No Deep Dives

A FlexMami Production

Logie-Nominee, best-selling author, and award-winning podcaster FlexMami decodes the riddle of life. Each episode is earnest, optimistic, opinionated, sometimes superficial and never unnecessarily judgmental. Perfect for ruminators, over-thinkers and serial generalists searching for meaning (never resolution!). read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

016: Symptoms of Being A Person
18-04-2024
016: Symptoms of Being A Person
Sorry to stress you out!!!! I've had an epiphany spurred by flashbacks of Year 10 Religion classes. Didn't we learn in Buddhism that desire is suffering? So, the pursuit of joy is riddled with pain? Maybe the "bad" stuff we experience doesn't exactly mean that our lives are deficient – perhaps they're just symptoms of being a person.   DIVE DEEPER No Deep Dives TikTok No Deep Dives Instagram No Deep Dives Substack No Deep Dives Slack   TIMESTAMPS In this episode of No Deep Dives, Flex starts with a brief mention of her newfound love for the movie Dune 2, highlighting its depiction of real-life issues such as colonialism and religious engineering, before diving into the main topic: suffering, stress, and Buddhism. She discusses the nature of suffering and how it's intertwined with human existence, referencing Buddhism's Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a framework for understanding and potentially overcoming suffering. Flex also explores the concept of karma, the impact of actions and intentions on one's future, and how modern society's perception and management of stress don't align with our evolutionary development. Throughout the episode, she shares personal anecdotes and reflections on learning, the challenges of ethical living in a capitalist society, and the pursuit of enlightenment. The discussion extends into the societal and personal factors contributing to stress and the perpetual quest for joy and comfort amidst life's inevitable hardships.   00:00 Welcome to No Deep Dives 00:10 Dune 2 01:08 Episode Breakdown 01:34 Thoughts Are Puzzles 02:13 The Curious Case of Whale Lungs 03:19 Rethinking Suffering 05:10 Buddhism and the Nature of Suffering 09:04 Understanding Karma in Buddhism 10:40 Navigating the Eightfold Path to Enlightenment 13:58 Reflecting on Life, Stress, and Expectations 17:32 Modern Society and the Chronic Stress Dilemma 19:43 Closing Thoughts and Farewell
015: Curse of Friends to Lovers
18-04-2024
015: Curse of Friends to Lovers
Is your key to freedom on the other side of the diabolically embarrassing scenario you've been avoiding? Should the 'friends to lovers' trope be saved for romance novels? Is closure real? Did your heart break when you saw Jerrod Carmichael confess his love for Tyler the Creator?   DIVE DEEPER No Deep Dives TikTok No Deep Dives Instagram No Deep Dives Substack No Deep Dives Slack   IMPORTANT LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/search?q=jerrod%20tyler&t=1712809364136   TIMESTAMPS Welcome back to No Deep Dives, where Flex takes us on a journey through the intricacies of human connections. In this episode, we're diving into the delicate dance of transitioning friendships into romantic entanglements, the rising tide of extreme self-awareness in society, and the profound impacts our actions have on our mental well-being. We'll navigate the complexities of secondhand embarrassment and the ever-present fear of being labelled as 'cringe'. But fear not because we're also spotlighting the myth of meritocracy in relationships and questioning whether closure is genuinely attainable. A highlight of this episode is a deep dive into Jerrod Carmichael's revelation about his feelings for Tyler the Creator—an exploration of the intricate tapestry of human emotions and the elusive quest for closure. So, join us as Flex challenges us to confront the romantic tropes we've internalized and embrace the unpredictable nature of real-life relationships. 00:00 Setting the Stage for Deep Exploration 00:10 From Friends to Lovers, Fantasy v Reality 00:35 Plot Awareness to Consequence Awareness 02:16 Unpacking the Jerrod Carmichael and Tyler the Creator Incident 08:02 Debunking the Myth of Meritocracy and the Elusive Quest for Closure 11:42 Reality TV, Situationships, and the Age-Old Friends-to-Lovers Trope 17:02 Final Reflections and Farewell
014: Softboys! Are! Beefing!!!
08-04-2024
014: Softboys! Are! Beefing!!!
The softboys are fighting! The Pick Me(n) are turning on each other! The timeline wants to know, is the man content creating painting his nails, talking about the glass ceiling and lipsynching to Hozier a feminist or misogynist in sheeps clothing???   DIVE DEEPER No Deep Dives TikTok No Deep Dives Instagram No Deep Dives Substack No Deep Dives Slack https://www.tiktok.com/@quinnickleshow/video/7346640693902937390 https://www.tiktok.com/@quinickle/video/7232337055605378346?q=quinnickle&t=1712558892570 https://www.tiktok.com/@quinickle/video/7298752921800363306?q=quinnickle&t=1712558892570 https://www.tiktok.com/@angieemann/video/7182369370180422955?q=strange%20kevin&t=1712558799606 https://www.tiktok.com/@misterstrang4/video/7301150160363556139?q=strange%20kevin%20female%20gaze&t=1712558857512 https://www.tiktok.com/@tellthebeees/video/7349382297138892062?_r=1&%3B_t=8l0sr2k8DPm TIMESTAMPS Welcome to the latest episode of No Deep Dives, hosted by Flex. Today, we're diving into the intricate world of TikTok's social dynamics. Our focus? The emergence of 'pick me men' and the intriguing concept of the female gaze. Flex delves into the trend of men strategically distancing themselves from 'pick me' behaviours to position themselves as more self-aware than their fellow counterparts. Then dissects the evolution and occasional misinterpretations of the male gaze, ultimately leading to the emergence of the female gaze phenomenon. Through the lens of notable TikTok creators like Strange Kevin and Quinn, we'll analyze how these trends mirror deeper societal shifts in gender dynamics, self-presentation, and the pursuit of authenticity in digital spaces. Join Flex to challenge preconceptions and unravel the layers of these trends. Who truly benefits, and are we witnessing genuine progress or just a fresh coat of paint on age-old patriarchal norms? Let's dive in and find out. 00:33 The Rise of 'Pick Me' Men 02:13 Decoding the Male Gaze 05:38 The Female Gaze: A Counter-Narrative or a New Form of Objectification? 11:46 TikTok's Influence: From Strange Kevin to Quinnical 22:44 The Complexity of the Female Gaze: Perception vs. Reality
012: NYC Serial Punch Trend
03-04-2024
012: NYC Serial Punch Trend
What happens when violence BY MEN against women is documented in real-time by said women on TikTok? What if this caused such severe outrage that the perpetrator was found and apprehended in days? Have you heard about the femicide in South Korea and the 4B Movement created in response? DIVE DEEPER No Deep Dives TikTok No Deep Dives Instagram No Deep Dives Substack No Deep Dives Slack OTHER LINKS https://www.tiktok.com/@halleykate/video/7350308300317314350?lang=en https://www.tiktok.com/@corabrei/video/7350874328407231786 https://www.tiktok.com/@dylan.page/video/7351882826792308001?_r=1&_t=8l9OKpxQ5A7 TIMESTAMPS In this episode of No Deep Dives, hosted by FlexMami a pressing issue is discussed regarding a series of unprovoked and violent attacks on women in New York City. These assaults were initially considered isolated incidents until victims started sharing their experiences on TikTok, revealing a shocking pattern of similar attacks. The podcast explores various aspects of these incidents, including the public's reaction, the potential reasons behind the attacks, and the broader societal implications. It highlights the lack of empathy and understanding towards the victims and delves into themes of misinformation, patriarchal violence, and the impact of social media. The episode concludes with a commentary on how these events are reflective of deeper issues within society, urging listeners to remain vigilant and engage in discussions about violence against women. Flex also touches upon an alarming trend from the past, likened to the 'knockout game', and the disturbing normalization of such acts of violence. Furthermore, the arrest of a suspect, Skiboki Stora, is mentioned, which raises more questions about the systemic issues allowing such individuals to repeatedly commit these crimes. 00:10 Unprovoked Attacks in NYC 03:59 Victim Blaming and Misinformation 07:16 Commercialising Safety 10:45 Broken Social Contract Broken 13:58 Patriarchy's Role 18:13 The Arrest 22:13 Global Perspective 26:20 Closing Thoughts: The World is a Scary Place
010: Smut, Nepotism and Banned Books!
24-03-2024
010: Smut, Nepotism and Banned Books!
