In this episode of Missing Out, Tori Richardson tackles the flip side of FOMO and dives into JOMO—the Joy of Missing Out. Inspired by comedian Nate Bargatse’s “Hello World!” special, Tori and her guest, Professor Christopher Gilbert, explore why sometimes saying “no thanks” is the best decision you can make. They unpack how intentional solitude—choosing a cozy night in, a solo bike ride, or family time—can bring genuine happiness, even as social media and peer pressure ping us to stay plugged in. Professor Gilbert shares his personal criteria for choosing meaningful alone time over constant engagement and explains how structuring your day and resisting external influences (like Strava or Instagram pings) can transform anxiety into joy. From rediscovering the simple pleasures of farmstead hobbies to trading a Friday night out for quality moments with loved ones, you’ll learn strategies to reclaim your schedule and embrace experiences on your own terms.

📧 Email us at info@nationalhumanservices.org for details on how to get involved with The Student Podcast Collaborative.

In collaboration with Assumption University. This content is used for educational purposes.

About the Project: For our second Student Podcast Collaborative series, Communication & Media majors will produce an all-new, three-episode, 90-minute podcast capstone. These students move from theory to practice—pitching ideas, writing scripts, recording and editing episodes, and finally publishing their original shows. Each series tackles both personal and societal topics, allowing hosts to flex their storytelling, research, and production muscles. By working in a long-form audio format—one of the fastest-growing areas in media—students gain first-hand experience with the creative possibilities and practical challenges of communication technology.