I enjoyed your story and picture of the deer. I just moved to the glorious Maniototo and entered my photograph of a long dead Merino ram skeleton - mostly curled horns and a little remaining fleece in the landscape photography section of the A&P show. I stealthily watched people's reactions and the vast majority said "Eeeew". It was up against gorgeous landscapes of hoar frost and sprawling hills and valleys of the plain so no hope of beating those at all. I got first place.
Hi David! Would you consider doing a Flightless Bird on Mormonism? I feel like it would be a perfect topic for an episode. As a non-religious person living in Utah, it’s an incredibly fascinating religion. If you wanted any experts to talk to on the topic, my husband is a transgender, queer person who was born and raised in the religion!
I have already started doing interviews around it. So - yes!
I need to get to Utah at some stage for it obviously, so looking at some other issues to tackle there while in town to make it all worthwhile economically etc.
There’s so many parts of Utah culture that are so unique. There’s the soda shops, state liquor stores, the views on chastity, just about everything here ties back to the church! Honestly you could do a multi-part episode on Utah as a whole. Everything here is so unique to all of the other states I’ve visited, it’s like an entirely different world. The people born and raised here can go their entire lives without realizing that the culture here is not the norm in the rest of the country.
Great tips and ideas - all noted. Maybe it's like Florida - just a blanket series of 3 that has all different aspects, all probably tying back, ultimately, to Mormonism?
Totally second this idea! Utah is such a good microcosm of the US - nonsensical religious conspiracies intermingled with governance, but also great skiing and Sundance film festival? And maybe it's just me, but it seems like Utah produces a high percentage of reality TV stars, with all their extreme personality disorders
I have an amazing picture of a car with a random license plate (not a vanity plate) right downtown outside of the big main building for Mormonism and it’s 666. I loved whoever randomly got the 666 license plate in Utah.
I enjoy Flightless Bird and Web Worm. I think you think you know who your audience is but I think you'd be surprised. I'm a 66 year old female about to retire and 90 percent of the time I've voted Republican. No I did not vote for Trump this last time but the first time he ran I made that mistake. I digress. I love to listen to you. I can't say I share your taste in music but I love your investigative reporting. Do you think you'll ever make it to Atlanta?
Oh Debbie, thanks for being here! That means a lot. And it's encouraging that people can see what's going on and change their voting habits. You have made my day.
Also - congrats on retirement!
I really want to make it to Atlanta - it's on my list of places in the US I need to visit. Your country is SO DARN BIG!
Again thanks for the kind words, and please tell me what music YOU like - I am curious now!
As a white South African I can back you up on the fact that there is definitely no 'white genocide'. Yes, white people get murdered but so do people of all races in South Africa. Actually if you look at the stats white people are getting murdered way less than people of other races. White Afrikaans South Africans are generally known to be pretty racist and it's funny that it's only the white Afrikaans people and not the white English speaking people that need to be saved from this imaginary 'white genocide'. Yes, South Africa can be a dangerous place but it's also an incredible place filled with amazing people and mindblowingly beautiful landscapes. It's a place filled with life and hope. Bringing these white Afrikaaners over here is just a way to increase the number of awful racists in the US who will vote for Trump and others like him in the future. It's gross! 🤢
Hi, fellow South African here, but living in Pretoria. I always wondered if I’ll come across a South African through David’s platforms. I am super jealous of you living in California. I’ve travelled a bit, and wish that I’d picked a career where I can move from country to country every few years. Agree on your thoughts above.
Hi Fellow South African! 👋🏼☺️ California has been great but we've decided it's time to get out of here because of what's happening and we're heading to Spain next. I do feel lucky to have the chance to move around but SA will always be in my blood and holds such a special place in my heart. Often I find myself yearning for the smell of SA (mostly burning 😂), the big skies and open spaces, the beaches (I grew up in East London), and the warmth of the people. It really is an incredible place but I also (obviously) understand the desire to live in and experience other countries - just not by claiming to be a refugee 😉 - I hope you get the chance to sometime!
