Unswamped

I talk about what the point of making friends and socializing is, human validation, and self-worth. Done in my dorm in the morning. I’d recommend you speed it up with captions if you feel like I’m talking slow.   00:00 Morning in the Dorm 01:04 Desk Tour and Daily Routine 05:08 Thoughts on Friendship and Social Skills 09:49 Navigating Social Anxiety 10:43 Reflections on Family and Feeling Loved 12:52 The Importance of Genuine Connections 16:55 Balancing Social Life and Personal Growth 18:46 Challenges of Making Friends 24:37 Exploring Romantic Relationships 27:21 Struggling with Self-Expression 28:31 The Purpose of Conversations 29:39 Battling Self-Doubt and Seeking Validation 32:14 Influence of YouTubers on Personal Growth 34:04 Overcoming Social Anxiety 36:47 Childhood Traumas and Self-Worth 44:13 The Illusion of Physical Attraction 48:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Letting go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55LIWFCJQfE&t=393s Are you present with women or are you performing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFPv5_9koXY If you think you are chopped: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m75sMacb1IM Matthew Hussey and Seb Jones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Tt_znSqdHI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diIPn_5GzX8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6NHDkKZIec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlHCpZ4oaaM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haIGZCcYg-M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdswUPYGo2M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBCry6Hu_k0 Check out Santa Cruz Medicinals and Paul Saladino for some good health lifestyle advice: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2gG-jfnsdWGvXO_tFyyg6A https://www.youtube.com/c/paulsaladinomd

In this episode, I talk about transitioning to college life at Berkeley, including challenges with self-esteem, social anxiety, and the Summer 100 challenge. I discuss my thoughts about friendships, the pursuit of self-expression, and navigating dating, guided by concepts from various self-improvement and cold approach coaches--also the importance of being true to oneself while exploring new social settings. I talk about the self-amusement, kindness, and the role of appearance in self-confidence. 00:00 Introduction   01:10 Self-Reflection and Podcast Purpose 04:36 College Life and Healthy Habits 06:09 Friendship and Social Dynamics 09:16 Cold Approaching and Confidence Building 21:10 Physical Appearance and Self-Image 34:46 Social Anxiety and Self-Worth 42:32 Final Thoughts and Reflections   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuIoWiZgaK0&ab_channel=CoachKyleRAW  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55LIWFCJQfE&list=PLdnB_qotpXVdGwcQVppDKJNArGT_uQOY1  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFPv5_9koXY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9orIpqcOeeE

