We Just Like to Talk

Becky and Kara discuss the current climate of artificial intelligence hype. Generative tools like ChatGPT are skyrocketing in popularity. What do a copywriter and a copyeditor think of these tools from the point of view of practicality? Of ethics? What will a future look like if this so-called AI becomes more commonplace—and who should decide that future? The Finanical Times review Kara mentions: https://www.ft.com/content/c1f6d948-3dde-405f-924c-09cc0dcf8c84

Kara and Becky interview Erica Armstrong. Currently an executive recruiter and mother of two, Erica's life has always been about change and challenge. She discusses forming better habits around fitness, volunteer work, her take on LinkedIn and networking, and how she searches for the best candidates for a job.

Have you noticed how Becky and Kara are both a little feisty? Would it surprise you to learn they're actually more mellow than they used to be? Listen to them discuss how they choose when to get involved in debates and discussions, especially about sensitive topics.

Kara and Becky sat down with Lisa Di Domenico, career clarity coach. Lisa's approach to career coaching emphasizes a need to evaluate not only what you have to offer but also what you want in your career. Listen to Lisa describe her own career journey from a background in mental health to career coaching, along with some of her personal stories.   You can find Lisa at the following places: Instagram: @lisa_d_lifebydesign LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-di-domenicocareercoach Website: https://www.lisadlifebydesign.com/

What a year of change for both Becky and Kara! Start off 2023 by listening to them reflect on what 2022 brought them: new relationships, new career experiences, new goals, and so much more.

Kara's friend Lauren is a composer, entrepreneur music teacher, artist, and so much more. She's multipassionate, and she joins Kara and Becky for their fiftieth podcast episode. Lauren shares her thoughts on diversity in the music world, defining success for yourself, and even her philosophy on romance! Listen to Lauren and Becky bond over a love of David Sedaris, and learn how Lauren would like to remembered when she is no longer with us.   Find Lauren on her website, LaurenSpavelko.com, and on her studio's Facebook page, MusicalLifeStudio. Watch Lauren perform her composition “Baby Book” adapted into Italian in Italy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxuqPlxJg8g

Both Becky and Kara have recently embarked on freelance careers. Becky is a full-time freelance copywriter, and Kara is a part-time freelance copyeditor in addition to her regular job as a teacher. They talk about what each one has learned from launching this new career, including why they each chose to go freelance, the challenges each has faced, and the goals each has for the future. Check out our LinkedIn profiles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karababcock/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccascott-

Max Chan, of the Chan with a Plan podcast, joins Kara and Becky to chat about that hot social media network all the cool kids are using these days—no, not TikTok. The other hot social media network, LinkedIn! Max shares his tips and thoughts on how to use this platform to further your career, and the three of them also chat about what it's like to pivot careers in general.   Listen to Becky's appearance on Max's podcast here!

You read that right.   Becky and Kara are both crafty and also something else that starts with a C, and they won't shut up about it! Listen to their reflections on the role of crafting in their childhoods, what they do now (painting, needle felting, and more for Becky; writing and knitting for Kara), and what they aspire to do in the future.   A perfect episode to listen to while you're crafting!

In the second part of their deep dive into Netflix's scamtastic offerings, Kara and Becky discuss The Tinder Swindler. This documentary follows the experience that three women each had with Simon Leviev, who swindled each of them out of tens of thousands of dollars. Listen to Kara and Becky grapple with the women's gullibility, the scale of Simon's deception, and what we can learn from this type of scam.

Becky and Kara unpack why scammers like Anna Sorokin, featured in Inventing Anna on Netflix, are so fascinating. From friendships to fashion, Anna navigated her way through high society in New York to the tune of millions of dollars scammed from individuals and companies. Did she believe her lies? How did the series measure up to real events? Why do we love scammers so much? This is the first part of a two-part episode; in Part 2, we take on The Tinder Swindler!

Kara and Becky chat with the founder and owner of Jenka Clothing Co., Kim Melbourne. Kim started her athleisure clothing company during the pandemic after realizing there was a niche for affordable but quality leggings. She has since expanded her offerings to sports bras, joggers, and more. Listen to a discussion on the clothing industry, running a business as a mom of two kids, and … Pete Davidson? Somehow.   Listen to the episode to hear a discount code you can use for 15% off your next order from Jenka! Follow Kim on Instagram and TikTok!

Becky and Kara are both optimists—but not always in the same ways! It's even harder to be optimistic in times of uncertainty. But these two girls have some tricks up their sleeve that help their optimism shine even in the dark times. From what makes someone optimistic to the strategies that recharge our attitude, you won't want to miss this conversation.   Some other great episodes we refer to: Making, Breaking, and Faking Habits Is Therapy for Me? You Should Smile More

Dr. Elaine Aron coined the term highly sensitive person to describe someone who experiences overarousal and overstimulation, often from everyday triggers. Her book distills a career's worth of research into an accessible guide. Kara and Becky both consider themselves highly sensitive, but their sensitivity sometimes manifests in different ways. Listen to them talk about how they realized their sensitivity and what they got from reading this book. You can also read Kara's review of the book.

