"Breaking Your Echo Chamber" Weekly talk show between two regular guys just trying to figure out this thing called life and how we can improve the world and ourselves. We’re focusing on raw, honest, unedited conversations with real people. When you listen to the podcast, you join a community of people searching for meaning and connection. Welcome!
It's Episode #47 - #FreePalestine and we are joined by Dalia Fakih to talk about the very important issues that face us with regard to Palestine and Israel. We aim to set these discussions in a historical context and in light of the recent reports from Human Rights Watch and B'Tselem, which categorise Israel to be an apartheid state that persecutes the Palestinian people in the occupied territories, Israel proper and the Gaza Strip. Key Message: As Martin Luther King once said, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Some of the key points we touch on in this episode: - Zionism and History - Geographical lay of the land - Current situation - this is a human rights issue - Recent escalations - how did this gain momentum? - Media, censorship and international complicity - Distinction between criticism of Israel & anti-semitism - What is different this time and the solution? - How to help Who is Dalia? Dalia Fakih, citizen of the world. A Cypriot of Palestinian and Lebanese decent, educated in the UK. Dalia is a law graduate here to start the conversation on Palestine and human rights. Talking about apartheid, persecution and what we can each do to see a free Palestine with justice and equality for all. Join the fight against selective human rights worldwide. Further Resources Human Rights Watch Report B'Tselem – The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories Report Jewish Voice for Peace BDS Movement Eye on Palestine Further resources are available on our website: https://tomstuandyou.com You can now watch our podcasts on Youtube if you'd prefer to also check us out while listening to our beautiful voices. Head over to our Youtube channel at Tom, Stu and You Podcast Like us on Facebook and Instagram @tomstuandyou or send us an email at hi@tomstuandyou.com with any questions, comments, thoughts, or queries you have on the topics we've discussed or any suggestions of topics you'd like to hear us address. Thanks so much for your support!
In this episode, Tom finally gets to talk about Football! Yes, that's right, we're wading in with our thoughts on the recent European Super League debacle and pondering the problems that there are with the modern game. Are fans becoming increasingly seen as customers and consumers rather than fans? What were the proposals and why did they fail? Why wouldn't it be awesome to watch Liverpool v Real Madrid every week? What are the solutions to issues of ownership? The backlash to the announcement of the European Super League from fans of all tribes and backgrounds was a fantastic moment for civil disobedience, people power and solidarity. It was a teachable moment and served as a microcosm of our society in this era of neo-liberal capitalism. Were the owners of the football clubs not just trying to secure their economic futures and pursue profits? The basis of our capitalist system. We know there are many footaball fans out there with strong opinions on the European Super League plans. We hope that you enjoy the episode and get in touch to let us know what you think about what we've had to say here. What were your thoughts on the plans? Can the same impetus and movement be created around other social institutions that belong to the people; the NHS for example? You can get in touch at all the usual places. Thank you for listening and we look forward to hearing from you! T&S
To talk about violence against women, with invited back onto the podcast the amazing Kaley Ames for Episode #45. Continuing on from last episode's chat about toxic masculinity, we explore the experience of women & the increased violence they face throughout their lives which can go largely unknown to the men around them. This isn't a topic we think should be left for women to suffer silently, and so as usual, we think this is an incredibly important conversation to have. Some of the topics we cover in this episode: the case of Sarah Everard the State responsibility to better protect women & vulnerable communities effect of COVID-19 on domestic violence toxic masculinity & the impact that has on women the Patriarchy & women impact of culture & media getting men to care We want to thank Kaley for her insightful conversation, providing a unique perspective on an issue Tom & I don't have first-hand experience with. It's through conversations such as this, that we can continue to open minds to the realities faced by our friends & family. By sharing stories of difficulties & moments of vulnerability, we can turn our sympathy into empathy and hopefully bring about the societal change that is so desperately needed. Like us on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram @tomstuandyou or send us an email at hi@tomstuandyou.com with any questions, comments, thoughts, or queries you have on the topics we've discussed or any suggestions of topics you'd like to hear us address. Thanks so much for your support! Full show notes at tomstuandyou.com
Welcome to Episode #44 where we ask the question; “What is Toxic Masculinity?” Having personal experience with this subject, and recognizing the importance of discussing this topic with others, we were both excited and apprehensive to dive right into such a controversial topic. Masculinity is so tied up in our sense of identity, that it's hard not to feel personally attacked whenever someone questions our manliness...but that's kinda the problem in a nutshell. We need to redefine what it means to be a good man, because toxic masculinity affects not only boys & men, but society as a whole. Key message: “By far the worst thing we do to males — by making them feel they have to be hard — is that we leave them with very fragile egos.” — Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, award-winning author Here are some of the topics we look into throughout this conversation: What is toxic masculinity? Why is it an issue? Examples of toxic masculinity Personal experiences with toxic masculinity Argument that biology supports gender differences Argument that gender is a social construct Capitalism and toxic masculinity Even if there were biological differences, shouldn't we want to create a more equal world? How does socialization impact toxic masculinity? Why the term toxic is triggering and using mindful masculinity instead We know this is a difficult conversation to have. It's hard to come to terms with our own self-identity, and when we question what makes us ‘a real man,' it can be hard to put into words our feelings & values. That's why we need to have this conversation though, because it's hard is exactly why it's so important. Like us on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram @tomstuandyou or send us an email at hi@tomstuandyou.com with any questions, comments, thoughts, or queries you have on the topics we've discussed or any suggestions of topics you'd like to hear us address. Check out our website https://tomstuandyou.com for a full list of our episodes & guests, as well as further resources we recommend on some of the topics we regularly discuss. Thanks so much for your support!
