In episode 11, we dive into the world of algorithms to try our best to understand them. Jordan shares an update on her documentary viewing event that is scheduled for October 6th. Helen and Jordan both share their how they use WhatsApp for communication. We go over the rules of the latest recess craze sweeping Morton aka gaga ball, and Helen tells us how she made a trip back to the apple orchard. We then define what an algorithm actually is and how we all use algorithms in our daily lives. Much of our discussion surrounding algorithms focuses on the negative (with a few positive) impacts on teens. Helen and Jordan reflect on some of their own teenage experiences with media and how different media is today. Jordan references a study that looked into the effects of social media on the teenage brain. We share concerns about how social media companies hire psychologists to help make social media more addictive and why delaying use for kids and teens is so beneficial.

Can't Look Away trailer

Screening Registration

In our tenth episode, it’s time for us to reflect on our goals, accomplishments, concerns, and future plans for this podcast. We start off by diving into the wild world of the multitude of Facebook groups in our town and their eccentricities. Helen gives her hot tip of spreading peanut butter with a spoon - NOT a knife - and we then give a brief preview to our upcoming Halloween plans. We each share how this podcast has helped boost our confidence with talking about topics and issues that are important to us with others. Jordan shares a new project she’s working on to bring a documentary screening to Morton. Helen gives a glimpse into her childhood theatrical skills with her amazing recall of lines she had in elementary school. Helen then shares how she plans to help positively influence future teachers during her literacy and technology course. We each reflect on some disturbing online experiences of our past and present, which leads to concerns for the future.

After a very busy pumpkin-filled week, aka the Morton Pumpkin Festival, aka P-fest, we have our most meticulously planned episode ever...jk. We planned nothing! For our non-Morton listeners, P-fest is a multi-day autumnal extravaganza, and we share our experiences from this year and years past. We talk about our childhood memories of listening to the radio and our experiences with winning (and not winning) radio contests. Jordan shares her awareness of smartphone use in adults out in the world, especially in those moments of waiting. We then dive into the diverse world of grocery store options and what our preferences are. Naturally a discussion all about groceries leads to Jordan sharing her past dating app misunderstandings and then her current existential crisis dealing with the idea of what “home” truly means. It’s a bit unhinged, but Helen and Jordan certainly had a gourd time.