109: Uhhh Ocupado…

Podcast Summary

• Memorable Hot Yoga Experience in Austin: Despite initial discomfort and embarrassment, the speaker continued to attend hot yoga classes in Austin and later found humor in the situation, even sharing it with friends. Unbeknownst to them, their likeness was used in a viral TikTok trend.

  The speaker experienced an intense hot yoga session in Austin where the lack of air conditioning led to an overwhelmingly hot and sweaty environment. The speaker, who sweats profusely on their back, found themselves lying in a pool of their own sweat and dealing with the embarrassment of uncontrollable bodily functions in front of strangers. Despite the discomfort, the speaker continued to attend the yoga classes due to the popularity of hot yoga in Austin. The session was so memorable that years later, the speaker was reminded of it when they heard their own voices and likeness used in a viral TikTok trend without their knowledge. Despite the initial discomfort and embarrassment, the speaker found humor in the situation and even shared it with their friends. Additionally, the speaker mentioned a new merch drop for their podcast, offering early access and a discount for TMG Studios members.

• Making merchandise accessible to all fans: The creators prioritized inclusivity and accessibility by doing a pre-order instead of a limited release, ensuring everyone had a chance to purchase merchandise featuring subtle branding, available now and continuing after official release.

  The creators of this merchandise prioritized accessibility and inclusivity for their fans by doing a pre-order instead of a limited release. They wanted everyone who wanted it to have the opportunity to get their hands on it. The merchandise, which includes hoodies, sweatshirts, and t-shirts in various colors, is not only on-brand but also versatile and comfortable. It's available for purchase right now and will continue to be available when the official release comes tomorrow. The creators were excited about the merchandise and appreciated the fans who participated in the art contest and sent in their creations. The merchandise features subtle branding, making it a collectible item for those in the know.

• Underestimated community talent shines in art contest: The art contest revealed the impressive creativity and talent within the community, leaving the host feeling humbled and excited about potential connections through Embark's canine relative finder.

  The community's creativity and talent were underestimated in a recent art contest, leaving the host feeling both honored and humbled by the sheer number of impressive submissions. The host was also excited about the upcoming delivery of materials for a new project and the potential connection with other dog owners through Embark's canine relative finder, which could reveal surprising breed mixes. The discussion also touched upon the excitement of discovering unexpected breeds in one's own pets and the joy of connecting with others through shared experiences. The contest experience highlighted the vast pool of talent and the potential for meaningful connections within the community.

• Fear of mythical creatures vs. their real power: Discovering new things and finding comfort can help alleviate fear and bring joy in everyday life.

  Fear can be a powerful force, but it's important to remember that many common mythical creatures, like mummies and Frankenstein's monster, don't actually have the ability to harm us physically. Instead, their true power lies in instilling fear. The speakers in the discussion also shared their excitement about various personal purchases, such as a dog DNA test and a hands-free Kindle setup. The dog DNA test, from Embark, can help identify a dog's breed and potential health issues. The Kindle setup, with a hands-free clip and remote, allows for a more comfortable and convenient reading experience. Overall, the conversation touched on the joy of discovering new things and the importance of finding comfort and relaxation in everyday life.

• The unexpected connection between our fears and experiences: Stay informed and open-minded, as our thoughts and experiences can interlink in surprising ways. Value learning new things and being aware of diverse perspectives. Good resources, like reliable insurance, can help manage the complexities of adulthood.

  Our fears, no matter how irrational, can sometimes be connected in unexpected ways. For instance, the fear of mummies might seem unrelated to Sigourney Weaver's character in Alien, but they were connected in a conversation between two podcast hosts. This illustrates how our thoughts and experiences can interlink in intriguing ways. Moreover, the discussion emphasized the importance of being informed and open-minded. The hosts discovered that Sigourney Weaver had appeared in Finding Dory, and many people were surprised that not everyone had seen the Alien franchise. This highlights the value of learning new things and being aware of various perspectives. Lastly, the podcast episode reminded us that adulthood can be overwhelming, but having the right resources, like good insurance, can make things easier. State Farm was highlighted as a reliable source of help and support, making the complexities of adulthood more manageable.

• Celebrity events and TikTokers: A recipe for discomfort: Influencers at celebrity events can create discomfort and animosity towards TikTokers. Seating influencers in the stands and respecting celebrities' experience can help maintain decorum.

