Knowing Nothing

Words are amazing. Each one encapsulates a little bit of an idea, which we then get to use like a puzzle piece to help mold and communicate our perceptions of the world around us. They are the building blocks of thought, and the more of them you know the better you can think! So here is a list of some of the least known and least used words in the english language.  Produced by: Sound Pollination -- My Social:  IG: @mickeyroberts, @knowingnothing_podcast, @mickeyrobertsart  Twitter: @nothingknowing, @mickeyroberts33

“We are intimately related. May we never even pretend that we are not…” - Fred Rogers.  This episode is what I'm calling an Out Loud Thought Dissection. Basically I am working through this idea of trying to love people even when they make it so damn hard. But after seeing that Mr. Rogers Documentary, I think something he said has connected a few dots to make loving those kinds of people a little bit easier.  So if you're like me and you want to practice controlling your anger, I think this episode might be really helpful.   Produced by: Sound Pollination  -- My Social:  IG: @mickeyroberts, @mickeyrobertsart, @knowingnothing_podcast  Twitter: @mickeyroberts33, @nothingknowing  

"The greatest deterrent of fear is Information." - Somebody Smart Everyone is freaking out about this terrifying new virus from China called the Coronavirus! But do you really know anything about it? Despite what you might have heard on the news, the coronavirus neither as scary or as new as you might think. This episode covers the basics of this virus, where it came from, how it spreads, how the world is responding, and what you personally can do to keep yourself safe. Rule #1 Wash Your Hands!  Stay informed, and don't be so scared you might die that you forget to live.  Produced by: Sound Pollination Jan 31st Presidential Proclamation:  https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspension-entry-immigrants-nonimmigrants-persons-pose-risk-transmitting-2019-novel-coronavirus/   BuzzFeed Article on Coronavirus disinformation:  https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/janelytvynenko/coronavirus-disinformation-spread   -- My Social Media:  IG: @mickeyroberts, @mickeyrobertsart, @knowingnothing_podcast Twitter: @mickeyroberts33, @nothingknowing  

Sometimes you just need to learn stuff for the sake of knowing new things. And that's what we're doing today on Knowing Nothing. I don't know if you have ever even thought to care about porcupines, but after this episode you will be an expert on the critter we're all afraid to pet. So if you have 9 minutes and you like to learn, why not learn about porcupines?  Produced by: Sound Pollination  -- My Social:  IG: @knowingnothing_podcast, @mickeyroberts Twitter: @nothingknowing, @mickeyroberts33

Each January is new chance to be introspective and set new goals for self-improvement. But what if you’re happy already? Do happy people not need to improve? Won’t that lead to stagnancy? On this episode of Knowing Nothing I want to think about just that. How do we find the balance between motivating ourselves to improve and being happy with who we are now? Let’s talk about it.    Produced by: Sound Pollination -- My Social: IG: @knowingnothing_podcast, @mickeyroberts, @mickeyrobertsart Twitter: @mickeyroberts33, @nothingknowing

I just got back from Italy yesterday, and I think I'm a little different now. Italy is absolutely incredible. It is historically rich, the culture is cool, the food is f***ing INCREDIBLE, and the people are so so different, and also just like us. Traveling really does change you, at least for a little while. In this episode I share with you what changed in me from my experience in Italy. (Hey that rhymed).   

I am sorry this episode is coming out late. Finding public wifi while traveling has been more difficult than I anticipated. But here is a new episode of KNOWING NOTHING! Grant Crawford (from Twenty Somethings Podcast) and I have been traveling around Italy, and we're learning so many new nothings, it's almost embarrassing! This episode is about the initial culture differences we've noticed during our travels. 

