Episode 548: Be Aware, Don't Sink Into Despair

This episode contains:

Daylight savings hit, and we're all just trying to cope.

Real Life (or Whatever That Is)

Devon Saw Apocalyptica in Dallas—three cellists and a drummer, blasting Metallica covers. It was energetic, intense, and apparently, the drums were a standout. Nita Strauss opened, because Devon only goes to shows with legendary guitarists involved. Also, he went to a production of Cheaper by the Dozen, which was… a different vibe entirely. Steven got into Marvel Crisis Protocol, which he describes as similar to Shatterpoint. More importantly, he won his first game against his friend Greg, which obviously means he's an expert now. Devon saw Wicked and was deeply underwhelmed. (Expect fan outrage.) Ben went to a production of Million Dollar Quartet, which tells the story of a legendary jam session between Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. If you don't know what that is, here's a Wikipedia link: Million Dollar Quartet.

Future or Now (Depends on Your Perspective)

Remember Me! 

Steven presents a real-life prequel to Fallout. Sweden is burying its radioactive nuclear waste in sealed bedrock for 100,000 years. The challenge? How do we make sure future generations don't dig it up and think, "Oh cool, ancient glowing rocks!" Scientists have some ideas, and they range from the practical to the deeply sci-fi.

Check it out: 

Science Daily | Highly radioactive nuclear waste: how to keep it from oblivion

A PDF of the actual Key Information File

CALM DOWN, JEEZ 

Ben brings us a podcast from NPR and the TED Radio Hour about how we handle emotions, featuring insights from neuroscientist Ethan Kross on managing emotional overwhelm. Science-backed coping mechanisms? Yes, please. An example: talking to yourself in the second person to coach yourself.

Listen here: NPR - Ethan Kross on Managing Emotions

Also, Ben's dog has got Diabetes insipidus, which, despite the name, has nothing to do with regular diabetes. More on that here: Diabetes Insipidus

Book Club: 

Continuing coverage of the novella To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers.

This week, our crew traveled to Mirabilis (also the name of the chapter we read)—a planet of ice, deep-sea creatures, and they brought with them some existential dread. Some key themes:

• Survival of the fittest (but at what cost?)

• The emotional toll of killing an animal for survival

• Missing communications from Earth 

• The sheer terror of the unknown

Devon asked, "Are they vegan?"—a question inspired by his recent reading of Animal Liberation Now. Also, sometimes Devon's not in the mood for fiction, but Becky Chambers' writing is worth it.

Next week: the chapter "Opera" (same book, different planet).