247 episodes
Were You Raised By Wolves? Were You Raised By Wolves
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- Society & Culture
Editors’ Notes: “I want to give everybody the tools to solve their own etiquette problems,” says Nick Leighton, cohost and producer of Were You Raised by Wolves?, a weekly podcast in which he and cohost Leah Bonnema look into the many sticky social situations we all face. “With each of the questions that we get, from the bonkers to the ordinary, I always try to take a step back and ask, ‘What are the bigger principles here?’ I'm always looking for topics that help us make a larger point.” In each episode, Leighton, a two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, and Bonnema, a comic/writer, share practical advice on how to navigate a wide range of situations, from the serious to the whimsical—whether they tackle interrupting excessive talkers, establishing healthy boundaries with coworkers, or the proper way to eat Cheetos.
When they developed the show in 2019, Leighton and Bonnema had one goal in mind: to have empathy for other people. Their informal conversations tackle a mix of personal topics, viewer questions, and the occasional historical fact with warmth and positivity and humor. Leighton views this approach as an antidote to a lot of the negativity he sees in the online world, while Bonnema thinks the show’s premise is a natural fit for her situational style of comedy. “A lot of my comedy is about events where I’m like, ‘What just happened here?’ or where I embarrass myself,” she says. “And, ironically, all of these fall under the guise of etiquette, where you either feel aggrieved or you feel like you committed some sort of social crime. I just loved the topic.”
Leighton and Bonnema credit the show’s ongoing success to their work ethic. They haven’t missed a single week since they launched the show, which recently hit a new milestone: 100 episodes. But what they value the most, above all else, is how they've built a community of listeners from all backgrounds. “We have conservative grandmothers in Tallahassee to nonbinary chefs in Seattle and everybody in between,” he says. “Because who among us has not experienced an etiquette crime? This is universal.”
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Etiquette, manners, and beyond! Join Emmy® Award-winning journalist Nick Leighton and acclaimed comedian Leah Bonnema ("Late Show with Stephen Colbert"), the perfect odd couple, as they try to make the world a nicer, more polite place and offer up practical advice to help you smoothly glide through any situation. Please listen and follow! (We'd send you a hand-written thank you note if we could.)
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Getting Things Monogrammed, Behaving at Brunch, Requesting Graduation Money, and More
Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah tackle getting things monogrammed, behaving at brunch, requesting graduation money, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a hand-written thank you note if we could.)
Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit ask.wyrbw.com
EPISODE CONTENTS
AMUSE-BOUCHE: Monograms
A QUESTION OF ETIQUETTE: Brunch
QUESTIONS FROM THE WILDERNESS: When you have an extra ticket to a performance, is it rude to send a group text to see who calls dibs first? Is it OK to include a QR code or Venmo address on a graduation invitation?
VENT OR REPENT: Commenting on hair, Joking at a VC party
CORDIALS OF KINDNESS: Thanks for the song, A nice review
THINGS MENTIONED DURING THE SHOW
The Preppy Handbook
Elizabeth Holmes documentary "The Dropout" trailer
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO...
Support our show through Patreon
Subscribe and rate us 5 stars on Apple Podcasts
Call, text, or email us your questions
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Buy some fabulous official merchandise
CREDITS
Hosts: Nick Leighton & Leah Bonnema
Producer & Editor: Nick Leighton
Theme Music: Rob Paravonian
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TRANSCRIPT
Episode 226
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Removing Shoes on Airplanes, Exiting Weddings Early, Welcoming Guests In, and More
Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah answer listener questions about removing shoes on airplanes, exiting weddings early, welcoming guests in, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a hand-written thank you note if we could.)
Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit ask.wyrbw.com
QUESTIONS FROM THE WILDERNESS:
What are your thoughts on removing one's shoes on an airplane?
How do you handle a friend who wants a friendship more than you do and also always suggests meeting up closer to where they live?
Should a bride and groom leave their wedding reception before the last song?
How do you feel about the phrase "Welcome In"?
What do you do about a friend who's always a downer at parties?
PSA: You're on camera when you sit front row at an opera or musical.
THINGS MENTIONED DURING THE SHOW
Sound Baths
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO...
Support our show through Patreon
Subscribe and rate us 5 stars on Apple Podcasts
Call, text, or email us your questions
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
Visit our official website
Sign up for our newsletter
Buy some fabulous official merchandise
CREDITS
Hosts: Nick Leighton & Leah Bonnema
Producer & Editor: Nick Leighton
Theme Music: Rob Paravonian
ADVERTISE ON OUR SHOW
Click here for details
TRANSCRIPT
Episode 225
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Enjoying Petit Fours, Visiting New York City, Tracking Down Perishable Gifts, and More
Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah tackle enjoying petit fours, visiting New York City, tracking down perishable gifts, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a hand-written thank you note if we could.)
Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit ask.wyrbw.com
EPISODE CONTENTS
AMUSE-BOUCHE: Mignardises and Petit Fours
A QUESTION OF ETIQUETTE: New York City Etiquette
QUESTIONS FROM THE WILDERNESS: How do I respond to unsolicited encouragement from a stranger after a fitness class? How should I handle a perishable gift that's been delayed in the mail?
VENT OR REPENT: Rude taxi drivers, Stealing laundry carts
CORDIALS OF KINDNESS: Using luggage racks, Thanks for joining us at our recent live show
THINGS MENTIONED DURING THE SHOW
Parts of a French meal
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO...
Support our show through Patreon
Subscribe and rate us 5 stars on Apple Podcasts
Call, text, or email us your questions
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
Visit our official website
Sign up for our newsletter
Buy some fabulous official merchandise
CREDITS
Hosts: Nick Leighton & Leah Bonnema
Producer & Editor: Nick Leighton
Theme Music: Rob Paravonian
ADVERTISE ON OUR SHOW
Click here for details
TRANSCRIPT
Episode 224
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices