Emergency Intercom: Enya's Year Of Rest And Relaxation
Host/Authors: Enya Umanzor and Drew Phillips
Release Date: December 16, 2022

Episode Overview

In this episode of Emergency Intercom, hosts Enya Umanzor and Drew Phillips delve into personal experiences surrounding mental health, substance use, and the challenges of relocating. The conversation seamlessly transitions into lighter topics such as media consumption, memorable encounters, and humorous anecdotes, all infused with the podcast’s signature comedic flair.

1. Reflecting on a Year of Rest and Relaxation

Time Stamp: [01:10] - [01:50]

The episode opens with Drew reflecting on his personal journey over the past year. He muses on the concept of having a "year of rest and relaxation," connecting it to his own struggles with depression.

Drew:

"[01:10]… I can't believe I've actually had my year of rest and relaxation."

Enya (India):

"[01:29]… I read books and I read them fast. And I'll insert a little clip of me reading my year, finishing my year of rest and relaxation in Japan…"

This segment sets the tone for a candid discussion about mental health and the coping mechanisms the hosts have employed.

2. The Melatonin Dependency

Time Stamp: [02:02] - [03:54]

Drew and Enya delve into the topic of melatonin use, highlighting its over-prescription and societal normalization.

Drew:

"[02:02]… I was fully just abusing Melatonin instead, which is another crazy arc to think about."

Enya:

"[02:53] People take way too much melatonin. One, you're not supposed to exceed 5 milligrams…"

The conversation underscores the risks of dependency and the impact on natural sleep cycles, with Drew sharing his extreme melatonin usage.

3. Relocating to Los Angeles and Its Toll

Time Stamp: [04:07] - [07:15]

Drew recounts his move to Los Angeles and how it exacerbated his depression, leading to a worsening reliance on melatonin.

Drew:

"[04:32]… When I got to LA, it got really bad because I didn't have to fake in front of my parents anymore…"

He describes his bleak daily routine, characterized by excessive sleep and isolation, and the physical environment's negative influence on his mental state.

4. Paranoid Thoughts and Living Conditions

Time Stamp: [07:15] - [15:05]

The hosts explore the theme of paranoia, discussing fears of intruders and the psychological effects of living in a dark, confined space.

Drew:

"[12:54]… Somebody's looking in my windows. The bugs are under your skin right now…"

Enya:

"[09:55]… my room never got sunlight. It was so bad."

This segment highlights the interplay between environment and mental health, emphasizing how physical surroundings can amplify existing anxieties.

5. Interactions with Their Landlord

Time Stamp: [15:05] - [21:45]

Enya and Drew share amusing and slightly strained interactions with their landlord, depicting her as a caring yet intrusive figure.

Enya:

"[20:31]… She called you arm, and your name is India. Like, it's insane."

Their landlord's endearing quirks, such as giving nicknames and being overly cautious after their cat went missing, add a humorous layer to their living situation.

6. Encounter with Jaden Smith and Moises Arias

Time Stamp: [21:45] - [33:01]

A highlight of the episode is the recounting of a surreal experience meeting celebrities Jaden Smith and Moises Arias. Drew describes the encounter with awe and amusement.

Drew:

"[25:16]… he was just sitting in the window like fucking Batman… his school was the school of magic…"

Enya:

"[32:10]… he was like, doing in like Flint, Michigan… his whole mission was really cool."

The hosts vividly describe Jaden Smith's unconventional behavior and the overwhelming nature of the interaction, blending humor with genuine intrigue.

7. Media Consumption and Pop Culture References

Time Stamp: [33:01] - [47:11]

Transitioning to lighter topics, Enya and Drew discuss various media, including TV shows like Squid Game and Stranger Things, and their take on modern entertainment trends.

Enya:

"[15:43]… has anybody seen Squid Game? It's like this small little thing…"

They also touch upon the evolving nature of fandoms and the impacts of pop culture on personal lives, peppered with humorous takes on current trends and nostalgic references.

8. Humorous Anecdotes and Light-Hearted Banter

Time Stamp: [47:11] - [53:57]

The latter part of the episode is filled with playful exchanges, jokes, and funny stories about personal quirks, such as aspirations for body piercings and amusing interactions with friends.

Drew:

"[45:05]… We should do it before we go to spring… I'm gonna pick your brain."

Enya:

"[50:51]… I've discovered Arthur Russell…"

Their chemistry shines through as they engage in witty banter, making the conversation both entertaining and relatable for listeners.

Key Takeaways

• Mental Health Awareness: The hosts openly discuss their personal battles with depression and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues.

• Substance Use and Dependency: Highlighting the risks associated with over-the-counter supplements like melatonin, the episode serves as a cautionary tale about dependency.

• Impact of Environment on Well-being: The discussion underscores how living conditions, such as moving to a new city or residing in a dark apartment, can significantly affect one's mental state.

• Humorous Human Interactions: From quirky landlords to celebrity encounters, the hosts infuse humor into their narratives, making personal stories engaging and digestible.

• Cultural Commentary: Through their conversations about media and pop culture, Enya and Drew offer insights into contemporary entertainment and its influence on everyday life.

Notable Quotes

• Drew on Melatonin Abuse:
  "[03:37]… I was taking so many melatonin..."

• Enya on Excessive Melatonin Use:
  "[03:50]… It literally wouldn't work. And I would just keep going..."

• Drew on Paranoia:
  "[12:54]… Somebody's looking in my windows. The bugs are under your skin right now..."

• Enya on the Landlord's Nicknames:
  "[20:31]… She called you arm, and your name is India. Like, it's insane."

• Drew on Meeting Jaden Smith:
  "[25:16]… he was just sitting in the window like fucking Batman…"

Conclusion

This episode of Emergency Intercom offers a blend of deep personal reflections and lighthearted humor. Enya and Drew navigate through serious topics with authenticity while maintaining their comedic essence, ensuring an engaging and relatable listening experience for both regular fans and newcomers alike.