Opposite of Neutral
by Evan Weinberg and Chris Wolf
The Opposite of Neutral podcast is hosted by Chris Wolf and Evan Weinberg, two teachers and friends who met while teaching in Vietnam. No longer in the same place, they started this podcast as an excuse to talk to each other about anything and everything.
Episodes
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Season 3, Episode 2: Up!
What does it mean to get unstuck? To stay up when it’s dark, cold, or creatively blocked? In this episode, Evan and Chris spiral delightfully from student slang and seasonal darkness into writer’s block, Pixar montages, AI shortcuts, ramen breaks, and the quiet power of choosing the journey over...
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Season 3, Episode 1: Into the Unknown!
An exciting discovery above the fridge. A cease-and-desist we’d actually celebrate. A snake story we can’t un-hear. From there, Chris and Evan dive into the big theme of Season 3: Into the Unknown! We talk about stepping into uncertainty with humor, honesty, and a plan to “do the next right…
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Season 2, Episode 15: Milestones
In this landmark 30th episode, Chris and Evan dive into the concept of milestones—both literal and metaphorical. Exploring the origin of the term, they discuss milestones from the Roman Empire, connecting the historical markers with the metaphorical milestones in life. Reflecting on personal...
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Season 2, Episode 14: Blueprints
In this episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan launch into a whirlwind of topics that range from cheese (per usual) to pillow preferences, before getting into the subject of blueprints. Evan breaks down the origins of blueprint-making—chemicals, UV light, and all—and dig into its…
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Season 2, Episode 13: Miscommunication
In this episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan dig into the messy world of miscommunication. They kick things off with a lighthearted dive into misheard song lyrics—Taylor Swift’s “Starbucks lovers,” anyone?—and how a simple misunderstanding can turn a phrase into something hilariously…
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Season 2, Episode 12: The Sandwich Generation
In this episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan engage in a lighthearted discussion about sandwiches, generations, and the completely unrelated topic of the sandwich generation. Evan does a deep dive into data from the original 1981 paper that coined the term. Together, they explore how...
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Season 2, Episode 11: Myths
In this episode of "Opposite of Neutral," Chris and Evan explore the world of myths, exploring their emotional and cultural significance. They discuss the connection between myths and a ‘willing suspension of disbelief,’ from the Tiki-tiki room at Disneyland to cultural legends like the tooth…
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Season 2, Episode 10: The Best Words
Evan and Chris dive into “The Best Words” as they explore the evolution of their language skills and the fascinating world of word origins. They discuss their personal experiences with different languages, emphasizing how context, culture, and travel have shaped their understanding of language....
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Season 2, Episode 9: IO2P16
In this episode of 'Opposite of Neutral,' Chris and Evan explore their eight-year friendship, delve into the mysterious code 'IO2P16,' and speculate on its potential meanings, ranging from chemical formulas to cultural references. They discuss their personal experiences transitioning between...
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Season 2, Episode 8: Space!
In this episode of "Opposite of Neutral," Chris and Evan embark on an expansive discussion of space, beginning with personal anecdotes that reveal how different cultures have reshaped their understanding of personal, physical, digital, and professional spaces. They delve into stories of adjusting...
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Season 2, Episode 7: Side Hustle
In this episode of "Opposite of Neutral," Chris and Evan dissect the concept of "Side Hustle," delving into its broader societal implications and personal meaning. As they explore a variety of side hustles—from the routine to the unique—they challenge the idea of a side job being more than just...
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Season 2, Episode 6: International Toilets
In this overflowing episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan navigate the amusing world of international toilets. They explore the vast array of toilet designs and customs they've encountered around the world: squat toilets in Asia, self-cleaning units in Europe, and the indulgence of...
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Season 2, Episode 5: Imposter Syndrome
First, some exciting news! Come follow us with our new account @oppositeofneutral on both Instagram and Threads. You can continue to send your thoughts, comments, and episode ideas to [email protected]. In this episode, Chris and Evan dive into the realm of imposter syndrome. Why...
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Season 2, Episode 4: When We Were Young
In Season 2, Episode 4 of "Opposite of Neutral," Chris and Evan take a nostalgic journey back to their childhoods, exploring the curiosity and adventures that shaped their young minds. From Chris's memories of adventures on waterslides to Evan's fascination with hamsters and astronomy, they...
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Season 2, Episode 3: Small World
In this episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan explore the concept of the 'small world.' Evan shares his small world experience where he ran into comedian and actor Will Ferrell in New York, an encounter that reinforced his decision to teach there. They then share small world stories…
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Season 2, Episode 2: Potential Spam
In this episode, Chris and Evan sift through the quirky and curious aspects of spam, both as an email nuisance and a canned delicacy. In a blend of facts, fiction, and fun, they explore the unexpected connections between email spam and Monty Python and discuss the global phenomenon of Spam, the...
