin user, a man with a fragile support network who finds himself stranded while trying to forge closer bonds with those around him. Nemone tells Ben how unconditional love is the hardest thing to give an addict, and the key to helping them start their journey to sobriety. Plus we hear wisdom from Gabor Maté. Our episode on the Queen’s Gambit has great insights into addiction if you’re looking for even more on this subject. We talked about AA, Al Anon and Samaritans in the show. Here are links: AA: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/ Al Anon: https://al-anonuk.org.uk/ Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/ We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here Moira Rose, Schitt's Creek (Season 1) Raymond Holt, Brooklyn 99 (selected episodes) Jackson Lamb, Slow Horses (Season 1) Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (selected episodes) CREDITS We used clips from Seasons 1 of The Wire. It’s available to watch on NOWTV. Starring: Dominic West - Jimmy McNulty Idris Elba - Stringer Bell Lawrence Gilliard Jr. - D’Angelo Barskdale Wood Harris - Avon Barksdale Deirdre Lovejoy - Rhonda Pearlman Wendell Pierce - Detective Bunk Lance Reddick - Cpt. Cedric Daniels Andre Royo – Reginald Collins, aka Bubbles Sonja Sohn - Kima Greggs Created by: David Simon Directed by: Clark Johnson Peter Medak Clement Virgo Ed Bianchi Gloria Muzo Produced by: Karen L. Thorson Ed Burns Joe Chappelle George Pelecanos Eric Overmyer David Simon Robert F. Colesberry Nina Kostroff Noble We would love to hear your theories: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts. To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →PEAKY BLINDERS’ Polly Shelby: the silent observer in all of us – SHRINK THE BOX
Jul 30, 202400:47:26Tap to summarizeBen and Nemone discuss Helen McCrory’s iconic Poly Shelby from Peaky Blinders. She’s a devout Catholic, but up to her neck in the murky world of bootlegging and murder. Nemone gets into the thorny question of how she might match those up, and reveals how each of us has a ‘silent observer’ inside. We also dive into the history of women’s rights in 1920s England. Look out for some killer lines from our Polly, too. If you like this, you’ll love our look at Cersei Lannister and how to lead violent men using more than physical force, and the toll that takes. We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here Reginald "Bubbles" Cousins, The Wire (Season 1) Moira Rose, Schitt's Creek (Season 1) Raymond Holt, Brooklyn 99 (selected episodes) Jackson Lamb, Slow Horses (Season 1) Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (selected episodes) CREDITS We used clips from Seasons 1&2 of Peaky Blinders. It’s available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Starring: Tommy Shelby - Cillian Murphy Polly Gray - Helen McCrory Arthur Shelby - Paul Anderson Ada Shelby - Sophie Rundle Finn Shelby - Harry Kirton Lizzie Shelby - Natasha O'Keeffe Linda Shelby - Kate Phillips Created by: Steven Knight Directed by: Otto Bathurst Tom Harper Colm McCarthy Produced by: Katie Swinden Laurie Borg We would love to hear your theories: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts. To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK’S “Taystee”: Adoption, Child States and Attachment Theory – SHRINK THE BOX
Jul 23, 202400:47:23Tap to summarizeBen and Nemone discuss Tasha Jefferson, aka Taystee, from Orange is the New Black. We get fascinating insights into child states and how difficult they are to escape; attachment theory and why prison can be a better alternative to living in the outside world. Expect to laugh and cry while reliving one of the early bingeable series on Netflix. And if you’re interested in looking further into issues of adoption and racism, check out our episode on The Queen’s Gambit, from Season 1. We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so far and your character suggestions. Please drop the team an email (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here Polly, Peaky Blinders (seasons 1&2) Reginald "Bubbles" Cousins, The Wire (Season 1) Moira Rose, Schitt's Creek (Season 1) Raymond Holt, Brooklyn 99 (selected episodes) Jackson Lamb, Slow Horses (Season 1) Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City (selected episodes) CREDITS We used clips from Season 1 of Orange is the New Black. It’s available to watch on Netflix. Starring: Taylor Schilling as Piper Chapman Laura Prepon as Alex Vause, Michael Harney as Sam Healy Michelle Hurst as Miss Claudette Pelage Kate Mulgrew as Galina "Red" Reznikov Jason Biggs as Larry Bloom Uzo Aduba as Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren Danielle Brooks as Tasha "Taystee" Jefferson Natasha Lyonne as Nicky Nichols Taryn Manning as Tiffany "Pennsatucky" Doggett Selenis Leyva as Gloria Mendoza Adrienne C. Moore as Cynthia "Black Cindy" Hayes Dascha Polanco as Dayanara "Daya" Diaz Created by: Jenji Kohan Directed by: Michael Trim Andrew McCarthy Uta Briesewitz Jodie Foster Matthew Penn Produced by: Jenji Kohan Sara Hess Tara Herrmann Lisa Vinnecour Neri Kyle Tannenbaum Mark A. Burley We would love to hear your theories: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts. To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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