Two LA-raised spiritualists candidly observing passing phenomena. Hosted by Gabi Abrão (@sighswoon) and James Francis (@jamesfrancish)
Is Nicholas in the Room with Us Right Now?
James and Gabi talk about an ex bf interaction and getting bit by a chicken. We then get into the Gabbie Hanna situation and what it symbolizes about the internet, boundaries, performance, and illusions. We get into Nicholas - the online viewer turned IRL spawn, who broke the third wall by arriving to Gabbie's house and "trying to help her" whilst tiktokking his mission. We also talk about internet mistakes, the very real reality that we are all creating and learning from the internet in real time.this pod is made possible by viewers like youfor exclusive episodes: https://www.patreon.com/illusionpod
8/27/2022 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 48 seconds
Observational Comedy
James and Gabi reflect on Gabi’s first book signing for Notes on Shapeshifting, as well as the fist fight they witnessed right after that James broke up herself. We talk about Nathan Fielder’s “The Rehearsal” and discuss the concept of manipulation. In a way, all communication is manipulation. We bitch about bitching, as usual. We daydream about living in a perfect bubble.For exclusive eps, come to our patreon:patreon.com/illusionpod
8/6/2022 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 37 seconds
No Topic Head Empty
James and Gabi embark on an episode with zero topics in mind just to see where it goes. Thoughts emerge on James’ stay in a dome in Topanga, wide brimmed hats, having skinny boyfriends, going to a Fourth of July party just to eat new food, board short styles, the “girl war” which may just be a war on joy and the felt presence of God, living simply. After 45 mins we really peak into some life-loving gratitude hype I gotta say. Also, new sign-off announced.this content is made possible by viewers like you support us on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/illusionpod
7/9/2022 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 48 seconds
On God: A Case for Judaism
Somewhat of a continuation of the last public episode: James and Gabi talk about the word and energy of "God". We then discuss Christianity and Judaism, coming to the conclusion that Judaism is the dominant religion, obviously.Jewish IG's Gabi mentioned: @myrrhmag @jewitchesJames' favorite pilates youtube, Nicole not Kayla: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEbbyBuyQiHpKiOMj9GFhVw Tired of ads? Join us on Patreon for exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/illusionpodxoxo
6/25/2022 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 3 seconds
Anonymity on the Internet Should Be Outlawed
- changing covid sentiments, shared covid experiences - #metoo talks in relation to amber depp trial - deux moi being revealed and how lame deux moi is while also being an expert at capitalizing on the vibe they simulated - celeb gawking - school shooter - anonymity on the internet should be outlawed - lots of shit talking basically For more episodes, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/illusionpod
5/27/2022 • 2 hours, 26 minutes, 4 seconds
*UNLOCKED* Are You Living Your Dharma or Drama?
This is our very first Patreon Episode on March 11th. For more exclusive episodes, join us: https://www.patreon.com/illusionpodJames and Gabi introduce the new structure of Illusion Pod and its purpose. We then wander into theories on purpose and existence in general - referencing Dharma and the Tao Te Ching. We refer to an article from 2013 entitled “10 Tips to Discover Your Personal Dharma” to share ways in which one accesses their life purpose. James also shares how she was interviewed by KTLA news about a mountain lion, and Gabi shares the tale of her strange middle school math teacher.
