Episode 1 of Becoming American Social

WHAT AM I DOING??
I've never done a podcast before... I've never done a lot of the weird, uncomfortable things I'm about to do in the next 100 days.

And so it begins...

Day 1 challenge was to start and publish a podcast, even though it's not perfect. Well, here you go.

My sound is all over the place, my cuts aren't smooth at all, my transitions are crazy.

Didn't think recording something for anyone to listen to could be so nerve-wracking.

Subscribe, maybe suggest something uncomfortable for me to try, and join me in Becoming American Social.

...

(Clips from the following were used, and filtered with a fade in and fade out):
Sampler EP Vol. 9 by Vulpiano Records Artists
05. r.u.u.n.e. - GONNA WEAR IT ANYWAYS (03:52)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Vulpiano…cords_Artists/

Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) by Lobo Loco
05. Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) (04:59)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loc…Skyline_ID_761

Transmission by Parallel Park
05. Chicken Dance (03:41)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Parallel…k/Transmission

CAVE OF MIRACLES

Day 1 of 100 - Publishing imperfection

Episode 2 of Becoming American Social

With too many options to choose from on my master list, I ended up not choosing any. Analysis paralysis is real, apparently...

BUT

After talking to a few friends, I now have a system to keep me more accountable. (thanks, you wonderful people!)

Day 2 challenge was about handing out flyers to people at a festival, without being a promoter or someone who worked there. 

My sound is still all over the place, I still had to start over 4 times before getting into the groove of the story, but it's starting to feel a liiiittle more fluid.

Follow me on my journey of uncomfortable, add a suggestion to my list, and join me in Becoming American Social.

...

(Clips from the following were used, and filtered with a fade in and fade out):
Sampler EP Vol. 9 by Vulpiano Records Artists
05. r.u.u.n.e. - GONNA WEAR IT ANYWAYS (03:52)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Vulpiano…cords_Artists/

Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) by Lobo Loco
05. Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) (04:59)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loc…Skyline_ID_761

Transmission by Parallel Park
05. Chicken Dance (03:41)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Parallel…k/Transmission

Day 2 of 100 - Uninvited solicitations

Episode 3 of Becoming American Social

I have to admit, I almost didn't get this one up...I went on a fun date last night, didn't get home til later, meaning I didn't get to record my episode in the evenings as usual.

But I committed...and I'm staying committed.

Day 3 challenge was to walk alongside a stranger. I always either speed up to pass someone I'm about to approach, or slow down if someone walks up from behind me.

It's a weird thing, this concept of personal space.

This is the first time I've added ambient live-action sounds into the episode, so let me know what you think in the comments below!

Subscribe, seriously... suggest something uncomfortable for me to try, and join me in Becoming American Social.

...

(Clips from the following were used, and filtered with a fade in and fade out):
Sampler EP Vol. 9 by Vulpiano Records Artists
05. r.u.u.n.e. - GONNA WEAR IT ANYWAYS (03:52)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Vulpiano…cords_Artists/

Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) by Lobo Loco
05. Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) (04:59)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loc…Skyline_ID_761

Transmission by Parallel Park
05. Chicken Dance (03:41)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Parallel…k/Transmission

Sampler EP Vol. 9

Day 3 of 100 - Keeping pace with strangers

Episode 4 of Becoming American Social

One missed step, and the domino effect kicks in. Almost missed another, so tomorrow, I'll plan ahead.

Day 4 challenge was to respond to messages immediately after I read them. That sneaky little "mark as unread" is probably why I have over 10k emails in my inbox...yeah, I'm THAT person. Go ahead, judge me.

Sometimes, I don't feel like taking the time to look at my calendar, or maybe just don't know what to say.

Either way, this challenge put me to the test in more ways than I thought it would. 

Spoiler alert: I'm going to keep doing it...make a habit out of it.

Subscribe, maybe suggest something uncomfortable for me to try, and join me in Becoming American Social.

...

