Unswamped

#18-Solo-Is it bad to be chopped?

In this episode, I talk about change and whether it’s okay to be ugly.
The captions may not be perfectly accurate. If you’d like to watch it faster, that’s something you can do on Spotify.
The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho...
“God has prepared a path for everyone. You just need to follow the omens.”
“I see the world in terms of what I would like to see happen, not what actually does.”
A curious one; “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
Youtube Videos and Podcasts I liked!I tried to 'Cold Approach' 100 girls without any experience (Introvert vs Girls):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMr1ddukSQ4&ab_channel=DylanMcKnight  I Tried Teaching an Awkward Virgin How to Cold Approach:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7DIqN3KOo4&ab_channel=BenjaminSeda  How I'm dealing with wanting a gf while I'm still building myself…:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03ZhMIzDqZI&ab_channel=JakPiggott  Simple cold approach: Introvert to Social Confidence in 5min:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efhstinc2Fo&ab_channel=CoachKyle  Cold Approach As A Daily Habit:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOwryGLERDY&ab_channel=SebJones  How To Believe You Are Worthy Of The Love you Desire Jillian Turecki:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6IYRDOyhtuGmjYcv88Do4y?si=4eeed9a85bfa41a2  The Price of Lust | A Biblical Warning:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsUBvZbuXvU&ab_channel=Goded  I spent $20,000 on OnlyFans. (my addiction):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ptXXG1wttk&ab_channel=DylanMcKnight  The Search for Self-Love with podcaster Lewis Howes:https://open.spotify.com/episode/69S9mLrITgkyIUsEGqrhQH?si=60dd41a01e8d400a  Ep 561- Beautiful Things:https://open.spotify.com/episode/75uiVDrOjctrlqVOmdrzAp?si=3fbd8a1374af4945 
00:00 Overcoming Anxiety to Start Recording01:10 Embracing Authenticity and Personal Growth02:26 Musical Inspirations and Confidence Boost04:19 Exploring Self-Image and Appearance05:58 Reflections on Confidence and Humor08:52 Being Normal/Infinity Stones Aura11:27 The Importance of Self-Reliance15:35 Understanding Attraction and Self-Worth23:21 Projection and Evolution51:16 Exploring New Experiences51:56 Therapist's Advice: Try New Things52:51 Balancing Honesty and Politeness55:37 Navigating Social Interactions56:25 Nutrition and Health Journey59:59 Understanding Psychological Suffering01:13:19 Childhood Insecurities and Growth01:22:23 The Quest for Authenticity01:34:00 Popularity and Self-Worth01:41:41 Cold Approaching Anxiety01:42:33 Romantic vs. Platonic Approaches01:43:34 Building Social Confidence01:45:29 The Summer 100 Challenge01:50:47 Navigating Awkward Interactions01:53:07 Finding a Job and Social Connections01:53:43 Self-Love and Authenticity02:07:29 Lust and Its Impact02:15:19 Final Thoughts and Reflections
https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/18-solo-is-it-bad-to-be-chopped-unattractive-or-ugly 

#17-Khyber McFarland-Can you get that infinity stones aura, or nah?

We talk about the challenge of maintaining good posture and projecting confidence, particularly around individuals perceived as having higher social status. We discuss self-worth, the fear of being different, and “being natural.” We also delve into my struggle with inauthenticity and the pressures that have shaped my interactions. The episode concludes with new music likings, reflections on subjective happiness, and a comment on who should have won “best style."
00:00 Introduction and Initial Setup
00:21 Discussing Art and Its Value
00:45 Podcast Publishing and Redemption
01:15 Questions and Conversations
03:14 Technical Difficulties and Fixes
04:55 Posture and Social Interactions
13:35 Authenticity and Self-Worth
29:46 Talking to Girls and Confidence
42:03 Exploring the Moment
42:36 Balancing Inward and Outward Perspectives
44:02 The Challenge of Being Yourself
45:07 Reflections on High School and Teachers
47:57 Podcast Dynamics and Self-Expression
57:59 Struggles with Authentic Connection
01:13:36 Subjectivity of Happiness and Enjoyment
01:18:32 Final Thoughts and Farewell
https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/17-khyber-mcfarland-can-you-get-that-infinity-stones-aura-or-nah 

#16-Solo-Why you should talk to girls

uhhhhhh...type shit
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Inspiration
01:30 Graduation Reflections and Gratitude
02:16 Why You Should Talk to Girls
03:42 Finding Authenticity and Social Interactions
05:12 Therapy and Self-Improvement
06:53 Navigating Social Anxiety and Friendships
11:41 Talking to Girls: Personal Experiences
28:12 The Importance of Genuine Social Connections
44:50 Overcoming Fear of Talking to Girls
46:10 Philosophical Questions and Personal Growth
51:26 Struggles with Health and Self-Control
54:06 Navigating Social Interactions and Self-Worth
01:06:25 Reflections on High School and Friendships
01:17:17 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
☝️ chapter markers are AI-generated. Let me know in the comments if these are fine, or if you want me to make them more specific/better-timed.
https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/16-why-you-should-talk-to-girls 

