Listen – Misfit Stars

March 20, 2019

“You first; you’re more mad.”

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Some a-hole out-of-town developers are trying to screw with our little neighborhood! And the neighborhood isn’t taking it lying down. We rant about this for the first part of this episode.

And then in the second half, we talk through a listener topic from Elaine N., on the ins and outs of being a married couple who work together. Elaine asked us to talk about the things about each other that drive us insane, and we oblige. Good fun.

Bonus content: Shannon makes a spontaneous run at the Guinness world record for longest utterance of the word “forever.”

Subscribe in your podcast app of choice to get our biweekly free episodes, and unlock access to member-exclusive episodes at patreon.com/misfitstars!

March 13, 2019March 11, 2019

“Like … is she a witch?”

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Happy Women’s History Month! We celebrate by spending this entire episode talking about women who have made a personal impact in each of our lives. Come for the heartwarming discussion … stay for the surprise ending. BONUS CONTENT: Shannon cries. Awww. ❤️

Subscribe in your podcast app of choice to get our biweekly free episodes, and unlock access to member-exclusive episodes at patreon.com/misfitstars!

March 6, 2019

“Our backpack of uncertainty.”

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You know how we talk with each other on this podcast every week? Well, sometimes we get asked to speak, outside of our living room, to people other than one another! How exciting. Last week we were on a panel in Seattle, on finding work that matters. It was a fun discussion, and we thought we’d use it as a jumping-off point this week to take a bit of a look back at where we came from, and at how we evolved into doing the work that we’re doing now.

And then: what are your dirty words? No, not THOSE dirty words … the words that you’re trying to get out of your vocabulary. We talk about ours in the second half of the episode. Thanks Scott S. for the good listener topic!

Subscribe in your podcast app of choice to get our biweekly free episodes, and unlock access to member-exclusive episodes at patreon.com/misfitstars!

February 27, 2019February 27, 2019

“It’s pronounced ‘midwifery.'”

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It’s a Listener Topic double-header! After the last couple of weeks’ Very Serious Episodes, we went lighthearted with this one. But what would you expect from a couple of people who just learned that one of their songs was played at a gas station in Lithuania. Nothing but good times around here this week.

In the first half, at the encouragement of Terry A., we interview one another about our weird jobs (songwriter and record producer, respectively). And then in the second half we talk through a topic from Julie A., on how we see the pros and cons of technology in our lives. Fun conversation!

Also, here’s the link to the fundraiser for our photographer friend Jonathan ❤️ https://www.gofundme.com/6vs4cu0

Subscribe in your podcast app of choice to get our biweekly free episodes, and unlock access to member-exclusive episodes at patreon.com/misfitstars!

February 20, 2019February 20, 2019

“Uncomfortable and taboo are not synonyms.”

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We talked about intra-family political differences last week – eep! – and you know what? It worked out just fine. So this week – screw it, it’s Black History Month – we’re talking about white privilege and exploring our (unwitting) complicity in racist systems! Because, you know, life is short. So let’s just go there.

We feel guardedly optimistic that we handled this subject with grace and tact; hopefully you’ll feel that that’s the case, too. Please share your thoughts in the private Facebook group!

And ps: the Peggy McIntosh essay that we used as a foundation for this week’s episode is here:

https://www.racialequitytools.org/resourcefiles/mcintosh.pdf

Subscribe in your podcast app of choice to get our biweekly free episodes, and unlock access to member-exclusive episodes at patreon.com/misfitstars!

February 13, 2019February 12, 2019

“Is today the day the vultures come?”

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So we managed to do this podcast for twelve entire episodes without getting into politics! But then we hit Episode 13. 😂 Don’t worry, though, it’s not bad. In fact we think it’s really good! Apropos of our family visit in Vermont, Jamie unpacks his evolving and complicated feelings toward his parents, whom he loves very much, but from whom he has realized he’s on the opposite side of a vast political divide over this last couple of years. We explore how and why that situation has recently improved, in the hope that it might help someone out there who’s been experiencing the same thing with their family or loved ones. It was a great discussion – a very vulnerable discussion to have in front of microphones – and we hope it holds some value for you.

