Episode Recaps: 2
For our second episode, we decided a comedy interview all about middle/high school drama was the way to go. And we ended up delivering a funny podcast about teenage relationships and finding yourself. Missed the episode? Read the recap below!
Episode 2: A Conversation With My Middle School Boyfriend - A Literal Clown
In episode 2, we talk to Anna's 8th-grade boyfriend, Robert. We dive into their teenage relationship and romance—their first kiss, Anna sings him the first song she ever wrote, plus he tells us about his work as a clown, and his interview with the Peace Corps. He's pretty much the coolest person and always has been. And we laugh through it ALL!
Episode TL;DR:
How Anna and Robert met: 7th-grade drama class, from instant friends to lovers.
When they dated briefly in middle school: They weren’t sure who broke up with who, or why (but probably because Robert is gay).
That night at BJ’s: Their first kiss in the garden. They both felt the sparks.
How Robert was the best, supportive boyfriend: Even in middle school, he bought roses for her play.
Dates in the dog park: Robert calls himself a hill dweller, and Anna was his Juliet.
Making embarrassing videos: That everyone was intense about. There were multiple takes and everyone wanted it to be just right.
How Robert hasn’t been in a relationship since: He’s a catch if you can catch him.
Anna sings him the first song she wrote: Robert saw it coming and loved the entire song.
When they broke up: Via AIM.
How they became friends again: After having a very healthy breakup for middle schoolers.
What happened in high school: Robert wanted to recreate himself and get along with the popular kids. He hid that he was in drama and didn’t talk about how passionate he was about it.
The dichotomy of your internal self and outer self: It’s a protection mechanism. Robert didn’t want people to know he was gay, so he hid so much of himself in the shadows, and struggled with it during high school.
Looking back at the past: Taking personal responsibility and overcoming the mental blocks that you create for yourself.
Internal insecurities: The internal experience that no one knows about, and the context that people are going through in their day.
Robert’s experience as an actor and becoming a clown: He was able to develop a relationship with his body as an acting instrument.
Our experiences in therapy: And what we learned about the human experience.
Getting in touch with nature: Coming back to reality after a hard time. How Robert deleted social media and focused on traveling and connecting with the world.
Finding connections and Robert’s documentary: Start by going outside and connecting with nature. Camping. Rockclimbing. Scuba diving. You don’t have to be a professional athlete to try new things and connect with the world around you.
Benefits of social media: Getting to hear more voices and learning about different communities.
Advice Robert would give to his high school self: Stop caring about what everyone else thinks. Be open and try to connect with your family.
Robert joining the Peace Corps: Integrating theatre and his love of travel and connection.
Trusting your heart to lead you to the right place: Robert focuses on the present day and setting attainable goals.
Find the duality of simplicity and complexity: Being in our natural roots. Accepting where humans are at today.
Have a burning question about friendship or middle school relationships, or want to let us know what you thought of the episode? Ask us, comment below, or reach out to us at highschoolbeefpod@gmail.com.
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