Episode #43, our second of 2021, and it's our most comprehensive episode yet! We chat to the incredible Robin Clapp about socialism, the current state of the political movement, its leadership challenges and why he's still optimistic about youth in politics. Heads up, this is a long episode but if you've ever felt curious about socialism and want to learn more, Robin is a fascinating storyteller and the most knowledgeable guest we could have possibly found to discuss this topic. Key Message: Socialism is a form of activism that's necessary for a better world. We just need to go to where the workers are. What we talk about in this episode: Robin's political journey to socialism Why socialism What socialism is Break the ‘Us vs Them' mentality Challenges facing socialism How do we get from Capitalism to Socialism Socialism as activism The importance of leadership Marxism & Capital Labour in the UK Youth in politics Further Resources The Capitalist Crash and the New Challenges Facing Socialists Biden & The British Labour Party Leadership Global capitalism at most dangerous conjuncture since the 1930s Who is Robin? Robin has been a socialist since 1973 after witnessing his father lose 3 jobs in 12 months as a result of a massive recession. He currently sits on the National Committee of the Socialist Party of England and Wales. Full bio at Robin Clapp | Tom, Stu and You You can follow Robin's work at the below links: Website You can now watch our podcasts on Youtube if you'd prefer to also check us out while listening to our beautiful voices
Hello and happy new year everyone! We hope that you are doing well and keeping safe at this difficult time! Episode 42 of the podcast is now live and available for you to listen to one the website, YouTube and all major podcasting platforms. We're back after the Christmas and New Year break, shaking the rust off by looking back over the past year and pondering the future for 2021. We appreciate that a lot of people will be keen to forget 2020 as quickly as possible but we feel it is important to look back over the year, review it, see what lessons there are to be learned and take that learning into the future. We talk about the things that have been revealed by the coronavirus pandemic, our value systems, the performance of our leaders, our relationship with the natural world and how our economic systems have worked during this time. We talk about what we've learned personally, what we can learn collectively as a society and what we hope for the future. As always, we love to hear from you. Let us know what your thoughts are on the past year, lessons you've learned, things that have been highlighted to you and what you hope for 2021 on a personal and societal level. You can get in touch with us by email at hi@tomstuandyou.com, leave us a comment on YouTube or leave us a comment or send us a direct message on social media. Happy listening. We look forward to hearing from you. Stay safe and take care everyone! Further resources: Ceeroo: 2020 Remixed https://youtu.be/eMOUTgWQM74 Stu's 2020 Year in Review https://youtu.be/z7kJ8V4ZJgI
Hello everyone, We hope that you are keeping safe and well during this time! Episode 41 of the podcast is now live and available for you all to listen to on all major podcasting platforms, the website (link in bio) and YouTube. In this episode we've been inspired by BBC Radio 4's “Desert Island Discs” so we are discussing songs that are meaningful to us, that remind us of certain people or certain times of life, we discuss what book (other than the bible and the entire works of Shakespeare) we'd take and what luxury item we'd take with us were we to find ourselves marooned on a desert island. We also extend the conversation to discuss which people we'd like to invite to a dinner party from any time in history, what period of time we'd travel if we could and what we think an outside alien would find were it to come to earth; what would it think about the state of humankind in the 21st century? We hope that you enjoy the episode! As always, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch and let us know what songs, books, luxury items you'd take to a desert island, who you'd invite to a dinner party and what you think an alien would make of the state of humankind in the 21st century. You can get in touch with us by email hi@tomstuandyou.com, leave us a comment or send a direct message on Facebook or Instagram and don forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel! Thanks, everyone, take care!
We're living our best lives in this conversation with the wonderful Topanga on Episode #40 of the Tom, Stu and You Podcast. Topanga matched with Stu on Bumble a few months ago, and after months of hilarious chats, they decided to share their wisdom with people in a podcast episode. We cover quite a few different topics in this chat, so sit back, and enjoy the sounds of our beautiful voices as you try not to fall asleep (if you know, you know! haha). Key Message: Remember to take the time to check in with yourself, and look after others where you can. What we talk about in this episode: Finding love online Long distance emotional support Societal pressure to be settled down Importance of a fresh start Living life for yourself What is life like in NYC When those you love have different political opinions to your own Why Topanga embraces the hustle vs living life now Finding work you love Setting loose goals for life What makes a good manager Who is Topanga? Topanga updated her location on bumble to Toronto and it led her to this podcast. She's a career-focused woman in NYC, with a fresh start on the horizon in Chicago. If you're looking to rebrand, for a good laugh or to simply make a friend in the U.S. - she's your girl. You can check out Topanga's life at the below links: Instagram Thank you! You can now watch our podcasts on Youtube if you'd prefer to also check us out while listening to our beautiful voices
Well, well, well, would you look at that? We're talking about Capitalism again, but this time we're looking at billionaires. Billionaires are the poster boys for Capitalism, and so much of what we are talking about in this episode is directly critical of the capitalist system in which the concept of billionaires is merely a symptom. Key Message: Take time to reconsider why it is we believe success equals enormous wealth. Some of the things we're talking about in this episode: What does a billion even look like? Fun facts about billionaires How do you become a billionaire? What are the problems they represent for society? Let's tax the rich! How do the rich avoid paying taxes? Who defends the concept of billionaires and why? How do we fix it? Further Reading: 'Winners Take All': Generous Giving Or Phony Philanthropy? World's billionaires have more wealth than 4.6 billion people So You Want To Talk About Taxes & The Rich? What's Wrong With Being A Billionaire Should We Abolish Billionaires? What's wrong with billionaires? Here are 5 reasons they're problematic. Counter Argument: Why a “Billionaire” Wealth Tax Would Hurt the Working Poor and the Middle Class | Mark Hornshaw (this is a great example of a slippery slope argument in favour of the billionaire class) Full show notes can be found at tomstuandyou.com Like us on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram @tomstuandyou or send us an email at hi@tomstuandyou.com with any questions, comments, thoughts, or queries you have on the topics we've discussed or any suggestions of topics you'd like to hear us address. Thanks so much for your support!
It's Episode #38 and we're talking about why our democracy is broken in today's episode. In light of the current US election shit show that's going on, the protests that have been happening through the year, and with many other elections being held around the world, we thought it was a good time to discuss the concept of democracy that so many of us take for granted, and for which, there is plenty to discuss. Key Message: Fight for increased accountability & transparency, and look for ways to introduce democracy into the non-political sphere (i.e in the workplace). Some of the topics we're touching on today: What is democracy? Capitalism and democracy The impact of voting systems Inverted totalitarianism Democracy in the workplace The challenges facing democracy How do we begin to fix it? A plea for change Like us on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram @tomstuandyou or send us an email at hi@tomstuandyou.com with any questions, comments, thoughts, or queries you have on the topics we've discussed or any suggestions of topics you'd like to hear us address. Thanks so much for your support!