And then in the second part of the episode, we talk through a listener topic from Jean W. When is it okay to be selfish? Spoiler alert: Shannon has some cool and somewhat avant-garde thoughts about this.

Subscribe in your podcast app of choice to get our biweekly free episodes, and unlock access to member-exclusive episodes at patreon.com/misfitstars!

February 6, 2019January 28, 2019

“Maybe that’s why they do twelve eggs. One egg per month!”

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It’s a Listener Topic Bonanza! We have been quietly hoarding extra Listener Topics for the last couple of months … and today we’ve devoted the whole episode to tackling a bunch of them. Topics covered include:

– Favorite moments at concerts that shaped who we are as musicians
– Fears we’ve overcome over the last couple of years
– All-time favorite songs

… and a whole bunch more. There’s some spontaneous singing … there are some personal moments … and there’s a lot of cracking up. And! We have made a Spotify playlist, at misfitstars.com/episode-12-listen-along, so that you can listen along as we stroll down our musical memory lane! HOW FUN.

Subscribe in your podcast app of choice to get our biweekly free episodes, and unlock access to member-exclusive episodes at patreon.com/misfitstars!

January 30, 2019January 29, 2019

“It’s like the Waze app … for life.”

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“Just do the next right thing.” We hear this sometimes, as a sort of vague direction for how to decide what path to take next in our lives … but what the heck does it actually mean? We spend some time trying to figure out precisely where the rubber meets the road for us in the ways that we translate our values into action. (Thanks to Scott S. for the topic suggestion!)

And then in the second part of the episode, we address a Listener Topic from Mystery Star “T”: what’s it like to be in a relationship where one person is sober and one person is a “normie?” Spoiler alert … she’s not exactly a normie.

Subscribe in your podcast app of choice to get our biweekly free episodes, and unlock access to member-exclusive episodes at patreon.com/misfitstars!

January 23, 2019

“Are any of us men yet?”

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It’s been a big week for toxic masculinity! We have personal experience with this, from both the inside and the outside of it, and that’s what we talk about for the entirety of this episode. Jamie talks about his experiences growing up as a boy, how they informed the young man he became, and how that young man evolved into the person he is now; Shannon talks about her experience as a woman dealing with the various ways men act toward women – for better and for worse.

We’d LOVE to hear about your experiences with this. Please head over and voice your thoughts in our private Facebook group! If you’re not yet a member, see below to sign up.

Subscribe in your podcast app of choice to get our biweekly free episodes, and unlock access to member-exclusive episodes at patreon.com/misfitstars!

January 16, 2019January 15, 2019

“… it’s like iocaine powder!”

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Mental roadblocks! We all get them. But why? Where do they come from? And how can we get rid of them? We’re no stranger to these in our lives, and we spend the first half of this episode unpacking some of our thoughts around that.

And then our listener topic this week, from Libby L., is pet peeves. The fun thing about pet peeves is that there’s no way not to sound like a petty a-hole when you try to explain them to other people, and we prove in the second half of this episode that we’re no exception to that rule. Don’t judge!! You do it too.

Subscribe in your podcast app of choice to get our biweekly free episodes, and unlock access to member-exclusive episodes at patreon.com/misfitstars!

January 9, 2019January 8, 2019

“Orange and Pink Flowers”

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Things get personal in this one. We had a pretty heavy experience this week, in which we encountered a family member with whom we have an unresolved and painful relationship. We thought we’d use it as an opportunity to explore some ideas around how to walk into potentially uncomfortable or distressing situations with other humans, with peace and confidence. Easier said than done, sometimes – but we found some positive and helpful takeaways, and we hope you might find something resonant in them.

And then in the second half of the episode we talk through a listener topic from Jeff H., on how to keep that January 1 enthusiasm, momentum, and optimism lasting all year. Jamie has a bunch of strategies for setting realistic goals and keeping yourself on a healthy track toward their accomplishment – and Shannon has a different take entirely!

