Worth Wandering: Earth's Quandaries Examined

Brody hits us with the most common fears and phobias as well as the most RARE! Some of these you may have yourself, but others, you will not believe until you hear them! Join us for our second-to-last episode of the season! 

When the Brody is away, the Aussies come to play! This week, while Brody is camping in the Sequoias, Sarah brings in her Australian side of the family! In-laws Carolyn and David Jensen are in-house all the way from Melbourne and bringing a wealth of knowledge with them! Alongside Sarah's hunky husband Michael, the four of them discuss what makes Aussie language so unique and FUN AS HELL! We talk slang, colloquialisms and phrases and some random fun facts about the great country of Australia! 

Brody hits us with a DOUBLE feature! We talk about what it means to live a life of love, purpose and success as well as the happiest countries in the world! We talk the top countries rated for greatest life satisfaction, health score, stability, community, culture and more as we discuss how place matters when you think of a live worth living. 

Inspired by a real life glitch-in-the-matrix moment via "The Lemon Video" on TikTok, Sarah brings us real moments that made people think, "Are we living in a simulation?". Based off of the hit 1999 movie "The Matrix" in which the world was actually living within a computer simulation, we discuss not only real stories that people experienced but also the current science behind the possibility of living in a simulation AND what glitches would be and look like if that simulation were real!Take a break and listen to story time in the MATRIX!

Brody bravely opens up about his and Holly's journey with infertility and what led them to IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). He talks about what IVF is, the costs, the hormones, the side effects, the mental load of such a journey and what he did and did not expect from this all-consuming time of life. While many routes of IVF exist, we focus on the IVF journey of those who have unexplained infertility: "When infertile couples or individuals have undergone all appropriate tests and no cause for their infertility is found". So while some couples may not have viable sperm or eggs to contribute to IVF, this episode discusses the journey a couple may experience if you do have those two components to contribute but still struggle to conceive. So many couples lives are upended by infertility. It is invasive and emotional and all-consuming of your time, energy and physical and emotional health. So take a listen and see what Brody has to say about staying hopeful through a decade of trying to conceive and how to keep your relationship strong as well. To those trying to conceive...baby dust! We hope you get your rainbow baby!

Sarah, in hopes of driving across country to Connecticut in the coming weeks, prepared for the trip by researching the weirdest and spookiest places to see in the great state of Connecticut, USA! We talk about paranormal locations like Seaside Sanitorium, the Jewett City Vampires, an abandoned fairy village in the forest, the birthplace of America's sweetheart: the Hamburger, lost treasure on the triple-cursed "Charles island" and more!It will make you want to take a trip to Connecticut this weekend! 

Brody hits us with a banger of an episode on the importance of Gut health! We talk what is important for a healthy micro-biome, how your gut health relates to emotional well-being, better sleep, and more! We also shed light on our own gastrointestinal health issues and the tools and tricks of gaining a healthier micro-biome and thus, all-around healthier lifestyle. We also talk about poop. Like, a lot. Like, way to much information about poop. So, enjoy!

Brody and Sarah deep dive into the infamous Witch Trials that occurred in Salem, Massachusetts from 1692-1693. This small Puritan town became the site of one of America's first "mass hysteria" events called "Salem Panic," in which 150 people were jailed, and 20 people (mostly women), were hung on suspicion of dancing with the devil. But what was the evidence of witchcraft that started this hysteria? The answers will surprise you! As will what current scientific theories exist about why women became "touched by the devil" AND some of the methods employed in the legal proceedings when the accused were subjected to "witch tests"! It's one for the history books!Music over Mary Easton's Petition:  ZakharValaha from Pixabay

