Inappropriate Questions

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Have you ever been curious to know the answer to a question that might be intrusive or too personal for other people? On their biweekly podcast Inappropriate Questions, now in its third season, cohosts Elena Hudgins Lyle and Harvinder Wadhwa make a space for curiosity where guests can unpack the tricky questions they get asked and learn stories about them—whether they ask if polyamorous people cope with jealousy in relationships, if Indigenous people are full Native, or brave the dreaded “have you lost weight” assumption. Created by Hudgins Lyle alongside producers Sabrina Bertsch and Cindy Long, the podcast was built out of a school project while they were studying Media Production in Toronto, Ontario. Bertsch, who’s mixed-race, had been asked a lot of questions about her background and ethnicity after studying abroad for a semester. Long and Lyle, both LGBT, would also get frequently asked about their identity and sexuality. Even if these frustrations served as a jumping-off point for them, they quickly realized that they could also learn about a variety of topics from others too—especially from their parents and older generations. So they auditioned a “dad-like” figure to be a counterpart as co-host. Wadhwa, a project manager with an engineering degree, was the unanimous choice. “Harv was the very first interview we did,” Lyle says. “After the interview, he was like, ‘All right, how many more of these do you have to go?’ You know I'm it, right? You can stop now.’” In each episode, guests share stories about being asked the week’s specific inappropriate question. Though, occasionally, they'll have an expert or academic who can break down more of the historical and social aspect of the question. Both Hudgins Lyle and Wadhwa bridge together their different generational perspectives to challenge themselves and their guests, having casual, yet meaningful conversations that are engaging, unpredictable, and humorous. “Though I've been in Canada for over 20 years, I consider myself an immigrant coming from India,” Wadhwa says. “So, what the show is also trying to do is also bring the balance. Because if everybody's thinking the same way, then we lose out a lot.” Even if they sometimes step into difficult territory, what they both hope to provide with each episode is a starting point for listeners to ease into these topics. “It could be that we've left you with some new ideas and perspectives from the guests who have this lived experience,” Lyle says. “You don't need to change and develop overnight, but hopefully, we've given you a starting place where you can then do your own research or reflection.”

Recent Episodes
  • Inappropriate Questions Introduces: Tested
    Jul 18, 2024 – 00:39:29
  • Answering your questions and looking back on Season 3
    Nov 24, 2021 – 00:17:23
  • Is “What are you going to do now?” good small talk?
    Nov 17, 2021 – 00:38:41
  • Is it okay to ask an autistic person “Are you sure?”
    Nov 3, 2021 – 00:36:33
  • Should we ask “Where are they now?” about former child actors?
    Oct 20, 2021 – 00:38:46
  • Is it okay to ask formerly incarcerated people “Why did you do it?”
    Oct 6, 2021 – 00:35:48
  • Is it helpful to ask a blind person “Do you need help?”
    Sep 22, 2021 – 00:36:50
  • Should I ask someone with depression/anxiety “Have you tried _____?”
    Sep 8, 2021 – 00:24:38
  • Can I ask a sex worker “What was your worst experience?”
    Aug 25, 2021 – 00:37:52
  • Should I ask someone “Why are you single?”
    Aug 11, 2021 – 00:45:21
  • Can I ask a Black friend “How can I do better?”
    Jul 28, 2021 – 00:38:33
  • (Re-release) “Why don’t you drink?”
    Jul 14, 2021 – 00:42:31
  • Is it okay to ask an adoptee “Do you know your real parents?”
    Jun 30, 2021 – 00:47:51
  • Introducing: Telling Our Twisted Histories
    Jun 23, 2021 – 00:23:18
  • Can I ask a polyamorous person “Do you get jealous?”
    Jun 16, 2021 – 00:36:48
  • Should I ask my coworker “How much do you make?”
    Jun 2, 2021 – 00:37:00
  • What does it mean to ask “How are you?” in a pandemic?
    May 19, 2021 – 00:20:49
  • Is asking “Where are you from?” appropriate small talk?
    May 4, 2021 – 00:41:05
  • Is it okay to ask an amputee “What happened to you?”
    Apr 20, 2021 – 00:41:15
  • Season 3 is getting even more inappropriate!
    Apr 14, 2021 – 00:02:15
  • “Can I speak to your manager?”
    Jul 20, 2020 – 00:35:34
  • “How old are you?"
    Jul 13, 2020 – 00:36:54
  • “Have you tried _____?”
    Jul 6, 2020 – 00:34:15
  • “Are you full Native?”
    Jun 29, 2020 – 00:36:33
  • “How did you get pregnant?”
    Jun 22, 2020 – 00:29:36
  • “How are you?”
    Jun 15, 2020 – 00:32:38
  • “Have you lost weight?”
    Jun 8, 2020 – 00:35:30
  • We’re back with Season 2!
    May 26, 2020 – 00:02:14
  • Bonus: Asked and Answered:
    Mar 17, 2019 – 00:15:26
  • "Why don't you have kids?"
    Mar 10, 2019 – 00:27:49
  • "Why do/don't you wear a headscarf?"
    Mar 3, 2019 – 00:28:33
  • Bonus: "How did we get here?"
    Feb 24, 2019 – 00:17:38
  • "Why don't you drink?"
    Feb 17, 2019 – 00:41:40
  • "Can you have sex?"
    Feb 10, 2019 – 00:29:06
  • "What are you?"
    Feb 4, 2019 – 00:24:31
  • "Have you had the surgery?"
