We’ve all done it — called in “sick” when we just couldn’t face work. But is that really wrong? In this brutally honest chat, Roula and Rosie dive into the messy truth about taking time off when you’re not technically unwell.

Rosie confesses to pulling a couple of “sick” days for her own sanity, while Roula argues that sometimes the system just isn’t built to support honesty — so you’ve got to protect yourself. They unpack guilt, burnout, and whether workplaces should finally normalise mental health days. Things get heated, thoughtful, and a little too real as they debate if lying to your boss might actually be self-care.

Would you tell your boss the real reason you need a day off, or keep it to yourself?

Topics Covered:

• Is it ever okay to call in sick when you’re not really sick?
• The stigma around mental health days
• Why workplace culture breeds guilt and burnout
• How to spot when it’s time to quit or cut back
• What needs to change in work culture to support honesty

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Why is it so hard to talk about the people we’ve lost? In this raw and heartfelt chat, Roula and Rosie open up about grief, memory, and the quiet pain that comes with silence.

Rosie reflects on losing both of her parents young and why she still loves hearing stories about them, even if it brings tears. Roula shares how differently she grieved each of her parents and why she feels compelled to keep their memories alive — even when others don’t. Together, they unpack why death is still such a taboo topic, how grief never really ends, and why a simple “thinking of you” message can mean the world.

This one’s tender, real, and full of truth — the kind of conversation most of us need, but rarely have.

Are you someone who finds comfort in talking about loved ones who’ve passed, or do you prefer to keep those memories private?

Topics Covered

• Why talking about death still feels taboo
• The different ways people process grief
• How to comfort someone without saying the wrong thing
• The power of remembering and sharing stories
• Why grief never really “ends”

Related episodes

• 178: Silent Crying, Loud laughter, Gen Z Stares & The Resting Bitch Tongue
• 165: Not a headache it’s a migraine. A raw rant exposes what this chronic pain really feels like
• 189: Finding Balance in Modern Life and Why "Life Is Short" No Longer Applies

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In this episode of The Rosie and Roula Show, Rosie shares her excitement (and nerves) about the possibility of attending an AC/DC concert by herself, reflecting on how music connects her to her late father. Roula provides practical advice for navigating large, crowded events while managing anxiety, from choosing a seat ticket over standing, timing entry and exit, to using ear protection.

They discuss how to control what you can in overwhelming situations and the empowerment of planning ahead, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience. This episode is perfect for anyone who loves live music but struggles with social anxiety or sensory overload.

Topics Covered:

Facing concert anxiety and panic attacks

Tips for attending large events alone

Using preparation to control anxiety

The emotional connection between music and memories

Managing crowds, loud sounds, and overstimulation

Practical strategies for first-time concert-goers

💭 Have you ever attended a concert alone? How do you manage anxiety or sensory overload in large crowds?

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In this eye-opening episode of The Rosie and Roula Show, Rosie shares her experiences with kids questioning her short hair: “Are you a boy or a girl?” She explores how societal norms dictate that girls have long hair and boys have short hair — and how these rules can confuse children.

Roula reflects on cultural conditioning, childhood experiences, and media representations, explaining why girls with short hair are often seen as rebellious or unusual. Together, they discuss ways to respond to children’s curiosity while empowering them to understand that hair — and identity — are a personal choice.

Listeners will enjoy practical tips on reframing the conversation around hair, gender, and freedom, including fun ways to experiment with wigs to let kids explore choice safely.

Topics Covered:

Gender norms and hair length

Cultural and media influences on hair stereotypes

Responding to children’s questions without defensiveness

Empowering choice and autonomy in self-expression

Reflection on personal experiences with hair and identity

Fun experiments to challenge assumptions and encourage curiosity

💭 Have you ever had short hair as a woman or long hair as a man? How did it make you feel, and what would you tell kids about choosing their own style?

If you like this one, you will also like episode:

Episode 4: Men Can Wear Pink Too!

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In this thought-provoking episode of The Rosie and Roula Show, Rosie and Roula discuss a topic many couples never question: whose surname should you take in a marriage?

Roula shares her personal experience navigating her second marriage during COVID, realizing she had the power to keep her name but never considered it. Rosie reflects on her own engagement, where discussions included keeping both names or creating a new shared surname. Together, they examine how cultural traditions, societal expectations, and centuries-old practices can influence marriage naming conventions — and why it matters to know you have a choice.

This episode is ideal for anyone curious about modern relationships, marriage equality, LGBTQ+ marriage dynamics, or personal empowerment in life decisions.

Topics Covered:

Traditional vs. modern approaches to surnames in marriage

Autonomy and personal choice in relationships

Gender roles and historical context of surname conventions

LGBTQ+ marriage naming dynamics

Regret and reflection on not questioning societal norms

Empowering children to understand choice and identity

💭 Do you or your partner keep your own surname, or did you adopt one? How did you decide — tradition, discussion, or assumption?

Mentioned Episodes to go back and listen to: 

Episode 38: Marriage: Romance or Requirement?

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In this reflective and insightful episode of The Rosie and Roula Show, Rosie and Roula explore the wisdom behind letting go of things that bother us — and why it often gets easier with age.