Brody and Sarah welcome Sarah's Grad school buddy Casey Mills, an up-and-coming actor, about the experience of budding actors in Hollywood. Our tall, dark and handsome, tattooed from neck-to-toe, vegan, straight-edge North Carolinian, gives us the inside scoop of acting: how long does it take to memorize lines? Did he have a stunt double in OZARK? What secret show is he working on with Donald Glover? How did he pretend to eat mushrooms on 'Nashville'  and play the bartender in the Post Malone/Jagermeister commercial whilst never having had alcohol or drugs in his life? What was it like having "sex" on screen? Has he been type-casted as a thug because of his tattoos? How did he get into acting? How did he lose 116 pounds for bigger, less stereotypical roles? What would and wouldn't he do to make it big? And of course, he rates famous actors in the business which will make you simultaneously MAD and AMUSED! You'll NEVER guess who is favorite Actor is!Enjoy every minute of the fascinating escape into the world of becoming others on camera! You can follow Casey on social media at @hollywoodxmillsCasey's IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7308315/

HERE'S HOW! Sarah and Brody, infamous for their ADHD antics of excitedly speaking over one another and changing subjects before finishing sentences, have a doozy of an episode today! Go on a wild and non-linear journey with us, as we aim to discuss Personality traits, with a major focus on Introversion and Extroversion!We talk about: what the traits are, what they mean for your self-awareness, self-love, relationship upkeep and care, empathy and more! We walk through the varieties of personalities, both the challenges and strengths, in asking Brody questions aimed to find out his Personality type (an adaptation of the Myers Briggs Test-16personalities.com)! We even get into LOVE LANGUAGES and how important they are for any strong relationship, romantic or otherwise!And in a shocking turn of events, we find out our extroverted duo are actually and Introvert and Extrovert...can you guess which one is which? Enjoy! (Especially if you have ADHD because it won't seem like as much of a train wreck :)To learn more about yourself (and others), take the test here: https://www.16personalities.com/

Sarah's hunky aussie husband, Michael FINALLY joins us for an episode! We use his scientific interest, engineering prowess and space film nerdery to help us navigate the fascinating yet murky water of scientific accuracy in Space Sci-Fi films and TV shows. We deep dive into Nasa's list of best and worst space films and shows, our own recommendations, and many more specific inquiries such as women in science not getting proper credit or recognition, and of course, Neil DeGrasse Tyson's hysterical twitter rant about "Gravity."Join us as we pick apart space travel in Star Wars, high five the makers of "Contact" for bringing Carl Sagan's dreams to life and discuss the ever-important questions facing space travel today: do astronauts wear diapers? Can anyone hear you scream in space? Are Neutrinos harmful to humans? Enjoy!Links: Gravity "Detach" Clip: https://youtu.be/C4pcg7bXgmUGravity "Matts Death" Clip: https://youtu.be/DYDaIyfitn8https://youtu.be/8SIrVXr9hjA

Sarah takes Brody on a journey into the Documentary "Extraordinary: The Stan Romanek Story". Stan, (or as the aliens have called him, "Star Seed"), a registered sex offender for child pornography crimes, created the documentary himself claiming aliens have not only abducted him for several years but have implanted him with equipment, but took it out before he could get proof; beat him, yet healed him; threatened him, yet tell him he is a genius; and more amazingly, have used him to father 9 alien-human hybrid children. There is so much more to this wild and frankly, hysterical story. So tune in to this UNIQUE cringy "documentary" and enjoy!

Want to know where it is illegal to chew gum? To ride a cow drunk? To eat Ice Cream, kiss a mustached man, forget your wife's birthday, and clean your neighbors car? You also want to know where in the world it is REQUIRED by law to SMILE?? If any part of you is steeped in anticipation wondering what other creepy and weird laws exist OR why they exist OR how they even became laws in the first place, then this episode is for you!

