Be More Podcast

This week, Maria gives a synopsis of the previously discussed “The Retrievals” podcast from the NY Times' Serial Productions, and Brittany asks the loaded question: are there good and bad people? Feel free to let us know your thoughts and thank you to our previous, recurring guest/listener/good friend Monica for helping us with the title of this week's episode! Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/LR7jcV9xf8w

This week, Brittany discovers her favorite genre of ASMR, her tolerance of needles, and her love for muscles. And we're not saying people that have bulked up muscles but just… muscles. Also, Maria talks about the new season of the NY Times podcast Serial, which is called “The Retrievals,” which goes over some unfortunate events that went down in the Yale Fertility Center. Link to Serial podcast: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/22/podcasts/serial-the-retrievals-yale-fertility-clinic.html Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/_QTrj3EmC1Q

We're back! On Mondays now! This week, we get back together to catch up on how our summers have been going, how turning 30 has been mind boggling, and how we've just been trying to maintain. Thanks for sticking around! Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/AUDqQooxkT4

This week, we talk about AI (or we attempt to). Brittany tells Maria that there are people that are voluntarily putting microchips in them for convenience, and of course opinions are shared. Would y'all get a microchip implanted into your body? Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/4LoMu8MG7PM

This week, we initially didn't have anything to talk about but then Brittany's body malfunctions and the watergates opened with no regard. Thus, a conversation about crying and the pros and cons of it occur. If you need to cry, go for it - we encourage it, actually. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/nVMIUmjN__A

Hello, we're back! This week, we briefly talk about this constant need for communication and how this can burn someone out. Then we dive into what makes a good person. What does a “good person” mean and what characteristics do these people have? More importantly, do the good people in your lives set boundaries with you or do you notice that you deem them as “good people” because they will always help you out? Tell us your thoughts! Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/-zvvf4bCrWc

This week, we celebrate women! Brittany tells us about the first ever abortion convention in the US, Maria gets to talk about Drag Race for a bit, and we just talk about overall female empowerment. Happy Women's History Month everyone - go celebrate with some of the women you admire! Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/liuqoomx_WM

This week, we briefly discuss anxiety (as always) and how it causes that “go, go, go!” mentality that leads to burn out and more stress and anger. Then we discuss the stress of choosing your career at such a young age, work-life balance, turning your hobby into a job, and how we are both very blessed that we both ended up enjoying our professional careers. Also, has anyone else heard about the story about the dog and a nail? Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/p7GrAPnosxU

This week, we discuss the 2012 film “Django Unchained” and give our thoughts and how if this film came out today what that would look like. Also, Brittany gets a cool piece of mail from the Southern Poverty Law Center and we do a Google dive into their great, great work and what they are doing to help our country when it comes to the fight for racial justice. For more information on the SPLC, visit: https://www.splcenter.org/ Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/CIji9w0E9hA

This week, we discuss the origins of the Christian belief of original sin. Listen to us go through religious trauma and philosophical debates, and basically deduce that original sin is just generational trauma to the nth degree. Also, if anyone can recommend us religious history documentaries or podcasts, let us know!!! Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/Ia3fc6gcYRM

This week, we discuss the new Netflix mockumentary series, “Cunk on Earth”. If you're a history buff and love dry, English humor, this series is a goddamn masterpiece. It's got all the wit and a lot of information of how we got to this point in time. Highly recommend it! Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/mHjtMj2VkKk

This week, we discuss what we learned about the mysterious Illuminati! And no, we're not talking about Beyonce, Jay Z, and other famous A-list celebrities this week; we're talking about the people that had a part in the European and American revolutions. The question is, how can something that was only around for a few years still have such a chokehold on today's society? “United States of Illuminati” Not Past It Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dvB50Pdq1R9p8J632kGY Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/KwcD9wzc2nM

This week (and last), we talk about a couple of things that we humans do as social creatures. This week, we talk about imitation! Why did we start imitating each other? How dangerous is imitation, or is imitation a helpful thing? Anyone have any thoughts? Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/Eeaw9TGzi_w

This week (and next), we talk about a couple of things that we humans do as social creatures. First we talk about laughter! We talk about the history of laughter, a weird case study about laughter, and Brittany makes Maria listen to a couple of audio clips of animals laughing. Let us know if you guys guess the animals correctly because Maria definitely didn't. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/BxnmG4ogFb4

