Tony Weaver Jr. comes back to the podcast to talk about his latest book, Weirdo, graphic novel memoir about an awkward preteen who loves all things geeky but struggles with mental health issues and self-doubt. We get into it with how music saved us as awkward youth, how we need to listen to kids as they grow in a post-COVID world, and so much more in this great episode!

00:00

Reconnecting and Reflecting on Growth

02:56

The Impact of Literature and Personal Experiences

05:52

Navigating Identity and Community

08:58

Addressing Racism and Media Representation

12:02

The Importance of Listening to Youth

15:01

Understanding Learning Loss and Its Effects

17:59

Confronting Masculinity and Societal Expectations

33:39

Changing Hearts in Modern Times

34:43

The Role of Challenge in Personal Growth

36:23

The Impact of Information on Beliefs

38:16

Navigating Racism in Content Creation

39:42

Focusing on Ideas Over Individuals

40:32

Empathy and Understanding in Discussions

41:52

The Importance of Representation

43:34

Racism in Nerd Spaces

45:10

Cultural Perceptions and Misunderstandings

47:23

The State of Online Communities

49:15

Content as a Battleground for Culture Wars

51:04

Experiences of Racism in Japan

54:48

The Need for Offline Conversations

57:54

The Importance of Genuine Conversations

01:01:37

Learning from Mistakes and Growing Together

Special Guest: Tony Weaver Jr.

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