Far From Normal

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Miranda and Shivani are two college students from Normal, Illinois navigating an everchanging life amidst a pandemic. Tackling ambiguous topics such as relationships, politics, philosophy, lifestyle, music, religion, spirituality, and more, Miranda and Shivani offer up their own perspectives as well as challenge those of others. [*New uploads every Thursday at 12pm CST!]

Miranda & Shivani


    • Sep 16, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 35m AVG DURATION
    • 61 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Far From Normal

    Are the Challenges of Entrepreneurship Far From Normal? (ft. Cheryl Magnuson)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2021 33:07


    In the final episode of the business series, as well as the final episode of season 1 of Far From Normal Podcast, Miranda and Shivani dive into entrepreneurship with Cheryl Magnuson of Majestic Interior Design! What does an entrepreneur's schedule look like? What kinds of aspects of a business are most important as an entrepreneur? How do you develop a great work culture? Cheryl leaves us with several words of wisdom. Connect with Cheryl and Majestic Interior Design!Instagram: @majestic.interior.design Website: https://majesticinteriordesign.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Majestic-Interior-Design-322532141185240/Connect with us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farfromnormalpodcast/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/far-from-normal-podcast-84a187200/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodcastFarEmail: farfromnormalpodcast2020@gmail.com ~09/13/21~

    Are Women in Business Still Far From Normal? (with Susan Saunders)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2021 38:24


    In this very special episode, Miranda and Shivani invite Susan Saunders - Morning Show Host of The Susan Show on the popular radio station 101.5 WBNQ-FM - to explore her successful career as a woman in business! Susan's path has been anything but linear. Miranda and Shivani are excited to dive deep into the broadcasting industry.Connect with Susan!:Twitter: https://twitter.com/susanlovesradio?lang=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/susansaundersradio/?hl=enWBNQ links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1015WBNQ/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1015wbnq/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/WBNQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorWebsite: https://www.wbnq.com/Connect with us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farfromnormalpodcast/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/far-from-normal-podcast-84a187200/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodcastFarEmail: farfromnormalpodcast2020@gmail.com ~08/23/21~

    Is Business in the Nonprofit World Far From Normal? (ft. Tony Morstatter)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2021 29:54


    In this episode, Miranda and Shivani talk with Tony Morstatter, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal to speak on his organization, its impact on the community, as well as his life. What does it mean to run a Nonprofit? What kinds of things do you need for a Nonprofit? How does the Boys and Girls Club make an impact in the community? Connect with Tony!: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-morstatter-b3958294Interact with Boys & Girls Club!: https://linktr.ee/bgcbn1992 Connect with us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farfromnormalpodcast/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/far-from-normal-podcast-84a187200/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodcastFarEmail: farfromnormalpodcast2020@gmail.com ~08/10/21~

    Making Financial Instability Far From Normal (featuring Dr. Prakash)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2021 38:14


    In this episode, Miranda and Shivani invite Dr. Prakash Muduli (aka Shivani's dad) to discuss everything personal finance: investments, retirement accounts, portfolios, insurance, types of income, the effects of the pandemic, and AI. Financial literacy should be more common than it is currently… Listen in to figure out if you have what you need to be financially stable! Connect with Dr. Prakash!: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkmuduli/ ; https://calendly.com/drmuduliConnect with us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farfromnormalpodcast/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/far-from-normal-podcast-84a187200/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodcastFarEmail: farfromnormalpodcast2020@gmail.com ~08/19/21~

    Career Development in Far From Normal Conditions (ft. Randy)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2021 34:32


    In this special episode, Miranda and Shivani invite Randy Brown - a Career Mentor and Leadership Coach for Butler University - to discuss resumes, cover letters, interviews, and tips and tricks for the job application process out of college. How has the whole process changed with COVID? What things should you avoid during an interview? Does a resume look different depending on your major/job? How do you prepare for unexpected questions? Connect with Randy!: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randalbrown1Connect with us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farfromnormalpodcast/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/far-from-normal-podcast-84a187200/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodcastFarEmail: farfromnormalpodcast2020@gmail.com ~07/30/21~