In this episode, I talk about change and whether it’s okay to be ugly. The captions may not be perfectly accurate. If you’d like to watch it faster, that’s something you can do on Spotify. The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho... “God has prepared a path for everyone. You just need to follow the omens.” “I see the world in terms of what I would like to see happen, not what actually does.” A curious one; “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” Youtube Videos and Podcasts I liked! I tried to 'Cold Approach' 100 girls without any experience (Introvert vs Girls): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMr1ddukSQ4&ab_channel=DylanMcKnight    I Tried Teaching an Awkward Virgin How to Cold Approach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7DIqN3KOo4&ab_channel=BenjaminSeda    How I'm dealing with wanting a gf while I'm still building myself…: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03ZhMIzDqZI&ab_channel=JakPiggott    Simple cold approach: Introvert to Social Confidence in 5min: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efhstinc2Fo&ab_channel=CoachKyle    Cold Approach As A Daily Habit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOwryGLERDY&ab_channel=SebJones    How To Believe You Are Worthy Of The Love you Desire Jillian Turecki: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6IYRDOyhtuGmjYcv88Do4y?si=4eeed9a85bfa41a2    The Price of Lust | A Biblical Warning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsUBvZbuXvU&ab_channel=Goded    I spent $20,000 on OnlyFans. (my addiction): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ptXXG1wttk&ab_channel=DylanMcKnight    The Search for Self-Love with podcaster Lewis Howes: https://open.spotify.com/episode/69S9mLrITgkyIUsEGqrhQH?si=60dd41a01e8d400a    Ep 561- Beautiful Things: https://open.spotify.com/episode/75uiVDrOjctrlqVOmdrzAp?si=3fbd8a1374af4945  00:00 Overcoming Anxiety to Start Recording 01:10 Embracing Authenticity and Personal Growth 02:26 Musical Inspirations and Confidence Boost 04:19 Exploring Self-Image and Appearance 05:58 Reflections on Confidence and Humor 08:52 Being Normal/Infinity Stones Aura 11:27 The Importance of Self-Reliance 15:35 Understanding Attraction and Self-Worth 23:21 Projection and Evolution 51:16 Exploring New Experiences 51:56 Therapist's Advice: Try New Things 52:51 Balancing Honesty and Politeness 55:37 Navigating Social Interactions 56:25 Nutrition and Health Journey 59:59 Understanding Psychological Suffering 01:13:19 Childhood Insecurities and Growth 01:22:23 The Quest for Authenticity 01:34:00 Popularity and Self-Worth 01:41:41 Cold Approaching Anxiety 01:42:33 Romantic vs. Platonic Approaches 01:43:34 Building Social Confidence 01:45:29 The Summer 100 Challenge 01:50:47 Navigating Awkward Interactions 01:53:07 Finding a Job and Social Connections 01:53:43 Self-Love and Authenticity 02:07:29 Lust and Its Impact 02:15:19 Final Thoughts and Reflections https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/18-solo-is-it-bad-to-be-chopped-unattractive-or-ugly 

We talk about the challenge of maintaining good posture and projecting confidence, particularly around individuals perceived as having higher social status. We discuss self-worth, the fear of being different, and “being natural.” We also delve into my struggle with inauthenticity and the pressures that have shaped my interactions. The episode concludes with new music likings, reflections on subjective happiness, and a comment on who should have won “best style." 00:00 Introduction and Initial Setup 00:21 Discussing Art and Its Value 00:45 Podcast Publishing and Redemption 01:15 Questions and Conversations 03:14 Technical Difficulties and Fixes 04:55 Posture and Social Interactions 13:35 Authenticity and Self-Worth 29:46 Talking to Girls and Confidence 42:03 Exploring the Moment 42:36 Balancing Inward and Outward Perspectives 44:02 The Challenge of Being Yourself 45:07 Reflections on High School and Teachers 47:57 Podcast Dynamics and Self-Expression 57:59 Struggles with Authentic Connection 01:13:36 Subjectivity of Happiness and Enjoyment 01:18:32 Final Thoughts and Farewell https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/17-khyber-mcfarland-can-you-get-that-infinity-stones-aura-or-nah 

uhhhhhh...type shit 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Inspiration 01:30 Graduation Reflections and Gratitude 02:16 Why You Should Talk to Girls 03:42 Finding Authenticity and Social Interactions 05:12 Therapy and Self-Improvement 06:53 Navigating Social Anxiety and Friendships 11:41 Talking to Girls: Personal Experiences 28:12 The Importance of Genuine Social Connections 44:50 Overcoming Fear of Talking to Girls 46:10 Philosophical Questions and Personal Growth 51:26 Struggles with Health and Self-Control 54:06 Navigating Social Interactions and Self-Worth 01:06:25 Reflections on High School and Friendships 01:17:17 Final Thoughts and Gratitude ☝️ chapter markers are AI-generated. Let me know in the comments if these are fine, or if you want me to make them more specific/better-timed. https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/16-why-you-should-talk-to-girls

