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 Word of the Episode: Per Se

• The episode centers on the phrase "per se", often miswritten as one word but correctly written as two ("per se"). The hosts discuss its meaning: "by or in itself; intrinsically." For example, "It is not these facts per se that are important" means the facts themselves aren’t what matter most.
• The hosts share a personal anecdote about mistakenly writing "per se" as one word in previous show notes and being corrected by spellcheck, leading to this episode’s topic.

Scouting Skit Story

• The hosts recount a humorous story about preparing a scouting skit, choosing one that accommodates a range of ages and personalities. They joke about the "short runway airplane" skit and share a pun that initially went unnoticed.

Discussion of Recent Air Disasters

• The conversation shifts to two tragic airspace events in January 2025:
  1. Mid-Air Collision: A passenger jet and a military Black Hawk helicopter collided over Washington, DC, with no survivors. The hosts discuss the details, including:
     • The jet was on an alternate approach as instructed by air traffic control.
     • The helicopter was flying higher than its usual route.
     • There was speculation about whether the jet or helicopter was at fault, but it appears both were following protocols.
     • Air traffic control’s role is examined, noting the high-stress, high-burnout nature of the job, especially at busy airports like Reagan National.
     • One passenger may have texted a loved one about something feeling "off" before the crash.
  2. Empathy for Victims: The hosts express sympathy for those affected, reflecting on how such tragedies change families forever.

Broader Reflections

• The episode touches on the complexity and stress of air traffic control, the challenges of maintaining attention in high-stakes jobs, and the importance of empathy for those involved in such incidents.
• The hosts also note that while their podcast isn’t "conspiracy" themed per se, they sometimes discuss topics that are "conspiracy adjacent."

Conclusion

• The episode blends a language lesson on "per se" with thoughtful discussion of recent aviation tragedies, personal anecdotes, and reflections on responsibility, empathy, and the pressures of high-stakes professions.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 In episode 44, the hosts begin with light banter about podcast audio issues and reminders for listeners to like, share, and subscribe. They pick up on topics left unfinished from the previous episode, especially the idea of how people see themselves and others in everyday life.

Neologism Explained

• The hosts clarify the meaning of neologism: a newly coined word or expression. While "neologism" literally means "new word" (from Greek roots "neo" for new and "logos" for word), the term itself is not new-it dates back to the early 1800s. The hosts note that "sonder," discussed in the previous episode, is an example of a neologism, having been coined in 2012.

Main Word of the Episode: NPC

• The episode’s main focus is the acronym NPC, which stands for "non-player character" (sometimes "non-playable character") which is a term from video games describing characters not controlled by a human player but by the game’s programming.
• The hosts discuss the evolution of the term, noting that "non-player character" has become more common in the last five years, while "non-playable character" is less used now.
• They explain the difference: a "non-playable character" is simply a character you cannot control, while a "non-player character" is one not controlled by a human, even if it can be interacted with or customized.

NPCs, Empathy, and Human Interaction

• The conversation shifts to how the NPC concept is used as a metaphor in real life. People sometimes treat others as "NPCs" where they overlook people's individuality and complexity, especially in mundane interactions (like waiting in line or driving).
• The hosts link this to the concept of sonder: realizing that everyone has a rich, complex inner life. They propose a playful new term, "sonder intelligence," as a measure of how well someone recognizes others’ humanity, akin to emotional intelligence.
• Examples include being more patient with slow service by imagining the other person’s story, or recognizing that online and road rage often stem from not seeing others as fully human.

Dehumanization and Empathy

• They discuss how seeing someone’s face increases empathy, citing examples from traffic, warfare (like masked soldiers or stormtroopers in Star Wars), and even poker (where players hide their eyes).
• The hosts note that face-to-face interaction, body language, and visible facial expressions all enhance our ability to empathize, while anonymity or obscured faces can lead to dehumanization.

Conclusion

• The episode blends linguistic exploration (neologism, NPC) with a thoughtful discussion on empathy, perception, and how modern life can make it easy to treat others as background characters rather than individuals. The hosts encourage listeners to practice "sonder intelligence" and see the humanity in everyone they encounter.

You can find more about some of the people mentioned at the following links:

• Spidey Hypnosis
• The Masked Magician

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 In episode 43, the hosts discuss the concept of sonder, a neologism coined by John Koenig in 2012 in his blog The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. A word with no etymology per se, the episode unpacks the word’s meaning, origins, and how it applies to daily life.