(Clips from the following were used, and filtered with a fade in and fade out):
Sampler EP Vol. 9 by Vulpiano Records Artists
05. r.u.u.n.e. - GONNA WEAR IT ANYWAYS (03:52)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Vulpiano…cords_Artists/

Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) by Lobo Loco
05. Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) (04:59)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loc…Skyline_ID_761

Transmission by Parallel Park
05. Chicken Dance (03:41)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Parallel…k/Transmission

Day 4 of 100 - Respond immediately

Episode 5 of Becoming American Social

The article I mentioned about struggling with short encounters: https://bit.ly/2uZ1D9T

I am a hopeless romantic. I can't help but hope that one day I'll still run into the love of my life organically, at a local coffee shop and feel an instant connection as he holds the door for me. Go ahead, roll your eyes. Everyone knows everyone only meets on dating apps now, right?

But it's these chance encounters that I think can create opportunities for long, lasting relationships. 

The same goes for people I meet on dating apps. Even if it was a momentary encounter, there are guys that I really connected with, who I still somewhat keep in touch with.

So when I match with someone, I go into it without expectation. It may lead to a short conversation, a date, or maybe nothing at all. But if I connect with someone enough, not being physically there won't matter...to me.

Day 5 challenge was to be honest with a guy instead of ghosting.

I was leaving Austin, and didn't get to meet up with everyone I was chatting with so I had a few messages to send before deleting the app again and leaving.

Subscribe, maybe suggest something uncomfortable for me to try, and join me in Becoming American Social.

...

(Clips from the following were used, and filtered with a fade in and fade out):
Sampler EP Vol. 9 by Vulpiano Records Artists
05. r.u.u.n.e. - GONNA WEAR IT ANYWAYS (03:52)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Vulpiano…cords_Artists/

Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) by Lobo Loco
05. Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) (04:59)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loc…Skyline_ID_761

Transmission by Parallel Park
05. Chicken Dance (03:41)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Parallel…k/Transmission

Day 5 of 100 - No more ghosting

Episode 6 of Becoming American Social

HELP. please. wait, no, only if you're bored out of your mind and have absolutely nothing better to do. I'm so sorry, but thank you, but also sorry.

Why is asking for help so hard??

Day 6 challenge was to ask for help. I consider myself stubborn and independent. I take pride in being able to do things for myself. But, sometimes, it's easier to ask for help, and sometimes you have to be okay with it and know how so if you ever really need it, you'll know how to ask for it. 

Also, I love helping other people, so why do I not like being helped?

I half-way completed this challenge, but ended up adding a new one to the list as a result. HALP.

Subscribe, maybe suggest something uncomfortable for me to try, and join me in Becoming American Social.

...

(Clips from the following were used, and filtered with a fade in and fade out):
Sampler EP Vol. 9 by Vulpiano Records Artists
05. r.u.u.n.e. - GONNA WEAR IT ANYWAYS (03:52)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Vulpiano…cords_Artists/

Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) by Lobo Loco
05. Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) (04:59)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loc…Skyline_ID_761

Transmission by Parallel Park
05. Chicken Dance (03:41)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Parallel…k/Transmission

Day 6 of 100 - Sorry, can you help me?

Episode 7 of Becoming American Social

"Wanna grab drinks?" is usually how you end up at a bar. But what if you're new in town and don't have anyone to grab drinks with?

Sure I could have hopped on a dating app and found an interesting person to spend a couple hours over a couple glasses with, but then I'd have to do a bunch of ghosting (or maybe not anymore) and miss out on the unknown outcome of being in a place with a lot of people.

So, alone I went.

Day 7 challenge was to go to a bar alone.

It took me 2 hours to leave my apartment, I was nervous, I felt uneasy up until I started chatting with the first person. 

The nerves resurfaced towards the end of my second conversation, but that was because of what he said.

Of all the unknown possibilities, wasn't expecting that one...

Subscribe, maybe suggest something uncomfortable for me to try, and join me in Becoming American Social.

...

(Clips from the following were used, and filtered with a fade in and fade out):
Sampler EP Vol. 9 by Vulpiano Records Artists
05. r.u.u.n.e. - GONNA WEAR IT ANYWAYS (03:52)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Vulpiano…cords_Artists/

Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) by Lobo Loco
05. Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) (04:59)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loc…Skyline_ID_761

Transmission by Parallel Park
05. Chicken Dance (03:41)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Parallel…k/Transmission

Day 7 of 100 - At the bar, for one please

Episode 8 of Becoming American Social

Picking things up after a 2-week hiatus...I have fair reason, including an emergency room visit!