5/15/2022 • 2 hours, 15 minutes, 58 seconds
Choose Your Fighter, Choose Your Destination
James and Gabi discuss Everything Everywhere All At Once, great movie. We talk about reframing nervousness into excitement and creating destinations for thought. We discuss Elon Musk buying Twitter. All of it coming down to theories on the power of attention and choice. We're now on Patreon— join us for exclusive episodes: https://www.patreon.com/illusionpod
4/30/2022 • 2 hours, 5 minutes, 36 seconds
How To Not Join A Cult *TEASER*
We discuss “Holy Hell”, a unique documentary about the cult Buddhafield that formed in the trippy 80s. We discuss “NXIVM”, a more recent, highly sinister cult with corporate incentives. We witness cults as magnifications of other interpersonal human phenomena like popularity, power structures, social hierarchies, group think, and more. We trip out on people who lie, questioning the function of a lie. We question what makes a cult attractive and what causes it to spiral out. James shares her experience in Yoga teacher training. Gabi talks about a cult down the street from her. We share activities that our own cult would have.Join us on Patreon for the entire episode:https://www.patreon.com/illusionpod
4/9/2022 • 2 minutes, 22 seconds
2 Goblins, 1 Slap
James and Gabi discuss the Will Smith slap and the sensations that followed. We share a story of when we fought a man together and ripped his shirt open. We discuss Instagram’s introduction of mindfulness. (Optional chronological feed). We talk about “Goblin Mode”, some article thing. We wonder if we should go outside.Join our Patreon for early episode access + exclusive episodes:https://www.patreon.com/illusionpodGuardian Goblin Article:https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/mar/14/slobbing-out-and-giving-up-why-are-so-many-people-going-goblin-mode Slate Goblin Expert Interview:https://slate.com/human-interest/2022/03/goblin-mode-explained-history-professor-tolkien.html Digital Resting Point Article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/03/22/digital-rest-stop-doomscrolling/ Julia Fox Giving Goblin Couture At Oscars:https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/julia-fox-oscars-2022-after-party-outfit/
4/2/2022 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 55 seconds
Synchronized Swimming
James and Gabi talk about Gabi completing the writing stages of her book and the synchronicities that occurred during. James begins with anger towards Adobe products but manages to cool off. We explore synchronicities in general and analyze the many ways they may manifest as well as how to call them in. Control vs. intention comes up, as well as Grimes and Elon, Goop and our Virgo Full Moon experiences.For bonus episodes, join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/illusionpod
3/20/2022 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 44 seconds
Weird Party In Your Pocket
James and Gabi discuss the war in Ukraine. We process the way social media seems to react during every single global crisis, the lack of social cues and contexts online, nationalism, strength and the Vibe Shift article in The Cut that hints at a post-woke era dressed up in American Apparel knee-highs. Read The Cut article hereJoin the illusion pod patreon
3/1/2022 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 7 seconds
Kanye's Guide to Heartbreak
Gabi and James discuss Kanye’s latest breakup display, along the way they share their feelings about coolers, touch on their west LA upbringing, try to understand Kabbalah and so much more. Join the illusion pod patreon
2/21/2022 • 1 hour, 3 seconds
Trauma For President
Operating on an 11 hour time difference via FaceTime Audio, Gabi and James analyze trauma’s slow climb to fame and how it’s morphed throughout the generations. They share personal stories of traumatic incidents and discuss the importance of choosing how and when to share. It is decided Resilience is due for a comeback. James manages to reference Oliver Twist, Oliver Stone’s JFK and Seinfeld, with varying degrees of lucidity. Join the illusion pod patreon
2/12/2022 • 1 hour, 45 minutes, 17 seconds
Not All Who Wander Are Lost
James and Gabi get high and then talk about travel, shopping, packing, Scotland, dads, being cartoons, things like that.Join the illusion pod patreon
1/31/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 25 seconds
The Great Reckoning
James and Gabi discuss January lulls and Gabi’s current destination, as well as how it seems that as a culture we’re at the tail end of some dominant, binary narratives , many of which ran their course mostly on social media …. The concept of post-woke, post-influencer, post-covid and more Want more from Gabi and James?Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoonGabi's Merch: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoonJames' New Meditations: https://linktr.ee/guidetracksJames' Newsletter: https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribe
1/25/2022 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 17 seconds
In and Out for 2022