In this episode we look into the world of Doomsday Preppers. Who are they? (Are men or women more likely to be Preppers? Are people with OCD or other mental health challenges more likely to prep? etc.) What are they motivated by?  What are they most afraid of in a post apocalyptic world?  What do they stock pile? More importantly, what can we LEARN from their survivalist mentality? Especially now, in a world plagued by natural disasters,  potential Nuclear threats, and war (Stay Strong Ukraine !), we want to be prepared. Listen to Sarah's experience accepting death when, in Hawaii with her Husband, a Ballistic Missile threat was headed their way.  Brody and Sarah have researched it all in this episode! From how big a nuclear blast would be to the best methods for surviving not just the initial blast (hint: you don't within the initial blast radius) but the fallout hours to weeks afterward to what to bring with you if you have time to prepare shelter!It all here, and it's a little weird, a little scary but a whole LOT interesting!  Guidelines On how To stay Safe: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/emergencies/getinside.htmTo Help Ukraine:https://www.npr.org/2022/02/25/1082992947/ukraine-support-help

Grab your drink of choice, a comfy space and sit down with Professor Sarah and ER Tech Brody as we investigate, ponder and examine a striking new topic about the world each week...WHO invented the tampon?  WHAT is micro-dosing? WHEN did companies stop putting Heroin in kids cough syrup? WHERE in the world is chewing gum illegal? WHY do people like ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response)? HOW are cults a thing?We have so many questions about the world, the humans in it and everything about LIFE! It is ALL worth wondering. So join us as we wander through life's quandaries and get some answers!

Last Season we  learned so much, and this season is even more enlightening, and FUNNY!Grab your drink of choice, a comfy space and sit down with Professor Sarah and ER Tech Brody as we investigate, ponder and examine a striking new topic about the world each week...WHO invented the tampon?  WHAT is micro-dosing? WHEN did companies stop putting Heroin in kids cough syrup? WHERE in the world is chewing gum illegal? WHY do people like ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response)? HOW are cults a thing?We have so many questions about the world, the humans in it and everything about LIFE! It is ALL worth wondering. So join us as we wander through life's quandaries and get some answers!

A brief history of the worlds favorite cold sweet! Learn about where it originated, the first flavors, the WEIRDEST flavors and what murders and deaths have been associated with this summer treat! From Bioluminescent Vanilla in Europe to "Horse Flesh" in Asia to Ghost Pepper (in which you have to sign a Wavier to order) in the United States, we cover all the fascinating extremes of the worlds favorite Icy Sweet! Also, find out how we got to talking about our illogical childhood fears like taking out the trash (knowing you were being stalked), or swimming in a pool in the middle of summer at least an hour from any beach (and knowing a Shark was after you)...it got weird. Enjoy!National Ice Cream Death Museum: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/welcome-to-the-national-ice-cream-death-museum-1169447.htmlThe Ice Cream Killer: https://www.ranker.com/list/estibaliz-carranza-facts/amandasedlakhevener

Sarah and Brody are BAAAAAACCCCCCCK...and with weirdly fascinating topics for Season 2! We kick off this season looking into some of the most bizarre, disgusting, mostly ineffective cures and medical techniques in history ranging from the 1600's to 2022! Cannibalism, Fecal transplants, Mans Grease and more shocking ancient cures await you as we learn about the past, and thank God for the present time of medical marvels in which we live!All information in this episode was derived from:Primary Source (not sponsored or paid for-we just dig this book): Quackery (A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything)  by Lydia Kang and  Nate Pedersen Secondary Source: Healthline Article: "11 Old Medical Treatments That Will Make Your Stomach Turn. Including Heroin for Kids!"TRIGGER WARNING: Around 35 minutes, we begin discussing the horrific origins of female genital mutilation. The conversation ends around 45 minutes. Have any weird, uncommon or unusual medical cures you have used/use? We want to hear about it! Post your story on our youtube, instagram or facebook page!

We made it to the Season Finale of Worth Wandering! This is a juicy one with an announcement about Worth Wanderings future in a redesign as well as the reason why we have been posting less episodes, and Sarah and Brody play 20 questions about how well they know each other. You do not want to miss what Sarah's most embarrassing moment was, what celebrity crush she would invite to dinner, Brody's worst fashion choices and more!Thank you to all our incredible guests this season and all our dedicated listeners who have stuck with us! We can't wait to come back for Season 2 in August! For the NEW Wander BrewCOFFEE and surprise giveaway:1. either leave a review on Apple podcasts or make an Instagram post with a topic like a who, what, when, where, why, how that you would like to hear next season with the hashtag #worthwanderingpodcast as well as @worthwanderingpodcast2. And we will draw two winners on Tuesday, June 1st and post the winners on Instagram.!