    Accounting Isn't Far From Normal For Muskan

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2021 25:10


    In this episode, Miranda and Shivani invite Muskan to explore accounting! What is accounting? What types of accounting are there? What kinds of skills does it take to become an accountant? How do you stand out in this field? Muskan gives Shivani and Miranda all the tips and tricks. Connect with Muskan!: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muskan-dhingra-md09/Connect with us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farfromnormalpodcast/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/far-from-normal-podcast-84a187200/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodcastFarEmail: farfromnormalpodcast2020@gmail.com ~08/11/21~

    Finance Isn't Far From Normal For Shivani

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2021 33:48


    In this episode, Miranda and Shivani flip things around and jump into Shivani's upcoming field of expertise: Finance! How did Shivani get into Finance? What did she do to get there? What is her background and experience? What kinds of careers are associated with Finance? Has being a Finance major changed her political views?Connect with us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farfromnormalpodcast/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/far-from-normal-podcast-84a187200/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodcastFarEmail: farfromnormalpodcast2020@gmail.com~07/26/21~

    Marketing Isn't Far From Normal For Miranda

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2021 31:19


    In our second episode of the Business 101 series, we jump into Miranda's field of expertise: Marketing! How did Miranda get into marketing? What did she do to get there? What is her background and experience? Is marketing an art or a science? What recommendations does she have for people who want to get into marketing? Connect with us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farfromnormalpodcast/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/far-from-normal-podcast-84a187200/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodcastFarEmail: farfromnormalpodcast2020@gmail.com ~07/26/21~

    Business 101 Doesn't Have to be Far From Normal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2021 31:29


    In the first episode of the Business 101 series, Miranda and Shivani give a brief preview of the types of content they'll be covering in future episodes! They also get into why they chose their majors and how they got there, some pros and cons about the business world, challenges and stereotypes, tips, and the future.Connect with us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farfromnormalpodcast/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/far-from-normal-podcast-84a187200/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodcastFarEmail: farfromnormalpodcast2020@gmail.com~07/25/21~

    Not Helping People Feels Far From Normal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2021 32:47


    Shivani and Miranda are recording alone this week for the first time in a while. And what better way to get back into it than talk about Mental Health, undoubtedly one of our favorite topics. ~07/13/21~

    Russia is Quite Literally Far From Normal (ft. Olya) *Part 3*

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2021 39:26


    In the final part of our Russian series, Miranda, Shivani and Olya get into the details of Russian history. Russia's two dynasties, Tsars, Ivan the Terrible, revolutions, the Red Army, and the development of US and Russia relations. Come learn with us!Definitely recommend doing your own research on this one as well!~07/10/21~

    Russia is Quite Literally Far From Normal (ft. Olya) *Part 2*

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2021 34:03


    PART 2In part two of our Russia series, Miranda and Shivani get into history and politics. The Cold War, positives of Stalin, freedom of speech, Marxism, Capitalism, and SO much more~07/01/21~

    Russia is Quite Literally Far From Normal (ft. Olya)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2021 34:10


    In today's special episode, Miranda and Shivani invite Olya to talk about cultural differences between the US and Russia. Is it really true that Russians don't smile very much? We know that American food can be unhealthy, but just how unhealthy is it compared to Russian food? Are conversation structures and social cues different too?~06/24/21~

    Life's Meaning is Far From Normal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2021 33:30


    The title says it all. Does life have a meaning? And if so, what the heck is it? Miranda and Shivani explore their theories as well as those of many different philosophers. ~06/13/21~

    normal shivani life's meaning
    Food Security in America: Far From Normal meets HungerMitao

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2021 59:43


    In our long-awaited episode on food insecurity, Miranda and Shivani invite Mr. Raj and Ms. Anna Asava to discuss the movement, HungerMitao. Since 2017, HungerMitao has worked diligently to raise awareness and combat the hunger issue in the United States. Their impact revolves around community-driven volunteer and awareness sessions, food and fund drives, as well as multi-year pledges through HungerMitao sponsorship circles. The hunger issue has always been a rampant issue within the US, and with the negative impacts of the pandemic, the need to give back has only grown.Give Where You Live.Connect and Engage with HungerMitao here!:Website: https://www.hungermitao.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HungerMitaoUSATwitter: https://twitter.com/HungerMitaoUSAInstagram: @hunger_mitaoHashtags: #HungerMitao #GiveWhereYouLiveRaj Asava: raj.asava@hungermitao.orgAnna Asava: anna.asava@hungermitao.org~06/06/21~

