We’re getting spicy and exploring the benefits and research behind the self-care of sex! We cover a wide range of topics which include math, the pope, birth control, whether Steven can sing, the Parent Trap ear piercing scene, and the pope again. Happy sexing!

Support our show by contributing to our Patreon at www.patreon.com/scienceofselfcare and reach out to us on Instagram @thescienceofselfcare or Twitter @SOSCpodcast to tell us your experience with sex as self-care.

Sniff sniff, it’s aromatherapy time! Steven and Sophie detail their usage of essential oils in self-care, from aromatic showers to skincare. Shannon gives a thorough science break down that explains not only how essential oils affect our brain, but how they can be used for focusing, feeling calm, and even soothing menstrual cramps. We also get hungry for chicken piccata, and we’d love your recipe.

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Today’s episode is a sweet treat! Shannon breaks down the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and all-around beneficial properties of delicious dark chocolate. Sophie acts like a dirty baby, and Steven tells us about the time his brother ate something yellow at Hershey Park. Overall, we highly recommend some artisanal “house chocolate” for your self-care!

If you have ideas/Qs/suggestions for the show send us an email at [email protected]. And if you like what you hear, show your support by becoming a patron at patreon.com/scienceofselfcare.

Snuggle up and get cozy, it’s ASMR time. Shannon explains what it is, how it works in your brain, and how it could help you take care of yourself in a few different ways. Steven tells us about his experiences of ASMR, which include going to the eye doctor, watching people bake, and getting his hair cut. Sophie admits she’s never felt “the tingles” but refuses to believe it’s not sexual.

Let us know what you think of ASMR on Instagram @thescienceofselfcare or Twitter @SOSCpodcast. And check out our Patreon at patreon.com/scienceofselfcare.

Your pets are more than just companions—they’re self-care! Steven, Sophie and Shannon heat up the age-old debate of cats versus dogs, and add on versus fish and versus squirrels too. Shannon explains the ways that pets are pretty much our babies (literally) and what happens in our brains when we’re around them. We highly suggest pairing this episode with the bouncy puppy meme.

Follow us on Instagram @thescienceofselfcare and Twitter @SOSCpodcast, and support the show by going to patreon.com/scienceofselfcare.

This week we chat about the science-backed benefits of yoga! Steven tells us about his favorite “shop” and teacher, Sophie tells us about her yoga years in college, and Shannon continues living in a box practicing zero self-care. We learn about why and how yoga may help you with depression or anxiety, and offer tips for people just starting out. Tell us about your yoga experience on Instagram @thescienceofselfcare or Twitter @SOSCpodcast. Namaste!

We’re also excited to offer a special discount for FEALS, a premium CBD oil delivered straight to you. Become a member and get 50% off your first order with free shipping at feals.com/sosc.

In honor of the holiday season, we're taking time to dive into how giving gifts can be a form of self-care. Steven shocks us with his organic, freestyle card-writing, and Sophie tells us about the best gift she's ever given someone. Shannon thinks she's bad at giving gifts but certainly knows her way around a personalized mug. Happy listening and happy holidays!

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Cheers! It's our wine episode! Steven reminds us that like Lady Gaga, he is Italian, and his family has the homemade wine to prove it. Sophie pairs her wine with a pizza as all grown women should. Shannon tells us about the ancient drink's polyphenols and why it's linked to preventing lots of "big ole diseases." Then we each choose our wine mantras but agree: everything in moderation!

Send us your wine mantras at [email protected]! Or on Instagram @thescienceofselfcare, or Twitter @SOSCpodcast. To become a patron, check out patreon.com/scienceofselfcare.

Shannon is back from the lab, so the gang's all here! Today we're talking about acupuncture. Steven tells us about his first acupuncture appointment where he twerked on a desk, and Sophie recalls multiple pro-needle stories. Shannon offers up the research on meridians, Qi, and everything in between. We also reminisce on the year 2007—the year of Britney's Blackout album.

***Trigger warning: our discussion and explanation of EMDR therapy includes mention of sexual assault*** Toot toot, all aboard! We’re riding our train of self-care chats again this week and it’s a special MOM episode! Sophie and Steven speak with therapist and EMDR specialist (and Sophie’s mom) Helen Orton. EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment for anyone who may be dealing with trauma of any kind in their lives—you are not alone! Helen gives us the dish on what it is, how it works, and how it might help you take care of yourself.

Let us know what you think of the episode via [email protected] and donate to our Patreon at www.patreon.com/scienceofselfcare.