Marci, owner and baker of Blackbirds cookies (a celebrated and award-winning company) based in San Diego California tells us about her  unexpected yet successful entry into the business of vegan cookie baking and decorating. Enjoy this yummy conversation :)Insta: @Blackbirds_cookiesTiktok: Blackbirds_cookiesto order cookies go through: her instagram: beacons.ai/blackbirdscookiesor facebook: @blackbirdscookies 

This season we have focused on amazing humans: how they find joy, how they find peace, how they find resilience, bravery, confidence and the power to stand up again after falling down. This episode could not be a better way to end this season than with a round table of strong, successful, professional and powerful women using their platforms and their voices to speak truth about life as Asian American women in America. So, please enjoy the second-to-last episode of season 1 of Worth Wandering with our guests: Maite Z. Alday: Creator of the popular Instagram account @shes_mightymighty who was on a previous episode talking about this topic and her platform for social change. Jane Park: Former Michigan news anchor, now living in Seattle, Mom of two and a TikTok creator with over 3 million followers. Her recent post went viral in which she played a “Sight Word Test” with her children. The cards were used to discuss anti-asian violence and served as a powerful reminder of teaching our children about racial inequality. @janeparkangGina Lam: Professor of Sociology from New York having taught both in her home State as well as colleges in Los Angeles. Her area of study is in social change and equity with a focus in Immigration. @im.gnaahJessica Kwack: Professor of Communication Studies in Los Angeles focusing on Rhetoric, Argumentation and Media representation of Asian Americans. @heysica

Sarah and Brody welcome Robert "Swoop" Thomas, an incredible scholar and performance artist to talk about his journey in life. From growing up in Section 8 housing in Los Angeles to becoming a performance scholar with a full scholarship to a PhD program all while fighting through a diagnosis of epilepsy in his first year of his masters program, Swoop teaches us about resilience, fighting racial stereotypes, caring for your mental health, continuously finding yourself and reframing your identity through hardships, and never giving up hope for a better future!

Women on a mission: Maite Z. Alday, the creator of the popular Instagram account @shes_mightymighty. Her account is a "safe space for uncomfortable conversations" related to social justice issues. She is an Asian-American writer, artist, non-profit professional and in her own words, "A Los Angeles native inspired by underdogs, unsung heroes and untold stories"Maite talks with us about race relations in 2021 with a focus on privilege, white allyship, mental health and holding space for one another. We discuss how to talk to our children about race, empathy and how to be better humans to one another!Maite's Work:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shes_mightymighty/Email: hello@shesmightymighty.com Article “Talking to My Seven-Year-Old Asian-American Son About Coronavirus Discrimination”: https://medium.com/@mzabala.alday/talking-to-my-seven-year-old-asian-american-son-about-coronavirus-discrimination-365d05fb7745Article “A Marine and an Iraqi: Forgiveness in the House of Peace”: http://www.zimzum.us/read/marine-iraqi-peace/Book Mentioned: C is For Consent: https://www.amazon.com/C-Consent-Eleanor-Morrison/dp/0999890808

This Women's History Month we are focusing on strong, focused, badass women who are leading, dreaming, helping and changing the world! We begin with Dr. Corinne Devin, a multi-talented and passionate woman who has held several impressive titles. Join us as we get the details of the roles she plays as reigning beauty pageant queen, Navy Commander, Orthodontist, world traveler,  motivational speaker and more! If you want to feel inspired, supported or uplifted, you'll want to hear this one!To follow Dr. Devin:https://www.instagram.com/drcorinnedevin/https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinne-devin-dmd-ms-31b136a/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpwbB-uP0DHg-mhZrieuuIA

