cu·ri·os·i·ty / noun / a strong desire to know or learn something. Gillian Jacobs [Community, Love] and Diona Reasover [NCIS] talk with Brie and Jessie about why curisotiy inspired them to start their podcast Periodic Talks.
anx·i·e·ty / noun / a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.Bill Hader [Saturday Night Live, Barry] talks with Brie and Jessie about anxiety and how it has affected his career. They're also joined by Dr. Nina Vasan of Standford University for a look at the medical and scientific side of anxiety.
ead·er·ship / noun / the action of leading a group of people or an organization.Rob McElHenney [It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Mythic Quest] talks with Jessie and Mythic Quest co-star Charlotte Nicdao about leadership and what makes a good leader.
con·fi·dence / noun / the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust. Amy Poehler [Saturday Night Live, Parks and Recreation] sits down with Brie and Jessie to discuss confidence. Later in the episode Jessie asks three kids, Oona, Calvin and Story, how they feel about this week’s topic.
cli·mate jus·tice / noun / a term used to frame climate change as an ethical and political issue, rather than one that is purely environmental or physical in nature.Political activist, environmentalist and double academy award winner Jane Fonda teams up with Hop Hopkins of Sierra Club to discuss climate crises, climate justice and activism with Brie and Jessie.
sleep / noun / a condition of body and mind that typically recurs for several hours every night, in which the nervous system is relatively inactive, the eyes closed, the postural muscles relaxed, and consciousness practically suspended.Comedian Mike Birbiglia [Sleepwalk with Me, Don’t Think Twice] talks with Brie and Jessie about sleep and his personal experience with REM sleep behaviour disorder. Later in the episode Director of Meditation at Headspace, Eve Lewis Prieto, takes us through a guided sleep meditation from Netflix's Headspace Guide to Sleep.
act·ing / noun / the art or occupation of performing in plays, movies, or television productions. Jacob Tremblay [Luca, Wonder, Room] discusses acting with Brie and Jessie, and goes down memory lane from co-starring Brie in Room. Later in the episode Brie and Jessie go full method and perform Shakespeare monologues.
puz·zle / noun / a game, toy, or problem designed to test ingenuity or knowledge. Magician, wordsmith and puzzle creator David Kwong talks with Brie and Jessie about puzzles, crosswords and magic, and puts them to the test with an original Learning Lots puzzle!
press·sure / noun / the use of persuasion, influence, or intimidation to make someone do something. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson discusses pressure and how to handle it with Brie and Jessie. They’re also joined by sport and performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais.
re·gret / verb / feel sad, repentant, or disappointed over (something that one has done or failed to do). Melissa McCarthy [Bridesmaids, Mike & Molly, Saturday Night Live] talks with Brie and Jessie about regret, the things we regret and why. Later on we check in with you, our listeners, to hear about your regrets.
can·na·bis / noun / a tall plant with a stiff upright stem, divided serrated leaves, and glandular hairs. It is used to produce hemp fibre and as a drug. Comedian, actress, television host and activist Chelsea Handler talks with Brie and Jessie about weed and the dark history of American cannabis law.
lis·ten / verb / give one's attention to a sound. Author, television host and former CIA officer Amaryllis Fox talks with Brie and Jessie about listening, and the importance of listening to our enemies. They're also joined by Instagram-birder Joshua Bellamy who discusses birdwatching and what separates one birdsong from another.
pur·pose / noun / the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. Writer, actor, model and poet Yrsa Daley-Ward talks with Brie and Jessie about purpose and how to find it within yourself. Later on, we check in with you, our listeners, to hear what helps you tune out the noise.
flow / noun / the action or fact of moving along in a steady, continuous stream. 2 x Olympic medalist Laurie Hernandez talks with Brie and Jessie about flow state and how it affects her performance during high-states events. Later on we experience good flow in practice as we premiere a poem by Prince Ea, written for Learning Lots!
re·flec·tion / noun / consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose. Brie and Jessie reflect on everything they've learned as the first season of Learning Lots draws to a close. Who do you want to hear from in the second season? What topics do you want to learn lots about? Follow us on social media or write us a review and let us know.