This week finds us deep in our isolation pods here at Acts of Pod. While it is true that we cover the term Astroturfing, we also dive into the psychological depths of the quarantine, examine both positive and negative coping mechanisms, and share some of our personal triumphs and horrors in hopes we connect with the greater struggle. So join us on this journey if only to escape the confines of your own quarantine prison for a few minutes. Good luck out there. 

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Reporting from our self isolation chambers, we've been reading the news so you don't have to and can continue with those projects you've been meaning to finish. During these trying times some have risen to the occasion while others have tried to take advantage of our vulnerabilities. We here at Acts of Pod try to keep you updated on the state of our healthcare system, what's happening with our government and what to avoid on amazon and eBay so you can act accordingly. Stay strong in your isolation chambers and we'll speak to you soon! 

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In today's episode, we give a brief primer on how quarantines have worked since the Plague of Justinian, through all manner of fevers, viruses, flues you name it. We'll walk you through the information being disseminated now, what we know about the psychological impact of social distancing and what you can expect. We'll even tell you how you can report price gouging on Lysol products you find on eBay. There is no reason to Panic! but we would like you to stay indoors and wash your hands. 

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You may have heard this present administration described as a banana republic, maybe by us. Well, you may not know what that means exactly. Does it involve a sham democracy? Does it involve corporate interests taking over a country and slowly eroding at the rights of working people? Could you just about put any dummy in charge because the ones pulling the strings are faceless plutocrats … you know what, yes. We're being pretty heavy handed here with the comparisons but, yes. Stay tuned for unexpected personal adventures from banana boats and much more on this week's episode of Acts of Pod. 

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Is there ever a purer love than that between a Mad King and his devoted followers? History is littered with examples of these unions from Ivan the Terrible to George III. We are certainly not the type of people to mock anyone for their neurodiversity, but when is it appropriate to intervene when someone in a position of authority may no longer be fit to lead? Does history offer us any guides, does this end badly? How can a love that feels so right, go so wrong? These and other questions will be answered on this week's pod. 

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This week we talk about how projection when used consciously in politics can be used to vilify or scapegoat vulnerable groups of people, manipulate the fears of a population and distract from larger problems and shift responsibility. But projection can be unconscious as well, and when someone is feeling the heat, it is amazing what their subconscious can project about what they are actually feeling. Given how important it is to stay grounded, give this a listen so you can recognize these patterns of behavior as they occur. 

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Well it's the holidays and what a rare treat for a troubled, stressful nation. If you feel like you're living in a world gone mad, don't fret, it wouldn't be the first time. This week on Acts of Pod we go through Mass Hysteria events that took place during tense growth stages in world history. Whether it be nuns roaming around like feral cats, or school girls paralyzed with fits of laughter, these events always seem to hint at a greater source of distress lying just below the surface. So join us as we happily jump into the mouth of madness, or as you may call it, The Spirit of Christmas, and take a deeper look at some historical, hysterical events. 

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This week on the pod we cover the term Gaslighting. It is used in psychological terms to describe how narcissists or abusers keep you in their control but more recently, it has been shown to be a particular handy technique in political psychological warfare. We help you recognize the signs so you can be more cognizant of its appearance in media and around the Thanksgiving table and hope you and yours have a great time trying not to talk about politics. 

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This week we cover the term Minority Rule and how it has manifested itself from the original intentions of the founders, to the gerrymandered districts we find ourselves in today. In order for a powerful minority to retain power, they use tools that we have covered in past episodes like voter suppression, gerrymandering and misinformation campaigns. Watch all your favorites make a reappearance to help explain minority rule and what we can to do help keep our democracy strong and more reflective of the needs of the people that it represents. 

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In this episode we visit haunted historical stories that highlight the never ending stories we find ourselves in. Like hawks flying through dimensions, we take a look at our own haunted histories to see how they have impacted our present. So join us on our dark night of the soul as we work our way back into the light, if you dare! 

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