HAPPY 2023! WE'RE BACK! We get into what we've been doing the past month, which includes both of us visiting Amish country (of course at different times) and wanting to go see Moses at the Sight & Sound Theatres in the spring. This week though, we dive into the concept of time and how our bodies react when we don't know what time it is. Also, are you guys morning people? Let us know. Lastly, if you want to follow Maria's other podcast, follow her Instagram, @cyph.rx :) Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/b2Vv6Uf9zk4

This week, Brittany is adjusting to her new glasses, which inevitably turns into the conversation about the universe. Come listen to us talk about how time travel is near impossible, how gravity affects us on earth and for astronauts up in space, how anti-aging is actually a thing, and how the human body is really pretty incredible and average at the same time. We wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and a safe holiday week! Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/4LAn7bKVvZM

This week, we dive into the addictive nature of sugar and how capitalism works in tandem. A lot of on the spot Googling (particularly Google Scholar) happens as well as many tangents related to what it means to be free and what we define as “freedom”. Also, why are supermarkets so big? Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/TaIkjI_ogGM

This week, it's plain and simple: we urge you all to go vote today! We talk about voter suppression, Stacey Abrams, and the importance of the state and local vote. If you see this after the November 8, 2022 election, please go vote whenever the next Election Day is! Voting resources for US citizens: https://fairfight.com/ https://www.vote411.org/ https://staceyabrams.com/voting/ Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/wpbV2QqcQbY

This week is yet another Night Edition here at the Be More Podcast! First off, Happy Diwali to our friends that celebrate! Second, please enjoy Brittany's therapy session as we figure out if convenience is killing us all or if Maria's enjoyment of using her dishwasher is justified. Also, if anyone can help find Brittany a virtual assistant - thank you. OH AND GO VOTE - Election Day is November 8! Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/ZzJfa_xn1Wk

This week, Maria talks about her recent Disney trip and her near miss of Hurricane Ian, Brittany brings up the Little Mermaid trailer, and the duo talk about how representation matters and how we're hopeful that this is a great start to solving some of the world's problems. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/LcNE5mdyswg

This week, we discuss the ideals of celebrities and why we're fascinated by the lifestyles of the rich and the famous (thank you Good Charlotte). We also comment on colonization and how that potentially shaped the way for today's politics (it's a stretch, we're not experts here, but do let us know your thoughts!). Also, there's ALWAYS something with our audio so we apologize for Maria's faulty audio; maybe one day this'll go our way. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/3mwiIJAyvvo

This week, we try and discuss the impact of Queen Elizabeth II in our lives (we don't think we have the words to describe all the emotions, but nonetheless we try), give everyone an update on the murder of Eliza Fletcher, and the appeal of true crime documentaries/podcasts. If there are any other consumers of true crime media, let us know in the comments why you tune into these types of stories. And if you aren't a consumer of true crime media, tell us how Queen Elizabeth II has impacted your life. And if you don't have any opinions on either, give us a good book recommendation (we're recommending The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison this week). Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/lHiQnpNsYB8

This week, Brittany brings up the recent news in Memphis relating to the abduction of Eliza Fletcher (please contact the police force in Tennessee if you or anyone you know has any information regarding this case) and another story relating to female safety, and the duo get talking. Maria brings up the etymology of the Filipino word “bakla” and Brittany discusses the slight issue with the new Marvel TV show: She Hulk. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/Gs9AOrpekz8

This week, we welcome new beginnings and celebrate our 100th episode! We ask ourselves and to everyone reading, “are you awake yet?” (because we literally weren't during recording). So, enjoy the new direction we're taking and we hope to record 100 more of these, and veryone say hi to the new logo/Be More mascot (#SassyAss). Oh and Happy #PSL season - now go travel and try out a new local cafe. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/XKHDYBa5dfg

This week, we're both tired from socializing but very eager to talk about things we learned throughout the week. Brittany tells us about how private companies are exploiting the access to weather and the water bottle industry. Maria, on the other hand, tells us about the Sprite bottle rebranding and the ozone layer. Also, apologies for the bad audio quality, I (Maria) forgot to plug in my microphone haha. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/60OJER4_CSY

