logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2024
1h 1m

Well this is awkward

Vox
About this episode

Philosopher Alexandra Plakias says there are no awkward people, only awkward situations. In her book, Awkwardness: A Theory, Plakias explains the difference between embarrassment and awkwardness, how awkwardness can be used by people in power as a way of breaking social norms, and what exactly is happening when people aren’t on the same social script.


Host: Sean Illing (@SeanIlling), host, The Gray Area

Guest: Alexandra Plakias, author, Awkwardness: A Theory

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Up next
Jun 30
If AI can do your classwork, why go to college?
What’s the point of college if no one’s actually doing the work? It’s not a rhetorical question. In the age of AI, it's incredibly easy for students to offload their assignments. AI tools can write essays, make study guides, and even complete whole assignments. So what is the poi ... Show More
59m 21s
Jun 16
Is Trump winning?
We’re nearly six months into Donald Trump’s second term as president, and a lot of us are still trying to figure out what that actually means. Not just politically. But culturally. What kind of country are we living in? And what kind of future are we heading toward? In today’s ep ... Show More
52m 31s
Jun 9
A right-wing economist makes his case
For decades, the American right has stayed on brand: the economy. Low taxes. Free markets. Deregulation. Those have been the buzzwords for more than half a century. But that doctrine is now being challenged by other conservatives who envision a future in which America’s trade def ... Show More
1h 8m
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2024
Awkwardness with Alexandra Plakias
Clogged toilets, odious jokes, difficult condolences… awkward moments are everywhere you look. In episode 113 of Overthink, Ellie and David invite philosopher Alexandra Plakias to talk through her research on awkwardness. They discuss everything from hasty clean-ups to snap decis ... Show More
55 m
Mar 2025
Revisited: Why Awkward Is Awesome with psychologist Ty Tashiro
A Bit of Optimism is on hiatus this week, so we’re revisiting one of our favorite conversations! In this episode, Simon talks with psychologist Ty Tashiro about social awkwardness and why being awkward can actually be a superpower.*****Awkwardness gets a bad rap. But being awkwar ... Show More
31m 51s
Sep 2024
What's Going on With Your Social Anxiety?
Do you have trouble feeling comfortable when socializing? Maybe sometimes you do fine, but other times you feel nervous, shy, and awkward. Or maybe socializing always feels like a struggle. Either way, you know how frustrating and even debilitating social anxiety can be. It canno ... Show More
55m 51s
Mar 2025
Sunday Pick: Cancelling cancel culture with Loretta Ross | ReThinking with Adam Grant
As a public intellectual, activist and professor at Smith College, Loretta Ross is no stranger to confrontation and debate. But years of working to change the minds of others have led her to rethink her own ideas about approaching difficult conversations. Loretta and Adam discuss ... Show More
37m 52s
Apr 2024
S9 EP10: This Is Awkward...
No-one has ever been free from an awkward moment! Those indescribable moments where you feel like the air around you is literally on fire! You get hot, sweaty and nervous and you just do NOT know what to do. Well don't worry guys, we've ALL been there. So we thought we'd take the ... Show More
42m 35s
May 20
Awkward Tuesday: Sharing Aaron
One of our listeners came across an overbearing mother and what went down between them is either gonna be the biggest misunderstanding ever, or the most awkward roommate convo of her life!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
17m 59s
Aug 2024
MINI: Are You Cringy?
SOS! Save Our Sloots! Have you ever been a victim of a situationship? Are you wondering how to cope with negative comments on social media? Can you actually find love in a hopeless place (aka The Royal Caribbean)? Then this episode is for you! WRITE TO SOFIA HERE To learn more ab ... Show More
18m 32s
Dec 2024
Is It Too Early To Be Annoyed With The Person You’re Dating?
Why won’t Jared go to therapy? We get this question often and, this week, he shares his own thought on why as well as a helpful TikTok, "Men Who Wear Masks And Struggle With Conflict" by @elisemicheals. Plus, he and Jordana are slipping more into f*ck it mode for the holidays. Th ... Show More
1h 10m
Nov 2024
Super Social but Super Shy
This week, Alix and Ashtin discuss the differences between being extroverted versus introverted. Ashtin, an introvert, details the occasional discomfort she feels in social situations; whereas Alix reveals her distaste for being alone. They talk about posting online, self-isolati ... Show More
1 h
Jun 24
Awkward Tuesday: Prenup or Pre-NOPE
One of our listeners has a looming conversation coming up and it’s one of the most difficult things you could ever talk about with a loved one. Before it happens they want our help via an Awkward Tuesday Phone Call!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
20m 9s