Shrink The Box
Shrink the Box is a podcast where actor and comedian Ben Bailey Smith and psychotherapist Nemone Metaxas analyze fictional characters from popular TV shows like Frasier, Game of Thrones, Schitt's Creek, Peaky Blinders, and The Bear. They explore the psychological motivations behind these characters' behaviors, discuss how different choices might change their stories, and draw lessons for listeners. The show blends psychology, self-help, and TV commentary, inviting audience theories via email.
Episodes
Introducing: How to Date
Looking 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
Do you have a critical inner voice? Plus forgotten actors enjoying a renaissance and your questions answered - SHRINK THE INBOX
For 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 char
CARRIE BRADSHAW – How to fight the patriarchy and stop obsessing over relationships – SHRINK THE BOX
In 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 a
JACKSON LAMB in SLOW HORSES: Do spies make the best therapists? – SHRINK THE BOX
Ben 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 f
CAPTAIN HOLT of BROOKLYN 99: Neurodiverse, gay and battling racism – SHRINK THE BOX
Ben 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 w
SCHITT’S CREEK and Moira Rose: this is narcissism – SHRINK THE BOX
Ben 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
Explaining addicts' behaviour, ‘trapped’ dramas (Handmaid’s Tale) and your questions - SHRINK THE INBOX
If 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
THE WIRE’S Bubbles: How do you help an addict? – SHRINK THE BOX
Ben 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
PEAKY BLINDERS’ Polly Shelby: the silent observer in all of us – SHRINK THE BOX
Ben 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
ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK’S “Taystee”: Adoption, Child States and Attachment Theory – SHRINK THE BOX
Ben 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
REESE WITHERSPOON and JENNIFER ANISTON’s Alex and Bradley tackle sexism and false selves on The Morning Show - SHRINK THE BOX
Ben and Nemone put Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon’s The Morning Show characters, Alex and Bradley, on the couch. We ask how a person creates a false self at work, what makes Bradley break the mould and find out how Alex could ever have respect for her male boss in the middle of a #MeToo scandal. Stay tuned for more on false selves in our upcoming episodes on Jackson Lamb and Polly Shelby t
Addiction in “Euphoria”, Analysis vs. Therapy and Sir Salman Rushdie! - SHRINK THE INBOX
Ben and Nemone answer your questions and explore your suggestions. They talk about whether they have any friends who are spies and explore some brilliant female led comedies you've either missed or forgotten.
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 s
TYRION LANNISTER knows how to play the Game...of Thrones SHRINK THE BOX
Ben and Nemone put Tyrion Lannister from Game of Thrones on the couch. Tyrion doesn’t conform to society’s norms. How does he use that to his advantage? He’s booksmart, cunning and the most open-minded man in Westeros. This ‘half-man’ is, in fact, three times as impressive as any of his peers. We look into difference, diversity and skulduggery in this latest episode. Don’t miss it!
We want to
SYDNEY from THE BEAR: when will she reach her boiling point? SHRINK THE BOX
Ben and Nemone put sous-chef Sydney Adamu from The Bear into therapy. She helps whip the team at the restaurant into shape, she’s nurturing but anxious and riddled with self-doubt, not to mention a person of colour with the highest of ambitions in a profession dominated by white men. Mouthwatering, no?
We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve thought of the show so
CHANDLER BING: could it BE any more complicated? SHRINK THE BOX
Ben and Nemone put Chandler from Friends on the famous Central Perk couch to talk about his phobia of commitment, his attachment patterns and how he feels about mum AND dad putting on a black dress and trying to seduce one of your best friends. Expect doses of sarcasm, celebrity cameos and Janice’s laughter peppered throughout.
We want to hear about any theories we might have missed, what you’ve
MICHAEL SCOTT invites you into The Office: SHRINK THE BOX
Ben and Nemone stroll into The Office (USA). They consider the differences between Michael Scott and David Brent, explore ego and ask why some people think they’re funny (when they’re just not).
