You don’t talk about telescopes? And other questions to distract yourself from Election Day anxiety (with Kate Kennedy!)
Terrible, Thanks For Asking
Deep Dive
Why did Nora and Kate Kennedy create an election distraction episode?
They created the episode to help listeners cope with Election Day anxiety by providing a politics-free, multi-hour conversation as a distraction from the stress and tension of the day.
What is the James Weber telescope controversy mentioned in the episode?
Nora received an email pointing out that James Weber, the namesake of the James Weber telescope, was notoriously homophobic. This raised questions about whether it’s necessary to research the background of every historical figure associated with scientific tools before discussing them.
What is Nora’s approach to handling criticism and negative feedback?
Nora acknowledges that she used to take criticism deeply personally but has since learned to let it go. She emphasizes that it’s impossible to know everything about every topic and that people should not be held accountable for every reference they make.
What is Kate Kennedy’s opinion on recording people in public?
Kate believes that while it’s technically legal to record people in public, it’s unethical to post such recordings without consent, especially when it involves private moments or personal behavior. She finds it particularly problematic when people post videos of strangers to expose or shame them.
What is Nora’s perspective on jealousy and self-image?
Nora admits she used to be very jealous but has since adopted a more carefree attitude, especially after her husband’s death. She now focuses on enjoying life and doesn’t let jealousy affect her as much, though she still struggles with self-image at times.
What is the significance of the Catholic Church’s exclusivity discussed in the episode?
Nora and Kate critique the Catholic Church for its exclusivity, despite its teachings of inclusivity and compassion. They highlight the irony of a religion based on Jesus’s teachings being so exclusionary in practice, particularly in rituals like marriage ceremonies.
What is Nora’s approach to using heirlooms and fine china in her daily life?
Nora believes in using heirlooms and fine china in everyday life rather than saving them for special occasions. She wants to enjoy her life fully and not reserve items for rare moments, even if it means risking damage to them.
- strategies for managing election-day anxiety
- listener feedback on podcast content
- reminiscing about past episodes
Shownotes Transcript