Skip to minute 6 for just Day 8's challenge story.

Day 8 challenge was to not look away when I meet eyes with someone random on the street.

This was muuuuuch harder than I anticipated. Why does the other person never look away first? And what are you supposed to do if you're still staring into eachother's eyes beyond 2 seconds?!

Subscribe, maybe suggest something uncomfortable for me to try, and join me in Becoming American Social.

...

(Clips from the following were used, and filtered with a fade in and fade out):
Sampler EP Vol. 9 by Vulpiano Records Artists
05. r.u.u.n.e. - GONNA WEAR IT ANYWAYS (03:52)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Vulpiano…cords_Artists/

Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) by Lobo Loco
05. Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) (04:59)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loc…Skyline_ID_761

Transmission by Parallel Park
05. Chicken Dance (03:41)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Parallel…k/Transmission

Day 8 of 100 - Trying to catch your eye

Episode 9 of Becoming American Social

Women are expected to keep ourselves clean-shaven in America.

Growing up in Germany, I saw the opposite of this -- most women at the swimming pool would have hair under their arms, and it was considered natural. 

But of course, I conformed to American culture.

Day 9 challenge was to wear a tank top with unshaven armpits...and I went somewhere I knew I'd be forced to raise my hands up to expose said unshaven armpits.

Will I let it grow? Will I keep shaving? Find out the fate of my little pitsies at the end of this story.

Subscribe, maybe suggest something uncomfortable for me to try, and join me in Becoming American Social.

...

(Clips from the following were used, and filtered with a fade in and fade out):
Sampler EP Vol. 9 by Vulpiano Records Artists
05. r.u.u.n.e. - GONNA WEAR IT ANYWAYS (03:52)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Vulpiano…cords_Artists/

Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) by Lobo Loco
05. Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) (04:59)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loc…Skyline_ID_761

Transmission by Parallel Park
05. Chicken Dance (03:41)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Parallel…k/Transmission

Day 9 of 100 - Unshaven armpits

Episode 10 of Becoming American Social

I used to be verrrrry uncomfortable being naked in front of people.
Then I became pretty accustomed to being nakey at Korean spas growing up.

But with Americans in America?? It seemed weird.

Day 10 challenge was to go to a nude spa or pool.

After feeling all eyes on me for a moment, things settled down.

Scrub-a-dub-dub.

Subscribe, maybe suggest something uncomfortable for me to try, and join me in Becoming American Social.

...

(Clips from the following were used, and filtered with a fade in and fade out):
Sampler EP Vol. 9 by Vulpiano Records Artists
05. r.u.u.n.e. - GONNA WEAR IT ANYWAYS (03:52)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Vulpiano…cords_Artists/

Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) by Lobo Loco
05. Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) (04:59)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loc…Skyline_ID_761

Transmission by Parallel Park
05. Chicken Dance (03:41)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Parallel…k/Transmission

Day 10 of 100 - Fully exposed

Episode 11 of Becoming American Social
(*Featuring a special guest! Spoiler alert: find him on youtube @thelaidofffounder)

I used to never leave the house without makeup...I'd never even let someone I was staying with see me without makeup.

And I've put on makeup before going out in public every day since I was in 8th grade. 

I think I've left the house without showering more times than I've left without putting on makeup.

So this challenge...whew, was filled with anxiety.

Day 11 challenge was to go out in public with absolutely no makeup on...not even concealer, which is one of my staples.

At first, it was hard to look at people I passed by...almost as if they wouldn't be able to see me if I didn't look at them.

Before and after photos, unfiltered, are on instagram at @heymelissabrown.

Subscribe, maybe suggest something uncomfortable for me to try, and join me in Becoming American Social.

...

(Clips from the following were used, and filtered with a fade in and fade out):
Sampler EP Vol. 9 by Vulpiano Records Artists
05. r.u.u.n.e. - GONNA WEAR IT ANYWAYS (03:52)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Vulpiano…cords_Artists/

Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) by Lobo Loco
05. Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) (04:59)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loc…Skyline_ID_761

Transmission by Parallel Park
05. Chicken Dance (03:41)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Parallel…k/Transmission

Day 11 of 100 - Barefaced in public

Episode 12 of Becoming American Social

Tell me all the positive things you think about me...what an awkward request. 