Key Points:

• Definition and Origin:
  "Sonder" is defined as the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own, with their own ambitions, routines, and worries. The word is a recent invention (neologism) and, while it may draw on French and German roots, it was created specifically to fill a gap in English vocabulary.
• Clarifying Usage:
  The hosts clarify that "sonder" is not about being the main character in your own story, but about recognizing that everyone else is the main character in theirs. You are just a minor figure in the vast, intricate stories of others.
• Examples and Misconceptions:
  The hosts discuss personal anecdotes-such as interactions in a Costco line and reactions to commercials-to distinguish between experiencing sonder and simply reflecting on your own perspective. True sonder involves actively considering the complexity of others’ lives, not just your own role in their stories.
• Practical Application:
  The conversation highlights that experiencing sonder can lead to greater empathy, patience, and understanding-especially in situations like driving, where it’s easy to forget that other people have their own urgent reasons and challenges.
• Cultural Impact:
  The word "sonder" is not yet found in official dictionaries but is gaining traction online and in popular culture. It resonates with people who appreciate the philosophical idea that everyone’s life is rich and complicated, even if we only glimpse it in passing.

Conclusion:
The episode uses "sonder" to explore the depth of human experience and the value of recognizing other people’s inner worlds. By understanding sonder, listeners are encouraged to approach daily interactions with more empathy and awareness.

Find more about sonder, the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, and John Koenig here: https://www.thedictionaryofobscuresorrows.com/concept/sonder

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 In episode 42, the hosts celebrate a podcast milestone and thank their loyal listeners before diving into the long-awaited topic of synesthesia-a phenomenon where stimulation of one sense involuntarily triggers experiences in another.

Key Points:

• Definition & Etymology:
  Synesthesia comes from Greek roots: "syn" (together) and "esthesia" (sensation). Unlike "anesthesia" (without sensation), synesthesia means combined or blended sensations. For example, someone might see colors when hearing music or associate numbers with specific colors.
• Prevalence & Research:
  Synesthesia is estimated to occur in about 2–4% of the population, more commonly in women, and is often hereditary. Research into synesthesia has grown over the past 40 years, partly because modern psychology now values self-reported experiences and has better neuroscience tools to study the phenomenon.
• Types of Synesthesia:
  Common forms include:
  • Seeing colors when hearing sounds or reading numbers/letters (grapheme-color or chromesthesia).
  • Auditory-tactile synesthesia, where sounds trigger physical sensations.
  • Mirror-touch synesthesia, where observing touch on others produces a tactile sensation in the observer.
• Personal Experiences:
  The hosts suspect one of their children experiences synesthesia and share personal anecdotes. One host describes associating shapes with numbers and being able to intuitively sense when a mathematical answer "feels" wrong, a skill that persists into adulthood. They reflect on how such abilities may be more pronounced in childhood and sometimes "trained out" by conventional education.
• Development & Awareness:
  Synesthesia typically appears in early childhood and is rarely acquired in adulthood. Many with synesthesia may not realize their experiences are unusual, assuming everyone perceives the world similarly. This lack of awareness can lead to underreporting.
• Overlap with Other Conditions:
  There is some overlap between synesthesia and autism spectrum conditions, with both sometimes involving unique sensory experiences.
• Reflection on Mental Load:
  The hosts discuss how the topic of synesthesia has lingered on their mental to-do list for months, using it as an example of how different priorities and mental loads can affect collaboration and communication.

Conclusion:
The episode offers a detailed yet accessible exploration of synesthesia, blending scientific background, etymology, and personal stories. The hosts highlight how synesthesia reveals the diversity of human perception and the importance of recognizing and discussing unique sensory experiences.

Want to listen to the episode that first generated this topic? Find it from November 21, 2024 (episode 34) or find it here: https://ihatetalking.buzzsprout.com/2354991/episodes/16138566-under-the-auspices-of-i-hate-talking-a-new-podcast-appears.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 In episode 41, recorded in January 2025, the hosts discuss the lingering presence of Christmas in their lives, prompted by one wearing a Christmas sweater well after the holiday. This leads to a deep dive into the word of the episode: Christmastide.

Key Points:

• Christmastide Defined:
  Christmastide refers to the traditional Christian season of Christmas, beginning at sunset on Christmas Eve (December 24) and ending at sunset on January 6 (Epiphany). This period encompasses the "12 Days of Christmas," a concept often misunderstood in popular culture as the days leading up to Christmas, when it actually starts on Christmas Day and continues afterward.
• Cultural and Personal Traditions:
  The hosts reflect on their own practices, noting that while all Christmas decorations are down by January, the emotional transition away from the holiday can be difficult. Extending the season through Christmastide helps ease post-holiday sadness for one host, who admits to feeling a "melancholy sadness" when festivities end abruptly.
• Debate Over Timing:
  A recurring family debate centers on when it is appropriate to begin Christmas celebrations. One host prefers to wait until after Thanksgiving, emphasizing the importance of keeping Thanksgiving distinct and undistracted by Christmas preparations. The other host enjoys starting Christmas music and festivities as early as May or June, finding joy in the anticipation.
• Compromise and Family Logistics:
  The family tradition is to begin decorating for Christmas right after Thanksgiving, never before, except for rare circumstances (such as pregnancy or travel). They discuss the challenges of balancing holiday traditions with practical realities, like a December birthday for one of their children, and how to keep that celebration distinct from Christmas.
• Cultural Norms and Flexibility:
  The hosts acknowledge that while cultural norms generally dictate Christmas follows Thanksgiving, practical considerations (like work schedules for first responders) sometimes require flexibility in holiday observance. Even so, they agree that, ideally, Christmas activities should begin only after Thanksgiving is celebrated.

