In this episode of Are We Doing This?, we're diving into two Best Picture nominees as part of our Oscars challenge: Anora and The Substance. We react to the shocking, grotesque imagery in The Substance—including an unforgettable chicken wing moment—and unpack the intensity of Anora, especially that wild Russian "bad guys" scene (we’re pretty sure we wouldn’t scream that loudly, even if we tried). We also share a peek behind the scenes of our real lives: sick kids (flu and Hand, Foot, and Mouth—yay), the chaos of motherhood, and the unexpected thrill of my Espresso Martini Cupcake video going viral on TikTok.
keywordsparenthood, illness, family activities, teacher appreciation, cake business, marketing, social media, collaborations, work-life balance, movies, Anora, The Substance, character analysis, film reviews, dual passions, themes, Academy Awards, exploration, storytelling
Takeaways
Parenting often requires juggling multiple responsibilities, especially during illness.
Community support is crucial during challenging times, such as sickness in the family.
Teacher appreciation week can be overwhelming for parents, with various themes and expectations.
Engaging in family activities can provide a much-needed break from daily stressors.
Social media can significantly impact small businesses, leading to unexpected opportunities.
Collaboration with local businesses can enhance visibility and create new partnerships.
Maintaining a work-life balance is essential for mental health and productivity.
Feedback from clients is vital for improving products and services in a business.
It's important to prioritize self-care and personal interests amidst busy schedules.
Finding joy in work can help alleviate feelings of burnout and identity crises. Exploring multiple passions can lead to unexpected insights.
The juxtaposition of different interests can create unique experiences.
Movies can serve as a backdrop for personal exploration.
Character motivations often reflect deeper societal themes.
The portrayal of relationships in film can be complex and multifaceted.
Understanding character dynamics enhances the viewing experience.
Graphic content in films can evoke strong emotional reactions.
The impact of aging and beauty standards is a recurring theme in cinema.
Film reviews can spark engaging discussions about storytelling.
Future movie selections can reflect current societal issues.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Parenthood and Illness
03:32 Weekend Adventures and Family Activities
06:30 Teacher Appreciation Week Insights
09:31 Balancing Health and Business
12:31 Celebrating Teachers and Community Support
16:05 Teacher Appreciation Week: The Emotional Toll
22:25 Balancing Parenting and Work: The Mental Load
28:48 Cake Business: Creativity and Challenges
31:00 Identity Crisis: Navigating Career Changes
33:13 Introduction to the Characters and Plot
35:09 Exploring Relationships and Motivations
37:57 Conflict and Climax: The Screaming Scene
39:08 The Ending: Power Dynamics and Emotional Release
42:35 Transition to the Second Movie: The Substance
43:57 Plot Overview and Themes of The Substance
46:17 Exploring Body Horror and Disgusting Imagery
48:06 The Concept of Self and Identity
50:35 The Pursuit of Youth and Its Consequences
52:23 Graphic Scenes and Their Impact
55:47 Acting Performances and Industry Commentary
58:34 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
01:02:30 AWDT Podcast Intro Video (1920 x 1080 px).mp4