  The presence of influencers at celebrity events can lead to discomfort and animosity towards TikTokers. The speaker believes that influencers should be seated in the stands during these events to maintain decorum and respect the celebrities' experience. The speaker also acknowledges the pressure and anxiety that comes with being recognized in public and suggests that the airing of private conversations during award shows can create an uncomfortable paparazzi-like atmosphere. Overall, the speaker advocates for a more respectful and considerate approach to celebrity interactions at events.

• The Addictive Nature of Social Media and Its Impact on Our Lives: Social media can be addictive, leading to guilt when not engaging, and can negatively impact relationships. Influencers are often invited to events for relevance and financial gain. The speaker's own addiction to TikTok affected her focus and overlooked potential dangers.

  Social media, specifically influencers and platforms like TikTok, have become increasingly addictive and can negatively impact our daily lives, even leading to feelings of guilt when not engaging. The invitation of influencers to events is often driven by the desire for relevance and financial gain. Social media use can also impact our relationships, with some people preferring not to have their parents follow them on certain platforms. The speaker's own addiction to her phone and TikTok in particular has become a concern, affecting her ability to focus on other tasks and even leading her to overlook potential dangers, such as her dog being near a ravine. The speaker also mentioned the influence of Quince, a brand offering high-quality, affordable clothing, on her wardrobe and budget. Overall, the conversation touched on the power of social media, both positive and negative, and the importance of balance and self-awareness in its use.

• Direct partnerships for affordable luxury and captivating storytelling: Quince's direct partnership model offers affordable luxury, while a TikTok creator's captivating storytelling gained massive popularity

  Quince offers affordable luxury by cutting out the middleman and partnering directly with ethical and responsible factories. Meanwhile, a popular TikTok creator gained fame through a captivating 50-part story, possibly landing on the algorithm and raking in millions of views. These examples showcase innovative business models and the power of compelling storytelling. Quince, an e-commerce brand, offers high-quality, ethically-sourced clothing by partnering directly with top factories. This approach cuts out the middleman, resulting in lower costs for consumers. The brand's commitment to safe, ethical, and responsible manufacturing practices and premium fabrics and finishes adds to its appeal. On the other hand, a TikTok creator gained massive popularity with a 50-part story, which was spread over several days. Her tale of meeting and later discovering her partner's deception captured the attention of millions, highlighting the power of captivating storytelling and potentially landing on the algorithm. These examples illustrate innovative business strategies and the impact of compelling narratives. Quince's direct partnership model offers affordable luxury, while the TikTok creator's storytelling captivated audiences and boosted her following.

• The role of physical attraction in 'Love Is Blind', Jimmy and Trevor's missed opportunities: People can underestimate or overlook potential connections due to initial impressions and physical attraction.

  First impressions and physical attraction can be deceiving in the reality TV show "Love Is Blind." In the discussion, it was mentioned that Jimmy did not feel the same level of attraction to Chelsea as some of the other contestants felt towards her. Despite Chelsea describing herself as looking like Megan Fox, it was suggested that Jimmy might regret passing up the opportunity to pursue a relationship with Jessica, who is also described as attractive. The conversation also touched upon the unexpected turn of events for Trevor, who lost his dog named Chelsea and was previously expressing strong feelings for a contestant named Jessica. The show explores how people make decisions based on limited information and the role that physical attraction plays in forming relationships. It seems that both Jimmy and Trevor may have missed out on potential connections due to their initial impressions.

• Unexpected connections in confined environments: Deep connections can form in unexpected places, even in confined environments. Self-improvement and therapy are essential for healthy relationships, and authenticity and connection are key in a saturated entertainment world.

  Love can be found in unexpected places, even in confined environments like reality TV shows. The connection between Trevor and Chelsea on "Too Hot to Handle" was not apparent at first, but as they got to know each other, they discovered a deep connection. Their relationship was built on thoughtful gestures, such as exchanging bracelets that allowed them to communicate their feelings remotely. Despite the challenges of being confined to the show's set, they managed to form a strong bond. Another important takeaway is the value of self-improvement and therapy in relationships. The speaker shared that they have had experiences in the past where they were criticized for making fun of people's differences, and they have learned the importance of respect and self-awareness. They emphasized that relationships take work and that therapy can provide valuable tools for navigating challenges and building lasting positive changes. Additionally, the speaker discussed the evolving nature of reality TV and the saturation of similar shows, making it harder for contestants to gain a large following. However, they highlighted the importance of authenticity and connection, even in a world where entertainment can be oversaturated.

• Longing for genuine love on reality dating shows: Despite skepticism towards influencer-driven casting and expert matchmaking, the speaker yearns for authentic connections on reality dating shows, and is intrigued by shows that focus on forming relationships without initial appearances.