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Season 2, Episode 1: First Impressions
Welcome back! In this premiere episode of Opposite of Neutral: Season 2, Evan and Chris dive right back into their thoughtful and lively discussions, this time exploring the world of first impressions. From their significance in professional settings and personal relationships to our responses to...
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Season 1, Episode 15: On the Road
In this final episode for the first season of Opposite of Neutral, hosts Evan and Chris invite listeners to join them for a recording made live on the road. Plus, Evan makes a bonus on-location recording from the Tillamook factory in Oregon. While Chris drives, he narrates the trip through the...
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Season 1, Episode 14: Untitled
In this episode of Opposite of Neutral, join hosts Evan, Chris, and guest Clayton as they navigate the world of titles (or their lack thereof.) From their significance in art to implications in professional settings, they explore ways that titles inform, classify, and influence. They debate apple...
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Season 1, Episode 13: Home
In this episode of Opposite of Neutral, Evan and Chris delve into the concept of home, exploring its various definitions and the emotional attachments we form with places, objects, and people. They share personal stories about their own homes and the significance of personal belongings and the...
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Season 1, Episode 12: Beginnings
In the twelfth episode of Opposite of Neutral, join hosts Chris, Evan, and special guest Tuan Phan as they dive deep into the theme of "Beginnings." Tuan is the author of the newly published book: “Remembering Water: A Memoir of Departure and Return”. Tuan ties the topic of "beginnings" into his...
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Season 1, Episode 11: Seasons
In the 'Seasons' episode of Opposite of Neutral, hosts Evan and Chris engage in a year-long culinary and cultural exploration, illustrating the profound ways in which the seasons impact our lives. From the freshness of spring crops to our instinctual winter cravings for warmth and comfort, they...
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Season 1, Episode 10: Top Ten
In this extended tenth episode of "Opposite of Neutral," Evan and Chris journey through top ten lists of flavors, meals, and life-altering experiences that are anything but neutral. They dig into the psychology and pedagogy of top 10 lists, which for these two, aren't really about ranking at all....
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Season 1, Episode 9: Wrestling
In this entertaining episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting their escapades in wrestling and other middle school sports. Evan shares his fear of being hit by a baseball and his decision to choose wrestling over swimming in the pool locker...
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Season 1, Episode 8: Test of Time
In this episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan embark on a journey through the annals of history, nature, and culture, delving into the essence of what has truly stood the test of time. From ancient lifeforms like horseshoe crabs to delectable, ageless culinary delights, they ponder the...
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Season 1, Episode 7: Acceleration
In the 'Acceleration' episode, Chris and Evan delve into the acceleration of technology and the delicate balance between speeding up and slowing down in life. Chris shares insights on how to slow down by practicing mindful breathing, spending time in nature, and writing in paper notebooks. Evan...
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Season 1, Episode 6: No Filter
Get ready for a wild ride as Chris and Evan dive deep into the world of filters (or the lack thereof), both literal and metaphorical, in their latest podcast episode! They explore how filters have played a crucial role in our interactions with others and our understanding of reality. They discuss...
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Season 1, Episode 5: Pride
Join Chris and Evan as they untangle the intricate nature of pride and its various shades in this engaging episode. They tackle the age-old debate around pride's positive and negative aspects, sharing personal anecdotes that reveal their own moments of pride and instances where they've celebrated...
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Episode 4: Good Intentions, Bad Ideas
In the fourth episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan delve into the captivating world of good intentions with unexpected (or expected) negative consequences. We explore the mysteries of China's Great Leap Forward with Chris and learn about the surprising fallout that followed. Evan as he...
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Season 1, Episode 3: Superheroes
In this exciting episode, Evan and Chris dive deep into their love of superheroes and how they can offer a unique perspective on real-world issues. From the eternal debate of Batman vs. Superman to exploring the endless "what-if" scenarios of the genre, they offer fascinating insights into why...
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Season 1, Episode 2: Trade
Chris and Evan break down their thoughts on the topic of trade. What is one's trade? What does how and what we trade tell us about what we value? Chris tells a story about three workers and the cathedral, and how this gets him thinking about the big picture of trade in the world. They discuss...
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Season 1, Episode 1: Opposite of Neutral
In this first episode, Chris and Evan introduce themselves and the origins of the podcast that stretch back to two years ago. They then dive straight into their first topic: what does 'Opposite of Neutral' mean? With definitions of what it means to be neutral (and the...um...opposite of it), they...
About this show
The Opposite of Neutral podcast is hosted by Chris Wolf and Evan Weinberg, two teachers and friends who met while teaching in Vietnam. No longer in the same place, they started this podcast as an excuse to talk to each other about anything and everything.
Hosted by
Evan Weinberg and Chris Wolf