Ho Ho Ho! Merry freaking Christmas everybody! On this episode of Knowing Nothing I thought we ought to get to the bottom of a question that’s been bothering me since I was a wee boy leaving cookies out for Santa. Why the heck do we christmas celebrators put trees in our houses for the holidays? What a strange tradition! So today we learn what that’s all about. Then– Because it’s Christmas, I thought it would be fun to answer three other questions I’ve had all year too.  Why is popcorn the food of choice at the movies?  Why do we blow out candles on our birthday?  And 3. Why do we ‘knock on wood’ whenever we don’t want something bad to happen? So let’s learn some Nothings! -- Produced by: Sound Pollination My Social:    IG: @mickeyroberts, @mickeyrobertsart, @knowingnothing_podcast  Twitter: @mickeyroberts33, @nothingknowing

Behold! After a one week hiatus, amidst all the stresses of life, a new episode of Knowing Nothing appears!  Doesn’t life just get so busy when you agree to take part in it? Sometimes so busy all you can do is complain? Isn’t that just awesome? What a great privilege it is to complain about life. It’s the best bad thing that’s ever happened. Produced by: Sound Pollination -- My Social:  IG: @mickeyrobertsart, @knowingnothing_podcast  Twitter: @nothingknowing, @mickeyroberts33

It’s always the simplest question that gets the coolest answer. I don’t know if you’ve ever wondered this before, but I bet you are now that you read this. Since you're dying to learn the origin of our dear friend the moon check out this episode of Knowing Nothing!   -- My Social:  IG: @knowingnothing_podcast, @mickeyroberts, @mickeyrobertsart  Twitter: @nothingknowing, @mickeyroberts33  

I am sure I’m not alone in thinking that lucid dreaming is the COOLEST thing in the G-D universe! I mean what is more awesome than getting to do anything you want without any consequences in a world where even the laws of physics can’t hold you back? So on this episode of Knowing Nothing join me in learning a little bit more about this incredible skill we can all master. And some helpful tips on how to do it. -- My Social:  IG: @mickeyroberts, @knowingnothing_podcast, @mickeyrobertsart  Twitter: @mickeyroberts33, @nothingknowing

I am the #1 perpetrator of undervaluing myself. From my professional skills and the rate that I charge for services, to my unbreakable habit of being a people pleaser. I put other people first while I pick up the rear in nearly every circumstance. BUT NOT ANYMORE! This episode of Knowing Nothing is all about practicing the skill of self-confidence, and working to believe that I’m as much of a badass as I’d like to be. And So are you Gosh Darn it! 

I have gotten poison ivy SO many times in my life it’s almost pathetic. And, of course, I got it again last week. It has been a miserable week that had only one good outcome– This episode. If you want to learn how to never get poison ivy again, this episode will tell you everything you need to know about this dreaded demon plant from hell, and how to avoid it’s vicious bite.  -- My Social:  IG: @mickeyroberts, @mickeyrobertsart, @knowingnothing_podcast  Twitter: @mickeyroberts33, @nothingknowing

Losing your faith can be terrifying. All your question about life require new answers and there is no longer a manual to provide them. It can be both an isolating and traumatic experience. But we don’t have to do it alone. On this episode of Knowing Nothing my guest, Joe Ford, shares his story of growing up steeped in Christian faith before choosing to walk away from it all. He sheds a light on the trauma sustained by removing that fundamental pillar from your identity. And he is, in my opinion, an example of how removing that pillar might actually make all the other ones stronger. —  If you have left a faith and are looking for support visit journeyfree.org   

Are you a coffee drinker? Me too. But how much do you really know about this incredible fruit? Yep, coffee is a fruit! Just one of the hundred things I learned during my conversation with Will Ford, executive VP of operations at Westrock Coffee. From its history, to the future of the industry, and Westrock’s plan to use ethically sourced coffee as a vehicle for social change. So pour yourself a cup and get curious! Check out Westrock's website at: https://westrockcoffee.com/  -- My Social:  IG: @mickeyroberts, @mickeyrobertsart, @knowingnothing_podcast,  Twitter: @mickeyroberts33, @nothingknowing 

It's a Knowing Nothing: Déjà Vu episode! Ready for Halloween? Yes? No? Doesn't matter. Because this episode will set the mood for the spookiest Halloween you've ever had. Find out the origin of the holiday itself, and get ready to get scared.    -- My Social: IG: @mickeyroberts, @mickeyrobertsart, @knowingnoting_podcast  Twitter: @mickeyroberts33, @nothingknowing