Conclusion:
The episode uses the concept of Christmastide to explore both the historical and emotional rhythms of the holiday season, highlighting family traditions, debates about timing, and the ways people navigate the transition from one celebration to the next. The discussion underscores how holiday timing can be both a matter of tradition and personal well-being.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 Word of the Episode: Mawkish

• The hosts introduce the word mawkish, which neither of them initially knows. They discuss its pronunciation and origins, noting confusion with similar-sounding words like "mockish" or "moccasins."
• Looking up the word in historical dictionaries, they find that "mawkish" means:
  • Having a faint, sickly, or unpleasantly sweet taste (insipid).
  • Being weakly sentimental or feebly emotional, often used to describe something exaggeratedly or childishly emotional (e.g., a "mawkish love story").
  • The word’s roots are linked to the Greek for "masticate" (to chew), and the noun "mawk" refers to a maggot or worm.
• The hosts note that "mawkish" is now rare and mostly archaic, with usage peaking in the 1800s and declining in modern English. They consider reviving its use and give the example: “the film lapsed into mawkish sentimentality near the end.”

Discussion on Pronunciation and Similar Words

• The hosts discuss how some English words retain a long "E" sound at the end due to Greek and Latin roots (e.g., epitome, apostrophe, catastrophe, hyperbole, simile), which can be confusing for English speakers.

Then, in this episode, the hosts continue their story about navigating an unexpected winter storm while driving home with their family. They reflect on how staying calm in a crisis can make a significant difference in outcomes and safety.

Key Points:

• Crisis Situation:
  The family encountered icy roads and dangerous driving conditions after a winter event. Many drivers around them were inexperienced with ice, leading to hazardous situations.
• Decision-Making Under Pressure:
  The hosts describe how, despite initial anxiety, they focused on making rational, step-by-step decisions-such as switching drivers to the one with more winter driving experience and choosing the safest route home. They emphasize the importance of not letting panic take over, as panic can cloud judgment and lead to mistakes.
• Staying Calm:
  The episode explores how calmness is not just a personality trait but a skill that can be developed through practice, preparation, and experience. The hosts share personal strategies for staying calm, including deep breathing, focusing on immediate next steps, and maintaining perspective.
• Teaching Calmness:
  They discuss how modeling calm behavior helps children and others around them remain composed in stressful situations. The hosts note that calmness can be contagious, just as panic can spread quickly in a group.
• Broader Reflection:
  The conversation expands to other scenarios where staying calm is crucial-medical emergencies, parenting challenges, and unexpected life events. They encourage listeners to practice calmness and to prepare for emergencies so that, when real crises arise, they can respond thoughtfully and safely.

Conclusion:
The episode uses a real-life winter driving scare as a springboard to discuss the value of calmness in crisis. The hosts offer practical advice and personal insights, highlighting that calm, rational action can turn a potentially dangerous situation into a manageable one-and that this skill is vital for both personal safety and leadership.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 Word of the Episode: Stickler

• The episode’s focus is the word "stickler", which historically comes from Old and Middle English, meaning an umpire or someone who sets things in order. Today, it refers to a person who insists on strict adherence to rules or certain standards.
• The hosts note that while "stickler" often has a negative connotation (suggesting rigidity or compulsiveness), it can also be positive, as such traits can lead to success in careers or life.

Main Topic: Rules in Games and Life

• The discussion shifts to how people approach rules in board games and in life, exploring personality differences between those who are strict rule-followers (sticklers) and those who prioritize fun or efficiency over strict adherence.
• The hosts reflect on their own relationship dynamics: one is more meticulous and competitive, preferring to follow official rules and even researching them to gain an advantage, while the other values speed, fun, and flexibility, often preferring house rules or shortcuts to keep things lively.

Board Games and House Rules

• Monopoly and Uno are used as examples:
  • The "Free Parking" rule in Monopoly is discussed as a common house rule, even though it’s not in the official rulebook.
  • In Uno, debates about stacking draw cards and playing multiple cards of the same number are explored, with the hosts clarifying that many of these are house rules, not official ones.
• The hosts agree that house rules are acceptable if they are agreed upon in advance and consistently applied, but dislike when rules are changed mid-game.

