Reexperiencing PsychoBabble

While on the road with family, I was listening to a podcast that I hadn't listened to in a long while. On one hand, it felt nice listening to something I hadn't in a few years. On the other hand, it's interesting hearing different examples of verbal freedom and humor in this time and age of online media.

Before I get ahead of myself, the podcast in question is called "Psychobabble," which is hosted by long time best friends and internet dwellers, Tyler Oakley and Korey Kuhl. Overall, the podcast consists of them talking about whatever comes to mind that can be related to their personal lives (to an extent), what happens in pop culture, advice they'd like to share for people that are listening, so on and so forth.

Since the show consists of two best friends (and an occasional guest here and there) that are really comfortable with talking about the various thoughts that come to mind, it gives off an atmosphere that makes the conversations someone would listen to feel organic and genuine. Sure, there would be discussions that would need to be organized for the sake of the episodes, but they don't give the impression that they're heavily scripted, predictable, or forced in any shape or form. Also, since not everyone who knows of Tyler Oakley, tweets, Instagram, or YouTube alone might be able to listen to Psychobabble, it can feel like an inside joke for the podcast audience.

Another thing that I feel is important to bring up is the audience. Obviously, Psychobabble isn't meant for children or extremely sensitive young teens, but there is no stress to change any themes or dialogue for the sake of an audience or income, unlike what YouTube seems to be going through again. Tyler and Korey express the freedom to say what they want to and what they feel needs to be mentioned to whomever is willing to listen. The only thing that would feel the closest to "scripted" would be the sponsors that they put in their episodes, and even they include genuine feedback from Tyler. Basically put, when Tyler says at the beginning of the episodes that the episodes are unfiltered, he is not kidding around.

With the freedom in the atmosphere of the show, and the maturity of the content, the show is bound to draw in folks who have some... mature issues they might need advice on that they might not feel comfortable talking to their friends or family about. For example, someone who might have complicated feelings when a friend-with-benefits confesses their love for the person. Not everyone might be able to talk about that kind of scenario, the show expresses multiple angles that the two might be familiar with without claiming to be professionals. Not only that, but since both Tyler and Korey are openly gay and understand at least some of the struggles that come with being part of the LGBT+ community, that knowledge can give the audience freedom and comfort to ask questions that are LGBT+ related, such as questions about the right time to come out or finding out that you're one sexuality while in a relationship when you thought you identified with another sexuality.

Now, this isn't the only show that has hosts and guests that aren't exactly scared to say what is on their mind, but if you are considering checking out a podcast made by social media influencers, or a podcast that isn't necessarily for kids, then "Psychobabble" might be a good place for you to start. For those who might not easily take it seriously due to social media being involved, it wouldn't hurt to at least try a few episodes in no particular order to see if you're curious for more.