Episodes
Sunday Dec 27, 2020
Ep. 23 An Appalachian Analysis Of Anxiety
Sunday Dec 27, 2020
Sunday Dec 27, 2020
It’s story time this week on the Carolina Snowflakes Podcast as Amanda and Jason give an Appalachian analysis of anxiety. The snowflakes begin this episode by sharing their own, often humorous, experiences living with anxiety. We can safely say the brain is a funny thing and how it causes us to respond to perceived threats can be even funnier, especially when those threats are not remotely real.
In fact, humor has been paramount in providing a coping mechanism for both of us through the years as we’ve struggled with bouts of social and generalized anxiety. If we can’t laugh at the absurdity of how our bodies still respond to stress as if we’re running from mammoths, what can we laugh at?
We also take a look at how anxiety affects the body, particularly when endured for a great length of time. The hormones and chemicals involved in stimulating the fight or flight responses have real impact on our physical health as well as our over all well-being and even our relationships with others.
There’s even a cultural element involved in how anxiety is addressed. We found that in particular, the south tends to be less receptive and understanding than other areas of the U.S. towards mental health treatment. Not to mention, lack of funding creates an even more pronounced barrier for many rural southerners getting help with mental health. Strikingly, we found that folks living in southern Appalachia are less receptive than even other southerners to seeking or receiving counseling. In fact, there is a strong correlation between Appalachian residency and the justification or excusing of erratic behavior caused by poor mental health. The saying “Here in the south we don’t hide crazy, we parade it on the front porch and give it a cocktail” is rooted in at least some amount of truth.
We close this week’s episode with a funny recording you don’t want to miss. It all happened quite organically when the mics were on in another room and picked up Amanda ranting on the phone about an awful woman she dealt with at work. Jason seized the moment by turning the ranting audio clip into a hilarious ditty. It’s now a staple song in our household.
Although this week's topic is a more serious one, we’ve approached with humor and there’s lots of laughter throughout. We hope you enjoy!
References:
Sapolsky, Robert M. (2004). “Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, Third Edition”
Hauenstein, Emily J. (2003) “No Comfort in the Rural South: Women Living Depressed”. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 17(1), 3-11. https://doi.org/10.1053/apnu.2003.6
Sunday Dec 20, 2020
*Bonus Episode* Carolina Snowflakes Christmas
Sunday Dec 20, 2020
Sunday Dec 20, 2020
Happy Holidays from the Carolina Snowflakes! In this week’s bonus episode we cut loose and get jolly with it. Tune in as we chuckle and reminisce during a hilarious Christmas –themed Q & A. You’ll get a kick out of it, we promise.
We wish you a safe and healthy holiday, whatever you may (or may not) celebrate. Be safe out there.
-- Amanda & Jason
Sunday Dec 20, 2020
Ep. 22 Dissecting The Dark Web
Sunday Dec 20, 2020
Sunday Dec 20, 2020
What do you know about the dark web? Have you ever visited?
In this week’s episode of the Carolina Snowflakes podcast we explore the dark web step-by-step. We look at how the darkest part of the internet was formed, it’s origins and examine a slew of facts versus fiction on what exactly constitutes “the dark web”.
It probably isn’t what you think.
In fact, to the average internet user, the dark web is a total mystery. And naturally, with mystery comes misunderstanding.
This week we are uncovering the mystery and sharing everything we know about what the dark web is and isn’t. We discuss both the good (yes, there’s actually good) and the bad. We talk of how the dark web has helped victims get away from their abusers and how would-be criminals have been brought to justice thanks to the actions of people using the dark side of the internet. We also talk about some of the more practical uses of visiting the dark web and how to do so safely. And of course, we tell the story of the guy who called himself Dread Pirate Roberts and his Silk Road drug emporium.
There’s a lot to unpack this week, but it’s good. We also poke fun at the Libertarians so if you’re into that, stick around. ;-)
So grab yourself a snack and tune in cause we’re taking you to the dark web.
Reference:
Bilton, Nick. (2017). “American Kingpin: The Epic Hunt for the Criminal Mastermind Behind the Silk Road”.
Sunday Dec 13, 2020
Ep. 21 Covid Conversations
Sunday Dec 13, 2020
Sunday Dec 13, 2020
What happens when the chips are down and measures to protect are not enforced? In many ways we see the behavior of most Americans over the last few months as being much like that of the character Walter White from the show Breaking Bad; a likeable person doing unlikable things.
The struggle between good and bad, right versus wrong, etc is so intense right now that it’s palpable. To us it seems the motivations to continue to “do the right thing” in the midst of a global pandemic are waning and as a result, the virus is ripping through our country at an alarming rate. Needless to say this year has been eye-opening in terms of better understanding the human condition.
This week on the Carolina Snowflakes Podcast we sit down for a conversation on the current state of America’s massive dumpster fire in the handling of Covid-19. It’s been a while since we last dedicated air time to talk about Covid-19, but we both felt it was relevant given that so much has changed in the last 9 months. Plus, we’re living “that pandemic life” like everyone else and a cathartic release of thoughts and feelings was warranted in order to free up space in our minds for more creative endeavors. Plus, we know we’re not the only ones feeling these frustrations and we hope our listeners are able to feel connected. You’re not alone.
So grab your mask and a bottle of hand sanitizer and join us for our very moving Covid Conversations.
Sunday Dec 06, 2020
Ep. 20 WTF Classic Rock
Sunday Dec 06, 2020
Sunday Dec 06, 2020
This week on the Carolina Snowflakes Podcast we poke fun at how classic rock has become the default sound of American waiting rooms. Why is it that whenever you step foot into a mechanic shop or other small business, you’re almost always guaranteed to be greeted by the sounds of a local classic rock radio station?
Better yet, WTF even is classic rock and how did it come to be?
We take a deep dive into all of this and more as we talk about our own experiences listening to classic rock, plus we look at how regional demographics and even immigration have shaped the playlists of major stations around the US. For example, the classic rock tunes in played in New York differ significantly from what you might hear in Los Angeles.
Plus, we’re pretty sure no band starts out intending to be labeled “classic rock” so how the heck do they wind up there? The answer might surprise you!
And lastly, how did classic rock become synonymous with “safe”? From what we gather, people turn the station to classic rock because it’s presumably less offensive than other available genres and more palatable to the general public. Is it though? When’s the last time you really listened to the lyrics of “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd or “Summer of 69” by Bryan Adams? Things are not always what they seem; including these great hits.
So tune in and get ready to rock (and laugh) with us as we venture down the rabbit hole of WTF Classic Rock?
Reference:
Hickey, Walt. (July 7, 2014) Why Classic Rock Isn’t What It Used To Be. FiveThirtyEight. https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/why-classic-rock-isnt-what-it-used-to-be/