    Do You Think Being Good is Far From Normal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2021 31:48


    In this episode, Miranda and Shivani talk about their varying opinions on what it means to be good. Spoiler alert: We have no idea. Thankfully, there are A LOT of philosophers who have discussed this (and are still discussing this). Also, does “goodness” require freedom? ~06/01/21~**We say this is episode 47 but it's 46 lolll**

    Are These Disney Conspiracy Theories Far From Normal?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2021 34:39


    In this episode, Miranda and Shivani break down the “shadiness” behind Disney and delve into several Disney conspiracy theories. They discuss creative commons, originality, ethics and corruption, Disney princess evolution, subliminal messages, interest levels between males and females, and mental illnesses associated with Disney characters. Also, how is Hercules related to Ariel??~05/24/21~

    Inflated Egos are too Far From Normal

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2021 33:41


    Thanks to Detox on the Rocks Podcast, Miranda and Shivani have an interesting topic to talk about this week: compliments. As kids, society shapes everyone to believe that they aren't supposed to be proud- because that means they are arrogant. But what happens when that lesson turns a generation into what they are today: self-deprecating, anxious, and depressed humans who have no idea how amazing they are? These are only some of the thoughts Far From Normal has on compliments. ~05/19/21~

    Amateur Psychoanalysis: A Far From Normal Specialty

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2021 36:15


    Miranda and Shivani circle back around to their favorite topic: relationships. Platonic relationships, romantic relationships, familial relationships, business relationships, and more. How have their relationships changed recently? What have they noticed about themselves? How do they see themselves in the future? ~05/08/21~

    What Makes Pedophilia Far From Normal?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2021 33:04


    After a recent discussion with her roommate, Miranda has an interesting topic. Let's talk about pedophilia. What makes it wrong? Is it ever more acceptable and what would be required to be so? ~05/02/21~

    Legalization of Weed and its Associations: How Far From Normal Can We Get? (ft. The PowerFall Project)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 53:02


    In this week's episode, Miranda and Shivani invite the hosts of the PowerFall Project podcast - Nick and Adam - to discuss the legalization of weed. How much is too much regulation? Is regulation needed at all? Should this be a State matter or a Federal matter? What parallels can we draw to prostitution, the music industry, breastfeeding in public, and bakeries?~04/25/21~The PowerFall Project Podcast and Socials!:www.powerfallproject.comInstagram: @powerfallprojectNick's Instagram: @mrnickpowersAdam's Instagram: @adamfallert

    Are Sexy Times Far From Normal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2021 33:18


    Shivani decides to talk about attraction. What do people find attractive and is it the same across the board? Also, we discovered that this changes during a menstrual cycle which is honestly mind-blowing. Could it have to do with evolution?? Unfortunately, this episode is not a guide for finding a mate, as Shivani and Miranda are clueless in that regard. Email us with any suggestions!~04/18/21~

    Is Realist Optimism Far From Normal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2021 34:01


    Shivani feels judged after she explains that she identifies as an optimist in a virtual classroom full of pessimists. This sparks a conversation about Realism: what does this mean, how does this function in our world, can you be an optimist and a realist? Labels are both helpful and confusing...~04/11/21~

    Are Bumblebee Souls Far From Normal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2021 34:23


    In today's episode, Miranda asks Shivani about what it's like to be a vegetarian. Why she chose it and all that fun stuff… Then we start asking the hard questions. Do animals have souls? Do animals have a right to not be murdered by humans? And how does religion play a part? Are animals made for us or are they just another part of Earth?~04/04/21~

    Running For School Board Is Not So Far From Normal (ft. Jeremy DeHaai)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2021 37:24


    In this episode, we invite Jeremy DeHaai (aka Miranda's dad) to discuss running for Unit 5 School Board in Normal, IL. Touching on his beliefs, motivations, goals, and experience, we get more insight on what it means to listen to and serve the people. Vote by April 6, 2021! https://www.facebook.com/JeremyDeHaaiForUnit5SchoolBoard~03/28/21~

    Is My Marginalization More Far From Normal Than Yours?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2021 35:01