Subscribe in your podcast app of choice to get our biweekly free episodes, and unlock access to member-exclusive episodes at patreon.com/misfitstars!

January 2, 2019

“We’ve solved world peace! Done.”

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We thought we’d start things off easy in the new year. So, in the first half of this episode, we talk about how to make peace with past versions of yourself. No big deal!

And then in the second half of the episode, we tackle a closely-related listener topic from Julie A., regarding overcoming your past mistakes and turning difficult times into learning opportunities.

Subscribe in your podcast app of choice to get our biweekly free episodes, and unlock access to member-exclusive episodes at patreon.com/misfitstars!

December 26, 2018December 24, 2018

“Let’s Build a Time Machine”

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In which we take a look back at 2018! Our favorite tour moments … the new music we obsessed over … our best new experiences … our highest and lowest personal moments … we break down our year and then we put it all back together.

We experimented with a new format in this episode … we agreed upon questions prior to the show, and we each thought of our answers in private, and then we interviewed one other and surprised each other with our responses. It came out excellently. Our favorite episode yet!

Subscribe in your podcast app of choice to get our biweekly free episodes, and unlock access to member-exclusive episodes at patreon.com/misfitstars!

December 19, 2018

“Just Outside the Comfort Zone”

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Apropos of an email exchange we had this week, we unwrap some of the layers of assumed identity and protective persona that we humans armor ourselves with as we navigate the world.

And then in the second half of the episode we share our thoughts on an unintentionally seasonal listener topic from Lee Ann W., about how people with differing views can treat one other with respect.

Subscribe in your podcast app of choice to get our biweekly free episodes, and unlock access to member-exclusive episodes at patreon.com/misfitstars!

December 12, 2018

“Christmas Casino Buffet”

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The season for holiday stress is upon us! We talk about pressure, anxiety, expectations, letting go of old rituals, and what reimagining tradition can look like in this fraught time of the year.

And then the second half of this episode is excellent! Inspired by a listener question from Kim L., we talk about how to manage the ups and downs of working together as creatives. It turns out that this basically means that we talk about how to interact with other humans in healthier and more intentional ways — including the humans we happen to be partnered with.

Subscribe in your podcast app of choice to get our biweekly free episodes, and unlock access to member-exclusive episodes at patreon.com/misfitstars!

December 5, 2018

“Parentheses!”

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Inspired by an interview we did last week, we elaborate on the question, “What is success?” Turns out it’s a pretty deep question, with ramifications for one’s self-worth, sense of identity, and general happiness. So we get deep with it.

And then in the second half of the episode we explore a listener topic from Jean W., about the preconditions for creativity.

Subscribe in your podcast app of choice to get our biweekly free episodes, and unlock access to member-exclusive episodes at patreon.com/misfitstars!

November 28, 2018

“Five THOUSAND Cookies”

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It’s been quite a week since Episode 1! Shannon’s beloved grandma Vi passed away, after a long reign as Best Grandma Ever. We share some favorite memories, and we talk about some lessons we learned from the way she lived and the way she transitioned into the end of her life.

And then in the second half of the episode, we delve into a Listener Topic about the idea of making mistakes, in art and in life, and why that might actually be a good thing.

Subscribe in your podcast app of choice to get our biweekly free episodes, and unlock access to member-exclusive episodes at patreon.com/misfitstars!

November 21, 2018November 28, 2018

“Origin Story”

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It’s Episode 1! Yes; we have started a podcast. Because why not try something else that’s new and scary and unknown, in a year that’s been characterized by doing new / scary / unknown things? We talk about the year of transition and risk-taking that we’ve had, how the launch of Misfit Stars fits into all of that, and the hopes we have for going deeper with our community through these interactive conversations.

And what exactly is “Misfit Stars,” anyway? We talk about the origin of the podcast’s name, and how each of us has felt like a misfit — and also like a star! — in our lives. Juicy stories from the wayback machine included.

Subscribe in your podcast app of choice to get our biweekly free episodes, and unlock access to member-exclusive episodes at patreon.com/misfitstars!