Illusion Pod

We discuss the condition of “yearning”, Lana Del Rey, what men have taught us about ourselves, and sooOoOoOooo much more.


Support Gabi and James:
Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon
Gabi's Merch: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoon

James' Newsletter:  https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribe
James' Shop: https://www.goteamjames.com/shop/

Gabi and James sleepily return to the mic to discuss LA’s unpredictable weather, bad vibes in general, life advice from Uber drivers, being recognized, the metaverse, conspiracy theories, CIA leaks, media narratives, accountability, how to process fumbling on the route to your dreams, and our personal takes on the viral article “Bad Art Friend” as an important cautionary tale to anyone who assumes a creative identity.

Support Gabi and James, if you so desire:
Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon
Gabi's Merch: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoon

James' Newsletter:  https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribe
James' Shop: https://www.goteamjames.com/shop/

I explain how the term “I am constantly shapeshifting, adapting, and evolving” became a mantra and truth for me - derived from a real life constant struggle between defining myself within the romantic gaze, the feminist mission, social expectation, narrative, and more. Each word in the phrase was chosen and placed in that order with specific reasoning. I also share the stories behind: “the cyborg in me recognizes the cyborg in you” for making peace with the internet, as well as the infinity mirror, sigh swoon, certain angel numbers, not a bot, and more.
 
 This is a podcast from Gabi’s Patreon, originally posted on September 8, 2021.
 For more weekly episodes or writing from Gabi, or to find these phrases on merch:
Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon
Gabi's Merch: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoon

After booking a room at the famous location for Gabi’s birthday, James and Gabi discuss the Chateau Marmont and its standing as an iconic LA staple - illustrating the power that story-telling has on value and experience. We discuss the Met Gala in this context as well which leads us to delve into theories on infographic brain, gossip currency brain, politicians as celebrities, why the left can’t unite, and other general political grievances. We also share takes on Virgo season energy and why you should never book a hotel with a third party website.

Support Gabi and James, if you so desire:
Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon
Gabi's Merch: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoon

James' Newsletter:  https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribe
A Guide To Self - Guided Meditation: https://www.goteamjames.com/shop/p/a-guide-to-self-guided-meditations-1

Portals Are Everywhere Tee: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoon-illusion-pod-portals-are-everywhere-tee/

James and Gabi approach the question “What is an artist?”, soon realizing that the question may actually be “What is an artist in a world of poets in a world of non-poets?”. We search for the answer in a variety of mediums, from Daniel Johnston’s song “Story of an Artist” to interviewing a couple friends. This is Act One of a continuous series on this topic.

Support Gabi and James, if you so desire:
Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon
James' Newsletter:  https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribe
A Guide To Self - Guided Meditation: https://www.goteamjames.com/shop/p/a-guide-to-self-guided-meditations-1
Portals Are Everywhere Tee: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoon-illusion-pod-portals-are-everywhere-tee/
Not A Bot Hat: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoon-not-a-bot-hat/

James and Gabi discuss varying ideas of success, celebrity culture, fan vs. artist relationships, parasocial relationships, Lorde’s album, Kanye’s album, Kanye in general, cancel culture, the concept of self expression vs. attention grabs, and more. Also, Gabi’s dad calls us mid-pod.

Following Tesla’s announcement to create AI robots to perform “boring human tasks”, James and Gabi discuss everything BOT. Feeling like a bot, feeling like not a bot, philosophies on a world where AI serves humanity, working in the service industry, how we would design the AI robot species,  AI bots as memes, channeling your bot-ness on purpose, and much more. We interview a friend, who we will call “space x anon”, who works at Space X as a software engineer and has seen Elon Musk in the flesh at meetings. We also touch on measuring energetic frequencies, getting a tour of the Scientology church a few years ago, and our pantry moth infestation in our first apartment.

FRIEND OF THE POD, EZRA KLIEN SHOW:
Sam Altman on the A.I. Revolution, Trillionaires and the Future of Political Power
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ezra-klein-show/id1548604447?i=1000525043188

Is A.I. the Problem? Or Are We?
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ezra-klein-show/id1548604447?i=1000524209501

MOVIES MENTIONED:
HER, (2013)
I, ROBOT, (2004)

Support Gabi and James, if you so desire:
Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon
James' Newsletter:  https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribe
Portals Are Everywhere Tee: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoon-illusion-pod-portals-are-everywhere-tee/
Not A Bot Hat: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoon-not-a-bot-hat/

***This is an episode from 2/12/21 unlocked from @sighswoon’s Patreon!***
This episode explores the entirety of my experience and theory on symbols as an important vessel and language. How I was taught the vital role of symbols in conceptual art, symbols as they are used in ritual and magic, and symbols as they are used as a language with the subconscious. I highlight the importance of understanding the power of symbols on both a custom, personal level as well as the mainstream symbols (representative imagery, beauty standards, sex symbols) thrust upon us daily through media and advertisement. I offer stories and examples of how these theories came to be, as well as some activities to help explore and define your own symbols.

Mentioned in this episode:

- Psychomagic by Alejandro Jodorowsky

- Creating your own Lexicon project

- Symbols Worksheet in the Spells & Rituals Guide, which is free with your Patreon subscription and found in the Patreon feed with downloadable PDF. It is also available for purchase at www.sunshineshop.la/sighswoon
 
 

Gabi fills James in on the cultural significance of Saddle Ranch and we hear about her recent date at the TikTok magnet. We then reveal our results of both Disney Princess and Meyers-Briggs tests. 

We discuss ramifications of using personality tests in the real world and ponder the societal need for protagonist forces. 

For more content from Gabi and James:
Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon
James' Newsletter:  https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribe

James returns to Los Angeles after visiting family and attending a not-wedding in Chicago. We discuss our experience with having our extended family thousands of miles away, but having our parents in the same city our whole lives, and how this plays a part in connection, communication, and boundaries in the family realm. We unbox a gift! We also share our opinions on 23 & me, ancestry, and the importance and clues we can find in DNA and family ties.

For more content from Gabi and James:
Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoon
James' Newsletter:  https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribe