This week’s extra special holiday episode features a great guest, Arzoo! We talk about what our suburb was like, how lonely we were in college, and our most embarrassing roommates and job interviews. Also, Arzoo won the prize bag on Doug Loves Movies a few months ago, so we talk about that. Arzoo’s web series The Comfort Zone is on YouTube!   ——  Songs: “Truth” by Alexander (2011) and “Don’t Tred” by Frankie Rose And The Outs (2010)  —— shytrying.tumblr.com

Wonder no longer! This week Gianna talks about how she started her podcast, shares quick tips on starting your own, and lists the individual shows and networks that inspired her most. There’s also a pretty cute zine that accompanies this podcast, available for sale at SHYTRYING.BIGCARTEL.COM  —— Song: “Metal Heart” (2004) by Pedro the Lion, “The Opening Year” (2006) by We Carry Thy Banner —— SHYTRYING.TUMBLR.COM

Tis the season for giving thanks and giving grief. Right on time, Gianna has more to say about anxiety. This episode is slightly darker, slightly more mental-illness-y than the others. Listen for descriptions of cognitive behavioral therapy, existential nightmares, choking in a restaurant bathroom and other no-good horrible things. —— Songs: “Herstory of Glory” (2005) by Do Make Say Think, “Ten Things” (2007) by Paul Baribeau —— SHYTRYING.TUMBLR.COM

Dom Cota is not just my boyfriend, he’s also the most gregarious and interesting dude I know. Listen to him clam up a bit when I turn the microphones on, but don’t fret, he quickly chills out and starts talking all about his favorite things: analog light shows, street art, psych rock, travel, human interaction and having a shy podcaster girlfriend.  —— Songs: “Keep In The Dark” (2014) by Temples, “Red Planet” (2014) by Alvvays —— SHYTRYING.TUMBLR.COM!

Join me and my lovely lady friend Julie as we discuss female friendship and how we got over the ex-boyfriend we have in common. We talk girl talk, jealousy, pastries, patriarchy and collage-art. —— Songs: “Lauren Marie” (2009) by Girls, “How Far We’ve Come” (2012) by La Sera —— SHYTRYING.TUMBLR.COM

In the second edition of Gianna’s Book Club your nerdy hostess discusses two more books she read without being forced to by any teacher-types… The Marriage Plot (2011) by Jeffrey Eugenides centers around a college-aged-love-triangle between an adorable English major and two smart dudes. She bonds with one of the smart dudes in a Semiotics course that assigns Roland Barthes’ A Lover’s Discourse (1978). Gi talks about both books!  —— Songs:  “I’m Alive” (1965) by The Hollies, “Hospital” (1972) by The Modern Lovers —— SHYTRYING.TUMBLR.COM

Is being shy making you miserable? Do you hate your friends because of the way they make you feel?… Along the same thought-line as last month’s “Giannalogue on Shyness,” this week I’m talking about how to be a shy person and not a miserable person… —— Songs: “I Am Always The One Who Calls” (1999) by Pedro The Lion, “I Am The Cosmos” (1992) by Chris Bell —— SHYTRYING.TUMBLR.COM

My buddy Jason has been my buddy since high school Journalism class where we wrote for The Pomegranate newspaper, and mostly just watching funny YouTube videos on school computers. I had a blast talking to Jason about our high school art teacher, graphic design, video games, Disneyland rides, Club 33’s tragic remodel, Pepsi vs. Coke, etc… Great great great episode. Check out JASONCRYER.COM for t-shirts/posters/totes and general info. —— Songs: “This Protector” (2001) by The White Stripes,  “Sleep Walk” (1959) by Santo & Johnny —— SHYTRYING.TUMBLR.COM.

Another classic Giannalogue from your best friend in the podcast universe, Gi. Your host cracks her precious exterior to reveal the lone-wolf/loner within. Hark, shy girls and shy boys, there is nothing to be ashamed of! Enjoy your self alone… —— Songs: “Some Time Alone, Alone” (2012) by Melody’s Echo Chamber, “Born Secular” (2005) by Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins —— SHYTRYING.TUMBLR.COM