Inspired by a TikTok comment and real-life examples, the hosts discuss how life experience teaches us to focus on what’s within our control, how to choose peace over anxiety, and when ruminating becomes harmful. Roula shares deeply personal stories about safety concerns, childhood traumas, and moments of anxiety that are difficult to release, while Rosie reflects on her own challenges in learning to move past frustrating situations and grudges.

This episode blends humor, candid storytelling, and practical advice for anyone struggling with letting go, managing anxiety, or moving forward from life’s small and large challenges.

Topics Covered:

Why letting go gets easier with age and experience

Choosing peace over ruminating or holding grudges

Managing anxiety and emotional triggers

Understanding what’s within your control

Differences between minor irritations and deeper trauma

Personal stories about fear, safety, and emotional release

How life experience shapes decision-making and perspective

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In this hilarious and relatable episode of The Rosie and Roula Show, the hosts explore a phenomenon most of us have experienced: Why do we feel like we need to pee when we laugh really hard?

Roula shares her personal experiences and observations, including funny public moments and the struggles of motherhood. Rosie recounts her own unforgettable, laughter-induced accidents — including an awkward family moment that ended in a mad dash to the bathroom.

From laughing at absurd public conversations to the physiological release that happens when we truly let go, Rosie and Roula dive into the joys and sometimes messy realities of uncontrollable laughter. They also touch on the contagiousness of laughter, laughing clubs, and why humor often makes us feel vulnerable — in the best way.

Topics Covered:

Why we feel the urge to pee when laughing hard

Laughter as a release of inhibitions

Funny public overheard conversations

The realities of motherhood and uncontrollable laughter

Contagious laughter and laughing clubs

Physiological and emotional effects of laughing

Embarrassing moments and laughter-induced accidents

💭 Have you ever laughed so hard you felt like you might pee? What’s the funniest or most awkward moment you’ve had while laughing in public?

If you liked this one, you will also like : 

Episode 178: Silent Crying, Loud Laughter, Gen Z Stares & The Resting Bitch Tongue

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In this emotionally charged and relatable episode of The Rosie and Roula Show, the duo explore one of the trickiest questions in human connection: Is honesty without compassion an act of kindness, or is it cruelty disguised as truth?

Roula kicks off the episode with a story about broken crackers — and somehow, it turns into a profound conversation about honesty, empathy, and how our words can build or break others. She and Rosie dive into real-life examples, from commenting on someone’s outfit to receiving unsolicited remarks about weight and appearance.

Rosie opens up about the importance of boundaries, how to balance truth with kindness, and the difference between being direct versus being hurtful. Together, they challenge listeners to think before they speak — and to reflect on whether their “honesty” is meant to help or harm.

This episode mixes humor, personal storytelling, and deep insight into communication, relationships, and emotional intelligence.

Topics Covered:

The emotional impact of “brutal honesty”

How to tell the truth with kindness and empathy

When honesty becomes cruelty

Family dynamics and body-shaming conversations

The psychology behind unsolicited opinions

Setting healthy boundaries while being authentic

Balancing truth, compassion, and timing

When not to say what’s on your mind

💭 When you’re honest with others, do you do it to help — or to be heard? How do you balance truth and kindness in your own relationships?

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In this lively and thought-provoking episode of The Rosie and Roula Show, the hosts explore what kindness looks like around the world — from the bustling streets of Australia to the organized calm of the Netherlands and the community spirit of Lebanon.

Roula recalls her mischievous Catholic school days in Lebanon before diving into a viral Australian YouTube channel showcasing everyday acts of kindness. Rosie questions whether these moments reflect reality — and shares a chilling near-miss car story that led her to buy a dash cam “just in case.”

Together, they unpack how culture, fear, and government systems influence our willingness to help others. It’s a warm, witty, and eye-opening conversation about humanity, empathy, and everyday goodness.

Topics Covered:

Why school uniforms can reduce childhood stress

Cultural differences in showing kindness

Viral YouTube videos celebrating Aussie good deeds

Rosie’s dash cam story and safety fears

How community support differs in Lebanon and the Netherlands

The role of social structure in shaping kindness

Fear vs. compassion — what stops us from helping others

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We’ve all heard it: life is short. But… is it, really? In this episode, Rosie and Roula unpack whether that saying still fits in a world where we’re living longer than ever. Roula challenges the whole idea, arguing that “life is short” has become an excuse for impulsive decisions. Rosie shares her personal story about losing her parents young, and why that phrase still hits differently for her.

Together, they explore how to balance living in the moment with preparing for the long haul. From the concept of “mini retirements” to redefining success, this chat is a thoughtful (and funny) reminder that fulfilment doesn’t come from rushing — it comes from being intentional.

So maybe it’s time for a new motto: Seize the day, but build for tomorrow.

What do you think — is “life is short” still relevant, or just outdated advice?

Topics Covered:

• Why “life is short” doesn’t always apply anymore
• Balancing living in the moment with planning for the future
• The concept of mini retirements and intentional living
• How generational views shape our life choices
• The new motto: seize the day, but build for tomorrow

Related episodes

• 124: Is It Really Hard to Follow Our Dreams? - The Alanis Morissette Dream - Part 1
• 124: Is It Really Hard To Follow Our Dreams? and What does It Really Take? - Part 2

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--------------------

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• 🎧 Check out Rosie's podcast