Shows
It's Not About the AlcoholIs your addiction really doing push-ups in the parking lot? With Allison Marie ConwayDo you believe that a “healthy fear” of alcohol will keep you safe from future screw-ups? Fear elicits a stress response. And when your nervous system perceives a threat, you feel anxious and distracted by intrusive thoughts. Your brain starts predicting worse-case scenarios. The idea of “fighting” this forever is overwhelming. It’s like trying to not cough. You can do it…for a while. But you know that at some point, a spasm could override your willpower. We assume the fear of relapse means there’s something wrong. I...2023-10-301h 15
SpacetrashEpisode 51: Our 3rd Annual Spacetrash Christmas Holiday Special! And A Fond Farewell (for now)Cousins Mark and Allie will be taking some extended time off from recording the pod for a while, but before we go we HAD to have a recap of all the hot takes from episodes past. We also discuss why 2022 has been our most hell-of-a-year yet for personal reasons. And to top off our fond farewell (for now) please enjoy, as is Spacetrash tradition, cousin Mark's ranking of a popular Christmas song! It's a GREAT ONE! Wishing you and your dear ones a wonderful and joyous holiday season. We love you. :) 2022-12-231h 15SpacetrashEpisode 50: Where Has 2022 Gone?! A Mini Recap and Look Ahead to Holiday Season 2022Sweet baby Jesus in retrograde, this year went fast!! Only 2 episodes of the pod left for 2022 and in this one we talk about what have been the highlights of the year, what we will be doing this holiday season, how cousin Allie's going to celebrate her birthday as a newly sober woman, and debate what Christmas song cousin Mark will be judging in our final episode of the year - as is Spacetrash tradition!2022-12-0757 minSpacetrashEpisode 49: Happy Thanksgiving to All :)In which we do a cozy little riff about what Thanksgiving means to us, what we are grateful for, and why gratitude is the opposite of anxiety. We are wishing a very Happy Thanksgiving to you and your dear ones, may your season be chill and your sweet potatoes stay warm even though there's not a lot of oven space available what with all the holiday things. Love, Allie and Mark 2022-11-231h 00SpacetrashEpisode 48: The One with Cousin Emily! Election Day, Mass Introversion, Elon Musk's Twitter Dumpsterfire, and More!The cousins welcome, for the first time on Spacetrash, the talented and amazing cousin Emily! We learn about each other's social media savvy, introverted tendencies, and how the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse energy has affected us. We speak about the rise in popularity of introverted tendencies like the fetish of cancelling plans, the trouble with ghosting, and the general aversion to such things that were commonplace when Allie was a teenager like phone calls and voicemails - and what a frightfest answering machines were. We get into a slew of additional interesting topics highly relevant to living in modern...2022-11-091h 08SpacetrashS3 Ep24: Self Care: What It REALLY Is - And what it definitely is NOTThe cousins Mark and Allie break down what self care really means - to them individually and as a collective cultural phenomenon. Life is hard. That's just facts. Listen in to hear how we crack open the magic of self-care, however it looks - whatever it takes. 2022-10-261h 03SpacetrashS3 Ep23: The Cousin Mark's 30th Birthday Episode with VIP Special Guest: Cousin Sister Kate!Mark turns the big 3-0 on September 29th so to add to the festivities for the final SpaceTrash episode of his 20's we are joined by the ever-wonderful cousin Kate, Mark's older sister by 3 years!! Mark's sun sign being a Libra, we delve into the specifics - is Mark a typical Libra? What are Libras like? What makes them so especially loveable, fair, charming, and kind? And when exactly did Mark dial up his style game and start dressing to impress, as Libras so often do? As we wish our beloved and amazing Cousin Mark the Best 30th Birthday...2022-09-2857 minSpacetrashS3 Ep22: Cozy Autumn Scents, Only Murders, and the Most Fun Convo EverIn which the cousins Mark and Allie talk about so many things from tricks to make your home smell like a beautiful fall bounty without burning dangerous candles, to what it takes to toss morals aside and enjoy a good serial killer series, with so many laughs and ridiculousness inbetween. And the count down to Mark's 30th birthday has begun! We just KNOW Lizzo will be fire on September 29th. 2022-09-1456 minSpacetrashS3 Ep21: On Quiet Quitting, What is the Role of "Work" In Our Lives, and