(Extra) Ordinary People: Recent Episodes
Julianne Richard
Laura Kojima (she/her) is an alligator ecotoxicologist and reptile enthusiast who recently defended her master's at the University of Georgia. This episode was recorded in September 2022; I'm thrilled I finally get to share this conversation on the podcast!
In this episode: reptiles, ecotoxicology, plasma samples, herping, the Savannah River Site, a day in the life of an ecologist, and women in STEM.
Thank you so much for all of your support during season one of (Extra) Ordinary People. My heart is full - cheers to season two!
@laura.kojima
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.patreon.com/juliannerichard (BOOK CLUB)
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Extra-Ordinary-People/100075811479769/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Indhu Iyengar (she/her) is a biology & philosophy student, figure skater, and the all around queen of hobbies. Indhu and I recorded this episode back in the fall, and I'm so thrilled that it is finally available for everyone to listen to!
In this episode: combining disciplines, singing, crochet scrunchies, surprising cynicism, Nickelodeon sitcoms, vegetarianism, and three kinds of soup.
PATREON BOOK CLUB!
https://www.patreon.com/juliannerichard
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.patreon.com/juliannerichard
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Extra-Ordinary-People/100075811479769/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Grace Harrington (she/her) is a dancer, teacher, and maker of impulsive decisions. I got the chance to catch up with Grace after years of having lost touch, and I was so excited to hear about her life, the kids she works with, and her next steps.
In this episode: teaching boundaries, goat yoga, impulsive decisions, assessing risk, monkeys, and re-evaluating your relationship with alcohol.
PATREON BOOK CLUB!
https://www.patreon.com/juliannerichard
Mentioned:
@grace.harrington.02
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33916024-sourdough?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=cKl4wqJ1uG&rank=1
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58690308-book-lovers
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/57693383-comeuppance-served-cold
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.patreon.com/juliannerichard
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Extra-Ordinary-People/100075811479769/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Alex Dawson (they/them) and Al Newling (any pronouns) are writers, actors, official founding members of the Teen Collective, and definitely not sculptors. I’m super glad I got to have a chaotic video call with these two and learn about what it’s like to be a teenager writing cool queer stories in 2022.
In this episode: writing authentic stories, the best myths, teachers who are good at what they teach, Miss Congeniality, secret interests, and the worst way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
PATREON BOOK CLUB!
https://www.patreon.com/juliannerichard
Mentioned:
@acgdawson
Al' short film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJkqdhkEekw&ab_channel=AlNewling
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_Congeniality_(film)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5623269-the-friday-society?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=KYkju2mnCx&rank=1
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55004121-an-emotion-of-great-delight
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58690308-book-lovers
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.patreon.com/juliannerichard
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Extra-Ordinary-People/100075811479769/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Mary Walker (she/her) is an actor, graphic design legend, and first generation Canadian with a strong dislike of sunny winter days. Mary and I have known each other for a long time (and have worked together many times), and I’m so glad that we finally sat down to record an episode together.
In this episode: toast, the process for putting together a poster, acting as self-expression, wearing bright colours, feeling disconnected from Bathurst, belonging in New York, and not understanding song lyrics.
PATREON BOOK CLUB!
https://www.patreon.com/juliannerichard
Mentioned:
@marykathleenwalker
https://bardinthebarracks.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205476.Our_Town?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=uKE3jrk56l&rank=1
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18718848-mosquitoland?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=MfqKiuKKf9&rank=1
https://www.goodreads.com/fr/book/show/55004121-an-emotion-of-great-delight
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.patreon.com/juliannerichard
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Extra-Ordinary-People/100075811479769/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Dani Brun (she/her) is an SNL line veteran, former Toronto resident, and Sara Bareilles fan (but just a normal amount). This episode was both one of the funniest I’ve ever recorded, and also a great chance to catch up with someone I don’t get the chance to see that often!
In this episode: astrology, seeing John Mulaney live, art installations in Toronto, synesthesia, obnoxiously fluffy cats, and sweet potato supremacy.
