Do you do "the cringe" when you think back on embarrassing things you've said or done? We all have awkward moments, but what makes them so cringy, why do they haunt us and what can you do to stop these social missteps from leaving lasting damage? We tackle all this in today's episode.

Sources:
Awkward: The Science of Why We're Socially Awkward and Why That's Awesome, Ty Tashiro.

The Cringe, Crazy Ex Girlfriend.

Why are humans so obsessed with alcohol? We discuss what makes drinking so enjoyable, how it affects our brains and share some good, old-fashion drinking stories.  

We are postponing today's episode so we can stay focused on big conversations happening now. We believe one of the best things we can do right now is listen more than we talk. If you'd like to join us in listening, here are some resources:

Podcasts that confront racism in America.

How to support right now.

50 books by black authors.

15 social justice organizations to support.

How to find a demonstration near you.

Email us your impolite questions at [email protected] and visit our website for info about the show and your hosts Laura and Rachel.

Female friendships can be just as intense as romantic relationships, and when they end, they can be even more traumatic. This week we talk about our friendship breakups and unpack why they are just so painful. Listen in for all this and our newest segement: Bird Talk. Bawk bawk.

Why female friendships are complicated, the Atlantic

Your female friendships may be ruining your life, Vice

Why wait until you’re middle-aged for an existential crisis? This week, we’re talking 20s. Join us as we explore the transitional time that is this decade of life, including coming face-to-face with our life choices and discovering that a quarter-life crisis is not only common, but predictable. 

Email us your thoughts, suggestions for topics or just to say hi at [email protected].

Me and my quarter-life crisis, the Guardian

Your late-20s suck, Inc.com

History of teenagers, Saturday Evening Post 

Does a man dealing with a dark past make you melt? What about those strong, silent types with walls just begging to be broken down? Or the sarcastic comic, using comedy to cover up deep insecurities. If you’re drawn to these melancholy men, you’re not alone. Sad boys—as we call them—are at the center of our conversation today. Listen in to hear our top 5 sad boys in media, why we’re crazy about them and if that love translates into real life. 

Correction: Our email is [email protected], with no underscore! Send us an email, we want to hear from you, like seriously. 

Brooding men, smiling women: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/brooding-men-smiling-wome_n_866979

Evolutionary biology behind brooding men: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/12171121/Women-attracted-to-dark-and-brooding-men-because-they-want-to-find-a-mate.html

We’re going to chapel and we’re talking about marriage. This week Laura and Rachel discuss what makes marriage so darn hard and rewarding. Your host share stories of their own marriage—including exerts from Rachel’s personal journal—as they try to get to bottom of the question: is love ever enough?

Join Laura and Rachel for a deep dive into why we're so fascinated with our family history. In this episode, your host explore how DNA profiles, cultural heritage, family folklore and binders of census records help us find our place in the world, with a heaping helpin' of shoddy accent work along the way.

Are you good with death? Laura and Rachel tackle this question in Big Talk's debut episode. Listen in for stories of coming-of-age pet deaths, tales from the morgue and how we deal with life's great inevitability.

Mudd, Geoffrey Forsyth: http://www.webdelsol.com/Other_Voices/Forsyth.htm

Doubting death: how our brains shield us from mortal truth: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/oct/19/doubting-death-how-our-brains-shield-us-from-mortal-truth