110: Shared Disorders
In this episode of Brooke and Connor Make A Podcast, the hosts explore a diverse range of topics, from mental health and coping mechanisms to pop culture and mythological creatures. They share personal anecdotes, such as overcoming heartbreak, and discuss upcoming projects like Connor's tour and their podcast merchandise launch.
The conversation then ventures into entertainment, with Brooke gushing about the ACOTAR book series and Connor offering his thoughts on The Bachelor TV show. Connor also delves into Navajo lore surrounding skinwalkers, drawing intriguing parallels to pop culture phenomena like parrots providing court evidence and the mockingjays from The Hunger Games. Throughout, Brooke and Connor weave in lighthearted musings on quirky topics like items to send to aliens, providing listeners a glimpse into their playful and engaging dynamic.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Mar 1, 2024 episode of the Brooke and Connor Make A Podcast
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1-Page Summary
Mental Health/Emotions
Brooke and Connor discuss feelings of overwhelm, offering advice from Connor on coping with heartbreak. They highlight the psychological link between overwhelm and inability to complete tasks.
Connor and Brooke's Life/Relationship
Connor shares details about his upcoming tour. Brooke fondly recalls memories with Connor, like guiding him through anxiety at an event premiere. They discuss their podcast merch drop and playfully compare Connor to a character from a book series.
Entertainment
Brooke shares her emotional state after finishing the ACOTAR book series, eagerly anticipating new releases. Connor expresses his thoughts on The Bachelor TV show, comparing it to "the Hunger Games of dating." They discuss other shows like Mayfair Witches.
Conspiracies/Mythical Creatures
Connor delves into skinwalkers from Navajo lore, creatures said to shapeshifts and mimic voices. He recounts stories of parrots providing evidence in criminal cases by replicating heated arguments overheard, akin to the mockingjays in The Hunger Games. Brooke wonders about the extent of crows' ability to speak phrases.
Random
Connor suggests maximum voting age limits due to potential cognitive decline. Brooke and Connor share quirky items they'd send in a rocket to aliens, like books, food, toys, and gadgets, offering a glimpse into human life.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The ACOTAR book series, short for "A Court of Thorns and Roses," is a popular fantasy series written by Sarah J. Maas. It follows the story of Feyre, a young huntress who gets entangled in the world of faeries. The series is known for its intricate world-building, complex characters, and romantic plotlines. It has garnered a large fan following for its blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure.
- The Bachelor is a popular reality TV show where a single bachelor dates a group of potential romantic partners to find love. The show typically involves various romantic dates, competitions, and eliminations as the bachelor narrows down the contestants to find a suitable partner. The format often leads to drama, emotional moments, and unexpected twists, making it a widely watched and discussed program. The show has spawned multiple spin-offs and has become a cultural phenomenon in the realm of reality television.
- The Mayfair Witches is a novel trilogy by Anne Rice that explores the lives of a powerful witch family haunted by a malevolent spirit. The supernatural thriller drama television series adaptation follows neurosurgeon Dr. Rowan Fielding as she discovers her connection to this dynasty and the dark forces that come with it. The show delves into themes of witchcraft, family legacies, and the supernatural, with a cast of characters dealing with intricate relationships and ancient powers. The series premiered in 2023 and is part of the Immortal Universe, a shared universe based on Anne Rice's novels.
- Skinwalkers are malevolent shape-shifting beings in Navajo folklore, believed to have the ability to transform into animals. They are said to use this power to harm others and bring misfortune. The Navajo people consider them taboo and rarely speak of them due to the fear associated with these dark entities. Skinwalkers are believed to have the ability to mimic voices and manipulate their surroundings to deceive and cause harm.
- In "The Hunger Games" series by Suzanne Collins, mockingjays are genetically engineered creatures with the ability to mimic sounds, including human voices. They play a significant role in the rebellion against the oppressive Capitol. The protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, has a special connection with mockingjays throughout the story. The mockingjay becomes a symbol of resistance and defiance against the totalitarian regime in the dystopian world of Panem.
