Podcast Summary
ADHD medication process: Despite diagnosis, speaker has struggled to acquire medication due to process complications and personal irresponsibility, now hiring an assistant to help.
Despite having ADHD and being diagnosed with it for several months, the speaker has not been able to acquire her medication due to the complicated process and her own irresponsibility. She has now hired an assistant to help her navigate the process and acquire the medication as well as assist her with traveling for work. Another important topic she discussed was her love for Greek mythology, specifically the song of Achilles, which she highly recommends. The speaker also mentioned her new pajamas from Home Bargains and her excitement about having found an assistant.
Greek mythology and love: Exploring Greek mythology through a heartfelt book can deepen one's understanding and appreciation of the subject, even for those who initially struggle with it.
Some complex topics, like Greek mythology or certain literary works, require extensive knowledge and understanding to fully appreciate. The speaker in this conversation expresses her struggle with studying Greek mythology in depth, comparing it to a confusing TV show with vast amounts of content. However, she found joy in a book, "The Song of Achilles," which explores the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus. Despite her initial challenges with the subject matter, she was deeply moved by the portrayal of their love and the way it resonated with her personal experiences. The book's vivid descriptions of Achilles' strength and Patroclus' admiration for him reminded her of the way she feels about people who shine in her life. The speaker may not be an avid reader, but this book touched her heart and showed her the power of love written on paper.
Love in The Song of Achilles: The unwavering devotion between Patroclus and Achilles in The Song of Achilles inspires reflection on the complex and enduring nature of love.
Depth and intensity of the love between Patroclus and Achilles in Madeline Miller's book, as described by the speaker. The speaker shares her strong emotional connection to the text, expressing her admiration for the unwavering devotion and recognition of each other's presence that the characters exhibit. The speaker also reflects on her own experiences of love and how it has shaped her perspective, noting that love can be a complex and enduring emotion, capable of bringing both joy and pain. Ultimately, the speaker's passionate response underscores the power of literature to evoke deep emotions and inspire reflection on our own experiences.
God-like figures, insignificance and obsession: The speaker's intense feelings of insignificance towards those they love or admire can lead to unhealthy obsessions and crushes, derived from unrequited yearning, which can be alluring and exciting but not always beneficial.
The speaker often feels insignificant and in awe of those they love or admire, seeing them as larger-than-life figures. This feeling can lead to intense, even unhealthy, obsessions and crushes, where the speaker becomes fixated and derives motivation from the unrequited yearning. This dynamic is reminiscent of mythological tales of gods and mortals. The speaker acknowledges that these experiences were not always beneficial, but they hold a certain allure and excitement for them. Additionally, there's a hint of nostalgia and longing for a sense of stability and normalcy, represented by the idea of a nuclear family, which the speaker didn't have growing up.
Adolescence and Identity: The absence of a father figure and the influence of a nurturing mother during adolescence can shape one's identity and help navigate emerging sexuality.
The speaker's formative experiences during her adolescence were shaped by the absence of her father and the influence of her mother, who provided her with unique experiences and helped her navigate her emerging identity. These experiences included road trips, shared moments with friends, and her first crush on a girl, which helped her accept and embrace her sexuality. The lack of communication and support from her father, as well as the teasing from her sister, added to her feelings of isolation and jealousy but ultimately contributed to her growth and self-discovery.
Making new friends: Being bold and taking initiative can lead to forming strong friendships, even during challenging times. Shared experiences and environments can also contribute to bonding.
Making new friends can be challenging, especially during transitional periods in life. The speaker's experience of approaching her sister's friend during secondary school in the UK and forming a strong bond was a turning point for her. Despite initial rejection, she persisted and eventually became close friends with the girl. This experience taught her the importance of being bold and taking initiative in forming friendships. Additionally, shared experiences and environments, such as working at a pub, can also lead to the formation of strong friendships among individuals. However, it's important to note that not all workplaces are positive environments, and individuals should prioritize their well-being and safety.
Workplace challenges: Starting a new job at a young age can be intimidating and may involve unexpected situations, but valuable lessons and experiences can be gained despite inappropriate behavior from management.
Starting my first job at a young age was a challenging experience filled with unexpected situations. I was excited to begin, but was met with disdain and confusion from my new chef and manager. On my first day, I was given a list of errands to run, which included purchasing newspapers. I didn't understand the chef's instructions and was embarrassed when I realized my mistake. The chef and manager's behavior towards me was inappropriate and made me feel uncomfortable. I was often sent to the grocery store due to my inexperience, leading to a friendly relationship with the clerk. Despite the difficult start, I learned valuable lessons and gained experience that prepared me for future jobs. However, the inappropriate behavior of my manager was unacceptable and a reminder of the importance of respect and professionalism in the workplace.
Food safety and dietary restrictions: Speak up for customers' health and safety, even if it means losing potential business. Restaurants must follow procedures to prevent cross-contamination and accommodate dietary restrictions.
Working in the food industry at a young age, the speaker encountered a situation where she had to prioritize the health and safety of customers over her job. She shared an experience where a table with celiac disease requested gluten-free meals, but the kitchen was not following proper procedures to prevent cross-contamination. The speaker, feeling powerless and frustrated, spoke up to the chef, leading to a heated exchange. Ultimately, she decided to send the table to a safer restaurant, losing potential customers but ensuring their safety. This incident taught her the importance of standing up for what is right, even if it means going against authority or losing customers. It also highlighted the responsibility of restaurants to accommodate dietary restrictions and maintain a safe kitchen environment.
Apologies and emotional expressions: Apologies and emotional expressions are crucial for personal growth and healing, and unexpected encounters can lead to valuable moments of connection and gratitude.
Apologies and emotional expressions are important for personal growth and healing, even if they come unexpectedly. The speaker in this story had an emotional encounter with her chef at work, which led to an apology and a moment of gratitude. Despite not caring much about the apology itself, she acknowledged its significance in helping the chef improve as a person. The experience also reminded her of the value of community and the connections we make in our everyday lives, which can be lost as people move away or grow apart. Overall, this encounter taught the speaker to appreciate the small moments of growth and connection, even in unexpected situations.