What Can a Life Coach Actually Help Us Do?In this episode, Mark and Allie talk all things career, work-life balance, and how the current culture is challenging (and in many cases outright rejecting) the idea of workaholism as a virtue. Also, Allie is becoming a certified life coach - what does that mean? Let's discuss!2022-08-3155 minSpacetrashS3 Ep20: UNHINGED: Radical Truth Telling, FBI Raids, Witchcraft, Psychics, and Books That Say the Secret Thing Out LoudIn this UNHINGED episode, the cousins discuss the books they're reading, witchcraft, the FBI raid of former president trump and pumpkin spice lattes!2022-08-101h 03SpacetrashS3 Ep19: What Is Burnout and Do We All Have It Right Now?When the world around you feels impossibly bleak and on the precipice of getting even bleaker, what are we doing with our lives and what really matters? In this episode we talk about how the once ever popular 5-year plan has become more like a 3-week or 3-month plan as predicting what our lives will be like in this society even a year from now feels pretty overwhelming and maybe even impossible. 2022-07-271h 01SpacetrashS3 Ep 18: Is Our Society Collapsing and If So - What Do We Do About It?In this episode we cover just about EVERYTHING from the overturn of Roe to the role religion, government, and white privlege have played in setting up a society too rigid and too uninclusive to stand the test of time. As we are seeing all around us - in ways we are not yet equipped to handle without a LOT of anger and backlash - the old norms, rules, structures and restrictions simply cannot stand when so many of us are determined to evolve and expand what it means to be human and what it means to be free. Amidst...2022-07-131h 01
SpacetrashS3 Ep17: Are You Modifying Yourself to Please Others?In this episode we cover a LOT of ground because we have a LOT going on right now. We talk investing in new business ventures, investing in our relationships, new athletic interests, and opening up our minds and hearts to renewed versions of ourselves. Join us!2022-06-151h 05SpacetrashS3 Ep16: The Infectious Creativity of Drag Shows and Living Life on Your Own TermsIn which Allie and Mark discuss BenDeLaCreme's newest stage show, Ready to be Committed. Mark explains the phenomenon that is RuPaul's Drag Race and possibly taking Allie to her first drag brunch! As Allie continues to work on her memoir, the cousins discuss the resistance that can come from doing what you love the most. Also, is separating ourselves by generation detrimental to our society or is there value in the distinction? All these things and more in the first Space trash episode of Pride months 2022!2022-06-0155 minSpacetrashS3 Ep15: Quitting is Success, Mature Relationships are Gold, and Asking for Help Is a Beautiful ThingThis episode may just be one of our very favorites ever. We get vulnerable about hard feelings around addiction, family, love, and taking care of our own needs before anyone's else's. We also chat about how Allie's book is coming along, we praise Mark for his exceptional performance as the officiant of cousin Owen and Heather's wedding, and take a deep dive into many intimate topics like celebrating quitting as success and why Allie NOT delivering her own toast to her brother at his wedding was absolutely the right call. Who knew that by starting off with topics like...2022-05-1856 minSpacetrashS3 Ep 14: Mark's New Apartment and Another Family Wedding! Again!In which the cousins Allie and Mark chat all about moving Mark into his brand new solo living space, aka The Lake House. It's got the chillest vibes that even this episode felt like hanging out on the couch in the roof top living room with all the windows open, springtime evening breeze sailing right on through. Also, cousin Owen's wedding is this week - Allie is Best Lady and Mark is Officiant. . . are we ready??? Never a dull moment in this family. :) 2022-05-0442 minSpacetrashS3 Ep13: The Modern Day Dating Scene - What's It Like Out There for a Gorgeous Gay Man Looking for Love?In which Mark and Allie discuss the modern day dating scene as cousin Mark continues his earnest search for the man whose personality and charms compliment his in that perfect way. We talk all about what it means to bring out each other's strengths in a relationship, how Mark envisions a committed relationship, love languages, ways to meet someone, and so much more! Grab your favorite beverage and come hang out as we discuss all things love, dating, marriage, and the keys to a lasting relationship. 