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Social Threads

Social Threads

Written by: Frances Lafferty & Cristina Barca
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About this listen

Warning: This is the real conversation you've been waiting for. Ever feel like everyone else has life figured out? Best friends Frances Lafferty and Cristina Barca don't either, but they're sharing their most personal and unfiltered thoughts on literally everything.

They throw out the script to tackle the messy reality of relationships, sex, and the lingering effects of personal trauma. Nothing is off-limits as they dive deep into mental health struggles, career anxiety, culture, and social issues shaping the modern world.

If you're looking for an honest, no-holds-barred take that feels like venting to your closest confidante, get ready for vulnerable, totally real talk that helps you stop pretending.

Lafferty Barca 2024
Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Can You Actually Stay Friends with Your Ex?
    Dec 22 2025

    Is it ever okay to stay friends with an ex or is it a total dealbreaker?

    In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the "unspoken rules" of relationship dynamics. We compare how cultural expectations differ between the LGBTQ+ and heterosexual communities and how our unique backgrounds dictate the way we love, fight, and connect.

    Special guest Melissa (Cristina’s girlfriend) joins the conversation to get personal. She shares her experience adapting to new community norms and the specific hurdles of building authentic friendships while learning to navigate the unwritten rules of the LGBTQ+ dating scene.

    From the "intent vs. impact" trap in arguments to the sting of sibling resentment, this episode is a roadmap for anyone trying to navigate the messy parts of human connection.

    In this episode, we dive into:

    The "Community Rulebook": How LGBTQ+ vs. hetero dating norms differ.

    Family Friction: Navigating political divides and long-held resentments.

    Communication Traps: Why your "good intentions" might still be causing hurt.

    The Balancing Act: Can you stay loyal to your partner while staying close to your past?

    Digital Dating: The evolution of boundaries in the age of apps.

    Connect with us on Instagram or Threads: https://www.instagram.com/socialthreadspodcast/ https://www.threads.com/@socialthreadspodcast?xmt=AQF0zpgdoyW11wyJonW7RPRcnmW9NUmp-P4wr-ievocWKF8

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    2 hrs and 9 mins
  • The Two Halves of Life: Have We Been Doing Life Wrong?
    Sep 25 2025

    What happens when you’ve checked all the boxes of the "hustle" but still feel like something is missing?

    In this episode, we explore the profound concept of The Two Halves of Life, inspired by Jungian analyst Dr. James Hollis. While the first half of life is about building an ego and achieving success, the second half is about dismantling it to find your true self.

    But it’s not all deep philosophy! We’re also getting vulnerable (and a bit awkward) about our messy coping mechanisms. From the "Cleaning Lady Chronicles" to our struggle with being "loners" in a crisis, we unpack how our childhoods shaped the way we comfort others—or fail to. We also dive into a debate on privilege and gratitude, our spending philosophies on travel, and why we’re choosing experiences over things.

    In this episode, we dive into:

    The Jungian Shift: Why the "Second Half of Life" requires a totally different rulebook.

    The Ego Trap: Letting go of societal expectations to find genuine purpose.

    Friendship Fails: Why "just being there" is harder than it looks.

    The Privilege Debate: A deep dive into the $100 race and what priviledge actually means.

    Life on the Road: Our spending philosophy and why we’re prioritizing travel and tattoos.

    Watch the video we mentioned on Social Inequalities: Social Inequalities Explained in a $100 Race - https://youtu.be/4K5fbQ1-zps?si=x0RINVL5-Qlk7zv9

    Join the conversation: Are you in your "first half" or "second half" of life? Let us know in the comments! 👇

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    2 hrs and 50 mins
  • Small Town Roots, Big City Awakening
    Sep 24 2025

    Missed us?! After a month-long break, Cristina and I are back with a wide-ranging conversation that gets straight to the heart of what's on our minds. We dive into personal growth, social dynamics, and even some controversial topics. Join us as we explore Cristina's recent journey into Buddhism and its impact on her worldview, unpack the complexities of being a Trump supporter, and share personal stories about family, careers, and the pursuit of an authentic life. It's a candid chat about transformation, privilege, and the ongoing quest for inner peace.

    00:00 Catching Up After a Long Hiatus

    00:31 Public Declaration of Love

    02:25 Vegan Girlfriend?!

    05:51 Technical Difficulties and Funny Anecdotes

    11:47 Reflecting on Life Choices and Small Town Life

    34:36 Understanding Trump Supporters

    58:31 Exploring the Lens of Suffering

    59:40 Empathy and Choice

    01:01:17 The Pushback Phenomenon

    01:03:13 Questioning and Research

    01:07:16 Buddhism and Personal Growth

    01:13:53 Veganism and Diet Challenges

    01:30:15 Astrology and Compatibility

    01:38:33 Final Reflections

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    1 hr and 41 mins
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