This week, Brittany gets a bit of sad news while listening to the radio and the duo spiral into the topic of gun rights, mental health (as always), and four year olds who refuse to be cats? Trigger warning regarding gun violence this week. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/VFBoGvEJki0

This week, we get a bit nihilistic. Brittany is home from her two week tour of the Southeast and Maria talks about her two week depressive slump. Does anything matter? Let us know! Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/Yw3RvlmAoSc

This week, we discuss the latest happenings in the US, particularly the overturning of Roe v. Wade. There's really not much else to say about that except - our bodies, our choices. Also, correction corner, I (Maria) had a lapse of memory and stated that the Marsha P. Johnson Institute (https://marshap.org/) helps only transgendered individuals in NYC, but they aid black transgendered individuals around the nation and have a catalog of resources for 20 states at the moment. So as a call to action, go donate your efforts to a nonprofit that helps abortion funds, institutes that help disenfranchised groups, and/or organizations that align with any of your beliefs. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/_Qh_uTWkzNI

This week, Brittany and Maria talk about how the lack of awareness can really affect not only one's self but the community around them, which then turns into a discussion regarding disenfranchised grief. Somehow we end up talking about simulation theory and we both struggle to understand how wi-fi exists without some divine intervention. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/1ELAM-E3Is8

This week, Brittany and Maria unite in person to film an episode! We eat Jollibee yet again (so if you like ASMR, tune in) and discuss Viola Davis' latest memoir, “Finding Me”. We also discuss the lack of transparency in fast food ingredients and Brittany's slight fear of horses because why stay on one topic per episode? Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/uZHyKv8urFY

This week, Brittany is a recovering COVID haver and Maria is battling a head cold. On the bright side, we try to analyze the life changing movie “Everything Everywhere All At Once” (if you haven't seen it, go watch it ASAP). If the multiverse is real, I (meaning me, Maria) hope this movie exists in this way in all of them. Also, everyone go wish me a happy birthday (again, me, Maria). Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/DJ7kd2G3mPQ

This week, we talk about current events surrounding climate change and women's rights in the US. Maria stands by the fact that the Louisiana Purchase is the worst purchase in American history; and Brittany thinks everyone should watch The Handmaid's Tale because it's starting to feel like reality and not fiction. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/m2Ofx4hEeI8

This week, we talk about fear. Particularly the fear of other people and their judgments. We dive into a chapter from the book “Built Through Courage” by Dave Hollis and discuss many things such as abandonment issues, living in fear of others, living for others, and figuring out who in our lives falls into the 85%, 10%, or 5% categories. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/YRu_zvTfTMk

This week, we talk about the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear and how the process of building habits can be toxic if done incorrectly as well as how being overly positive can also be very toxic. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/HojOesTp-3g

This week, Maria tells Brittany that she saw a brawl outside of the Barclays Stadium in Brooklyn while Brittany tells Maria that she wants to take a self defense class. So if anyone is around the Central New Jersey area and wants to take a self defense class, reach out! Oh, also, if anyone knows any volleyball leagues, let Maria know. Thanks :) Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/-cg_dceFwkY

This week, we ask that dreaded question “What is an NFT?” and then scrap that conversation as quick as it came about. The duo reflects on their week which leads to a lighthearted wellness check and a conversation about finances and taxes. Also, American listeners, do your taxes! Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/RT3eo1ITijY

This week, Brittany recalls her time away from New Jersey and how exploring and adventuring is a critical part of her life. We also wonder why the “American Dream” is what it is and should that be challenged or changed especially because of the pandemic. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/z_vp_fHdIQk

This week, Brittany wonders why we constantly ask “how are you?” and respond to the pleasantries with what is “socially acceptable.” Instead, we pose the question “what are you feeling?” and invite all of you to check in with yourselves with this question instead. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/63F3reEkgKw

This week, Brittany spilled tea all over her kitchen while also learned about the four different types of mindsets (as told by Adam Grant): the preacher, the prosecutor, the politician, and the scientist. We also learn about social forecasting where people hold tournaments to predict the future? Watch the recording here: https://youtu.be/NW9rx7D-9AQ