May Spain treat you well! I lived in London for 7 years, and missed SA every single day. I now I’ve just been missing London every single day for the past 15 years. I’ll raise my next glass of red wine next to the braai on you, to help ease the yearning. #norefugee 😁
Oh cool, where did you live in London? I lived there for 12 years from 2000 - 2012 (well London for some of that time and other parts of the UK too). Thank you for raising your next glass of red at your next braai! Lol at #nonrefugee 👍🏼😂
I saw you do the collab with Liz on substack (love you guys!), but neither of you guys have really addressed the whole "ditched by dax and Monica" thing (at least not that I've seen). Is there bad blood there? From our perspective Flightless Bird was just kinda dropped and never mentioned again on their side, and Synched didn't even say goodbye (other than a still photo that showed up on Instagram weeks later). I stopped listening to armchair cause they made me mad with all that
Sad on the one hand, because AE gave you opportunities, you seemed to be friends, and it was fun for us in NZ to have a Kiwi integrated into -such- a US platform.
After you left I think some of us realised AE, despite their stated beliefs in openess, have been very off in the ways they've treated some people and issues, and toward the end of your tenure it was getting hard to listen to at times... but even though I miss the extra doc segments of the old format, I love that you've found the joy again, and that you and Rob have updated the show and run with it! Onward and upward! 🕊
And boring inside production note: The "extra doc" was just the *one* audio documentary I'd made, but split in two because there was this (faulty imo) idea that people would drift off. And there had to be chatter in between.
Very pleased now just to have the audio doc play out out in full with no yapping in between!
Hey David, is the armed chaired and dangerous episode 'Birds Aren't Real' anywhere to be found? Honestly my favourite podcast episode of all time. I went to send it to a friend the other day and I can't find it on spotify anymore... :(
I have no idea - post Wondry deal, I have no clue about anything besides Flightless Bird. That is Armchair Expert land which I now have zero to do with. Sorry!
I ask because I have the same (late) diagnosis and I'm not sure what to make of it. On the one hand, it makes perfect sense - I was going through some old school reports the other day and it is frighteningly obvious that there is something unaddressed going on - but on the other hand I am unsure as to how it actually helps, and so much of the "advice" out there is just another rabbit hole of endless baseless Content that trades on relatability but doesn't offer many useful solutions.
I am on my slow release ADHD meds this week, and I am efficient and focussed. But I am also a little speedier than I'd like to be, and want to figure that out. I also get a slight slump when I come off them, which I do not appreciate. And makes me think the dose is too high.
My advice is don't listen to any advice. If you have the diagnosis, get some meds (either fast or slow release) and try them. I reckon you will know if it's for you once you've tried them. Or at least, like me, you will be in that process.
From what I can tell of you from afar - you are a fucking amazing human off ADHD meds, so yeah - whether it makes life easier, or not, for you is your call.
I have advice, but it's medical advice. Also I'm not a doctor. So you should definitely listen to my advice!
~200mg l-theanine supplement taken with ADHD meds helps many people with the speedy feeling. It also alleviates coffee jitters for a lot of folks.
The slump is common, especially if your body is still adjusting. Make sure to stay hydrated and eat since ADHD meds suppress thirst and appetite, which contributes to a slump and/or irritability when the meds wear off. Too many docs neglect to mention this when prescribing and then, as one might expect from an ADHD person, the patient starts their meds and doesn't realize until 8pm that they've eaten nothing, had four coffees, and no water all day.
Yeah Meg nailed it. I’d say make sure you eat first or are you eating when you take it in the AM. Are you taking more than one dose? Do you mean you’re having the slump when you come down off the dose each day or in general if you’re off them for a few days?
L-theanine is life. Regardless of ADHD meds, taking it with caffeine will counteract any negative side effects from the caffeine. It’s a must for stimulants
It’s an update on their pioneering earlier work ‘Driven To Distraction’ which profoundly changed how we understand ADHD based on their exploration of the lived experience - both theirs and that of others - as two clinician authors with ADHD themselves.
🤷Totally unqualified in any way BUT as someone who found out late that I had what was at the time called "Aspergers" or "high functioning Autism" which as a female I had largely tried to "mask" all my life, I found a diagnosis gave me comfort ⁉️ It allowed me to have perspective on past events (as you mentioned) BUT for TODAY it has helped me work through what is a benefit of being as I am & so stop trying to suppress or change it, and what might hold me back & needs a strategy to deal with 🤷 Different from an ADHD diagnosis but knowledge is power ⁉️🫂
Thanks for the empathy. A strange time. I was concerned once I realise he was visiting my flat etc., and hearing about his prior actions from interviewees made me more uneasy. Lucky - things stopped. I guess that was because I left New Zealand.
