Episode 14 of Becoming American SocialI hesitated to post this episode. Partly because if you judge me based on this episode alone, you'd have a very skewed idea of who I am. I get really personal, give you an inside look at the real thoughts that swirled around in my head. I expose my weaknesses, share my personal struggle with my own self-limitin…

Episode 13 of Becoming American SocialWHAT IS LIFE??I've been pondering a lot lately. I have ONE answer for you in the beginning.Then, the clothes come off, and the running begins.Day 13 challenge was to go running outside in nothing but a sports bra and shorts.The thought of exposing myself and allowing people to see my jiggles in the glory of bro…

Episode 12 of Becoming American SocialTell me all the positive things you think about me...what an awkward request. Day 12 challenge was to ask someone for a recommendation on LinkedIn. That meant not only accepting a compliment, but actually soliciting one.My mom used to tell me that the can with less beans makes the most noise. Growing up, any ti…

Episode 11 of Becoming American Social(*Featuring a special guest! Spoiler alert: find him on youtube @thelaidofffounder)I used to never leave the house without makeup...I'd never even let someone I was staying with see me without makeup.And I've put on makeup before going out in public every day since I was in 8th grade. I think I've left the hous…

Episode 10 of Becoming American SocialI used to be verrrrry uncomfortable being naked in front of people.Then I became pretty accustomed to being nakey at Korean spas growing up.But with Americans in America?? It seemed weird.Day 10 challenge was to go to a nude spa or pool.After feeling all eyes on me for a moment, things settled down.Scrub-a-dub-…

Episode 9 of Becoming American SocialWomen are expected to keep ourselves clean-shaven in America.Growing up in Germany, I saw the opposite of this -- most women at the swimming pool would have hair under their arms, and it was considered natural. But of course, I conformed to American culture.Day 9 challenge was to wear a tank top with unshaven ar…

Episode 8 of Becoming American SocialPicking things up after a 2-week hiatus...I have fair reason, including an emergency room visit!Skip to minute 6 for just Day 8's challenge story.Day 8 challenge was to not look away when I meet eyes with someone random on the street.This was muuuuuch harder than I anticipated. Why does the other person never lo…

Episode 7 of Becoming American Social"Wanna grab drinks?" is usually how you end up at a bar. But what if you're new in town and don't have anyone to grab drinks with?Sure I could have hopped on a dating app and found an interesting person to spend a couple hours over a couple glasses with, but then I'd have to do a bunch of ghosting (or maybe not …

Episode 6 of Becoming American SocialHELP. please. wait, no, only if you're bored out of your mind and have absolutely nothing better to do. I'm so sorry, but thank you, but also sorry.Why is asking for help so hard??Day 6 challenge was to ask for help. I consider myself stubborn and independent. I take pride in being able to do things for myself. …

Episode 5 of Becoming American SocialThe article I mentioned about struggling with short encounters: https://bit.ly/2uZ1D9TI am a hopeless romantic. I can't help but hope that one day I'll still run into the love of my life organically, at a local coffee shop and feel an instant connection as he holds the door for me. Go ahead, roll your eyes. Ever…

Episode 4 of Becoming American SocialOne missed step, and the domino effect kicks in. Almost missed another, so tomorrow, I'll plan ahead.Day 4 challenge was to respond to messages immediately after I read them. That sneaky little "mark as unread" is probably why I have over 10k emails in my inbox...yeah, I'm THAT person. Go ahead, judge me.Sometim…

Episode 3 of Becoming American SocialI have to admit, I almost didn't get this one up...I went on a fun date last night, didn't get home til later, meaning I didn't get to record my episode in the evenings as usual.But I committed...and I'm staying committed.Day 3 challenge was to walk alongside a stranger. I always either speed up to pass someone …

Episode 2 of Becoming American SocialWith too many options to choose from on my master list, I ended up not choosing any. Analysis paralysis is real, apparently...BUTAfter talking to a few friends, I now have a system to keep me more accountable. (thanks, you wonderful people!)Day 2 challenge was about handing out flyers to people at a festival, wi…

Episode 1 of Becoming American SocialWHAT AM I DOING??I've never done a podcast before... I've never done a lot of the weird, uncomfortable things I'm about to do in the next 100 days.And so it begins...Day 1 challenge was to start and publish a podcast, even though it's not perfect. Well, here you go.My sound is all over the place, my cuts aren't …