- Cognitive decline in relation to voting age limits is a concept that suggests as people age, their cognitive abilities may diminish, potentially impacting their decision-making skills. Some individuals argue for setting a maximum voting age to ensure that voters are capable of making informed choices. This idea raises ethical and practical questions about how age-related cognitive changes should be considered in the context of voting rights.
Counterarguments
- While Connor's advice on coping with heartbreak may be helpful, it's important to recognize that different strategies work for different people, and professional guidance from a therapist or counselor might be more effective for some individuals.
- Discussing personal experiences and merchandise on a podcast can be engaging, but it might not appeal to all listeners who are seeking more content-focused or educational material.
- Emotional attachment to book series like ACOTAR is common, but it's worth noting that not all readers may share the same level of enthusiasm or interpret the series in the same way.
- Comparing "The Bachelor" to "the Hunger Games of dating" is a colorful analogy, but some might argue that it trivializes the real human emotions and experiences of the participants on the show.
- While discussing mythical creatures and their lore can be fascinating, it's important to approach cultural myths, such as skinwalkers, with respect and sensitivity to the originating culture.
- The idea of parrots providing evidence in criminal cases is intriguing, but it's crucial to consider the reliability of such evidence and the ethical implications of using animals in legal proceedings.
- Proposing a maximum voting age limit due to cognitive decline is a sensitive topic; it could be seen as ageist and might overlook the valuable experience and wisdom that older voters can contribute to the democratic process.
- Sending quirky items to aliens as a representation of human life is a fun thought experiment, but it assumes that extraterrestrial beings would interpret these items in the intended way, which may not be the case.
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Mental Health/Emotions
Discussing mental health and emotions, we delve into the common experiences of feeling overwhelmed by tasks, coping with heartbreak, and understanding the psychological connection between feeling overwhelmed and the inability to complete tasks.
Overwhelm from Tasks
In today's fast-paced world, it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the myriad of tasks we face on a daily basis. Whether it's a heavy workload, family responsibilities, or personal projects, the accumulation of demands can lead to a sense of being inundated and can have a negative impact on one's mental health.
Heartbreak Advice from Connor
When dealing with heartbreak, Connor offers advice on navigating through this emotionally turbulent time. It's crucial to acknowledge and accept the pain, give oneself permission to grieve, and seek support from friends, family, or professionals. Self-care and allowing time for healing are also key components of managing heartbreak.
Connection Between Overwhelm and Not C ...
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Mental Health/Emotions
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Clarifications
- Feeling overwhelmed can trigger a stress response in the brain, leading to cognitive overload and difficulty focusing. This can result in a sense of paralysis or avoidance towards tasks, as the brain struggles to prioritize and organize information effectively. The emotional weight of overwhelm can also impact motivation and decision-making, contributing to a cycle of inaction. Breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can help alleviate the cognitive burden of overwhelm and facilitate progress towards completing tasks.
- Feeling overwhelmed by tasks can create a sense of pressure and anxiety, making it challenging to start or complete tasks. This can lead to procrastination, where individuals delay tasks due to feeling overwhelmed by the volume or complexity of what needs to be done. Indecision may arise as a result of feeling overwhelmed, as the mind struggles to prioritize tasks or make decisions under stress. A sense of paralysis of action can occur when the feeling of overwhelm becomes so intense that it hinders the ability to take any action at all.
- To break tasks into manageable p ...
Counterarguments
- While breaking tasks into manageable pieces is often helpful, some individuals may find that this approach can lead to a fragmentation of focus and make it harder to see the bigger picture or maintain momentum on larger projects.
- The advice given for coping with heartbreak, while generally sound, may not be universally applicable as individuals experience and process emotional pain in diverse ways; what works for one person may not work for another.
- The connection between feeling overwhelmed and the inability to complete tasks is not always linear; some people may actually thrive under pressure and find that a certain level of stress enhances their productivity rather than hinders it.