He did make up a fake legal case which ending up costing about $10,000 to defend and get rid of, so that kinda sucked: https://www.webworm.co/p/plunketsorgan
First of all thanks for the photo of Pedro Pascal and his slutty little top. Fellas, if you want a role model, there's your man for ya!
You know what I always want to know David - what are you reading at the moment? And have you got any recommendations for really good books on religious cults, particularly those that aren't the big famous ones?
I'm reading How To Stand Up To a Dictator, by Maria Ressa. Trying to be less despondent about how ineffective and passive the left are (including me) as we get rolled over by fascists.
As for books on religious cults - not many - but I DO recommend Underground, by Haruki Murakami.
this is so random, but i would listen to a pod on HOAs. i recently saw a reddit comment from someone abroad who thought that HOA culture in the usa is obscene, and i couldn't agree more. it's def a uniquely suburban flavor of control that feels very american.
ETA: now realizing i didn't ask a question on an ama hehe. so, are you familiar with/have you listened to bon iver's new album? i feel like you'd enjoy the change from sad cabin man > hopefulness is on the horizon vibe. hope you and rob make it to colorado soon :)
I agree - but the issue is making a good topic actually compelling and workable in audio form. Essentially it's very hard to find a way to not make it boring (I don't have the skills).
I am always gently on the lookout for amazing humans that have a personal experience in topics like that, so they can be the guiding force into the broader topic.
I feel like there could be some very interesting stories about HOAs. In my neighborhood growing up, the head of the HOA was voted out, but refused to accept it and basically staged a coup to try to regain control. He refused to leave the meeting room until they did a recount and then went door to door trying to get people to sign a petition that made the claim he had actually won. The neighborhood was full of people who had inherited familial wealth and never had to work so they really cared about the menial things the HOA controlled like street sweeping day. It was insane.
There are a lot of people who like to complain about their HOA - until their neighbor does something they don't think should be allowed. What it ultimately comes down to is that there are a lot of people who want to do whatever they want themselves, and at the exact same time prevent others from doing whatever it is they want if it conflicts with their own personal goals/preferences. (And sounds a good bit like many elected politicians.)
There's also the other side of the coin where people on the HOA boards get on a power trip and can be quite hungry to wield the little power they have in whatever way they can figure out, for whatever reason they might have. All a challenge, no matter which way you look at it. If you're one of those who is willing to apply the rules fairly and evenly, with reasonable judgement involved and without getting into a power trip, volunteering to be on the HOA board can be a good contribution to your local community. Or it might be exceedingly frustrating.
How is flightless bird doing with listenership? Do you think you and Rob can keep this going? I love it. I share it. I just have no idea if it's enough (you obviously don't have a crystal ball, but what's the current vibe do you think?)
We are doing OK? It's letting us pay our wonderful editor and animator, and gives us some pocket money. Largely it's for the love - and I'd say live shows are a way we can make money that sort of justifies the time and effort a little if that makes sense?
But it's a side gig.
I put way more effort and thought and care into Webworm and this community - and some other development work for other projects I wanna make.
All I'd say is that word of mouth and sharing specific episodes really helps. It's the only way people will discover this fairly obscure show (same goes with Webworm)!
Hi David, firstly just want to say your making NZ proud over in the US ♥️
Secondly, is there any particular documentary apps that I can use in NZ you would recommend? Im embarrassed to say I haven't watched Tickled, which is the only one of your documentaries I haven't seen.
I think DocPlay is a really great service. They had Tickled and Mister Organ last time I checked - and a great place to discover other documentary work.
You should also check out what your public library has for streaming! Most have either Beamafilm or Kanopy and they are pretty documentary heavy. I watched Tickled on Beamafilm.
How about a Flightless Bird episode where you just chat to the most interesting people that you come across on the Santa Monica boardwalk & Venice Beach?
I visited the US for the first time a couple of years ago and found that the people-watching in Santa Monica was incredible!
One of the more memorable sights was a tall black guy dressed impeccably in a baby-blue suit and wearing an amazing gaudy Egyptian Pharaoh-style headdress. I have no idea what his deal was but he’d undoubtedly have made for a fascinating interview subject.
