Shallow Research

After a brief hiatus, we address the growing outcry from the 3+ listeners who asked us when another episode would be released again. The answer is now - you're welcome! This extended round-up catches you up to speed on everything we've been enjoying while the podcast (and Christina, in real life) has been on sabbatical.

Our latest episode goes deep with a Deep Dive into the world of mindfulness & meditation, with two experienced guests to give us perspective. Alan is a mindful educator who works with both K-12 schools and teachers in NYC, and Patra has spent almost a decade exploring intensive meditation practices in both the U.S. and Southeast Asia. We chat about the value of being mindful, real-world application, and how practicing awareness can be both simple and challenging all at the same time. Then, in our round-up, we share our experiences using popular mindfulness apps, along with a smattering of other recommendations for enhancing your lifestyle - both shallow and meaningful. Ommm!

This episode we dive into the intricacies of do-it-yourself culture, talking to two experts in the field. Laura's friend Josh, who has been involved in maker spaces for many years, joins us for our Deep Dive and explains the intricacies of maker spaces and the distinctions between makers, hackers, and crafters. Then we have a very special Guest Who Knows Best this week, Christina's mother, Janet, who shares tips and tales from her twenty years of quilting, including her successful production of a Minecraft quilt and the trials of quilting with t-shirts. Finally this week's roundup includes a few odds and ends to get you into the world of DIY culture, including Spoonflower, eShakti, the TV show Making It, and Project Repat. Thanks to Matthew DiGiovanni for our fabulous intro and outro music. As always you can reach us at shallowresearch@gmail.com Send in your “More You Know” suggestions now!

This episode is a tribute to Laura’s father Nicholas, who recently passed away from cancer. He had numerous cultural interests, and this week's Deep Dive gets into the intricacies of children's lit like Little House on the Prairie, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler, the Ramona series, Harriet the Spy, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, Berenstain Bears books, Madeleine L’Engle and L.M. Montgomery novels, the All of a Kind Family and Great Brain series, and the rare No Coins, Please. Then Laura answers the burning yet trivial question “Can cats have brown eyes?” posed by our guest this week, Laura’s sister, writer, and artist, Emily DiGiovanni. Then we each share a sample of our own creative writing and then close with a passage from Nick’s mentor, poet Robert Lax. The roundup this episode is inspired by a few of Nick’s favorite things: Italian cheeseballs, Stevie Wonder, Get My Boat, Chloe’s popsicles, and Swing Left. Email us at shallowresearch@gmail.com

Act 1: Podcast Deep Dive We highlight other podcasts: Christina explains why WTF, Pop Culture Happy Hour, Still Processing, You Must Remember This, The Next Picture Show, and We Hate Movies are worth a listen. Laura offers up recommendations for The Babysitter's Club Club, Bitch Sesh, and Forever35 podcasts. Act 1.5: The More You Know Debut A loyal listener requested that we do more actual research into trivial yet burning questions like, "Why does chewing gum lose its flavor so quickly?" We Google that. Act 2: A Guest Knows Best - Workout Playlist Edition This week's guest is our utterly delightful friend Jane, who moonlights as our very own personal workout DJ. She uses her musical expertise to takes us through the perfect tunes for each stage of a typical exercise routine. The full "Shallow Research Workout" playlist is available on Spotify. Act 3: Round-Up We give you a rundown of fitness apps like MyFitnessPal, Streaks, and Sworkit. Reach us at shallowresearch@gmail.com

Shallow Research Episode 1: Leisurely Television in a Post-Sitcom America Act 1: Deep Dive Into the Television Arts Christina leads a closer look into the best ways to spend time in front of your flat screen - featuring shallow & smart reasons to watch Barry, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, & Good Bones. Act 2: A Guest Knows Best - Sports Edition This week's guest is friends with Christina, and also happens to be Laura's husband, Harold. Listen to Coach Gut talk sports watching and reveal his favorite fruit in a surprise twist ending! Act 3: Round-Up of Random Things We Love Laura gives the run-down as we share a few of our favorite things, including the TV Time and Detour apps, Luminaid, Causebox, and Quinn popcorn. Join us next time for more deep exploration of shallow topics - and let us know if you'd like to be a featured guest (shallowresearch@gmail.com). Music credits on the intro go to Matthew DiGiovanni.