The Introvert's Guide to...

Co-host Jess is still on maternity leave, but this week, Phil gives you a special episode from his theatre podcast, Stageworthy: a roundtable discussion with introverted actors. A lot of people think that actors are all extraverts, but as Jess and Phil have mentioned before, this just isn't true. On this episode actor and playwright, Stephen Near; actor & Singer-Songwriter Carolyn Fe; writer, composer & and performer, Kristen Zaza; playwright & performer, Genevieve Adam; writer & actor Michael Ripley, and your usual co-hosts, Jess McAuley and Phil Rickaby talk about being introverted in a profession that seems to expect extraversion. Support The Introvert's Guide To... Tip Jar: tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-introverts-guide-to

In this episode, Jess and Phil explore awkwardness and what to do when you experience that awkward feeling. Also, Jess will be taking some maternity time, so IG2 will be going on hiatus for a short while. We'll see you back here soon! Links in this episode: https://socialpronow.com/blog/socially-awkward/

In this episode, Jess and Phil answer a question from a listener, who is worried that not wanting to reconnect with a friend from high school makes them a bad person, which leads them to talk about the importance of boundaries, revisit the friend list on social media, and much more.

In this episode, Jess and Phil talk about being (perhaps a little) overly sensitive. Phil admits to not having watched The Office, and Jess considers whether they can still be friends because of that. Links in this episode: https://introvertdear.com/news/hsp-things-realize/

In this episode, Jess and Phil talk about overthinking. They share times they have found themselves stuck in a thought loop, and how to break out of it. Links in episode: https://medium.com/@nishtha04/being-an-introvert-and-an-overthinker-at-the-same-time-c7d5c997a992

In this episode, Jess and Phil talk about new beginnings, and how to handle them, from the first day of a new job, to impending parenthood, and try to find some helpful solutions to dealing with those first days and new beginnings.

In this episode Jess and Phil talk about making friends as an introvert (or even just as an adult), and how difficult that can be. Links In this Episode https://nandoodles.medium.com/the-extrovert-s-guide-to-making-friends-everywhere-you-go-4d07cbbe9dd3 https://observer.com/2015/07/an-introverts-guide-to-eating-and-drinking-out/

We've all heard it before: introverts are "antisocial". But what does that mean exactly? In this episode, Jess and Phil dive into this question, and whether social anxiety is necessarily a part of being an introvert, or something else entirely. And what do people mean exactly, whey they say we are antisocial? Links in this episode: https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/introvert-vs-social-anxiety#a-socially-anxious-introvert https://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/1113071/introvert-vs-antisocial/ Transcript at https://introvertsguideto.com/the-introverts-guide-to-social-anxiety-and-antisocial/

In this episode, as things begin to open up, and holiday gatherings are starting to happen, Jess and Phil talk about how to deal with the return to gatherings. Note: This episode was recorded before the current increases in cases of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. We decided to release this episode, for those who may still find themselves at gatherings this holiday season.

In this episode, Jess and Phil get a little heated as they respond to an article in Inc Magazine entitled T_here Are No Such Things as Introversion or Extroversion_. They have a lot of thoughts. Links in this episode: https://www.inc.com/joshua-spodek/there-are-no-such-things-as-introversion-or-extroversion.html

In this episode, Jess and Phil talk about procrastination and admit to their worst habits where putting things off is concerned. They also offer some helpful tips for combatting procrastination, including when you might want to just give in to it. Links in this episode: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201204/the-paradox-procrastination https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/2019/03/25/heres-how-you-procrastinate-based-on-your-myers-briggs-personality-type/#h-infps-and-isfps-can-procrastinate-about-taking-action

On this episode, Jess and Phil return after their hiatus, and catch you up on a) why the hiatus was necessary - and trust us, its amazing, exciting news - and b) what they have been up to. Also in this episode: how our perceptions of what makes a "crowd" has completely changed, as well as our notebook addictions, and more!

In this episode, Jess and Phil discuss returning to the office after a year and a half of working from home and provide some helpful tips on how to deal with that return. Links in this episode: https://www.truity.com/blog/back-work-survey-introverts-women-and-non-management-employees-may-dread-going-back-office

In this episode, Jess and Phil are joined by author Meghan Rogers to talk about creativity and the introvert. Meghan Rogers is a writer and an introvert living in the Philadelphia area. She's the author of the young adult spy series, The Raven Files and the blogger behind createyourownreality.co where she blogs about a handful of topics including introvert life. When she's not writing, she is most likely to be found on her couch, having opted out of a social invite. For more information on her books, you can visit her website, www.meghanrogersbooks.com or purchase them on Amazon. For more information on her blog, you can visit www.createyourownreality.co. You can buy Meghan's books as part of the Raven Files series at https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01HP48O7O

In this episode, Jess and Phil discuss the pitfalls of being a perfectionist and suggest ways that an introverted perfectionist can loosen up and let a little imperfection in. Links in this episode: https://personalitygrowth.com/how-much-of-a-perfectionist-each-personality-type-is/