  The representation of contestants on reality dating shows like The Bachelor has changed drastically over the years, with an increasing number of people joining to become influencers rather than genuinely seeking love. The speaker expresses a longing for a show featuring individuals who are truly in it for love, but acknowledges the need for entertainment. The speaker also shares their skepticism towards experts and matchmaking, preferring to form connections in person. The conversation also touches on the concept of falling in love without seeing someone's appearance and the speaker's curiosity about shows like Love is Blind and Married at First Sight. Ultimately, the speaker's perspective highlights the evolving nature of reality dating shows and the ongoing debate about authenticity versus entertainment.

• Give shows with slow beginnings a chance: Invest time and effort into shows with slow beginnings, as they may offer deeply moving and impactful content

  Some shows, despite having slower beginnings, can offer deeply impactful and engaging content that's worth sticking with. For instance, a friend recommended a show to me, but I found the first episode boring and was considering dropping it. However, my friend insisted that the character development took time and urged me to give it more episodes. I reluctantly did, and I was blown away by the emotional depth and complexity of the storyline. The episodes were longer than I initially thought, and I had to adjust my expectations. The show turned out to be one of the most powerful and moving pieces of television I've seen in a long time. Additionally, I struggled with understanding thick British accents in the show, which made it challenging to follow at times. Overall, if you're willing to invest time and effort into a show, even if the beginning seems slow, you might be rewarded with a deeply moving and impactful viewing experience.

• People have different opinions about art and entertainment: Some connect deeply with artistic works, while others may not. Opinions on performances and intrusions of privacy vary widely.

  People have varying opinions when it comes to artistic works, even classics like Romeo and Juliet. Some may find it a must-see masterpiece, while others may not connect with it at all. The same can be said for other films, like "The Lost City," where some may find enjoyment in it despite its perceived flaws, while others may struggle to recall any details about it. During a discussion, it was brought up that Barry Keoghan's performance in "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" was reminiscent of Doodle Bob from "Saw," sparking intrigue and amusement among the group. The conversation also touched on the topic of intrusions of privacy, with some expressing discomfort at the idea of being walked in on in a bathroom, while others found it amusing. Overall, the conversation showcased the diversity of opinions and experiences that people bring to the table when discussing art and entertainment.

• Effective communication in unexpected situations: Be clear and open in communication, even in embarrassing or unexpected situations. Use humor to lighten the mood and maintain a positive attitude.

  Effective communication is essential in various situations, even in unexpected ones like encountering someone at the bathroom door. The speaker in the conversation shared an experience where he used the phrase "occupado" to indicate that the bathroom was in use. This simple yet clear message prevented any confusion or misunderstanding. However, the conversation also touched on some lighter topics like itchy feet and the speaker's fear of losing a big chunk of his ear due to earwax. Despite the seemingly unrelated topics, the conversation showcases the importance of being open and communicative, even when discussing seemingly mundane or embarrassing topics. Additionally, the speaker's creative use of language to assert his privacy and the humor that ensued highlights the importance of maintaining a sense of humor in everyday life.

• Health anxieties and misconceptions: Conversations can range from health anxieties to misconceptions, leading to a mix of emotions and light-hearted humor.

  Brooke and the speaker had a conversation about their health anxieties and the desire for not knowing potential health issues. They discussed the high cost of an MRI machine and how it might reveal too much information, potentially causing more anxiety. The conversation then shifted to stingrays and their ability to give birth, which confused the speaker as they believed fish laid eggs. The conversation also touched upon orcas being dolphins and the misconception that they attack humans. In the end, they discussed the idea of befriending wild animals and the possibility of them helping in canceling Ellen, but the idea felt too dark. Overall, the conversation was a mix of health anxieties, misunderstandings, and light-hearted humor.

• Toxic work environments can lead to unexpected reactions: Creating a positive and supportive work environment is crucial for team members' mental and emotional well-being, preventing unexpected incidents and ensuring productivity.

  Toxic work environments can lead to stress and anxiety, potentially causing unexpected reactions. During a discussion, a participant suggested agitating a colleague by having them experience a slight tail flick, leading to her unexpected fainting on a party bus. The reason for her cancellation and the incident itself were not explicitly stated, but it was mentioned that she was canceled due to a toxic work environment. This incident highlights the importance of creating a positive and supportive work environment to prevent such incidents and ensure the well-being of all team members. It's crucial to remember that everyone's mental and emotional health should be prioritized, and any signs of distress or discomfort should be addressed promptly.