    Feb 3, 2019 – 00:31:13
  • Episode 0: Trailer
    Jan 21, 2019 – 00:02:38
Recent Reviews
  • Philadaphne
    Ignorant of their own prejudices
    Elena and many other guests speak down to Harv. They think because he is “just” a Cis, straight, middle-aged Cis Man, that he’s is a total idiot. It’s really pathetic.
  • south philly lilly
    These are the questions I would ask
    In theory this should be a great podcast but, I don’t think that the question posed to which ever disenfranchised subject of the episode, is the question that most people would ask. Example, people that were formerly incarcerated, why did you do it? I think most people would ask did you do it?? But, it percentage of crime in the US is mostly related, to drugs. That’s a fact there are less people locked up for murder then there are drug offenses. I don’t think one would ever ask an ex addict that’s been incarcerated, because of possession or use or the sale of drugs, why they did it. And for a host, who’s never met somebody that was one time locked up, she just really has not a lot of real life credibility, at least with me and I understand that I am not everyone. Another example is the autistic episode, is it OK to ask someone with autism if they are sure? Who would ask that if anybody had questions about us being autistic and ask the person diagnosed with autism, the first question if there were any questions and I can’t stress that “if” enough, how were you diagnosed or when were you first diagnosed or is it difficult for you? I don’t know, I’ve turned to podcasts in the last two years because, there’s too much useless information that only seeks to inflame and not educate, out there in social media and YouTube. With podcasts being one “feed” that I can totally control, this just isn’t any kind of knowledge or of any interest. It’s nothing spectacular here, there’s nothing expert or even relatable. Maybe it’s a generational thing, I am 42 so who knows. Perhaps this is what younger people ask each other, but it’s just a no go for me.
  • couponer not happy
    Bringing an interesting perspective to conversation
    I like the concept and presentation of bringing awareness to other people’s experiences. I especially appreciate the guests who offer suggestions on how to ask the questions and bring awareness to judgmental questions verses inquiring/conversational questions.
  • Barry21210
    I’m enjoying this podcast as someone who gets asked “inappropriate questions “ weekly
    I enjoy this podcast and the hosts’ approach.
  • Biffard Whackard
    I like
    I actually like this podcast. I haven’t listened to every one. But went through and listened to a few. Think I’ll keep listening.
  • Refreshed snoozer
    Inappropriate Groaning
    Interesting content but Elena’s groaning and mmmmmming every few seconds is uncomfortable. How do you have a job in radio and aren’t aware of your provisional tics? I gave it three episodes, but I just can’t anymore.
  • TXPatriot411
    Loved this show a lot.
    Five stars.
  • working rich
    PC INDOCTRINATION LESSONS
    At first it seems cool, but after listening don’t listen. Thanks Waste of time. Can’t ask a hooker questions? “ inappropriate “ Pompous nonsense
  • guapilloa
    Can I tell someone if....
    Can I tell someone if they have had sex befor
  • sunoxen
    The blind leading the blind
    Banality. Questionable morality. It’s the kind of podcast that would be playing in the background of “1984.” Etiquette books from 1767 have more intelligence and insight into the modern world than this.
  • Case-bob
    No question is appropriate every question is “rude”
    What a bunch of snowflakes! Asking people questions about themselves used to be called “conversation” as long as you ask in a tactful manner. Our society is doomed if this is how they think. The younger generation, whatever they “feel” like they need to be called, is mentally and emotionally weak beyond comprehension.
  • Fela Johnson
    Waste of time
    Topics are great but the execution is weak. This goes to show that not everyone needs a podcast. They should have these conversations over a beer. I stopped listening after 10 minutes. No thank you.
  • phxross
    Great concept and delivery
    Interesting range of subjects and perspectives. Creative discussions and insights on questions you may want to ask, but probably shouldn’t or might need to rephrase!
  • B3asy
    Be afraid of everyone and everything
    They want us to be afraid of people. They want us to fear each other and the power of words and simple questions. This is Intro to Orwell 101. Change the language, change what people believe they can say and you can control them
  • philthyglass
    Can I ask !!!
    Is this podcast PC enough to not be removed from Apple cast 😂
  • BrooklynMatt
    Easier way.
    If someone asks you something you’re not comfortable answering, just say “None of your business.” No need for a podcast. If you’re so PC about these topics, go live in a bouncy castle with a helmet, elbow and knee pads.
  • tiitieturir
    Hey guys
    It sounds like a utilizar I tuii
  • PK1313
    How can I ask my black friend how I can do better?
    What a joke. I’m sorry you’re guilty about your ancestors but, mine were Irish slaves. So give me a break. Sounded like an interesting podcast but, this whole I’m suppose to feel guilty about my skin color. Something I had ZERO control over, can pound sand.
  • Nana dintelman
    Rrf o
    Even d c weed l swano dnjejd enmeshe
  • tacotruckcustomer
    Topics are good but…
    There are way too many “mmm” sounds coming from Elena. Once you pick up on it, it is too hard to miss it. Also, her laugh seems forced, kind of like a middle or high school girl laughing at everything. Reminds me of when listening to a presentation and you catch the presenter constantly repeating a certain phrase unintentionally, and then it just doesn’t stop; similar to the “But Umm” episode on HIMYM. If she would cut back on this, I’d go back to listening. I’ll check back in a month or so to see if things have changed.
  • Jrlens2
    I love this podcast!
    They played an episode of this podcast on a different podcast I listen to and it’s fantastic! I’ve already binge-listened to all of the episodes and have subscribed to it.
  • Roberta Regina
    Great Podcast!
    It’s absolutely necessary!! I found IQ podcast last week and I already have listened to all episodes. Highly recommend!
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