Opposite of Neutral

What does it mean to  get unstuck? To stay up when it’s dark, cold, or creatively blocked? In this episode, Evan and Chris spiral delightfully from student slang and seasonal darkness into writer’s block, Pixar montages, AI shortcuts, ramen breaks, and the quiet power of choosing the journey over the destination. It’s an episode about motion, momentum, and finding your own version of “up”...even w...

An exciting discovery above the fridge. A cease-and-desist we’d actually celebrate. A snake story we can’t un-hear. From there, Chris and Evan dive into the big theme of Season 3: Into the Unknown! We talk about stepping into uncertainty with humor, honesty, and a plan to “do the next right thing.” We trace the unexpected comfort of  Frozen II  during COVID, Rumsfeld’s known/unknowns, and a histor...

In this landmark 30th episode, Chris and Evan dive into the concept of milestones—both literal and metaphorical. Exploring the origin of the term, they discuss milestones from the Roman Empire, connecting the historical markers with the metaphorical milestones in life. Reflecting on personal experiences, they uncover how milestones shift from tangible childhood achievements, like learning to ride...

In this episode of Opposite of Neutral , Chris and Evan launch into a whirlwind of topics that range from cheese (per usual) to pillow preferences, before getting into the subject of blueprints. Evan breaks down the origins of blueprint-making—chemicals, UV light, and all—and dig into its existence as everything from a design essential to a metaphor for life’s plans. They also get into the philoso...

In this episode of Opposite of Neutral , Chris and Evan dig into the messy world of miscommunication. They kick things off with a lighthearted dive into misheard song lyrics—Taylor Swift’s “Starbucks lovers,” anyone?—and how a simple misunderstanding can turn a phrase into something hilariously off the mark. From there, they take a closer look at how assumptions and lack of clarity can derail even...

In this episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan engage in a lighthearted discussion about sandwiches, generations, and the completely unrelated topic of the sandwich generation.  Evan does a deep dive into data from the original 1981 paper that coined the term. Together, they explore how generational relationships have changed (and stayed the same) over the past four decades. They also expl...

In this episode of "Opposite of Neutral," Chris and Evan explore the world of myths, exploring their emotional and cultural significance. They discuss the connection between myths and a ‘willing suspension of disbelief,’ from the Tiki-tiki room at Disneyland to cultural legends like the tooth fairy (or the Chilean Ratoncito Perez), with a focus on how they shape our perceptions and identity. They...

Evan and Chris dive into “The Best Words” as they explore the evolution of their language skills and the fascinating world of word origins. They discuss their personal experiences with different languages, emphasizing how context, culture, and travel have shaped their understanding of language. Throughout the episode, Evan and Chris reflect on how language learning is influenced by visual cues and...

In this episode of 'Opposite of Neutral,' Chris and Evan explore their eight-year friendship, delve into the mysterious code 'IO2P16,' and speculate on its potential meanings, ranging from chemical formulas to cultural references. They discuss their personal experiences transitioning between different teaching roles and reflect on the dehumanization of being labeled by numbers, usi...

In this episode of "Opposite of Neutral," Chris and Evan embark on an expansive discussion of space, beginning with personal anecdotes that reveal how different cultures have reshaped their understanding of personal, physical, digital, and professional spaces.  They delve into stories of adjusting to crowded environments overseas, the peculiarities of personal space in various countries,...

In this episode of "Opposite of Neutral," Chris and Evan dissect the concept of "Side Hustle," delving into its broader societal implications and personal meaning. As they explore a variety of side hustles—from the routine to the unique—they challenge the idea of a side job being more than just additional income. They discuss how side hustles can stem from passion, necessity, o...

In this overflowing episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan navigate the amusing world of international toilets. They explore the vast array of toilet designs and customs they've encountered around the world: squat toilets in Asia, self-cleaning units in Europe, and the indulgence of Japanese toilets in airports. They discuss the practicalities and cultural nuances of toilet use and the...