#15- Katie Lee and Lexi Lees-High school beef, dating and relationships, and becoming more secure in yourself

Lexi and Katie, both juniors at Francis Parker High School, introduce themselves and delve into a broad range of topics related to high school life. They discuss the challenges of middle school drama and friendships, the evolution of self-confidence, and whether having a filter or not is fine. The conversation also touches on managing stress, body image issues, the role of therapy, and family. They explore the impact of societal expectations on gender behaviors, the nuances of dating and hookup culture, and personal values such as kindness and spirituality. Toward the end, Lexi and Katie highlight the importance of communication, understanding, and balancing personal and parental expectations.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:59 High School Drama and Friendships
01:42 Insecurity and Self-Confidence
09:59 Therapy and Mental Health
15:18 Gender Differences in Drama
28:52 Body Image and Societal Pressures
39:54 Navigating Gender Expectations
40:16 Personal Anecdote: Insecurity and Strength
41:24 Social Media and Gender Perceptions
42:53 Hookup Culture in High School
44:56 Perspectives on Relationships
50:51 Exploring Spirituality and Religion
55:05 The Meaning of Life and Kindness
01:03:42 Family Dynamics and Relationships
01:16:04 Final Thoughts and Reflections
https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/15-katie-lee-and-lexi-lees 
 

#14-Maggie Krongard and Lauren Holst-How to find yourself, find your friends, and become that IT GIRL

High school seniors Lauren and Maggie engage in a deep conversation about their strong bond, the dynamics of their friendship, and their personal growth throughout high school. They discuss various topics such as authenticity, dealing with social anxiety, the challenges of maintaining individuality, and the importance of therapy. They also touch on experiences of peer pressure, substance use, and the significance of forming genuine connections. We talk about aspirations, summer plans, and their upcoming transitions to college.
00:00 Introduction and Class Expectations
00:45 Friendship Dynamics and Communication
02:58 Building Confidence and Authenticity
09:31 Introversion vs. Extroversion
21:29 Therapy and Personal Growth
39:33 Navigating Social Dynamics at Parties
40:06 The Joy of Dressing Up and Making Memories
41:02 Finding Personal Style and Confidence
43:35 Thrifting Adventures and Fashion Finds
48:10 The Thrill of Concerts and Music Discovery
01:02:32 Struggles with Addiction and Overcoming Challenges
01:15:51 Starting Smoking to Fit In
01:16:39 Finding Joy in Concerts and Puppy Love
01:17:25 Struggles with Nicotine Addiction
01:18:38 Avoiding Substance Use at Parties
01:20:53 The Reality of Party Relationships
01:29:37 The 'It Girl' Pyramid
01:36:27 Navigating High School Friendships
01:39:58 Crying and Emotional Expression
01:43:59 Preparing for College Separation
01:49:04 Navigating Friendships and Personal Growth
01:49:27 The Complexities of Crying and Empathy
01:52:15 The Burden of Being the Therapist Friend
01:54:13 High School Stress and Panic Attacks
01:55:57 Creating Safe Spaces in School
01:57:08 The Concept of Stimming and Neurodivergence
02:01:58 Fears and Reflections on Life
02:17:52 Summer Plans and Future Aspirations
02:24:24 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude
https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/14-maggie-krongard-and-lauren-holst 

13- Minh-Vy & Jason

Minh-Vy and Jason.
Short Description:
Siblinghood. Dating and Girls; Relationships. College Applications.
Minh-vy talks about his parents, his relationship with his older sister, and his girlfriend. We are joined by a few audience members in the beginning. Half-way through, Kelan, Aneesh and Owen come in. The conversation delves into dating and romantic relationships and the experience of building friendships. We open up several college apps. We further explore the importance of authentic social interactions in romantic relationships and friendships, ambitions in sports, and Jason’s transition from middle school to high school in relation to studying and parents.
Chapter Markers and Podbean Link:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:38 Sibling Relationships and Family
03:28 Parenting Styles and Cultural Differences
05:39 Secret Relationships and Dating
07:16 Crushes and Romantic Interests
37:17 Friendship / Social Anxiety
50:35 College Decisions and Future Plans
57:42 College Preferences and Decisions
57:58 UCLA and Other Apps
59:54 Rejections and Waitlists…
01:04:24 Eating Lunch with Your Friends
01:13:11 Basketball Ambitions and Thoughts
01:32:13 Parental Expectations and Plans
https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/mihn-vy-jason 
Recorded Friday, March 21 (2025) in a music room. Ended at 5:15 pm. 