2022-04-2056 minSpacetrashS3 Ep12: Allie Got Bangs We Must Discuss! Also: Mark's New Apartment, What Pets We Want and Why, and Beating 'The Slap' to DeathSO MUCH in this super fun episode! Mark and Allie are pumped for springtime with so very much to look forward to on the horizon. New haircuts, new living spaces, new furry friends, and new relationship goals are all out there waiting. We do take a moment to reflect on some old school nostalgic stuff, too. Come hang out - it's been too long. :) 2022-04-0659 minSpacetrashS3 Ep11: What's the Deal with Zero Proof Drinks?In which cousins Mark and Allie give their review of the first zero proof bar to open in the Philly area: Volstead by Unity in Manyunk. What is it like to drink a mocktail as a sober person? Would you drink a non-alcoholic beer or wine if you didn't "have to"? Also, is cousin Mark about to move into his new home?! Come hang out and hear what we are up to. :) 2022-03-2341 minSpacetrashS3 Ep10: The Brilliant Art of Not Giving a F*ckMark gives up giving a f*ck for the Lenten season which inspires Allie to do the same! There really is an art to letting go of the things that simply do not matter, the things that are holding you back, and the things which are causing you anxiety for no good reason. Let's discuss! 2022-03-0943 minSpacetrashS3 Ep9: Allie's Early Sobriety: How to Talk to a Newly Sober Loved OneIn this very special episode, Mark asks Allie a few lovely questions about her sobriety journey so far (at the time of recording she was 53 days) and as Allie shares her answers, they both discover it is a topic rich with interesting life lessons for all about how to talk about sensitive stuff with respect and care while still being able to laugh and be your whole self. Mark opens up about his coming out story and the two cousins discuss the ways in which being "in the closet" is isolating, and what it's like to reveal your true...2022-02-2343 minSpacetrashS3 Ep8: Our Live Tarot Card Readings to Celebrate the New Lunar Year - The Year of the Tiger!In which we draw our tarot cards from The Dark Wood Tarot to kick off the Year of the Tiger! Find out how beautifully spot on the reading is both for cousin Mark and cousin Allie. What are you looking to let go of and leave in the past as we begin a new lunar year? What are you looking to bring new life to? Let's get into it! 2022-02-0237 minSpacetrashS3 Ep7: Welcome to 2022 Spacetrash Fam! We Talk New Hairstyles, Remembering Bob Saget, and How to Rock Dry January!Welcome back Spacetrashers! In our first episode of the new year we discuss Mark's brand new image (haircut), what switching up your look can do for your soul, and please help us decide: should Allie get bangs?? We pay tribute to the beautiful and strange Bob Saget, who embodied both homespun compassionate dad and raunchy stand up comedian without shame or remorse and everyone from John Stamos (*swoon*) to Randy Rainbow adored him. Also, join us on Allie's first ever journey through Dry January! How is THAT going? Come hang and find out. We missed you. :) 2022-01-1231 minSpacetrashS3 Ep6: The 2021 Spacetrash Holiday Spectacular!In our final episode of 2021, cousins Mark and Allie discuss the roller coaster of a year gone by. It's been another year of insanity and we chat about all of it from the brain fog to the question we've been asking ourselves most recently: in times as off the wall as these, can you even be sarcastic anymore? Also, cousin Mark continues his tradition of ranking a classic Christmas song and this year he takes on a controversial one - can you guess? Tune in to find out! And remember - no matter how crazy it gets "out there"...2021-12-2235 minSpacetrashS3 Ep5: Happy December Holiday Season! Let's Talk Creativity, Music, and Getting Snowed In At A Pub for the Weekend!In which cousin Mark and cousin Allie discuss when is the correct time to jump into playing holiday music and decking them halls with the holly jolly trimmings. Also, do you love everything you write, everything you create? Should you? Hear what Allie has to say about that after writing and publishing almost daily for over a decade. Are you still an artist if no one sees your art? And finally, we imagine what it would be like to get snowed into a pub and forced to listen to an Oasis cover band play Wonderwall for three days straight...2021-12-0145 minSpacetrashS3 Ep4: Sisters Are Doing It for ThemselvesIn which cousin Mark and cousin Allie discuss the strength, brilliance, resilience, and incredible recent accomplishments of the beautiful and talented Britney Spears (#freedbritney!) and Taylor Swift (we remember it all too