Podcast Summary: Strangers on a Bench - EPISODE 24: A Clown for a Day

Host: Tom Rosenthal
Guest: Jordan
Release Date: February 24, 2025

In Episode 24 of Strangers on a Bench, host Tom Rosenthal engages in a deeply personal and introspective conversation with Jordan, a university student navigating the complexities of life, loss, and self-discovery. This episode, titled "A Clown for a Day," delves into Jordan’s daily routines, family dynamics, the profound impact of losing a parent, and aspirations for personal growth.

1. Opening Up: Favorite Day and Daily Routines

The conversation begins with a light-hearted inquiry about Jordan’s favorite day of the week.

[00:47] Jordan: "Oh, I like Thursdays because you're still anticipating the weekend. But it's after hump day. I also won't have any class on Thursdays this semester, so that's gonna be really nice."

When Tom asks about "hump day," Jordan clarifies, highlighting his preferences and setting the stage for discussing his ideal day.

Ideal Morning Routine

Jordan paints a vivid picture of his perfect morning:

• Climate Preferences: Prefers cold enough weather to wear a sweatshirt and shorts without being freezing ([01:52]).
• Wake-Up Time: Likes to wake around 7:30-8:00 AM but allows himself to lounge until 9:00 AM ([01:52]).
• Breakfast Habits: Enjoys a simple breakfast of Yorkshire Gold tea with skim milk and sugar, toast with peanut butter and jam or Nutella, and yogurt in various flavors ([02:37]).

He emphasizes mindfulness in his morning routine, striving to avoid social media and being present during breakfast ([03:09]).

2. Family Dynamics and Responsibilities

Jordan discusses his role within his family, highlighting his relationship with his mother and sister.

[05:13] Jordan: "Oh, my God, no."
[05:26] Jordan: "I don't think I might be the favorite child."

He feels a strong sense of responsibility, often handling emotional labor when extended family members share their problems. His mother, a nurse, has instilled in him a love for art and music, creating a deep bond between them ([05:48]).

3. A Life-Altering Moment: The Death of Jordan’s Father

A significant portion of the episode revolves around Jordan recounting the sudden death of his father when he was 13 years old.

[06:11] Jordan: "He is dead."

Jordan shares the emotional turmoil following his father's unexpected heart attack on Christmas in 2015:

• Memorable Details: The specific shirt his father was wearing and the show Jordan was watching at the time ([08:39]).
• Emotional Impact: The event served as a catalyst for Jordan’s shift from aspiring to be a doctor to pursuing a passion for art and filmmaking ([09:34]).

[09:44] Jordan: "That's what I'm gonna do. And then you see someone die..."

He reflects on how this tragedy influenced his artistic expression and life choices, transforming personal loss into creative motivation.

4. Coping with Stress and Mental Health

Jordan opens up about his ongoing journey with stress and seeking therapy to manage the residual effects of his father's death.

[12:06] Jordan: "So everything surrounding him and then how he affected our family. So in that process, I've talked a bit about how I'm trying to be more mindful with my time..."

Key insights include:

• Mindfulness Practices: Aiming to stay present to reduce stress ([12:06]).
• Understanding Personal Rhythms: Recognizes different states throughout the day and their impact on stress levels ([13:00]).
• Encouraging Self-Care: Advocates for engaging in activities one enjoys without guilt ([13:17]).

Despite being in a new environment in London, Jordan acknowledges the challenges of adapting and the slow nature of personal transformation ([14:06]).

5. Aspirations and Identity: The Desire to Act

Jordan expresses a yearning to explore acting as a means of experiencing multiple lives and embracing vulnerability.

[16:25] Jordan: "There is a part of me that wants to be an actress..."

However, he hesitates due to concerns about financial stability and the inherent vulnerability in being publicly visible. The idea evolves into contemplating embracing different personas, even humorously considering spending a day as a clown to break out of his comfort zone ([17:37]).

6. Social Life and Seeking Connection

Discussing his social experiences, Jordan reveals:

• Limited Long-Term Relationships: Hasn't had a "proper boyfriend" and finds long-term relationships impractical due to academic commitments ([22:32]).
• Observing Others: Finds himself watching couples in places like the National Gallery, reflecting on human connection and possibly hinting at feelings of loneliness ([23:09]).
• Innovative Dating Ideas: entertains unconventional methods like handing out clown-themed business cards to spark intrigue and connection ([25:02]).

7. Unique Personal Quirks: Dipping Apples in Ketchup

In a light-hearted segment, Jordan shares his distinctive habit of dipping apples in ketchup, explaining the unique flavor combination and texture.

[29:07] Jordan: "I've got to do something..."

He details the sensory experience:

• Sweetness of Apples vs. Umami of Ketchup: Creation of a balanced taste profile ([29:15]).
• Texture Contrast: Overcoming the slimy texture of ketchup on apples ([29:51]).

8. Reflection and Future Endeavors

As the conversation wraps up, Jordan contemplates his next steps and the potential impact of this interaction.

[30:07] Jordan: "After this, I'm gonna try to find my way back to Hampstead Heath Station..."

He muses on the serendipitous nature of meeting new people and the artistic value of such encounters, emphasizing the unpredictable yet meaningful connections that can arise from casual interactions ([30:51]).

9. Closing Moments: A Poetic Farewell

The episode concludes with an evocative poem, capturing the essence of longing and the human desire for connection:

The faucet's running the room is still and bright
Outside neighbors are talking
Walking in morning light
World is whirring fading, stirring
Bodies blurring, braiding, merging
Fingers curling in my hair
the weight of wanting is so crushing
Wanting something, nothing but to know that you are there...

Conclusion

Episode 24 of Strangers on a Bench offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Jordan’s life, marked by personal loss, resilience, and the quest for self-expression. Through candid conversations and reflective moments, the episode underscores the profound impact of our experiences on shaping who we are and who we aspire to become.

Notable Quotes:

• Jordan on Mindfulness:
  "[03:09] I'm never hungry super early in the morning, so I'll make a tea. I like Yorkshire Gold with skim milk and two sugars..."

• Jordan on Father's Death:
  "[09:34] I'm gonna try to make art for my life."

• Jordan on Personal Quirks:
  "[29:07] Sometimes I will dip apples in ketchup."

• Jordan on Future Aspirations:
  "[16:25] There is a part of me that wants to be an actress..."

Strangers on a Bench continues to explore the hidden stories and emotions of everyday people, fostering connections that transcend anonymity and revealing the shared human experience.