Lexi and Katie, both juniors at Francis Parker High School, introduce themselves and delve into a broad range of topics related to high school life. They discuss the challenges of middle school drama and friendships, the evolution of self-confidence, and whether having a filter or not is fine. The conversation also touches on managing stress, body image issues, the role of therapy, and family. They explore the impact of societal expectations on gender behaviors, the nuances of dating and hookup culture, and personal values such as kindness and spirituality. Toward the end, Lexi and Katie highlight the importance of communication, understanding, and balancing personal and parental expectations. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:59 High School Drama and Friendships 01:42 Insecurity and Self-Confidence 09:59 Therapy and Mental Health 15:18 Gender Differences in Drama 28:52 Body Image and Societal Pressures 39:54 Navigating Gender Expectations 40:16 Personal Anecdote: Insecurity and Strength 41:24 Social Media and Gender Perceptions 42:53 Hookup Culture in High School 44:56 Perspectives on Relationships 50:51 Exploring Spirituality and Religion 55:05 The Meaning of Life and Kindness 01:03:42 Family Dynamics and Relationships 01:16:04 Final Thoughts and Reflections https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/15-katie-lee-and-lexi-lees

High school seniors Lauren and Maggie engage in a deep conversation about their strong bond, the dynamics of their friendship, and their personal growth throughout high school. They discuss various topics such as authenticity, dealing with social anxiety, the challenges of maintaining individuality, and the importance of therapy. They also touch on experiences of peer pressure, substance use, and the significance of forming genuine connections. We talk about aspirations, summer plans, and their upcoming transitions to college. 00:00 Introduction and Class Expectations 00:45 Friendship Dynamics and Communication 02:58 Building Confidence and Authenticity 09:31 Introversion vs. Extroversion 21:29 Therapy and Personal Growth 39:33 Navigating Social Dynamics at Parties 40:06 The Joy of Dressing Up and Making Memories 41:02 Finding Personal Style and Confidence 43:35 Thrifting Adventures and Fashion Finds 48:10 The Thrill of Concerts and Music Discovery 01:02:32 Struggles with Addiction and Overcoming Challenges 01:15:51 Starting Smoking to Fit In 01:16:39 Finding Joy in Concerts and Puppy Love 01:17:25 Struggles with Nicotine Addiction 01:18:38 Avoiding Substance Use at Parties 01:20:53 The Reality of Party Relationships 01:29:37 The 'It Girl' Pyramid 01:36:27 Navigating High School Friendships 01:39:58 Crying and Emotional Expression 01:43:59 Preparing for College Separation 01:49:04 Navigating Friendships and Personal Growth 01:49:27 The Complexities of Crying and Empathy 01:52:15 The Burden of Being the Therapist Friend 01:54:13 High School Stress and Panic Attacks 01:55:57 Creating Safe Spaces in School 01:57:08 The Concept of Stimming and Neurodivergence 02:01:58 Fears and Reflections on Life 02:17:52 Summer Plans and Future Aspirations 02:24:24 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/14-maggie-krongard-and-lauren-holst 

Minh-Vy and Jason. Short Description: Siblinghood. Dating and Girls; Relationships. College Applications. Minh-vy talks about his parents, his relationship with his older sister, and his girlfriend. We are joined by a few audience members in the beginning. Half-way through, Kelan, Aneesh and Owen come in. The conversation delves into dating and romantic relationships and the experience of building friendships. We open up several college apps. We further explore the importance of authentic social interactions in romantic relationships and friendships, ambitions in sports, and Jason’s transition from middle school to high school in relation to studying and parents. Chapter Markers and Podbean Link: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:38 Sibling Relationships and Family 03:28 Parenting Styles and Cultural Differences 05:39 Secret Relationships and Dating 07:16 Crushes and Romantic Interests 37:17 Friendship / Social Anxiety 50:35 College Decisions and Future Plans 57:42 College Preferences and Decisions 57:58 UCLA and Other Apps 59:54 Rejections and Waitlists… 01:04:24 Eating Lunch with Your Friends 01:13:11 Basketball Ambitions and Thoughts 01:32:13 Parental Expectations and Plans https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/mihn-vy-jason  Recorded Friday, March 21 (2025) in a music room. Ended at 5:15 pm. 