    In today's episode, Miranda complains about a recent comment on a recent LinkedIn post. Spoiler alert: someone was calling out racism and another said their race has it worse. That got us thinking about which movements have more power, if colored Americans can be racist, and are you becoming more and more “fake” as you become Westernized???~03/21/21~

    Internalized Sexism May Not be so Far From Normal (ft. Anna)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2021 46:07


    Growing up, we've noticed how much society conditions women to function specifically within a male-dominated home, workplace, and environment. In this episode, we invite Anna to discuss all the ways we and other women may have internalized sexism. Be it through family dynamics, religion, sexuality -- it's clear that we still have much work to do. ~03/13/21~

    Raising Voices on Domestic Violence: How Might We Go About Making This Far From Normal? (ft. Rebekah)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2021 36:09


    ***Trigger WarningIn this episode, Miranda and Shivani invite Rebekah to share her story on domestic violence. Although we featured this during women's history month, this issue affects everyone ( through horizontal and vertical relationships as well) In sharing Rebekah's story, we hope to help those affected directly or indirectly as well as open up avenues of discussion in order to promote healing and strength. ~03/06/21~

    How Far From Normal Would a Matriarchy Be?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2021 31:51


    What do WAP, Free Britney, and Choral Music have in common? They all question the sexism in the music industry. Do women really have control over what they say and do in the industry? Should Billie Eilish dress in baggy clothes, tight clothes, neither or both? Listen and let us know! ~02/28/21~

    Racism: Is it Too Close or Just Far Enough From Normal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2021 37:48


    Racism is a really hard topic to define and to live with. So, obviously, we decided that we wanted to try and wrap our heads around it- BIG challenge. Is racism the systematic judgment? Is it implicit biases? Is it when you think your skin tone is superior? All of the above? We all want equality (at least I hope so), but is equality the same as making everything equal or is it only an even distribution?~02/21/21~

    Western Supremacy Isn't Far From Normal on Valentine's Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2021 35:57


    Happy (belated) Valentine's Day! In this episode, Miranda and Shivani discuss how holidays such as Valentine's day are largely based on Western Christian traditions. White supremacy has largely affected how we perceive history, certain rituals and traditions, other cultures, and many current events. How might we go about changing the way our complex history influences the present?~02/14/2021~

    Diverse Feminism: Is it Far From Normal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2021 35:32


    In the second Black History Month podcast, Miranda and Shivani discuss differences of values between races of feminists. Here, some important questions to ask are “Do White Feminists hijack the movement,” “ Are you a feminist if you didn't vote for Hillary Clinton,” and “Is Pro-Life Anti Feminist?”~02/07/21~

    Black Voices Matter. Prejudice Isn't Far From Normal (ft. Doniven)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2021 45:46


    In honor of Black History Month, Miranda and Shivani invite Doniven to take a deep dive into the Black Lives Matter movement, history, politics, and several social and economic conditions that affect the Black community. How have things changed so far? Have things changed at all? How can we help move the message of BLM forward now and in the future? ~2/01/21~

    Miranda and Shivani Reminisce: Is Our Friendship Far From Normal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2021 30:56


    In this episode of Far From Normal, Miranda and Shivani are interested in telling the story of their friendship. Through twists and turns, the two discovered each other and themselves. It all began nine years ago… ~01/21/21~

    Being a Teen During the Pandemic is Far From Normal (ft. Sydnie)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2021 31:29


    In this episode, Miranda and Shivani invite Miranda's sister, Sydnie, to discuss high school during covid. How has learning changed? How have friendships and dating life changed? Have the types of conversations between friends and family changed too?~01/17/21~

    Discussing Aspects of the Political Spectrum: Is it Far From Normal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2021 31:37


    Miranda and Shivani begin by discussing conservative and liberal thought processes, labels, religion, and culture. As they further their discussion, they begin to draw parallels to several different topics. Are we more connected to each other than we seem?~01/12/21~

    Let's Make Acceptance Less Far From Normal (ft. Kassidy)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2021 36:43


    Miranda and Shivani invite a special guest to talk about her experiences with asexuality. Both Miranda and Shivani know pretty little about the identity and are curious about different aspects. Miranda and Shivani hope to be transparent with their support and curiosity, and encourage you, our listeners, to reach out if you have any thoughts!

