Growing up is hard, and as kids we take everything so seriously that it can be difficult to see the levity in our past. Mortified is a multimedia storytelling platform that attempts just that for everyone who made it through their embarrassing formative years alive. From geeks to prom queens, angsty teenage rebels to cheerful class presidents, everyone is welcome to tell their story. And those stores all come from things they created as kids! People from all over have partnered with Mortified to share anything from journal entries to made up radio broadcasts, just so long as they made it in childhood. This unique concept is one of my favorite things, so here are just a few reasons why you too should join the Mortified gang.

It will make you LOL.

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Everyone's childhood is riddled with embarrassing episodes that seem to just be unforgettable. But what if you documented those moments as you lived them? And then shared them with strangers? Yes, that's mortifying. Kids are weird and funny and over dramatic, and so are their journals and creations. The storytellers are embarrassed, you're embarrassed, and it's sure to kill you with laughter.

It's cathartic.

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Mortified features people's most private thoughts and it can be freeing just to hear someone else share their experience so honestly. Vocalizing the weird and wonderful parts of ourselves that are normally reserved for our diaries in such a public way gives others the license to open up and we begin to see commonalities and connections that are otherwise hidden. Who knew that a publicized diary could be so liberating?

It will make you feel less alone.

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That obsessive crush you had at 16 will suddenly seem less ridiculous once you start hearing the real things other people did in the throes of youth. You'll be surprised to learn that people who are on the surface vastly different from yourself had the same worries and fear. Most young people desire the same things regardless of all the arbitrary distinctions high school hierarchies lend themselves to and Mortified reveals that truth.

It's multimedia.

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You can enjoy Mortified in a variety of ways! Mortified has books, an awesome new Netflix series, over a hundred episodes of their podcast, and guided journals so you can begin your own deep dive into your adolescence. There's a Mortified option for everyone and every situation.

It's diverse.

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Mortified profiles people of diverse backgrounds, ages, and experiences. You're sure to hear from someone that resonates with you. On the other hand, there is always something new to learn from the storytellers, and hearing about unique experiences different from your own makes you a kinder, more empathetic person. And it's entertaining, so it's a win-win!

It's insightful.

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You get to hear people reflect on their lives and how they moved on from mistakes, dysfunctional relationships, etc. The retrospection of Mortified lends itself to a kind of therapeutic excursion through the past that's helpful to both the storytellers and the audience. This is especially true if you take Mortified's challenge to heart and dig through your own embarrassing stuff.

It's live and local!

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As I said, Mortified is multimedia and they put on stage shows all over- and you can catch them right here in Austin! There are periodic live shows in the area, and it is such a blast. Take a break from midterms and get a ticket to the next show, playing Oct. 13th-14th at The North Door. There's nothing better than watching someone spill their guts in front of an audience of strangers!