EPISODE · Dec 18, 2025 · 40 MIN
An Optimist Walks Into a Bar (Exam)
from The Normal Mess · host Ashley and Cayce
Ashley and Cayce are feeling festive! We talk holiday traditions, and we are weirdly in synch when it comes to... tree skirts?! Then, we dive into one of Ashley's favorite rabbit holes: OPTIMISM. Where does it come from? Is it a tree? How do you cultivate it? And, what does it possibly have to do with the California Bar Exam?! We were optimistic to think we'd get through all our big feelings on this topic in a single episode. Stay tuned for part 2! In the meantime, we have our top seven (or eight, because Cayce is not a rule follower when it comes to favorites) holiday movies. The Normal Mess is not affiliated with Nicholas Cage or Sandra Bullock, but you wouldn't know it from this episode. It's... episode four of The Normal Mess! Come for the optimism, stay for the movie recs. Oh, and see you next year!Rabbit Hole Research brought to you by:Professor Michael Milona, Philosophy, Ryerson UniversityApplied Positive Psychology, "Exploring the Different Types of Optimism," available at Psychology.TownIt's real and it's funny, and sometimes it's real funny. But also, it's no joke! Subscribe, rate, and follow us as we bring The Normal Mess to the masses! We'd love to hear from you:Instagram @[email protected]
What this episode covers
Ashley and Cayce are feeling festive! We talk holiday traditions, and we are weirdly in synch when it comes to... tree skirts?! Then, we dive into one of Ashley's favorite rabbit holes: OPTIMISM. Where does it come from? Is it a tree? How do you cultivate it? And, what does it possibly have to do with the California Bar Exam?! We were optimistic to think we'd get through all our big feelings on this topic in a single episode. Stay tuned for part 2! In the meantime, we have our top seven (or eight, because Cayce is not a rule follower when it comes to favorites) holiday movies. The Normal Mess is not affiliated with Nicholas Cage or Sandra Bullock, but you wouldn't know it from this episode. It's... episode four of The Normal Mess! Come for the optimism, stay for the movie recs. Oh, and see you next year!Rabbit Hole Research brought to you by:Professor Michael Milona, Philosophy, Ryerson UniversityApplied Positive Psychology, "Exploring the Different Types of Optimism," available at Psychology.TownIt's real and it's funny, and sometimes it's real funny. But also, it's no joke! Subscribe, rate, and follow us as we bring The Normal Mess to the masses! We'd love to hear from you:Instagram @[email protected]
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An Optimist Walks Into a Bar (Exam)
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