Welcome to some random ramblings on technology, social media, cancel culture, and all these new things in society that we don’t quite know the full spectrum of implications on yet. After some busy weeks, we needed a chill week to get our thoughts out there. Is technology a trap? Has what was supposed to be convenient just made us slaves to our devices? Tune in for more! 

Here’s the transcription for this episode: https://mostlyawkwardpod.com/blog/technology-awkward-ramblings

Let’s conclude the chat on conformity today. Last time we laid the groundwork, now it’s time to get into the implications in society. What does conformity tell us about things like Facebook posts and politics, juries, and even the nature of evil? What factors predict conformity? If you were under pressure, would you conform? Tune in to find out! 

Here’s the transcription for this episode: https://mostlyawkwardpod.com/blog/conformity-part-2.

What is conformity and why do we care about it? In today’s episode, we define conformity (basically when you are impacted by someone else in thought or action), talk about a couple different types of conformity, and look at some historical studies that shed a lot of light on human behaviour. All in an effort to discover more about why we do the things we do. Welcome to part 1 of 2 *rhyme*!

Here's the transcription for this episode: https://mostlyawkwardpod.com/blog/conformity-part-1

Let’s continue our chat on fears today… but we’re specifically talking about travel fears. Don’t let today’s episode turn you off from travel, it really is lovely! But Courtney and Emily have some funny/worrisome stories for you to make sure you stay diligent when abroad! 

Here’s the transcription for this episode: https://mostlyawkwardpod.com/blog/travel-horror-stories

Do you have any fears that don’t make sense or are you normal? In today’s episode, Courtney and Emily list out some anxiety inducers they have… that don’t always make rational sense. Isn’t that what being awkward is about? Avoiding worst case scenarios in our head that no one else thinks about? From never turning left when driving to getting lost in a Chuck E. Cheese, tune in to hear some doozies that may make you feel less alone. 

Here’s the transcription for this episode: https://mostlyawkwardpod.com/blog/irrational-fears 

It doesn't get much more embarrassing than this... those times you have to go to the bathroom in public and things just don't turn out okay. If you don't like talking about poop, this is your warning not to listen to today's episode. Emily and Courtney share some of their most embarrassing bathroom stories. From peeing their pants in public to begging for a bathroom in Spanish, you're sure to be laughing and hopefully not relating?

Here's the link to this episode's transcription: https://mostlyawkwardpod.com/blog/embarrassing-bathroom-stories-vol-1

It’s one of the most common fears: speaking in front of a crowd of people. But it’s also a powerful tool that we generally need to use in many areas of our lives. In this episode, Courtney and Emily share their experiences with public speaking (Courtney has a great embarrassing story that involves getting hit in the head with a flag pole), and we look at why it’s so important to cultivate this skill and just how to do it.

Here’s a link to this episode’s transcription: https://mostlyawkwardpod.com/blog/fear-of-public-speaking

What happens when the need to belong goes wrong? What happens when you're a poet and don't even know it? In this Part 2, we discuss the implications across cultures that we see when the need to belong isn't satisfied. From depression to grief and even worse things, could humans ever build a society of inclusivity? We take a look at the research and attempt to answer the question. Make sure to listen to Part 1 first! Here's a link to this episode's transcription: https://mostlyawkwardpod.com/blog/need-to-belong-part2

Why does it hurt so much to be weird? Why can’t we just get over it? Why does it lead to so many problems in society when people are chronically bullied or excluded? Well, because humans have an innate need to belong (check it, Maslow). This episode gets a little sciencey, but we dive into the need to belong, why it exists (hint: evolution), and how it shapes our behaviour. This is our first two-parter, so we will continue this shindig next week!

Here’s a link to this episode’s transcription: https://mostlyawkwardpod.com/blog/need-to-belong-part1

Jobs interviews weren’t really made for awkward people. If it’s hard for you to talk to strangers, it’s probably hard for you to show your personality and shine in an interview when it’s usually confidence and charisma that lands you a job. In this episode, Courtney and Emily share some horror stories they’ve had at job interviews followed by some tips that help them do better on the spot.

Here’s a link to this episode’s transcription: https://mostlyawkwardpod.com/blog/how-to-job-interview-when-youre-weird