What happens when two strangers meet through the most vulnerable work imaginable, and end up building one of the most honest friendships either of them has ever had?

Meet Today's Peas: John York and AJ Wilson-Taylor are the dynamic duo behind The Unsinkable Ship podcast. Both accomplished voice actors, John is also an audiobook narrator, while AJ is a musician, filmmaker, and adventurer. They first met through their shared work on the audio platform Quinn, and what began as a professional collaboration quickly turned into a deep, supportive, and adventurous friendship.

Dr. Miriam sits down with John and AJ to explore their friendship story, the importance of men finding spaces that stand in opposition to toxic masculinity, and how directness and honesty can cultivate deeper connection. They unpack how the strange intimacy of performing something as vulnerable as erotic voice acting together meant they skipped straight past the usual guardedness of new work friendships. They talk candidly about the moment they essentially said out loud, "I'd like to be your friend, would you like to be mine?" and why that simple, childlike directness is something so many adults (especially men) lose the nerve for. Along the way, they get honest about men's friendships and why they wanted their own podcast, The Unsinkable Ship, to model something different. The episode wraps up with a round of Snap Peas, including a friendship warning label and the name of the ship their bond would be.

This one's for anyone who believes we could all learn a thing or two from men who aren't afraid to love their friends out loud.

Follow your new friends:

@ajthisway

@johnyorkuK_

@unsinkableshipcast

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Your friendship questions deserve answers. Reach out at hello@thetwopeasonapod.com, on social media or, pick up the phone and call or text with your friendship story or questions at 615-PODLINE (That's 615-763-5463).

Stay in touch with us:

• @thetwopeasonapod
• @miriamkirmayer
• www.miriamkirmayer.com

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Two Peas on a Pod is hosted by Dr. Miriam Kirmayer. Executive produced by Zoe Travis, Matthew Hoffman, Katya Kaminsky, and Dr. Miriam Kirmayer. Produced and edited by Podcast Nation (Producers: Madison Brit and Alesha Pannier, Audio Engineer: Miles Carter). Original music by Sarah Walk. Created by Zoe Travis and Matthew Hoffman. Two Peas on a Pod is recorded in Montreal and Los Angeles. Cover photo by Katya Kaminsky.

Today's show contains information that is for educational and entertainment purposes only. This program is not a substitute for psychological or medical advice. Please seek out your own support and research as needed.

Take care, friends.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the word "toxic" is actually getting in the way of understanding what's really going on in your friendship?

Dr. Miriam Kirmayer explores why the term toxic has become a shorthand for any difficult friendship, and why this label might be obscuring the real work needed to heal or end a connection. She explains how the language of toxicity can provide a temporary sense of relief or false clarity, but often fuels shame and limits our options for growth. Dr. Miriam breaks down three crucial dimensions (severity, chronicity, and scope) to help listeners differentiate between friendships that are truly damaging and those that are simply taxing. She offers actionable paths for navigating these challenges, whether that means working through them with an antidote conversation, creating necessary space with a detox, or acknowledging when it is time to let go entirely. And, stay tuned for a quick journaling exercise to try this week on one friendship that's been on your mind.

This one is for anyone who gets that sinking feeling when a certain name pops up on their phone.

Pull up a chair, Office Ours are in session.

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Your friendship questions deserve answers. Reach out at hello@thetwopeasonapod.com, on social media or, pick up the phone and call or text with your friendship story or questions at 615-PODLINE (That's 615-763-5463).

Stay in touch with us:

• @thetwopeasonapod
• @miriamkirmayer
• www.miriamkirmayer.com

--

Two Peas on a Pod is hosted by Dr. Miriam Kirmayer. Executive produced by Zoe Travis, Matthew Hoffman, Katya Kaminsky, and Dr. Miriam Kirmayer. Produced and edited by Podcast Nation (Producers: Madison Brit and Alesha Pannier, Audio Engineer: Miles Carter). Original music by Sarah Walk. Created by Zoe Travis and Matthew Hoffman. Two Peas on a Pod is recorded in Montreal and Los Angeles. Cover photo by Katya Kaminsky.

Today's show contains information that is for educational and entertainment purposes only. This program is not a substitute for psychological or medical advice. Please seek out your own support and research as needed.

Take care, friends.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the key to a more connected life isn't deeper conversations with the people closest to you, but a little more chitchat with the people you barely know?

Dr. Gillian Sandstrom is an associate professor in the psychology of kindness at the University of Sussex. Her research focuses on the benefits of minimal social interactions with weak ties and strangers, and on the barriers that stop us from connecting with each other. She is also the author of the latest book, Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How Small Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life.

Dr. Miriam sits down with Dr. Gillian to take small talk far more seriously than its name suggests. Defining small talk is no small feat, and Gillian explains why even she does not love the term. They get into her small talk origin story (a hot dog stand, a cupcake on the subway, and a dad who cannot stop talking to strangers), why we are taught "don't talk to strangers" and what that costs us, and why strangers can sometimes be better confidants than the people we are closest to. You will learn why our fears about awkward silences are often bigger than the silences themselves, how to reframe rejection, and what introverts can do to cope before and during conversations. Plus, Dr. Miriam's shares a tiny habit called "social savoring," that makes everyday moments of connection count.

This one is for anyone who needs a reminder that every friend you’ve ever had was once a stranger.

Pull up a chair, Office Ours are in session.

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Follow your new friend: @drgilliansandstrom

Check out Dr. Gillian's book, Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How “Small” Talk Can Add Up To a Big Life:

https://gilliansandstrom.com/

Your friendship questions deserve answers. Reach out at hello@thetwopeasonapod.com, on social media or, pick up the phone and call or text with your friendship story or questions at 615-PODLINE (That's 615-763-5463).

Stay in touch with us:

• @thetwopeasonapod
• @miriamkirmayer
• www.miriamkirmayer.com

--

Two Peas on a Pod is hosted by Dr. Miriam Kirmayer. Executive produced by Zoe Travis, Matthew Hoffman, Katya Kaminsky, and Dr. Miriam Kirmayer. Produced and edited by Podcast Nation (Producers: Madison Brit and Alesha Pannier, Audio Engineer: Miles Carter). Original music by Sarah Walk. Created by Zoe Travis and Matthew Hoffman. Two Peas on a Pod is recorded in Montreal and Los Angeles. Cover photo by Katya Kaminsky.

Today's show contains information that is for educational and entertainment purposes only. This program is not a substitute for psychological or medical advice. Please seek out your own support and research as needed.

Take care, friends.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.