PODCAST · society
Adulthood Friends
by Aya and Josh
Aya and Josh have known each other all their lives, but they weren’t always friends. Listen as they get to know each other as adults and explore the ways our thoughts, values, and priorities shift over time.
Episodes
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Episode 64: Movement
How does the way we move shape the way we feel? Can movement heal the body and mind? In this episode, Josh and Aya explore movement in its many forms — from practices like yoga, pilates, dance, stretching, strength training, and sports to physical therapy and rehabilitation, navigating injury and...
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Episode 63: Grief
How do you cope with loss? Is it possible to "be ready" for a loved one’s passing? In this episode, Josh opens up about the recent death of his father, reflecting on the funeral, eulogy, and shiva, as he and Aya delve into the complexities of grief, how it changes a person, the contrasts between...
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Episode 62: Antisemitism (Part 2)
What sustains modern antisemitism? What challenges do Jews face today? In this episode, Aya and Josh continue their examination of antisemitism in a post-October 7th landscape—including the terror attack itself—exploring tokenism (Norman Finkelstein, Jewish Voice for Peace, J Street, Candace...
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Episode 61: Antisemitism (Part 1)
What are the roots of modern antisemitism? Why is antisemitism often overlooked or misunderstood? In this episode, Aya and Josh cautiously examine antisemitism in a post–October 7th landscape—including the terror attack itself—exploring progressive tensions, Jewish identity, Zionism and the…
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Episode 60: Identity
How does identity shape our views in life? What happens if we lose an identity? In this episode, Aya and Josh delve into the complex tapestry of identity, exploring its various types (personal, social, cultural, gender, professional, digital/online) and formation, as well as communal identity,...
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Episode 59: Deliberate Doubt
How does questioning our core beliefs and assumptions lead to more informed and empathetic viewpoints? What practical steps can we take to achieve this? In this episode, Aya and Josh challenge some of their own deeply held beliefs, drawing inspiration from Megan Phelps-Roper’s podcast “The Witch...
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Episode 58: Gun Violence (Part 2)
Special Guest: Jacob J. Tanenbaum. Are guns the best form of self-defense? Should we arm school teachers? In this episode, Aya and Josh continue their debate on gun violence with Jacob, exploring police shootings, the effectiveness of guns compared to other defenses (dogs, cameras, police…
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Episode 57: Gun Violence (Part 1)
Special Guest: Jacob J. Tanenbaum. What are the main causes of gun violence? Is it justifiable to infringe on certain rights to ensure greater public safety? In this episode, Aya and Josh are joined by Jacob, Josh's close friend and writing partner, to discuss the epidemic of gun violence in the...
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Episode 56: Artificial Intelligence
How are we using AI like ChatGPT to change the way we work? What does the rise of AI mean for us and the future of our fields? In this episode, Aya and Josh explore the positives and negatives of artificial intelligence, including the influence of AI on creativity and content creation, its...
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Episode 55: Astronomy vs. Astrology (Part 2)
Special Guest: Dr. Grant Vezina. How big is the universe? How have key astronomical discoveries fleshed out our understanding of Earth and the universe beyond? In this episode, Aya and Josh further explore the mysteries of the cosmos with Dr. Vezina, including the faint young sun paradox, the…
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Episode 54: Astronomy vs. Astrology (Part 1)
Special Guest: Dr. Grant Vezina. Do the stars influence our lives? Is there any scientific basis to astrology? In this episode, Aya and Josh are joined by longtime friend Grant Vezina as they chat about high school and delve into the origins of — and differences between — astronomy and astrology,...
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Episode 53: Stability
What makes someone feel stable? How do they maintain it? In this welcome-back episode, Aya and Josh discuss the four main types of stability (physical, mental/emotional, financial, relationship/social), stability vs. stagnation, long-term vs. short-term stability, improving stability (medication,...
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Episode 52: Domestic Abuse (Part 2)
How do you recognize abuse? Can men be victims of domestic violence? In this episode, Aya and Josh continue their discussion on domestic abuse in context of the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard defamation trial as they explore the cycle of abuse, signs of abuse, history of abuse, characteristics of abuse...
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Episode 51: Domestic Abuse (Part 1)
What constitutes abuse? Did Johnny Depp deserve to win his defamation lawsuit against Amber Heard? In this episode, Aya and Josh discuss the reality of domestic abuse/intimate partner violence against the backdrop of the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard defamation trial, characteristics of abuse victims…
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Episode 50: Expectations
How do you avoid disappointment? Are low expectations the key to happiness? In this milestone episode (50!), Aya and Josh talk about expectations, including about the podcast itself, how Covid has ruined expectations, the concept of meeting expectations, betraying expectations, exceeding...
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Episode 49: Words
What’s in a word? Can words hurt you? In this episode, Aya and Josh discuss the power of words themselves, including favorite words, ugly-sounding words, swear words, names, puns, semantic satiation, language/linguistics, trying to find the right words, word/definition debates (“man,” “woman,”...
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Episode 48: Healthcare (Part 2)
Special Guest: Dr. Simone Mendel. What does Covid look like from the perspective of those working in hospitals? How has the pandemic revealed/exacerbated existing problems in our healthcare system? In this episode, Aya and Josh continue their discussion on healthcare with childhood friend Simone...
