28: You’re Blocked ft. Victoria Paris

Podcast Summary

• Friendship and Embarrassment at a Premiere: The speaker felt embarrassed and frustrated when her friend prevented her from meeting Dylan Sprouse at a premiere, but admired Victoria Paris and enjoyed discussing personal styles.

  The speaker had a difficult time being introduced to Dylan Sprouse at a premiere due to her friend Connor's reluctance. The speaker felt embarrassed and frustrated by the situation, leading to a tense interaction between them. Despite this, the speaker admired Victoria Paris and was excited to meet her in person. The speaker also discussed her experiences of moving and decorating her apartments, expressing her preference for colorful and eclectic designs. Overall, the conversation touched on themes of friendship, frustration, and personal style.

• Fear and personal experiences impact perceptions and reactions: Our past experiences and fears can significantly influence our thoughts and behaviors, sometimes leading us to perceive potential harm or seek drastic measures in the absence of evidence.

  Fear and personal experiences can significantly impact our perceptions and reactions. The speaker shared her fear of bugs, which led her to imagine potential harm even in the absence of evidence. She also recounted a story of a woman with a worm in her leg, which caused her to express extreme panic and a desire for drastic measures. Another topic that emerged was the speaker's preference for using her phone instead of a laptop, which stemmed from her experiences in high school and her desire to be different. These stories illustrate how our past experiences and fears can shape our thoughts and behaviors, sometimes in unexpected ways.

• Discovering a Connection with a Book: Reading a book before it becomes popular can create a unique bond between readers, and the passage of time can bring bittersweet feelings as we witness younger generations experiencing the same stories. Shared interests can also lead to unexpected connections, like meeting a future partner.

  Our reading experiences and connections to books can evoke strong emotions and memories, especially when we discover them before they become widely popular. The speaker shares her experience of reading "The Hunger Games" in high school because she was drawn to the cover art, long before it gained mass appeal. This shared history with a book can create a unique bond between readers, and the passage of time can bring bittersweet feelings as we witness younger generations experiencing the same stories. The conversation also touches upon the role of AR points (Accelerated Reader points) in schools and the various branches of Judaism. The speaker's story about meeting her girlfriend on Be Real offers an unexpected turn in the conversation, adding another layer to the discussion about the power of discovering new connections through shared interests.

• Unexpected encounters on dating apps and beyond: People meet significant others in unexpected ways, including online platforms. The stigma around using multiple apps is evolving, and many seek long-term partners.

  People meet their significant others in various unexpected ways, including online platforms, and societal norms around dating apps are evolving. The speaker shared a personal experience of meeting their girlfriend on Trivago, and the conversation touched upon the stigma surrounding men using multiple dating apps. The speaker expressed a desire to move beyond the dating scene and find a long-term partner. The discussion also included a humorous anecdote about encountering a famous artist during a house tour in Topanga. Overall, the conversation highlighted the diverse experiences and complexities of modern-day dating.

• Neighbor's Wealth and Neurotic Behavior: Wealth doesn't always equate to happiness or freedom from neurosis, and the entertainment industry's financial landscape has changed, impacting artists' livelihoods.

  Wealth and success in the entertainment industry can be subjective, and people may have different perspectives on what it means to afford a luxurious lifestyle. The speaker shared an anecdote about a neighbor who frequently yelled at them for peeing in public, despite her large house and wealth. The neighbor, who is an artist, was criticized by the speaker for her neurotic behavior and her apparent financial struggles, despite her ability to afford a expensive home. The conversation then shifted to the topic of actors and their income, with the speaker noting that the industry has changed and that not everyone can make a living as they used to. The speaker also mentioned Andrew Yang's proposal for a living wage for those who don't work. The conversation ended with the speaker expressing mixed feelings towards Sydney Sweeney and acknowledging that people can have complex relationships with public figures. Overall, the conversation highlighted the complexities and nuances of wealth and success in the entertainment industry.

• The Impact of Financial Habits and Values on Aging and Vision Issues: Striking a balance between saving and living in the moment is crucial for maintaining quality of life during aging and vision issues. Personal experiences and values shape financial habits and can greatly impact one's approach to saving and spending.