Hi David, I'm interested to know your thoughts on the 'rage comments' you sometimes get when you post something people don't like for whatever reason (eg because they see it as 'too political' or political in a way that they disagree with). Do these comments come from actual followers or are they from people who never actually followed you in the first place? Some comments seem strange because it's not like you've drastically changed your stance or anything!
I think these days a lot of them are just bots, or are the kinda crazy ones that I've annoyed over the years by being critical of Musk etc.
Generally I just ignore social media more and more - it's an utterly pointless space to engage with people in - ones that agree, and ones that disagree with my stuff.
It's the opposite of this format here at Webworm - which reminds me more of forums back in the day. There is a sense of good will that people come here with - they are not just out for a fight or reaction. If they disagree with me, it's argued in a reasonable way and we're not screaming at each other. And I really love that.
Thanks David, I think that's really sensible - so much social media just feels like doomscrolling in a giant dumpster fire these days. I love the discussions here on Webworm though and the community you've created. Also - thought you would enjoy this, I wore my dinosaur park webworm hat for the Hawkes Bay marathon on the weekend (disclaimer: I did not run the whole marathon, only a 10km!), but they had a person in a blow up dinosaur costume along the course - I pointed to my hat and we high fived as I ran past.
David! I love your work and hope you keep doing it for a long time. That said, I’m worried about the increasing threat to legal green-card holders who speak out against the current admin as you do, especially when having their phones/social media searched when passing through US borders. What is your mindset around this? Will you plan to not cross US borders for the foreseeable future just in case? A flightless bird in the US once again?
I am leaving the US twice in the next few months. I am going to see how that feels coming back in. I have a plan for my stuff if I am for any reason not allowed back.
I had planned to make the US a longish term home - for both my work, and friends here, and exploring chaos - but I am less set on that right now.
I have clear dates where I assess the current fall of America and if certain things are hit, I am leaving.
I am so sorry you are having to re-think your long-term life plans because of our shit government but I am glad your strong sense of curiosity doesn't outweigh your safety in this case. Don't change your mind on that; get out when you need to. You are more precious than your curiosity, your work, and your sense of fairness/justice.
I mean it. I think you kind of like being in danger but I do not want you in a prison or dead.
Any chance you'd do a show in Canada? Or at least an episode on Canadians. We're in the middle of such tense times between Canada and the US that you could probably fit it into the theme! Lol. Anyways, we always look forward to your podcasts and can relate to some of the themes as Canadians.
Getting to Canada is tricky just schedule-wise, but I definitely want to do an episode about it. I love Canada - first place I ever visited out of New Zealand as a kid. And I toured Tickled there a little bit. So - one day, yes.
I enjoyed your story and picture of the deer. I just moved to the glorious Maniototo and entered my photograph of a long dead Merino ram skeleton - mostly curled horns and a little remaining fleece in the landscape photography section of the A&P show. I stealthily watched people's reactions and the vast majority said "Eeeew". It was up against gorgeous landscapes of hoar frost and sprawling hills and valleys of the plain so no hope of beating those at all. I got first place.
Thanks, Marianne. I was really proud of that photo, and really proud of that essay.
Such a badass move, Marianne. We’re here for it. Congrats on the win 🤘🤘
Hi David! Would you consider doing a Flightless Bird on Mormonism? I feel like it would be a perfect topic for an episode. As a non-religious person living in Utah, it’s an incredibly fascinating religion. If you wanted any experts to talk to on the topic, my husband is a transgender, queer person who was born and raised in the religion!
I have already started doing interviews around it. So - yes!
I need to get to Utah at some stage for it obviously, so looking at some other issues to tackle there while in town to make it all worthwhile economically etc.
Any suggestions welcomed!
There’s so many parts of Utah culture that are so unique. There’s the soda shops, state liquor stores, the views on chastity, just about everything here ties back to the church! Honestly you could do a multi-part episode on Utah as a whole. Everything here is so unique to all of the other states I’ve visited, it’s like an entirely different world. The people born and raised here can go their entire lives without realizing that the culture here is not the norm in the rest of the country.
Great tips and ideas - all noted. Maybe it's like Florida - just a blanket series of 3 that has all different aspects, all probably tying back, ultimately, to Mormonism?
Totally second this idea! Utah is such a good microcosm of the US - nonsensical religious conspiracies intermingled with governance, but also great skiing and Sundance film festival? And maybe it's just me, but it seems like Utah produces a high percentage of reality TV stars, with all their extreme personality disorders
Seriously like Katie and LaLa from VPR both from Utah. Obvs any of the Mormon specific stuff like Sisterwives.
