Specimen the Sociologist

Let's be honest. We've all been the new kid, the intern, or the youngest person in the room. We've all looked back on a conversation and thought, "I should've seen that coming." In this episode, we're exploring the science behind social naïveté and why it's not a character flaw. It's often just a lack of experience. More importantly, we're talking about th...

Are relationships casual or is there a deeper social science at work? In this episode of Specimen the Sociologist, we're going to unpack the Social Exchange Theory and the hidden "economy" behind our relationships. From friendships and dating to family and workplace dynamics, we'll explore how relationships function and what research says about the role of character, identity, an...

My budding specimens! Recently, I stepped away from the podcast mic to hop onto the Love is [ ] project. This is a digital archive about whatever "love is" to you-- brought to you by anyone, from anywhere, on anything related to love. Check-out loveisblank.co + estheryute (the editor, the icon, the visionary) on IG! IG: specimenthesociologist YT: specimenthesociologist Linktree: click he...

Let's unpack how forgiveness is not an emotional response, rather it's a social act! Against a backdrop of cultural polarization and personal disconnection, I explore how unforgiveness shapes the way we show up in our relationships-- and how choosing forgiveness can restore curiosity, responsibility and positively impact society. IG/YouTube: Specimen the Sociologist

Let's debunk what it means to be confident! While folks may limit it to a feeling, I'd argue that confidence is the alignment between your core values and your behavior. If you want to learn how confidence can stabilize your social interactions, produce relational clarity, and bring you contentment-- this podcast is for you! Instagram: @specimenthesociologist Youtube: @specimenthesociologi...

In this episode, I break down what it means to become a secure individual! We explore attachment theory, people-pleasing, and how identity, honesty, and sensitivity shape the way we show up in our relationships. You may not be fully secure at all times, but you can have a secure approach to life! Instagram: @specimenthesociologist Threads: @specimenthesociologist

Let’s talk about the science behind people-pleasing. While it’s often dismissed as a personality trait, people-pleasing is actually a learned behavior shaped by social structures, power dynamics, and our fundamental need for belonging. From Goffman’s dramaturgy to Asch’s conformity experiments, we’ll unpack the sociology behind people-pleasing—and explore how to break free from these patterns. Pre...

We’re closing out our anxiety mini-series with a review of The Anxious Generation . Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt explores how childhood has shifted from play-based to phone-based—and how that shift fuels rising anxiety, depression, and disconnection. In this episode, I break down Haidt’s key insights and share practical ways to build a more resilient generation by strengthening identity and...

If you’ve been on this planet for more than two seconds, you’ve probably had your trust betrayed—or betrayed someone else’s. Fear not—your favorite specimen is here to unpack the science of trust: how it’s built, how to identify trustworthy people, and how to become one yourself! Specimen Linktree: Click here!

In this episode, I dive into the Sociology of SNAP—the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—and explore how it reflects America’s values, inequalities, and systems of social control. From the history of food stamps to the modern fight against hunger, I unpack how food, policy, and society are all connected. Small business spotlight: Mojito_cf (Instagram) Specimen Linktree: Click here

I’m back with a cheeky voice memo! This time, I’m exploring the lost art of writing a handwritten letter. In an age of digital messages and quick texts, a letter is a value-based way to communicate that truly brings us closer. You know the drill—listen, share, and don’t forget to subscribe. Sincerely, Yours truly, Kind regards, Cordially yours, Jessamyn Reichmann.

Let's talk about Anxiety! Nope-- I'm not talking about Doechii's song called "Anxiety," I'm talking about an experience that we all share. In this episode, we'll be exploring the sociology of anixety, discussing its definitions, societal trends, and the impact of social media. The conversation delves into two sociological theories—Structural Strain Theory and Postmode...

Hey there, hi there! What better way to wrap-up our loneliness series then by with a book review. In Project UnLonely: Healing Our Crisis of Disconnection , Author Dr. Jeremy Noble investigates loneloiness not just as a deeply personal experince, but as a widespread public health issue. If your curious to learn more about loneliness from a medical standpoint with a sprinkle of creative problem-sol...

In this episode of Specimen the Sociologist , we explore the principle of identity — how it’s formed, what it reveals about us, and why it matters for the health of our relationships and society. Drawing from both sociology and lived experience, Jessamyn Reichmann breaks down how identity takes shape through isolation, conflict, and subtraction. Whether you’re navigating loneliness, disappointment...

What happens when life gives you lemons — or, more accurately, disappointment? In this episode, Jessamyn shares practical tools for navigating seasons of setbacks and makes a bold claim: that true, authentic hope is born out of disappointment itself. If you're feeling curious, discouraged, or just in need of an emotional boost, turn up the volume and press play. Want to sow into the vision of...

In this episode of Specimen the Sociologist , your host Jessamyn Reichmann (that’s “Specimen” with a J!) explores the quiet epidemic of loneliness—not just as an emotion, but as a social and structural issue. From Emile Durkheim’s Anomie Theory to her own personal stories, Jessamyn breaks down how our modern world reshapes connection—and what we can do about it. With warmth, curiosity, and a littl...

What’s love got to do with it? Absolutely everything. In this episode, Jessamyn Reichmann explores how love is not just an emotional or personal experience, but a powerful tool for transformation. She argues that embracing love can lead to healthier relationships and a more mature version of yourself. If you're curious to dive into the concept of love with a splash of sociology, press play and...

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade! In Jessamyn Reichmann's case, when life gave her lessons, she recorded a podcast. In today's cheeky voice memo, Reichmann dives into all the impromptu lessons she learned from her friendships. Whether it was discovering that she wasn't always meant for certain friendships, learning how to take up space with others, or figuring out how to b...

The podcast that you didn't ask for but got! Today we're diving into the sociology behind Kendrick Lamar's 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show. A performance that referenced the United State's current social-political scene, the resilience of Black people and even a celebrity performance with SZA, Mustard, and Serena Williams. If you're feeling curious and want to put on your Sherloc...

Today were going to discuss my favorite f-word and that's friendship! We'll be leveraging the Social Exchange Theory to better understand how we build friendships. This episode will explore how to build healthy relationships by becoming a healthy friend, the principle of reciprocity, and how to honorably leave a friendship. I believe that friendships are the firm foundation for our social...

What's a pod without a pea and podcast without a principle! Check out today's episode on empathy and learn how it can cultivate emotional intelligence in your life. Song: Orange Blossom by GoldFord Linktree: Specimenthesociologist

I know you’ve heard of conversation starters, but have you ever heard of "conversation enders?" In 2025, we’re all about saving time and mastering the art of gracefully exiting a chat—while keeping it cute and classy! Linktree: Specimen the Sociologist

Jessamyn Reichmann redefines honor as an active act of giving value, not just respect or loyalty. She explores how honor shows up in social interactions, conversations, and relationships—whether caring for a friend or responding with empathy in conflict. Tune in for a fresh perspective on how honor can elevate our connections and challenge the way we value ourselves and others Link: Specimen the S...

In today’s episode, Jessamyn Reichmann explores discernment as an act of honor in relationships and social interactions. Drawing on her passion for people and sociological insights, she explains how discernment enables honest assessments of others’ capabilities, fostering healthier, more balanced connections. Jessamyn encourages listeners to view discernment not as judgment, but as a valuable tool...

In today’s episode of Specimen the Sociologist , titled "N95," we explore Erving Goffman’s dramaturgical theory, which examines how we, as individuals, take on curated roles to navigate the complexities of social interactions. Goffman’s insights reveal that much of our behavior is a performance, shaped by societal expectations. By the end of this episode, we hope to inspire you to question the rol...