I'm microdosing an official book club by keeping you in the loop of what I'm reading. It spans from spicy to existential, but surely that doesn't surprise you. DIVE DEEPER No Deep Dives TikTok No Deep Dives Instagram No Deep Dives Substack No Deep Dives Slack TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to No Deep Dives: A FlexMami Podcast 00:10 Rediscovering the Joy of Reading: From Fiction to Nonfiction 01:01 Diving into 'Fall of Wrath and Ruin': A Spicy Book Review 05:16 Exploring 'Pedagogy of the Oppressed': A Deep Dive into Education 09:25 The Nepo Baby Debate and Pursuing Dreams 11:00 Navigating the World of Sarah J Maas and Book Controversies 12:22 The Idea of a Banned Book Club 12:39 Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement In this episode of 'No Deep Dives,' Flex discusses her return to giving book recommendations despite previous reservations, sparked by a desire to encourage reading both fiction and non-fiction. She reviews 'Fall of Wrath and Ruin' by Jennifer Armentrout, sharing her mixed feelings about the book's pacing and character dynamics while recommending Kindle Unlimited for book lovers. Flex then discusses 'Pedagogy of the Oppressed' by Paolo Freire, reflecting on traditional education's limitations and the potential for oppressed groups to envision change. The podcast also touches on the concept of nepotism and privilege, using musician Fred again as a case study to explore how privilege can impact one's ability to pursue dreams. Flex hints at starting a book club focusing on banned books and invites listeners to join their community for further discussions.
009: Gen Z! Misunderstood! Over-Labelled!
21-03-2024
009: Gen Z! Misunderstood! Over-Labelled!
The implication of being the generation set to shake things up, is that you stay shook up. When (as of 2024) Gen Z spans from 12-27, what is there to learn about them that doesn't feel like wild assumptions? Also who is going to keep us in the loop of the Chronically Offline Zoomers? Read the report here. DIVE DEEPER No Deep Dives TikTok No Deep Dives Instagram No Deep Dives Substack No Deep Dives Slack TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to No Deep Dives: Acknowledging the Land  00:10 The Fascination with Online Surveys and Gen Z Trends 00:26 Diving Deep into the Live Nation Report on Gen Z 01:56 What's In and What's Out According to Gen Z 02:27 The Skepticism Around Data Collection and Its Implications 03:51 Exploring the Complexities of Gen Z's Identity and Consumption 11:01 The Influence of Millennials on Gen Z and the Future of Cool 16:35 Concluding Thoughts and How to Connect with the Podcast Community   In this episode of No Deep Dives, FlexMami discusses the results of a recent report released by Live Nation exploring Gen Z trends and culture in 2024. The episode critiques the methodology of such reports, questioning their accuracy and the potential biases in their data collection processes. Flex raises concerns about oversimplification and generalising Gen Z's characteristics and highlights how advertisers and brands may miss the mark in understanding this demographic through superficial surveys. The discussion also touches on Gen Z's diverse interests, from dopamine dressing to antinatalism, and critiques the notion of generational identity being largely shaped by online consumption patterns. Furthermore, Flex reflects on the role of older generations in shaping Gen Z's culture and the importance of authentic representation in media. The podcast concludes with a call for more nuanced and responsible approaches to understanding and engaging with Gen Z.
008: Oura Ring? Flop or not?
17-03-2024
008: Oura Ring? Flop or not?
Can a titanium piece of smart jewellery really help you meet your wellness goals? Or is the Oura Ring the latest micro-trend gadget nobody needs? DIVE DEEPER No Deep Dives TikTok No Deep Dives Instagram No Deep Dives Substack No Deep Dives Slack TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to No Deep Dives: Acknowledging the Land 00:10 Flexmami's Oura Ring Journey Begins 00:52 The Oura Ring Experience: Expectations vs. Reality 02:03 Diving Deeper into the Oura Ring's Features and Claims 02:46 The Oura Ring Review: A Personal Experiment 04:29 Pros, Cons, and the Verdict on the Oura Ring 07:40 Reflecting on the Oura Ring and Broader Wellness Tech 10:51 Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement   In this episode of No Deep Dives, Flex provides a semi-comprehensive review of her two-month experience with the Oura Ring. Despite initial excitement about the gadget's promise to track sleep and overall wellness through various metrics, she ultimately does not recommend it. Flex discusses the Oura Ring's features, including its ability to monitor heart rate, blood oxygen level, and provide 20 different biometrics. However, she critiques the usefulness and accuracy of the data provided, expressing confusion and disappointment over the lack of actionable insights derived from the statistics. She also mentions the need for a subscription to access full app functionalities. Flex expresses concern over the potential for developing a dependency on the device for health and wellness insights. Overall, Flexmami's review is mixed, highlighting the novelty of the Oura Ring but questioning its practicality and effectiveness in contributing to a better understanding of one's health.
