Tubies

Summary

The author discusses their increased virtual interactions and connections with famous personalities through YouTube and podcasts during a period of reduced in-person socializing.

Abstract

The article titled "Noodle Prompt / Connections" reflects on the author's shift from physical to virtual connections, particularly with famous individuals, amidst a time when in-person interactions have lessened. The author, who refers to their famous contacts as "Tubies," engages with a diverse range of personalities from writers like Anne Lamott and Elizabeth Gilbert to television hosts like Stephen Colbert and Trevor Noah. This virtual community is fostered through various media, including YouTube interviews, podcasts, and music performances. The author finds companionship and advice in these digital interactions, revisiting old interviews, discovering new artists, and reconnecting with favorite musicians. The piece concludes by emphasizing that despite working alone, the author is far from lonely, thanks to the enriching virtual connections they have cultivated.

Opinions

The author values the depth and variety of virtual connections, which have become a significant part of their daily life.
There is a preference for the term "Tube-cast" when referring to YouTube-based audio content, distinguishing it from traditional podcasts.
The author expresses a particular fondness for Mayim Bialik's Breakdown, noting its frequency and the contributions of her life partner, Jonathan Cohen.
There is an appreciation for the convenience of accessing archived content, such as interviews with authors and TED Talks, which the author previously missed due to other life commitments.
The author enjoys discovering lesser-known music artists and revisiting old favorites, indicating a broad and eclectic taste in music.
The overall sentiment is one of contentment and satisfaction with the richness of virtual interactions, which provide stellar company and mitigate feelings of loneliness.

Part 2 to my prompt response

My part one Connections response was about how I’m connecting with myself these days more than with other people. And, that’s true. Except for my famous friends.

Since my in-person connections have dwindled, my virtual connections have multiplied.

Yes, here on Medium, for sure. But, my famous friends are on YouTube. I call them Tubies.

While I’m working in those empty offices, avoiding maskless idiots, I listen to YouTube interviews and podcasts. Wait, if it’s on YouTube, is it a podcast? Well, tube-cast, then.

Anne Lamott Elizabeth Gilbert Ann Patchett Mayim Bialik Jonathan Cohen Oprah Winfrey Barbara Kingsolver Glennon Doyle Stephen Colbert Trevor Noah Carl Hiaasen Elizabeth Strout Emmanuel Acho

I watch Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown every week, twice, because she usually produces two episodes in seven days, along with her podcast, Tube-cast, and life partner, Jonathan Cohen.

I dig in the deep shelves for old interviews with authors. I especially enjoy Ann Patchett’s Salon@615 interviews. I also scrounge through the TedTalk archives for gems I missed during all those years when I was too busy raising grandchildren to listen to great advice about things like raising grandchildren.

I watch interviews with my favorite HGTVers, Erin and Ben Napier, and revisit snippets of HGTV shows I like.

Besides all the talking shows, I explore music, looking specifically for the undiscovered or barely-discovered and unusual performers. I discovered Manolin Orange, Lindsey Stirling, Stephanie Jones, Simply Three, and Ember Trio.

I am never lonely while working alone.

I have stellar company.

Just me and my Tubies.

My second response to this Connections prompt by Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她):

My first response:

Noodle Prompt / Connections

Tubies

Part 2 to my prompt response

What Are Some New Ways of Connecting With Others You’ve Developed Over The Years?

Sunny Side Updates ANNIVERSARY EDITION || Week 52

Washing the Windshield

Seeing clearly in a life of smudges