What does it mean to be a friend? Everyone seems to have their own definition of how to be a good friend, and oftentimes those definitions clash with one another. But maybe being a friend is even simpler than we all make it. Maybe it’s just about investing in the story of their lives. -- My Social:  IG: @mickeyroberts, @mickeyrobertsart, @knowingnothing_podcast Twitter: @mickeyroberts33, @nothingknowing    

This episode is a special one. My guest, Steven Fondu, is a prime example of just how much control we can have over our lives if we choose to take the reins. If you’re feeling stuck at all on your journey toward improving yourself, this ep has a good shot of giving you the motivation you need to take that next step in a brighter direction. You can follow Steven’s journey on social media below. And check out the book that set his train moving, “How To Make Sh*t Happen” by Sean Whalen. -- Steve's Social:  @sfondu   My Social:  IG: @mickeyroberts, @knowingnothing_podcast, @mickeyrobertsart  Twitter: @mickeyroberts33, @nothingknowing      

The value of education is, well, invaluable! However, most of us only experience education from the perspective of the student. What about the other side of the coin? What about the value of teaching? On this episode of Knowing Nothing I brought my good friend, Grant Crawford, back on the show to explore his relationship with learning from his unique vantage point as both a PHD student as well as college level teacher. We cover everything from the teacher’s place in the classroom to the responsibility of educators in our society.    Free Audible Book Link: @audibletrial.com/soundpollination -- Grant's Social:  IG:@grantdavidcrawford, @twentysomethings_podcast Twitter: @HiGrantCrawfod, @Podcast20sum   My Social: IG: @mickeyroberts @knowingnothing_podcast, @mickeyrobertsart  Twitter: @mickeyroberts33, @nothingknowing  

Time is a valuable currency, probably the most valuable one we’ve got. But we don’t seem to value it as much as we probably should. On this episode of Knowing Nothing I go through some statistics I found about just how much time we spend doing all of the monotonous tasks that end up making up the majority of our lives.    --    My Social:  IG: @mickeyroberts, @knowingnothing_podcast, @mickeyrobertsart  Twitter: @mickeyroberts33, @nothingknowing

Everyone loves movies. How can we not? Even T.V. today is amazing!  It's so easy to become hooked on the magic of the medium. But unless you work in the film industry, there's probably a lot you don't know about how movies like James Bond, or shows like Breaking Bad are actually made. So on this episode of Knowing Nothing, I brought on a guest to give you a personal behind the scenes look of how movies and TV get made from the other side of the camera. Please welcome, long time friend and filmmaker, Stan Grunder. 

School is back in session and everyone is getting ready to learn again! But what is it about our education system that makes us think school is the only place to learn? And why is not going to college such a taboo? On this episode, I had that exact conversation with my good friend Dylan Hartigan, who is living that unconventional path– leaving school to pursue his passions in music... and doing rather well at it too.    -- Dylan's Social:  IG: @dylanhartiganmusic   My Social:  IG: @mickeyroberts, @knowingnothing_podcast  Twitter: @nothingknowing  

Why the heck do we call multiple geese a gaggle or a group of fish a school? So many strange names for packs of animals, and each one is weirder than the next! A Parliament of Owls, a tower of Giraffes, the list goes on. And on this rather silly episode of Knowing Nothing Podcast Mickey reads a list of some of the strange group names humans have chosen for animals.    -- My Social:  IG: @mickeyroberts, @knowingnothing_podcast, @mickeyrobertsart Twitter: @nothingknowing, @mickeyroberts33  

Being there for our friends is one of the most worthwhile responsibilities we have. And falling short of that responsibility is easier than you might think. When we get distracted by our own lives or put too much faith in the memories we already have with our friends, we risk neglecting those very people who add all the color to our lives. So on this episode I want to take a moment to remind the people in my life how grateful I am to have them, and to encourage you to do the same. -- My Social: IG: @knowingnothing_podcast, @mickeyroberts, @mickeyrobertsart Twitter: @nothingknowing, @mickeyroberts33   

We’ve all heard about the horrors of sleep paralysis. Waking up to a figure standing at the end of our beds, we try to scream, to move, but we can’t. We’re paralyzed, helpless, waiting for anything to snap us out of our utter, drowning fear . It’s the stuff of nightmares, for sure. But what is actually happening when we experience sleep paralysis? On this episode of Knowing Nothing Mickey Roberts dives into the science behind this scary sleep disorder in the hopes of revealing the not so scary truth behind the infamous dread that is sleep paralysis.    --   My Social:  IG: @mickeyroberts, @knowingnothing_podcast, @mickeyrobertsart  Twitter: @nothingknowing, @mickeyroberts33  

Short, sweet, and to the point! Finally, the answer to this age old question… Why does your dog sniff butts? Is he broken? Is he kinky? Or is there something deeper going on? Let’s find out!   --   My Social:  IG: @knowingnothing_podcast, @mickeyroberts Twitter: @nothingknowing, @mickeyroberts33      

We made it to 52 episodes! One full year’s worth of Knowing Nothing! Thank you for all chugging along with me. For this episode I wanted to continue on the path of manifestation and nurturing positive action. So this one is all about identifying the things we love to do and reminding ourselves to DO THOSE THINGS! Because doing what you love, no matter how silly, is like a cheat code to joy. So try it out! Be proud of your passions. It’s never a waste of time. -- My Social:  IG: @mickeyroberts, @mickeyrobertsart @knowingnothing_podcast Twitter: @mickeyroberts33, @nothingknowing        

 Welcome to Part 2! On this episode Mickey brings his close friend/spiritual sherpa, Cayce Kolodney, behind the mic to talk about manifestation and our ability to change our realities by redirecting and focusing our thoughts. Cayce leads workshop retreats called 'Disconnect to Reconnect' as well as works as a life coach for individuals seeking the tools to obtain a self-actualization mindset.  -- His Social:  Website: caycescoaching.com IG: @cayceloves --  My Social:  IG: @mickeyroberts, @knowingnothing_podcast, @mickeyrobertsart  Twitter: @nothingknowing, @mickeyroberts33   

We all have limiting beliefs about ourselves that prevent us from reaching our full potential. On this episode of Knowing Nothing Mickey explores how these beliefs can be identified and broken down so that we can move through them.  -- My Social:  IG:@knowingnothing_podcast, @mickeyroberts, @mickeyrobertsart Twitter: @MickeyRoberts33, @NothingKnowing

What is your purpose in life? You don’t know? Don’t worry. I don’t think you need to. This episode of Knowing Nothing is all about how finding your purpose might not actually be as necessary to a life well lived as we’ve all grown up to believe. And stick around for the second half of this episode where my good friend Grant Crawford and I share our perspectives on the concept of finding purpose in your life for creating it.   -- His Social: IG: @grantdavidcrawford @twentysomethings_podcast Twitter: @HiGrantCrawford @Podcast20Sum -- My Social:  IG: @knowingnothing_podcast @mickeyroberts  Twitter: @nothingknowing

You'll know him as Coolman Coffee Dan, but before he became a professional content creator, he was just good ole Danny Boy. On this episode I got to talk with my pal about the journey of finding one's own personal language for creative expression, and how learning to speak that creative language helps to make you, well, You. Danny is a bad animator, a doodler, a musician, a writer, and a damn inspiring friend. He’s got quite a few gems of wisdom in this episode. So keep your ears peeled.    -- Danny's Social:  IG: @coolman_coffeedan -- My Social:  IG: @knowingnothing_podcast Twitter: @nothingknowing  

