Thinkers! In this episode, my sweet friend Ellie Simms and I discuss our similar upbringings in conservative, small towns/families and being the black sheep. This is such a good, healing talk y'all. If you're looking for inspiration to eschew the box someone else has tried to put you in; if you're looking for PERMISSION to be who you want to be in spite of the expectations put on you; if you're in need of a little reminder to love who and where you are as best as you can while you're here- this episode is for you.  for Ellie's info:http://ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blogfollow us on insta!!!:@ivebeenthinkingpod  Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WELCOME BACK THINKERS! That hiatus was refreshing, but I sure missed you guys. Did you miss me? Well we are coming back in HOT with this awesome episode with our fave Appalachian witch, Kasey, to discuss the Celtic/Pagan festival of fire, spring and the return of the sun. What does this have to do with YOU, you might ask? Our discussion gives some really insightful perspectives into how this ancient festival carries some incredibly useful and empowering traditions. Plus, our challenge for you in the new year. todays blog post: https://www.ivebeenthinkingpod.com/post/89-applying-imbolc-to-anyone-s-life-with-kasey-carroll Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy New Year, y'all! Today's episode comes with some big time feelings and reflections, some thoughts you might relate to, and a huuuuuuge announcement. CW: suicidal/death, depression, anxietyfollow us:@ivebeenthinkingpodivebeenthinkingpod.com Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

***don't let your children listen to this episode***A quality exploration into the history of St Nicholas and the creation of the idea of Santa Claus; plus, why I, as a 26 yr old woman, believe in Santa. Follow us and check the blog for sources:ivebeenthinkingpod.com@ivebeenthinkingpod Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following through with our *Halloween Around the World* episode, today we bring you Christmas traditions from around the world; including European countries, Japan, and Mexico! Some awesome, and really interesting, stuff in today's episode, PLUS some major tie-ins to next week's ep!!! Check out the blog for sources, and links to the other content I mentioned. <3https://ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blog@ivebeenthinkingpod Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to highly stressed, mid-move, over-caffeinated host Alanna Grayce discuss Nelson Mandela's role in overthrowing apartheid South Africa's legislated segregation, the context of Mandela in Cold War Era (and the years that followed) American Politics, and also string theory. Also, what does "apartheid" mean? Also, hold on, what does string theory have to do with Rick and Morty? Literally everything actually. Ok g2g hope you enjoy our lil this day in history inspired episode.insta: @ivebeenthinkingpodwww.ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blogps subscribe to the patreon: Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale was my #1 lockdown love affair, and you just really need to read it to understand why. In this December *book of the month* episode, I'm giving us a quick intro to ideas of gender, identity and social expectations as explored in the novel. Vianne and Isabelle are the perfect sister duo to explore this with; we bow down to Kristin Hannah for creating them so vividly. Notes, sources, and a link to purchase the book for yourself: https://www.ivebeenthinkingpod.com/blogFollow us on Instagram: @ivebeenthinkingpod Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oh, happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow Americans- or, rather, Truthsgiving. Today I tell you a little story about the history of this "holiday"- and I explain why the context is so important to our observance. I'm not telling you not to celebrate the "holiday", don't worry. I am telling you why it's important to be aware of the context around these things we celebrate. I am also encouraging you to take some time this holiday to remember and honor the lives of the Native Peoples who the European settlers displaced/oppressed and the systems that still, to this day, oppress the descendants of the original stewards of the land we walk on. Follow us:@ivebeenthinkingpodivebeenthinkingpod.com/blogAlso, please support the Patreon this month to donate to underprivileged Appalachians <3 Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam guests on this episode as we tell some incredible holiday-centric family HORROR stories (listen to the episode to see why I keep capitalizing HORROR). Tune in for (CW) vomiting, finger pointing, drug addicts and why Alanna is allowed to get secretly drunk at her Baptist family functions. Is it still a secret now? Idk. ANYWAY, you'll also get some classic Alanna/Adam banter aaaaaand references to my current favorite Youtube chef, Adam's hatred of turkey and one of our fave podcasts, Belief Hole. There's a LOT going on. Hope you LOVE IT!!!!!FOLLOW US:@ivebeenthinkingpodivebeenthinkingpod.com for blog post with links to source material! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, I called up my old pal Henry Kramer to bring y’all some incredible insights. Henry (they/she/he) and I talk all about confidence and the importance of saying things OUT LOUD- speaking them into reality. We talk about Henry’s experiences with exploring fashion, a little bit about mental health (because when do I not bring it back to that) and how not everything has to be soooo profound- sometimes it can just BE. Plus, a Bob’s Burgers sing along annnnnnd some Drag Race talk (s/o to Slava ily!!). “I paint a sad clown so I don’t have to be one.” Iconic.  Follow Henry: @henrykramer & @hnrykrmr Shop at: https://www.hnrykrmr.com/shop Follow us:@ivebeenthinkingpodivebeenthinkingpod.com/blog Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ivebeenthinkingpod) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices