Finding Fabulous

In this episode, Hannah and Shaf debate the significance of stereotypes. While Shaf argues that they are a natural way for society to divide itself into tribes and sustain order, Hannah suggests that they impose hierarchies and diminish individualism. They continue to discuss character archetypes in literary fiction and finally pay tribute to Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon.

In this episode, Hannah and Shaf discuss tragedies. They talk about how the tragedy came to be and break down how this prolific genre has changed over time: from it's Grecian beginnings, through Jacobean England, to the 21st century. They explore their favourite tragedies, debate why we enjoy seeing characters suffer and consider how the genre continues to live on today. The pay tribute to American poet and writer, Sylvia Plath, for their Idol of the Day.

Seventeen days of COVID-19 isolation have made Hannah and Shaf think about imprisonment, confinement and... food. Inspired by Goodbye Warden, a website that publishes the last words of death row inmates, the pair discuss what their last meals would be, from starter to main course to dessert.

In the age of COVID-19, Hannah and Shaf debate the significance of global borders. The talk about how they've come to understand borders, debate if a world without borders is possible and/ or desirable and touch on the concept of personal boundaries. They end the episode with their Idol of the Day, Hillary Clinton.

In this episode, Hannah and Shaf talk about friendship. They discuss the effects of distance, time and social media on our friendships, the concept of frenemies and strategies for how to get along with people in the workplace. They end by saluting a very famous Friend, Phoebe Buffay.

Listen to Hannah and Shaf discuss how porn has shaped the world. They talk about the consumption and production of porn, how the porn industry pioneered video streaming services and the reasons behind why we watch porn. They touch on fetishes, adult subcultures and making ethical sexual choices. Finally, they pay tribute to the queen of burlesque herself: Dita Von Teese.

In this episode, Hannah and Shaf discuss the cultural significance of coffee. They look back at the 90s when your Starbucks order was a marker of your identity and reflect on how hipster culture has changed that. They touch on other beverages (Why do the British drink tea? Why are Malaysians obsessed with teh tarik?), ending the episode with a boozy tribute to the one and only... Marilyn Monroe.

Shafeeq's boss challenged the pair to identify the 'Greatest Love Story Ever Told'. Listen as Hannah and Shaf draw on examples in the cultural zeitgeist - from 'Romeo & Juliet' to 'Gone With the Wind' - to identify three fundamental types of love stories that just keep repeating. They touch on rom-coms, tales of separation and modern sitcoms to explain why we are so obsessed with falling in love.

This is the first episode in Hannah & Shaf's 101 series as the pair discuss how to be a good actor. They give an overview of key dramatic practitioners such as Stanislavski and Brecht, drawing on their own experiences as performers and writer/ directors. They round up with their idol of the day: Meryl Streep. That's all...

On the 10th day of COVID-19 lockdown, Hannah and Shaf discuss the art of 'fascination'. Listen as the pair draw up five tips to help you be 'fascinating'. They reflect on the most 'fascinating' people they have ever met: a chance New York encounter and a proto-feminist Grandmother. Finally, they take you back to the sixties as they celebrate their Idol of the Day: Audrey Hepburn.