Hello everyone, hope you're all good and keeping well during this time! Episode 37 is now live and available for you all to listen to on the website www.tomstuandyou.com, YouTube and on all major podcasting platforms. In this week's episode, we're talking about the new film made by international treasure and naturalist David Attenborough - ‘A Life On Our Planet'. We discuss the effect that watching the documentary had on us from the visual aesthetic right through to the content and message of the documentary. We look at the science and predictions made by Attenborough in the documentary and discuss our respective decision making processes in adopting plant-based diets. We look at the criticisms put forward and solutions offered by the documentary and offer our view on where such scrutiny doesn't go far enough. We both encourage you all to watch the documentary and see if you agree with what we've had to any here. The message of the documentary is unambiguous and one that we are fully behind. We need to change our behaviours on an individual basis in terms of our diet and consumerism and work collectively to raise people out of poverty, provide free education, transition to renewable energy and in our view go reconfigure our values to go beyond a system which demands exponential growth on a planet with finite resources and creates unacceptable levels of inequality and poverty. We need to do these things not to save the planet or the natural world, but ultimately to save ourselves. We hope that you enjoy this episode of the podcast and please remember that what we do here is about starting a conversation, it is a two-way street. As much as it is a platform upon which we express ourselves and talk about issues that we see as a problem it is also an invitation for you to engage with us so that we can learn from you. So, as always, you can get in touch with us by email hi@tomstuandyou.com, leave a comment or message us directly; we always love hearing from and learning from you. Cheers everyone! Tom and Stu
Hello everyone! After a summer hiatus, we are back! Episode 36 of the podcast is now live and available for you all to listen to on all major podcasting platforms and on the website www.tomstuandyou.com. In this episode, we were joined by Austin Sawyer who accompanied Stu on a summer road trip across Canada. In this episode, we recap Stu and Austin's summer experience, the highlights of their trip, the route taken and the precautions and measures to travel safely during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. We also discuss the positive effects that the trip had on both Stu and Austin respectively and what they have planned for the near future. We hope that you enjoy the show, please get in touch if you have any questions and also keep an eye out on social media for posts from Stu and Austin of their trip. Thank you for listening everyone and, until next time, stay curious and stay safe!
We're onto Episode #35 and we're chatting with the architectural wonder that is Mitchell Hattersley! One of Tom's mates from schooling years in the UK, Mitch has made a name for himself in the architectural world, and now lives in LA specializing in the fanciest of buildings. Key Message: There is a lot to be optimistic about, we just have to fight for it. What we talk about in this episode: Why study architecture Creating feeling with building design Pros and cons of working as an architect What the creative process looks like Sustainability in modern architecture 3D printing a shipping container-sized house Morality of design work US vs UK: differences, similarities Why moving to LA made sense How the educational system and career counsellors created misrepresentation All things politics Optimism for the future Who is Mitch? Mitch is an Architectural Designer who specialises in high-end, custom homes & retail stores. He is currently based in the sunny city of Los Angeles, California. You can follow Mitch's work at the below links: Website Twitter Instagram You can now watch our podcasts on Youtube if you'd prefer to also check us out while listening to our beautiful voices
In Episode #34, we're taking a step back to reflect on some of the lessons we've learned throughout the process of creating this podcast. We discuss some of the main connections we're seeing in each of our episodes, and with all of our amazing guests that have been on the show. It's also an opportunity to update our listeners on some of the things happening in our lives at the moment. There is plenty of change coming up for Stu in particular, but also with the podcast, we're putting more effort into getting the technical side of things in order as we launch our Youtube channel. Key Message: Your life, your story, your opinions, do all have value. Further Watching: Do schools kill creativity? | Sir Ken Robinson You can now watch our podcasts on Youtube if you'd prefer to also check us out while listening to our beautiful voices
Welcome to Episode #33 where we are chatting with the amazing Peter Sarellas about how to be a creative. Peter works in Toronto as a professional videographer, and during the COVID lockdown, he has stayed productive by launching a Youtube channel where he teaches people how to make better videos. He's a funny guy, with a great accent and plenty of stories, so strap yourselves in, as this is a good, light-hearted chat between three guys and their cameras. Key Message: Just get started. If you put in the effort, you'll get better over time. What we talk about in this episode: Finding our love of videography Home videos vs client work Saying peace to business school Comparing yourself to others Value of influencers Finding an edge in the creative field Pros & cons of creative work How to find clients What's up with working for free What is the creative process Advice for newbies Bullshit education systems Talking about travel stories Who is Peter? Peter is a videographer and video editor who specializes in sports, commercial, and event-based work. He is currently working in digital marketing while simultaneously operating a freelance video production business based out of Toronto. Furthermore, Peter is actively building a community on YouTube where he shares informative videos surrounding his work in sports media and digital marketing. Peter has his Bachelor of Business Administration in finance with a minor in economics and has also studied media at multiple post-secondary institutions. You can follow Peter's work at the below links: Website YouTube Instagram Peter's Quotes: If you're shooting weddings, talk to the Master of Ceremony beforehand, tell him to pause for a second before he says “you may kiss the bride" on the pause, you know you can get ready. Then he looks at you, you look at him, and it's like go time. You can look at other people's work and draw inspiration from it and use it to make you better. You just need to keep that positive mindset and kind of realize that your work is good, ah, maybe it's not, but you'll get better. You always want to retain the rights to display your work anywhere you make your services available, anywhere you market yourself. That clause is always in there, even if you're working for free, or doing your first shoot ever. If you make a treatment that says you're going to have a Lamborghini on set, then your video doesn't have a Lamborghini, you didn't live up to the contract you provided, and the client is probably not going to pay you what they're supposed to. Don't go to university expecting to learn a whole bunch of stuff, and if you don't have any skills in that field, and you're not working to develop them, it's less likely that people are going to reach out to you for opportunities in university. From a young age, my parents invested a lot of their disposable income into travel so that my brother and I could gain a more rounded perspective on things. I really feel that helped me be a more empathetic person. So yo