Yes absolutely!
I read something about how plastic surgery is huge among Mormons.
You know they have the largest endowment in the world? Ensign Peak Advisors. Highly suggest looking into the articles and things around those.
Isn't Utah the world capital for MLM companies? - a lot to do with Mormonism as well I think. Lots of gender issues involved with these MLMs too!
MLMs themselves would make for a fascinating topic! I find them absolutely fascinating. Hannah Alonzo on YT does incredible reporting on them.
Canadian kels(I think) scraped data from facebook on who does MLMs. It was mostly religious SAH mums Kels has since gone dark
Check out the Gilgal Sculpture Garden (complete with a sculpture of a sphinx with Joseph Smith’s face) and the Spiral Jetty!
Yessss David do one on Mormonism! Ex-Mormon from UT here, I have lots of cool nice people you could interview. ☺️
https://ldsanswers.org/why-are-inverted-pentagrams-on-lds-mormon-temples/
There is a lot going on here.
I have an amazing picture of a car with a random license plate (not a vanity plate) right downtown outside of the big main building for Mormonism and it’s 666. I loved whoever randomly got the 666 license plate in Utah.
Key investigatory research should definitely involve watching Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and, if you must, the secret lives of Mormon wives.
I enjoy Flightless Bird and Web Worm. I think you think you know who your audience is but I think you'd be surprised. I'm a 66 year old female about to retire and 90 percent of the time I've voted Republican. No I did not vote for Trump this last time but the first time he ran I made that mistake. I digress. I love to listen to you. I can't say I share your taste in music but I love your investigative reporting. Do you think you'll ever make it to Atlanta?
Oh Debbie, thanks for being here! That means a lot. And it's encouraging that people can see what's going on and change their voting habits. You have made my day.
Also - congrats on retirement!
I really want to make it to Atlanta - it's on my list of places in the US I need to visit. Your country is SO DARN BIG!
Again thanks for the kind words, and please tell me what music YOU like - I am curious now!
I like F.U.N. who are pretty much defunked now and older classic rock. Going to James Taylor in September. You know the classic old rockers.
Enjoy your retirement, Debbie! If you like FUN, check out Jukebox the Ghost - they're a pretty similar sound/experience
As a white South African I can back you up on the fact that there is definitely no 'white genocide'. Yes, white people get murdered but so do people of all races in South Africa. Actually if you look at the stats white people are getting murdered way less than people of other races. White Afrikaans South Africans are generally known to be pretty racist and it's funny that it's only the white Afrikaans people and not the white English speaking people that need to be saved from this imaginary 'white genocide'. Yes, South Africa can be a dangerous place but it's also an incredible place filled with amazing people and mindblowingly beautiful landscapes. It's a place filled with life and hope. Bringing these white Afrikaaners over here is just a way to increase the number of awful racists in the US who will vote for Trump and others like him in the future. It's gross! 🤢
Thanks for the sane input, Dee - you rule.
Sorry, I realize this isn't a question for the AMA but I just had to comment about the SA 'refugees'
Hi, fellow South African here, but living in Pretoria. I always wondered if I’ll come across a South African through David’s platforms. I am super jealous of you living in California. I’ve travelled a bit, and wish that I’d picked a career where I can move from country to country every few years. Agree on your thoughts above.
Hi Fellow South African! 👋🏼☺️ California has been great but we've decided it's time to get out of here because of what's happening and we're heading to Spain next. I do feel lucky to have the chance to move around but SA will always be in my blood and holds such a special place in my heart. Often I find myself yearning for the smell of SA (mostly burning 😂), the big skies and open spaces, the beaches (I grew up in East London), and the warmth of the people. It really is an incredible place but I also (obviously) understand the desire to live in and experience other countries - just not by claiming to be a refugee 😉 - I hope you get the chance to sometime!
