The Station Wagon Podcast: Exploring Mindfulness and Sibling Rivalry

Ep 50: Self-affirmation May 04, 2019

After a long break, Marc and Julie are back with lots of nice stuff to say to themselves. Grab your mirror, and enjoy this ep all about the science and history of self-affirmation!

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Credits

This episode was recorded in Snoqualmie and Olympia, and produced at Shiny Object studios using Audacity.
All research by Julie and Marc; all opinions are our own.
Our music, “Modern Problems” is by The Pleasure Kills

Give

Send your cash to Planned Parenthood or one of the other great organizations devoted to providing quality care to all!

Ep 49: Mirrors Feb 03, 2019

Don't take your reflection for granted. Learn about the history and science of looking in mirrors and what happens when we (tried to) give them up for a couple of weeks.

Be Social

Leave us feedback on Itunes (or wherever).
Join the discussion in our Facebook Group.
Tweet at us @Wagonpod

Credits

This episode was recorded in Snoqualmie and Olympia, and produced at Shiny Object studios using Audacity.
All research by Julie and Marc; all opinions are our own.
Our music, “Modern Problems” is by The Pleasure Kills

Give

Send your cash to Planned Parenthood or one of the other great organizations devoted to providing quality care to all!

Ep 48: Food Variety Jan 12, 2019

How many varieties of Doritos do we actually need? What happens when we give up food variety? Learn the science and history of diet variation and follow along for Marc and Julie's experiment!

Please note: This is the episode in which we go for a more organic, less-edited feel. I.e, Hear Marc make lots of notes to himself about editing, which Julie deliberately ignores because she got to edit this one [insert evil laughing].

Be Social

Leave us feedback on Itunes (or wherever).
Join the discussion in our Facebook Group.
Tweet at us @Wagonpod

Credits

This episode was recorded in Snoqualmie and Olympia, and produced at Shiny Object studios using Audacity.
All research by Julie and Marc; all opinions are our own.
Our music, “Modern Problems” is by The Pleasure Kills

Introduction to the Station Wagon Podcast Dec 20, 2018

Siblings Marc Shecter and Dr. Julie Kinn give you the science and history of the things in life we take for granted. After taking a closer look, they change their behavior for a couple of weeks and tell you how it goes!

Ep 47: Pop Music Dec 07, 2018

"Pop music is not a threatening style of music." -- Joan Jett. That's good to know since we are only listening to pop music and not our usual mix. Spoiler alert -- one of us like this, one of us didn't.

Ep 46: Sleep Deprivation Nov 09, 2018

How much sleep do we actually need? We dive into the science and history of sleep, and then try to reduce our sleep for a couple of weeks to see how bad it really is.

Learn more about insomnia, sleep apneas, and all sorts of sleep disorders and treatments/tips for adults and kids from actual experts on the A Better Night's Sleep podcast (made for the military, but good for everyone!).

Be Social

Leave us feedback on Itunes.
Join the discussion in our Facebook Group.

Credits

This episode was recorded in Snoqualmie and Olympia, and produced at Shiny Object studios using Audacity.
All research by Julie and Marc; all opinions are our own.
Our music, “Modern Problems” is by The Pleasure Kills

Thank you’s

Huge thanks to our listeners whose enthusiasm keeps us going! And to our spouses, children, and friends for putting up with us giving us feedback and contributing to the betterment of our show.

Ep 45: Gossip Sep 08, 2018

We become much better people by giving up gossip. Sort of. Tune in to learn all about the science and history of gossip and why giving it up is probably not a great idea.

Bonus: Marc Gives Julie Advice Aug 03, 2018

Julie seeks advice from Marc on how to handle people who are seriously into medical treatments that have no scientific backing. Spoiler: he's not very helpful. Weigh in with your own recommendations on Twitter or Facebook. Please! We seriously need all the help we can get!

Ep 44: Cash vs. Credit Jul 26, 2018

When is cash better than credit, and vice versa? Learn the history and science of how we pay for stuff, and find out what happens when we give up credit and virtual payments. Featuring guest star, "Olaf" and commercial break from Planned Parenthood.

Ep 43: Photography and Taking Pictures Jul 09, 2018

We dig deep into the reasons why modern Westerners take pictures, and we find out what happens when we give up photography for a couple of weeks. Spoiler alert: Pebbles was the real victim of this experiment.

Commercial Break: Planned Parenthood

#science #history #podernfamily

Bonus: Cheesy Clickbait Evaluation Jun 24, 2018

Join us for a minisode in which we dig into the research behind some delicious clickbait!