    How Far From Normal Will the Rest of the Decade be?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2020 30:17


    2020 is coming to an end!! In this episode, Miranda and Shivani reflect on the past year and discuss what they liked, disliked, and would change. They also touch on New Year's resolutions, traditions, and 2021 plans and predictions. It's been wild.~12/29/20~

    Communication About Mental Health Should Not Be Far From Normal (ft. Stephanie)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2020 34:42


    In this episode of Far From Normal, Miranda and Shivani introduce a guest- who's a psychology major!!!! She introduces them to the concept of nonviolent communication, and how to improve communication in the midst of struggles in mental health.~12/22/20~

    Making Self-Care Routines Less Far From Normal

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2020 36:04


    Miranda and Shivani discuss the different self-care routines they've experimented with and changed. Different routines make them feel different ways in which they find are largely connected to other aspects of their life. ~12/09/20~

    Is Being A Chameleon Far From Normal? (ft. Birb)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2020 31:30


    In today's episode of Far From Normal, Miranda and Shivani invite a guest to discuss personality and personality shifts. It's oftentimes easy to shift your personality around different people to please them or feel more comfortable. However, is this always a good thing?~12/03/20~

    Codependency? Is it Far From Normal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2020 32:31


    Codependency. Self-awareness. Self-diagnosis. Therapy. Growth. Processes. Friendships. Relationships. Mental health can be tricky but so worth the time and effort in the long run. ~12/02/20~

    Is Negativity or Positivity Far From Normal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2020 32:45


    Miranda and Shivani explore how negativity has impacted their lives. Do you think it's easier to be negative nowadays? What are the differences between empathy and sympathy? ~11/21/20~

    Miranda and Shivani Answer 10 Questions: Are Their Answers Far From Normal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2020 40:33


    After noticing that the sleepover episode is the most popular, Shivani and Miranda decide to make another fun episode. The idea: answer random questions that we chose off the internet. ~11/12/20~

    What Situations in Your Cultural Upbringing Are Far From Normal? (ft. Shreeka)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2020 32:51


    Culture plays a huge role in how we respond to life's events whether it be through friendship, family, career, or general communication. Can true diversity and inclusion be achieved? Miranda, Shivani, and Shreeka share and reflect on their experiences.~11/05/20~

    Sometimes We Struggle to Admit That Vulnerability Shouldn't be Far From Normal

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2020 33:45


    In this episode of Far From Normal, Miranda and Shivani get vulnerable talking about vulnerability. Like seriously vulnerable. Each talks about their personal experiences and how they've struggled to find and remain in vulnerability during their lives. ~10/29/20~

    How Far From Normal is Your Parent-Child Relationship? (ft. Destiny)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2020 35:21


    Miranda, Shivani, and Destiny delve into their family life - more specifically - the relationship between their parents and how it has affected them. What are the differences between married and divorced parents? If a divorce was a part of their life, how did that change them? Have sibling relationships changed as a result? ~10/24/20~

    Adulting is Far From Normal

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2020 31:41


    It's the day before Shivani's birthday so Miranda and Shivani decide to take this opportunity to talk about becoming an adult. What are their 20s going to look like? Do they want kids? What messages do they have for their past and future selves? ~10/15/20~

    Our Unique Perspectives Don't Have to be Far From Normal (ft. Molly)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2020 41:16


    Lizards, witchcraft, and sharing a space with family who doesn't understand you. In this episode, Miranda, Shivani, and Molly share an intimate conversation that explores their unique perspectives and opens up a new world of possibilities. ~10/08/20~

    Mental Health Should Never Be Far From Normal

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2020 43:07


    In this week's episode of Far From Normal, Miranda brings up one of her most passionate subjects to discuss: Mental Health. The pair then talks about the variety of mental health issues in the time we are living in today and provides some of their experience on how they handle mental health and how they've witnessed other experiences. ~10/01/20~

    An Interview with Brie: Is Growth Far From Normal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2020 36:53


    In this episode, Miranda and Shivani engage in a heartfelt conversation with their close friend Brie! Touching on lifestyle, work, relationships, emotions, and personal growth during COVID - the group once again appreciates a sense of community. ~09/24/20~

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