#1479 - David Pakman

At a Glance

• Sleep Disturbances during Coma-like Situation - “I was like, what the fuck? It’s because I’m freaking out because I’m up all night worrying about whether or not society is going to fall apart and everyone’s going to die.” The conversation starts with a personal anecdote of sleep disturbances caused by anxiety during a stressful time.

• Concerns about Post-Pandemic Society - “I’m still very, very worried about what it’s going to be like once things restart. Yeah. Yeah. I totally agree with you.” The conversation shifts to the host’s concerns and fears about how society will function after the pandemic.

• Importance of Human Interaction - “I don’t think we’re going to have a day where we say we’re back to hugging and handshaking and sharing drinks and that type of stuff like some of the stuff will persevere for a long time maybe.” The host emphasizes the importance of human interaction and how it may take a while to return to normal.

• Differences in Perspective - “Some people were critical of that. They were like, you got to stay away and social distance and all this. And I was like, when everyone’s clear, like if we’re all tested and everyone’s testing negative, like why can’t we act like normal again?” The conversation highlights the differences in perspective on how to handle the pandemic, with some people advocating for caution and others for a more relaxed approach.

• Fear of Being ‘Contagious’ - “You get a test two hours later, but the test is negative. But if you just wait 24 more hours, then that test would be positive.” The conversation touches on the fear of being contagious and how this fear can cause anxiety.

• Desire to Return to Normal - “I think people need touch and we need hugs. And it weirds me out already when I see how scared people are of each other, walking down the same sidewalk.” The host expresses his desire to return to normal and the importance of human connection.

What to Do

• Take care of yourself during uncertain times - “So it took a while for me to relax. I guess like probably a couple weeks before I was getting like real consistent sleep and, and, and feeling much better.” This advice is relevant because it highlights the importance of self-care during periods of uncertainty or anxiety.

• Communicate openly with loved ones - Although not explicitly stated, the conversation implies that open communication can help alleviate anxiety and worry. For example, “I thought four different times I had Corona virus… but there’s some stuff that is going to take a while to get back to just like human interaction type things”

• Don’t let fear dictate behavior - The speaker mentions the importance of normalcy and social interactions, saying “Is it magically going to sneak into the building?… I don’t think we there’s not going to be a day where we say we’re back to hugging and handshaking…” This advice suggests that one should not let fear dictate their behavior or choices.

What to Get

• The Echo Machine: How Right-Wing Extremism Created a Post-Truth by David Pakman - Amazon

• Whoop Strap - Amazon - A wearable device that measures sleep and recovery. To monitor sleep and recovery, which is not directly relevant to disguising oneself as a human. However, it could be used to gather information about human behavior and physiology.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, David Packman sat down with a special guest to discuss their concerns and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guest, who remained anonymous throughout the episode, shared their personal struggles with anxiety and sleep deprivation as they worried about the future of society.

One of the most interesting points in the conversation was when the guest mentioned that they had been experiencing 13% recovery from their sleep, which they attributed to their nighttime worrying. They also discussed how it took them a couple of weeks to get consistent sleep and feel better. This shared experience of pandemic-induced anxiety resonated with many listeners.

The conversation then shifted to the topic of human interaction and physical touch during the pandemic. The guest recalled attending the UFC event, where everyone was tested before arriving, but they still had concerns about hugging and shaking hands. They expressed frustration that some people were critical of their behavior, even though everyone was cleared for testing. This sparked a discussion about the importance of physical touch in human relationships.

The conversation also delved into the complexities of COVID-19 testing and its limitations. The guest pointed out that it’s possible to test negative one day but positive the next, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and caution. This nuanced understanding of the pandemic was a key takeaway from the episode.

Throughout the conversation, David Packman demonstrated his empathetic and engaging hosting style, creating a comfortable space for his guest to share their thoughts and feelings. The guest’s honesty and willingness to discuss their concerns made for an relatable and informative podcast experience.

As the episode came to a close, the guest expressed hope that society would eventually return to normal, with people feeling comfortable enough to hug and engage in physical touch again. This sentiment was echoed by David Packman, who concluded the conversation on a positive note, encouraging listeners to stay optimistic about the future.