From quarantine to psychology
Plus: John Lennon but backwards
Flip Reverse
Episode: "Tranquillusionist: Nmiigea" | Podcast: The Allusionist | 3m37
Calming performance of the lyrics from John Lennon's classic 1971 song "Imagine". The words are uttered in reverse alphabetical order, creating a soporific nonsense poem that still somehow retains a shadow of the original because of how well known Lennon's version is. The reading is expressive and beautifully edited, with words soothingly panning across from ear to ear (best appreciated with decent headphones or speakers). The music is based on the song too, putting the original chords in alphabetical order (3m37)
Attitude Change
Episode: "How To Let Go Of The Old And Bring In The New" | Podcast: The Next Big Idea | 45m36s
Exploration of human habit forming. The main guest, social psychologist Wendy Wood, explains that until recently the majority of study in this area focused on behaviour around the adoption of a new habit — such as exercising more or eating more vegetables — and didn't necessarily check in after time had past to see what makes something stick. She talks about the influence of repetitive practices and friction on how habits are made, using examples like daily writing rituals and quit smoking programmes (45m36s)
Checking In
Episode: "How Is Everyone?" | Podcast: Here For You | 21m31s
First episode of a new conversational daily podcast covering self care and social connection during coronavirus quarantine. The hosts talk about their own experiences with working from home and doing childcare with a lighthearted, cheerful tone that makes a welcome contrast with news coverage of the same topics. They also discussion ideas of creativity during confinement, in particular dissecting the pressure to produce amazing work while stuck at home, even though anxiety levels are high and distractions plentiful (21m31s)