Kara and Becky chat with Montréal photographer Victoria Vonapartis. From models to food, Vic loves creative shoots—even if it means contorting herself into awkward positions sometimes! Listen to us talk about creativity, copyright, community, and everything else that a young, entrepreneurial woman needs in this day and age. For more about Vic, check out her Instagram and her food ‘gram as well.

Kara and Becky invite Samantha Kris to discuss how her career has changed as she learns and re-evaluates her priorities. Author, TEDx speaker, Head of People & Culture at Goalcast —all of these labels might describe some of what Samantha does, but how well do they really fit her when she herself is changing so much? Listen to us talk about the pressure to have something to say, and to say it well; the ins and outs of morning routine; the best advice she's ever received and how our individual empowerment relates to our responsibility for social change.

“So, are you seeing anyone?” “So when are you going to have kids?” Becky and Kara hate these questions, and they are really tired of the pressure put on women to date and eventually have kids. They love kids and those who want to be parents! But for all the strides women have made over the last half-century, our society still conflates motherhood with womanhood and assumes that, if you're a woman, you want kids. Listen to the perspectives of Becky, happily single for the moment in her 30s, and Kara, an asexual/aromantic trans woman who is also happily single in her 30s. Check out Becky's original rant in her “Podcast” Instagram highlights @beckyscotty.

We all have coworkers we don't get along with. Some of them are merely nuisances, but others we can't stand. Kara and Becky break down how they navigate all sorts of conflicts in the workplace. They discuss what they've done in the past, and they situate it within their positionality as white women. When it comes to conflict in the workplace, the battle is never over.

Kara and Becky welcome their first guest, Celina Caesar-Chavannes! You might know her from an episode back in April where Becky and Kara discussed Celina's memoir, Can You Hear Me Now? Or you might already be a Celina fan and follow her on social media!   Celina's socials: Website Instagram Twitter   Other links: Watch the Hon. Mumilaaq Qaqqaq's farewell speech to the House of Commons Learn more about Operation Black Vote Canada

Kara and Becky have creative differences! But it's not what you think. Simply put, they are both creative people but often in different ways. They believe everyone is creative, and in this episode, they talk about what creativity is and how it manifests for them.

Did you know Becky is Kara’s fashion guru? It’s true! And if you haven’t already checked out her blog and Insta, you probably should, because she could be your guru too. Listen to these two best friends talk about such an important part of life: how we express ourselves in what we wear. Becky and Kara have developed their sense of style in different ways over their lifetimes. They share their stories, and Becky quizzes Kara on what trends she might get into.

Kara and Becky love compliments!! They love giving them and receiving them. In this episode, they discuss how you can accept compliments, give better compliments, and why we all need more compliments—especially right now. They also discuss the gendered nature of some compliments, and why you should be careful about how you compliment some people—especially women—unless you know them well.

Welcome to another episode of Kara and Becky’s impromptu book club. This time, they talk about another birthday book that Kara gave Becky: Can You Hear Me Now, by Celina Caesar-Chavannes. This is a memoir by a Black Canadian entrepreneur, business owner, and former politician.   Trigger warnings: child abuse, miscarriage, sexual assault   See also: Becky’s review and Kara’s review of this book Kara’s review of Mediocre

Becky and Kara love talking about their habits with each other. Every once in a while, they share their goals and discuss what’s working and what isn’t. In this episode, join them as they dig a little deeper into how their habits work (or don’t), how they form habits, and Kara’s discovery that maybe she needs to learn more about what will help her form habits more easily!   Books Becky mentions: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg Atomic Habits by James Clear

Did you know Kara taught Becky everything she knows about cooking? Well, maybe not everything. But they cooked together regularly before Becky moved to Montréal, and now they inspire each other long distance to become better cooks—while remaining lazy cooks at heart. Hear them talk recipes, fave dishes, cooking techniques, and aspirations for their culinary futures.

