The Broski Report with Brittany Broski Episode 79: Broski Royal Ballet School Is Now Open Release Date: January 7, 2025

Overview

In Episode 79 of The Broski Report, host Brittany Broski delves into a myriad of topics ranging from New Year reflections, critiques of consumerism, literary explorations, to her newfound obsession with ballet. This episode is a candid and engaging journey through Brittany's personal growth, societal observations, and artistic passions.

1. New Year's Reflections and Resolutions

Brittany begins the episode by addressing the often-unrealistic nature of New Year's resolutions. She challenges the conventional mindset that dictates the beginning of the year as the optimal time for radical personal changes.

• Key Points:

  • Critique of Resolutions: Brittany argues that resolutions are typically driven by external pressures rather than genuine personal desire, making them unsustainable.
  • Seasonal Considerations: She highlights that winter, especially in the Western Hemisphere, is a time for rest and reflection rather than upheaval and drastic changes.
  • Balanced Approach: Emphasizes the importance of balancing immediate action ("do it now") with periods of rest and resetting to ensure long-term personal growth.

• Notable Quote:

  [12:45] "New Year's resolutions are fucking dumb. I think that the time for change should be when you're fed up, not because of outside pressure telling you that you should change your life." — Brittany Broski

2. Critique of Consumerism and Social Media

Transitioning from personal growth, Brittany addresses the overabundance of consumerism perpetuated by social media platforms like TikTok.

• Key Points:

  • Overconsumption: Criticizes the incessant promotion of products through monthly Amazon hauls and the detrimental effects of such practices.
  • Under-Consumption Movements: Expresses support for movements like "Project Pan" and "under consumption core," which advocate for using existing resources rather than constantly purchasing new items.
  • Mental Health Implications: Discusses how retail therapy is a temporary fix for deeper societal issues, emphasizing the need for genuine solutions over materialistic distractions.

• Notable Quote:

  [17:10] "There's no ethical consumerism under capitalism. It's made by five-year-olds in a sweatshop, and at the same time, you need to run, not walk to get this absolutely meaningless piece of plastic you're gonna forget about in five days." — Brittany Broski

3. Literary Discussions: Classics and "Fahrenheit 451"

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Brittany's passion for literature, particularly her exploration of Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 and other classic works.

• Key Points:

  • Reading Journey: Shares her transition from viewing literature as a means to score well in school to appreciating it as a profound source of knowledge and reflection.
  • Book Review: Provides an in-depth review of Fahrenheit 451, highlighting its relevance in today's society, especially concerning censorship and the preservation of knowledge.
  • Critical Engagement: Discusses the limitations of rating systems like Goodreads and advocates for personal interpretation over popularity metrics.

• Notable Quotes:

  [30:25] "If you really think about it, what is this Earth without art for, for fuck sake?" — Brittany Broski
  [35:50] "You're supposed to be funny. Fucking be funny. Why aren't you funny?" — Brittany Broski

4. New Obsessions: Ballet and Literature

Brittany unveils her new passion for ballet, detailing her experiences and the depth of the art form.

• Key Points:

  • Challenging Stereotypes: Refutes the notion that ballet is solely a hyper-feminine dance, emphasizing its physical rigor comparable to professional sports.
  • Personal Engagement: Describes her participation in Bar Method classes, which incorporate ballet elements, and her dedication despite the physical challenges.
  • Inspirational Figures: Mentions her admiration for French ballerina Aurélie Dupont and Russian ballerina Luna Montana, highlighting their dedication and vulnerability.
  • Fashion Influence: Discusses how ballet influences her personal style, incorporating elements like leg warmers and ballet flats into her wardrobe.

• Notable Quotes:

  [50:15] "Ballet is as physically demanding and challenging as any professional men's sport." — Brittany Broski
  [55:40] "Art brings us together. But art is for the artist, until the artist passes. Then it's for posterity." — Brittany Broski

5. Balancing Art and Commercialism

Brittany reflects on the commercialization of art forms like ballet and the importance of preserving their intrinsic value.

• Key Points:

  • Authentic Expression: Advocates for creating art for personal expression rather than for the sake of virality or commercial success.
  • Mental Health and Art: Shares her struggles with feeling pressured to perform or present a certain image, both in art and on social media platforms.
  • Future Visits: Excitedly announces her plans to attend Swan Lake in New York, marking a significant milestone in her ballet journey.

• Notable Quote:

  [1:05:20] "Ballet, watching it and studying it and being a fan and admirer of it. These are strong, tough as nails women." — Brittany Broski

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Brittany wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with literature and appreciate the art forms that inspire them. She humorously touches on her merchandise offerings and expresses her enthusiasm for future artistic endeavors.

• Key Points:

  • Encouragement to Read: Urges listeners to explore classic literature and form their own opinions beyond popularity metrics.
  • Merchandise Promotion: Mentions the availability of The Broski Report merchandise on her online shop.
  • Future Aspirations: Playfully discusses potential future content inspired by cultural icons like Ariana Grande and references to historical figures like Audrey Hepburn.

• Notable Quote:

  [1:15:50] "So go read a book. Go read one of the classics and let me know what you're thinking." — Brittany Broski

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. On New Year's Resolutions:

   [12:45] "New Year's resolutions are fucking dumb..."

2. On Consumerism:

   [17:10] "There's no ethical consumerism under capitalism..."

3. On the Importance of Art:

   [30:25] "What is this Earth without art for, for fuck sake?"

4. On Ballet's Physicality:

   [50:15] "Ballet is as physically demanding and challenging as any professional men's sport."

5. On Art for Posterity:

   [55:40] "Art brings us together. But art is for the artist, until the artist passes. Then it's for posterity."

6. Encouragement to Read:

   [1:15:50] "So go read a book. Go read one of the classics and let me know what you're thinking."

Conclusion

Episode 79 is a testament to Brittany Broski's dynamic range of interests and her ability to intertwine personal anecdotes with broader societal critiques. From challenging conventional wisdom about New Year's resolutions to advocating for the preservation of art's intrinsic value, Brittany offers listeners a blend of humor, passion, and insightful commentary. Her deep dive into ballet not only showcases her personal growth but also serves as an inspiration for others to explore and appreciate the multifaceted nature of art and literature.