{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/63dbe0223c0b1d0011855397/684896e7d911dedd657a00a3?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"The Awkwardness Vortex with Melissa Dahl","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/63dbe0223c0b1d0011855397/1749661246078-804c9897-d36a-4bc2-bd14-ec598c5edbb5.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>Have you ever found yourself spiralling uncontrollably downwards in the \"awkwardness vortex\"? 🤔 Tune in to our latest podcast episode where we chat with celebrated science journalist Melissa Dahl about conquering those cringe-worthy moments and how awkwardness might just be a sign of empathy! </p><p><br></p><p>This sketch is exclusive to the <a href=\"https://sketchplanations.com/big-ideas-little-pictures\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Sketchplanations Book : Big Ideas, Little Pictures</a> - so check that out if you'd like to see this sketch in full (as well as number of other exclusive sketches). </p><p><br></p><p>Melissa is a science journalist, specialising in Psychology, Health and Lifestyle, and author of the <a href=\"https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/may/16/cringeworthy-melissa-dahl-review\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">very well received </a>book <a href=\"https://www.amazon.com/Cringeworthy-Theory-Awkwardness-Melissa-Dahl/dp/0735211639\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Cringeworthy: A Theory of Awkwardness</a>.</p><p>The conversation delves into retrospectively amusing personal experiences of social awkwardness, the psychological aspects behind it, and offers insights on how to manage and embrace these uncomfortable moments. &nbsp;Key tactics include focusing outside oneself, reappraising anxiety as excitement, and appreciating awkwardness as a sign of empathy. Melissa reflects on how researching awkwardness has changed her perspective, highlighting the growth and connection that can come from embracing this very human emotion. Melissa also shares how awkwardness can have a positive side, signalling empathy and social awareness. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that will have you rethinking your relationship with awkwardness.</p><p><br></p><p>Here are links to a bunch of stuff we discuss in case you fancy reading a bit more about them:</p><ul><li><a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Schwartz_(psychologist)\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Barry Schwarz</a> - Author of <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Paradox_of_Choice\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">The Paradox of Choice : Why Less is More</a>. </li><li>Examples of the hugely effective <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=end+the+awkward+scope\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">End The Awkward campaign</a> from Scope (a disability equality charity in England and Wales). </li><li><a href=\"https://podcast.sketchplanations.com/dont-fill-the-silence/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Don’t Fill The Silence</a> podcast episode</li><li><a href=\"https://podcast.sketchplanations.com/life-as-theatre-front-stage-v-back-stage-behaviour/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Front Stage / Back Stage</a> podcast episode</li></ul><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Episode Summary</strong></p><p>00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome</p><p>00:51 Exploring the Awkwardness Vortex</p><p>02:51 Personal Experiences of Awkwardness</p><p>05:51 The Science Behind Awkwardness</p><p>08:49 Practical Tips to Overcome Awkwardness</p><p>22:23 Awkwardness in Media and Comedy</p><p>25:06 Exploring Empathy and Awkwardness</p><p>25:41 The Science Behind Secondhand Embarrassment</p><p>26:30 Empathy Spectrum and Social Interactions</p><p>29:25 Awkwardness in Media and Society</p><p>31:33 Cringe Mountain and Overcoming Embarrassment</p><p>34:37 The Irreconcilable Gap and Self-Perception</p><p>36:58 The Power of Awkward Silences</p><p>39:16 Growth Through Awkwardness</p><p>43:45 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects</p><p><br></p><p>All music on this podcast series is provided by the highly talented <a href=\"https://www.franccinelli.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Franc Cinelli</a></p>","author_name":"Bell Boy Productions"}