What Are We Like

“Work is really stressful at the moment, but I know I shouldn't complain. At least I have a job and a roof over my head; others aren't so lucky.” Why do we feel the need to attach these disclaimers to our struggles?    In our season finale, Ruth has a clip from an Adele interview she wants Áine's take on. In response, the two dive into the concept of ‘Comparative Suffering', and share some of their own experiences of depressive episodes. Is a bit of tough love what some people need when feeling depressed? Or is this approach a fundamental misunderstanding of what it's like to deal with mental health difficulties.   Here's where you can find the video Áine talks about in relation to ‘Mental Health Privilege': https://theprivilegeproject.org/privileges/mental-health/   And don't forget we have a super secret way for you to get in touch with us anonymously, just click here.   Or you can email hello@whatarewelike.ie    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com 

Mental health can be a tricky topic to get our heads around at times. Lack of understanding can leave us feeling demotivated around trying things that can help us manage different experiences.  The more we know, the better equipped we are when different things come up for us or for those around us. This week Áine and Ruth look to clarify and demystify anxiety with the help of the trusty tools of psychology and neuroscience, as well as some of their own experiences.   Pssst….we now have a super secret way for you to get in touch with us anonymously, just click here.   Or you can email hello@whatarewelike.ie    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com

Friday the 13th is upon us, and what better time to take a look at all things superstition. Áine and Ruth have been holding onto a listener email for just the occasion, and get into where superstitions come from, how they've been passed down, and how they can be reinforced in our brains.    We now have a super secret way for you to get in touch with us anonymously, just click here.   Or you can email hello@whatarewelike.ie    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com 

You've waited a whole week for even more encounters with money etiquette! This week we hear three more stories from listeners around some terrible (or "mangy" as Áine says) things that have happened to them relating to money.    Email hello@whatarewelike.ie    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com

The topic that keeps on giving…unlike the people in your stories. It seems this subject is one that strikes a nerve for so many of us, especially if we feel we've been left short changed. With so many stories to unpack, this week is part one of experiences shared by you, the listeners, all around money, fairness, and missing what's owed.  Email hello@whatarewelike.ie    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com 

Twinkly lights, presents, singing, dancing, mulled wine, huge meals, all around the fire. This is the picture of Christmas we are often painted, but of course that's only some of the story. In this week's episode Áine and Ruth take a look at the picture that's painted of Christmas, and how it can differ for people in different circumstances. It might differ a little from the “ideal” Christmas, or it might differ a lot. But no one has the perfect time, so let's talk about it.    Email hello@whatarewelike.ie    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com

This week, the podcast is on our mid-season break. Áine and Ruth will be back next week with another episode to fill your gorgeous ears.    Email hello@whatarewelike.ie    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com

We tend to rush to the side of a loved one who is going through a romantic break-up. Of course we naturally see the need to support someone through the difficult life transition of a relationship ending. So why is it that we don't treat the ending of friendships in the same way? In this episode, in response to a listener email, Ruth and Áine unpack the topic of friendships & friendship breakups and how the topic resonates with them both.    Email hello@whatarewelike.ie    The audio isn't up to the standard we strive for in this episode. We apologise for the bumps and glitches and hope it's not too annoying for your ears!    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com  

All Boys, All Girls, Co-Ed; Which one were you in? This week Ruth and Áine take us back to their school days to compare and contrast their different experiences. On one side, Ruth having been in co-education all the way up, and on the other, Áine having been in all girls from junior infants to college. Does it all come down to academic performance? Is it because boys and girls are just that different that they need to be apart? Or is there more to it…   Email hello@whatarewelike.ie    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com 

Ever wonder why we remember all those theme songs from our childhood, despite not hearing it for years? This week Áine and Ruth get neurosciencey and explore what's actually going on in our heads when it comes to learning. Everything from learning tunes on the piano to the common thoughts that seem to do rings around our heads, this episode gives us the info we need to rethink what we're putting our energy into and how we are shaping our brains.    Email hello@whatarewelike.ie    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com 

Aaaaand we're back!    To kick off Season Two, Ruth and Áine are delighted to bring you this special episode to mark International Men's Day on the 19th of November. The two wanted to unpack more about what it's like to be a man in 2022, and explore some of these perspectives. They put together an anonymous survey to get a really honest view from a few different men, to shine a light on some aspects that might be difficult to talk about, and they were overwhelmed with the thoughtful reflections shared from the men who participated. A big thank you to all of them again, this wouldn't be possible without you all.    Email hello@whatarewelike.ie    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com  