Jared D’Onofrio is an English and Creative Writing teacher at the Francis Parker School. Short Description- Social Dynamics; Gender; Love with Mr. D’Onofrio He talks about the notion of having multiple social selves. He shares his thoughts on authenticity, dating, and the balance between adapting behavior and being oneself. The conversation also explores greatness, the need to be in a group, and cultural constructs of masculinity and femininity. Then we shift to expressing love and saying sorry in family relationships. Finally, he explains the importance of maintaining a positive experience for his students, likening his role to that of a waiter ensuring a good dining experience. Chapter Markers and Podbean Link: 00:00 Introduction and Previous Interviews 00:30 Social Media and School Policies 01:13 The Concept of Social Selves 05:55 Dating Advice and Authenticity 11:24 Social Buoyancy and Intimacy 15:03 Making Friends and Social Interactions 31:14 Pursuing Greatness and Personal Fulfillment 37:02 Exploring Humility vs. Modesty 39:14 The Pitfalls of Comparison and Competition 41:14 Masculinity and Femininity: Cultural Constructs 46:34 Navigating Male Friendships and Social Norms 51:49 Expressing Love in Family Dynamics 57:33 Managing Conflict and Apologies in Families 01:06:18 Finding Joy and Coping with Fear https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/12-jared-d-onofrio-2  Recorded in the Francis Parker music room. Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Ended 5:22pm.

Sammie and Evan are seniors. They run (and eat Crumbl), are part of a culture and faith, respectively, and like to hang out with their friends, among other things. Short Description- Faith, Running, and Friendship We discuss the concept behind the 'Unswamped' podcast. The conversation shifts to personal beliefs about Christianity and Judaism and the patterns and beliefs of faith. Evan and Sammie touch on the challenges and benefits of running, and offer their advice and stories on training and diet. Finally, we go to rapid-fire questions on their favorite beaches, TV shows, movies, and how they spend their free time. Chapter Markers and Podbean Link: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Origins 01:15 Goals and Future of the Podcast 03:53 Personal Beliefs and Political Stances 05:36 Religion and Personal Growth 38:55 Exploring Faith and Nature 40:08 Personal Reflections on Religion 44:08 Philosophy and Religion Intersect 01:02:25 Running: A Journey of Discipline and Community 01:16:17 Starting a Running Routine 01:16:40 Understanding Tempo Runs 01:23:05 Structuring Your Weekly Workouts 01:35:32 Balancing Running and Diet 01:43:26 The Struggles and Realities of Running 01:45:36 Natural Talent vs. Hard Work 01:54:55 Friendship and Personal Growth 01:59:39 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/evan-sammie/  Recorded Monday, March 24. 

Matthew is a senior in high school. He played volleyball, went to parties starting Sophomore year, and made good friends. Short Description- Parties, Friendships, Emotional Journeys. We talk about party culture and the feeling of freedom parties can sometimes offer. We talk about exclusivity in private school parties versus public school gatherings. Then we pivot to address topics like self-consciousness, the feeling of being left out, and the different perceptions others have of us. Matthew opens up about his struggles with volleyball, detailing how a coach's belittling comments led to burnout and a shift in his career aspirations. We also discuss crying and how he copes. We talk about different types of friendship and Matthew explains forcing versus letting friendships develop. Chapter Markers and Podbean Link: 00:00 Starting the Podcast 00:33 Introducing the Guest: Matthew Sedano 01:31 Party Culture: Experiences and Opinions 05:18 Popularity and Social Dynamics 07:41 Personal Struggles and Emotional Growth 16:44 Volleyball Dreams and Disappointments 22:13 Coping with Emotions: Crying 37:46 Introversion vs. Extroversion: Perceptions 40:39 The Nature of Arguments in Friendships 47:26 Middle School Memories and Regrets 51:40 The Evolution of Friendships 56:50 The Natural Process of Building Friendships 01:00:21 Conclusion and Sign Off Podbean Link: https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/matthew-sedano/  Recorded in the music room. Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Ended 4:36 pm.