PATREON BOOK CLUB!
https://www.patreon.com/juliannerichard
Mentioned:
@rabidnun
https://bardinthebarracks.com/
Movies mentioned: Mamma Mia, The Devil Wears Prada, Drive, The Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54479.Around_the_World_in_Eighty_Days
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55004121-an-emotion-of-great-delight
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.patreon.com/juliannerichard
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Extra-Ordinary-People/100075811479769/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Armin Panjwani (she/her) is a stage manager, media & theatre student, and very good friend! We recorded this episode late at night, and it felt like the cosiest, most comfortable conversation in the world. I’m so glad she agreed to be part of the podcast.
In this episode: engaging with news, what being a stage manager is like, Shakespeare plays, first flight experiences, building community in a new country, and living in the present.
PATREON BOOK CLUB!
https://www.patreon.com/juliannerichard
Mentioned:
@arminpanjwani
https://bardinthebarracks.com/
Plays & shows mentioned: 81 Minutes, As You Like It, Julius Caesar, Falling Skies, Ozark, Black Mirror, Criminal Minds, Supernatural, Modern Family, How I Met Your Mother
https://www.goodreads.com/fr/book/show/55004121-an-emotion-of-great-delight
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34895950-the-tea-dragon-society
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.patreon.com/juliannerichard
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Extra-Ordinary-People/100075811479769/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Karolina (she/her) is a masters student, passionate defender of Anne Brontë, and bookstagrammer (@karolinaofbookland). I'm super grateful that she was able to come onto the podcast - this was an incredibly fun conversation to have. It’s always a blast to go full English major with someone.
In this episode: weather in Slovakia, reading mostly classics, 19th century social movements, the importance of stories, finding online communities, and driving eight hours in Europe.
Mentioned:
@karolinaofbookland
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
The Odd Women by George Gissing
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë
Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
@sipoflatte
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4582019-fantomina-or-love-in-a-maze
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Extra-Ordinary-People/100075811479769/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Matthias Whalen (he/him) is a fashion communications student currently on a semester exchange in Copenhagen. Matthias and I have been friends for years now, and recording this episode was an excellent excuse to catch-up.
In this episode: idealized places, sustainable fashion, validation on social media, recorded conversations, soup drama, and seaweed.
Mentioned:
@matthiaskw
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/42871763-watermark
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Extra-Ordinary-People/100075811479769/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Emily Darling (she/her) is a director, drama and psychology student, and avid Taylor Swift fan. Fun fact: Emily and I had our first ever conversation while fake knife fighting in a first year drama class. It was definitely a solid start, because that just kicked off a beautiful friendship!
In this episode: discovering directing, dreading director’s notes, character psychology, Taylor Swift, re-recording songs, double standards, and Twilight.
Mentioned:
@emily__darling
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25329988-moss-park-and-tough
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6952.Like_Water_for_Chocolate?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=33ig9NwNAH&rank=1
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Extra-Ordinary-People/100075811479769/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Esme Newling (she/her) is a book lover, classics student, actual social media icon, and longtime best friend of the podcast (and me). Recording this episode was the highlight of my week, and editing it down to a reasonable length was the lowlight of my week. Enjoy!
In this episode: thoughts on Greek men, creating artefacts, internet fame, mean comments, revolution-worthy bread, and the literary pregnancy trope.
Read a damn book, folks.
Mentioned:
@bookswithsmee
books mentioned (simply too many to link):Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
A Tale of Two Cities / Animal Farm / Jane Austen / The Bell Jar
A Little Life by Hanya Yanigahara
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
Brandon Sanderson (just generally, important to remember he exists)
Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake & Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Midnighter by Steve Orlando
Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak
If anyone in Europe wants to ship me this bear I will love you forever: https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/djungelskog-soft-toy-brown-bear-00402813/
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Extra-Ordinary-People/100075811479769/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Tanya Senechal (she/her) is an English student, England enthusiast, event planner, and cat owner. I met Tanya in online classes during Year One of the pandemic, but I’m so glad I’ve gotten the chance to get to know her in person - and now here, on the podcast!
In this episode: the East Coast Music Awards, Maggie Rogers, going back to university, if we can still enjoy Harry Potter, the arts scene in London, and Ian McKellan’s smirk.