In Episode #32, we have another absolutely incredible guest to share with you, and that's the amazing Kelly MacAlpine! Kelly is a PHD candidate at Western University, focussing on early childhood environmental education, as well as the brilliant mother of three wonderful kids, one of which we have also had on the podcast, Jessie. Our conversation with Kelly is fantastic for so many reasons, but most importantly, because of the undeniable passion Kelly obviously has for the education of our children. She kept asking us to stop her if she's talking too much, but as you'll hear, we absolutely loved hearing what she had to say and we think you will too! A bit of context before you listen: Kelly talks a lot about different pedagogies, including plastics and 'ghosting' pedagogies; pedagogies are just theories of learning which in this case, are applied to early childhood students. She also mentions 'non-human' relations which refer to animals, objects and nature as well as 'shadows of beings' which can be tracks left by wildlife or evidence of their passing through the area. To summarize Kelly's work as best we can, she studies the interactions of kids with their natural environment, and questions if we should instead be allowing them to remain imaginative and create their own stories of the world around them (eg. when it snows, it's because of a fictional snow monkey) rather than just giving them the "facts" and moving on. Do the stories created by kids actually create a greater connection with nature and therefore make them more responsible and considerate environmental human beings? Key Message: In the name of what? A few of the issues and topics we discuss in this episode: Pedagogical studies (and what that actually means) Thinking about waste Education in the name of what? Cultivating curiosity The power of storytelling and the imagination Response-abilities Climate action network Ruins of progress The fictitious students The power of youth Parenting advice “The children must engage in processes that move beyond neoliberal goals of productivity and consumption by formulating intentions that will allow them to pursue their curiosity in ways that will not always yield productive outcomes but will ultimately allow them to build their competence while pursuing their curiosity in purposeful ways.” Witnessing the Ruins: Speculative Stories of Caring for the Particular and the Peculiar | Journal of Childhood Studies Further Resources: Ghosting Pedagogies: Restoring Peculiarities in times of Ecological Precarity Witnessing the Ruins: Speculative Stories of Caring for the Particular and the Peculiar | Journal of Childhood Studies Ghosting Pedagogies - Early Childhood Collaboratory Witnessing Ruins of Progress - Climate Action Childhood Climate Action Childhood Network Full show notes can be found at tomstuandyou.com Like us on Fa
For Episode #31 we are joined by the incredible Mubdi Rahman, an Astronomer with the Dunlap Institute in Toronto, Canada to discuss the value of scientific research and the exploration of the cosmos and human nature. Key Message: The best of science tells stories, and Love Actually is a brilliant movie! “Astronomers have spotted the most jam-packed cluster of young supermassive stars ever seen in the Milky Way galaxy, including hundreds of the most massive types of stars that are dozens of times heavier than our sun.” - http://www.nbcnews.com/id/45600315/ns/technology_and_science-space/t/supermassive-stars-pack-newly-discovered-dragonfish-cluster/#.XwjfIihKiiM Some of the ideas we cover in this episode: What is astronomy? Why is STEM communication and development important in school? How do you stay motivated without any guarantee of success? Why astrophysics is important to the everyday person What are some of the challenges of science communication A Picture in a 1000 words What's up with black holes and dark matter? What role can religion play in scientific research? Why teaching history is important Further Resources: Connections by James Burke Check out Mubdi's website for more of his incredible work! Mubdi's amazing Youtube series A Picture in a Thousand Words Full show notes can be found at tomstuandyou.com Like us on Facebook and Instagram @tomstuandyou or send us an email at hi@tomstuandyou.com with any questions, comments, thoughts, or queries you have on the topics we've discussed or any suggestions of topics you'd like to hear us address. Thanks so much for your support!
We've made it all the way to 30 episodes! Can you believe it?? In today's episode, we're looking at why we should be rewriting history, discussing the fact that history is biased and unreliable, how we can still interpret important historical context despite this fact, and what history has to do with us living in today's society. The two main issues we're covering today: history is unreliable, and we're only taught a very narrow view of the past Key Message: “The historical memory of a community is its identity. And if for reasons of neglect, ignorance or malice a community's history is trivialized or dismissed, this constitutes an assault on the identity of those who would comprise it.” - Bohdan Kordan Some of the questions we're considering today: Why is history important? Why is the fact that history is unreliable so important? What are some major events that we aren't taught in school? How do we know history is only taught from one perspective? How does that impact our lives in the present? Why isn't removing statues rewriting history? Further Resources: Righting Historical Wrongs Written by Bohdan Kordan Why is History Important? An Overview For the Reluctant Learner New discoveries that proved we got history wrong Alex Rosenberg in How History Gets Things Wrong Statues are not history': considering the removal of Sir John A. Macdonald Full show notes can be found at tomstuandyou.com Like us on Facebook and Instagram @tomstuandyou or send us an email at hi@tomstuandyou.com with any questions, comments, thoughts, or queries you have on the topics we've discussed or any suggestions of topics you'd like to hear us address. Thanks so much for your support!
Welcome, welcome, welcome to Episode #29! We're joined by the wonderful Hannah to discuss all things political with a surprise focus (lol) on the left. As someone heavily involved in the Labour political party in the UK, Hannah was the perfect guest to have on to discuss the failings of the left, in particular the historic loss in the 2019 UK election, but also where the left goes from here. Although much of the conversation was centered on the political environment in the UK, much of the lessons Hannah has to share can be applied to politics around much of the Western world. There is a reason this has been our longest episode yet, so please, sit back and enjoy a frank discussion about our broken political system. Key Message: We need to be better at creating a story that defines the path to a better future, one of increased solidarity and empowered communities. Some of the topics and ideas we cover today: - how do we get people interested in politics - the issue of political alienation - constructing a shared goal & building solidarity - what's wrong with a conservative government - importance of effectively utilizing technology in political movements - review of UK's Labour Party 2019 election loss - the power of storytelling & clarity of vision - rising above "dark side messaging" - leading the change & empowering people - politics of the future - democratization of the workplace - a broken political system Further Resources: - The Political Brain: The Role of Emotion in Deciding the Fate of the Nation - Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?: And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House - Making the future: a new software for the Left - Labour Together: Our party must find the humility to listen and learn - 2019 Election Review - How can we build a 21st-century Labour Party? – LabourList Full show notes can be found at tomstuandyou.com Like us on Facebook and Instagram @tomstuandyou or send us an email at hi@tomstuandyou.com with any questions, comments, thoughts, or queries you have on the topics we've discussed or any suggestions of topics you'd like to hear us address. Thanks so much for your support!
