Speaking Out (Of Order)

The Problem with Most Podcasts and the Mimetic Processes that Govern Chat

I’ve attended two large social gatherings (sometimes called “conferences”) these past couple of weeks. I’ve been struck by how many times some strange, non-sequitur thing would be said during the course of a conversation—or sometimes even by way of introduction. I am surely guilty of it myself. A few examples that come quickly to mind:

“I don’t know your politics, but it’s just nasty out there, and we all know the ____*!&?____ started it. They clearly started the arms race.” (Spoken by someone who announced he was running for congress in 2022 within 60-seconds of meeting me. Nevermind the Girardian humor embedded within it.)

“No offense, no judgment, but I stopped drinking after college because I had to, and I deserve more credit for it.” (Spoken by someone within the first 30-seconds of meeting, staring at the glass of Pinot Noir in my hand, eyes darting in all directions, looking for a getaway.)

“I hate these things. I hate them severely. I don’t know why I’m here, but it’s really good…