Best Deep Dives In The Shallow End Podcasts (2025)

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The HOA: Suburban Stalinism With Better Landscaping 15:13

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23d ago15:13

15:13

HOAs: The American Dream, now with a side of fines, surveillance, and neighborly tyranny. In this episode of Deep Dives in the Shallow End, we investigate how homeowners associations became the last bastion of beige power, policing everything from your grass height to your social circle, and occasionally your soul. Expect a high-octane mix of dark …

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Tipping Point: How America Weaponized Gratitude 17:47

1M ago17:47

17:47

Why does America tip? And how did a supposedly generous gesture become an instrument of wage theft, bias, and competitive guilt? Host Donovan digs into the absurd history of American tipping by blending sharp(ish) research, biting humor(ish), and disturbing(ish) facts to unravel how “gratuity” turned into a national pastime of passing the buck. You…

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Marriage, But Make It Extortion: The Wedding Industrial Complex 12:55

1M ago12:55

12:55

The wedding industry wants you to believe that “love conquers all,” including your checking account. On this episode of Deep Dives in the Shallow End, host Donovan takes a razor-sharp (and slightly sticky) scalpel to the Wedding Industrial Complex. Get the real story behind $30,000 barn venues, $4,000 cake disasters, and why the price of peonies co…

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Lunch Debt & Meat Slurry: Inside America's Cafeteria Crisis 17:46

1M ago17:46

17:46

In this episode of Deep Dives in the Shallow End, Donovan takes us behind the sneeze guard to expose the tragic comedy of American school lunches. From Cold War cheese hoarding to modern-day lunch debt collectors, we explore how a system meant to nourish kids became a showcase for processed shame, outdated policy, and corporate leftovers. We ask: H…

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Constitution-Free Vacation Zone: How the CBP Can Search Your Phone 13:40

5M ago13:40

13:40

What if I told you that nearly 200 million Americans live in a zone where the Constitution is more of a vibe than a legal guarantee? In this episode, we dive headfirst into the 100-mile border zone—a legally murky area where Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has sweeping authority to search your phone, your data, and possibly your soul... all wit…

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From Phonics to Profiteering: The Failure of the K12 Education System 21:21

5M ago21:21

21:21

Welcome to Deep Dives in the Shallow End, where host Donovan drags the American K–12 education system out behind the gym and gives it the wedgie it so richly deserves. In From Phonics to Profiteering, we explore how a public good became a private grift—ripping through the cobwebbed history, savage inequalities, test-mania, teacher burnout, corporat…

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WebMD, Web of Woes: The Dark Art of Self-Diagnosis 22:00

6M ago22:00

22:00

In this episode of Deep Dives in the Shallow End, we take you on a wild ride through the ever-expanding world of self-diagnosis. From hypochondria’s finest moments to the endless rabbit holes of WebMD and TikTok health trends, we explore how the internet has turned us all into amateur doctors—and how that sometimes leads to more anxiety than answer…

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The Death of Expertise: How the Confidently Incorrect Rule the World 18:54

6M ago18:54

18:54

In this episode of Deep Dives in the Shallow End, we unravel the twisted wreckage of modern anti-intellectualism, where ignorance is celebrated, Wikipedia warriors reign supreme, and Socrates would probably down a hemlock cocktail just to escape Twitter. From the infamous Dunning-Kruger effect to the rise of “do your own research” epidemiologists, …

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Impulse Purchases: Why Your Brain Betrays Your Wallet 13:39

7M ago13:39

13:39

Ever walked into a store for toothpaste and left with a jade egg, a scented candle, and a regret-laden bank statement? You’re not alone. In this episode of Deep Dives in the Shallow End, we unravel the psychological traps that retailers use to turn rational humans into impulse-buying maniacs. From FOMO-fueled flash sales to manipulative store layou…

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Parasocial Purgatory: The Price of Digital Intimacy 12:24

8M ago12:24

12:24

Welcome back to Deep Dives in the Shallow End! In this episode, Donovan unpacks the surreal world of parasocial relationships—where emotional bonds are forged with influencers, creators, and even brands that don’t know we exist. From curated content to the dark side of digital intimacy, this episode explores the psychology, the economics, and the a…

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The Great Green Scam: Unmasking Corporate Greenwashing 17:45

8M ago17:45

17:45

Join host Donovan in this eye-opening episode of Deep Dives in the Shallow End as he exposes the deceptive world of corporate greenwashing. From oil giants to fast fashion, discover how companies spend millions marketing themselves as eco-friendly while doing little for the environment. With sharp wit and compelling statistics, Donovan breaks down …

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Skimpflation: Paying More for Less in Corporate America's Race to the Bottom 10:32