The Long Beach Drag "Queen of Hearts," Jacki Karmichael graces us with her fabulous presence! We talk history of Drag, types of drag, gender equity, charity, personas, names, the culture and more as we bask in the hysterical glory of Jacki's comedy and music!You don't want to miss this one! Don't forget to check it out on our YouTube channel (Worth Wandering Podcast) as this is one you MUST see to believe!Jacki Karmichael Contact:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSrDzm5VK0Ps8kclzctDL6Q/featuredInstagram and Facebook: Jacki Karmichael

Brody and Sarah welcome Crossfit coach, singer/songwriter, youth mentor, actor, model and volunteer at South LA cafe, CJ Hammond. We talk about his multitude of passions including his new single and music video "Make It Hurt" as well as the Black Lives Matter Movement, being a mixed man in America, how to follow your heart, overcome depression and live a life of service. He even sings for us with his angelic voice. You won't want to miss this one! Inspiring is just the beginning of this episode! Where you can help volunteer/donate: South LA Cafe (feeding families): https://www.southlacafe.com/Engage the Vision (Youth Mentoring Program): https://www.facebook.com/engagethevision/CJ Hammond Music:Instagram: @cjhammondmusicYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CJHammond04

Sarah and Brody welcome Donna Hemmert, co-founder and CEO of "Positive Voices" an incredible organization that helps you “Learn how to increase happiness, meaning & achievement from experts in Positive Psychology."We talk about living a meaningful life, how realistic it is to "chase happiness" and find out some of the science behind mindfulness, positive thinking, relationship satisfaction and so much more! Find Positive Voices and start your own journey to self discovery or life satisfaction at https://www.positivevoices.com/and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for daily inspiration, workshops and updates @PositivevoicesWhat is positive voices?  "All of us – no matter who we are – can do a little better. Maybe you feel you aren't living up to your potential, sticking to your goals or developing good habits. Or perhaps your relationships aren't thriving. Or maybe you feel like you are going through the motions at work.  Whatever it is, the science of positive psychology can help by providing practical strategies and tactics that increase happiness and transform lives. Positive Voices® brings this knowledge right from the source: the leading experts in the science of wellbeing.We bring the experts to you. Whether it's one of our short videos, worksheets, webinars or online courses, Positive Voices® will help you translate the theory into action. We help you understand the tactics, and tell you exactly how to put it into practice. You can dive in headfirst or you can start taking baby steps. Apply what science is telling us, hearing it right from the mouths of leaders in positive psychology and other social sciences."

Coming out of the Closet as a Jehovah's Witness in Iowa was difficult to say the least for Thaddeus, this weeks guest! He talks about overcoming obstacles, family conflict, loneliness, constantly moving towns, and more in this vulnerable and beautiful yet hysterical story. Join us!

Sarah an d Brody finish talking about self identity and get personal about their own struggles. Sarah blows Brody's mind when asking him to review a photo from his Instagram account, and also offers some fun and deep games and resources to help you figure out who you are or what you want in life! Below are the resources and games discussed in the episode:Personality Quiz: https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-testProust Questionnaire to find out your "true Nature or Identity": https://janelfline.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Reference-Proust-Questionaire-r.pdfIdentity Games: 1. Create a bucket list.Having a bucket list will help you identify your personal and professional goals. When the daily routines of your life begin to set in, you are likely to let the days pass by without thinking too much about your long-term goals and desires.Use a bucket list to keep yourself focused, and make an effort every day to accomplish at least one small task that will lead you towards crossing things off of your bucket list.2. Write a regret letter. (Or just a  letter to your younger self)Write a letter to your younger self. This is a surprisingly cathartic exercise that is more than simply listing what you wish you'd known. Tell your younger self about the regrets you've had in your life so far, and apologize for any mistakes that you may have made and opportunities that you let pass by.Aside from gaining a feeling of empowerment from accepting your vulnerable younger self, your words can also help others who are in similar situations as you faced in the past. Your newfound wisdom can let readers know that they are not alone in their struggles, and provide them with advice on how to move forward.3. FUNERAL TESTWrite your own eulogy and answer questions such as:How do I want people to speak of me at my funeral?What should they remember me for?Which kind of person will people think I was when I'm gone?*This exercise was made popular by Stephen Covey in his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.4.  Instagram ActivityPick a photo from your instagram feed that is one of your favorites. What is it of? Why did you want to share it? What did you hope people would like about it? Get out of it? Did people respond the way you'd like/expect? 