Welcome back to the Tom, Stu and You Podcast! It's Episode #28 and we're discussing the slogan #defundthepolice which is being protested in streets across the globe. As two white guys with incredible levels of privilege, it's an idea we had never really considered before a few weeks ago. However, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) activists and researchers have been advocating for the idea of abolishing law enforcement for decades. So what do protestors mean when they say ‘Defund the Police,' what would that even look like, what alternatives are they suggesting and why are people hesitant to consider it as an option? Listen in to learn more! Key Message: Defunding the police can free up funding that we can reinvest in services that provide real safety and support throughout the community Some of the topics we discuss in this episode today: History of policing What does defund the police mean? Why do we think about police the way we currently do? Copaganda Prison Industrial Complex What would replace police if they were defunded? Shouldn't we implement more education and reforms instead? #8toAbolition 8 Can't Wait What about theft, violent crime etc.? Restorative justice Stick vs Carrot We also want to stress that just listening to our podcast, or just receiving news and opinions from other white people, isn't enough. We try to introduce ideas to you, our audience, that we feel are important, and we try to present them in a way that we understand so that hopefully you too can understand. We are part of the problem, we are part of the echo chamber though, so please, please, especially if it makes you uncomfortable, but please click on some of the links we've listed in our show notes and on our website, diversify the media you are consuming, consciously, frequently, and consistently analyze your awareness and reflect on your emotions and decisions. It isn't a black person's responsibility to educate white people constantly on these issues, but BIPOC voices should be centred and focused on, in the discussion. Their stories about policing and their understanding of the systemic discrimination rampant throughout our society should be believed before white people's, and that when we talk about defunding it should be because of black stories, not because of white will. Further Resources: @leftnortheast • Instagram photos and videos @urdoingreat | Instagram #8toAbolition Interrupting Criminalization Abolition Playlist | Spotify Are Prisons Obsolete? Cure Violence Global - Stopping the Spread of Violence TransformHarm.org | Welcome | A Resource Hub about Ending Violence
In Episode #27, Tom and Stu are discussing the concept of Freedom of Expression and Censorship. Now more than ever, we must be cautious of overreach by governments and technology companies, as they look to combat the rise in misinformation amid worldwide protests, civil uprising and the COVID-19 pandemic. Our freedom of speech and expression is a basic human right, however, it is clear that technology companies aren't doing enough to protect individuals and society at large. As more and more pressure is placed on these institutions, to take responsibility for moderating the content on their platform, we find ourselves walking the tightrope that is democratic society's requirement in allowing for open debate while also protecting vulnerable communities & promoting equality for all. Key Message: To protect our basic human right to freedom of expression, we must ensure TRANSPARENCY, CONSISTENCY, CLARITY & PRECISION is inherently embraced in censorship policies within both government & technology institutions Some of the questions and topics we cover throughout the episode: What is freedom of expression? What is censorship? What isn't meant by freedom of expression? Free speech vs hate speech Why freedom of expression is fundamental to democracy The United Nations framework for protecting human rights Facebook Moderators Difference between Government & Technology company obligations Full show notes can be found at tomstuandyou.com including further reading resources on this topic. Like us on Facebook and Instagram @tomstuandyou or send us an email at hi@tomstuandyou.com with any questions, comments, thoughts, or queries you have on the topics we've discussed or any suggestions of topics you'd like to hear us address. Thanks so much for your support!
Wow! Do we have a treat for you in Episode #26?? We're joined in this episode by the absolutely incredibly Kaley Ames & Sarah Sahagian to discuss being better feminists. These two amazing women are co-hosts of a brilliant podcast on modern dating called You Do You: A Dating Podcast, and both have fascinating education and work experience in the feminist arena. This is a topic that Tom and Stu could never feel able to weigh in on with our own opinions as it's not something we face personally, our privilege is very much recognizable, so we are very grateful for both Kaley & Sarah for having this conversation with us. Key Message: Feminism is for us all, as we look to pursue equality and fairness in a better world of tomorrow. We cover some pretty interesting topics in this one conversation: - What is feminism? - A feminists approach to dating - The role of socialism in the feminism movement - Harm reduction vs revolutionary change - Virtue signalling - The impact of the education system on feminist values - How the patriarchy affects men - Progressive mentors - The power of words - Micro-aggressions faced by women in daily life If you'd like to take control of your love life and listen to a hilarious and yet very informative podcast on modern dating, please check out the You Do You: A Dating Podcast co-hosted by both Sarah and Kaley! Full show notes can be found at tomstuandyou.com Like us on Facebook and Instagram @tomstuandyou or send us an email at hi@tomstuandyou.com with any questions, comments, thoughts, or queries you have on the topics we've discussed or any suggestions of topics you'd like to hear us address. Thanks so much for your support!
We've made it to 25 episodes, well on our way to our target of 100! To celebrate, we're talking about one of the most fundamental issues facing our society, how humans get hacked by technology companies and why that matters. It's a conversation that follows on from Episode #22 - Always Connected, but this time, we dive deeper into how these technology companies actually grab and maintain our attention, why that impacts the direction society takes, and how do we fight against it. We're talking about societal-wide manipulation of the human psyche, resulting in unintentional changes within our personal lives that goes against what we think we are actually looking for. Key Message: We can't win the fight against a supercomputer every time, but we can become more conscious of our own vulnerabilities to mitigate their influence A summary of our conversational pathway: Definition of The Hackable Animal How technology companies hack our subconscious Why is this a bad thing for me? What this means for society in general What can we do for society to ensure we head in the right direction What can we do in our personal lives to better take control Full show notes can be found at tomstuandyou.com Like us on Facebook and Instagram @tomstuandyou or send us an email at hi@tomstuandyou.com with any questions, comments, thoughts, or queries you have on the topics we've discussed or any suggestions of topics you'd like to hear us address. Thanks so much for your support!
For Episode #24, Tom and Stu are joined by the wonderful Heather & Katlyn to talk about the joys of modern dating in the 21st Century. We get the girls to share with us the challenges they face using dating apps, what they look for from a guy, and how ghosting isn't as carefree as it seems. Key Message: Dating is hard, and apps don't make that easier Some of the topics we touch on: - Meeting on dating apps - Being a different person online - How well do you know yourself? - How good is an algorithm? - The Paradox of Choice - Finding "the One" versus finding "a One" and making it work - Why are we on dating apps? - Being ghosted - What makes a good profile? - Being a strong, independent woman Further Reading: A funny read on the current state of modern dating can be had here: Preview — Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari 11 Things We Learned From Aziz Ansari's Modern Romance People used to just marry the nearest decent person. They were also more likely to settle for companionate marriages. But now, modern love-seekers are hyper-focused on finding their soulmate. “Emerging adulthood” also means people are getting married later and later. Technology is making us too picky. Text and instant messaging suuuuuuuucks. (Makes us lazy) The “secretary problem” is killing romance. (Never actually making concrete plans, no commitment to meeting in person) Nothing kills a lady-boner like vagueness… …except for maybe poor spelling and grammar. Most dudes are bozos… …but there are still some non-bozos left!