Mentioned:
@iamthetantan
https://www.ecma.com/ecma-2022/
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15852479-we-need-new-names
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42270835-the-nickel-boys
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32913135-spoiler-alert
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58977917-lucky
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53205888-under-the-whispering-door?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=7alcIksauq&rank=1
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53152636-mexican-gothic
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Extra-Ordinary-People/100075811479769/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Nadia Henderson (she/her) is a short story author, nature writer, and recent arrival to life in the Swedish countryside. I reached out to Nadia on Instagram after being fascinated by how she approaches the intersection of creative writing and environmentalism, and I’m so glad she agreed to be on the podcast and chat all things seasons and writing.
In this episode: short stories as a form, consistency in writing, changing seasons, nature imagery, growing up in London, painting cabinets, and rose hip soup.
Mentioned:
@notsoquietgrrl
Nadia’s book - https://deardamsels.com/product/tools-for-surviving-a-storm-eleven-tales-of-nature-love-fear/
https://www.nadiahenderson.com
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/55404464-small-bodies-of-water
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45755339-two-trees-make-a-forest
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33375622-her-body-and-other-parties
https://prolifiko.com/100daysofwriting-gentle-productivity/
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/17287087-the-hidden-light-of-objects
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Extra-Ordinary-People/100075811479769/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Chris Rogers (he/him) is an artist, musician, theatre student, and longtime pal of the podcast. Chris was there when I was first spitballing ideas about this podcast - in fact, he’s the creator of the unremarkable fact segment - and I’m so glad I finally convinced him to come on board.
In this episode: Robert Pattinson, writing monologues, lyrics versus melodies, musical influences, staying off of social media, and octopus for breakfast.
Mentioned:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_King_(2019_film)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Time_(film)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9375.Fried_Green_Tomatoes_at_the_Whistle_Stop_Cafe
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Extra-Ordinary-People/100075811479769/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Lynn Koworera (she/her) is a researcher, mentor, and productivity content creator. As if that wasn’t enough, she’s also in the midst of her doctorate degree. This episode is a perfect one to listen to if you’re looking for productivity inspiration or a reminder that everyone is on their individual career journey.
In this episode: authenticity, studygram, taking a career break, being an extrovert during the pandemic, and English accent bias.
Mentioned:@researchwithlynn
https://www.youtube.com/c/ResearchWithLynn
https://www.amazon.ca/Skin-Lion-Michael-Ondaatje/dp/0394281829
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Extra-Ordinary-People/100075811479769/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Naomi McGowan (she/her) is an actor, theatre artist, ESL teacher, and potential crazy animal lady. Filled with insights on everything from actionable career choices to acting theory to taking care of injured pigeons, Naomi is super inspiring and always joy to chat with.
In this episode: first acting roles, new year’s resolutions, one-legged crows, many cat stories, the musical Once, witnessing conversations, and a hot take about soup.
Mentioned:@naomi.thais.mercedes
Naomi's current read: https://www.amazon.ca/Plays-Actresses-First-Its-Kind-Career-Making/dp/0679772812
https://ayearofreadingtheworld.com/
https://www.amazon.ca/Ticket-Childhood-Nguyen-Nhat-Anh/dp/1468309595/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1641327533&sr=1-1
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Extra-Ordinary-People/100075811479769/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Swarna Naojee (she/her) is an international student from Mauritius, salt marsh researcher, and advocate for preventing burnout. Currently in the midst of her master’s degree in environmental management, Swarna took the time to sit down with me for this wonderfully inspiring conversation.
In this episode: mindful morning routines, long flights, why the province of New Brunswick should sponsor the podcast, Canadian cultural differences, salt marsh restoration, and food miles.
Mentioned:@isa_newbrunswick
https://www.facebook.com/International-Students-Association-New-Brunswick-107409604334081/https://jayshetty.me/
https://www.amazon.ca/Castle-Clouds-Kerstin-Gier/dp/1250300193
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Tess Benger (she/her) and Julia McLellan (she/her) are performers, environmentalists, and co-owners of the Canadian Green Alliance, a not-for-profit dedicated to bridging the gap between sustainability and theatre. As an emerging theatre artist, getting to talk with folks doing this kind of work is deeply inspiring, and I’m excited for you all to tune in to this conversation - it’s a great one to share with your local theatre company or performance group!