well). Should artists be allowed to tell their relationship stories through their art in any way they please? What on earth is Thanksgiving doing coming so quickly this year? Why is America so extremely extra right now? Grab your favorite fall beverage and let's get into it! 2021-11-1741 minSpacetrashS3 Ep 3: With Cousin Val's Full Live Coverage of John Mulaney's New Stand Up 'From Scratch'Our very own amazing special guest Cousin Val joins Mark and Allie once again to share her thoughts on experiencing the John Mulaney show 'From Scratch' LIVE in Philly! We get into such hot and timely topics as using dark times of life as material for comedy, what makes a comedian feel more human and relatable than any other kind of star, how fame can be an obstacle, how much personal stuff should go into your art and what should remain private, and sooo much more. Grab your favorite beverage and listen in! Spacetrash: reporting the news as we...2021-10-2747 minSpacetrashS3 Ep2: Don't We All Deserve Nice Things? Mark Turns 29, Cousin Kate's Incredible Celebrity Wedding, and How to Soothe Your Anxiety and Get What You Want In LifeIn which cousins Allie and Mark talk all about what living through your 20's, 30's and 40's really means, cousin Kate's gorgeous and love-filled wedding and marriage to Great Scott, what Allie is doing to finally get anxiety under control with her herbal and naturally medicinal methods, and what Mark wants for his Golden Birthday (he will be 29 on Sept 29th) and beyond. Come hang out and dare to want what you want what you really really want! 2021-09-2935 minSpacetrashS3 Ep 1: Cousin Mark Got the Covid, How He Got Through, and How We All Move Forward In These STILL Uncertain TimesSeason 3 is all about renewal! Cousins Mark and Allie talk about what renewal means to them. Turns out? Renewal is a deeply personal choice with its own meaning for each of us. Kinda love that actually. We missed you all so much - grab your favorite drink and join us for the wild kick off of SpaceTrash season 3! 2021-09-1537 minSpacetrashS2 Ep16: The Season 2 Finale Episode! Cousin Mark Live at the Oscars, Shot Girl Summer, Cancel DaBaby, and The One Billionaire Who Actually Deserves It ALLIn which Mark and Allie reminisce about the wild ride Spacetrash has been and dream of even bigger things to come, while furry cousin Oscar squeaks in a most adorable debut appearance. Also, this was supposed to be Hot Vax Summer but... WTF happened? Grab your favorite beverage and let's get into it!2021-08-0634 minSpacetrashS2 Ep 15: Is the New Hit Bo Burnham Special 'Inside' Comedy? Tragedy? Satire? How Dark Is Too Dark? We Discuss with Cousin ValIn which Cousins Allie and Mark are joined by Cousin Val to pull apart the fine details of the groundbreaking new Bo Burnham special "Inside". We get into such timely topics as the psychological effects of being constantly watched as a performer, what it means to be a part of an audience who demands more and more stuff to entertain and distract us, what happens when art becomes branding, the impossibility of existing in a world outside of the one we live in which is owned and run by Big Social Media companies and uber rich billionaires who care...2021-07-1453 minSpacetrashS2 Ep14: Main Character Energy Is Hot Right Now - How Do You Get It for Yourself?In which Mark and Allie discuss what it means to have main character energy and why it just may be worth rocking in your own life - especially right now. As we emerge from quarantine - and Mark remains determined to have his Hot Girl Summer - is it this the perfect time to romanticize your life so it doesn't all pass you by? Let's get into it! 2021-06-2534 minSpacetrashBonus Beach House Live 2021In which Mark and Allie mark the actual beach house that started it all! Ocean City New Jersey, the birthplace of Spacetrash. House parties are back, baby! Join us!2021-06-1805 minSpacetrashS2 Ep12: The Rush to Return to Normal, Time Management Tips, and a Surprise!In which Mark and Allie discuss the pros and cons of the world's rush to re-open after quarantine, some weird time management tricks that really WORK and guess what? Spacetrash was conceptualized almost exactly one year ago on a rooftop deck at the beach over beers. Listen in to find out how we are gonna celebrate next week - with you! 2021-06-1134 minSpacetrashS2 Ep 11: Why Would Anyone: Go Back to the Office? Use Bitcoin? Wear Mom Jeans? Hide 'Likes' on Instagram?Mark starts his next big thing and reveals what computer coding is REALLY like (hint: you will be surprised!) Also, not worn jeans since before quarantine? Listen in to hear what's hot with denim - and what's not... anymore. And finally, we discuss the pros and cons of using the new Instagram feature that hides likes on your posts, or the posts in your feed. Why would anyone do this? Why on earth does Insta even offer this when nonsense popularity is the name of their whole game? Grab a drink and let's get into it! 2021-05-2836 minSpacetrashS2 Ep10: Should Writers Be Using Pen Names?In which Mark and Allie discuss the benefits and drawbacks of writing under anonymity. What would your pen name be? What would you write about if nobody knew it was you? Grab a drink and join us for a thought-provoking discussion! 