In this very light (and unique!) episode, Justin and Nick lead you through a guided meditation—but there’s a twist: it’s also a “Try Not to Laugh” Challenge. It’s an episode as relaxing as it is classic Point of Doo. We hope you enjoy!

Trigger Warning: gun violence, mass shootings, murder, and suicide are discussed in this episode. View discretion is advised.

The current climate around firearms and gun violence in the United States is discussed. Justin and Nick use statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, The Pew Research Center, and the BBC to provide context for the conversation and talk about viewing gun violence through a public health lens. Finally, they offer ways in which listeners can take action and advocate for change in their communities.

Sources:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41488081

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/firearms/fastfact.html

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/02/03/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-u-s/

Resources:

Everytown for Gun Safety

March for Our Lives

In this Point of Doo: Academy, Justin talks about his experience living with Moyamoya Disease. He explains how the disease presented in him, how he was diagnosed, and what treatment options were and are available. Finally, he talks about how his family began their venture in fundraising for Moyamoya Disease research, raising awareness for this rare condition, and how their efforts have directly led to medical advances in the diagnosis, care, and treatment of Moyamoya.

https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/m/moyamoya

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/moyamoya-disease

https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/moyamoya-disease/

https://www.childrenshospital.org/treatments/pial-synangiosis

https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/7064/moyamoya-disease

http://www.moya-moya.com/

Welcome back to Point of Doo: Passport Edition! In this series, we interview friends of the Podcast who either live in a country other than the United States or have spent an extended period of time living outside of the United States. In this episode, we welcome Justin's host-Father from his time studying abroad in Denmark, Frank Windeløv.

Childhood stories of your favorite hosts are included in this episode! Justin and Nick (officially) welcome their Moms, Lisa and Camille, to the podcast! They discuss what it was like becoming a mother for the first time, how that role has changed over time, and if stereotypical birth-order traits apply to their kids. Finally, get a glimpse at how well each son knows their mom (and vice versa) as they answer rapid-fire questions (which, on this show, means not fast at all...H) about each other.

Sources:

Birth-order Traits and Personalities

Would you rather listen to the podcast or… ? In this episode, Justin and Nick take a break from their recent serious topics to play a hilarious (and sometimes gross!) game of Would You Rather! Play along with us on our Instagram, @pointofdoopodcast!!

In this episode, Justin and Nick discuss HB1557, also known as the “Don’t Say Gay Bill”. The two talk about what it is, why it is being criticized as harmful to queer children as well as children with queer friends and family, and ways that sexual orientation can be taught appropriately in a classroom setting.

Resources:

HB1557

The Trevor Project

American Psychological Association Definition of Sexual Orientation

https://www.npr.org/2022/03/28/1089221657/dont-say-gay-florida-desantis

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/18/us/dont-say-gay-bill-florida.html

https://news.yale.edu/2020/06/15/its-never-too-early-talk-children-about-race

LGBT Youth and Family Acceptance

TW: Mention of sexual assault/harassment 

Justin and Nick have a discussion about Toxic Masculinity and what it means to be — and identify as — a man in today's world. They talk about the difference between sex and gender, the historical context of gender norms, and the relation between emotions and masculinity.

Resources:

Sex, Gender, and Why the Differences Matter

What's intersex?

The Problem With a Fight Against Toxic Masculinity

What Is Toxic Masculinity? *

*May require NYTimes subscription; not an endorsement.

Justin and Nick invite their friend Lauren Wong to the show to talk about what life was like growing up in a military family. She shares her experience growing up on an air force base, describes the close-knit community that her and her neighbors formed, and offers a reflection on being an "air force brat," overall.

It's the one where they talk about the restaurant industry! Justin and Nick welcome guest host, Ryan DeVillier (Ep. 4), and Nick's restaurant colleagues, Bridgette Sullivan and Claire Keane, to discuss horror stories from the serving industry, give insight on the innerworkings of a restaurant, and of course, what they love about their job. 

(Note: The name of the restaurant where Claire, Bridgette, and Nick work has been bleeped out)