It's the Season Finale! This week the podcast explores the Age of Criminal Responsibility. At what age can a child be held responsible for their actions? Ruth puts some past cases to Áine involving children who have committed murder, alongside some of the legal scaffolding that dictated how the cases were ruled. The two look at the role that neuroscience and psychology play in this area of law, and what factors and considerations are taken into account when the criminal in question is a child.  Looking forward to diving further into some of these areas in Season Two!    Email hello@whatarewelike.ie    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com 

This week's episode is one of those where Ruth remembered something she saw online, and a whole episode's worth of conversation came out of it! Our two hosts started unpacking a situation around owing someone money, and it led to a complete rethink of all the considerations and etiquette around paying what you owe, getting paid back and the general trickiness of money and our human relationships. From exploring socioeconomic status to just downright stinginess - all from someone owing the cost of a drink back to a work colleague. Oh where these conversations go!    Email hello@whatarewelike.ie    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com 

Why is it that some people have issues with their sleep where they feel they can't move, and other people will actually move too much in their sleep?? Back in Episode 4,  Áine and Ruth started discussing sleep and this week it's time for Sleep: Part Two! They unpack elements of ‘Parasomnia', more commonly known as disruptive sleep-related disorders. Ruth shares her own experience of sleep paralysis, with Áine explaining theories behind why this happens, along with another common parasomnia; sleep walking.   Email hello@whatarewelike.ie    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com

Have you ever gone into a room and realised you have no idea what you went in there for? Áine and Ruth explore this familiar experience to see what what is going on in our brains when this glitchy moment happens. Ruth also has an interesting scenario to unpack and asks for Áine's take on someone seeing if an entire festival could be moved to suit their friend's schedule - the audacity!    Email hello@whatarewelike.ie    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com

This week, the podcast is on mid-season break. Áine and Ruth will be back next week with more rethinking and unpacking!   Email hello@whatarewelike.ie    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com

In this week's episode, Ruth and Áine explore the dreaded process of FEEDBACK **Shudder**. The two unpack their thoughts around this common corporate process, explore some of the common brain processes we naturally engage in,  and think about some small things people can do to take back control of a sometimes uncomfortable experience.   Got something to unpack? Email us at hello@whatarewelike.ie   @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com     

What better way to mark episode five than by unpacking the five languages in which each of us expresses and communicates love and affection…  Some of these ways will resonate with you more than the others and same goes for the people around you. So what happens then? This is a really interesting topic to get stuck into and will help to open your mind to the different ways we all give and receive love so if you don't already know yours, 5lovelanguages.com is the website to find out and get clued in.   Email hello@whatarewelike.ie to get in touch!    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com 

We're starting with the basics when it comes to sleepy time - why do our brains actually need it? Rest and recuperation, sure, but learn a little more about the processes that go on while you catch some zzzs.   And later on, in response to a listener email, Áine and Ruth explore the modern debate of series binge vs weekly release. We live in a world of ‘I WANT IT NOW!', so how do the pros and cons of a weekly wait weigh up against each other? Email hello@whatarewelike.ie to get in touch!

What would you do if you only had 15 minutes left to live? In 2018, thanks to one person's mistake (let's call him John…) this question was faced by the residents of Hawaii (god dammit John!)* In our first big unpack, we dive into the layers of this story, from the trauma caused to what can be learned from it.   *Note: no Johns were harmed in the making of this episode.    Email hello@whatarewelike.ie to get in touch!    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com 

Why is it that when anyone announces good news on social media, there's always someone who comments “Congrats AGAIN” or “secret's finally out!” making it clear to everyone else that they already knew? It gets on Ruth's nerves so she asks Áine what on earth is behind the urge to do so.  Plus.. the fear of God that's put into you when you get a meeting request from your boss for a “Quick Chat”... (shudder) Email hello@whatarewelike.ie to get in touch!    @aine.maher28  @ruthjephson   Theme music: Andrei Boyd  andrei.boyd@icloud.com    Logo: Cillian Fenlon  cillianfenlon@gmail.com

Ever wonder why you can sometimes feel so anxious after a night out? Áine & Ruth discuss the science behind the “Sunday scaries”.  And speaking of hangovers… the two also get into a specific evolutionary hangover from long ago - and one you've more than likely experienced yourself, while in bed…   Email hello@whatarewelike.ie to get in touch! 

With Áine Maher & Ruth Jephson