Off the Clock

Think about the lens through which we look at and examine our lives (and make decisions based on what we see.) It seems to come down to the question of: What are you optimizing for?American society's lens is very much encouraging us to optimize for:Finding jobs that contribute to society, keep the economic engine going, and allow us to play our part in consumerism culturePairing up, get married, and have children (which also contributes to the above point)Contribute to society in ways that benefit the common good (volunteer, give to charity, etc)Participate in activities that promote American values and Nationalism (church, sports, etc)However: Many people eventually (or at least at some point in time) find themselves at odd with this way of living. This is all very tied to game theory, but it's the concept that reality is just one big dream/simulation, and if you know that, you're operating at a different level than most people who don't zoom out to acknowledge the game, just stay down in the weeds.So, as such: are you playing the game as the main character, or are you an NPC/supporting character in someone else's story?Today's Q: Is there a version of living where you can live a version of your life that's authentic to you and your gut read on what feels right/wrong, even if it's at odds with the "normal" version we've been programmed to strive for? Is it OK to optimize for the version of life that feels like you're taking care of yourself the best way you can, even if it's at odds with previous decisions? Are we allowed to change, and CAN we?

We all build unique internal worlds that are informed by our experiences, the books we've read, the movies/shows we watch, the social media we consume, etc. These all shape our worldview and are one of the big reasons there have been book-burning campaigns over the years, religious teachings that say things like "don't watch this, don't read that, it's smut," and another reason we now have SO MANY different media sources that validate every possible POV on key issues in life.Today we're exploring this question: How thoughtful are you about your inputs, and have you established any best practices that you've found helpful? 

Today's topic was inspired by this article titled Don Quixote & Narrative Identity in a recent edition of Philosophy Now: https://philosophynow.org/issues/161/Don_Quixote_and_Narrative_Identity.Our general theme is: We are the stories we tell ourselves and our character in that story is always evolving.

Today we're taking a new approach and trying something new by going deep on ONE question.The question for this episode: What is TRUE?For more context: One of the most nuanced things about being a human and having a human brain is that almost all the time, many conflicting things are true at the same time. So, how do you filter and land on what you believe is real/true/reliable?This is especially important during an election year (one reason of many it's top-of-mind) when news angles put all kinds of spins on information within the media context. But this also applies to how we decide which "narrators" within our lives to trust: Parents, partners, friends, etc. vs. our "gut feelings" (fueled by our internal nervous systems.)How do you know when to defer to logic (past patterns, existing info, and context) and when to defer to your gut (and those feelings of, THIS FEELS RIGHT/WRONG even though it goes against logic.) So: Heart vs. head decision-making when it comes to answering: What's really true here in this situation I'm evaluating?

In our first episode of season two, we got together in Austin to get into the (very gross) upcoming cicada fest, Caitlin Clark's impact, thinking processes, and the seven types of rest (plus more.)

In this episode of Off The Clock, Kaleigh, Allie, and Krista discuss:Golden retriever energy: What is it and is it attractive?The pressure for women to choose between aging naturally and getting work doneCan love be truly unconditional?Our biggest quirks and why we love them🎧 Listen now for more!

In today's Off The Clock, Allie, Kaleigh, and Krista talk about:The controversial fake AI Taylor Swift images and whether we can control deepfakes or misinformation in the age of AIThe problem with the "legging legs" trendAre you a bunny, deer, fox, or cat?What would you eat if you had to choose your LAST meal on earth?Listen now 🎧

For ep 15, Krista, Kaleigh, and Allie decided to take OTC from Zoom back to the real world. What is this, the 90s?In this episode:Saltburn and the Golden GlobesCan a constant state of desire offer purpose and happiness?Why do we tend to express our identities through the things we consume? Is this inherently good/bad?Go-to hangover foodMoreeeeCheers!

In the first Off The Clock episode of 2024 (🎉), Kaleigh, Krista, and Allie chat about:The decline of "monoculture" and whether that decline is a good or bad thingOur words/intentions we're setting for the new yearWhat would you do if you won $450 million?Strength optimizers vs. Balance optimizersAnd, of course, so much more 🎧 🤌

So long, 2023 👋 In the last Off The Clock episode of the year, Krista, Allie, and Kaleigh reflect on their years and chat about:Whether New Years resolutions are good or badThe best thing they bought/did/tried in 2023The "Chameleon Problem" The most uncomfortable things they've had to do for workListen now 🎧

In this episode of Off The Clock, Kaleigh, Allie, and Krista talk about:How introverted is too introverted?The balancing act of taking up emotional space in relationshipsHow reading can help you write betterWould you give up your dog for $1 million??And moreeee. Listen now.

In this episode of Off The Clock, Kaleigh, Allie, and Krista talk about:Britney Spears' new memoirSophia Bush likes women??What are we giving up or missing out on to endlessly scroll social media?Our favorite Halloween costumes everAnd so much more!

In this episode of Off The Clock, Allie, Kaleigh, and Krista talk about:The need to bring whimsy back to friendshipsHilarie Burton's Grimoire Girl and the benefits of creating your own grimoireMontaigne's practice of challenging his perspective bubble through exploring other culturesMeta's celebrity AI chatbotsAnd more ✨

In this episode, Krista, Kaleigh, and Allie talk about:Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: Rom-com or PR stunt?The WGA writer's strike is over!Kaleigh's weird Halloween costume ideaThe crazy story behind how Dirty Dancing was madeAnd moreeeeeHave feedback or just want to say hi? Follow us on Instagram at @otc_pod or drop us an email at heyotcpod@gmail.com

In this episode of Off The Clock, Kaleigh, Allie, and Krista talk about:1. Psychological safety vs. "Safe spaces"2. Kaleigh's work sabbatical and the importance of giving yourself space2. Which Gilmore Girls characters suck the most3. The concept of good faith vs. bad faith

In this episode, Kaleigh, Allie, and Krista chat about:Why it feels so cringe to be vulnerableThe Eras Tour (will it ever die?)Group chats vs. social mediaWhy we're excited for The Golden BachelorAnd more!

In this episode of Off The Clock, Kaleigh, Allie, and Krista mourn not being IRL anymore and talk about:Why failure can be a good thingHow to balance your real self vs. your work self on social mediaTheir latest book and TV show recommendations

On this episode of Off The Clock, Kaleigh, Allie, and Krista get to cheers IRL in Chicago! They also get to talk about:- Are the thinkbois right about morning routines?- Barbie and Taylor Swift have taken over the economy- Working remotely in big cities vs. small towns- Their biggest pet peeves- The best piece of advice they've ever been given

This week Kaleigh and Allie ask Krista about going viral on Twitter... no, X — which is not a porn site (or if it is, doesn't hold a candle to old Tumblr). From there they talk about the books and media we need to consume to truly understand them, as well as share their ideal vacations. 

This week Kaleigh, Allie, and Krista talk about their most boring hobbies, whether they'd go back to college if they could (and which classes they'd take), why Kaleigh can't say y'all, and more. Also, Allie has to put a bunch of money in "the work jar" for slipping up and mentioning work.