Ep 42: Dreams and Dream Interpretation Jun 19, 2018

It's a battle of the siblings: Marc Shecter thinks dream interpretation is enlightening, and Julie Kinn thinks it's cow dung. Spoiler alert: Julie's right. And cooler. And smells better. And is in charge of "show notes" this month.

Learn history and science of dreams and dream interpretation, and find out what Marc and Julie learn about themselves when they record their dreams for two weeks.

Commercial break:

P.S. Hey Marc, You're so ugly Hello Kitty said goodbye to you.

Ep 41: Lip Care May 21, 2018

Marc and Julie's latest ep is like a user's guide for your mouth! Learn all about the history, science, and cultural significance of lipstick and lip balm.

Plus, Julie even tried "grown up lady" make-up for a week (see below for proof)! It didn't end well. Can someone please help her, already?

Commercial break: Planned Parenthood

Ep 40: Chocolate Mar 26, 2018

Is white 'chocolate' chocolate? What's the deal with craving chocolate before menstruation? Is chocolate actually healthy? Find out with the latest ep of the Station Wagon Podcast, all about the history and science of chocolate (and what happens when hosts Marc Shecter and Julie Kinn tried to give it up for two weeks)!

Big thanks to:

Chris Osborne of Play Comics Podcast
The Pleasure Kills for the use of the song Modern Problems

Ep 39: Meditation and Relaxation Feb 21, 2018

We chill out in episode 39 and focus on the science and history of meditation, mindfulness, and relaxation. Learn about our two-week test: what worked, what didn't, and how Sanford and Sons can assist you during stressful times!

Shout-outs:

Suzy of the Casual Birder Podcast
Paul of Varmints Podcast
Harvey of the 1240 Hangover Cure Podcast

Be sure to try out the Military Meditation Coach podcast and the apps Julie mentioned: the Mindfulness Coach, Virtual Hope Box, and Breathe2Relax.

Ep 38: Nail Clipping, Filing and Biting Jan 15, 2018

Marc and Julie talk about the history and science of traditional nail care. Learn what happens when they give up nail clippers and go Old School!

Important stuff:

Thanks to Brittney Miller (above) for the interview segment and inspiration!
Thanks to Planned Parenthood for everything you do

Ep 37: Greeting Rituals Dec 24, 2017

How much do you acknowledge strangers walking by you on the sidewalk? What about acquaintances at work? Are you like Marc who hates humanity or Julie who tries to high-five random joggers? In this ep, we learn all about the science, history, and culture of modern greeting rituals -- and then talk about what happened when we went out of our way to give a friendly greeting (or at least eye contact and a head nod) to everyone on our path.

Special shout-outs:

Cecil Baldwin and Meg Bashwiner of Welcome to Nightvale for teaching up how to do vocal warm-ups at PodCon!
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
The Toph of GravityBeard Podcast
Kyle of the Merchants of Dirt Podcast
Meddling Kids Podcast (Julie's awesome Scooby-Doo recap show)
Big thanks to the friends who sent in clips we didn't have space to use! Especially Chris Osborne of The Play Comics Podcast and Jimmy from Jimmy Teaches Everything

Join us on Facebook and Twitter!

Ep 36: Letter Writing Nov 22, 2017

We try connecting to friends and loved ones using written correspondence. Marc is a big baby about it, and Julie goes overboard. Learn about the history and science of letter writing!

Visit and connect with us:

Hear Julie's other show (The Meddling Kids Podcast)!

Read about one of Julie's studies on "Caring Letters"

And.... feel free to still send us mail! We'll write ya back!

Station Wagon Podcast, c/o Julie Kinn

1001 Cooper Point SW

Suite 140, PMB #369

Olympia, WA 98502

Screen time minisode Nov 15, 2017

Marc's kids take over the show for this minisode about giving up screens (TV, internet, video games, and computer).

Connect with us at:

http://wagonpod.libsyn.com/

@Wagonpod

https://www.facebook.com/wagonpod/

Ep 35: Fried food Oct 24, 2017

Enjoy our latest foray into the science and history of things we take for granted. This time we focus on the ups, downs, and deliciousness of fried food and food cooked in oil. We then gave it up for a couple of weeks and nearly starved to death!

Twitter: @Wagonpod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wagonpod/

Episode 34: Handedness Sep 25, 2017

Are you right-handed or left? This month we dig into the history, culture, and science of handedness (and we give up using our dominant hands for a couple of weeks to see how much a mess we can make)!