- The notion that today's world is uniquely fast-paced and overwhelming could be challenged by historical perspectives that suggest every era has its own challenges and stressors, and the perception of being overwhelmed is not exclusive to contemporary society.
- The idea that feeling overwhelmed can lead to procrastination and indecision might overlook other potential underlying causes for these behaviors, such as perfectionism, fear of failure, or lack of interest, which may require different strategie ...
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Connor and Brooke's Life/Relationship
Brooke and Connor share details about their life and relationship, including tour plans, cherished memories, their podcast merchandise, and playful comparisons to fictional characters.
Connor Leaving on Tour
In a recent conversation, Brooke inquires about Connor’s departure for his tour, to which Connor responds that, by the time the episode airs, he will have already set off on his journey.
Favorites Memories of Each Other
Brooke fondly recalls her favorite memory with Connor, which took place at Alex D's TV premiere. She specifically enjoyed the role reversal of being the support for a nervous Connor, guiding him through the anxiety of the event.
Merch Drop for Connor and Brooke's Podcast
Regarding their shared podcast, Connor enthusiastically acknowledges the success of their last merchandise drop, with Brooke adding that this might be the listeners' last chance to get items from the current merchandise selection. Connor vouches for the comfort of the merchandise, like the hoodies, suggesting a personal affinity for the items.
How Often Connor and Brooke Text Outside of Podcast
As for their communication habits, Brooke and ...
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Connor and Brooke's Life/Relationship
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Connor is embarking on a tour mentioned in the text. He indicates that he will have already started the tour by the time the episode airs. The specific details of the tour, such as its duration, locations, or purpose, are not provided in the text.
- Connor being compared to Cassian from ACOTAR is a playful analogy made by Brooke. Cassian is a character from the "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series known for his fun personality and being a ...
Counterarguments
...
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Entertainment
Brooke and Connor dive into their latest adventures in entertainment, from binge-reading beloved book series to keeping up with television shows that have captured their attention.
Brooke Finishing the ACOTAR Book Series
Brooke candidly shares her emotional state after completing the "A Court of Thorns and Roses" (ACOTAR) series, confessing to feeling quite miserable without her daily reading fix. Despite the melancholy, there's a glimmer of hope as she notes that another book in the ACOTAR series is in the works, although a release date has yet to be announced. She eagerly anticipates new book releases and the resurgence of midnight premieres, which she adores, expressing her distinct admiration for author Sarah J. Maas.
Brooke also expresses her excitement for getting her hands on "Fourth Wing," considering it a potential new addiction and the perfect follow-up to ACOTAR. However, she remarks on the density of "Fourth Wing," noting its heavy text per page rate and the extended reading time in comparison to ACOTAR's quicker pace, likely due to its formatting. Conservation about the page count reveals that "Fourth Wing" is over 500 pages long.
Connor and Brooke Watching The Bachelor and Mayfair Witches TV Shows
Connor shares his reason for tuning into "The Bachelor," which boils down to wanting to be a part of the shared experience. He has plenty of thoughts on the show, comparing it humorously to "the Hunger Games of dating," and reveals some misgivings about the show's impact on society. Brooke hasn't started watching "The Bachelor" yet but is intrigued enough to consider beginning.
A specific point of conversation between the two is contestant Maria from "The Bachelor," recognized for her feisty demeanor and compared to the type of personalities found on "Bad Girls Club." Brooke also notes that she's received messages claiming she resembles one o ...
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Entertainment
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- "Fourth Wing" is a book title in the context provided. It is mentioned as a potential new addiction for the reader, following the completion of the "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series. The text describes "Fourth Wing" as having a dense text per page rate and being over 500 pages long, indicating it may offer a more substantial reading experience compared to the previous series. The mention of "Fourth Wing" suggests it is a significant literary work that the character Brooke is eagerly looking forward to reading.