James and Gabi present their IN and OUT lists for 2022, resulting in an agreed general temperature for the upcoming decade. We also open the episode with a discussion on the now controversial “The Clique” series by Lisi Harrison, which was written about recently in a New York Times article entitled “How the Clique Books Taught Me to Hate Other Girls and Myself”Want more from Gabi and James?Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoonGabi's Merch: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoonJames' NEW MEDITATIONS! https://linktr.ee/guidetracksJames' Newsletter: https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribe
1/5/2022 • 1 hour, 29 minutes, 49 seconds
POV: you're in the backseat of James' 2006 Prius
In the car on the way back from Big Sur, Gabi and James discuss their takes on 2021 as well as theories on chaos, fun dad syndrome, the holiness of nature and reconfiguring to new spaces.*this episode was recorded live on a road trip, sounds like it too but imagine you’re coming along for the ride Support Gabi and James:Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoonGabi's Merch: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoonJames' Newsletter: https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribeJames' Shop: https://www.goteamjames.com/shop/
12/29/2021 • 57 minutes, 34 seconds
Boy Meets World and It's Overwhelming
Gabi and James talk exclusivity, globalization, nihilism and being remembered. After an off-air cupcake break, they discuss the recent events at Astroworld and their past experiences in large crowds at concerts. Support Gabi and James:Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoonGabi's Merch: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoonJames' Newsletter: https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribeJames' Shop: https://www.goteamjames.com/shop/
11/20/2021 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 13 seconds
The Pete Davidson Effect
We talk about the Pete Davidson effect, our pete davidsons, first kisses and crushes, being bullied by crushes, amongst other things, and then we eat burgers and fries :)
11/15/2021 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 49 seconds
To Yearn is to Live
We discuss the condition of “yearning”, Lana Del Rey, what men have taught us about ourselves, and sooOoOoOooo much more.Support Gabi and James:Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoonGabi's Merch: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoonJames' Newsletter: https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribeJames' Shop: https://www.goteamjames.com/shop/
10/28/2021 • 1 hour, 25 minutes, 6 seconds
Dark Web Grab Bag
Gabi and James sleepily return to the mic to discuss LA’s unpredictable weather, bad vibes in general, life advice from Uber drivers, being recognized, the metaverse, conspiracy theories, CIA leaks, media narratives, accountability, how to process fumbling on the route to your dreams, and our personal takes on the viral article “Bad Art Friend” as an important cautionary tale to anyone who assumes a creative identity.Support Gabi and James, if you so desire:Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoonGabi's Merch: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoonJames' Newsletter: https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribeJames' Shop: https://www.goteamjames.com/shop/
10/17/2021 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 48 seconds
I Am Constantly Shapeshifting, Adapting, and Evolving (and Other Phrases) Explained - SIGHSWOON
I explain how the term “I am constantly shapeshifting, adapting, and evolving” became a mantra and truth for me - derived from a real life constant struggle between defining myself within the romantic gaze, the feminist mission, social expectation, narrative, and more. Each word in the phrase was chosen and placed in that order with specific reasoning. I also share the stories behind: “the cyborg in me recognizes the cyborg in you” for making peace with the internet, as well as the infinity mirror, sigh swoon, certain angel numbers, not a bot, and more. This is a podcast from Gabi’s Patreon, originally posted on September 8, 2021. For more weekly episodes or writing from Gabi, or to find these phrases on merch:Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoonGabi's Merch: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoon
10/11/2021 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 29 seconds
Infographic Gala and Chateau Marmont Mythology
After booking a room at the famous location for Gabi’s birthday, James and Gabi discuss the Chateau Marmont and its standing as an iconic LA staple - illustrating the power that story-telling has on value and experience. We discuss the Met Gala in this context as well which leads us to delve into theories on infographic brain, gossip currency brain, politicians as celebrities, why the left can’t unite, and other general political grievances. We also share takes on Virgo season energy and why you should never book a hotel with a third party website.Support Gabi and James, if you so desire:Gabi's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sighswoonGabi's Merch: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoonJames' Newsletter: https://nowisgood.substack.com/subscribeA Guide To Self - Guided Meditation: https://www.goteamjames.com/shop/p/a-guide-to-self-guided-meditations-1Portals Are Everywhere Tee: https://www.sunshineshop.la/product/sighswoon-illusion-pod-portals-are-everywhere-tee/