Look, I know you should be subscribed to the WTF with Marc Maron podcast. You know you should be subscribed to the WTF with Marc Maron podcast. Why aren’t you? Cause you are lazy. That’s why.
But I’m not here to lecture you about your personal failings. I’m here to recommend that you listen to the most recent episode (Episode 283). Why? Two reasons.
First, the show introduction presents a moving story about Marc deciding to take responsibility to see a stray cat through the end of its life. It’s a story of compassion, not “passing the buck”, and putting consideration for another being before one’s own comfort and ease. This is especially recommended for the folks that leave messes in the laboratory common areas around here.
Second, Marc and his guest, young comedian Bo Burnham, have a long talk about impostor syndrome. I knew impostor syndrome was an epidemic among young scientists and writers, but apparently it is also running rampant among comedians. As a seasoned veteran, Marc not only manages to remember the insecurity of youth1 (probably because he never stopped being insecure), but also provides Bo with the insight that there is no “jury” that gets to decide if you are an impostor.
That was a great relief to me, until I realized that science has a whole series of “juries” – thesis committees, journal editors, grant review panels, etc., etc. . .
So, maybe just listen to the introduction.
The Finch and Pea 