Are Pickup Artists and Social Media Influencers just running the same game?

In this episode of Landline, Inga Headland breaks down the uncanny similarities between PUA (Pickup Artist) tactics and social media growth hacks—and what that says about the way we interact online.

From negging and peacocking to clout-chasing and engagement bait, both worlds thrive on manipulation, validation, and the illusion of connection. So, if social media is just a pickup game for attention, how do we break free from it?

Inside This Episode:

The shady overlap between PUA strategies and social media algorithms

Why chasing likes, followers & validation leads to spiritual emptiness

The "hungry ghost" phenomenon—why we’re never truly satisfied

How performative behavior online & offline makes us cringe at ourselves

Breaking the cycle—is real connection still possible?

Nervous energy makes people do weird things—like compulsively lying, forgetting how to talk, or blurting out awkward compliments. Or, if you're Inga Headland, accidentally calling the Chief Justice of the United States "bro" at his own intimate dinner party. In this episode of Landline, Inga dives into the bizarre and often hilarious ways we cope with nervousness. From embarrassing personal stories to listener call-ins, the conversation explores anxiety, connection, and the strange art of making friends as an adult. Through humor and self-reflection, Inga reminds us that nervousness is universal—and maybe even a little endearing.

Some episodes go smoothly. This is not one of them.

In this episode of Landline, Inga Headland battles through technical difficulties while setting the stage for a conversation about bad dates, embarrassing moments, and the unexpected lessons that come from them.

Featuring real voicemails from listeners, personal reflections, and an open-ended discussion on audience engagement and future topics, this episode proves that sometimes the best stories come from improvised moments and shared experiences.

🎧 Listen Now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts📺 Watch the Full Episode on YouTube📞 Call in Live on Fridays at 3 PM CT or Leave a Voicemail Anytime

Episode Takeaways:

Technical issues? They happen. Roll with it.

Some of life’s best (and worst) moments make for the best stories.

Bad dates = great entertainment (in hindsight).

Connecting with listeners through voicemails makes this show.

Artists & creators are their own worst critics.

Future episodes depend on YOUR participation—so call in!

Memorable Moments:

"Voicemail roulette: let’s see what we got."

"This is officially the worst date I’ve ever been on."

"When in doubt, tell a better story."

"Everything is broken, but we’re making it work."

This episode was livestreamed from Nashville's public access studio with very special cohost, Claire Brandon. Watch on YouTube.

DISCLAIMER: Because this is actually unedited and on public access and not just staged to look like it's on public access, the sound is a bit crappy. Inga moves too much. Future episodes will (hopefully) be better. Deal with it, folks. This show costs $2.

Keywords: call-in show, winter stories, Nashville, nostalgia, personal experiences, humor, community, advice, relationships, live

Summary: In this livestream episode of Landline, hosts Inga Headland and Claire Brandon engage in a lively conversation reminiscent of 90s radio call-in shows. They welcome callers to share their winter woes and personal stories, creating a humorous and nostalgic atmosphere. The episode features a variety of anecdotes, from awkward dating experiences to bizarre winter tales, all while fostering a sense of community and connection. The hosts also touch on themes of love, energy, and self-discovery, making for a rich and entertaining listening experience.

Takeaways:

The show is a nostalgic throwback to 90s radio call-in formats.
Listeners are encouraged to share their personal stories and experiences.
Humor plays a significant role in the conversation, making it relatable and engaging.
The hosts share their own winter stories, creating a sense of camaraderie with callers.
The theme of love and self-discovery is explored through various anecdotes.
Community engagement is emphasized, with listeners invited to call in and participate.
The importance of being open and vulnerable in sharing personal experiences is highlighted.
The hosts reflect on the challenges and excitement of going live for the first time.
The conversation flows naturally, with each caller bringing a unique perspective.
The episode concludes with a sense of accomplishment and pride in the show's first outing.

Sound Bites:

"I pooped on the hose and it froze."
"I just wanted to call and say hi."
"Follow us on LinkedIn."

Nashville shuts down in the snow, but kids? They go feral.

In this episode of Landline, Inga Headland explores the joys, challenges, and straight-up hilarious realities of parenting in winter—from kids losing their minds over two inches of snow to the unspoken struggles of raising tiny humans.

Along the way, she reflects on public access TV as a community platform, the generational shifts in parenting, and why open conversations with kids matter more than ever. Featuring real listener calls and unfiltered stories, this episode is equal parts insightful, nostalgic, and laugh-out-loud funny.

Episode Takeaways:

Nashville shuts down over snow. Kids? They lose their minds.

Winter break is a survival game for parents.

Parenting is hard—but open dialogue makes it easier.

Public access TV is an underrated community resource.

The chaos of parenting is funnier when you embrace it.

Every generation critiques the last—but we’re all just figuring it out.

Memorable Moments:

"Kids in snow, I mean, it’s just mayhem."

"Just keep talking to your kids."

"Anal bleaching is a young person’s game."

FIRST episode of a new call-in talk show!

In this episode of the Landline Podcast, Inga Headland discusses her journey of starting the podcast, her experiences in Nashville, and her reflections on the concept of the American Dream. Through voicemails from listeners, she explores themes of friendship, personal growth, and the legacy of our actions. The conversation delves into the challenges of adulthood, the importance of self-reflection, and the cultural implications of the American Dream.