9M ago10:32

10:32

Join host Donovan for a darkly humorous deep dive into skimpflation - the corporate trend of degrading services while maintaining or increasing prices. From vanishing airline amenities to ghost town retail stores, discover how companies are mastering the art of charging more for less while calling it "enhancement." #capitalism #comedy #economics #c…

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The Great Shrinkflation Swindle: Why Your Chips Are Mostly Air 13:32

9M ago13:32

13:32

In this episode of Deep Dives in the Shallow End, we take a hilariously bleak look at "shrinkflation"—the sneaky corporate tactic of giving you less product for the same price. From bite-sized Snickers to vanishing toilet paper sheets, we explore how capitalism’s favorite magic trick is shrinking your snacks, your soap, and your sanity. We unpack t…

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Clean Cars, Dirty Secrets: The EV Episode 20:09

9M ago20:09

20:09

Think your electric vehicle is saving the planet? Think again. In this eye-opening episode, we pop the hood on the EV revolution to expose the uncomfortable truths the car companies don't want you to know. From child labor in cobalt mines to the dirty secrets of battery production, we're charging straight into the dark side of clean energy. We'll c…

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Waist-Deep Dive: Digital Panopticon - When AI Becomes Your Manager 11:57

9M ago11:57

11:57

Ever wonder why your workplace bathroom breaks are getting shorter and your anxiety is getting longer? Join Donovan as he dives into the dystopian world of AI workplace surveillance, where your keyboard strokes are monitored, your emotions are analyzed, and your productivity is tracked down to the last mouse click. From the dark origins of the time…

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The Automation Apocalypse: How AI is Reshaping the Future of Work 16:48

9M ago16:48

16:48

Is your job safe? Join Donovan on Deep Dives in the Shallow End as he explores the chillingly efficient world of AI and automation in the workplace. From self-checkout kiosks to AI-generated art, Donovan unpacks how these advancements are changing the game—and leaving many of us on the sidelines. He dives into the potential consequences of widespre…

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Waist-Deep Dive: Fast Fashion's Digital Dopamine - Haul Culture 6:56

9M ago6:56

6:56

Join host Donovan in this bite-sized episode of "Waste Deep Dive" as he dissects the psychological wasteland of social media haul culture. From 3 AM TikTok scrolling to the dopamine rush of watching strangers spend thousands on fast fashion, this episode explores the intersection of consumer psychology, social media addiction, and the environmental…

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Fast Fashion: When Trends Become Trash 16:12

9M ago16:12

16:12

Join Donovan as he unravels the tangled threads of fast fashion, exposing its devastating environmental and human costs. From overflowing landfills to exploited workers, discover the dark side of your wardrobe and what you can do to make a difference. We'll explore the psychology of consumerism, the role of social media, and the promising alternati…

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Waist-Deep Dive: Food Was Weird in the 60s 8:05

10M ago8:05

8:05

This is our first "Waist-Deep Dive," where we explore a topic that was found to be fascinating during the research of the main story (in this case, the Diet Culture Decoded episode), but did not quite fit there in it's entirety. So consider the Waist-Deep Dive as more of a companion piece to the original. This time, we are going to step into the bi…

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Diet Culture Decoded: The Marketing Myths Behind 'Health' Foods 15:59

10M ago15:59

15:59

Join Donovan as he peels back the glossy labels of the health food industry to reveal the manipulative marketing tactics behind your "healthy" choices. From the low-fat craze of the 60s to today's gluten-free gold rush, this episode exposes how the food industry has weaponized our insecurities and health aspirations against us. Through sharp wit an…

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The Subscription Apocalypse: How We Became Digital Renters 14:56

10M ago14:56

14:56

In this sardonic deep dive, Donovan exposes the dark underbelly of the subscription economy that's slowly bleeding us dry $12.99 at a time. From forgotten meditation apps to the streaming service wars, discover how we transformed from proud owners into perpetual renters in just one decade. Learn why that "cancel anytime" button is harder to find th…

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Indentured & Independent: Freedom and Fatigue in Gig Life 14:04

10M ago14:04

14:04

In this episode of Deep Dives in the Shallow End, we put hustle culture on blast and offers a heartfelt “thank you” to the gig economy…for our daily existential crisis. From recording in his hatchback en route to sell plasma (for the rent), Donovan navigates the wild, soul-crushing world of modern side hustles. Think freelancing is freedom? Think a…

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Mall Rats and Memories: The Rise and Fall of America's Retail Cathedrals 13:15

10M ago13:15

13:15

Step into the time machine as we take you on a hilarious and nostalgic journey through the glory days of American malls. From the neon-lit fountains to the sticky floors of the food court, we're diving deep into the shallow end of consumerism's greatest hits. In this episode, we'll explore: The birth of the mall and how it became America's favorite…

