Specimen the Sociologist

We’re closing out our anxiety mini-series with a review of The Anxious Generation. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt explores how childhood has shifted from play-based to phone-based—and how that shi...

10 Des 202522min

If you’ve been on this planet for more than two seconds, you’ve probably had your trust betrayed—or betrayed someone else’s. Fear not—your favorite specimen is here to unpack the science of trust: how...

16 Nov 202514min

In this episode, I dive into the Sociology of SNAP—the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—and explore how it reflects America’s values, inequalities, and systems of social control. From the his...

6 Nov 202515min

I’m back with a cheeky voice memo! This time, I’m exploring the lost art of writing a handwritten letter. In an age of digital messages and quick texts, a letter is a value-based way to communicate th...

29 Okt 20256min

Let's talk about Anxiety! Nope-- I'm not talking about Doechii's song called "Anxiety," I'm talking about an experience that we all share. In this episode, we'll be exploring the sociology of anixety,...

22 Okt 202524min

Hey there, hi there!What better way to wrap-up our loneliness series then by with a book review. In Project UnLonely: Healing Our Crisis of Disconnection, Author Dr. Jeremy Noble investigates loneloin...

24 Sep 202518min

In this episode of Specimen the Sociologist, we explore the principle of identity — how it’s formed, what it reveals about us, and why it matters for the health of our relationships and society.Drawin...

8 Aug 202513min

What happens when life gives you lemons — or, more accurately, disappointment? In this episode, Jessamyn shares practical tools for navigating seasons of setbacks and makes a bold claim: that true, au...

16 Jul 202518min