Digital Social Hour - Episode: "Are You Making This Networking Mistake in NYC? | Raquel DSH #820"

Release Date: October 22, 2024

Hosts: Sean Kelly, Raquel, and Unknown Female Comedian

In this engaging episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly delves deep into the complexities of networking in New York City with special guests Raquel and an unnamed female comedian. The conversation traverses various themes, including cancel culture, political conservatism in a liberal urban setting, personal anecdotes on dating and relationships, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in today's socially conscious environment. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of their discussion.

1. Cancel Culture: A Double-Edged Sword

Raquel opens the discussion by addressing the pervasive fear of cancel culture, particularly highlighting how it disproportionately affects different genders and sexual behaviors.

• Raquel [00:29]: "I can't be canceled for any sexual. Which is great. Most guys have to fear that."

The Unknown Female Comedian expands on this, emphasizing the heightened scrutiny and the precarious position white, straight men find themselves in.

• Unknown Female Comedian [00:34]: "It's actually really scary for white, straight men out there. I always tell my guy friends, you can't even. It's like there can't even be an ounce of impropriety."

This segment underscores the current societal pressures and the fine line individuals must navigate to avoid public backlash.

2. Navigating ADHD and Personal Struggles

Both Raquel and her co-host share personal experiences with ADHD, fostering a sense of camaraderie and highlighting the importance of mental health awareness.

• Raquel [00:55]: "All right, guys, we got Raquel here today, and we both have ADHD."

They discuss coping mechanisms, including the use of substances like Adderall and Xanax, shedding light on the complexities of managing ADHD in high-pressure environments like NYC.

• Raquel [01:09]: "I had a little Xanax phase, but..."
• Unknown Female Comedian [01:13]: "But I need no more uppers anymore. That's not really my thing."

3. The Conservative Experience in Liberal NYC

The conversation shifts to the challenges faced by conservatives in a predominantly liberal city. The Unknown Female Comedian shares her experiences of facing hostility and isolation.

• Unknown Female Comedian [02:14]: "I'm based in New York City. I get a lot of hate from some conservative groups these days."

She details her initiative, "Make America Hot Again" parties, aimed at creating a welcoming space for conservatives, especially women, to socialize and engage politically without judgment.

• Unknown Female Comedian [03:54]: "I was throwing parties for Conservatives. And we are calling it Make America Hot Again."

Raquel adds her observations on the gender dynamics within political gatherings, noting the lack of female representation and how her events have successfully attracted a more balanced crowd.

• Raquel [04:26]: "You should have seen the Tucker Carlson conference I was at. 99 white guys. No woman."

4. Comedy Under Fire: The Struggle for Free Expression

The duo delves into the role of comedy in today's social climate, debating whether comedians can maintain their craft without offending.

• Unknown Female Comedian [09:35]: "It's crazy. The thing is, a comedian is supposed to say offensive stuff and that's what makes them so funny."

Raquel points out the irony of comedians, who traditionally push boundaries, also falling prey to cancellations.

• Raquel [09:32]: "Even comedians are getting canceled. Crazy."

This segment highlights the tension between humor and political correctness, questioning where the line should be drawn.

5. Personal Life and Dating in a Divided Society

Shifting gears, Raquel and her co-host share humorous and candid stories about their dating lives, reflecting broader societal norms and individual strategies for finding compatible partners.

• Unknown Female Comedian [14:17]: "I actually was seeing an illegal immigrant recently."
• Raquel [15:57]: "I called straight friends gay. Like that was normal back then."

They discuss unconventional dating tactics, such as dating opposites to avoid emotional entanglement, and the challenges of finding meaningful connections amidst political and social divides.

6. Immigration, Patriotism, and Identity

The Unknown Female Comedian offers a personal perspective on immigration, elaborating on her experiences as a Canadian striving to integrate and succeed in the United States.

• Unknown Female Comedian [10:33]: "I'm Canadian. I can't vote... I'm a patriot to a country that's not my own."

She expresses frustration with anti-immigrant sentiments, emphasizing her commitment to legal residency and contributions to her adopted country.

• Unknown Female Comedian [10:38]: "I care and I want to be here legally. I pay taxes in this country."

Her narrative sheds light on the nuanced identities of immigrants who balance allegiance to their homeland with their aspirations in the USA.

7. DEI and Political Correctness: A Critical View

Discussing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Raquel and her co-host critique the current implementations, perceiving them as superficial or counterproductive.

• Unknown Female Comedian [05:57]: "I saw a guy wearing a sweater that said DI recruiting. It was hilarious."

They argue that DEI efforts often miss the mark, leading to unintended consequences and fostering resentment rather than genuine inclusion.

8. Comedy as a Coping Mechanism and Social Commentary

The Unknown Female Comedian reflects on her comedic inspirations, notably pointing to former President Donald Trump's antics as a source of humor.

• Unknown Female Comedian [10:55]: "My favorite stand-up comedian of all time is obviously Donald Trump. He just says some crazy stuff. It's so good."

This admiration underscores the use of humor to navigate and critique political figures, blending entertainment with social commentary.

9. Building a Personal Brand Amidst Political Turmoil

The guests discuss the importance of authentic self-expression in establishing a personal brand, especially within politically charged environments.

• Unknown Female Comedian [02:14]: "Everyone has their own shtick. I hate being pigeonholed. It's harmful to the movement in general."

They advocate for individuality and resisting societal labels, arguing that personal branding should reflect genuine interests and values rather than conforming to external expectations.

10. Concluding Thoughts: Authenticity and Resilience

As the episode wraps up, Raquel and her co-host emphasize the need for resilience and authenticity in both personal and professional spheres. They encourage listeners to stay true to themselves, despite external pressures and societal challenges.

• Unknown Female Comedian [17:53]: "I'm showing people that conservatives aren't weird. It's so much more exciting to be fun and cool."

This concluding message underlines the central theme of the episode: navigating the complexities of modern networking and societal expectations while maintaining one's identity and values.

Notable Quotes:

• Raquel [00:29]: "I can't be canceled for any sexual. Which is great. Most guys have to fear that."
• Unknown Female Comedian [00:34]: "It's actually really scary for white, straight men out there."
• Raquel [04:26]: "You should have seen the Tucker Carlson conference I was at. 99 white guys. No woman."
• Unknown Female Comedian [05:57]: "I saw a guy wearing a sweater that said DI recruiting. It was hilarious."
• Raquel [09:32]: "Even comedians are getting canceled. Crazy."
• Unknown Female Comedian [10:55]: "Donald Trump... he is a stand-up comedian and I don't know if he knows he's that funny."
• Unknown Female Comedian [17:53]: "I'm showing people that conservatives aren't weird. It's so much more exciting to be fun and cool."

Final Thoughts:

This episode of Digital Social Hour offers a candid exploration of the intersection between politics, personal identity, and social dynamics in New York City. Through honest dialogue and relatable anecdotes, Raquel and her co-host provide listeners with valuable insights into overcoming societal challenges, maintaining authenticity, and forging meaningful connections in a divided world.