In this episode of Are We Doing This?, we're diving into two Best Picture nominees as part of our Oscars challenge: Anora and The Substance. We react to the shocking, grotesque imagery in The Substance—including an unforgettable chicken wing moment—and unpack the intensity of Anora, especially that wild Russian "bad guys" scene (we’re pretty sure we wouldn’t scream that loudly, even if we tried). We also share a peek behind the scenes of our real lives: sick kids (flu and Hand, Foot, and Mouth—yay), the chaos of motherhood, and the unexpected thrill of my Espresso Martini Cupcake video going viral on TikTok.

keywordsparenthood, illness, family activities, teacher appreciation, cake business, marketing, social media, collaborations, work-life balance, movies, Anora, The Substance, character analysis, film reviews, dual passions, themes, Academy Awards, exploration, storytelling

Takeaways

Parenting often requires juggling multiple responsibilities, especially during illness.

Community support is crucial during challenging times, such as sickness in the family.

Teacher appreciation week can be overwhelming for parents, with various themes and expectations.

Engaging in family activities can provide a much-needed break from daily stressors.

Social media can significantly impact small businesses, leading to unexpected opportunities.

Collaboration with local businesses can enhance visibility and create new partnerships.

Maintaining a work-life balance is essential for mental health and productivity.

Feedback from clients is vital for improving products and services in a business.

It's important to prioritize self-care and personal interests amidst busy schedules.

Finding joy in work can help alleviate feelings of burnout and identity crises. Exploring multiple passions can lead to unexpected insights.

The juxtaposition of different interests can create unique experiences.

Movies can serve as a backdrop for personal exploration.

Character motivations often reflect deeper societal themes.

The portrayal of relationships in film can be complex and multifaceted.

Understanding character dynamics enhances the viewing experience.

Graphic content in films can evoke strong emotional reactions.

The impact of aging and beauty standards is a recurring theme in cinema.

Film reviews can spark engaging discussions about storytelling.

Future movie selections can reflect current societal issues.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Parenthood and Illness

03:32 Weekend Adventures and Family Activities

06:30 Teacher Appreciation Week Insights

09:31 Balancing Health and Business

12:31 Celebrating Teachers and Community Support

16:05 Teacher Appreciation Week: The Emotional Toll

22:25 Balancing Parenting and Work: The Mental Load

28:48 Cake Business: Creativity and Challenges

31:00 Identity Crisis: Navigating Career Changes

33:13 Introduction to the Characters and Plot

35:09 Exploring Relationships and Motivations

37:57 Conflict and Climax: The Screaming Scene

39:08 The Ending: Power Dynamics and Emotional Release

42:35 Transition to the Second Movie: The Substance

43:57 Plot Overview and Themes of The Substance

46:17 Exploring Body Horror and Disgusting Imagery

48:06 The Concept of Self and Identity

50:35 The Pursuit of Youth and Its Consequences

52:23 Graphic Scenes and Their Impact

55:47 Acting Performances and Industry Commentary

58:34 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

01:02:30 AWDT Podcast Intro Video (1920 x 1080 px).mp4