In this landmark 30th episode, Chris and Evan dive into the concept of milestones—both literal and metaphorical. Exploring the origin of the term, they discuss milestones from the Roman Empire, connecting the historical markers with the metaphorical milestones in life. Reflecting on personal experiences, they uncover how milestones shift from tangible childhood achievements, like learning to ride a bike, to more nuanced adult realizations, such as recognizing a friendship or the bittersweet mile...
Mar 18, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 15
In this episode of Opposite of Neutral , Chris and Evan launch into a whirlwind of topics that range from cheese (per usual) to pillow preferences, before getting into the subject of blueprints. Evan breaks down the origins of blueprint-making—chemicals, UV light, and all—and dig into its existence as everything from a design essential to a metaphor for life’s plans. They also get into the philosophy of planning—when it’s necessary, when it’s useless, and how blueprints became the perfect symbol...
Jan 27, 2025•34 min•Season 2Ep. 14
In this episode of Opposite of Neutral , Chris and Evan dig into the messy world of miscommunication. They kick things off with a lighthearted dive into misheard song lyrics—Taylor Swift’s “Starbucks lovers,” anyone?—and how a simple misunderstanding can turn a phrase into something hilariously off the mark. From there, they take a closer look at how assumptions and lack of clarity can derail even the best intentions, whether it’s in relationships, work chats, or global diplomacy. Evan brings in...
Dec 31, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan engage in a lighthearted discussion about sandwiches, generations, and the completely unrelated topic of the sandwich generation. Evan does a deep dive into data from the original 1981 paper that coined the term. Together, they explore how generational relationships have changed (and stayed the same) over the past four decades. They also explore how community and family structures can provide crucial support, making a case for the importance...
Nov 27, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 12
In this episode of "Opposite of Neutral," Chris and Evan explore the world of myths, exploring their emotional and cultural significance. They discuss the connection between myths and a ‘willing suspension of disbelief,’ from the Tiki-tiki room at Disneyland to cultural legends like the tooth fairy (or the Chilean Ratoncito Perez), with a focus on how they shape our perceptions and identity. They explore power of storytelling in creating shared experiences that resonate across generations, and t...
Oct 20, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Evan and Chris dive into “The Best Words” as they explore the evolution of their language skills and the fascinating world of word origins. They discuss their personal experiences with different languages, emphasizing how context, culture, and travel have shaped their understanding of language. Throughout the episode, Evan and Chris reflect on how language learning is influenced by visual cues and pronunciation nuances, sharing stories from their teaching days and travels. They marvel at the way...
Aug 28, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In this episode of 'Opposite of Neutral,' Chris and Evan explore their eight-year friendship, delve into the mysterious code 'IO2P16,' and speculate on its potential meanings, ranging from chemical formulas to cultural references. They discuss their personal experiences transitioning between different teaching roles and reflect on the dehumanization of being labeled by numbers, using characters like R2-D2 and Jean Valjean as examples. The conversation broadens into the philosophical realm of how...
Aug 08, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this episode of "Opposite of Neutral," Chris and Evan embark on an expansive discussion of space, beginning with personal anecdotes that reveal how different cultures have reshaped their understanding of personal, physical, digital, and professional spaces. They delve into stories of adjusting to crowded environments overseas, the peculiarities of personal space in various countries, and how these experiences have influenced their perspectives on having and managing their own spaces. From the...
Jun 22, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this episode of "Opposite of Neutral," Chris and Evan dissect the concept of "Side Hustle," delving into its broader societal implications and personal meaning. As they explore a variety of side hustles—from the routine to the unique—they challenge the idea of a side job being more than just additional income. They discuss how side hustles can stem from passion, necessity, or the pursuit of new skills. They also reflect on the personal experiences that shaped their understanding of work and s...
May 25, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this overflowing episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan navigate the amusing world of international toilets. They explore the vast array of toilet designs and customs they've encountered around the world: squat toilets in Asia, self-cleaning units in Europe, and the indulgence of Japanese toilets in airports. They discuss the practicalities and cultural nuances of toilet use and the societal implications of bathroom facilities. Join Chris and Evan as they flush out the details and plu...