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Episode 47: Healthcare (Part 1)
Special Guest: Dr. Simone Mendel. What makes a good healthcare system? Is healthcare a right or a privilege? In this episode, Aya and Josh are joined by childhood friend Simone Mendel, who shares her insights as an internal medicine doctor in Canada, as they reminisce about their shared history…
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Episode 46: Ego
How can the ego sabotage us? Is having an ego always a bad thing? In this episode, Aya and Josh break down the ego and explore their own egotistical tendencies as they discuss self-promotion, seeking validation vs. feeding the ego, ego vs. insecurity, conditional ego, the real meaning of…
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Episode 45: Following Your Passion (Part 2)
Special Guest: Brad Bangsboll. Can a job ruin your passion? What are the consequences of not following your passion? In this episode, Aya and Josh continue their discussion with Brad on following your passion, hustling, "climbing the ladder" (background acting, assistant directing) vs. "going in...
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Episode 44: Following Your Passion (Part 1)
Special Guest: Brad Bangsboll. How do you discover your passion? What might stop you from pursuing it? In this special episode, longtime friend and filmmaker Brad Bangsboll joins Aya and Josh to share his personal journey towards finding and following his passion, eliciting discussion about...
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Episode 43: Regrets
What are people's biggest regrets? Are regrets useful? In this episode, Aya and Josh share their deepest regrets, exploring Daniel Pink's four types of regret (foundation, boldness, moral, connection), regrets stemming from action and inaction, childhood regrets, romantic regrets, financial...
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Episode 42: Cancel Culture (Part 2)
Should we cancel cancel culture? What are the limits of free speech? In this episode, Aya and Josh risk it all as they continue their discussion on cancel culture, touching on the fear of being canceled, publicly expressing opinions on controversial topics (abortion, vaccine hesitancy, trans...
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Episode 41: Cancel Culture (Part 1)
Does cancel culture exist? Who, if anyone, deserves to be “canceled”? In this episode, Aya and Josh explore the notion and nuances of cancel culture, including academic freedom, expertise, critical thinking, the controversy surrounding Joe Rogan, platforming/deplatforming, “dangerous ideas,”...
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Episode 40: Life-Changing Events
Special Guest: Amanda Bell. What qualifies as a life-changing event? What kinds of things actually change? In this special episode, lifelong friend Amanda Bell, now eight months pregnant, returns to chat with Aya and Josh about positive and negative life-changing events, including pregnancy,...
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Episode 39: Virtual Reality
What is the metaverse? How can you experience VR right now? In this very special episode, Aya and Josh strap on their Meta/Oculus Quest 2 headsets and meet face-to-face in virtual reality to talk about... virtual reality; specifically, the nature, logistics, opportunities, and dangers of virtual...
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Episode 38: Pet Peeves
What are the most common pet peeves? What constitutes a pet peeve? In this episode, Aya and Josh distinguish between pet peeves, pet "furies," and serious world issues/societal ills while sharing the things that annoy them, including hypocrisy, spoilers, slow talkers/walkers/drivers, invasions of...
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Episode 37: Lying (Part 2)
Do you feel guilty when you lie? How does being lied to change a person? In this episode, Aya and Josh divulge the rest of their thoughts on lying, discussing the benefits and harm of lying in our society, politics, and legal system, lying to ourselves, lying to each other, lying to teachers…
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Episode 36: Lying (Part 1)
How can you tell when someone is lying? Is it ever a good thing to lie? In this episode, Aya and Josh share their honest-to-goodness thoughts on lying, including white lies, blue lies, dangerous lies, a lie’s intention vs. result, lying to others vs. being lied to, getting falsely accused of…
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Episode 35: Control
Do you need to be in control? How do you respond to a loss of control? In this episode, Aya and Josh discuss their own needs for control, as children and as adults, including reactions vs. responses, relinquishing control (driving, astrology, religion, superstition, "the universe"), the illusion…
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Episode 34: Writing
Why write? What tools, techniques, and environments are useful for the writing process? In this episode, Aya and Josh explore the world of writing, including novel writing, screenwriting, writing as a career vs. hobby vs. vocation, fiction vs. non-fiction, research, discipline, outlines,...
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Episode 33: Loyalty
Is loyalty really a virtue? Would you help your friend hide a body? In this episode, Aya and Josh talk about the nature and pitfalls of loyalty — to people, brands, political parties, countries, causes — along with conditional vs. unconditional loyalty, earned loyalty, misplaced loyalty, blind...
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Episode 32: Conspiracy Theories
Special Guest: Daniel Bottner. What makes conspiracy theories so alluring? When do they become dangerous? In this episode, Daniel makes his triumphant return to talk with Aya and Josh about a whole slew of conspiracy theories (9/11, QAnon, Covid/5G, vaccines, Protocols of the Elders of Zion,...
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Episode 31: Injustice
Does our justice system work? Is the world getting more or less just? In this episode, Aya and Josh explore the concept of justice against the backdrop of some high-profile murder/sexual assault trials in the U.S. (Kyle Rittenhouse, Ahmaud Arbery, Alice Sebold/Anthony Broadwater), honing in on...