We have another incredible guest to share with you in Episode #23 - the amazing Jessie MacAlpine! Jessie gives us a dive into the world of being a science researcher and science communicator, what that means on a day-to-day basis, as well as what she thinks some of the major challenges facing science might be. Key Message: Science waits for no-one, stay curious and stay skeptical Just some of the topics we touch on in this fascinating episode: - A graduate student's work-life balance - What a microbiologist actually does - Why we lose interest in science as we get older - Importance of support & encouragement - Engaging students in science - The challenge of finding funding - Difference between academic research & industry - Importance of fungal research - How fungi affect us all - Finding motivation - Dealing with failure - Seeing the bigger picture - The biggest issues facing science Jessie guest stars on a children's TV show: Blynk & Aazoo See all the Canadian student science fair projects here: Youth Science Canada - Online STEM Fair
It's time for Episode #22, and today we're discussing the issue of always being connected to technology. We introduce the idea of biohacking by technology companies as they compete to obtain our attention, as well as discuss the inability of many of us to leave work at the office. Technology isn't bad in and of itself, but it takes conscious effort to be sure you're using it as a tool to promote positive behaviour, rather than letting it take control of your life. Key Message: Use technology consciously A quick summary of what we talk about today: Life before the Internet Biohacking Work-life balance Disconnecting Being disrupted by a notification Humane technology Losing patience Benefits of technology Having meaningful conversations Full show notes can be found at https://tomstuandyou.com
It's our 21st episode and we're joined by the incredible Austin Sawyer! He's been a mate of Stu's for the past couple of years, and never fails to impress with the work he does and the quality of his character. We talk on this episode about the benefits of mentorship & reflection, and enjoy plenty of laughs along the way. Enjoy! Key Message: the right mentor can literally change your life; there is always something to learn from every experience Here are some of the topics we cover in our conversation with Austin: - Discovering a love of science - The importance of teachers & mentors - How to find a mentor - The value of reflection - Turning plans into action - Why the education system doesn't prepare you for life - Risking it all for the start-up dream - Finding inspiration - Becoming a mentor As always, feel free to check out our other episodes and guests on our website at tomstuandyou.com Subscribe to our podcast for more fun conversations with super interesting people, and leave us a review if you're finding something valuable in the things we're talking about! Have a great day!
EPISODE #20!! WOW that came around quickly! We wanted to do something a bit more personal to celebrate reaching this milestone in only 4 short months of recording a podcast, so today we're attempting to answer profound Internet questions. Some are funny, some are boring, some are very personal but all were interesting for us at least. Enjoy! Key Message: Embrace being you! Full list of questions answered can be found on https://tomstuandyou.com
After some technical difficulties, it's time to publish Episode #19! Today we're joined by Clare to talk about seeking opportunity and the wonderful adventures that has brought to our lives. This was such a fun conversation, and Clare is seriously such an amazing person. We hope you smile as much as we did while recording it! Key Message: change is hard, but that's what makes it an adventure! Here are a few of the topics we cover in today's episode: - Trekking in Outback Australia - Just getting a university degree to prove you can - Moving to Canada - Finding "the One" - the love of her life - Reinventing yourself - Love of nature - Finding that dream job - Living intentionally - Seeing opportunity wherever you can As always, you can find more details about our podcast at www.tomstuandyou.com Have a great day!
EPISODE #18!! It's been a controversial week in the environmentalism sphere, with the release of the Planet of the Humans documentary. The response has been swift and polarizing, with both "sides" attacking the other, and accusations replacing civil debate. We're putting our two cents in on various topics relating to the documentary and it's response. Key Message: The solution is sufficiency. It's having your basic needs met, and being at peace and harmony with both yourself and the world we live in. Some of the points we cover: - What is the documentary about? - Our thoughts on the messages presented - Rebuttal to some of the key points - What triggered me? - Media literacy, critique and debate - When does the promotion of false information become more important than its consequences - Emotional intelligence & the requirement for media-literacy - Has the polarization triggered by the film negatively affected the progress and collaboration that we so desperately need? (and that the Directors themselves have called for?) - Hopium - Where do we go from here? (It's not back to the hunter/gatherer days) Full show notes and further reading links at Episode #18
Welcome to Episode #17 where the Queen herself, Bryony Toon joins us to discuss her love of skiing and art, while living in the beautiful Banff National Park, Canada. Key Message: just do it, practice makes perfect, a different perspective=fresh eyes Despite a couple of nerves at the start, it was awesome to hear the passion Bryony has for her two main loves, Skiing and Art. We talk about: - her love of skiing - choosing lifestyle over money - where her love of art comes from - wood burning extraordinaire - how to stay motivated - where her inspiration comes from - developing your art - finding a fresh perspective during the creative process - where art lies in the education system
It's episode #16 and originally we thought we should focus this episode on individualism but there are plenty of positives to individualism, I didn't want people thinking we were against the philosophical, political or psychological definition of the word. Instead, what I wanted to focus on what a culture of egocentricity, of a growing sense of selfishness. Key Messages: Be open to listening to others, especially if they hold a different view to you; be supportive of those around you; don't fall for the ‘us' vs ‘them' mentality Topics we're discussing today include: Individualism vs collectivism Rise of narcissism Minimal group paradigms (i.e ‘us' vs ‘them' mentality) Polarization of politics Stu's favourite quotes from books he's read Where do we go from here Full show notes can be read at https://tomstuandyou.com/episode-16-will-individualism-ruin-our-future/
Episode #15 and we've decided to try something new by inviting Adam Camm (Cammy) along for our first ever episode of Digital Pub. Cammy is a long-time, best mate of Tom, so we couldn't think of anyone better to crack open a beer with, and get to know what he think on a whole range of topics. With both us both now having a bit more time on our hands, Tom being on furlough, and Stu being unemployed (he likes to say Justin Trudeau and him are friends with benefits lol), we're going to try releasing two episodes a week! One episode each week will be a digital pub chat with a guest, while the other is just a conversation between Tom and Stu. There is still plenty we can't wait to talk about, and we hope you enjoy the new guest episodes as much as you're still loving (we hope) the chats between the two amazing hosts. Key Message: having a physical location as a basis for community is important; the future is uncertain but daily life doesn't have to be; stay connected with mates even after self-isolation restrictions are relaxed Here is a couple of the topics we touched on in our pub chat with Cammy: - importance of physical pubs - nostalgia - government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic - humanity and long-term thinking - leveling the playing field - universal basic income - getting vulnerable with yourself and with your mates If you'd like to be a part of the community we're building, we'd love for you to reach out to us at hi@tomstuandyou.com with any topics you'd like us to discuss, if you'd like to be a guest or if you know anyone that would, but also, let us know what you think of the different topics we're discussing each week. It's easy for a podcast to remain a very unidirectional conversation, but we'd like to make it as inclusive as we possibly can. We hope you are all staying happy, healthy and home. We love each and every one of you!