Apr 28, 2024•52 min•Season 2Ep. 6
First, some exciting news! Come follow us with our new account @oppositeofneutral on both Instagram and Threads . You can continue to send your thoughts, comments, and episode ideas to oppositeofneutralpodcast@gmail.com . In this episode, Chris and Evan dive into the realm of imposter syndrome. Why do we struggle to accept that our successes are real? What makes us struggle to feel like we belong? Chris shares its origins in the 1970s as different groups felt the impact of external factors on re...
Mar 25, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In Season 2, Episode 4 of "Opposite of Neutral," Chris and Evan take a nostalgic journey back to their childhoods, exploring the curiosity and adventures that shaped their young minds. From Chris's memories of adventures on waterslides to Evan's fascination with hamsters and astronomy, they reminisce about the joys of exploration and the freedom of youth. This includes the impact of supportive parents on their hobbies and the lasting memories created by simple pleasures like climbing trees, play...
Feb 29, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan explore the concept of the 'small world.' Evan shares his small world experience where he ran into comedian and actor Will Ferrell in New York, an encounter that reinforced his decision to teach there. They then share small world stories about teaching internationally and traveling around the world. They also discuss assumptions about the world becoming 'smaller' with the advent of the internet, when from personal experiences, it appears to ...
Jan 22, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this episode, Chris and Evan sift through the quirky and curious aspects of spam, both as an email nuisance and a canned delicacy. In a blend of facts, fiction, and fun, they explore the unexpected connections between email spam and Monty Python and discuss the global phenomenon of Spam, the food product. Evan reads through some of the spam received at the podcast's email address. They do a deep dive into the concept of digital hoarding - why do we cling to old emails, documents, and even USB...
Dec 29, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Welcome back! In this premiere episode of Opposite of Neutral: Season 2, Evan and Chris dive right back into their thoughtful and lively discussions, this time exploring the world of first impressions. From their significance in professional settings and personal relationships to our responses to media, Chris and Evan share stories, reflections, and laughs. They delve into how first impressions shape our experiences, from job interviews and teaching moments to the changing perspectives on TV sho...
Dec 02, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this final episode for the first season of Opposite of Neutral, hosts Evan and Chris invite listeners to join them for a recording made live on the road. Plus, Evan makes a bonus on-location recording from the Tillamook factory in Oregon. While Chris drives, he narrates the trip through the towns of Anacortes and Edison, Washington. He and Evan discuss the stories that bubble up from being in both familiar and unfamiliar places. They explore road trips in literature, the concept of “micro-tra...
Jul 15, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In this episode of Opposite of Neutral, join hosts Evan, Chris, and guest Clayton as they navigate the world of titles (or their lack thereof.) From their significance in art to implications in professional settings, they explore ways that titles inform, classify, and influence. They debate apple preferences, untitled artworks, and courtesy titles, along with their frustration with untitled assignments submitted by students. The next episode, titled 'On The Road', is the first to be recorded wit...
Jul 05, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this episode of Opposite of Neutral, Evan and Chris delve into the concept of home, exploring its various definitions and the emotional attachments we form with places, objects, and people. They share personal stories about their own homes and the significance of personal belongings and the memories they carry. They also reflect on the idea of home as a place where you have stories and know what to expect. To help you enjoy this episode, Chris has put together an official Episode 13: Home pla...
Jun 12, 2023•39 min
In the twelfth episode of Opposite of Neutral, join hosts Chris, Evan, and special guest Tuan Phan as they dive deep into the theme of "Beginnings." Tuan is the author of the newly published book: “Remembering Water: A Memoir of Departure and Return”. Tuan ties the topic of "beginnings" into his experiences with fatherhood and a return to his homeland, Vietnam, as well as his experiences becoming a father. Evan's impending move to Santiago, Chile inspires an in-depth discussion on the challenges...
Jun 03, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In the 'Seasons' episode of Opposite of Neutral, hosts Evan and Chris engage in a year-long culinary and cultural exploration, illustrating the profound ways in which the seasons impact our lives. From the freshness of spring crops to our instinctual winter cravings for warmth and comfort, they take listeners on a flavorful journey that might leave you with an appetite for more than just their stories! Discover why Chris likens August to the Sunday of months for teachers, and see if Evan actuall...