Sarah is in the hot seat as both the host AND guest this episode! Sarah talks with Brody all things identity: How we learn about who we are, what makes up "us" and much more. In part one we discuss WHY humans communicate, HOW we become familiar with our inner "Self", how media, environmental factors such as natural disasters, wars, pandemics, generational differences, culture and more affects our identity. A huge focus is on what is  culture in the first place and how the hell does it shape who we are!!?Please join us for two episodes this week on how humans understand our identities. Next episode will feature ways to get more connected to your identity if you are having a bit of an identity crisis...I mean who isn't in this pandemic?!?

Join Brody and Sarah as they welcome friend and Emmy Award Winning guest Kaizen Derrick Asiedu. We discuss his career journey from video game fan to CEO of Well Played, to Riot Games "rule enforcer" to Twitch Streamer (@thatsprimal) to now League of Legends Championship Series Commentator! We also get real about his own personal mental health journey, what keeps him motivated and moving forward and more!

Brody and Sarah welcome mutual friend Sam Weald to the table to discuss what are her "secrets" to living a life filled with meaning, inspiration, passion and love! She talks about her inspirations: nature, active sports, exploration and discovery, photography, literature, non-profit work, her husband, maintaining gratitude, and education. We also discuss equity in the classroom, how to draw boundaries in kindness when being kind actually hurts others (listen to understand that one!) and the current emotional climate in the U.S. We laugh, Sarah cries, Brody "gets something in his eye" and at the end, we share self-written poetry that will resonate with even the heaviest hearts!  You don't want to miss this one!Info for the "Selfie Challenge":Sam talks about her photography passion and how she learned to be more conifdent and self-assured through turning the camera around and taking self-portraits.SO...Post one curated selfie that captures your "essence" of who you are on facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #worth_wandering_podcast!We will the randomly choose a winner and you will receive something special in the mail!

Finish the conversation about empaths, people pleasing, coping mechanisms and more with Yogic Coach Emily Grass! 

Brody and Sarah welcome special Guest Yogi and Empath coach with trauma training, Emily Grass (Sarah's Cousin) for a two-part episode about Empaths, Yoga, and more! We learn the difference between Empathy, Sympathy and what it means to be an Empath. We open up about what Empaths struggle with and how to cope better in your highly emotive state! Emily teaches us how to ground, re-center and use our breath to calm our minds and bodies! We also announce the two winners of the giveaway!Join us for this immersive experience!References to things mentioned in episode:Emily's Website (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/groups/EmpathAlignmentEmily's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/alignment_for_empaths/Emily's Email: emilygrass@gmail.comStephen Hemmert Wines Website: https://stephenhemmertwines.com/Empathy Quiz: https://psychology-tools.com/test/empathy-quotientEmily's Book Recommendation: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

Get to know Sarah and Brody in the first Episode of Worth Wandering! They talk about themselves, their relationship, their coffee business and of course saying goodbye to a dumpster fire of a year, 2020: the year of trauma, pain and fear but also tremendous personal growth and discovery. This episode is also the first of what we hope is many give aways! We are giving two lucky individuals the chance to win a box of goodies (listen to the episode to hear what they are) and will be picking the winner on Episode 2! To enter:1. SUBSCRIBE, LIKE  and leave a REVIEW the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Buzzsprout or wherever you get your podcasts2. Write what you are looking forward to in 2021 on our Instagram (@Worth_Wandering_Podcast) or on Facebook (Worth Wandering Podcast) with the Hashtag #worthwandering2021Our Coffee Company Website: https://www.wanderbrewcoffeecompany.com/