Stuff To Blow Your Mind STBYM Listener Mail: 2025 Mailbag Eversion
Dec 30, 2025
This episode dives into listener mail, sparking discussions on the psychology of praise and the importance of sincerity. From bold seagull encounters to nostalgic liminal spaces, the hosts explore everything from kids' quirky rituals to the mechanics of chainsaws. They also touch upon flamatory AI and its implications for narcissism, while reminiscing about the iconic arcade game Tempest. A playful theory about Santa's teleportation adds a whimsical twist to the conversation, blending humor and thought-provoking insights.
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Praise The Process Not The Label
- Praising effort rather than innate ability encourages challenge-seeking and growth in children.
- Robert and Lauren note replication issues but still prefer effort-based praise in practice.
Praise What They Value
- When giving compliments, praise what the person values about themselves rather than what you personally prefer.
- Be truthful when possible because insincere praise can create future relational problems.
Seagull Vs. Funnel Cake
- Bruce recounts a seagull dive that cartwheeled a funnel cake into a woman's face and later slammed into his chest.
- The bird staggered, tried to fly, and left an embarrassed, indignant scene on the boardwalk.