May 20, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this extended tenth episode of "Opposite of Neutral," Evan and Chris journey through top ten lists of flavors, meals, and life-altering experiences that are anything but neutral. They dig into the psychology and pedagogy of top 10 lists, which for these two, aren't really about ranking at all. Chris shares his use of this concept to teach American history, turning ranking into an enlightening thought exercise for students. Evan unpacks his top ten savory snacks and top ten sweets, which leads...
May 15, 2023•51 min
In this entertaining episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting their escapades in wrestling and other middle school sports. Evan shares his fear of being hit by a baseball and his decision to choose wrestling over swimming in the pool locker room. Chris, meanwhile, offers sage advice on why students should approach their coaches' words with a healthy dose of skepticism. Together, they delve into the physical challenges and valuable lessons ...
May 06, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In this episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan embark on a journey through the annals of history, nature, and culture, delving into the essence of what has truly stood the test of time. From ancient lifeforms like horseshoe crabs to delectable, ageless culinary delights, they ponder the factors that have allowed music, literature, and art to persist or fade into obscurity. Then, in a podcast first, they welcome a guest host - Nolan - to offer a teenager’s perspective on the notion of tim...
May 01, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In the 'Acceleration' episode, Chris and Evan delve into the acceleration of technology and the delicate balance between speeding up and slowing down in life. Chris shares insights on how to slow down by practicing mindful breathing, spending time in nature, and writing in paper notebooks. Evan discusses Moore's Law and shares an amusing story about acceleration from driving his family in an electric car last week. There are times when we want to live in the moment, while at other times, we desi...
Apr 20, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Get ready for a wild ride as Chris and Evan dive deep into the world of filters (or the lack thereof), both literal and metaphorical, in their latest podcast episode! They explore how filters have played a crucial role in our interactions with others and our understanding of reality. They discuss the critical role journalists serve in helping us make sense of an overwhelming amount of information each and every day. Also should we should all be having conversations with AI chatbots as a way to b...
Apr 02, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Join Chris and Evan as they untangle the intricate nature of pride and its various shades in this engaging episode. They tackle the age-old debate around pride's positive and negative aspects, sharing personal anecdotes that reveal their own moments of pride and instances where they've celebrated the accomplishments of others. Chris and Evan question whether the negative side of pride is rooted in a sense of superiority, a view reinforced by texts from the world’s religions. Evan sheds light on ...
Mar 22, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In the fourth episode of Opposite of Neutral, Chris and Evan delve into the captivating world of good intentions with unexpected (or expected) negative consequences. We explore the mysteries of China's Great Leap Forward with Chris and learn about the surprising fallout that followed. Evan as he unravels the rocky rollout of Common Core standards in Math and the whirlwind of controversy surrounding election predictions. They then discuss the delicate balance between good intentions and preventin...
Mar 16, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this exciting episode, Evan and Chris dive deep into their love of superheroes and how they can offer a unique perspective on real-world issues. From the eternal debate of Batman vs. Superman to exploring the endless "what-if" scenarios of the genre, they offer fascinating insights into why superhero stories have captured our imaginations for decades. Plus, Chris shares how his relationship to these stories has evolved over time, making for a heartfelt and relatable conversation. Don't miss o...
Mar 08, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Chris and Evan break down their thoughts on the topic of trade. What is one's trade? What does how and what we trade tell us about what we value? Chris tells a story about three workers and the cathedral, and how this gets him thinking about the big picture of trade in the world. They discuss trading baseball cards and cards from Magic: The Gathering. Evan shares how he better understands the value of art by building it himself and trading it with others using cryptocurrency and the blockchain. ...
Feb 28, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 2
In this first episode, Chris and Evan introduce themselves and the origins of the podcast that stretch back to two years ago. They then dive straight into their first topic: what does 'Opposite of Neutral' mean? With definitions of what it means to be neutral (and the...um...opposite of it), they touch on mathematics, American history and current events, and Ted Lasso. They also flesh out what neutrality means when living as an expat outside of one's home country. As is the trend with many of th...
Feb 23, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 1