First, some exciting news! Come follow us with our new account @oppositeofneutral on both Instagram and Threads . You can continue to send your thoughts, comments, and episode ideas to oppositeofneutralpodcast@gmail.com . In this episode, Chris and Evan dive into the realm of imposter syndrome. Why do we struggle to accept that our successes are real? What makes us struggle to feel like we belong?...

In Season 2, Episode 4 of "Opposite of Neutral," Chris and Evan take a nostalgic journey back to their childhoods, exploring the curiosity and adventures that shaped their young minds. From Chris's memories of adventures on waterslides to Evan's fascination with hamsters and astronomy, they reminisce about the joys of exploration and the freedom of youth. This includes the impact...

In this episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan explore the concept of the 'small world.' Evan shares his small world experience where he ran into comedian and actor Will Ferrell in New York, an encounter that reinforced his decision to teach there. They then share small world stories about teaching internationally and traveling around the world. They also discuss assumptions about...

In this episode, Chris and Evan sift through the quirky and curious aspects of spam, both as an email nuisance and a canned delicacy. In a blend of facts, fiction, and fun, they explore the unexpected connections between email spam and Monty Python and discuss the global phenomenon of Spam, the food product. Evan reads through some of the spam received at the podcast's email address. They do a...

Welcome back! In this premiere episode of Opposite of Neutral: Season 2, Evan and Chris dive right back into their thoughtful and lively discussions, this time exploring the world of first impressions. From their significance in professional settings and personal relationships to our responses to media, Chris and Evan share stories, reflections, and laughs. They delve into how first impressions sh...

In this final episode for the first season of Opposite of Neutral, hosts Evan and Chris invite listeners to join them for a recording made live on the road. Plus, Evan makes a bonus on-location recording from the Tillamook factory in Oregon. While Chris drives, he narrates the trip through the towns of Anacortes and Edison, Washington. He and Evan discuss the stories that bubble up from being in b...

In this episode of Opposite of Neutral, join hosts Evan, Chris, and guest Clayton as they navigate the world of titles (or their lack thereof.) From their significance in art to implications in professional settings, they explore ways that titles inform, classify, and influence. They debate apple preferences, untitled artworks, and courtesy titles, along with their frustration with untitled assign...

In this episode of Opposite of Neutral, Evan and Chris delve into the concept of home, exploring its various definitions and the emotional attachments we form with places, objects, and people. They share personal stories about their own homes and the significance of personal belongings and the memories they carry. They also reflect on the idea of home as a place where you have stories and know wha...

In the twelfth episode of Opposite of Neutral, join hosts Chris, Evan, and special guest Tuan Phan as they dive deep into the theme of "Beginnings." Tuan is the author of the newly published book: “Remembering Water: A Memoir of Departure and Return”.  Tuan ties the topic of "beginnings" into his experiences with fatherhood and a return to his homeland, Vietnam, as well as his...

In the 'Seasons' episode of Opposite of Neutral, hosts Evan and Chris engage in a year-long culinary and cultural exploration, illustrating the profound ways in which the seasons impact our lives. From the freshness of spring crops to our instinctual winter cravings for warmth and comfort, they take listeners on a flavorful journey that might leave you with an appetite for more than just t...

In this extended tenth episode of "Opposite of Neutral,"  Evan and Chris journey through top ten lists of flavors, meals, and life-altering experiences that are anything but neutral. They dig into the psychology and pedagogy of top 10 lists, which for these two, aren't really about ranking at all. Chris shares his use of this concept to teach American history, turning ranking into an...

In this entertaining episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting their escapades in wrestling and other middle school sports. Evan shares his fear of being hit by a baseball and his decision to choose wrestling over swimming in the pool locker room. Chris, meanwhile, offers sage advice on why students should approach their coaches' words wi...

In this episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan embark on a journey through the annals of history, nature, and culture, delving into the essence of what has truly stood the test of time. From ancient lifeforms like horseshoe crabs to delectable, ageless culinary delights, they ponder the factors that have allowed music, literature, and art to persist or fade into obscurity. Then, in a podca...