Back to Square One

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Are We The Toxic Ones?? Mar 23, 2022

Show notes

Are you toxic? How do you know if you're in a toxic relationship? If so, how do you get out of one? This week on Back to Square One, Derek and Carmen discuss the 25 toxic traits from Dr. Erin Eatough's article "Too Toxic! How to spot the traits in yourself and others". From lack of empathy for others to self-centredness and from being quick to anger to avoiding conflict, Carmen and Derek discuss the various traits to spot for in a toxic partner. What is "Gaslighting" exactly and how do you work on becoming self-aware of your own toxicity? Listen to this week's episode to find out!

** This episode is sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ https://www.schedule35.co **

Life & Death... and Everything In-Between Mar 16, 2022

Show notes

After an extremely heavy episode last week, Derek organizes his thoughts and sits down with Carmen this week to talk about the steps he's taken to actively move on from his childhood trauma. Carmen and Derek share the ways in which they deal with their depressions and problems. They introduce their discord channel to everyone who feels alone and who are in search of a safe and supportive community to share their problems. Carmen and Derek share their thoughts on death, dying, life after death and dealing with grief. What happens after death? If you knew that your death was impending, would you be ready to go? In contrast, Carmen and Derek end off the episode exploring life, the unborn and hopes for the future as Carmen becomes a mother and Derek becomes a funcle.

** This episode is sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ https://www.schedule35.co **

You Only Live Once Mar 09, 2022

Show notes

This episode is dedicated to Yolo, Derek's Labrador Retriever & Border Collie mix who passed in January the night of recording episode 11. Derek shares the events leading up to and following the heartbreaking news of Yolo's passing. Derek and Carmen recall earlier memories of Yolo and Derek speaks on what he has learned from being a dog owner. Despite undergoing the shared sorrow of Yolo's passing, Derek realizes the extent of the bond he shares with his family.

What are some surprising things you've learned if you've ever owned or raised a pet?

What's an effective mindset that can help you move on from trauma?

** This episode is also sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ https://www.schedule35.co **

We Talk Dating... Advice, Fails, and Everything In-Between Mar 02, 2022

Show notes

This week, Derek and Carmen share unsolicited dating tips and advice! They go over what they find attractive in the opposite sex and tricks on how to make yourself feel and look more confident. Derek and Carmen dive into what they learned from their own dating experiences and things they wish they had done differently in their previous relationships.

If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self when it comes to dating advice? When not dating, how do you find comfort in being alone?

**This episode is also sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ www.schedule35.co **

The Source of Ambition... and the Truth Behind Teeth? Feb 23, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back! In episode 10, Derek and Carmen talk origin stories. Derek shares the details of how he pursued a less traditional career path - from music engineering and wedding photography to talent management and now, creating Schedule35. Derek discusses the “extra credits” theory which he believes to be the reason behind his risk-taking endeavours. Carmen shares how she stumbled into the misunderstood world of Dentistry. She reveals the uncommonly known reasons why Dentists are among those who are known to have the highest suicidal tendencies. The episode ends off with a little light-hearted fashion talk when Carmen compliments Derek's ever so elegant fashion sense.

Some key questions for this week's discussion in our community Discord:

“What is the source of your drive and ambition?”

"Do you prioritize fear of safety or fear of regret?"

This episode is also sponsored by MANSCAPED! Thanks for tuning in all these weeks and making this possible for us. We've personally used MANSCAPED products for a few years now and loved that they reached out to us. If you're looking for the best in men's below-the-belt grooming, check them out.

For all my fellas!! Use code "BacktoSQ1" for 20% off and free shipping at www.manscaped.com. The ladies will thank you ;)

** This episode is also sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ www.schedule35.co **

Looking Through the Hourglass Feb 16, 2022

Show notes

This week, Derek and Carmen go back in time and recount their earliest childhood memories. Derek tells the story of when someone stole his beloved red ball while living in government housing and growing up being terrified of his dad's explosive temper. Carmen describes an embarrassing memory of shopping with her mom and her first encounter with law enforcement at the tender age of six. Derek and Carmen describe their parents' relationships from their perspectives. Derek talks about the one time he thought his mom was finally going to leave her loveless marriage and Carmen discusses the effects her dad's absence had on her childhood. The episode ends with Carmen and Derek realizing an appreciation for their friendship despite the obvious differences in their family dynamics and the paths they have chosen in life.

Some key questions for this week's discussion in our community Discord:

“How well do you think your parents know you?”

"As you get older, do the actions of your parents make more sense?"

** This episode is also sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ www.schedule35.co **

What is Chemistry?? Feb 09, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode! This week on Back to Square One, Derek and Carmen talk all things chemistry. What is chemistry? How do you know when you have it with someone? Who do you wish you had chemistry with but don't? Is it more common to have chemistry with people who are of the same ethnicity because of similar upbringings and cultural understanding? Derek and Carmen go into the chemistry that exists between them and explore the chemistry that exists between them and other friends in their shared friend's circle.

** This episode is also sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ www.schedule35.co **

The Rules of Engagement Feb 02, 2022

Show notes

This week, Derek and Carmen reacts to the TikTok comments of their two most controversial posts from episode 1. Can guy + girl best friends be truly platonic without exploring all doors? Why is it hard to keep people we vibe with in our lives despite things not working out romantically? Carmen discusses her insecurity of sharing her life with the world and dealing with negative comments. Derek and Carmen ponders whether they could still be friends with their exes, whether the "it" factor exists or not in relationships or whether they can develop over time, allowing friends to dig their way out of the friendzone. The episode ends with some sound advice from Carmen's mom on the most important thing to look for in a relationship.

WE ALSO JUST LAUNCHED... our Discord community! Join us in discussion and connecting with others : )

** This episode is also sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ www.schedule35.co **

*GASP* The Big News Jan 26, 2022

Show notes

Carmen shares HUGE news! She's pregnant! Carmen retraces the emotional roller coaster of trying to conceive and her first thoughts after finding out. Derek is educated on the insecurities and rush that women suffer and feel, thanks to the ticking female biological clock and fertility concerns associated with age. Carmen gets emotional describing the devotion and passion she has to becoming the best mother she could be but also her fears of the inevitable change that a baby will have on her life. Uncle Derek talks about his reaction after hearing about the news and his future hopes for baby C.

** This episode is also sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ www.schedule35.co **

A Story of Siblings Jan 19, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back! After last week's episode, where Derek reflects on his childhood and upbringing, he decides to reach out to his younger brother after a 6-year hiatus. Derek describes the reunion and confirms his previous assumptions about his family dynamics after talking with his brother. Carmen illustrates the relationship she had with her younger sister and the burdened role of being the older sibling growing up. The two debate the advantages of growing up with a sibling, while examining the benefits of being an only child.

PS. We're only 5 episodes in but we've both been absolutely blown away by the positive reception. We never thought the personal conversations we've been having together as best friends for so many years held so much relatability for so many others. It's so heartwarming to see and learn that none of us are ever really alone in the things we experience and the things we feel. Thank you. Truly. For sharing with your friends, leaving honest and vulnerable comments & messages, we're so excited to continue on this journey together : )

** This episode is also sponsored by Schedule35 - your best microdosing source in North America. We've been huge advocates of the power of psilocybin and magic mushrooms for self-understanding and self-healing. If you guys are interested, feel free to use code 'BACKTOSQ1' on your checkout for 15% off @ www.schedule35.co **

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