  Aging and vision issues are common experiences, and people's financial habits and values can greatly impact their quality of life. Connor, who is in his late thirties, is dealing with vision problems and was diagnosed with astigmatism. He shares his frustration with the financial constraints imposed by his upbringing and the challenges of saving money. The conversation also touches on the topic of dating older partners and the societal expectations around saving and spending. While Connor's parents were very frugal and instilled strong saving habits, they were inconsistent in their spending, focusing on experiences like traveling. Connor shares his own struggle with being too restrictive with money, which led to unhappiness. The conversation also touches on the topic of technology, such as self-driving cars, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of embracing new technologies. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of striking a balance between saving and living in the moment, and the impact of personal experiences and values on financial decision-making.

• Dealing with Negativity on Social Media: Focus on positivity, ignore negativity, block or filter out mean comments, remember online comments don't define worth, take breaks from social media, remember hard work and history behind success.

  Social media platforms like Twitter can be a breeding ground for negativity and mean-spirited comments, which can be particularly challenging for public figures or creators. These comments can range from trivial criticisms to outright bullying, and they can be exhausting and demoralizing. The anonymity of the internet can embolden people to say things they wouldn't dare say in person, and it can be difficult to know how to respond. Doja Cat, a successful musician, has shown that one effective strategy is to ignore the negativity and focus on the positive. Another strategy is to block or filter out the negative comments. It's important to remember that online comments don't reflect the opinions of everyone, and they don't define your worth. It's also important to remember that social media is just one aspect of your life, and it's okay to take a break from it when needed. Finally, it's worth noting that many people don't realize the history and hard work that goes into building a successful career or project, and it can be frustrating when they act as if it's just starting now.

• Building connections in the digital world: Creating and maintaining an online presence involves managing interactions, forming bonds, and discovering new talents in the digital community.

  Creating and maintaining online presence involves managing online interactions, including blocking negative comments and engaging with like-minded individuals. The speakers met on TikTok during the pandemic and formed a close bond, eventually living together in what they described as a content house. They shared experiences of attending events and meeting famous people in Los Angeles, where there seems to be a small degree of separation between levels of internet fame. The speakers also mentioned their excitement about discovering new talents and being part of the creative community. Overall, their conversation highlights the importance of building connections and embracing opportunities in the digital world.

• An Unforgettable Movie Premiere Experience: Unexpectedly seated away from a friend, the speaker was fully engaged in the movie and reflected on the resurgence of club culture, while experiencing shock and reflection from unexpected celebrity encounters.

  Attending the movie premiere was an unexpected and surreal experience for the speaker. They found themselves seated separately from their friend Brooke, but were in close proximity to celebrities like Joey King, Brad Pitt, and Tana Mongeau. Despite initially feeling disconnected, the speaker was fully engaged in the movie, which kept their attention throughout. They also reflected on the resurgence of club culture and shared their disinterest in traditional club scenes. A notable moment was the speaker's failed attempt to introduce themselves to Dylan Sprouse due to anxiety and the crowded event. The experience left the speaker in a state of shock and reflection on the unexpected encounters and experiences of the night.

• Unexpected conflicts from living situations and social media: Respect rules and consider consequences when living with friends. Social media can inspire unusual food combinations, leading to amusement or disappointment.

  Living situations, even with close friends, can lead to unexpected conflicts and consequences. In this case, a house party resulted in getting kicked out of an Airbnb, highlighting the importance of respecting rules and considering the potential consequences of actions. Despite the unfortunate experience, the friends were able to find humor in the situation and move forward. Additionally, social media influences can lead individuals to try unusual food combinations, like brownies with ranch dressing, which can be a source of amusement or disappointment.

• Trying unexpected combinations can lead to enjoyable surprises: Unexpected food pairings and experiences can lead to unexpected enjoyment. Be open to trying new things and you might discover unexpected camaraderie and enjoyment.

  Unexpected combinations of foods or experiences can lead to surprising enjoyment. The discussion revolves around trying brownies with ranch dressing, which the speaker initially found unappetizing but ended up enjoying. This theme is further emphasized through their shared experience of trying Kirkland Signature alcohol, which they found to be comparable to name-brand versions. The authenticity and camaraderie of the friends in the TikTok series they discovered also added to their enjoyment. The conversation also touched on the topic of birth control and friendship, highlighting the importance of trying new things and being open to new experiences.