This is a special episode for two reasons. One, I finally asked my girlfriend, Sarah, to come on the show as my guest! And two, we talked about acting, which is a topic I’ve always thought I was too close to to dissect in an episode. I’m glad we did.  Sarah is a very talented working actor here in NYC, but what the heck does working actor mean? What is it like being an actor at the beginning of your career? How do you find a sense of self worth in an industry inundated with rejection. And why would anyone want to do this acting thing anyway? This episode is dedicated to all the actors who don’t know who they would be if they couldn’t act.     -- Sarah's Social:  IG: @s_wisser   -- My Social IG: @knowingnothing_podcast Twitter: @nothingknowing

Everyone working toward self improvement benefits from a mentor. And mentors can come from anywhere in your life. For me, one of my greatest mentors is and always has been my dad. From my acting career to my moral code, my dad has been a beacon of wisdom. But I’m not the only one he’s been that for. As a leader of a Youth Group for over 15 years, my dad has been a mentor to hundreds and hundreds of kids at pivotal points in their lives. So Today I am talking to him about the importance of both having and being a mentor, and what being a mentor means.   Sam's Social:  IG: @samrob333 --  My Social:  IG: @knowingnothing_podcast Twitter: @nothingknowing

Alternative medicine is becoming more and more popular in the Western World, and despite my own reservations about things like acupuncture, or cupping, or reiki, I have to admit that there’s gotta be something to it. So on this episode of Knowing Nothing I had the opportunity not only to learn about reiki from a trained practitioner, Kelsey Claire, but also to try it out first hand and see if my skepticism holds up.  Along with being a reiki practitioner, Kelsey is also an actor and director, currently directing an Off-Broadway play titled Not Even The Good Things in which I am acting! Tickets are available now at  https://www.noteventhegoodthings.com/  -- Kelsey's Social IG: @thekelseyclaire, @noteventhegoodthings -- My Social:  IG: @mickeyroberts, @knowingnothingpodcast  Twitter: @nothingknowing

Kids Kicking Cancer is an incredible nonprofit organization whose mission is to take the tenants of martial arts and instill them in the minds and bodies of children in the midst of some of life’s most difficult struggles. Mickey is joined this week by black belt, Twenty Somethings Podcast host, friend, and inspiringly dedicated teacher of the Kids Kicking Cancer Family, Ketih Vartanian. They talk about the benefits of martial arts, and the lessons to be learned from even the smallest of children.   You can Donate to Kids Kicking Cancer at https://kidskickingcancer.org/donate   Keith's Social IG:@keithvartanian, @twentysomethings_podcast Twitter: @keith_vartanian -- IG: @knowingnothingpodcast, @mickeyroberts Twitter: @nothingknowing

That old saying, "home is where the heart is" might have something to it.  Home is an important anchor in our lives. It centers us. On this episode of Knowing Nothing, Mickey shares his experience of moving into a new home while exploring what home is to him and how having a place to escape the world has been pivotal in his life.    --   IG: @knowingnothing_podcast  Twitter: @nothingknowing Website: soundpollination.com    

We live in a world where even the most objective of truths are being contested. The skill of critical thinking is at an all time low, and the consequences of that decline are evident in a growing community known as the Flat Earth Society. Gaining nationwide credibility through social media, is this outlandish belief that the earth is in fact flat a sign of a failed education system? Join Mickey on this episode of Knowing Nothing as he attempts to make clear just how silly this conspiracy really is.

When things aren’t going our way it’s easy to start complaining. But what the heck does complaining do to help? In fact, complaining might actually be proven to make everything worse. On this episode Mickey talks about the negative effects of complaining for not only the complainers themselves, but also the people who have to hear them. Then he shares an alternative solution for avoiding complaining all together. -- IG: @knowingnothingpodcast  TWITTER: @nothingknowing  

Mothers are hands down the most important people on this planet. They deserve way more than just a day dedicated to them, but a national holiday isn’t half bad. On this episode of Knowing Nothing, Mickey shares with you the history of Mother’s Day, from the times of Ancient Greece to the original mother for whom the day was invented. Happy Mother’s Day everyone!   --   Twitter: @nothingknowing Insta: @knowingnothing_podcast  

