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Model Behavior
Model Behavior
Author: Macy Ricketts, Ph.D.
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© Macy Ricketts, Ph.D.
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Brains, beauty, and bold moves—welcome to Model Behavior. Hosted by research scientist and model Macy Ricketts, this podcast explores the science of success, social dynamics, and the moments that make life interesting. From decoding the art of a legendary weekend to unpacking modern dating, ambition, and the unwritten rules of social circles, Model Behavior is where intellect meets real life. Whether it's a personal story, cultural deep dive, or a well-timed reality check, this is your space for candid conversations, bold choices, and embracing the journey with confidence.
22 Episodes
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This week, we’re breaking down one of my favorite scientific frameworks: The Hot Girl Mission. Think field research, meets girl math, meets chaos theory. I walk you through a real-life experiment my friends and I accidentally ran this weekend involving a group of unnamed professional athletes, an abandoned primary hypothesis, and one extremely unexpected plot twist. We’re talking controlled variables (confidence), dependent variables (vibes), and the true purpose of a hot girl mission: to have fun, build evidence that you’re That Girl, and stop centering men in your confidence cycle.It’s science. It’s delusion. It’s empowerment. And yes, Irish car bombs were involved.
This week, we’re talking about decentering men — not in a man-hating way, but in a “my confidence doesn’t hinge on your attention” way. I'm diving into the psychology and science behind self-esteem, and how to rebuild a sense of worth that isn’t tied to how desirable you appear to men. From rewiring your brain’s reward system to learning what genuine self-validation feels like, this episode is all about being hot for YOU.
Life update: I’ve been on fly fishing adventures, doing some modeling, officially became a certified Lagree instructor (and got hired at a studio!), and have been watching hockey like it's my job. In this episode, I talk about what it really means to fall in love with the process — the messy middle between where you are and where you want to be.
After a year away from modeling, I’m stepping back in with a whole new vibe. I’ve been on a journey of weight loss, skin struggles, and self-discovery, but the real win has been finding confidence in my own body again. In this episode, I’m talking about how I went from self-doubt to self-love, why the glow-up is way deeper than the scale, and what it feels like to finally feel at home in my own skin.
Hot Girl Summer is over and it’s OFFICIALLY time for Flirty Girl Fall. I’m talking about how to cozy up your vibe, flirt for fun, and date like a scientist without overthinking it. Flirting isn’t about finding a boyfriend, it’s about feeling yourself, having a little fun, and collecting moments that make life more exciting! Grab your PSL, throw on your comfiest sweater, and let’s make this fall totally magnetic.
I did what any normal girl would do after a year of bad dates… I built a dating spreadsheet. And when I crunched the numbers, one thing stood out: the first kiss makes or breaks the entire vibe. In this episode, I’m breaking down the science of kissing (yes, dopamine and oxytocin are involved), how my own data proves a kiss can inflate attraction scores, and why one bad kiss has ended otherwise promising relationships. Let's talk about why first kisses matter more than they should—and what that means for dating today.
I'm back, did you miss me? I just got in from a chaotic week in LA -- think WNBA games, a Formula One mechanic, a Vanity Fair photographer, and an emotionally unavailable Taylor Lautner lookalike. I also gave my first invited talk at a national science conference (hot girl scientist era is activated). Now I’m packing up for five weeks in the Montana wilderness to teach alpine ecology, and I’m breaking down the science behind why we all need to log off and touch some trees.
It started casual. Or at least I told myself it was. In this episode, I’m sharing the story of my almost-something with a hockey player and everything it taught me about situationships, mixed signals, and the mental gymnastics we do to avoid asking the hard questions. We’ll get into the science of why undefined relationships mess with your head, how to tell when it’s time to walk away, and why wanting clarity doesn’t make you dramatic. If you've ever felt stuck in the gray area, overanalyzed every text, or waited too long for clarity that never came, this one's for you.
What happens when a scientist tracks her entire dating life in a spreadsheet? You get The Ultimate Length and Width Report — a highly detailed, wildly revealing analysis of 17 first (and sometimes second, third, and...even sixth) dates, complete with stats on height, conversation quality, kiss ratings, and more.But this isn’t just about numbers...it’s a psychological deep dive into why I keep getting attached to the emotionally unavailable and overlook the stable, secure, actually-into-me guys. Using data, attachment theory, and a little bit of self-drag, I explore how trauma, limerence, and romantic projection play out in modern dating.This episode is for anyone who’s ever said “he has potential” with their whole chest while ignoring a literal walking red flag. It’s science-backed, a little unhinged, and painfully honest. Real data, real psychology, and real self-awareness. Let's get into it.