This week, we discuss the Netflix movie, “Don't Look Up,” in great detail. So spoilers ahead! We talk about what this movie means in the real world and what we would do if a comet was actually scheduled to hit Earth in the near future. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/_6O4cp5xPRM

This week, we present yet another late night recording session on the Be More Podcast; therefore, the topics run the gamut. First, Brittany raves about Alicia Key's new book called “More Myself”, which turns into a discussion on the Netflix's series “Cheer” where Maria explains what parasocial relationships and “stan culture” are. Then we get into a deeper conversation relating to reality tv celebrities and if celebrities are good for society and it somehow turns into a conversation about white privilege and the underprivileged. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/RraGPEYaQHo

This week, Maria teaches Brittany words such as sukob, pagpag, pwera usog, tabi tabi po, and aswang. What do these words have in common? Well for one, they're Tagalog/Filipino words; and second, they all relate to a bunch of Filipino superstitions! Listen to us just rattle off a bunch of Filipino and other common superstitions and discuss where they come from. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/rSxLayZtgkA

This week, Brittany brings up a topic that confuses and/or terrifies everyone: cemeteries. We talk about our thoughts on things such as celebrating the dead, facing death, the potential resurrection, the weight of our souls, what happens after death, near death experiences, comas, and cosmic energies. Nothing short of traumatic this week on the Be More Podcast! Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/svuEeQ-kffM

This week, we celebrate two years of Be More, and what a great way to celebrate our two year anniversary with some new music! Thank you to our friend Andy for creating the official Be More Podcast tunes - all of his information will now live on forever in our podcast information box so please check out the Kavanagh Music Company for all your music needs. Furthermore on this week's episode, we reminisce about the last two years and what podcasting has taught us. Thank you to everyone that has listened to us and here's to another year of podcasting! Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/B1eECTQYppo

This week, we dive into our consistent topic on the podcast: mental health. We discuss what panic attacks look like in our own lives, what trauma means to us, and how the lack of mental health education is something that we both struggle to understand. Oh, we also briefly speak about the Netflix documentary “Cheer”. Organizations we talk about: Minding the Gap: https://www.wearemindingthegap.org/ The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Marsha P. Johnson Institute: https://marshap.org/ Asian Mental Health Collective: https://www.asianmhc.org/ Additionally, if you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/J37py9SQKGA

This week, we have Maria's best friend Ashley back on to talk about an internet phenomenon: a subreddit called Female Dating Strategy (“FDS”). We educate Brittany on what Reddit is, define what a “scrote” is (amongst other valuable things), view a few example posts, and we go into the psychology of it all. Hope you have a headache after you did a little mental gymnastics while listening to this because we surely did! Oh, also, NSFW content ahead just in case anyone needs that warning. Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/hFjsFcYvOQ0

Happy 2022 everyone! We're back and this week we talk about the nuanced difference between the words “nice” and “kind” - of which we both would like to be known as kind. This turns into a conversation relating to capitalism (not surprising enough), and Brittany gets a crash course on Maria's Filipino identity? Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/2D7DaNNVceQ

This week, we start off talking about a concept/measurement of happiness and productivity from author, Jim Collins and Brittany breaks down his 50-30-20 rule. We talk about the societal norms of time management and the guilt attributed to it; and all in all, we hope you all have a +1 day and if you don't, hopefully it'll come sooner rather than later. We'll be back in 2022! Happy New Year! Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/X8Y3QzgnaMg

Happy Holidays everyone! This week, we're back and Brittany talks about her encounters with a few high school students which causes a spiral into the greatness and also downfalls of Gen Z kids through the lens of a couple of millennials while also somehow getting to the topic of Catholicism? Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/UcJzs0ERrj4

This week, Brittany dives into her social anxiety, which we think a lot of people can relate to due to the COVID pandemic. We talk about human nature, choices, humanity makes in the face of social unrest, and other such topics. Keeping it very lighthearted as always on the Be More Podcast. Enjoy! Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/DHjSWE74Wds

This week, Brittany poses the question, “Do people change?” which leads to a conversation surrounding perspectives, upbringing, the idea of radical acceptance, and … car analogies? Watch the video recording here: https://youtu.be/XyYHfUlE-L8