Personality and Play Styles

• The episode highlights how different play styles-competitive versus casual, rule-bound versus flexible-reflect broader personality traits and even relationship dynamics.
• The hosts touch on how these differences can affect enjoyment of games and quality time together, with one host preferring interactive, fast-paced play and the other enjoying the structure and challenge of following rules.

Looking Ahead

• The hosts tease future episodes on topics like synesthesia, sourdough, keto, and the concept of "parallel play" in relationships.

In Short:
This episode uses the word "stickler" as a springboard for a lively discussion about rules, personality, and play, both in board games and in life, illustrating how our approach to structure and flexibility shapes our experiences and relationships.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 Episode 38 of "I Hate Talking" features the conclusion of the hosts’ whirlwind, family trip to New York City, with a focus on the word epitome.

Word of the Episode: Epitome

• The hosts discuss the pronunciation and Greek origins of "epitome," explaining it means a perfect example of something or a summary of a larger work.
• They note that while "epitome" is often used sincerely, it can sometimes be used sarcastically or with a slight negative edge.

Traveling Light: The Epitome of Minimalism

• The hosts describe how they were the "epitome of traveling light," each family member carrying only a single backpack.
• One host packed old clothes to discard during the trip, freeing up space for souvenirs, though this conflicted with wanting to look good in vacation photos.

Statue of Liberty Adventure

• The family rushed to catch a ferry to Liberty Island but missed it by minutes, forcing them to wait an hour in the cold.
• Once aboard, they bought several kitschy souvenirs, including sunglasses, a Statue of Liberty figure, and a "Liberty duck."
• The family enjoyed the boat ride and the excitement of seeing the Statue of Liberty up close, though they could only access the platform (not the crown or torch, which require advance tickets and strict baggage rules).

Logistical Hurdles and Hotel Check-In

• After returning from Liberty Island, they dealt with hotel check-in issues: the room wasn’t ready due to a maintenance problem, but it turned out a different room was available once they asked at the front desk.
• The family was exhausted, but with only one night in NYC, they rallied to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, Times Square, and visit the Lego store before it closed.

Classic NYC Experiences

• The night included eating hot dogs from street vendors, taking in the city lights, and recreating old photos at Rockefeller Center.
• The episode ends with the family preparing for an early morning ice skating session.
• There is also Adam's strangest McDonald's bathroom experience of his entire life.

Conclusion

• The episode blends a linguistic deep-dive into "epitome" with humorous, relatable stories about travel mishaps, family logistics, and the joys of embracing both minimalism and kitschy tourist experiences in New York City.

This is the second and final of a two-part series, with the start of our trip to New York City described in last week's episode.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 Word of the Episode: Kitschy

• The hosts discuss the word "kitschy," prompted by a recent family trip where their child asked what it meant.
• They define "kitschy" as describing objects or art that are in poor taste due to excessive gaudiness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated ironically. Examples include overdone souvenir items like "I ❤️ NY" merchandise, snow globes, or Statue of Liberty trinkets.
• The word comes from the German "kitsch," meaning worthless or trashy art, and entered English in the late 19th century. It’s often used to describe things that are unsophisticated, excessive, or garish.

Trip to New York City

• The family recounts their recent whirlwind trip to New York City, focusing on their experiences as tourists:
  • They bought various classic, kitschy souvenirs (e.g., plushies, figurines, novelty glasses, snow globes).
  • The hosts debate whether iconic items can also be kitschy, noting that utility (like a mug) might make something less kitschy.
  • They reflect on how NYC embraces tourist culture and kitschy items, and how their large family stood out compared to fast-paced locals.

Travel Logistics and Challenges

• The trip lasted just over two days, with the family carrying only backpacks to avoid baggage fees and logistical hassles.
• They changed hotels each night and navigated the city with careful planning, but still faced frequent delays, unexpected waiting, and timing mishaps.
• The hosts express frustration with trying to find accurate, up-to-date information online, sometimes encountering outdated or AI-generated errors (like a flight delay being misread as a 25-hour layover due to time zone confusion).
• The trip began with heavy traffic and unexpected changes to airport parking, forcing the family to walk a long distance in cold weather with children to save money.

Conclusion

• The episode blends a discussion of the word "kitschy" with anecdotes about navigating New York as tourists, the challenges of travel planning, and the humor and chaos that come with family adventures. The hosts highlight how kitschy souvenirs and logistical hiccups became memorable parts of their experience.

This is the first of a two-part series, with the conclusion of our trip to New York City in next week's episode.

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique. 

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 Enjoy the song mentioned in the main episode as bonus content!

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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice. 

Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.