- "The Bachelor" is a popular reality TV show where a single man dates multiple women in search of a romantic connection. Throughout the season, the bachelor goes on dates with the contesta ...
Counterarguments
- While Brooke feels miserable after finishing the ACOTAR series, some might argue that the end of a good book series can also be a satisfying conclusion, leaving readers with a sense of completion and the opportunity to explore new literary worlds.
- Anticipating new book releases and midnight premieres is exciting, but it can also create unrealistic expectations and pressure on authors to produce work quickly, potentially compromising quality.
- Admiration for Sarah J. Maas is subjective, and not all readers may share Brooke's enthusiasm for her writing style or storytelling.
- Brooke's excitement for "Fourth Wing" is understandable, but some readers might find that longer books with dense text are less engaging or too time-consuming.
- Watching "The Bachelor" for the shared experience is common, but others may criticize the show for promoting superficial relationships and unrealistic standards of romance.
- Comparing "The Bachelor" to "the Hunger Games of dating" might be humorous, but it could also trivialize the serious nature of the issues surrounding competitive dating shows.
- While Connor has misgivings about the impact of "The Bachelor" on society, fans of the show might argue that it's simply light-hearted entertainment not meant to be taken seriously.
- Brooke's intrigue with "The Bachelor" could be seen as endorsing a problematic portrayal of relationships, which some viewers might find concerning.
- Receiving messages comparing Brooke to a contestant on "The Bachelor" might be flattering, but it also raises questions about the value placed on physical appearance in society.
- Brooke joking about feeling old at the thought of par ...
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Conspiracies/Mythical Creatures
Connor Wood and Brooke Averick embark on a discussion that intertwines mythical creatures from folklore with conspiracies and phenomena in the modern age.
Skinwalkers
Connor Wood introduces the topic of skinwalkers from Navajo culture after encountering the topic on TikTok. He describes these creatures as living in the woods and possessing the ability to shape-shift, often taking forms such as deer. Brooke Averick, on the other hand, refers to skinwalkers strictly as mythical creatures, not giving any credence to their existence.
Connor details how skinwalkers, as per the lore, mimic people’s voices and behaviors to lure victims into the woods, potentially with the intent to kill and devour them. He also notes that their appearance is typically described as frightening.
Parrots at Murder Scenes
Moving on from mythical beings to animals in real-world scenarios, Connor talks about parrots that have been rehomed from troubled pasts. He shares a particularly chilling account of one parrot that incessantly recites a heated argument it overheard in a previous home, an argument that culminated in the shooting and death of a woman. This bird's uncanny ability to replicate phrases it heard played a role in providing evidence that helped solve a criminal case.
Connor then brings up crows, mentioning their ability to articulate words much like the fabled "nevermore" from Edgar Allan Poe's poem. He connects this capability to that of the mockingjays in the book series "The Hunger Games," which are known for their ability to mimic recorded voices.
Displaying surprise, Brooke questions the extent of a crow's ability to speak, w ...
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Conspiracies/Mythical Creatures
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Skinwalkers are malevolent beings in Navajo folklore known for their shape-shifting abilities. They are believed to have the power to transform into animals like deer to deceive and harm humans. Skinwalkers are said to mimic voices and behaviors to lure victims into dangerous situations, often with malicious intent. Their appearance is described as terrifying, and encounters with them are considered ominous and dangerous in Navajo tradition.
- Parrots have the ability to mimic sounds and phrases they hear, including human speech. In some cases, parrots have repeated phrases related to crimes they witnessed, inadvertently providing crucial evidence in solving criminal cases. This unique skill of parrots has been utilized in investigations where their vocal imitations have helped shed light on past events and contributed to solving mysteries.
- "Nevermore" is a famous word from Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven." In the poem, a talking raven repeatedly says "nevermore" in response to the narrator's questions, adding to the eerie and melancholic atmosphere of the piece. The word becomes a haunting refrain, symbolizing the narrator's despair and the raven's ominous presence. Poe's use of "nevermore" contributes to the poem's themes of loss, mourning, and the inevitability of death.