In this episode, I get into something that feels kind of overlooked but super real in your twenties: making friends as an adult.I’m sharing five things I’ve learned the hard way about building solid female friendships. We talk about showing up as the kind of person you’d want to be friends with, pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, staying consistent, and being able to tell the difference between a real friend and a frenemy. I also get into my theory on the Five Levels of Friendship: how people can move up or down depending on the season, and how managing expectations can save you from a lot of unnecessary drama.This episode is for anyone trying to figure out how to build real connection as an adult...without the group chat falling apart six months later.
In this episode, I’m serving a full dating download: a long-lost MLB player texted me asking for feet pics, I roast blonde men for sport, and I spill the tea on my best first date ever. I'm also introducing the LBB Hypothesis—aka why every successful friend group needs a Little Blonde [Girl]. They run the world, they’re elite wingwomen, and honestly? Your dating life might depend on one. I also reveal my personal theory that first dates with the love of your life have to be awkward. Because if it’s too smooth, it’s probably not real. Chaos, cringe, yet still romantic—just how we like it.
In this Q&A episode, I’m catching you up on what’s new in my world and answering some of your juiciest questions. I’m sharing what it was like living in the wild west of Wyoming (yes, there were cowboys), breaking down my current morning wellness routine that keeps me sane and centered, and getting real about the highs and lows of dating public figures. It’s a little bit wellness, a little bit wild, and a whole lot of honesty.
This week, I'm diving into the chaos that unfolded after I posted a few innocent TikToks about my newly single brother... and they blew up. I share the behind-the-scenes story of how a weekend visit turned into unexpected internet fame (and a very overwhelmed sibling). Plus, I open up about a recent breakup that hit harder than expected—and how it made me rethink what really keeps people connected. From family dynamics to dating in your own city, I'm unpacking the underrated power of proximity in relationships, and why physical closeness might matter more than we think.
I’m back from my two-week trip, and I have thoughts. In this episode of Model Behavior, I share my first attempts at recording video podcasts, my latest gaming obsessions, and my unfiltered take on reality TV chaos like Temptation Island. I also dive into the madness of March Madness, the importance of family support during my dad’s surgery, and a birthday celebration that was definitely one for the books. And of course, I couldn’t come back without a dating story—this time from Palm Springs, featuring all the highs, lows, and unexpected twists that make modern dating so ridiculous (and entertaining).
After a breakup, I threw myself into a Hot Girl Mission—without even realizing it. In this episode, I break down what a HGM really is, how it helped me move on, and the unexpected lessons I learned along the way. If you’ve ever struggled to get over someone, trust me, I’ve been there. Let’s talk about what actually works.
Sooo… I tried the DDK, and I did it completely wrong. Turns out, picking a genuinely nice guy for a DDK? Rookie mistake. In this episode, Sigrid and I dissect my experience, where I went off-script, and why some people (me) might not be built for this. We also tackle the big question: Is a DDK right for you, or are you destined to break the rules like I did?
Ever heard of a DDK (Drink, Dance, Kiss)? My best friend Sigrid and I are breaking down the ultimate blueprint for a no-strings-attached night out. In this episode, Sigrid shares how she mastered the art of the DDK, the rules to follow, and why it's the perfect move for a little effortless fun. If you've ever wanted to know how to execute the perfect, flirty, no-pressure encounter, this one's for you.
I wasn’t even playing, but somehow, I ended up courtside for one of the messiest love triangles I’ve ever witnessed. A pro tennis player, a very hot Australian model, and some truly diabolical behavior—let’s discuss.
I’m heading to Palm Springs for the Indian Wells tournament soon, but before I start plotting my next Hot Girl Mission, we need to talk about tennis fashion—because some of these accessories are criminal. After that, I’m spilling the tea on my OG HGM involving a certain French Open fling. Buckle up, this one’s juicy.
From the lab to the runway—how did I end up balancing two completely different worlds? In this episode of Model Behavior, I’m sharing my journey into modeling, from how I got started to the unexpected lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’ll take you behind the scenes of the industry, spill on the best (and worst) parts of the job, and answer the questions people always ask me about being both a scientist and a model. Whether you’re curious about the business of modeling, the reality behind the glamour, or just here for the stories—this one’s for you.