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Trash Talk: Unraveling the Global Waste Crisis 15:37

11M ago15:37

15:37

Buckle up, eco-warriors and trash enthusiasts! Join host Donovan as he dumpster dives into the hilariously horrifying world of international waste trade. 'Trash Talk' is where your everyday garbage becomes a global soap opera, complete with villains, heroes, and a whole lot of dirty laundry (literally and figuratively). From enough e-waste that cou…

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University 43:23

11M ago43:23

43:23

Hello everyone and welcome back to the ATDE podcast, this episode I do a deep dive into University. My experience so far, expectations v. reality, busting some unreasonable myths and giving you all some advice for this new chapter of life. Love Eleanor Let me know your thoughts and ideas! Support the show…

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Politics: tackling taboo 23:18

1y ago23:18

23:18

Hello everyone, I hope everyone is safe and well. This episode I discuss the taboo of politics and explain my connection to the subject as a student, and how I want to bring that connection to the ATDE podcast. Politics should be for everyone, so here is a preview of digestible politics (for beginners). In this week's episode I discuss the importan…

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Gap years with Micky Power 49:24

1y ago49:24

49:24

Hello everyone, I am back and so is the podcast! As summer comes to an end with results season right around the corner and the unknown future for many people, this episode I talk to guest Micky on his experience taking a year out of studies. He gives advice about living in another country and travelling around parts of the world all within the 12 m…

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Home sickness 22:40

1+ y ago22:40

22:40

hello everyone, this episode i'll be talking about Home sickness, i feel like it's that sort off buffer zone in the year where we are all reminiscing the holidays and the comforts of our homes - and its tricky. Over time i have put together my top tips of getting through home sickness for you all so we can power through together! Lots of love and a…

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winter reading recs 33:17

1+ y ago33:17

33:17

Hello everyone - this sem has been heavy so this episode i thought i would do a chilled reading catch up with you all. I've taken my own advice (listen to the previous episodes) and have started my yearly goal off strong with these reads. Below are all the titles and authors so you can go and check them out if any pick your fancy! lots of love - El…

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It's ok to be imperfect 37:13

1+ y ago37:13

37:13

Hello everyone! This episode i go into a bit more depth on resolutions and the pressures of setting goals, how we can make goals challenging yet achievable and specific tips to help get the January ball rolling. As always follow the pod on your streaming platform and my instagram @eleanorcoller for more updates and poddy content - Eleanor x Let me …

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My roman empire 27:56

1+ y ago27:56

27:56

Hello everyone happy 2024! WE ARE BACK... again. New years resolution to restart the podcast once again because wow so much has changed (roman empire) and I am back to start off the ATDE podcast and start creating more episodes again for you all. It feels so good to have a recording going out again and I can't wait to produce more. This episode is …

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burnout 29:15

2y ago29:15

29:15

hello everyone! this episode of the ATDE podcast we will be covering burnout - what it is, why we get it and how we can overcomer and avoid it. Let me know your thoughts and ideas! Support the showBy Eleanor

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she's back - the poddy revamp 23:52

2y ago23:52

23:52

Hello everyone, the ATDE podcast is back and I have MISSED it! It's been a while so I thought it would be best to have a chatty catch up bringing us all up to speed before I knuckle down and start recording through my long awaited list of topics. a huge thank you to everyone's kind words about the previous episodes, let me know if there is anything…

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de-influencing 26:32

2+ y ago26:32

26:32

hello everyone, this episode i will be de-influencing you, talking about the new social media trend and it's effects on the industry and the environment. Listen and the influence me yourselves on those boots, oh and anything else @eleanorcoller consistently posting on ig now - still catching up on tiktok xx Let me know your thoughts and ideas! Supp…

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dreaded Qs: GCSEs 27:59

2+ y ago27:59

27:59

hello everyone! I was speaking to my brother about my first episode of the ATDE podcast and he suggested that I create a dreaded questions series where we discuss the intense subjects of life that everyone faces. This episode has been pre-recorded with George (my brother) as I am in Australia however I will be back in person next week! This episode…

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International Women's day 22:16

2+ y ago22:16

22:16

Happy International Women's Day! This week's episode is in celebration of IWD, discussing the feminist movement, our achievements and areas that need working on, I've also included some great recommendations to expand our knowledge in both feminism, women and geopolitics. - further recs on my tiktok and insta highlights @eleanorcoller on both. Disc…

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over a cup of (mint) tea 29:14

