We Should Be Recording This

"...and now men are mad that they have to sleep in the bed they made because they're alone in it." "Sex has become a commodity you have to use another person's body to get." This time, we got impassioned about the state of our society as it pertains to the capitalistic, patriarchal standards that have been set, and how they affect both men and women. We had grand plans...

Ryan's friend Chris came in from out of town, and we couldn't not rope him into recording with us. For three hours. What you have before you is a sampling of the best pieces of that conversation. The Breakdown: 0:41 - We explain the chronicles 2:30 - Ryan is still explaining the chronicles 2:32 - Amber cuts Ryan off 3:10 - The Chris Chronicles actually begin. (This first section is mainly...

In this episode, we talk about the role of curiosity in the creative process, having a collaborative spirit with your medium, and meander around a bit before landing on how Amber helps Ryan make things better. Connect with Us: Instagram: @hpy.bx ​ Website: https://hpybx.com

In this episode, we dig into the complicated question of philosophical legacy. When a thinker contributes both brilliance and deeply flawed ideas, how do we evaluate their work (i.e. Immanuel Kant was racist af, y'all. Like, what do we even do with that? And WHY DID NO ONE TELL US THIS???)? *ahem* We explore how history curates and preserves knowledge, why some ideas survive while others fade,...

Last season was largely about identity. This season we're going to try (as much as our ADHD brains will allow) to discuss how those identities interact with others... in other words, relationships. We're starting off strong with this one by exploring our relationships with video games (trust me, it will make sense), parents, significant others, and society in general. We chat about the lim...

Because who can resist talking about themselves talking about...other...things? Yes. What else are we going to talk about? Suppose you'll have to stick around and find out. Connect with us: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@hpy.bx⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hpybx.com/⁠⁠

This is the second part in a two-parter. And also the season 1 finale. We recorded this the day after dropping the first three episodes of the podcast. You'll hear how differently we experienced it and the stuff it inevitably dug up. Key themes include: Understanding privilege, empathy, and the impact of personal choices on others. The challenges of being your authentic self when it comes at a...

"There is a paradox between the invisible girl wanting to be seen and simultaneously being terrified to be seen." We recorded this the day after dropping the first three episodes of the podcast. You'll hear how differently we experienced it and the stuff it inevitably dug up. Key Topics Discussed: The Emotional Toll of Rejection: The stages of coping: from caring deeply to becoming d...

In this prologue to the upcoming two-parter (it's tangentially related, but definitely related), we discuss: What defines being “smart” versus being “intelligent” and how this impacts our self-perception. How neurodivergence affects memory retention and functional use of information. Building personal systems to gamify productivity and track mental and emotional resources. Why we wish for real...

What You'll Hear in This Episode: The origins of “I’m perplexed. I have hunger.” Socializing vs. exchanging information: is there a difference? Hand sanitizer and Shakespeare—yes, it’s a thing. How younger generations view the thumbs-up emoji and the anatomy of emoji negativity. The surprisingly poetic way we say, “I don’t want to do that.” Linguistic gems like “whisper noodle,” “officify,” an...

"The word ‘we’ is both a central focus and the most destroyed, mirroring how we deconstruct its meaning." Ready for a break from all that deep stuff? This one is more light-hearted than some previous sessions. Hear Ryan's reaction to the cover art Amber made for the podcast, a full blown critique of said art piece, our chat about experiences in art school, and some other randomness a...

A shorty but a goody - and as per usge, you'll join us mid-convo. Here, we examine the nuances of identity, the uniqueness of individual consciousness, and how experiences shape our metaphorical "container." Along the way, we reflect on energy, memory, and what makes each of us distinct in a world where consciousness is universal but individuality is undeniable. We also discuss: Embr...

In true neurodivergent fashion, topics switch mid-recording on this one. Embrace the pivot, y'all. After all, the tangent is the conversation and the detour is the route. From the CIA saying reality may be more woo-woo than we thought, to exploring what it means to "person" in the aftermath of transformative self-realizations. Come along for the ride. Reflection Questions for Listene...