Day 12 challenge was to ask someone for a recommendation on LinkedIn. That meant not only accepting a compliment, but actually soliciting one.

My mom used to tell me that the can with less beans makes the most noise. Growing up, any time someone would give me a compliment, my mom would immediately deflect it. And I learned to do the same.

"You did a great job." 

"Nah, I just got lucky. I did okay."

Subscribe, maybe suggest something uncomfortable for me to try, and join me in Becoming American Social.

...

(Clips from the following were used, and filtered with a fade in and fade out):
Sampler EP Vol. 9 by Vulpiano Records Artists
05. r.u.u.n.e. - GONNA WEAR IT ANYWAYS (03:52)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Vulpiano…cords_Artists/

Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) by Lobo Loco
05. Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) (04:59)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loc…Skyline_ID_761

Transmission by Parallel Park
05. Chicken Dance (03:41)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Parallel…k/Transmission

Day 12 of 100 - Would you recommend me?

Episode 13 of Becoming American Social

WHAT IS LIFE??
I've been pondering a lot lately. I have ONE answer for you in the beginning.

Then, the clothes come off, and the running begins.

Day 13 challenge was to go running outside in nothing but a sports bra and shorts.

The thought of exposing myself and allowing people to see my jiggles in the glory of broad daylight always made me cringe.

What's funny, is it seemed normal when other people did it. It just seemed really weird for me to do it. I'm not a runner, so please excuse my panting commentary.

Subscribe, maybe suggest something uncomfortable for me to try, and join me in Becoming American Social.

...

(Clips from the following were used, and filtered with a fade in and fade out):
Sampler EP Vol. 9 by Vulpiano Records Artists
05. r.u.u.n.e. - GONNA WEAR IT ANYWAYS (03:52)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Vulpiano…cords_Artists/

Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) by Lobo Loco
05. Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) (04:59)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loc…Skyline_ID_761

Transmission by Parallel Park
05. Chicken Dance (03:41)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Parallel…k/Transmission

Day 13 of 100 - Running half naked

Episode 14 of Becoming American Social

I hesitated to post this episode. Partly because if you judge me based on this episode alone, you'd have a very skewed idea of who I am. 

I get really personal, give you an inside look at the real thoughts that swirled around in my head. I expose my weaknesses, share my personal struggle with my own self-limiting beliefs. 

The bad and the ugly that people don't see through the smile that's usually on my face.

Day 14 challenge was to go to an event that I had no business being at. And that event happened to be Collision in New Orleans (https://collisionconf.com/).

With a very exclusive ticket in hand, I had to fill some big shoes...or so I thought.

Special thanks again to my friend Stephen. Here's the video I mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcWsxKwElU8
You should follow his journey.

Subscribe, maybe suggest something uncomfortable for me to try, and join me in Becoming American Social.

...

(Clips from the following were used, and filtered with a fade in and fade out):
Sampler EP Vol. 9 by Vulpiano Records Artists
05. r.u.u.n.e. - GONNA WEAR IT ANYWAYS (03:52)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Vulpiano…cords_Artists/

Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) by Lobo Loco
05. Manhattan Skyline (ID 761) (04:59)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Lobo_Loc…Skyline_ID_761

Transmission by Parallel Park
05. Chicken Dance (03:41)
freemusicarchive.org/music/Parallel…k/Transmission

Experimental Bass Jamm 1 @ Gallery 724 (Allentown, PA) 1-29-2017 by Jared C. Balogh
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Balogh/_Gallery_724/Experimental_Bass_Jamm_1__Gallery_724__Allentown_PA_1-29-2017

Sense of Urgency by Scanglobe
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scanglobe/Telegraph_1256/Sense_of_Urgency_1484

Blue Hope New Sky

Day 14 of 100 - What am I doing at this big important conference?

100 days of uncomfortable. From not breaking eye contact to asking strangers for money. Taking social anxieties head on...let's get weird.

Becoming American Social

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