In this episode, Jess and Phil talk about the expectations that people have about what an introvert is capable of and defying those expectations. Links in this episode: https://hbr.org/2021/01/can-introverts-thrive-in-extroverted-careers

In the last 15 months, we've all found ourselves on more video meetings than ever before, and for a lot of introverts, these are more difficult to deal with than in-person meetings. In this episode, Jess and Phil talk about why these are more taxing, and what tips and tricks you can use to get through them. Links in this episode: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/zoom-fatigue-may-be-with-us-for-years-heres-how-well-cope https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/coronavirus-zoom-fatigue-is-taxing-the-brain-here-is-why-that-happens

In response to an email from a listener, Jess and Phil talk about dealing with the guilt that sometimes comes from deciding to miss out on an event, whether work or otherwise. Links in this episode: https://createyourownreality.co/how-to-deal-with-introvert-guilt/

In this episode, Jess and Phil discuss dealing with "clingy" relationships; those friends that demand more time you can give, or the romantic relationship that anxious or upset if they can't be with you all the time. Articles referenced in this episode: https://www.talkspace.com/blog/am-i-clingy-what-to-do/ https://www.brides.com/how-not-to-be-clingy-4176696 https://www.wikihow.com/Gently-Dump-a-Clingy-%22Friend%22 Phil's Patreon: https://patreon.com/philrickaby

In this episode Jess and Phil talk about social media fasting, when to go on a fast, when not to, and how to have a more healthy relationship with social media.

In this episode, Jess and Phil talk about things that are just wonderful for an introvert to hear. Those things that make the introvert just...melt. Things like "I have to cancel our plans" or "the party is cancelled", as well as some thing that just aren't.

In this episode, Jess and Phil discuss the importance of Routines, and how they can be very helpful for the introvert. Also: Phil learns a "horrifying" secret about Jess. Links in this episode: https://nesslabs.com/habits-routines-rituals

This week, Jess and Phil look at the Myers-Briggs test: Its origins, its uses, and it sometimes problematic aspects. Links in this episode: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19048975/) https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/c-g-jungs-theory.htm https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.the_myers-briggs_company.76632dd8acd83e7d95d18ab62c140624.html https://www.businessinsider.com/the-personality-types-that-earn-the-most-and-least-money-2015-2 https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/give-and-take/201309/goodbye-mbti-the-fad-won-t-die

In this episode, Jess and Phil answer a listener question about the difficulty of dealing with an Extroverted Family member.

In this episode, Jess and Phil talk about those talents that tend to be strongest in introverts: the introvert super powers. Links in this episode: https://tinybuddha.com/blog/a-love-note-to-introverts-10-superpowers-that-make-you-amazing/

We asked our listeners to send us their burning questions about their introvert lives, and we would give our best advice. In this episode, Jess and Phil answer listener questions.

Why do so many introverts have difficulty asking for help, whether it's trying to carry too many grocery bags home from the store by yourself, or trying to learn something new. In this episode, Jess and Phil admit their struggles with asking for help, and try to find ways to ask for help when they need it. Links in this episode: https://www.16personalities.com/articles/asking-for-help-part-i-harder-for-some-personality-types-than-others

In this episode, Jess and Phil talk about hunting for an apartment as an introvert, as well as the strange relationship between tenant and landlord, and what (for them) makes a good landlord relationship.

Jess and Phil are taking a brief hiatus over the holidays, so no new episode this week. But we will be back in January, with more episodes of The Introvert's Guide To...

Episode Notes In this episode, Jess and Phil dig into that phrase that so many introverts hear, "You're so quiet" and try to dig into the truth behind that idea about introverts. Links in this episode: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/19/acting-extroverted-improves-introverts-wellbeing-happiness.html https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/quiet-disadvantage-study-finds-extroverts-are-happier-even-when-theyre-really-introverts/ Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/the-introverts-guide-to/95511b09-295a-45f7-80b2-f4a93b4e516f

Episode Notes In this episode, Jess and Phil talk about finding themselves in leadership roles, what makes a good leader, and how introverts (contrary to some) make great leaders. Links in this episode: https://introvertdear.com/news/10-survival-tips-for-introverted-leaders/

In this episode, Jess and Phil respond to a letter from a listener, and dive into how an introvert can feed their relationships, both with friends and partners. Links in the episode: https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/13-things-you-can-make-introvert-feel-loved.html Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/the-introverts-guide-to/fe979ae7-fb72-42f9-acfa-bbd3981f75f9

Sometimes it is necessary to break up with a friend. This can be a difficult thing to approach, and can lead to confrontations which many of us would rather avoid. In this episode, Jess and Phil provide helpful hints for how to approach a friend break up. Links in the episode: https://psych2go.net/10-signs-youve-pissed-introvert-off/ Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/the-introverts-guide-to/40a5b8c9-5114-496d-ac22-128d45f1ca0a

In this episode, Phil and Jess talk about being selective about their friendships, and keeping their circle of friends small. Phil also learns that he is not a complete a**hole, Jess tells a story about potentially ghosting a friend, and they both get the giggles. Links in this episode: https://www.makemebetter.net/why-should-you-choose-your-friends-carefully/ Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/the-introverts-guide-to/06190c1f-5cc1-48ba-87a0-07b72109c718