12- Jared D’Onofrio (2)

Jared D’Onofrio is an English and Creative Writing teacher at the Francis Parker School.
Short Description- Social Dynamics; Gender; Love with Mr. D’Onofrio
He talks about the notion of having multiple social selves. He shares his thoughts on authenticity, dating, and the balance between adapting behavior and being oneself. The conversation also explores greatness, the need to be in a group, and cultural constructs of masculinity and femininity. Then we shift to expressing love and saying sorry in family relationships. Finally, he explains the importance of maintaining a positive experience for his students, likening his role to that of a waiter ensuring a good dining experience.
Chapter Markers and Podbean Link:
00:00 Introduction and Previous Interviews
00:30 Social Media and School Policies
01:13 The Concept of Social Selves
05:55 Dating Advice and Authenticity
11:24 Social Buoyancy and Intimacy
15:03 Making Friends and Social Interactions
31:14 Pursuing Greatness and Personal Fulfillment
37:02 Exploring Humility vs. Modesty
39:14 The Pitfalls of Comparison and Competition
41:14 Masculinity and Femininity: Cultural Constructs
46:34 Navigating Male Friendships and Social Norms
51:49 Expressing Love in Family Dynamics
57:33 Managing Conflict and Apologies in Families
01:06:18 Finding Joy and Coping with Fear
https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/12-jared-d-onofrio-2 
Recorded in the Francis Parker music room. Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Ended 5:22pm.

11- Evan & Sammie

Sammie and Evan are seniors. They run (and eat Crumbl), are part of a culture and faith, respectively, and like to hang out with their friends, among other things.
Short Description- Faith, Running, and Friendship
We discuss the concept behind the 'Unswamped' podcast. The conversation shifts to personal beliefs about Christianity and Judaism and the patterns and beliefs of faith. Evan and Sammie touch on the challenges and benefits of running, and offer their advice and stories on training and diet. Finally, we go to rapid-fire questions on their favorite beaches, TV shows, movies, and how they spend their free time.
Chapter Markers and Podbean Link:
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Origins
01:15 Goals and Future of the Podcast
03:53 Personal Beliefs and Political Stances
05:36 Religion and Personal Growth
38:55 Exploring Faith and Nature
40:08 Personal Reflections on Religion
44:08 Philosophy and Religion Intersect
01:02:25 Running: A Journey of Discipline and Community
01:16:17 Starting a Running Routine
01:16:40 Understanding Tempo Runs
01:23:05 Structuring Your Weekly Workouts
01:35:32 Balancing Running and Diet
01:43:26 The Struggles and Realities of Running
01:45:36 Natural Talent vs. Hard Work
01:54:55 Friendship and Personal Growth
01:59:39 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun
https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/evan-sammie/ 
Recorded Monday, March 24. 

10- Matthew Sedano

Matthew is a senior in high school. He played volleyball, went to parties starting Sophomore year, and made good friends.
Short Description- Parties, Friendships, Emotional Journeys.
We talk about party culture and the feeling of freedom parties can sometimes offer. We talk about exclusivity in private school parties versus public school gatherings. Then we pivot to address topics like self-consciousness, the feeling of being left out, and the different perceptions others have of us. Matthew opens up about his struggles with volleyball, detailing how a coach's belittling comments led to burnout and a shift in his career aspirations. We also discuss crying and how he copes. We talk about different types of friendship and Matthew explains forcing versus letting friendships develop.
Chapter Markers and Podbean Link:
00:00 Starting the Podcast
00:33 Introducing the Guest: Matthew Sedano
01:31 Party Culture: Experiences and Opinions
05:18 Popularity and Social Dynamics
07:41 Personal Struggles and Emotional Growth
16:44 Volleyball Dreams and Disappointments
22:13 Coping with Emotions: Crying
37:46 Introversion vs. Extroversion: Perceptions
40:39 The Nature of Arguments in Friendships
47:26 Middle School Memories and Regrets
51:40 The Evolution of Friendships
56:50 The Natural Process of Building Friendships
01:00:21 Conclusion and Sign Off
Podbean Link: https://unswamped.podbean.com/e/matthew-sedano/ 
Recorded in the music room. Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Ended 4:36 pm.

9- Jason

Jason.
Short Description- Personal Life, Friendships, School Life.
In this episode, we dig into a range of topics. We start with casual banter referencing Billie Eilish and TikTok, but shift to discussions about our life experiences. The conversation meanders through various personal anecdotes, including college experiences, social interactions, insecurities, and childhood memories. We also explore their health issues, like digestive problems and asthma, while occasionally touching on their eating habits and favorite foods. The episode ends with thoughts around getting out there, insecurities, and being hungry.
Chapter Markers and Podbean Link:
0:00 Introduction and Initial Banter
00:29 Discussing Billie Eilish and TikTok
00:48 Podcast Recording and Setup
01:28 Casual Conversation and Jokes
14:32 The Role of Religion and Guilt
36:03 Taking Matters into Your Own Hands
38:09 Questioning Beliefs and Self-Reflection
39:03 Defining Good and Bad Actions
41:39 High School Social
59:43 Study Habits
01:03:01 Social Interactions and Insecurities
01:14:54 Friendship Jealousy
01:19:50 Personal Growth and Regrets
01:25:01 Health and Dietary Challenges
01:47:40 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts
01:53:36 Wrapping Up the Podcast
Podbean Link: https://unhttps://unswamped.podbean.com/e/jason/
Recorded in a music room--Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Ended at 6:28 pm.