Jason. Short Description- Personal Life, Friendships, School Life. In this episode, we dig into a range of topics. We start with casual banter referencing Billie Eilish and TikTok, but shift to discussions about our life experiences. The conversation meanders through various personal anecdotes, including college experiences, social interactions, insecurities, and childhood memories. We also explore their health issues, like digestive problems and asthma, while occasionally touching on their eating habits and favorite foods. The episode ends with thoughts around getting out there, insecurities, and being hungry. Chapter Markers and Podbean Link: 0:00 Introduction and Initial Banter 00:29 Discussing Billie Eilish and TikTok 00:48 Podcast Recording and Setup 01:28 Casual Conversation and Jokes 14:32 The Role of Religion and Guilt 36:03 Taking Matters into Your Own Hands 38:09 Questioning Beliefs and Self-Reflection 39:03 Defining Good and Bad Actions 41:39 High School Social 59:43 Study Habits 01:03:01 Social Interactions and Insecurities 01:14:54 Friendship Jealousy 01:19:50 Personal Growth and Regrets 01:25:01 Health and Dietary Challenges 01:47:40 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts 01:53:36 Wrapping Up the Podcast Podbean Link: https://unhttps://unswamped.podbean.com/e/jason/ Recorded in a music room--Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Ended at 6:28 pm.  

Keira is a high school senior. She does theater, plays viola, and likes to listen and sing to music. Her favorite color is purple. Short Description- Navigating Relationships, Self-Acceptance, and Achievement. We discuss relationships, including the insecurities and pressures involved and how her confidence and self-acceptance have evolved from middle school to high school. We explore themes of achievement, discipline, motivation, and the balance between pursuing the need to be productive and enjoying life. We talk about Keira’s injury after losing her fingers in an accident and the challenges of sharing and understanding it with peers. Music, its influence, and how it ties into personal identity and enjoyment are also discussed. The interaction is a mix of personal anecdotes, reflections, and considerations. Chapter Markers and Podbean Link: 00:00 Starting the Conversation 01:07 Navigating Friendships and Relationships 04:15 Childhood Friendships and Their Impact 09:53 Arguments and Vulnerability 24:21 Introversion, Extroversion, and Social Interactions 27:08 The Concept of Neediness in Relationships 53:09 Navigating Post-Interaction Thoughts 55:03 Choosing and Enjoying Music 58:48 The Role of Lyrics in Music Appreciation 01:06:48 Balancing Discipline and Passion 01:24:24 The Joy of Theater and Performance 01:29:07 Understanding Passion and Achievement 01:38:08 Exploring Motivation and Discipline 01:38:52 The Role of Identity in Fitness 01:39:45 Questioning the Value of Achievements 01:40:19 Personal Reflections on Happiness 01:41:22 The Importance of Discipline 01:47:48 Balancing Fun and Responsibilities 01:49:59 Understanding Identity and Confidence 01:54:20 Coping with Trauma and Judgment 02:05:47 Thoughts on Parenting and Future 02:08:44 Morning Routines and Sleep Habits 02:16:27 Favorite Artists and Closing Remarks Podbean Link: https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/keira-doshi/  Recorded in my room in the morning. Sunday, January 19, 2025.  

Agastya is a first-year at Harvard University studying Econ and CS. Among many things, he was an accomplished debater/ISEF competitor, and is also a carnatic flutist. Short description- Navigating High School: Debate, Human Connection, Parenting/Parents, Self-Direction, and Preparing for College. In this episode, we talk about an array of topics including the benefits and challenges of debating, the meaning in friendships, and the way we should be in relationships. We discuss the balance between competitive drives and the mundane moments in life. We talk about supportive friendships and the importance of retaining individuality in the pursuit of achievement. We also talk about parents and relying on others beliefs, coping with stress and burnout, and our eating habits. Agastya also touches on how he felt after getting into Harvard, some of his favorite movies and TV shows, and his thoughts on ChatGPT. Chapter Markers and Podbean Link: 00:00:00 Beginning 00:02:05 Sanjana call/coincidence 00:04:37 ISEF and the Hotel Room 00:08:08 Being with people you vibe with 00:10:23 The Masterplan to Get The Girl 00:15:31 Experiences with Circuit Debate and Lincoln-Douglas (LD) 00:34:07 Parental Influence and Self-Directed Growth 00:59:03 Humans and Long-Term Problems 00:53:39 Does Going to a Good College Matter? 01:06:32 The Inflection Point 01:11:21 Randomly Calling Friends 01:21:01 What it Means 01:28:00 What it Feels like to Get into Harvard 01:44:54 Middle School 01:54:18 ChatGPT https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/agastya-sridharan/  Recorded in my room the morning of Sunday August 18, 2024.