In this episode, Jess and Phil invited their friend, storyteller, actor, playwright, Carlyn Rhamey to come and discuss life living between the two extremes of Introvert and Extrovert: life as an Ambivert. Links in this episode: https://www.wellandgood.com/what-is-an-ambivert/

In this episode, Phil and Jess talk about dealing with self esteem and self confidence issues. How the stories we tell ourselves matter, and how to be kinder to ourselves. Links in this episode: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/affirmations.htm

In this episode, Phil and Jess talk about how to do that thing they are always reminding us to do: say what you need. This isn't always easy, so Jess and Phil try to provide helpful advice on how to do this. Also, rather than finding helpful advice on the internet, Jess digs deep into google's nether pages to find terrible advice that you should definintely not follow.

In this episode, Phil & Jess talk about the FOMO (fear of missing out) that can come from seeing others post on Social Media, as well as the self consciousness that some introverts feel about posting. Links in this episode: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/how-use-fomo-motivation-when-you-are-introvert https://www.bustle.com/articles/153339-how-to-avoid-fomo-when-youre-an-introvert

On this episode, Jess and Phil face the difficulties of Job hunting for the introvert. Both Phil and Jess have been in a position to do hiring as well, so they also offer some suggestions for the job hunter. Links in this episode: https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/introverts-guide-to-job-hunting/

In this episode, Jess and Phil check in to talk about how they are "surviving" the quarantine life. Turns out, they are doing pretty well. They also hear from other introverts about how they are doing.

In this episode, Jess and Phil discuss the difficulty of team building events and the introvert. Phil has a lot to say on the topic. Jess discovers to her surprise that Phil would be up for a bus ride sing along. https://www.scienceofpeople.com/team-building-activities/ https://teambonding.com.au/blog/i-hate-team-building-icebreaker-games-for-introverts-and-sceptics/

In this episode, Jess and Phil talk about being people pleasers. Phil realizes that maybe he's more of a people pleaser than he thought. And Jess discovers that she's learned more about how to say no than she thought! Links in this episode: https://introvertdear.com/news/the-people-pleasers-guide-to-pleasing-people/ https://www.thathummingbirdlife.com/blog/a-permission-slip-for-friendly-people-pleasing-introverts https://www.solutionstoallyourproblems.com/5-things-i-had-to-learn-in-order-to-stop-being-a-people-pleaser/

In this time of Social Distancing and calls to stay home, some introverts are feeling trapped with their families or roommates. With no escape from children, partners, roomies, and who ever else they share space with, it can be difficult to find the space and time to recharge your batteries. This can lead to frayed nerves and tension in the household. It's has never been more important to be able (as we always say) to say what you need. Links in this episode: https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/how-to-social-distancing-introvert-extrovert-coronavirus/370044

In this episode, Jess and Phil talk about being cool and popular as an introvert, what is “cool”, and whether an introvert can be popular. We also learn that Phil made some unfortunate choices in high school in his quest to be cool, and that Jess was always pretty cool. Links in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHHwE8Y-pqk https://medium.com/@connectzapp/how-to-be-popular-when-youre-an-introvert-8ed74f47e108 https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/10-reasons-why-introverts-are-incredibly-attractive-people-2.html

On this episode, Jess and Phil talk about video games, and if either of them is "dependent" on them. Jess discovers that perhaps Phil isn't quite as dependent as she thought, and Phil discovers that Jess might have a slight addiction to a certain game of crafting in mines. Links in this episode: https://www.16personalities.com/articles/game-on-which-personality-types-enjoy-video-games

In this episode, Jess and Phil answer questions that extroverts have for introverts. Questions were solicited from r/extroverts and from social media.

In this episode, Jess and Phil talk about living with roommates, and how to handle roommate socializing as an introvert. Links in this episode: https://introvertdear.com/news/introverts-guide-dealing-roommates/ https://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/living-with-roommates-as-an-introvert.html https://www.truity.com/blog/survival-guide-introverts-who-live-extroverts-and-vice-versa

In our first ever bonus episode, Jess and Phil have some suggestions for our extroverts who might be struggling with social distancing.

In this episode, Jess and Phil talk about being mistaken for shy, and how often being introverted is conflated with being shy. Links in this episode: https://www.inc.com/melanie-curtin/are-you-shy-or-introverted-science-says-this-is-1-primary-difference.html

In this episode, Jess and Phil talk about the challenges of working in an open concept office as an introvert. Links in the episode: https://medium.com/swlh/the-complete-introverts-guide-to-surviving-an-open-plan-office-f21a5e1072c2 https://www.andymort.com/open-plan-office/ https://introvertdear.com/news/5-tips-to-save-your-sanity-in-an-open-office/ https://www.cofcogroup.com/introverts-guide-to-thriving-in-an-open-plan-office/

In this episode, Jess and Phil come up with strategies to maintain their friendships: from texting, to reminder apps, to (ugh) phone calls. Links in this episode: https://www.theaccessproject.org/friends-with-introverts/ https://www.16personalities.com/articles/keeping-in-touch-when-you-are-an-introvert