S2E5 - The Toll of Election Anxiety and How To Engage Meaningfully

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Fears of Totalitarianism, and Finding Paradise

Spooky season is still not over: In this episode host Chauncey Zalkin covers Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Gorging on Political Wonkery, and Where Beauty and Meaning Really Come From.

Topics Covered:

• Election Anxiety: Chauncey opens up about her deep concern over political divides and the potential fallout of the election outcome, capturing her personal struggles with the 24/7 news cycle and the toll it takes.
• Dopamine vs. Serotonin: She discusses what is known and unknown about the brain’s dopamine-reward system. No pop psychology here!
• Connecting Through Conversations: Chauncey talks about bridging gaps that feel like chasms but might be illusions.
• Art and Film as Anchors: Chauncey reflects on classic films Life Is Beautiful and Cinema Paradiso and our own imagination to get us to the other side.
• The Power of Community: From curbside chili potlucks to comparing memories of life at ten years old, to talking to people who might vote for the man you loathe most, there is nothing that can replace face to face conversations.

Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.

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