Thanks to:

The Pleasure Kills for the music Modern Problems
Planned Parenthood
The UnMovies Podcast
The Not Your Little Lady Podcast
The Sometimes Geek Podcast

Episode 33: Sugar Aug 22, 2017

We discuss the good and bad aspects of sugar in a regular diet, and then talk about what happens when we give it up. Highlights:

Julie almost loses it when she finds out that Doritos contain sugar
Marc doesn't understand how ice cream works
We test out a new show format (less history, more science). Let us know what you think! [Julie here -- I dislike it... please vote in my favor for the return of history!]

Episode 32: Filler Words Jul 16, 2017

Julie and Marc attempt and fail, attempt again, and fail again to stop using filler words. You know, er, um, uh. Spoiler alert -- failure is a wonderful teacher as long as she doesn’t smack one’s knuckles when accidentally saying ‘um’.

Minisode 31.5 Shows we Love Jul 03, 2017

A mini ep all about other shows we love, including Varmints (http://www.blazingcariboustudios.com/shows/varmints/), the Troyer Show (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6RP7K9miZ1Rdrk8XH-06iw), Wine and Crime (https://wineandcrimepodcast.com/), and Julie's newest show, The Meddling Kids Podcast (http://meddlingkidspod.com)!

Episode 31: Giving up Slouching Jun 04, 2017

In this episode we talk about having good posture, and try it out for ourselves. We also take a journey through time with Princess Putrescence as she tries out ways to improve her posture. Spoiler Alert--One of us needed more help than the other.

Minisode 2: Marc and Julie's Research Methods May 05, 2017

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Marc and Julie do their background research for The Station Wagon Podcast. Hear more episodes at http://wagonpod.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wagonpod

Episode 30: Water Apr 22, 2017

“In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is Freedom, in water there is bacteria.” - Benjamin Franklin In this episode do you think Julie and Marc have gained wisdom? Nope- we stopped drinking wine. Did they gain freedom? Nope, they stopped drinking beer. All that can be hoped for is that their water was clean and bacteria-free. Their bar is low.

Episode 29: Giving up Humor Mar 25, 2017

"Humor is just another defense against the universe" - Mel Brooks So check it out. In this episode we give up humor, our usual defense against the universe. Instead we pick up flamethrowers and big guns ala Aliens - spoiler alert- humor would've been more effective. Here's some keywords that crop up during this episode: yucky, Hebrew, impulse control, and career limiting. Among all the great points to learn, here's one keynote from Julie: When you have something that happens that makes your family laugh, write it down, share it, and revisit. Remembering funny family events is better for improving relationship satisfaction than remembering “important” family events.

Mini Ep 28.5: Killing Time in Airplanes Mar 05, 2017

Here's a mini episode with more observations about putting down our phones during "down time." This time we benefit from the observations of Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum (Herzl-Ner Tamid congregation in Mercer Island, WA; http://h-nt.org). Hear more episodes at Wagonpod.com!

Episode 28: Giving up Killing Time with Screen Time Feb 09, 2017

We explored the history and science of screen-time and then tried giving it up for two weeks.What's that mean? We gave up using our cellphones and other mobile devices to fill those unanticipated boring times we all have day-to-day. Some say this exercise is supposed to help a person be more mindful of their surroundings and contribute to relationship building. Spoiler -- Marc loves his cell phone. "If you leave your cell phone at home, you feel impacted by not having it. It's an important part of your daily function and what you can do in a day." - Aimee Mullins We couldn't agree more (at least Marc couldn't).

Episode 27: Giving up Caffeine Dec 30, 2016

"Caffeine. The gateway drug." --Eddie Vedder Congratulations to us, we gave up caffeine and we are still alive. Marc didn't think this was possible especially since we are the guzzling the awful grey soup known as winter in the Pacific Northwest. Listen to us and decide for yourself if you can give it up too! Spoiler, one of did and is still off of it, the other one is a tool!

Episode 26: Giving up Touching Dec 10, 2016

Julie and Marc are from Indiana where each person depends on a 36-inch circumference of personal space to maintain sanity. In this episode, the siblings get to have their wildest fantasy made real, expanding the 36-inches of space to infinity! That's right, they gave up all forms of touching. No high-fives, hugs, kisses, snogs, smooches, shoulder bumps, or shared-knee slaps.

Episode 25: Giving up Peanuts Nov 04, 2016

Millions of Americans are allergic to peanuts. We gave up eating peanuts to try and walk a bit in their shoes and find out what it's like to go without this miracle legume. We talk about the history of peanuts, the science and psychology of having the allergy, and believe it or not, Julie gets 2 out of 3 questions right in our quiz.

