Episode Summary:
In this kickoff “Episode Zero,” Mike Lee and Melissa Sadorf introduce Unlearning Out Loud, a podcast for curious humans who are willing to rethink what they think they know. With humor, humility, and a whole lot of curiosity, Mike and Melissa explore why humans cling to misinformation, how childhood myths shaped our understanding of the world, and why unlearning is often harder than learning something new.
From quicksand panic and gum-growing-in-your-stomach myths to the questionable life lessons of Curious George, they shine a light on how confidently—and often incorrectly—we carry beliefs into adulthood. They also reflect on their shared background as lifelong educators, their friendship, and the conversations that inspired this podcast.
In this episode, listeners are introduced to the show’s mission: to create space for curiosity, challenge long-held assumptions, and laugh through the process of being delightfully wrong. Unlearning Out Loud isn’t about proving or disproving truths—it's about making room for updated understanding, asking better questions, and embracing the weirdly wonderful ways our minds work.
Keys (Key Takeaways):
1. Unlearning Is Part of Being Human
- We all carry beliefs formed from half-truths, old stories, pop culture, childhood warnings, and the many things we thought adults were right about. Recognizing this is the first step toward growth.
2. Curiosity Beats Certainty
- True curiosity means being willing to reexamine what we “know.” Mike and Melissa emphasize that curiosity—not being right—is the actual goal.
3. Our Beliefs Become Our Identity
- Often, we protect our opinions because they feel like part of who we are. Unlearning requires humility, humor, and the courage to update our internal operating system.
4. Learning Adds, Unlearning Clears Space
- If learning is downloading new information, unlearning is deleting glitchy old code. You can’t upgrade if you don’t clear out what no longer serves you.
5. We’re All In It Together
- This podcast is an invitation to sit at the table, laugh at ourselves, rethink things we’ve carried for years, and explore the complexity of being human—without judgment.
Closing Summary:
Unlearning Out Loud begins with a reminder that even our most confidently held beliefs may need revisiting. In this playful and thoughtful introductory episode, Mike and Melissa set the tone for what’s to come: conversations rooted in curiosity, humor, and a shared willingness to admit that we don’t know everything—and we’re not supposed to.
Listeners walk away encouraged to question old assumptions, explore new perspectives, and embrace the joy of discovering that there might be more—or less—to know. This episode lays the foundation for a podcast that helps us rethink, relearn, and laugh our way toward better understanding.