In this episode, Bree and Mendy share the mic with the real-life Dana, whose wisdom and hilarity take center stage. Together, they unpack listener stories, including Denise’s poetic third-grade hustle, Dr. Greg's unforgettable gaseous mishap, and an anonymous caller’s crockpot weed discovery. Plus, they welcome a special WEDDING story from Shaneisha Wofford. Oh, and Bree gets mooned by a familiar fanny during a Zoom call... Can you guess who it is?

Thank yous: A huge thank you to our surprise guest Dana for joining us -- and to all the callers—Denise, Dr. Greg, Shaneisha Wofford and our anonymous callers, we love your awkward stories.

About Shaneisha Wofford: Shaneisha Wofford, JD, MA, is a fourth-year graduate student pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology. A passionate resource to her community, she navigates life awkwardly but adventurously as an introvert who often finds herself wrapped in books and research. Shaneisha’s love for curiosity fuels her daily goal of positively impacting at least one person per day. Follow her story on Instagram.

You can find out more about Shaneisha’s journey on her Instagram @nemos_journey, or visit our full website for more information about her.

Connect with us:

• Share your awkward stories with Bree and Mendy! Submit anonymously or not through the Well That Was Awkward form.
• Follow us on Instagram: @awkwardsagemedia
• Leave us a voice memo or thoughts on Dana’s advice through the Well That Was Awkward Website!
• Support us by buying a coffee at Buy Me a Coffee
• Get your Monk Manual with a discount at Monk Manual using code AWKWARD.

We’ll be back next time with more awkward stories—remember to hit follow and join us for more unexpected laughs!

In this episode of Well That Was Awkward, Bree and Mendy dive deep into the world of awkwardness and human connection with their first-ever guest, Dr. Jim Coan, professor of psychology and head of the Virginia Affective Neuroscience Lab. Together, they explore the science behind why awkward moments can actually bring us closer, how discomfort creates bonds, and why a cringe-worthy encounter could be the best thing to happen in a relationship.

Dr. Coan shares personal stories of awkward moments, from a mistaken kiss in the car to navigating uncomfortable conversations around sex, revealing how these moments shape relationships in unexpected ways. With a background in affective neuroscience, Dr. Coan brings academic expertise to the emotional territory we all know too well but rarely understand.

Key Topics:

• The definition and role of awkwardness in relationships
• Personal awkward moments, including Dr. Coan's "Car Kiss" story
• How discomfort and vulnerability build emotional bonds
• Navigating the blurred lines between cringe and connection
• How awkward moments can lead to deepening relationships and personal growth

Guest Info: Dr. Jim Coan is a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia and director of the Virginia Affective Neuroscience Lab. He’s also the host of the podcast Circle of Willis, where he explores the brain and emotion through interviews with scientists, researchers, and thought leaders. You can listen to Circle of Willis at circleofwillispodcast.com or find it wherever you listen to podcasts.

Links Mentioned:

• Watch Mendy's stand-up sets on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrJI1b-eCqCKV-5KqlNtl1w
• Listen to Dr. Coan's TED Talk on handholding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UMHUPPQ96c
• Explore Dr. Coan's podcast, Circle of Willis: circleofwillispodcast.com

Connect with Us:

• Share your awkward stories (Anonymously – or Not!) in writing or by voicemail at Awkward Sage Media
• Join our Cult of Awkwardness on Facebook – We want to get awkward with you! Facebook Group
• Follow us on Instagram: @awkwardsagemedia
• Buy us a coffee and support this podcast at Buy Me a Coffee
• Get a discount on your Monk Manual at Monk Manual using the code AWKWARD.
• Remember to click follow wherever you listen to your podcasts and join us next time for another episode filled with laughter, insights, and unexpected twists. You may be awkward, but you are definitely not alone.

Remember to click follow wherever you listen to your podcasts and join us next time for another episode filled with laughter, insights, and unexpected twists. You may be awkward, but you are definitely not alone.

In this hilariously awkward episode, Bree and Mendy dive into the story of Matthew, whose European adventures take a turn for the awkward when he finds himself navigating a boomerang relationship. From navigating the tricky dynamics of an on-again, off-again relationship to getting stood up at just the wrong time, this story hits all the right notes of cringe, humor, and surprise.

Key highlights include:

• The unique dynamics of boomerang romances and how Matthew found himself in a series of geographical "on-again, off-again" relationships.

• The awkwardness of being stranded in a foreign country with no money, no job, and no backup plan.
• A sweet moment of redemption when Matthew’s professor offers him a life-changing opportunity.
• We want to take Well,That Was Awkward all over the world! So we're selling T-shirts (and other merch), just like Matthew -- Get your awkward merch here: https://www.awkwardsage.com/productionservicesstore/merch

References:

• Check out Bree’s high school friend, Nancy (Hilliard) Joyce’s website. Nancy was cool in high school, but she’s phenomenal now! Here’s her website: Nancy Hilliard Art
• You can find Nancy on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/nancyjoyceart/

• Share your awkward stories (Anonymously – or Not!) in writing or by voicemail at Awkward Sage Media
• Join our Cult of Awkwardness on Facebook – We want to get awkward with you! Facebook Group
• Follow us on Instagram: @awkwardsagemedia
• Buy us a coffee and support this podcast at Buy Me a Coffee
• Get a discount on your Monk Manual at Monk Manual using the code AWKWARD.
• Remember to click follow wherever you listen to your podcasts and join us next time for another episode filled with laughter, insights, and unexpected twists. You may be awkward, but you are definitely not alone.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment purposes only. Please, dear listener, do not look to this podcast for relationship or financial advice. We don't know what we're talking about!!!

Correction: When Bree followed up with Nancy Hilliard to get her permission to be mentioned in this episode, Nancy clarified that she did NOT have permission to be in the smokehouse. Oops! Hope we don't get you in trouble, Nancy!