It's Episode #14 and we're discussing how to stay healthy at home with an incredible friend of ours, Renzy! We're living history right now, and it's importance to realize the toll that takes on our mental and physical well-being. Being fit and healthy equals how happy your are with yourself, so put down the phone, stop watching Instagram workout stories, and maybe just have a bit of a dance to T-Swift! Key messages: People need structure, keep fighting the Venom within you, find your community Just a few of the topics we're covering in today's chat: - Burger crawls - Gym community - Fighting the Venom within you - Working out at home - Breaking down barriers - Importance of mental health to your physical health - Find your style of fitness fun - Set yourself up for success by building the routines now
Today we're tackling the challenge of self-isolation and figuring out how we're supposed to be feeling during this time of incredible disruption. Key Messages: Don't feel ashamed for being anxious, don't judge yourself for not being as “productive” as everyone you see on social media, & communicate with the people in your life We're touching on a few ideas in today's episode: Self-development mindset during a pandemic Feelings of shame Adding stress to an already stressful period Living each day with intention Ways of minimizing stress and anxiety What Tom and Stu have been doing to keep sane during self-isolation. If you are feeling optimistic about this new time you're finding yourself with, there are a few things we recommend you to consider doing. Meditation - now more than ever, it is so important to be mindful of the emotions you find yourself going through each day. Reach out to me, and I can share with you a free month of Sam Harris' Waking Up app. It steps you through 10mins of daily mindfulness to help you better recognize the feelings we have as well as recognizing the noise within our minds. An important part of this approach, and one of the main reasons I like it so much, is that Sam encourages you not to judge yourself for becoming lost in thought or distracted. I've tried other forms of meditation in the past, and I felt shame at not being able to ‘do it' whenever I'd realize that I didn't just have a clear mind. Develop new hobbies and routines - morning walk, yoga, exercise, meditate, journal Get your ass moving - whether it's a morning walk, yoga, or a home bodyweight workout like one of these, moving is good for the soul and good for your body. Connect with friends - there is something about chatting online with someone that provides a greater opportunity to be vulnerable. Skill up - if you've found yourself unemployed like me, with plenty of time on your hands, there are a multitude of online courses you can complete to build new skills that you can hopefully use in the future. Get creative - easiest, and most enjoyable way to relax (again though, it comes back to what we were saying earlier about no judging yourself). It can become a form of meditation in itself, as many people find themselves getting lost in the process. The closest I come to finding flow, that period of your life where time seems to pass in a blur, when you have absolute concentration at the task at hand, is when I'm deep diving into a new creative project. I can find hours and hours have passed without so much as a break for the bathroom or food, and you just ‘come back' to the present moment, it's dark outside, you're starving, and more often than not, I find that I have a small smile on my face from just having done something I find so enjoyable. “Destroy the idea that you gotta be good at artistic things to enjoy them, that every hobby has to become smth you're so good at, you can monitize it. A capitalist lie. Sing offkey, draw poorly, write badly. Life is meant to be enjoyed, not monetized. You're not a product.” - @bookavid on Twitter
Today we're pondering the upcoming ‘hangover,' society might be experiencing once the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic settles down as well as some of the amazing benefits that might be able to come of it. Key Message: Now is the time to realign our priorities How it's affecting life in Canada and in the UK Protecting the vulnerable and why that's an important mind shift for society Realigning our priorities Self-isolating - key workers, nurses, the clap on Thursday night is nice but it isn't enough. It's tantamount to “thoughts and prayers” after a mass shooting in the US. Essential workers aren't who we thought they were, they need our continued support Veganism/environment and the Coronavirus This is our chance to re-evaluate our lives and how we might improve it when business as usual returns Our new normal won't be the same as it was before Working from home (benefits and the new normal) Capitalism and Coronavirus Where we go from here Further Reading/Watching Live Statistics Coronavirus & Past Pandemics Pollution After the Pandemic
Getting controversial on Episode #11 as we dip our toes into the debate on capitalism vs socialism. This is a topic we've been wanting to discuss for a while now; it's an incredibly important aspect affecting all of our lives on a day to day basis, but very rarely have we stopped to consider what it actually means and how we might be able to make it better for everyone on average. There are a whole lot of rabbit holes we could go down on this topic, but we've tried our best to stay somewhat clear on our goal of introducing the arguments for and against. It's clear that we both lean much more heavily towards socialist policies, but we've tried to show that there are arguments both for and against both sides. I'm sure this will be a subject we expand upon in future episodes, but for now, enjoy. Let us know if you agree with what we're saying, if you want to know more about something in particular, or if you think we've got it completely wrong. Cheers!
Oh damn! Would you look at that? We've bloody well gone and made it to 10 whole episodes! If you're still listening, I mean firstly, why? But also, thanks! We truly do love your support. Today, Tom and Stu discuss bucket lists as well as the little known phenomenon of fuck it lists. We're considering questions such as: - Is a bucket list just a fun goal to strive for or is it just another example of our consumerist, acquisitionist culture? - Bucket lists are usually very individualistic & competitive, is that how they should be? - Has Instagram culture made them more prevalent? - Are people just living in the future, always looking for the next thing to tick off? Stu takes the podcast down a slightly weird path, when he asks Tom about his thoughts on literal bucket lists. Then we bring it back for some laughs about Fuck It lists (link in the Further Reading section below). Fuck it #1: I don't worry about how others perceive me. Fuck it # 2: I'm going to give back to my community as much as I can, even if it is at my own expense. Fuck it # 3: Nothing or nobody else is in control of my feelings except me. Fuck it # 4: I'm brave enough to ask the big questions in life before having a mid-life existential crisis. Fuck it # 5: Laughter is going to be my default response to both the good and bad things that happen in life. Fuck it # 6: I'm going to have compassion for all people, regardless if they're behaving poorly or not. Fuck it # 7: Nothing is going to get in my way of building quality relationships with my family and friends. Fuck it # 8: Becoming my more genuine self is always my first priority. “I think everyone should have a Bucket List or a “To Experience” list. Here's why: Bucket lists make you stop and think what you actually want to experience in this lifetime. Bucket lists remind you that life is short and we should live it to its fullest. Bucket lists increase our happiness because they give us both hope and curiosity (2 essential ingredients for happiness).” - Bucket List: The Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Bucket List Right Now Further Reading: 12 Things That Aren't on Your Bucket List (But Should Be) Bucket lists: are they a good idea? | Society This isn't a Bucket List, it's a F*ck It List.
