371. News Life Balance with Esther Manito and special guest Ria Lina
Sep 18, 2023
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Ria Lina, a comedian, joins Deborah Frances-White and Esther Manito to discuss the struggle of balancing life and consuming news. They explore the influence of topical comedy shows, the role of activists in society, the impact of online behavior on real-life interactions, and even touch on household chores and podcast recommendations. A mix of thought-provoking and light-hearted topics in this entertaining episode.
The challenges of balancing family life and the overwhelming responsibilities of motherhood are humorously discussed.
The internet has led to more polarized opinions and made it harder to have rational conversations.
Balancing news consumption and personal well-being is important, and self-care should be prioritized before trying to change the world.
Deep dives
The Challenges of Balancing Family Life
The comedian humorously discusses the challenges of balancing family life, particularly with young children. She shares anecdotes about being constantly stalked by her sons and feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of motherhood.
The Impact of the Internet on Discussions
The conversation delves into how the internet has affected the way people communicate and engage in discussions. It is noted that the online environment has led to more polarized opinions and made it harder to have rational conversations. The desire to comment and be heard is now spilling over into live events and performances.
The Overwhelming Nature of Staying Informed
The discussion touches on the challenges of balancing personal well-being with staying informed about current events. The comedian mentions how consuming news can be overwhelming, especially after a prolonged period of isolation due to the pandemic. The need for designated spaces to discuss news and promote thoughtful conversations is also suggested.
Balancing News Consumption and Personal Life
The podcast episode discusses the challenge of balancing news consumption with personal life and the struggle to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. The host and guest share their experiences of feeling anxious and unbalanced due to constant exposure to news through scrolling social media platforms. They discuss the importance of self-care and putting oneself first, as well as finding small actions to contribute positively, such as recycling or engaging in personal hobbies. The guest emphasizes the significance of understanding one's own limits and not being too hard on oneself, suggesting that taking care of one's own well-being is crucial before trying to change the world.
The Role of Comedy in News Engagement
The podcast highlights the role of comedy in engaging people with the news. The guest, who is a comedian, discusses her topical comedy show and the aim of making news more accessible and digestible through humor. They mention the power of comedy to break down barriers and make serious topics more engaging and informative. The host expresses admiration for comedians like John Oliver, who effectively balance humor with serious issues, making it easier for audiences to learn and stay informed. The guest expresses her desire to go deeper into news topics and provide a palatable way to present complex concepts, inspired by her background in science communication.