Episode 24: Giving up the Snooze Button Sep 25, 2016

How many times do you hit your snooze button in the morning? One? Four? 23? What about ZERO? That's how much we used it during this episode's field work. It is true we do not shy away from huge, life changing activities that force us to be mindful of our world and the impacts it has on us.

Episode 23: Giving up Pants Aug 28, 2016

Yup. We gave up wearing pants. For some reason fans wanted us to do this, so we did. Not such a big deal for Julie except when she works out (and everyone knows exercise is bad for you). What are pants? What are not pants? Why do women wear skirts? What does Marc think about wearing a skirt for two weeks? Listen and find out.

Epsiode 22: Happy One Year Anniversary Aug 11, 2016

We are a happy, cooing, gurgling one year old baby podcast! In this episode, we talk about our favorite episodes and the many experiments that have impacted our lives and the lives of those around us. We also get to hear wonderful greetings from some of our listeners!

Episode 21: Giving up Making Garbage Jul 29, 2016

Please stop what you are doing and give your garbage collector a big hug; leave them an unopened packet of Sprees or M&M's; buy her or him a $25 gift card at your local coffee shop; do anything you can to let him or her know you care for, respect, and love them. You need to do this to make up for us possibly putting several garbage collectors out of work during this episode. We tried to give up creating garbage. The dire impact of our effort likely had rippling repercussions to this incredible service that keeps our society running. Enjoy.

Episode 20: Giving up Interrupting May 17, 2016

In this episode we gave up interrupting. We stopped, as best we could, throwing our conversation partners off their thought-tracks with our own questions and comments. As Covey says in Habit #5: "Seek first to understand, then be understood". Spoiler alert: we found that yelling is a great way to interrupt, but not so good at attaining that understanding part; who knew?

Episode 19: Giving up Unsafe Driving Apr 23, 2016

“Sometimes when I'm driving... on the road at night... I see two headlights coming toward me. Fast. I have this sudden impulse to turn the wheel quickly, head-on into the oncoming car.” -Duane from “Annie Hall” In addition to driving head-on into other cars, there are many other habits we all have that make us unsafe drivers. In this episode, Julie and Marc tackle three (Julie tackles four) of these habits. We give up distracted driving by not touching or looking at our cellphones, following too closely by making sure we have at least two seconds of distance between our car and the car in front of us, and going over the speed limit. Spoiler alert: It was a great experience. We both experienced a sense of calm and mindfulness that was not previously there while we were driving. We also became imbued with a level of smugness that we previously attained only by committing sic burns on each other. And, oh yeah, we found out that Julie is that annoying driver you give the bird to.

Episode 18: Giving up Shaving Apr 06, 2016

In this episode, we gave up shaving. Marc gave up shaving his face, and you'll have to listen to find out what Julie gave up shaving. We talk about the history of various shaving practices, the social implications of shaving and not shaving, and whether the Puget Sound Area (i.e. Seattle and Olympia) is a sanctuary where body hair can live a long and prosperous life. Spoiler alert - one of us liked this experiment, the other turned into a porcupine (according to a 7-year old).

Episode 17: Giving Up Excess Calories Mar 22, 2016

In this episode of the Station Wagon podcast, Marc and Julie give up eating excess calories. Spoiler alert: One of us loves this, the other is traumatized and has to come to a significant self-realization of her (ahem) own weaknesses.

Episode 16: Giving up Sleeping in Beds Mar 07, 2016

In this episode we grew to appreciate our beds because we gave up sleeping on them, and any other, for two weeks. We talk about bed bugs, water beds, the first TV couple seen in a bed together, and much more. Spoiler Alert: One of us broke a toe during the production of this episode the other enjoyed sleeping on the floor. (p.s. We take our art very seriously.)

Episode 15: Giving up Listening to Music Feb 24, 2016

In this episode Julie and Marc give up listening to MUSIC. Julie does an ok, not perfect, job on the quiz. Marc talks about this history of music including the earliest found flute, and the date when Dark Side of the Moon was published. In science, Julie talks about the impact of Music on health. Spoiler Alert: Music is good. Listen to it.

Episode 14: Giving up Apologizing Feb 09, 2016

In this episode we give up apologizing. Listen to this episode to get tips on how to give a non-apology (if you are an evil ratfink). Spoiler alert, among many other things, Julie apologizes on behalf of the weather, and Marc apologizes for his jittery Excel handling skills.

Episode 13: Giving up Good Hearing Jan 19, 2016

In this episode we gave up our good hearing. That's right, listen to us talk about how, for two weeks, we couldn't hear well. Spoiler alert: Ear plugs can be very itchy though fetching.

