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
Aug 18
So, what exactly is the “New Right?”
A loose movement of radical intellectuals is driving American politics. They’re called the “New Right,” and they share a basic hostility to American liberal democracy, a real desire to fundamentally overhaul it, and real influence in the White House. But why do they think that? H ... Show More
51m 36s
Aug 11
America is losing big on sports betting
Almost every tech platform is designed to grab and hold your attention, to keep you clicking, scrolling, and buying for as long as possible. Sports gambling has become one of the clearest examples of this. The industry has created frictionless apps on your phone that let you bet ... Show More
53m 49s
Aug 4
It’s time to get weird
The internet was supposed to set us free. But somewhere along the way, it became a tool for surveillance, extraction, and control. What happened? And is there still time to reclaim the weird, untapped potential of the digital world? This week, Sean is joined by Douglas Rushkoff. ... Show More
1 h
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
Apr 2024
S3E16: Well, This Is Awkward
Clementine Holiday embraces National Awkward Moments Day! From misunderstood greetings to social media faux pas, Clementine shares how she navigates the cringeworthy yet hilarious pitfalls of daily life. Tune in for tips on recovering from your own awkward moments, proving that e ... Show More
6m 14s
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
Aug 12
Awkward Tuesday: Plus One
One of our listeners was FORCED to talk about money with his crush, and the reason WHY it’s the topic of conversation might be the craziest part. It's your Awkward Tuesday Phone Call podcast!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
19m 16s
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