007: I joined the Cult Of Morning Pages™️
14-03-2024
007: I joined the Cult Of Morning Pages™️
Who knew the answer to all my problems was talking to myself first thing in the morning? I took a month-long social media hiatus, then returned as a JOURNALING MONSTER. Now, according to you, I'm glowing differently, my attitude has improved, and I have a way better understanding of who I am, what I want and what I need. The book I reference is The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. DIVE DEEPER No Deep Dives TikTok No Deep Dives Instagram No Deep Dives Substack No Deep Dives Slack TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to No Deep Dives: The Flexmami Podcast 00:10 The Unexpected Journey into Journaling 00:48 The Morning Pages: A Deep Dive 02:22 The Transformative Power of Morning Pages 04:07 Navigating the Morning Pages: Tips and Insights 06:25 The Personal Impact of Morning Pages 07:31 Morning Pages: Beyond the Basics 07:57 The Discipline and Discovery of Morning Pages 25:20 Reflections and Future Directions 27:54 Signing Off: The Cult of Morning Pages In this episode of 'No Deep Dives,' Flex discusses her transformative experience with writing morning pages, attributed to Julia Cameron’s book 'The Artist's Way.' Starting from the point of scepticism towards routine and disciplined practices, Flex recounts how a month-long social media hiatus led her to adopt and rigorously maintain a routine of writing three pages of stream-of-consciousness journaling first thing every morning. She shares how this practice impacted her mental clarity, creativity, self-discovery, and discipline, even amidst challenges like illness and lack of motivation. Through this journey, she uncovers the essence of morning pages as a form of meditation and mental purging to facilitate a deeper connection with oneself. Flex illuminates the importance of engaging with this practice without dilution or shortcuts, advocating for its raw, therapeutic potential to emerge only when done as intended. She wraps up the episode by addressing frequently asked questions about the practice, emphasizing the unique personal insights and 'epiphanies' one discovers through consistent engagement with morning pages.
006: Australians are SUFFERING (statistically!)
14-03-2024
006: Australians are SUFFERING (statistically!)
Do you live in the UK, the US or Australia? Has your emotional, mental and social well-being been on a steady decline for ages? I KNOW WHY!!!! This episode might validate you. Sapien Labs released its 4th Annual Mental State Of The World Report, and the stats are troubling. We have been told that Australia is the lucky country, the land of plenty. Shouldn't this mean that we're happy too? People are suffering!!  You can read the report here.   DIVE DEEPER No Deep Dives TikTok No Deep Dives Instagram No Deep Dives Substack No Deep Dives Slack TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Acknowledging the Land and Introducing the Podcast 00:10 The Global Mental Health Crisis: Insights and Surprising Findings 01:04 Diving Deep into the Mental State of the World Report 06:12 Australia's Mental Health Issue 08:23 The Three Culprits Behind the Mental Wellbeing Decline 13:39 Cultural Reflections and the Quest for Better Mental Health 22:08 Taking the Mental Wellbeing Quiz: A Personal Journey 24:17 Wrapping Up and How to Stay Connected In this episode of No Deep Dives, Flex discusses the findings of a recent mental health report, mainly focusing on Australians' mental well-being compared to other countries. Flex explores various factors affecting mental health, including smartphone use, consumption of ultra-processed food, and diminished family bonds. The report indicates a significant decline in mental well-being, especially among younger generations, and challenges narratives about the quality of life in different countries. Flex reflects on the cultural perceptions of mental health and societal expectations, urging listeners to reconsider their understanding of mental well-being and the factors contributing to it. The episode concludes with Flex sharing her own mental health quiz results and inviting listeners to join a discussion about the topic.