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): shrinkthebo
SHRINK THE INBOX
Ben and Nemone answer your questions and explore your suggestions. They talk about whether they have any friends who are spies and explore some brilliant female led comedies you've either missed or forgotten.
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)
LARRY DAVID: Curb star who falls out with everyone in SHRINK THE BOX
He’s grumpy, belligerent, stubborn, filterless and has to win every single argument. We ask how Larry David has any friends left and why he is so concerned with manners, yet is rude to virtually everyone he meets. Plus, Ben and Nemone look at why some people find Curb Your Enthusiasm excruciating whilst others just can’t get enough of the hit show.
We want to hear about any theories we might ha
TOMMY SHELBY: We Peek Behind the Blinders in SHRINK THE BOX
Gang dynamics, whether you can escape a criminal heritage and the physiological cause and effect of PTSD. Plus, race rigging, opium smoking and casual violence - all in a day's work for The Peaky Blinders.
Here’s the article Ben mentioned by his sister Zadie Smith: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1399593/My-father-the-accidental-hero.html
We want to hear about any theories we might have
CERSEI LANNISTER’s Power Behind the Throne: SHRINK THE BOX
As Cersei says: ‘power is power’ and she’s got it in spades. We investigate how she becomes a master manipulator, and we take an honest objective look at her over-familiar relations with her brother Jaime.
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): s
FRASIER CRANE: Inside the mind of the Seattle psychiatrist on this week’s SHRINK THE BOX
Where does Frasier’s snobbery originate from? Why does he revert to his ‘child state’ when around his father? And... the hidden story behind Frasier being a Freudian analyst and Niles (his brother) being a Jungian analyst.
Plus, Ben and Nemone’s minds are blown when they realise a crazy coincidence with Frasier and Tony Soprano.
We want to hear from you!!! Please drop the team an email with yo
Introducing...Shrink The Box Series 2
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 behavio
28: Shrink the Inbox
BBC’s ‘Ghosts’ - we explore them further. We also ask if Homer Simpson is abusive and we answer your questions in this special bonus edition.
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We'd love to hear your comments and guest suggestions on the show. Email: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com
Shrink The Box is a Sony Music Entertainmen
27: Shrink the Inbox
Ben’s close encounter with an obsessive fan. Plus we ask why writers create good-looking psychopaths and we explore your character suggestions in this special bonus edition.
EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/shrink Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
Shrink The Box is a Sony Music Entertainment production.
We'd love to hear your comments and guest suggestions
26: The Bear - Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto
As Season 2 hits our screens, we reflect on the recipe that had everyone crying into their dinner, how Carmy and Ritchie approach grief differently and how advice from a Vietnamese Buddist Monk can be applied to a professional kitchen.
The Bear is available to watch on Disney Plus. As ever, adult issues, language and spoilers will be sprinkled liberally throughout the show.
If you want to catc
25: Sex Education - Otis, Eric and Adam
You’d think someone with two therapist parents would be golden. Why Otis is scared of sex. Plus what’s worse, having a parent who is strict or a smotherer? We look at what it’s like for the rest of the boys such as Eric, Adam and Jackson in the second of this two-parter on the hugely popular Netflix show.
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call S
24: Sex Education - Maeve Wiley
What it’s like being called a ‘cock-biter’ - how Maeve is misunderstood and underestimated. Plus revenge porn, toxic friendships and fears or fascination around sex. In this two parter: we look at the girls first and what they face growing up in this hugely popular Netflix show.
We'd love to hear your comments and guest suggestions on the show. Email: shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com
If you have been
23: Jamie Tovell - Top Boy
Emotional contagion in gang culture is not the only issue driving this week's client. Does compartmentalising ruthless work and being a caregiver have ill effects? We delve into how grief can drive reckless decision-making to become Top Boy.
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-sa
22: Mitch and Cam - Modern Family
The difference between personality types: Feeler or Dealer. Plus why Mitch is so desperate to be one of the crowd and Cam wants to stand outside of it. We explore two of our favourite characters in more detail.