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Episode 30: Moving (Part 2)
Special Guest: Pierce Zaifman. What does it mean to break out of your "bubble"? Are there consequences to living in the same place all your life? In this episode, Aya and Josh continue their discussion with Pierce on the challenges of moving, reflecting on bad roommates, returning home after a…
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Episode 29: Moving (Part 1)
Special Guest: Pierce Zaifman. What propels someone to move? Do you have to move to grow? In this episode, Pierce, who is currently in the midst of a big life move, returns to join Aya and Josh to talk about the process, benefits, difficulties, and consequences of moving, the reality of living…
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Episode 28: Home
What does "home" mean to you? What happens if you lose your sense of home? In this episode, Aya and Josh talk about who and what makes a home, whether home is a physical place or a feeling, homesickness, building a home, homelessness, and even games like Animal Crossing and Neopets.
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Episode 27: Abortion
Is abortion inherently wrong? What does it really mean to be pro-life vs. pro-choice? In this episode, Aya and Josh discuss the divisive and uncomfortable topic of abortion, including the recent threats to Roe V. Wade in parts of the U.S., the morality of aborting a fetus at any stage of...
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Episode 26: Self-Care (Part 2)
Special Guest: Ben Lawrence-Farhi. Do you have a favorite self-care activity? How do you measure your self-worth? In this special episode, Aya and Josh continue their discussion with Ben on the nature and merits of self-care, including their go-to self-care activities, defining success, building...
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Episode 25: Self-Care (Part 1)
Special Guest: Ben Lawrence-Farhi. Do you live a balanced lifestyle? What are the consequences of neglecting your self-care? In this special episode, Ben joins Aya and Josh to discuss the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of self care, including sleep, diet, exercise, social…
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Episode 24: Feminism
Do you consider yourself a feminist? Is feminism as a movement still necessary today? In this episode, Aya and Josh explore what it means to be a feminist as they discuss the foundations of feminism (e.g., the “three waves”), women’s suffrage, obstacles to gender equality, sexism, reproductive...
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Episode 23: Competition
Are you a good loser? Is competitiveness a helpful or harmful trait? In this episode, Aya and Josh dissect healthy vs. unhealthy competition, jealousy vs. envy, feelings of insecurity, fear of failure, attitudes of mindfulness (e.g., the practice of “non-striving”), and the value of having a...
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Episode 22: Selfishness vs. Self-Interest
Is it possible to be completely selfless? Is acting in one’s self-interest inherently a bad thing? In this episode, Aya and Josh attempt to differentiate between selfishness and self-interest, psychological egoism and ethical egoism, and competing definitions of altruism, while also reflecting on...
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Episode 21: People Pleasing
Do you have a hard time saying no? How honest are you about what you want? In this episode, Aya and Josh discuss boundary setting, building resentment, internal vs. external validation, conflict avoidance, self-respect vs. self-destructive behavior, and responding to manipulative people.
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Episode 20: Burnout
What keeps you motivated? When is the right time, if any, to give up? In this episode, Aya and Josh discuss laziness and the feelings and circumstances that lead us to mental and physical exhaustion, the pros and cons of commitment, passion vs. obligation, emotion regulation skills (e.g.…
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Episode 19: Intention vs. Action
Are you easily offended? Is the road to hell paved with good intentions? In this episode, Aya and Josh discuss whether one's intentions truly matter compared to their actions, the importance of context, intention vs. impact, criminal negligence, how someone's power affects the impact of their...
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Episode 18: Growth and Self-Awareness
Special Guest: Daniel Bottner. What types of experiences trigger self-awareness? Do we ever stop growing? In this episode, lifelong friend Daniel Bottner joins Aya and Josh to talk about their social, mental, and physical development through the years; active vs. passive growth; shifts in…
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Episode 17: Anger
How do you manage your anger and where do those feelings stem from? Are there times when you should get angry? In this episode, Josh helps Aya work through her anger as they discuss conflicts arising from the pandemic, feelings of powerlessness, losing control, primary vs. secondary emotions,...
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Episode 16: Trauma (Part 2)
How do you cope with an ongoing trauma? What is your typical response to a perceived threat? In this episode, Josh discusses the never-ending trauma of his father's cancer battle, while Aya shares what she learned working as a volunteer on the crisis line at the women's shelter and sexual assault...
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Episode 15: Trauma (Part 1)
How can trauma change you? What triggers a traumatic memory? In this episode, Josh shares with Aya the traumatizing story of his mother's death, the impact this experience had on both him and his family, and what ultimately helped him get through it. [CW // death]
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Adulthood Friends have?
Adulthood Friends currently has 53 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Adulthood Friends about?
Aya and Josh have known each other all their lives, but they weren’t always friends. Listen as they get to know each other as adults and explore the ways our thoughts, values, and priorities shift over time.
How often does Adulthood Friends release new episodes?
Adulthood Friends has 53 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Adulthood Friends?
You can listen to Adulthood Friends on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Adulthood Friends?
Adulthood Friends is created and hosted by Aya and Josh.
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