“There’s a layer of ADHD between my internal autistic experience and my outward expression of anything ever.” From quirky metaphors to mythical analogies, this episode explores what it's like to live with autism and ADHD, how they interplay, and how they shape the way we perceive the world—and ourselves. Key Topics Discussed: Neurodivergent Identity: The intersection of ADHD and autism in pers...

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions about chronic pain, medical trauma, and emotional distress, which may be sensitive for some listeners. “There’s a feeling of safety in the familiar, even if the familiar is unsafe.” In this episode, we continue exploring themes of identity, resilience, and understanding one’s own body and mind. The conversation delves into the personal experiences...

“Maybe the hairball is what makes it beautiful.” This conversation examines how social constructs influence who we are, how we express ourselves, and our moral frameworks. We critically reflect on famous psychological experiments, question the nature of truth, and recognize that identity is ever-evolving. Ultimately, we embrace the idea that life's most profound questions might not have answer...

"Acceptance doesn't make the pain go away. It doesn't make it better. It just is what it is." In this episode, we explore the connection between unexpected feelings of sadness, past trauma, and how they manifest physically. We discuss somatic therapy, the challenges of expressing emotions while in physical pain, and the complexities of healing emotional wounds. We also touch on s...

"Would I still be loved if I just existed?" This epilogue-ic episode is part of a larger discussion we had from the previous episode. We talk more about the tension between our identity and our actions, delving into how intuition can guide us toward understanding who we truly are. We discuss the societal pressure to be valued for what we do, the challenge of trusting intuition, and the complexitie...

"I wasn’t praying, but I threw the question into the ether: What is my purpose?" From an ethereal experience in a meditation space, to uncovering an unexpected ability to heal, this episode explores the intersection of spirituality, science, and personal growth. The story unfolds through moments of skepticism, validation, and ultimately, finding ways to inspire transformation in others. Key Topics...

"Sometimes just a simple 'oh wow' can seem a lot more judgmental than something more targeted." Have we gotten vulnerable enough for you yet? Well, here's some more. Ultimately, this episode delves into the ongoing process of self-acceptance, navigating life without regret, and reflecting on missed opportunities with a sense of both humor and wisdom. Key Themes: Gaps in education and knowledge Soc...

“Autonomy isn’t just about freedom to act, it’s also about freedom to be. It’s freedom from the limitations imposed by others.” In this episode, we explore the complexity of authenticity and how our perceptions of being observed influence our behavior. Are we always performing, even when we think we're alone? We dive into how societal expectations shape who we are and challenge the idea of true, u...

"Maybe this is the time to take up some space, even if I feel resistance to it." In this raw and reflective episode, we dive into the journey of overcoming resistance and stepping into the light of self-expression. Amber confronts her long-standing "safety formula" of staying invisible and unpacks the perplexity surrounding her choice to record these conversations in the first place. Together, we...

"We live in a world that values speed, but there’s power in choosing to slow down." We're chatting about the intersection of passion, practicality, and the pursuit of balance. What happens when your side hustle isn’t sustainable, but your heart is still in it? How do you balance passion with financial realities while avoiding burnout? Join us as we navigate these questions in real time, sharing ca...

“When we fight each other, we’re showing we’re not ready to win.” In this introspective episode, we explore the challenges of activism, navigating personal identity, and the emotional toll of social change. We discuss the difference between changing behaviors and hearts, the vulnerability of human connection, and the exhaustion of political engagement. The conversation touches on societal expectat...

“Maturity feels like a U-turn to see the humanity in people who’ve been where I’ve been.” In this episode, we discuss personal growth, ideological shifts, and the intersection of emotion and rationality. We explore confronting and unlearning harmful beliefs, the challenge of empathizing with others, and the importance of language in navigating difficult conversations. We also touch on the process...