Episode 12: Giving up Changing Our Clothes Jan 06, 2016

For the last two weeks we have not changed our clothes. Need I say more? How about, spoiler alert, one of us would recommend this and the other was mortified. Link to episode notes: http://www.wagonpod.com/2016/01/episode-12-giving-up-changing-our.html

Episode 11: Giving up Sarcasm Dec 25, 2015

It's true, and amazing: we gave up being sarcastic. This has been the most difficult challenge for us to pull off so far. Spoiler alert: One of us liked it, the other felt like a hollow, imploding shell of a person. Note: Feel free to sign up for one of our patented sarcasm reeducation programs today. (just kidding of course (not really though)).

Episode 10: Giving up Three Square Meals Dec 13, 2015

Are you hangry for some sibling snark? Buckle up, get in the station wagon, and hear how we handled giving up scheduled meal times. Spoiler alert: One of us has a new food baby.

Episode 9: Giving up Complaining Nov 26, 2015

We got no complaints. Truly! We didn't have any for two weeks, and now you can find out how it went. Spoiler: One of us really liked it, the other is a whiney baby.

Episode 8: Giving up Gendered Pronouns Nov 13, 2015

Giving up Gendered Pronouns. Yup – we did. (at least we tried). Spoiler alert (there’s one he and one she in this podcast).

Episode 7: Giving up Dressing Down Oct 31, 2015

Eat your heart out James Bond - this is our 007th episode in which we give up our casual style and see what it's like to dress up all the time. Plot spoiler: one of us liked it, the other did not.

Episode 6: Giving up Paper Products Oct 17, 2015

In this episode, we give up using paper products. No -- we did not give up using toilet paper. Yes - we did give up using all other paper (printer paper, tissues, paper towels, post-it notes, etcetera etcetera). Yes - it was very difficult. We hope you enjoy it.

Episode 5: Giving up Going Outside Sep 27, 2015

In this episode, we give up going outside. Yes - you read that correctly. We are not going to partake in any of the Pacific Northwest's cornucopia of natural splendors. Blurg. Yes, I said it, Blurg. Congratulations to us This is our 5th episode. In the grand scheme of the universe, a small accomplishment, but still lots of annoyance and growth, and hopefully entertainment for you. To celebrate, we have started offering SWAG- apparel that shows off our logo and tagline. Check out the selection on our swag tab. (http://www.wagonpod.com/p/swag.html)

Episode 4: Giving up the News Sep 17, 2015

In this episode we give up consuming the news in all its forms. That means, no news from all sources and outlets: TV, Radio, Internet, mobile devices, newspapers, word of mouth, etc., etc., etc. What's news? Listen to find out. The Station Wagon Podcast with Marc and Julie is a brother and sister project. Every episode we discuss the cultural and historical implications of something we take for granted, we give it up or change it, and then tell you how it goes! Follow The Station Wagon on Twitter (@WagonPod), Facebook, and email us your topic suggestions at WagonPodcast@gmail.com.

Episode 3: Giving up Eating Utensils Aug 31, 2015

In this episode, we have given up using Eating Utensils for two weeks. No forks, spoons, knives, chopsticks, chorks, sporks, or dorks. Well, actually there are two dorks, but you'll have to guess who they are. Listen to find out what eating utensils are, and a brief history of using them to cram food into our species' cake holes. Show Notes: http://www.wagonpod.com/2015/09/episode-3-giving-up-eating-utensils.html

Episode 2: Giving up Swearing Aug 10, 2015

In this episode, we have given up swearing for two weeks. That's right, no bad language, strong language, coarse language, foul language, bad words, vulgar language, lewd language, swearing, cursing, cussing, or using expletives. Of course, we bring you the latest definitions and history of swearing wrapped up with a bow. Show Notes: http://www.wagonpod.com/2015/08/episode-2-giving-up-swearing.html

Episode 1: Giving up Sitting Aug 03, 2015

In this episode, we give up sitting for two weeks. You know, that practice of putting one’s butt in a chair? Yup. We kissed that goodbye and then talked about how it went. Show Notes: http://www.wagonpod.com/2015/08/episode-1-giving-up-sitting.html

The Station Wagon Teaser Clip -- a taste of things to come! Jul 23, 2015

Enjoy this brief clip of The Station Wagon Podcast with Marc and Julie! The full episode will drop in August 2015. Until then, please connect with us on Facebook, subscribe on iTunes, follow us on Twitter (@WagonPod) and email your suggestions for future torture to WagonPodcast@gmail.com.

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