A concerned listener recently gave me some tips on how to be less-biased by inserting some more of my own personal bias.  I've included the audio so you can hear his entire suggestion (without any of my rampant bias getting in the way).  Thank you, concerned listener.  I will list out the lessons you've taught me and use them to better this program in the future...


Concerned Listener Suggestion #1: "You can't just do a report on something that is intrinsically political" without being political.  

Me: Don't cover anything that can in any way be perceived by anyone as "political."  Got it!


Concerned Listener Suggestion #2: "You can't do things like you did, where, you have a woman suggest that this is not the exception to the rule."  

Me: Makes sense.  Next time I'll interject and harshly correct any perceived suggestions with my unfounded claims and own political bias.


Concerned Listener Suggestion #3: "But this woman with her claims 'this happens far too often..."  No that's bullshit.  You're being political right there."

Me: Right, same thing as before.  Interject, correct, insert my own political bias.


Concerned Listener Suggestion #4: "Also you have your statement saying, 'oh this was not by anti but pro-abortion,' and that's you coming down on one side right there"

Me: Actually, it's a line read directly from the grand jury report.  But next time I'm make sure to immedieately call them morons after quoting them and, of course, insert some more of my own political bias.


Concerned Listener Suggestion #5: "...And number three, in a time when Planned Parenthoods are threatened to be shut down... and people are taking any example they can as proof that abortion is a satanic fucking ritual, to put out an episode like this. Despite the fact that it's true ...and then suggest that '(Oh) this is not the exception to the rule. It happens more than you think,' is completely irresponsible if you're trying to be unbiased or if, the impression that I get is that you're an anti-abortion person, that it's just the usual bullshit coming from your side of the fence."

Me: Ok, so first I gotta make sure I never talk about any topics during any time which one side may not like it.  if I say anything negative against this anyone on this side of the argument then, obviously, I'm biased.  I need to be more responsible with my reporting in the future and take into account the political struggles of both sides so I can time my own comments and reporting to weigh more strongly a bias on the opposite side.  Timing is everything!


Concerned Listener Suggestion #6: "You're clearly a moron."

Me: Point noted.

Concerned Listener

Episode 8 is entirely dedicated to a segment of our show called Absolute Worst Therapy!  This is where we read your questions and try our very best to offer meaningful and reasonable solutions.  

Our first listener is having an internal struggle in regards to her career and Dana and Alison are split on the solution.  And, as usual, Alison has a million more questions.  Also, the first question brings up some pretty serious P.T.S.D. from an experience Dana’s sister had and Dana basically unravels.  

We also ONCE AGAIN help a woman with her love life and try to determine if smiling/waving is the same as cheating.  And in an unprecedented move, Alison offers what Dana calls the worst advice she’s ever given…which is saying a lot.

To wrap things up, Alison and Dana debunk some theories from a list called “28 of the best pieces of advice that you’ll ever read.”  Overall, someone made a list of things that might help society but Alison and Dana end up tearing it to shreds. 

Alison and Dana ALWAYS want to hear your problems, advice, feedback and Absolute Yoursts!  You can contact them through their website, friend them on Facebook, or follow them on Instagram and Twitter.


**NOTE**
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. The Lifeline is available for everyone, is free, and confidential. See website for additional crisis services and hotlines. Online chat services provided as well at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255

Episode 8: Absolute Worst Therapy Part 1

When did you first feel sexual feelings? Who was that forbidden crush? What was your first dirty book? And why did it all feel so bad and sooooo good? This months guests talk about those moments in their lives when their hearts were racing and their loins were inflamed!
Special Guests:
Nicole Burch
Navaris Darson
Natasha Estrada

My First Time - Sexual Awakening

We start Episode 19 with some listener feedback and we discuss what an “apple body” is.  We then end up on the subject of pants and it causes Dana so much anxiety that she starts double-fisting peanut butter.  We also hear about another listener sex injury and then a guy writes in with advice for a previous listener’s problem and it’s obviously better than the advice that Dana and Alison came up with cause they’re basically the opposite of Oprah.  

Alison and Dana recently celebrated their birthdays.  Alison is depressed and Dana tries to lift her up by listing all the things she’ll never be able to accomplish now that she’s almost 40.  Helpful…

We continue the Absolute Therapy session by helping a woman figure out why she hates all other women and also why she dreads dressing up.  Basically she’s a Dana/Alison hybrid.  Afterwards we meet another woman who is pregnant, angry and freaking the fuck out!  

During the Absolute Yourst segment of our show we learn a valuable lesson about when it’s appropriate to eat freezer caramels.  We then meet a fun-loving gay man who recounts the horrific consequences of dating apps.

This episode ends with a Neva’s Corner.  This is where Dana makes Alison apologize to her grandma, Neva.  Ultimately, Alison can’t remember what she’s apologizing for but they get there eventually.
       
Alison and Dana ALWAYS want to hear your problems, advice, feedback and Absolute Yoursts!  You can contact them through their website, friend them on Facebook, or follow them on Instagram and Twitter.

**NOTE** If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. The Lifeline is available for everyone, is free, and confidential. See website for additional crisis services and hotlines. Online chat services provided as well at suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255

Episode 19: Birthday Girls

Episode 31: It's Early. And Dana is Angry.

What is your first movie? Did you see it in the theater? Did you make it? Did you make it AND see it in the theaters?! This months guests discuss the insides and outsides of the art called Cinema!
Special Guests:
Todd Berger
Ethan Erwin
Dana Powell

My First Time - Movie

Steve Hytner is famously known for playing Kenny Bania on Seinfeld.  His podcast, “That’s Gold with Steve Hytner” covers everything from sports betting to pop culture (thatsgold.gold).  

Before we begin, Steve shares a little bit about his 13-year-old son Jack’s fight against cancer.  Steve has recently relocated from Reno, NV to Los Angeles in order to be nearer Children’s Hospital.  You can donate to Jack at jackscavalry.com which is also where you can find Jack’s GoFundMe page.

During the Absolute Worst Therapy section, Steve helps us figure out how to get people gifts, what we should do when people say they think you we don’t like them, and how to date a traumatized boyfriend.  

Episode 74 ends with a story that reinforces Alison’s belief that Dana is a horrible nanny.  Also, Steve berates Alison and Alison is forced to eat her feelings.  

Alison and Dana ALWAYS want to hear your problems, advice, feedback and Absolute Yoursts!  You can contact them through their website, friend them on Facebook, or follow them on Instagram and Twitter.  If you are looking for a way to support us, you can donate to AWP here.

**NOTE** If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. The Lifeline is available for everyone, is free, and confidential. See website for additional crisis services and hotlines. Online chat services provided as well at suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, The National Eating Disorder Association is a great resource: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/types-symptoms-eating-disorders. 

In order to learn about the different types of abuse that occur in unhealthy relationships and receive help while remaining anonymous, you can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline here: (800) 799−7233 and http://www.thehotline.org/resources/victims-and-survivors/

Episode 74: Steve Hytner

The first single for my upcoming debut album. Thanks to Jack for the album art, and thanks to Sam for coming up with the initial instrumental framework two Decembers ago.

Euphoria

Each week on The Absolute Worst Podcast, Dana Powell (Successful Comedian/Actor/Writer, Adequate Mom) and Alison Royer (Fledgling Comedian/Actor/Writer, Terrible Wife) seek and give free therapy by telling you their problems, asking you to tell them your problems, and then they just pray to God that any of it works out.  They're basically the opposite of Oprah.

Episode 74: Steve Hytner

Absolute Worst Podcast

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