In this episode: the intersection of theatre and environmentalism, how we should feel after COP26, tips for an emerging theatre artist, and a reminder to look after your mental health.
Mentioned:
@canadiangreenalliance
@zerowastewarbler
@tessybeng
@juliaemilymclellan
https://www.broadwaygreen.com/
https://www.naheyawin.ca/
people: Emma Stenning, Alanna Mitchell, Kevin Matthew Wong, Autumn Coppoway, Ian Garrett, Hunter Cardinal
https://www.amazon.ca/Tale-Time-Being-Ruth-Ozeki/dp/0143187422
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Anthony Bryan (he/him) is a writer, comedian, teacher, and film enthusiast. With nuggets of wisdom on everything from playwriting to cancel culture, Anthony is basically the dream podcast guest and an overall gold star human.
In this episode: the importance of audience, bad ideas, Roger Ebert reviews, Jungle Cruise, chasing the laugh, and responsibility as a comedian.
Mentioned:
@antuhnybryan_
Judas and the Black Messiah
Jungle Cruise
Tooth Fairy
Red Notice
Kong vs. Godzilla
https://www.rogerebert.com/
https://letterboxd.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Circle-Mirror-Transformation-Theater-Productions/dp/0822224453
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Hailey Heslop (she/her) is a professional baker (though she’s never called herself that), dog lover, and future globetrotter. Filled with insights on everything from trade school to Tinder, Hailey is a friend that goes way back to my angsty teenager days. It was a pleasure to have her on the podcast to talk about all of the things.
In this episode: how to become a baker, wages in the industry, Eurocentric cooking, dog nicknames, Terrace House, and dating app profile photos.
Mentioned:
@hailey.heslop
Terrace House
A Discovery of Witches
https://www.fooduzzi.com/2016/10/thai-peanut-butternut-squash-soup/
https://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/chewy-ginger-molasses-cookies/
https://www.thebakerchick.com/90-minute-brown-butter-cinnamon-rolls/
https://www.amazon.com/Nora-Webster-Novel-Colm-Toibin/dp/1439170932
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Shannon Harvey (she/her) is a grad student, literature enthusiast, self-professed philosophy dudebro, and ultimate fan of spooky season. Currently an MA student in Ontario, Shannon has a joint honours degree in English and Philosophy, which makes her the ideal person to talk to while nerding out about the gothic.
In this episode: the perfect horror movie, women in philosophy, why John Green must be a nice guy, and the importance of gothic literature.
Mentioned:
@novelnymphet
https://www.cbc.ca/life/thegoods/oh-she-glows-soul-soothing-african-peanut-stew-1.5030770
Movies/books mentioned (there were simply too many to link):Beetlejuice
The Shining
Hereditary
Midsommar
The Wicker Man
The Invitation
Prisoners
Black Swan
The Strangers
Pet Sematary by Stephen King
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Veronica by Nicholas Christopher
Looking For Alaska/Paper Towns/The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
The Street by Ann Petry
Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
The Cardturner by Louis Sachar
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
Réka Kaponay (she/her) is an author, world schooler, storytelling enthusiast, and longtime friend. With a novel, multiple TED talks, and over fifty countries under her belt, Réka is full of stories and as always, an absolute joy to speak with (not to mention a very patient first episode guinea pig).
In this episode: an eighteen month book tour, several frantic librarians, an enthusiastic mentorship, the man who may have been a spiritual guru, some Bondi Beach behind the scenes, the practicalities of having your face on the side of a building, and an all-exclusive insight into Réka’s transportation options. #findjared2021
Mentioned:
@dreamtimetraveler
@takeronegraffiti
https://www.dreamtimetraveler.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Dawn-Guardian-R-ka-Kaponay/dp/1530553083/
https://www.amazon.ca/Sound-Wild-Snail-Eating/dp/1900322919/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1634052680&sr=8-1
Curiouser & curiouser:
@theextraordinarypod
https://www.theextraordinarypod.com/
Until next time, stay brilliant & stay curious.
