Buzz
This week, we delve into the fears that grip you—whether tangible, like the dread of spiders or heights, or intangible, such as the existential unease of simply existing. We begin with an interview of Dean Sluyter, author of the new book Fear Less: Living Beyond Fear, Anxiety, Anger, and Addiction. Following that, Ben Brock Johnson, host of the Reddit podcast “Endless Thread,” reveals the most chilling tales from Reddit. But first, Alice and Melissa face two of their deepest fears—and you get a front-row seat.
Tune in to The Upgrade above or find it on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, and NPR One. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!
In This Episode
Introduction (0:00 - 6:07)
Alice and Melissa experience the thrill of encountering spiders and balancing on a plank, all through the immersive world of virtual reality. (It’s far scarier than you might imagine.)
Your Worst Fears (6:08 - 9:33)
Levi Sharpe hits the streets of New York City to find out what terrifies people the most.
The Interview: Dean Sluyter (10:36 - 27:02)
We sit down with Dean Sluyter to discuss how to handle the fears that often feel overwhelming.
Scary Corner: The Scariest Stories from Reddit (28:12 - 36:01)
Ben Brock Johnson shares spine-chilling tales he’s uncovered from the deepest, darkest corners of Reddit.
Upgrade of the Week: (37:15 - 41:25)
Dean Sluyter and Levi join us again to talk about small but impactful life adjustments. This week’s highlights include a tip for playing audio files on your iPhone, a universal leash for your gadgets, and the benefits of waking up at a consistent time daily.