May Spain treat you well! I lived in London for 7 years, and missed SA every single day. I now I’ve just been missing London every single day for the past 15 years. I’ll raise my next glass of red wine next to the braai on you, to help ease the yearning. #norefugee 😁
Oh cool, where did you live in London? I lived there for 12 years from 2000 - 2012 (well London for some of that time and other parts of the UK too). Thank you for raising your next glass of red at your next braai! Lol at #nonrefugee 👍🏼😂
I saw you do the collab with Liz on substack (love you guys!), but neither of you guys have really addressed the whole "ditched by dax and Monica" thing (at least not that I've seen). Is there bad blood there? From our perspective Flightless Bird was just kinda dropped and never mentioned again on their side, and Synched didn't even say goodbye (other than a still photo that showed up on Instagram weeks later). I stopped listening to armchair cause they made me mad with all that
Sorry no hot tea here - and find my energy is better spent just making stuff.
Look back at most things in life tends to suck shit, so I try and just look forward.
Flightless Bird is (imo) infinitely better now, and I'm proud of that! The extent of my takes I said when we started afresh - https://www.webworm.co/p/flightlessbirdupdate
Sad on the one hand, because AE gave you opportunities, you seemed to be friends, and it was fun for us in NZ to have a Kiwi integrated into -such- a US platform.
After you left I think some of us realised AE, despite their stated beliefs in openess, have been very off in the ways they've treated some people and issues, and toward the end of your tenure it was getting hard to listen to at times... but even though I miss the extra doc segments of the old format, I love that you've found the joy again, and that you and Rob have updated the show and run with it! Onward and upward! 🕊
Thanks for sticking with us!
And boring inside production note: The "extra doc" was just the *one* audio documentary I'd made, but split in two because there was this (faulty imo) idea that people would drift off. And there had to be chatter in between.
Very pleased now just to have the audio doc play out out in full with no yapping in between!
Hey David, is the armed chaired and dangerous episode 'Birds Aren't Real' anywhere to be found? Honestly my favourite podcast episode of all time. I went to send it to a friend the other day and I can't find it on spotify anymore... :(
I have no idea - post Wondry deal, I have no clue about anything besides Flightless Bird. That is Armchair Expert land which I now have zero to do with. Sorry!
How's the ADHD thing tracking?
I ask because I have the same (late) diagnosis and I'm not sure what to make of it. On the one hand, it makes perfect sense - I was going through some old school reports the other day and it is frighteningly obvious that there is something unaddressed going on - but on the other hand I am unsure as to how it actually helps, and so much of the "advice" out there is just another rabbit hole of endless baseless Content that trades on relatability but doesn't offer many useful solutions.
I am on my slow release ADHD meds this week, and I am efficient and focussed. But I am also a little speedier than I'd like to be, and want to figure that out. I also get a slight slump when I come off them, which I do not appreciate. And makes me think the dose is too high.
My advice is don't listen to any advice. If you have the diagnosis, get some meds (either fast or slow release) and try them. I reckon you will know if it's for you once you've tried them. Or at least, like me, you will be in that process.
From what I can tell of you from afar - you are a fucking amazing human off ADHD meds, so yeah - whether it makes life easier, or not, for you is your call.
I have advice, but it's medical advice. Also I'm not a doctor. So you should definitely listen to my advice!
~200mg l-theanine supplement taken with ADHD meds helps many people with the speedy feeling. It also alleviates coffee jitters for a lot of folks.
The slump is common, especially if your body is still adjusting. Make sure to stay hydrated and eat since ADHD meds suppress thirst and appetite, which contributes to a slump and/or irritability when the meds wear off. Too many docs neglect to mention this when prescribing and then, as one might expect from an ADHD person, the patient starts their meds and doesn't realize until 8pm that they've eaten nothing, had four coffees, and no water all day.
This was absolutely never mentioned to me by any medical professional on this journey. So - thank you! Sincerely.
Yeah Meg nailed it. I’d say make sure you eat first or are you eating when you take it in the AM. Are you taking more than one dose? Do you mean you’re having the slump when you come down off the dose each day or in general if you’re off them for a few days?
So THAT'S why I feel better from drinking tea on my medicated days!
brb making a cup of tea
L-theanine is life. Regardless of ADHD meds, taking it with caffeine will counteract any negative side effects from the caffeine. It’s a must for stimulants
If you’ve not found it already, I can recommend Hallowell and Ratey’s book ADHD 2.0 https://www.amazon.com.au/ADHD-2-0-Essential-Strategies-Distraction/dp/0399178732
It’s an update on their pioneering earlier work ‘Driven To Distraction’ which profoundly changed how we understand ADHD based on their exploration of the lived experience - both theirs and that of others - as two clinician authors with ADHD themselves.
🤷Totally unqualified in any way BUT as someone who found out late that I had what was at the time called "Aspergers" or "high functioning Autism" which as a female I had largely tried to "mask" all my life, I found a diagnosis gave me comfort ⁉️ It allowed me to have perspective on past events (as you mentioned) BUT for TODAY it has helped me work through what is a benefit of being as I am & so stop trying to suppress or change it, and what might hold me back & needs a strategy to deal with 🤷 Different from an ADHD diagnosis but knowledge is power ⁉️🫂
I felt anxious for you during Mr. Organ. Were you worried he was going to escalate past getting your house keys? How long did that whole ordeal last?
Thanks for the empathy. A strange time. I was concerned once I realise he was visiting my flat etc., and hearing about his prior actions from interviewees made me more uneasy. Lucky - things stopped. I guess that was because I left New Zealand.
He did make up a fake legal case which ending up costing about $10,000 to defend and get rid of, so that kinda sucked: https://www.webworm.co/p/plunketsorgan
Classic Farrier...
lol brussel sprouts
ONLY QUESTIONS HERE, SCOTT!!!!!
Classic Farrier...(?)
lol brussel sprouts(?)
( ,,⩌'︿'⩌,,)
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
First of all thanks for the photo of Pedro Pascal and his slutty little top. Fellas, if you want a role model, there's your man for ya!
You know what I always want to know David - what are you reading at the moment? And have you got any recommendations for really good books on religious cults, particularly those that aren't the big famous ones?
I'm reading How To Stand Up To a Dictator, by Maria Ressa. Trying to be less despondent about how ineffective and passive the left are (including me) as we get rolled over by fascists.
As for books on religious cults - not many - but I DO recommend Underground, by Haruki Murakami.
Thanks! That Murakami book has been on my list for AGES, maybe it's time I bump it up to the top. One of the best writers of our times.
this is so random, but i would listen to a pod on HOAs. i recently saw a reddit comment from someone abroad who thought that HOA culture in the usa is obscene, and i couldn't agree more. it's def a uniquely suburban flavor of control that feels very american.
ETA: now realizing i didn't ask a question on an ama hehe. so, are you familiar with/have you listened to bon iver's new album? i feel like you'd enjoy the change from sad cabin man > hopefulness is on the horizon vibe. hope you and rob make it to colorado soon :)
I agree - but the issue is making a good topic actually compelling and workable in audio form. Essentially it's very hard to find a way to not make it boring (I don't have the skills).
I am always gently on the lookout for amazing humans that have a personal experience in topics like that, so they can be the guiding force into the broader topic.
Noted!
I feel like there could be some very interesting stories about HOAs. In my neighborhood growing up, the head of the HOA was voted out, but refused to accept it and basically staged a coup to try to regain control. He refused to leave the meeting room until they did a recount and then went door to door trying to get people to sign a petition that made the claim he had actually won. The neighborhood was full of people who had inherited familial wealth and never had to work so they really cared about the menial things the HOA controlled like street sweeping day. It was insane.
There are a lot of people who like to complain about their HOA - until their neighbor does something they don't think should be allowed. What it ultimately comes down to is that there are a lot of people who want to do whatever they want themselves, and at the exact same time prevent others from doing whatever it is they want if it conflicts with their own personal goals/preferences. (And sounds a good bit like many elected politicians.)
There's also the other side of the coin where people on the HOA boards get on a power trip and can be quite hungry to wield the little power they have in whatever way they can figure out, for whatever reason they might have. All a challenge, no matter which way you look at it. If you're one of those who is willing to apply the rules fairly and evenly, with reasonable judgement involved and without getting into a power trip, volunteering to be on the HOA board can be a good contribution to your local community. Or it might be exceedingly frustrating.
Actually, I have another question sorry.
How is flightless bird doing with listenership? Do you think you and Rob can keep this going? I love it. I share it. I just have no idea if it's enough (you obviously don't have a crystal ball, but what's the current vibe do you think?)
We are doing OK? It's letting us pay our wonderful editor and animator, and gives us some pocket money. Largely it's for the love - and I'd say live shows are a way we can make money that sort of justifies the time and effort a little if that makes sense?
But it's a side gig.
I put way more effort and thought and care into Webworm and this community - and some other development work for other projects I wanna make.