• The power of authenticity and self-expression: Staying true to oneself and sharing unique interests can lead to captivating conversations and meaningful connections.

  The power of authenticity and self-expression can be surprising and captivating. The conversation revolved around various topics, including a woman with a pond full of named bullfrogs, the unreleased audition footage of One Direction members, and the overlooked audition of Louis Tomlinson. The speaker's genuine passion for these seemingly unrelated subjects sparked curiosity and fascination. Additionally, the discussion touched upon the intriguing aspects of the entertainment industry, such as industry plants and restrictive contracts for artists. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of staying true to oneself and sharing unique interests, which can lead to engaging and meaningful connections.

• Creative control and monetization come with unique challenges: Having creative freedom and the ability to monetize content is powerful, but it also requires responsibility and consideration for others' feelings.

  Having creative control and the ability to monetize content can be a powerful tool, but it also comes with its own unique challenges. The speaker shared stories about individuals, including Casey Neistat and herself, who have this power and the freedom to create and live their lives without pressure. However, they also discussed the potential downsides, such as the risk of upsetting others and dealing with the consequences, like being blocked on social media. It's a reminder that with great power comes great responsibility. Additionally, the speaker mentioned her own experience with obsession and the impact it can have on relationships and personal brand.

• Discovering Celebrity Look-alikes and Commonalities: Identifying celebrity look-alikes and shared traits can lead to entertaining conversations and a reminder of our relatable humanity, while avoiding negative online comments can promote emotional well-being.

  People often see resemblances between themselves and various celebrities or characters, leading to interesting and sometimes amusing discoveries. During a conversation, Connor and the speaker discussed their celebrity look-alikes, with the speaker identifying herself as looking like Miranda Cosgrove and various cartoon characters, while Connor was compared to a dog from Lady and the Tramp and Tom Holland. The conversation also touched on the speaker's tendency to find commonalities and her occasional self-deprecating humor. Additionally, the speaker mentioned her therapist's advice about avoiding reading negative comments online, as it can lead to feelings of distress. Overall, the conversation showcased the lighthearted and relatable nature of recognizing similarities between ourselves and others.

• The importance of self-care and constructive criticism in online interactions: Filter out negativity, embrace constructive criticism, and be prepared for challenges in both online and real-life situations

  It's essential to read online comments when you feel good about yourself to avoid negative emotions. Constructive criticism can be used to improve oneself, but it's crucial to filter out unnecessary negativity. The speaker shared an experience of losing her phone and the challenges she faced in getting it back, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and patient in such situations. Additionally, the speaker mentioned her love for turkey clubs and how it played a role in recovering her lost phone. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of self-care, constructive criticism, and problem-solving skills in navigating online interactions and real-life challenges.

• Parents' quirks: a source of connection or annoyance?: Parents' unusual behaviors can be a source of frustration or amusement for their adult children, but might also be a way for them to assert their presence and connect.

  Parents and their quirks can be a source of frustration and amusement for their adult children. The speaker shared an experience of her parents' newfound habit of yawning loudly in public to annoy her. She also mentioned her own quirks, such as chewing loudly and making throat-itching noises. The speaker mused that her parents might be doing these things as a way to assert their presence and connect with her, despite their physical absence in her life. The conversation then shifted to discussing favorite movies and actors, specifically Jane Lynch and Molly Shannon, and the speaker's near-accident while looking for them in real life. Overall, the conversation highlighted the complex and evolving nature of family dynamics and the importance of finding common ground through shared experiences and interests.

• The Importance of Empathy and Open-Mindedness in Creating Inclusive Environments: Be mindful of words and actions towards others' experiences and identities, especially online. Authenticity and respect are key to creating inclusive environments.

  Awareness and sensitivity towards others' experiences and identities is crucial in creating an inclusive environment. This was evident in the discussion about Jane Lynch's tweet on women's voices and the incident involving Lil Uzi Vert and their girlfriend. Both situations highlight the importance of being mindful of one's words and actions, especially when it comes to issues of gender identity. Additionally, the conversation touched on the power of social media and its potential to bring people together, as well as the challenges that come with navigating different online platforms. The discussion also revealed the importance of authenticity and being true to oneself, whether that's through expressing one's identity or pursuing creative passions like ASMR. Overall, the conversation underscored the importance of empathy, respect, and open-mindedness in our interactions with others.