2+ y ago29:14

29:14

Hello everyone, i am so glad to be back, this week i thought i would just catch you up on everything going on in the chaos i call life! Big moves, mini trips, current obsessions and why i am addicted to brain rotting telly. My life is turning upside down right now so look out for updates on my other socials - @eleanorcoller on everything - love you…

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medium maintenance 34:43

2+ y ago34:43

34:43

Hello everyone, I’ve never really known whether I’m high or low maintenance sometimes I dip into both and sometimes I’m just neither. In fact, most of us are probably just medium. This week I will be discussing what created these labels, the negative and positive connotations they may bring to a person and how adaptable we can be to our present liv…

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bucket lists 43:26

2+ y ago43:26

43:26

hello everyone, 2023 is going to be my yes year and I'm jumping out of my comfort zones. we are 1 month in so let's take a break of the deeper content and soothe our burnout with a chat all about bucket lists. So excited to already tick number 7 off, let me know what you think i could add to this list and if you have gotten over any of your fears b…

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self-acceptance 33:26

2+ y ago33:26

33:26

hello everyone, as we come to the end of the first month of 2023 (already?!) we are nearing the dreaded burnout zone. This week i wanted to talk to you all about learning to accept ourselves and the journey towards self-love. It's so important to keep this up with our optimistic mindsets as we check-in with our monthly/annual goals. this episode i …

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becoming a morning person...again 23:33

2+ y ago23:33

23:33

hello everyone, thank you all for the support and messages on last week's episode I love you all!! this year I'm trying to stay more consistent with my morning routine, this episode I will be going through how i achieve the ideal outcome and why I think anyone can too. you can find the visual version of this episode over on my tiktok @eleanorcoller…

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living with a functioning alcoholic 42:28

2+ y ago42:28

42:28

hello everyone, I am very proud of this episode, this week I will be discussing alcohol, the misuse of, sobriety and alcoholism. This episode is for educational purposes and a chance to spread light on the issues mentioned and connect with those of you who relate. Please be respectful, I love you all and thank you for taking the time to listen and …

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seasonal catch up 32:20

2+ y ago32:20

32:20

Happy new year everyone, this episode has flipped around, with the end of the year and the start of the next you can feel both rundown and motivated. As my social battery begs to be recharged and I have a spurt of productivity to change my entire room around I decided to change this episode and have a little catch up. Talking about the festive nigh…

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more and less 2023 32:07

2+ y ago32:07

32:07

This episode I will be discussing what I want to see more of going into 2023 and what I think we could definitely leave behind in '22, (inspired by my favourite, Emma Neil Here for the craic) 2022 has been a pretty good year, an eye opener, one that opened up a lot of opinions and discussions on various topics. so let's dive straight in! thank you …

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birthdays 25:41

2+ y ago25:41

25:41

hello everyone, this week I have been busy celebrating birthdays and with Christmas just around the corner i thought we could have a chat about festivities in general, the highs, lows and reasons why we may be feeling guilty or pressurized during this season. lets dive in Hearing all the feedback from you all has been amazing, i love hearing from y…

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setting appropriate goals 39:37

2+ y ago39:37

39:37

As we get closer and closer to the new year i know that we are all thinking about how next year will be our year and feeling the pressure to set these new years resolutions. why do we always wait for the first day of the new year and why does this cause us all to burnout by the second week? - this week's episode I will be discussing James Clear's A…

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what's the gossip 30:02

2+ y ago30:02

30:02

We’ve all done it… gossip. But why? Why do we gossip is it a filler, the intrigue of others or just plain bitchy behaviour. This episode I want to talk about the effects of gossiping on the gossiper and the ‘gossipee’. When we actively fight against the urge can we see a difference, is gossiping ever good? Does good mean healthy? Let’s dive in. ins…

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beyond the comfort zone 22:30

2+ y ago22:30

22:30

hello everyone, I have been trying to push myself beyond my comfort zone this week and thought I would bring you along my thought process going into this movement so we can all participate in progressing towards our goals together! new trial schedule this week (Wednesday upload), let me know what you think of it and as always dm feedback, give this…

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Sunday resets 20:52

3y ago20:52

20:52

Hello everyone, this episode I'm going to be giving you all my tips on how to maximise your Sundays or whatever day you choose to have a reset on! This week I have really taken my own advice and with that I can't wait to begin the next. I'm still trying to work out a podcasting schedule so as always send me your feedback and give this episode a 5st…

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Current obsessions 48:34

3y ago48:34

48:34

Hello everyone, today's episode we are going for a paddle in the shallow end as I discuss my current obsessions and recent recommendations. As always please leave me any feedback it's great to hear from you all! Let's dive in Let me know your thoughts and ideas! Support the showBy Eleanor