All I'd say is that word of mouth and sharing specific episodes really helps. It's the only way people will discover this fairly obscure show (same goes with Webworm)!
Hi David, firstly just want to say your making NZ proud over in the US ♥️
Secondly, is there any particular documentary apps that I can use in NZ you would recommend? Im embarrassed to say I haven't watched Tickled, which is the only one of your documentaries I haven't seen.
Thanks, that is kind!
I think DocPlay is a really great service. They had Tickled and Mister Organ last time I checked - and a great place to discover other documentary work.
You should also check out what your public library has for streaming! Most have either Beamafilm or Kanopy and they are pretty documentary heavy. I watched Tickled on Beamafilm.
Seconded! The NZ public library system had Tickled and Mister Organ last time I checked!
I just checked on Maori+ and it's still there.
I watched Tickled on the Maori channel it might still be there on demand.
How about a Flightless Bird episode where you just chat to the most interesting people that you come across on the Santa Monica boardwalk & Venice Beach?
I visited the US for the first time a couple of years ago and found that the people-watching in Santa Monica was incredible!
One of the more memorable sights was a tall black guy dressed impeccably in a baby-blue suit and wearing an amazing gaudy Egyptian Pharaoh-style headdress. I have no idea what his deal was but he’d undoubtedly have made for a fascinating interview subject.
Hi David, I'm interested to know your thoughts on the 'rage comments' you sometimes get when you post something people don't like for whatever reason (eg because they see it as 'too political' or political in a way that they disagree with). Do these comments come from actual followers or are they from people who never actually followed you in the first place? Some comments seem strange because it's not like you've drastically changed your stance or anything!
I think these days a lot of them are just bots, or are the kinda crazy ones that I've annoyed over the years by being critical of Musk etc.
Generally I just ignore social media more and more - it's an utterly pointless space to engage with people in - ones that agree, and ones that disagree with my stuff.
It's the opposite of this format here at Webworm - which reminds me more of forums back in the day. There is a sense of good will that people come here with - they are not just out for a fight or reaction. If they disagree with me, it's argued in a reasonable way and we're not screaming at each other. And I really love that.
Thanks David, I think that's really sensible - so much social media just feels like doomscrolling in a giant dumpster fire these days. I love the discussions here on Webworm though and the community you've created. Also - thought you would enjoy this, I wore my dinosaur park webworm hat for the Hawkes Bay marathon on the weekend (disclaimer: I did not run the whole marathon, only a 10km!), but they had a person in a blow up dinosaur costume along the course - I pointed to my hat and we high fived as I ran past.
God I love that shirt. Especially Kermit's (well, Kermit adjacent) decapitated head!
A *non IP infringing generic frog* decapitated head perhaps?
I cannot comment! :P
David! I love your work and hope you keep doing it for a long time. That said, I’m worried about the increasing threat to legal green-card holders who speak out against the current admin as you do, especially when having their phones/social media searched when passing through US borders. What is your mindset around this? Will you plan to not cross US borders for the foreseeable future just in case? A flightless bird in the US once again?
Wishing you good health and safety.
I am leaving the US twice in the next few months. I am going to see how that feels coming back in. I have a plan for my stuff if I am for any reason not allowed back.
I had planned to make the US a longish term home - for both my work, and friends here, and exploring chaos - but I am less set on that right now.
I have clear dates where I assess the current fall of America and if certain things are hit, I am leaving.
I am so sorry you are having to re-think your long-term life plans because of our shit government but I am glad your strong sense of curiosity doesn't outweigh your safety in this case. Don't change your mind on that; get out when you need to. You are more precious than your curiosity, your work, and your sense of fairness/justice.
I mean it. I think you kind of like being in danger but I do not want you in a prison or dead.
Where would you move to? Melbourne is ace and seems like it could be your sort of city.
I really love Melbourne. A lot. It's a strong contender.
Any chance you'd do a show in Canada? Or at least an episode on Canadians. We're in the middle of such tense times between Canada and the US that you could probably fit it into the theme! Lol. Anyways, we always look forward to your podcasts and can relate to some of the themes as Canadians.
Getting to Canada is tricky just schedule-wise, but I definitely want to do an episode about it. I love Canada - first place I ever visited out of New Zealand as a kid. And I toured Tickled there a little bit. So - one day, yes.