2021-05-1433 minSpacetrashS2 Ep9: Why Are We Suddenly Over Everything from Social Media to the News?In which Allie and Mark admit to feeling like the (hopeful?) end of the pandemic feels oddly exhausting and why we really don't feel much like doing... anything. It's been a hell of a journey but is it really over? All we want to do is still be left alone, hit the beach and chill. Grab a drink and join us! 2021-04-3031 minSpacetrashS2 Ep8: Talking Music, Songwriting, Long Hair, and Long Cigarettes with Cousin AlecIn which we welcome Cousin Alec and talk all things music, song writing, and performing in front of a crowd. Also, Cousin Mark's super long hair and where you can see it! 2021-04-1637 minSpacetrashS2 Ep7: Roller Blading, Lil Nas X, Covid-19 Variants and When Will It All End?!In which cousins Mark and Allie welcome back special Spacetrash scientific correspondent, cousin Frank. We weigh in on whether the vaccine will beat out the rapidly spreading Covid variant which is affecting younger people, and fun outdoor activities we can now finally partake in as the weather warms. And of course we would be remiss not to discuss what everyone is talking about: Lil Nas X's 'Call Me By Your Name' and the do's and don'ts of satanic worship. We are getting there, kids! Grab a drink and come hang out! 2021-04-0332 minSpacetrashS2 Ep6: What Will We Actually MISS After Quarantine? How Has Mask Wearing Changed Our Brains?This is a new shorter episode clocking in just around 30 minutes! A *Space Nugget* of an episode in which Mark and Allie chat about the few things we will actually miss when life gets back to "normal" after quarantine is over. Also, this little bit about mask wearing is SUPER fascinating. Grab your fave drink and come hang out! 2021-03-1936 minSpacetrashS2 Ep5: On Who Inspires Us to Be Adventurous in Our Creative Writing ProjectsIn which Allie and Mark share insights into who and what inspires them to write, why writing across multiple genres can be extremely liberating, and why writing fiction can often be the best way to get to the truth. Come hang out!2021-03-051h 00SpacetrashS2: Ep4: Our Exclusive Interview with Home Design Experts Owen and Heather of TaylorMadeHouse!In which Cousins Mark and Allie welcome two very special guests to Spacetrash! Owen is my brother and Mark's cousin, and Owen has just married his beautiful bride Heather, making them both official Cousins of Spacetrash! If you tuned in last time you know that these two crazy kids got married in a homemade igloo on February 3rd which was also Owen's 40th birthday. And also that Cousin Reverend Mark presided over the ceremony. How beautiful! Even in a pandemic our family finds ways to stay together and do wild cool bizarre things. What you may NOT know is...2021-02-1759 minSpacetrashS2: Ep3 - Special Guest: Cousin Frank! Which Cousin Got Married In An Igloo? Why Is OCNJ a Dumpsterfire? What Up with GameStop & Gaga Oreos?In which Cousin Allie and Cousin Mark host our first special guest: Cousin Frank! Frank, Allie's son, is a scientist who will soon save us from the COVID-19 virus! We chat about our newly wed Cousin Owen who got married to his beautiful bride Heather in a homemade igloo officiated by none other than Reverend Cousin Mark, the startling news of what is going on in our favorite beach town of Ocean City New Jersey, why you should not shame yourself for procrastinating, the GameStop Reddit Scandal and what it means for the common man, 7 layer dip for Super...2021-02-051h 00SpacetrashSeason 2: Episode 2: The Biden-Harris Inauguration Episode! Joy and Truth Return to America and Bernie Sanders is Everywhere!Your favorite cousins are back with FULL COVERAGE of all that is the historic Inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris! Mark and Allie discuss the feelings we didn't even know we could feel after toppling a dictator, the fashion, the love, the incredible spectacle of