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Childhood Ruined is a weekly (in theory) podcast hosted by a licensed psychologist, Michael Mallen, Ph.D., and a soon-to-be, certified school counselor, Chris Benefield, M.A. As two nerds on the north side of age 40, Chris and Mike talk about the things that made childhood in the 80s and 90s great - and how hobbies have changed over time.
Episodes
Monday Aug 09, 2021
Radio Free Coronavirus - Collecting Memories
Monday Aug 09, 2021
Monday Aug 09, 2021
Your hosts speak about a summer of travel and optimism along with some wariness about the end of the year and possible pandemic restrictions. Chris talks about his venture into an all-day music festival and is found wanting. They discuss how hobbies related to collecting have subsided in recent years. Mike talks about breaking up with Hearthstone and introducing his son to Star Wars - only to learn that his son's favorite character is.... slightly disturbing!
Tuesday Feb 02, 2021
Radio Free Coronavirus - Light Meet Tunnel
Tuesday Feb 02, 2021
Tuesday Feb 02, 2021
Your hosts discuss the joys of vaccination combined with the realities of a world that is far from "back to normal." We talk about the coming weeks and months and how one goes about judging what activities are worthwhile. We touch on some pop culture subjects including a brief review of WandaVision along with some book and music recommendations. Chris plugs his stream, where you can join Ladies' Night each and every Wednesday!!!
Thursday Dec 17, 2020
Radio Free Coronavirus - It's Christmastime!
Thursday Dec 17, 2020
Thursday Dec 17, 2020
Chad joins Chris and Mike to talk about Christmas music and how we all readily accept that these songs will only be in our lives for one month out of the year. We explore how this relates to our Vault theory from a prior episode and detail (and defend) our holiday favorites. The show briefly turns to all things Star Wars at the end as we discuss The Mandalorian and the openly corporate approach to Star Wars in recent years. Happy holidays!
Monday Dec 07, 2020
Radio Free Coronavirus - Operation: Rave Cave
Monday Dec 07, 2020
Monday Dec 07, 2020
Your hosts talk about recent activities including Ring Fit Adventures and the construction of a consistent DJ Stream complete with plans for a basement rave cave! Chris and Mike discuss the challenges of creating a successful stream and the difficulties of building and maintaining an audience. The later portion of the show focuses on the perceived highs and lows of The Mandalorian; your hosts find the show entertaining though increasingly disappointing as the show relies on cameos from characters from other shows and films. Does Mando find its own identity again or are we headed for de-aged Luke Skywalker and CGI-zombie Palpatine?
Tuesday Nov 17, 2020
Radio Free Coronavirus - The Rise of Booteus
Tuesday Nov 17, 2020
Tuesday Nov 17, 2020
Your hosts return to talk about Chris' successful debut as a DJ on Twitch. Chris talks about the process of setting up a stream and the wonderful support from the Club Quarantine crew. Michael talks about the experience of viewing the stream and how pleasant the community seemed to be during the event. The hosts cover the 2nd and 3rd episodes of The Mandalorian, and briefly address the bit of controversy about The Child slurping down fertilized eggs. Hey everyone, stay safe out there!
You can watch Chris' DJ streams at: https://www.twitch.tv/booteus
Monday Nov 02, 2020
Radio Free Coronavirus - The Night Before
Monday Nov 02, 2020
Monday Nov 02, 2020
Your hosts are back to talk about managing a world with COVID-19 the night before a noteworthy General Election. We cope with our collective anxiety by discussing recent coping strategies including Chris' ongoing delve into Club Quarantine culture and Michael shares his attempt to play Squadrons, which was quickly overwhelmed by the genius that is Hades. We discuss the satisfaction achieved by Chapter 9 of The Mandalorian, and explore how the show "feels" like the Star Wars we grew up with. We discuss the pros/cons of venturing out into public and how we share that information with others; it's not often simple!
Wednesday Aug 26, 2020
Radio Free Coronavirus - Fact Checks
Wednesday Aug 26, 2020
Wednesday Aug 26, 2020
Your hosts discuss how the world slowly attempts to return to normal while nothing with the virus has changed, and are joined by Chad to discuss parenting challenges in the age of COVID. We explore how we are finding meaning in the summer months; Chris talks about his connection with Club Quarantine, Chad offers some book recommendations, and Michael explains the mindfulness of hitting golf balls (poorly). Musical choices are questioned, allegiances are challenged, and we all openly worry about "blowing COVID all over someone's face."
Tuesday Jun 30, 2020
Radio Free Coronavirus - Look Out for the Meteor!
Tuesday Jun 30, 2020
Tuesday Jun 30, 2020
Your hosts talk about a challenging month of civil unrest in the Twin Cities and beyond. They acknowledge their white privilege while exploring systematic injustice in law enforcement. Michael shares his perspective as the son of a police officer killed in the line of duty, and discusses the culture of law enforcement and "getting home to see your family." Chris talks about his friends in communities of color and how difficult it has been for them - and how he's tried to listen and find a way to be helpful. We review efforts to cope with COVID restrictions including video games, social-distanced group hangs, and plamping. Yes, plamping! We discuss the month of June, which marks anniversaries of different family members lost to suicide. We spend some time remembering Al and Mia, and close by offering some suggestions on how to take care of ourselves and each other.
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Radio Free Coronavirus: Introducing Turd Ferguson
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Your hosts are back with another round of commentary on how to survive social distancing. Chris talks about his efforts to start a band, Turd Ferguson, and organize a virtual tabletop for his students to safely game. Michael discusses the challenges of going for a hike and being out in public as people begin to get back to "normal" activities. Both explore the anxiety that can arise from attempting to cultivate an audience for an activity that should likely be - first and foremost - a personal interest and hobby. If anyone knows of a fiddle player looking for work, then contact Chris!
Monday Apr 20, 2020
Radio Free Coronavirus: LIBERATE!
Monday Apr 20, 2020
Monday Apr 20, 2020
Your hosts gather on a Friday night to talk about the week that was and discuss how to stay positive when a torrent of news and idiocy tries to drown you. Chris talks about his experiments with the House Party app, which seems to provide a unique online social experience compared to Zoom. The hosts discuss a variety of entertainment options ranging from Final Fantasy VII Remake to online performances to an array of creative endeavors by folks including the SNL From Home effort. Mainly, we're just trying to ride this out like everyone else!