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan.
Internationally: htt
21: Wendy Byrde - Ozark
What does infidelity say about a marriage? How can honesty in the face of money laundering keep a family together, and what sort of mother is Wendy? We learn how a wholesome American mum holds her nerve (and maybe even thrives) against a cartel.
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-s
20: Ghosts - Mike Cooper
With special guest Kiell Smith-Bynoe who plays Mike in hit BBC comedy ‘Ghosts’. Ben and Sasha ask: is sharing your partner with a group of ghosts a metaphor for partnerships and what’s it like to act next to dead people? Plus, they take a look at why it's not just our upbringing that shapes us, but also the time we come from. Recorded Live at The Podcast Show in London.
If you have been affect
19: Seinfeld - George Costanza
What’s an anxious ruminator? What happens when self-blame is a way of life and how stationery can be lethal? We learn that there’s a little bit of George in all of us and how to keep it at bay.
Our top ten George episodes (available on Netflix)
Season 2, episode 4: The Phone Message
Season 4, episode 10: The Contest
Season 4, episode 15: The Shoes
Season 5, episode 14: The Marine Biologist
S
18: Happy Valley - Catherine Cawood
How anger can be a force for good, are we misusing the word ‘trigger’ and what happens when a birthday party turns into a domestic. We deep dive into the police sergeant’s life to see how she copes (or not).
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan.
Internationally: https://ww
17: Schitt’s Creek - David and Alexis Rose
Ben and Sasha break down how the Schitt’s Creek siblings are fuelled differently, the different flavours of wine, and why quality time with the ones who love us most, trumps all.
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan.
Internationally: https://www.befrienders.org/
For UK he
16: The White Lotus - Tanya McQuoid
Ben and Sasha ask why do some people behave like big babies (and why is it more obvious in wealthy people); why can trying to hold on to someone mean you actually push them away, and how can we learn to spot terrible mistakes heading in our direction?
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/con
15: Better Call Saul - Jimmy McGill
Ben & Sash explore what makes a successful confidence trickster, and how Jimmy McGill is full of contradictions: criminal and yet kind. Plus, how it’s difficult not to slide back into old habits without the right support.
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARITANS on 116 123 samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan.
International
14: Shrink the Inbox
Ben Bailey Smith and Sasha Bates delve into the Shrink the Box emails to answer questions, discuss new character suggestions and pick each other’s brains.
This week: they muse on whether the Roy Family (Succession) could really do a group therapy session and Ben asks Sasha whether she ever dislikes her clients (and other tricky therapist conundrums).
If you have been affected by any of the iss
13: Shrink the Inbox
Ben and Sasha delve into the Shrink the Box emails to answer questions, discuss new character suggestions and pick each other’s brains.
This week: they wonder whether analysing a fictional character means you are analysing the writer too. Plus what it would be like to have a werewolf on the couch.
If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode: For the UK, call SAMARI
12: Succession - Shiv Roy
Siobhan Roy has it all: a high flying career, a man who adores her, and a private jet at her disposal.
And still it’s not enough. This week we explore the most dysfunctional of family dynamics, how power is mistaken for love, and why the need for parental approval... never quite goes away.
Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of Succession to avoid spoilers.
If you have been affected by any of th
11: Friends - Ross & Monica Geller
We look at the Geller siblings: Ross and Monica.
We explore why Monica said “If I could choose my parents, I’d choose yours” to her brother and whether her obsessive neatness is a problem.
Plus, we ask why Ross’ intellectualism is a defence mechanism and how friends really can be your support network.
Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of Friends to avoid spoilers.
If you have been affected by
10: Killing Eve - Eve Polastri
Thrills, state secrets, and international assassins. Eve Polastri has always been wanted to be a MI6 spy. When she stumbles across Villanelle, she gets just that.
We explore what happens when a romantically charged obsession goes too far and what happens when people start to want different things out of a relationship.
Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of Killing Eve to avoid spoilers.
