Ducking Realitea

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 Siobhan and Oliver share their powerful journeys through addiction, reflecting on the profound toll it took on their lives. Oliver, once a PhD candidate at UC Berkeley, became trapped in the cycle of addiction. His descent led to theft and a six-month jail sentence—a rock-bottom moment that ultimately became his turning point toward sobriety. Siobhan, meanwhile, was overmedicated with fentanyl, which clouded her memory and strained her relationships. Both describe addiction as a silent, insidious force that slowly erodes life from within. They stress the critical importance of support systems, with Oliver crediting his loved ones—especially Hannah, whose unwavering support played a pivotal role in his recovery. Together, they offer a raw, honest look at the path to healing and the strength it takes to rebuild a life. 

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 Siobhan and Linda discuss their shared curiosity and the importance of community involvement. Linda, a retired community leader, recounts her journey of giving up her son for adoption at 17 and later reconnecting with him through Ancestry. They reflect on the societal pressures and stigmas faced by teenage mothers in the 1960s. Linda highlights the significance of community spaces like the healing garden in Alameda, which hosts events and fosters a sense of belonging. They also touch on the generational impact of family dynamics and the crucial role of open communication in the healing process. 

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Siobhan and Danielle discuss the podcast, which has 30 episodes, and Siobhan's discomfort with self-promotion. Danielle shares her journey from the East Bay to Alameda, her career transition from bartending to wildlife conservation, and her volunteer work at the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge. They talk about the importance of spending time in nature, the impact of COVID-19 on their lives, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities. Danielle emphasizes the need for diversity in environmental fields and the importance of respecting nature. They also touch on personal relationships, family dynamics, and the emotional toll of past experiences.

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The conversation between Siobhan and Holly covers a range of topics, including past experiences, work dynamics, and personal preferences. Holly shares stories about their tech internship, musical aspirations, and family dynamics. They discuss the challenges of working in the service industry, including dealing with difficult customers and the impact of job expectations. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, such as Siobhan's experiences with mayonnaise and her dislike for it. Additionally, they reflect on grief and the emotional impact of losing loved ones at a young age, highlighting the ongoing nature of grief and its management. 

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In this episode, Siobhan speaks to Tom Skinner as he shares the pivotal moments that have shaped his journey across various industries. They delve into the early challenges of navigating the digital market, recounting life-altering experiences that underscore the importance of resilience, adaptability, and breaking new ground. Tom reflects on the invaluable lessons passed down from his mother and how they've influenced his approach to both career and life.

The discussion also sheds light on the often-overlooked historical contributions of women in film editing, contrasting them with the ongoing gender disparities in the industry today. Through engaging anecdotes and insightful reflections, this episode highlights the power of mentorship, the importance of trailblazing, and the enduring value of learning from the past to forge a path forward.

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This week I speak to Leia, business coach and badass. Our discussion includes personal and business growth, cultural exchange, women's health, life challenges, and visualization abilities. We share our personal experiences and perspectives, emphasizing the importance of integrating personal and business growth, cultural exchange, and self-advocacy. We also delve into the intricacies of visualization abilities, exploring its role in memory and healing. Through our  conversations, we highlight the need for a supportive network and the importance of recognizing and respecting individual autonomy.

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Siobhan and Gavin discuss various natural health and wellness practices, including Chaga mushroom, breathwork, and mindfulness. They emphasized the importance of prioritizing oneself through self-care practices for improved mental and physical well-being. They also discussed the role of intuition and inner voice in personal growth, and the significance of embracing one's unique path. Later, they touched on the interplay between perception and reality in various aspects of life, including business and personal growth. Finally, they shared their personal interests and experiences, including Gavin's love for onesies and meeting the Vice President of the United States.

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Siobhan and Matt exchanged their experiences and perspectives on various topics, including the California DMV, Arizona gun laws, finding joy and meaning in life, and personal preferences. Matt shares his thoughts on ancient siege warfare and the validity of accounts of forgotten knowledge. Matt emphasized the value of learning and exploring new topics, with Siobhan highlighting the importance of cultural diversity and Matt underscoring the significance of memory and recall. Throughout the conversation, the speakers exchanged their unique viewpoints and experiences, showcasing their individuality and creativity.

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Join me and my creative partner Ana for a chat and some laughs..  we share personal stories of immigration, identity formation, and cultural exchange. We discuss our experiences with creative writing, personal growth, and loss, highlighting the importance of empathy and mutual understanding. Siobhan and Ana also share our experiences with managing epilepsy, emphasizing the unique challenges of navigating a condition that is different for everyone. Through our conversations, we emphasized the value of seeking proper medical attention, open communication, and mutual support in fostering meaningful connections with others.

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Summary/Time Stamps 

• Boston upbringing and punk scene with artist Dave Sweeney. 0:06
  • Dave Sweeney discusses his experience in the Boston punk scene and his art with host Siobhan.
  • Dave met Siobhan through mutual friends at a bar on the island.
  • Unknown Speaker grew up in Cohasset, Massachusetts, a blue-blooded town with summer cottages for wealthy captains of industry.
  • Speaker started gravitating towards Boston's South End, discovering live music at Sunday matinees in the Fort Point Channel area.
• Punk music scene in Boston in the 80s. 5:06
  • Unknown speaker describes how they got into punk rock music in Boston in the late 70s/early 80s, mentioning shows they attended and meeting other fans.
  • Unknown speaker recounts a memorable encounter with a police officer who was hostile towards them and their friends at an IHOP restaurant.
  • Unknown speaker reflects on their experience in Boston's punk scene in the 1980s, mentioning the hate towards goth and punk kids and how it was fueled by the Satanic Panic of the time.
  • The speaker notes that despite the negative attitudes towards them, most punks were normal and were using their appearance and behavior as a way to act out their frustrations.
• Race, class, and identity in Boston. 10:09
  • Siobhan grew up in Bromley Heath, a former housing project in Jamaica Plain, Boston, and now some of her childhood homes are worth millions of dollars.
  • Siobhan's father took her on a drive through South Boston and she didn't recognize half the buildings due to new construction and gentrification.
  • Siobhan shares her experience growing up in Boston and how she perceived the city's reputation for racism (30 words)
  • Unknown speaker reflects on their childhood in Boston and the racial dynamics in their neighborhood, including the Metco program and interactions with white suburban kids (30 words)
• Private school experiences and musical career. 14:49
  • Siobhan attended private schools in Boston, including St. Teresa's in West Roxbury and an all-girls private school in Newton.
  • Unknown speaker attended Fessenden School in Newton, a private school known for its strict environment and emphasis on discipline.
  • Unknown Speaker discusses their experience as a skinhead in the 1990s, mentioning their time in a ska band and their move to Minneapolis.
  • Unknown Speaker clarifies that being a skinhead has nothing to do with race, and is instead a style based on music and old punk and reggae culture.
• Skinhead culture and its evolution. 20:05
  • Siobhan and others reject the idea that skinheads are only working-class white British kids trying to emulate Jamaican style, noting that many were disaffected and felt economically disenfranchised.
  • The fashion resurged in the mid-1970s with the punk explosion, attracting easy fodder for white nationalist groups, leading to a more militarized look and scaring people.
  • Unknown Speaker reflects on their past association with Nazi skinheads, emphasizing the importance of anti-racism and the limitations of the skinhead subculture.
  • The speaker highlights the diversity of individuals within the skinhead scene, including lawyers, doctors, and engineers, while emphasizing the s