At their best, companies like Google and Facebook are uniting people from across the globe with both information and with each other. But at their worst, these companies are turning us into their product. Mining our data, selling us to advertisers, and even silencing our voices. This is the wild west we built when we gave these companies permission to connect us with the world, (on their terms). On this Episode of Knowing Nothing, Mickey speaks with CEO and co-founder of Minds.com, Bill Ottman, about his take on the dangers of Social Networks today, and the future of Social Communities tomorrow.      -- Minds: @BillOttman

Everyone has expectations- of ourselves, of others, of our futures. Expectations are natural, but that doesn’t mean they’re benefiting you. On this episode of Knowing Nothing, Mickey explores the dangers of letting your expectations control you, as well as his experience of taking that control back by letting them go.   -- Instagram: @knowingnothing_podcast Twitter: @nothingknowing  

Music exists on pretty much every part of the globe. It is a foundational human activity in today’s world. But where did music come from? And why do we love it so much? On this episode of Knowing Nothing Mickey searches for the origin of music, and shares a little bit about his own experience with music, or lack of it. - - Instagram: @knowingnothing_podcast Twitter: @NothingKnowing  

On Wednesday April 10th, 2019, the science community released the first ever photo of a black hole. Over this past week the photo has gone viral, made appearances on talk shows, news channels, and even wafted into the meme world. But what’s the big deal about this picture anyway? Why is everyone so excited about a photo of a fuzzy looking orange donut on a black screen? Well it’s actually a bigger deal than you might think. On this episode, Mickey talks through just why this photograph deserves all the hype it has been getting, as well as what the heck a black hole really is anway.  

Headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, sensitivity to light, hatred of all things jovial. What do these things have in common? You get to have them all the morning after a great night out on the town. It’s something every human who’s experienced it can come together on. Our mutual loathing of the Hangover. On this episode of Knowing Nothing, Mickey explains precisely what is going on in your body that turns enjoying a few too many Long Island Iced teas into the worst decision you’ve ever made in your life!  

From Seamless and Amazon to apps like Wag! The "Age of Convenience" is sweeping away our chores and leaving us in leisure without any errands to run. Sounds wonderful, right? Until the stagnancy creeps in... On this episodes of Knowing Nothing, Mickey shares his thoughts about how to combat this age of convenience, and keep our sense of personal responsibility alive.     

I am a serious procrastinator. It’s just something I’ve always thought was in my DNA. But maybe procrastination is more of a bad habit than it is a personality characteristic. On this episode of Knowing Nothing Mickey takes a look at how procrastination might actually be a skillful tactic for avoiding failure. Join me in the mission to end procrastination once and for all!

This episode is for anyone has once or is now dealing with grief and doesn’t want to do it alone.   

The terrifying reality of climate change is becoming ever more pervasive. From fires in California to floods in Mozambique, climate change is real and we need to do something to stop it. Fortunately, one answer has been put forth. Clone Woolly Mammoths to save us from climate change! How the heck does that work? Listen to this episode to find out how these hairy beasts from the past might just be the keys to our future.  

The world today is heading toward a zero tolerance, one strike you’re out mentality, where through social media everyone gets to play judge, jury, and executioner. But there’s still time to change course from this poisonous callout culture to a culture of redemption, forgiveness, and second chances. On this episode of Knowing Nothing Mickey makes a case for this alternative solution to some of the current very real problems we’re facing today.  

We all have the right to free speech. It’s part of being American. But at what point does free speech turn into hate speech? Where is the line between our constitutional right to speak freely, and a potential vehicle for protected oppression? On this Episode Mickey explores the concept of hate speech v.s. free speech and shares his views on just how free free speech really is. Here’s a hint, it’s pretty free.  

Today’s political climate is wrought with hostility. With everyone shouting their opinions at the tops of their lungs, people seem to have forgotten how to have healthy conversations. And more importantly, we’ve forgotten how to listen. On this episode of Knowing Nothing, Mickey explores a concept known in psychology as the Dunning-Kruger Effect, and discusses how this effect might have a lot to do with our problems in today’s divisive times.