This is the second part of our episode about Kara’s journey as a transgender woman. Kara answers anonymous, listener-submitted questions, along with questions from Becky.   Questions and times: Any new hobbies since coming out? (1:15) Any role models/icons who inspired you with your transition? (5:15) Is there something you wish you knew before transitioning? (9:15) Did anyone cut you out of their life? (11:50) Has the way you’ve thought about things changed? (15:30) How do you speak about your past/how do you refer to yourself? (19:05) How can people support me? (23:35) What aspects of yourself are the most masculine? (27:33) Is there any part of your past self that you miss? (28:48)

One year ago (February 28, 2020), Kara came out as transgender. In this vulnerable, open conversation, Kara reflects on what this has meant for her, and Kara and Becky together discuss how it has affected their friendship—for the better.   This is part 1 of 2. In part 2, Kara will answer your listener questions about her transition!   Mentioned: Kara’s review of For the Love of Men Medium article: Gender Desire vs Gender Identity Kara’s blog post “Masculinity: It’s not for me”

Let’s get vulnerable. Kara and Becky have both been, and are both going to therapy—not with each other, of course, but on their own. In this episode, you’ll hear about why they sought a therapist, how they found their current therapists, and even what they discuss with their therapists. At the end of the day, our mental health is just as important as our physical health.

Don’t let the intro fool you; this episode is in English! But it’s all about Netflix’s Emily in Paris. Kara and Becky discuss what they loved about this show, along with their hopes for season 2.   Correction: About 6 minutes in, Kara mistakenly refers to Emily’s actor as “Lily James” when, in fact, she is portrayed by Lily Collins. Oops!

In the second part of this episode about social media and the documentary The Social Dilemma, Kara and Becky discuss their own approaches to social media use. They also muse on whether or not we can fix or change social media to make it better.

Kara and Becky bring you a two-part episode about social media. Inspired by recently watching The Social Dilemma on Netflix, they discuss how social media networks influence us. We talk about the algorithm, the dopamine, and the screen time—lots of stuff you already know, and maybe stuff you didn’t. Here’s the article about the coronavirus hoaxes spread on Facebook Becky mentions in the episode.

Kara and Becky revisit the topic of adulting, which they first discussed back in episode 9. In the year and a half that has elapsed, Kara broke her elbow and realized she’s trans, and Becky has had some new roommates. Both have embarked on projects to improve their living spaces too. Check out Becky’s blog post about part of her sprucing up of her terrasse!

Makeup. A lot of us wear it! Becky has worn it for years, but with the pandemic upon us, she is wearing it less often. Kara, on the other hand, had almost never worn makeup until last February. Listen to a cis woman and a trans woman discuss their respective personal journeys with makeup. Note: Kara would like you to know that she has improved significantly at eyeliner since recording this episode.

That’s right, Kara and Becky are back at it again with another recommendations episode! Hear Becky drop some psychology knowledge as she explains why 2 personality tests are her favourites right now. Then get yourself some culture through the TV shows, books, and music we’re loving. Finally, both Kara and Becky independently decided to recommend self-care tips!   Things recommended in this episode: 16 Personalities Test The Four Tendencies Quiz by Gretchen Rubin TV shows: Good Girls, Younger, Love on the Spectrum Books: Of Human Bondage, Unacceptable, and The Story Graph website. Music: “WAP” by Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion, “Levitating” by Dua Lipa feat. Madonna and Missy Elliott, Taylor Swift’s folklore Self-care: cook good meals and take time to exist without a to-do list Kara has new book reviews website! https://kara.reviews/

We hit 1000 downloads back in July, and we did an Instagram Live to celebrate. This is that Live … only it’s not live any more, of course. Kara edited it. The audio quality is rougher than usual. Listen to Kara and Becky talk about a variety of subjects, from the origins of this podcast to their neighbours to a Holly Bourne book and more!

Kara and Becky continue their discussion of Come As You Are, by Emily Nagoski, which they began in the previous episode. In this episode, we get a little more personal. We discuss what we hope our friends and loved ones will take away from this book if they read it.

Kara gave Becky Come As You Are, by Emily Nagoski, for her birthday. This book is about sex, specifically female sexual response! Now Kara and Becky will talk about what each of them learned from the book, as well as how it relates to their own experiences and their understanding of sex and sexuality. Also check out Kara’s review of Come As You Are.

Kara interviews Becky about being a blogger. Becky talks about the origins of her blog, what it’s like being a blogger in Montréal versus Thunder Bay, and what she has learned in the three years that she has been blogging.

Surprise, Kara is transgender! But that’s not what this episode is about. Or is it? A lot is happening to us in 2020, both personally and globally from, you know, this whole pandemic. Becky and Kara talk about how they’re holding up, and what they are enjoying and not enjoying about the strange plot twist that has started off this new decade. Mentioned in this episode: Oprah and Deepak Chopra’s Hope in Uncertain Times meditation series. You can also read the episode transcript.

Recommendations: they’re the bread and butter of a lot of online content. But if you spend all your time recommending, do you ever actual check out those recommendations? This episode discusses the phenomenon of the modern recommendation in general before getting into some specific recommendations from your hosts! Important Note: Since recording this episode, Ben has come out as transgender with new pronouns (she/her) and a new name (Kara). Please refer use this name and those pronouns when discussing this episode, and all past episodes, instead of her old name. Books mentioned in the episode: Girl, Wash Your Face Full Disclosure You can also read the episode transcript.