Jarrad Phillips is a soccer and golf coach and has experience as an athletic trainer. In this episode, we talk about the healing power of movement and exercise. Coach Phillips shares personal experiences with delaying hip surgery through strength training and yoga, and I reflect on my own injury. We also touch on the roles of diet, sports, community engagement, and mental outlook in leading a healthy lifestyle. The latter part of the conversation explores deeper themes like spirituality, religious faith, and the impact of psychedelic experiences on personal beliefs.   Chapter Markers and Podbean Link: 00:00 Introduction and Initial Questions 00:42 Personal Experience with Injury and Exercise 03:04 Specific Injuries and Treatments 06:10 Diet in Recovery and Performance 08:06 The Importance of Sports and Community 14:55 Career Path and Role as an Athletic Trainer 18:04 Spirituality and Mental Health 28:55 Life and Gratitude 33:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/jarrad-phillips/  Recorded in Coach Phillips' classroom on the morning of Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

Vicky is an artist and senior in high school. We talk about the akwardness of presenting yourself, friendship, and her best friend Keira. We discuss watching Netflix, TV shows, and movies. Then we talk about capitalism and the necessity to work, the relevance and purpose of rest and breaks, and discipline. We finally talk about relationships and marriage. We also venture into the concept of wasting time we have and the role of goals in our lives.   Chapter Markers and Podbean Link: 00:00:00: Presenting and being with others 00:05:36: Appreciation in friendship 00:11:48: Validating sadness or stress 00:14:14: Talking about Keira 00:14:37: Netflix 00:22:40: Goals, discipline, and breaks 00:29:14: Capitalism and the necessity of work 00:33:23: Art for Vicky 00:41:27: Maestro (spoiler alert) 00:51:26: Movies 01:02:22: Rewatching and rereading 01:07:36: The concept of wasting time 01:09:48: Consciousness of friendships 01:15:10: Romantic relationships 01:20:49: Marriage as commitment 01:33:44: Having no regrets https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/vicky-li/  Recorded in my room the morning of Tuesday May 27, 2024.

Sanjana Kumar is a first-year at Princeton, a big learner and an—although this is a subjective understanding of the word—prolific high schooler. In high school, she was part of many clubs and did many things outside of school as well. I ask her about how she views high school, others, and her work ethic. We talk about things that feel like a chore and I ask her if she ever feels like she needs to discipline herself to do her work. Ella Lee-Guest makes an appearance. We talked about the college admissions process, doing her essays, and the waiting; she also talks about why college is important to her. I ask her if she reads and how she produces time magically. She talks about her sleep habits and how her some of her favorite weeks of high school were the busiest—the adrenaline rush of getting everything done; sometimes you can’t do everything, planning her stuff ahead, scheduling, and calling a friend. Right when we were going to finish, we started recording again because Ella asked Sanjana a question about sleep. We proceeded to talk about maintaining her habits and being self-conscious. Chapter Markers and Podbean Link: 00:00:01: Testing 00:00:40: Perception, doing activities in high school 00:03:33: Sources of motivation 00:08:09: Seeing opportunity 00:12:58: Doing things you love 00:13:55: Senioritis, Ella 00:16:26: College admissions 00:21:13: Good college pressure 00:26:22: Why college 00:28:20: Reading 00:30:11: Productivity, and time management 00:34:06: Strategies 00:37:03: Sleep, habits, and self-consciousness https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/sanjana-kumar/  Recorded in a hotel room in Hyatt Place Fresno on the last day of our CHSSA State Championship tournament. It was morning of Sunday, April 14, 2024.