It's Episode #9 and we are talking about being big ol' vegans. It's a somewhat controversial topic that we're both pretty passionate about (standard Tom & Stu really), and there is plenty to unpack and discuss. - why we decided to go vegan - support of a household - challenges faced - Stu's upbringing on a farm - documentaries - alternative opinions There is so much to talk about as veganism is linked to so many different topics. Hopefully we stayed relatively on topic today and gave you some insight into our background and the reasons behind our decision. We listed some further readings/watching below for you to peruse in your own time and come to a decision for yourself: Documentaries Earthlings Earthlings is a 2005 American documentary film about humanity's use of other animals as pets, food, clothing, entertainment, and for scientific research Lucent Lucent explores the darker side of Australia's pig farming industry, highlighting the day-to-day cruelty accepted by the industry as standard practice. Dominion Dominion exposes the dark underbelly of modern animal agriculture, questioning the morality and validity of humankind's dominion over the animal kingdom. Before the Flood Before The Flood presents a riveting account of the dramatic changes now occurring around the world due to climate change. Websites We Read George Monbiot “I love not man the less, but Nature more.” We just want to make it crystal clear once again that we do not hold any negative feelings towards the agricultural industry on a personal level; our opinions are leveled largely at the mass production and consumption on a societal level. Farmers absolutely adore animals and nature; that is why the majority of them have chosen the lifestyle they have. However, demand has created certain situations whereby corners are cut, and unnecessary choices made. Although the documentaries above do not necessarily reflect the practices of all those within the animal and agricultural industries, the unfortunate fact of the matter is that this does obviously occur, purely because of consumer demand. We most certainly DO NOT support illegal vegan activism against farmers just trying to make a living for themselves and their family. Greater respect needs to be shown to both sides of the argument, so that a civil and reasonable discussion can be achieved. As with many of the big issues we discuss in this podcast are related, a discussion about the pros and cons of veganism as a lifestyle choice cannot be had without also discussing the need for support by the government for those in the agriculture industry who's livelihoods depends on the continued need for their produce. Farmers feed the country, and shouldn't be left to fight on their own when society starts to change. We believe that humans have the capacity for love, and the intelligence required, to understand the impact they're having on the world around them, and accept that changes should be made to improve not only our own lives, but that of animals and nature in general.
Today we're discussing the magic of living with wildlife in Episode #8 of our podcast. We're covering a whole bunch of issues within this very interesting subject, so strap yourself in for the ride! - Tourists interacting with wildlife - The incredible Grizzly moment - UK doesn't have that - space is obviously an issue - How can people and wildlife live side by side - Bear jams - Spending time with wildlife photographers - How different the UK feels about wildlife compared to the Bow Valley Check out our full show notes at https://tomstuandyou.com/episode-8-living-with-wildlife/
Episode #7 and Tom is already forgetting what episode number we're on. We thought now would be a good time to take a step back for a hot sec, and talk about some of the comments we've received about the podcast so far. As it's been live for a few weeks now, and there are 6 previous episodes out in the world, we figured responding to comments would be a great way to show we are serious about creating a collaborative community where the free and open discussion of any topic can be achieved without risk of judgement. Thank you so very much to all those who have sent us a message, shared our podcast with their friends, and even just listened to us two regular guys chatting for an hour a week. We love your support, and we love hearing from you, regardless of whether you agree with us or not. Hopefully, you continue to join us for a chat each week, we promise to continue striving to get better at this podcasting thing. It's all new and exciting, and we love having an excuse to talk to our friends about issues facing our world and facing us in our personal lives. Check out our website at tomstuandyou.com for more information about who we are, who our guests are, and previous episodes!
Here we go! Episode #6 and we are talking about bad education with Wahbi. The current education system is bullshit - Sixty-five percent of children entering primary school will end up in jobs that don't yet exist, reveals the World Economic Forum. - "Too often, degrees are still thought of as lifelong stamps of professional competency. They tend to create a false sense of security, perpetuating the illusion that work — and the knowledge it requires — is static. It's not." - Despite popular opinion, teachers don't always teach because they want to teach. It's far more common that they're only teaching because it's been linked to their research and funding. - Holding a university degree is becoming much less important as companies start to realize the value of motivation, self-direction learning over a piece of paper Is schooling just an expected component of society or does it actually bring value? - Initially, schooling was created to prepare students for a lifetime of working as a factory worker - Should be focusing on soft skills, not hard skills - Did the Ancient Greeks have it right with their mentoring approach? - University and schooling is all just a memorization game. It doesn't promote actual learning, instead just encourages cramming knowledge before an exam The Millennial Question - We've been told we were special our whole lives, but then we enter the workplace and find out that's not true Wahbi's Two Issues - You don't know what you want when you're 17 - Should be better support throughout life Your future dream job probably doesn't even exist yet Adult further education should be encouraged Further Reading: - Future of work won't be about degrees - The Millennial Question See full show notes at https://tomstuandyou.com/episode-6-bad-education-with-wahbi
It's episode #5 already and that means we're releasing these recordings to the Internet, and we'll be influencers in no time right? Today we're joined by our very first guest, the incredible Bronnie Findlay. All of our beautiful podcast artwork was designed and created by this very talented Brit, so who better to ask about the creative process, just winging it, and its importance in modern society. Four ingredients of creativity: Space, Time, Trust & Play Finding flow, how do you get into a creative mindset? Create a space to be creative Find the music that connects with you Get outside sometimes Give yourself time to actually get into it Thoughts on social media Instragram culture Everyone just becomes the same Can you teach creativity? Interest in creative process, curiosity in experimenting, most importantly, leave ego at the door and be okay with failing. It's all about the process, rather than the end result Watching Youtube, reading articles, and studying examples from the great artists among us is great, but it's only repetition and practice that will actually give you consistent results over time. Don't get stuck in the trap of consumption over creating. Use consumption to identify new techniques, or new learnings, but then actually get out and put those into practice. Importance of creativity Why should people spend their spare time being creative Activates different parts of the brain associated with innovative thinking and problem solving Meditative It's an important part of human culture, that has withstood the test of time When the robots take all of our jobs, what else will there be to do besides build relationships and be creative How do you start being creative? Just start winging it Practice, practice, practice Be okay with being shit, you'll get better Just enjoy the process HAVE FUN! See full show notes at https://tomstuandyou.com/episode-5-just-winging-it-with-bronnie
Episode #4 and we are talking about bullshit jobs. – Tom left a job as a lawyer – Stu left a job as an auditor – Why would we do something silly like that? View full shownotes at https://tomstuandyou.com/episode-4-bullshit-jobs/
Today we're talking about the devastating Australian bushfires and how that is impacting the country. See full show notes at https://tomstuandyou.com/episode-3-australian-bushfires
Today we're talking about: - Boris Johnson vs Jeremy Corbyn - Brexit - Electoral Systems
Hi! Welcome to the Tom, Stu and You podcast. We're excited to be having these conversations again, and this time, we get to share them with you. On today's episode, we introduce ourselves and set the scene for what will hopefully be, an entertaining and enjoyable experience for all.