- In "The Hunger Games" book series, mockingjays are genetically engineered birds with the ability to mimic various sounds, including human voices. They play a significant role in the story as symbols of rebellion and hope. ...
Counterarguments
- Skinwalkers as shape-shifters:
- There is no empirical evidence to support the existence of skinwalkers as described in folklore; they remain a part of cultural mythology and have not been substantiated by scientific inquiry.
- Skinwalkers as strictly mythical:
- While Brooke Averick's view aligns with a rational perspective, it's important to acknowledge that folklore and myth can have significant cultural and historical value, and the belief in such creatures can be an important aspect of cultural identity for some communities.
- Parrots repeating phrases from past experiences:
- While parrots are indeed capable of mimicking human speech, their ability to contextually understand or accurately replicate conversations in a way that could be used as reliable evidence in a criminal case is questionable and would likely require corroboration from additional evidence.
- Crows' ability to articulate words:
- Crows and other corvids are highly intelligent and can mimic sounds, but their vocalizations are not equivalent to human language and their ability to "speak" is limited to mimicking sounds they have heard.
- Mockingjays in "The Hung ...
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Random
A light-hearted discussion unfolds as Connor and Brooke tackle the question of age limits around voting and also share the quirky items they'd send in a rocket to an alien planet.
Age Limits Around Voting
Connor brings up an intriguing perspective about voting age limits, suggesting that not only should there be a minimum age requirement, but perhaps a maximum age cap as well. He expresses concern that as people age, they may experience cognitive decline, which could impact their decision-making abilities when it comes to voting. To add to that, Brooke proposes a unique idea where elderly individuals might be retested for their driver's license and if they pass, this could serve as a measure of their competency to vote. Connor further opines that those who are not of sound mind and body should not have a say on pressing issues.
What Objects Brooke and Connor Would Send in a Rocket to an Alien Planet
When considering what to place in a time capsule rocket bound for extraterrestrial observers, Brooke and Connor have their own distinct selections.
Brooke's choices include:
- A jelly cat, which is likely a soft toy representing Earthly comforts.
- A copy of "A Court of Thorns and Roses" book, assuming aliens might be interested in human language or storytelling.
- Toro Nigiri sushi from Sushi Fumi, sharing a taste of Earth's cuisine.
- A hydro flask, possibly to show how humans keep themselves hydrated.
- A binky, another comforting item perhaps representing human childhood.
Connor's list comprises:
- A grilled cheese sandwich, another ...
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Random
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The concept of a maximum age cap for voting suggests setting an upper limit on the age at which individuals can participate in elections. Proponents argue that cognitive decline with age could affect decision-making abilities, impacting the quality of votes. This idea aims to ensure that voters are mentally competent to make informed choices, reg ...
Counterarguments
- Regarding a maximum age cap for voting:
- Age alone is not a definitive indicator of cognitive ability, and many older adults remain sharp and capable of making informed decisions.
- Implementing a maximum voting age could be seen as ageist and discriminatory, disenfranchising a group based on a characteristic that does not necessarily impair their judgment.
- The wisdom and experience of older voters can be valuable in political decision-making, and their perspectives should not be discounted solely due to age.
- On retesting elderly individuals for their driver's license to measure voting competency:
- Driving skills do not directly correlate with the cognitive skills required for informed voting, making this an inappropriate measure of voting competency.
- The ability to drive is not a prerequisite for voting, and many individuals who do not drive or cannot pass a driving test are still fully capable of making voting decisions.
- Concerning the idea that those not of sound mind and body should not vote:
- Determining who is of "sound mind and body" can be subjective and potentially discriminatory.
- People with disabilities, including cognitive impairments, have the right to participate in the democratic process, and accommodations can be made to assist them in voting.
- About sending items to an alien planet:
- The items chosen may not be universally representative of human culture and might give ...
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