Curious Avocado Podcast Podcast

Curious Avocado Podcast

Blanka Stepankova
Join me, Blanka, a Canadian university student talking about weekly topics and stories on student life, society, interesting news, and a bit of true crime.
So we're banning books again?
A stream of recent headlines has surfaced from the United States of books being contested in schools, and often being banned. Let's chat about the past of book bans and what some of their implications may be.
Feb 26, 2022
The Psychology Behind Conspiracy Theories
Within the past few years there have been a lot of new and old conspiracy theories circulating around. I think it's become even more visible in recent years on social media and online. In this week's episode, we'll dive into why conspiracy theories are so prevalent, and what the heck is the psychology behind them, and the people that believe them.  Sources Consulted: https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/conspiracy-theories https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/why-people-latch-on-to-conspiracy-theories-according-to-science https://www.who.int/health-topics/infodemic
Feb 17, 2022
10 min
Is the minimalism trend dead?
Ultimately trends never totally die. Low waisted jeans are here to remind us of that fact, unfortunately. But, I started to think about if minimalism as a trend is working as popularily today as it seemed a few years ago.  So, I sought to discover, is the minimalism trend dead, and has the pandemic influenced its proliferation? In this episode, we'll deep dive into the subject and explore the trend of minimalism.  Sources Consulted: https://www.deseret.com/2021/9/18/22669245/is-minimalism-dead-more-is-now-more-home-design-trends https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/04/coronavirus-has-made-mockery-minimalism/610297/
Feb 10, 2022
16 min
Unlawful Lawyers
Society often relies on the help of lawyers to seek justice...but what if the lawyers themselves, are breaking the law?  Join me, Blanka, as we dive into the world of con-people and fake lawyers in this week's episode on Curious Avocado Podcast.  Sources Consulted: https://www.foxnews.com/story/woman-bites-hot-dog-swallows-bullet https://elawtalk.com/practice-law-without-law-degree/
Dec 6, 2021
9 min
Strange Fast Food Crimes
For this week's episode, join me, Blanka, as we delve into some of the weirdest fast food-related crimes... Sources Consulted: https://docs.google.com/document/d/102AGRHhDPCITuoGHhPyPdsFRyUk3iH0fVPtNqiDSgbM/edit?usp=sharing
Nov 20, 2021
8 min
The True Crime Trend
The True Crime genre has intrigued many viewers and listeners for a long time. Recently, the genre has seen huge contributions of content from popular movies, documentaries, and podcasts. It's become almost a trend, or social phenomenon.  In this episode, let's take a look at the different facets of True Crime; the ethics involved, some of the genre's pitfalls, and also the numerous positives it can provide to victims, to the search for justice, and to new developments of past cases.  Sources Consulted: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cl-EQoarkhIweoKsEqj71irJ1u9js5X1TKbuzXEw55s/edit?usp=sharing
Nov 14, 2021
29 min
Bizarre Black Friday Stories
What happens when it's Black Friday and people just cannot miss the chance to get the greatest deal? It makes for some bizarre stories. Join me on my Reddit deep-dive and hear some of the wackiest stories that happened on this day in previous years. Also, please have yourselves a safe and great Black Friday this year, folks!  Sources Consulted: http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/ Reddit Source Screenshots: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e5DKc9i_saHzSjn8dsqxPos-wSQS2eDAti55mwp9TwM/edit?usp=sharing
Nov 9, 2021
16 min
Flying Pirate Hunters
What happens when wildlife conservation, science, and a dash of espionage mesh? They create super intriguing stories like this one!  Join me in exploring the story of the wandering albatrosses in charge of catching modern pirates at sea.  Sources Consulted: https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/albatrosses-illegal-fishing-1.5443154#:~:text=Sea%20birds%20with%20radar%20detectors,birds%2C%20a%20new%20study%20shows https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200708-the-albatrosses-who-catch-pirates-on-the-high-seas
Nov 4, 2021
9 min
Amusing News: November
What do hippos, a squirrel, and a drunk man have in common? Well, buckle up, folks because they're all topics of our Amusing News segment this month!  Sources Consulted: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pablo-escobar-cocaine-hippos-legal-standing-as-people_n_6171cee3e4b010d9330e81c8 https://www.huffpost.com/entry/beyhan-mutlu-missing-joins-search-party_n_6157255be4b008640eb3e819 https://www.huffpost.com/entry/bill-fischer-squirrel-chevy-avalanche_n_615756dbe4b099230d2340d6
Nov 1, 2021
12 min
Why Giant Pumpkins?
In this episode, let's take a moment to discuss the phenomenon of...giant pumpkins!  Why are they cool, and what creative activities can they be used for? Happy Fall, and Happy Spooky Season!    Sources Consulted: https://www.cbc.ca/kidscbc2/the-feed/get-your-pumpkins-ready-its-the-great-pumpkin-boat-race https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-46018859 https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2018/10/man-creates-pumpkin-boat-then-paddles-25-miles-in-it-to-set-new-record-545655 https://www.worldrecordacademy.org/records/transport/largest-pumpkin-boat-world-record-tom-pearcy-218263
Oct 29, 2021
8 min
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