The title says it all. Becky spills the tea about all her dates since she moved to Montréal. Ok, not really. She does, however, explain her approach to dating, and how that approach has changed since she moved. Poor, aromantic Ben does his best to sort out his confusion about when and how Becky likes a boy. Towards the end, we cover some questions asked by a listener friend!

Summertime can a lot of fun. It can also bring challenges, like broken elbows and finding new roommates. Ben and Becky talk about how we take setbacks and turn them into, if not good things, then all right things. You can also read the episode transcript.

Becky interviews Ben about his romantic and sexual orientations, aromanticism and asexuality. These identities mean he doesn’t experience romantic or sexual attraction—to anyone! Learn more about these identities in general, as well as Ben’s specific experience as an “aro” and “ace” person. They discuss how attraction works for them, arousal, porn, having partners, etc. Ben also debunks a few myths about asexuality and mentions how you can be an ally. A few resources if you want to learn more about this topic: The Trevor Project AVEN AZE (formerly The Asexual) You can also read the episode transcript.

Two episodes ago, Becky blew Ben’s mind by introducing him to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Now Becky’s back at it again, this time with The Real Housewives of New York City. Specifically, she made him watch three episodes from season 3 of the series, a self-contained trip to the US Virgin Islands where some of the housewives have a little too much to drink and let the emotions run almost as wild as their libidos. Hear how this series stacks up against Beverly Hills in Ben’s opinion, and of course, which of the housewives Ben and Becky like the most—and which ones they think the other one most resembles. They also get real about bridal showers, both in the show and one they’ve attended together. You can also read the episode transcript.

Spring is in the air! Don’t you just feel more motivated? Ben and Becky muse over what motivates them, and how to make the most out of motivation. Watch Becky’s time lapse video of creating her own bullet journal. Becky also mentions the book on motivation she recently read: Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, by Daniel Pink. You can also read the episode transcript.

The Real Housewives is one of Becky’s go-to reality TV shows to help her relax and unwind. She had Ben watch several episodes of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Ben … does not watch that much reality TV, and definitely doesn’t watched Real Housewives. Until now. Spoiler alert! Note: Although Becky mentions at the beginning that she had Ben watch episodes of The Real Housewives of New York as well, we don’t end up discussing those. Stay tuned for a future episode with more reality TV talk. You can also read the episode transcript.

Adulting is a tricky thing for anyone, regardless of their age. Sometimes it just takes a little too much out of you. What do you do when you feel like you aren’t adulting well enough, but everyone around you thinks you just want reassurance? Ben and Becky discuss a lot of different things related to adulting. In addition to things that would make their lives easier, they discuss blue-sky ideas like basic income and flexible work weeks, and the idea that you don’t have as many hours in your day as Beyoncé. Finish off with some of their thoughts on how you can support friends and family who are feeling this way. Further reading: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation The Case for Having a Hobby Without the Side Hustle CBC Spark interview about Google’s “Duplex” AI project You can also read the episode transcript.

Have you moved out of your hometown? Are you considering moving? Both Ben and Becky have left their hometown of Thunder Bay. Ben left and came back after 2 years in England. Becky moved last year to Montreal, where she is settling for the foreseeable future. Hear all about what motivated them to leave Thunder Bay, as well as what they’ve learned from moving. There are also plenty of funny stories about adjusting to new and foreign lands. You can also read the episode transcript.

Ben and Becky both love Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and over the past year and a half, they rewatched it together, first when cooking together at Ben’s house, then via video chat after Becky moved to Montreal. This episode is a free-for-all discussion of all things Buffy. We talk about favourite seasons and episodes, emotional moments, Angel vs Spike, and Buffy’s overall character arc. Thanks to those of our listeners who left comments on our Facebook page! You can also read the episode transcript.

What kind of podcast would we be if we didn’t do a reflection on the end of our year? Ben and Becky talk about the best parts of their 2018, how they grew and changed, and their hopes for 2019. Some links: Ben’s blog post about visiting Montreal Becky’s blog post about visiting NYC You can also read the episode transcript.

We discuss Holly Bourne, a British author whose books Ben has constantly been lending to Becky for the past few years. Bourne writes about feminism, mental illness, and relationships—both healthy and unhealthy. Her YA series Spinster Club follows three young women as they struggle with these things. Her adult novel, How Do You Like Me Now?, is about a woman on the brink of 30 still struggling with similar things. We break down our thoughts on these books, why we love them so much, and which parts we could most relate to. You can read Ben’s reviews of Am I Normal Yet? (with links to the subsequent books) and How Do You Like Me Now? on Goodreads. You can also read the episode transcript.