Khyber McFarland is a skateboarder, a musician, and a high school senior. We talk about his hand injury. Then I ask him about being young and the differences in your age and school grade. He talks about his development of introversion, attraction as he's grown up, and how he and I were both class clowns at some point. We talk about not being able to connect with others and my imposter syndrome. He says its innate to be self-centered, and how it’s okay to care about yourself. He gives his thoughts on drama in high school. We talk about me being swamped and my food binge the night before. We talk about my indigestion and khyber’s physical speaking impediment; him and I’s thoughts on being tall; his thoughts on stress; my stress mentality for junior year, and comparison to others like Keira, Jason, Vicky, Jason, Brij (I've got to mention you guys here or else I think it'd be pretentious), “Agastya” and why you shouldn’t compare yourself to someone with a name like that; appreciating who you are instead of wanting what other people have; and on physical touch and male to male touch--I run off the bus before we finish that conversation. Chapter Markers and Podbean Link: 00:00:30: Beginning 00:02:43: Hand injury 00:05:17: Ages 00:11:44: Social buoyancy 00:20:08: Introversion development 00:22:51: Attraction 00:24:16: Class clown 00:30:50: Being different 00:35:06: Freshman orientation 00:39:31: Social infrastructure 00:44:35: Are you swamped? 01:01:08: Speaking our minds 01:08:52: Being tall 01:15:47: How stressful school has been 01:19:52: Khyber drops heat 01:20:54: Feeling personally disadvantaged 01:31:24: Age, again 01:33:31: Physical touch 01:37:21: Guy on guy https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/khyber-mcfarland/  Recorded in the Francis Parker music (practice) room afterschool Thursday, May 16, 2024.

Jared D'Onofrio is an English and Creative Writing teacher, an almost ex-writer, and a could-be-life-of-the-party. We talk about drugs and why he thinks it might be good to take them when he's 80 years old. He talks about his thoughts on religion and shares the philosophy of life he came up with unconsciously while living life. We also talk about friends and how he is an "anti-social but not unfriendly" person. He also tells me about his thoughts on parenting and his own experience. In the end, I ask him a few rapid-fire questions. Among them are: how to develop a reading habit, is the bible real, and is the college admissions process a good thing? Chapter Markers and Podbean Link: 00:00:03: Beginning 00:00:39: Curiosity about drugs 00:07:39: Personal experiences and reflections 00:09:56: Connection to religion 00:18:49: The role of faith 00:32:02: Having a personal philosophy 00:38:54: Navigating friendships and social interactions 00:39:27: Understanding antisocial behavior 00:51:46: Parenting 01:01:20: Parenting practices and experiences 01:06:49: College and education https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/exploring-curiosity-faith-and-lifes-guiding-principles/  Recorded in the Francis Parker music (practice) room afterschool Monday, May 6, 2024.

York is a health nut, an experienced cross-country runner, and a first-year at Carnegie Mellon University now. Our conversation centers around self-improvement in the context of athletic performance and life. I ask him about nutrition and figuring out how to deal with food binging and injuries. He reflects on having a "why" behind our actions, and about trial and error in finding the right way to eat and train. We talk about comparison and York talks about how others were still faster than him even when he worked just as hard, if not more than them--he explains the way we should think about it. Chapter Markers and Podbean Link: 00:00:01: Beginning 00:00:28: Nutrition and Running 00:05:48: Eating 00:07:12: Goals in Nutrition 00:12:59: Navigating Motivation 00:26:30: Comparison 00:31:23: Understanding Effort 00:37:23: Expectations and Self-Discovery https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/navigating-nutrition-and-motivation-a-runners-perspective/  Recorded in the Francis Parker music (practice) room in the morning of Friday, April 5, 2024.