Lady Gaga, JLo, Garth Brooks, as well as the show stopping breathtaking beauty and command of Amanda Gorman performing her brilliant poetry. It is a time - brief as it may be - to celebrate how far we have come. We talk everything from Bernie's mittens to finally being able...2021-01-2254 minSpacetrashSEASON 2! Episode 1: Creative Goals for 2021, Writing Process and Improvement Tips, and the Gorgeousness that is Miley CyrusIn which Mark and Allie are finally reunited (virtually!) after the weirdest holidays ever come to a close and the New Year has begun! We missed you all! So far, tho, 2021 has way too many 2020 vibes, what with the current tragic state of the United States. All the while, we creatives have to treat ourselves with the most kindness and find ways to keep our little lights burning in the dark. We talk about our true feelings in this historic moment, Mark's dry January tips, our creative goals for 2021, why creating your own Wordpress blog is massively helpful to...2021-01-081h 03SpacetrashEpisode 7: Our First Holiday Episode! All Things Christmas 2020!In which Mark and Allie discuss holiday plans, how to have a successful (and super fun!) virtual table read, the secret to the BEST cookies, the Christmas movies we love and the ones we actually secretly hate, and so much more! Grab some eggnog, relax, and join us! 2020-12-181h 07SpacetrashEpisode Six: December 2020 Is All About Taking a Break. From, like, everything.In which Mark and Allie chat about being SO over 2020, chilling out and staying home in December, why watching HBO's hideous yet glamorous "The Undoing" is hugely cathartic right now, what will be in Allie's next book, why artists have a hard time looking back at their previous work, Mark's astonishing confession about Spacetrash (!!!), and so much more! It's been A YEAR. Grab a drink and hang out with us as we do and don't discuss it! 2020-12-041h 03SpacetrashEpisode 5: How to Be a Prolific Writer, Twitter Fleets, and Harry Styles is Hot in a DressIn which Mark and Allie chat about the secret to prolific writing, what we love about staying home for Thanksgiving, why Harry Styles in a dress brings us so much joy. 2020 is a weird kind of positivity. There's so much dragging us down, but when we can talk it out with fellow artists we love and admire there can be magic moments, too. Listen in to this fun and insightful episode for some major Ah-Ha! breakthroughs! 2020-11-201h 04SpacetrashEpisode 4: Election Night Three - Before We KnewIn which Mark and Allie are exhausted and hopeful and frightened and hopeful, We talk about the US Presidential election and how it is affecting us to wait. And wait. And wait. For Biden to win. We envision life after Trump and life after COVID. The best thing we have and will never lose, though? Each other. Grab a drink, listen in and share the suspense!2020-11-0653 minSpacetrashEp 3: Countdown to the US Election, Canceling Amazon, and Protecting Our Creativity When Everyone is Quick to JudgeIn this episode, Mark and Allie chat about all things Election 2020 in the final episode before November 3rd including the massive voter turnout and what it may mean for future elections, how the country became so polarized and ways to think about what that means for the future of the US. We also deep dive into what it means as an artist to be able to express ourselves without fear in a culture that stands at the ready to judge, shame, and cancel us. Wild times, these! Grab your favorite beverage and join us! 2020-10-301h 04SpacetrashEpisode 2: Social Media, Cancel Culture, Stand Up Comedy, and More!In this episode we talk about The Social Dilemma on Netflix, the benefits and dangers of living in a culture saturated with social media, and what cancel culture really means in the long run. Can the art be separated from the artist? We talk about stand up comedy. We talk about what it's like to have the dual perspective of being artists contributing to the social media scene, as well as consumers. There's so much to think about and we think about it all out loud over cocktails. Join us! 2020-10-091h 02SpacetrashSpacetrash: Ep 1: The Launch EpisodeIn which we discuss the bizarre effects of quarantine on creativity, why our culture is fascinated with reality tv, and so much more. Join us!2020-09-2441 minSpacetrashIntro to the Spacetrash PodcastHey, this is Allison Marie Conway and Mark Thackray and this is our podcast called Spacetrash. We are two cousins chatting about modern day culture and trying to stay creative amidst the apocalyptic chaos that is 2020. Let's get into it!2020-09-2300 min