If yo
9: Bloodlines - Danny Rayburn
Meet the Rayburn’s.
They are upstanding pillars of the community, hugely admired, and entirely dysfunctional.
We delve into why Danny is actually the scapegoat, what the sympathetic ghost signifies, and just how sticky familial roles can be.
Do you have a character suggestion for us? Get in touch! Please email shrinkthebox@somethinelse.com
Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of Bloodlines to avo
8: I May Destroy You - Arabella Essiedu
Black, British and kind of famous, Michaela Coel’s Arabella colours outside of the lines; misses deadlines, and, can’t *quite* remember what happened to her last night?
One woman’s search for the truth raises questions around agency, relationships and whether or not there’s ever such a thing as shades of grey - when it comes to consent.
Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of I May Destroy You to
7: Wandavision - Wanda Maximoff
Transporting viewers to the idyllic, suburban world of Westview, New Jersey, but all is not how it seems. Despite her otherworldly powers, Wanda experiences grief and loss, just like the rest of us.
Plus a deep dive into the strength of nostalgia, what the mysterious beekeepers mean, and how sometimes, destruction is the only thing that helps us heal.
Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of Wandav
6: Mad Men - Don Draper
Advertising sells - and Don Draper knows how to sell it better than anyone: a product, the American dream, and even himself.
We look at why the ad-men of the ‘60s were so terrified of therapy, how sex is power, and why faking who you are - is actually the hardest sell of all.
Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of Mad Men to avoid spoilers.
Do you have a character suggestion for us? Get in touch
5: Fleabag - Fleabag
Falling in love with a priest - whilst being deathly afraid of intimacy? What’s that about?
Join us as we delve into the world of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag and find out why she is so intent on being quite so ‘naughty’.
Don’t forget to check out Season 1 and 2 of Fleabag to avoid spoilers.
Do you have a character suggestion for us? Get in touch! Please email shrinkthebox@somethinelse.com
4: The Wire - Omar Little
Omar is only Barack Obama's favourite fictional character of all time. And perhaps ours too?
We find out why we're on the side of the gun-toting, duster-coat wearing stick-up badass who robs drug dealers for a living.
Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of The Wire to avoid spoilers.
Do you have a character suggestion for us? Get in touch! Please email shrinkthebox@somethinelse.com
If you hav
3: The Queen's Gambit - Beth Harmon
The often enigmatic chess genius that is Beth Harmon - is the Queen of this week’s episode.
Ben and Sasha explore why Beth feels so compelled to clean up after parties - and how her controlled prowess at the chessboard, becomes utter chaos away from it.
Do you have a character suggestion for us? Get in touch! Please email shrinkthebox@somethinelse.com
Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of The Q
2: Breaking Bad - Walter White
Sliding on their gloves, and stepping into their Hazmat suits, Ben and Sasha distil one of TV’s most infamous characters: The mighty Heisenburg.
On this week’s Shrink the Box we uncover why Walter White is often in his underpants, how he taps into his ‘shadow side’ and we explore if the ‘Revenge of the Nerd’ is really a thing.
Don’t forget to check out Season 1 of Breaking Bad to avoid spoilers.
1: The Sopranos - Tony Soprano
Unravelling the complex (and surprisingly endearing) layers of the OG mobster: Mr Tony Soprano, all roads lead to New Jersey on the first episode of Shrink the Box!
We find out why talking to a therapist is a ‘whackable’ offence, how falling in love with your shrink is not THAT uncommon and why his mother, Livia Soprano could be the real villain of the show.
Don’t forget to check out Season 1 o
Introducing... Shrink The Box
Ever wondered why Tony Soprano’s therapist stuck with him? Why Fleabag is obsessed with sex or why Walter White is always in his underpants?
‘Shrink the Box’ is where actor comedian Ben Bailey Smith and psychotherapist Sasha Bates put their favourite fictional characters such as Shiv from Succession, Omar from the Wire and Ross from Friends on the couch to analyse why their behaviour causes them s
