Comments for Irrational Fears

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This piece belongs to the series "Summer Soundwave"

Produced by Devon Dennison and Zoe Sheinkopf

Other pieces by KUOW's RadioActive Youth Media

Summary: Hosts Devon Dennison and Zoe Sheinkopf explore the difference between rational and irrational fears with help from Ron Kleinknecht, former dean of psychology at Western Washington University and an expert on fear. Listen for stories about gnomes, orange juice and a fear of heights over water.
 

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"Irrational Fears"

Hosts Devon Dennison and Zoe Sheinkopf have created a fun podcast discussing irrational and rational fears. I was drawn to this piece because I have an irrational fear of coins. I ask cashiers to keep them. I avoid them and when I have to touch them, I wash my hands immediately afterwards. I think the piece was interesting and relatable. As seen in the interviews, a lot of people have irrational fears, at least of something, even not marrying Beyonce! Without introduction, the piece dives into a story of a young woman “irrationally” afraid of gnomes after a family prank gone bad. Using a story as an introduction effectively hooked listeners right off the bat. The radio piece has a casual feel, containing ample commentary from the two giggly hosts. I think it could’ve been condensed, though. A couple of the conversations between the hosts seemed overextended. All in all, it was an interesting and fun piece.