You know that friend who swears they’re happy for you… but somehow their “compliments” sting like a wax strip? Yeah. This episode is for that. 😬💅🔥

In “Toxic Friendships”, we dive into the glamorous, confusing, low-key unhinged world of the frenemy: the “bestie” who’s weirdly competitive, suspiciously jealous, and about as trustworthy as a man who says “I’m just going to the bathroom” at a party. We break down what actually makes a frenemy (spoiler: it’s not just “being a bit shady”), how frenemies are different from messy-but-real ambivalent relationships, and why some of us keep these people in our lives anyway (hello, shared friend groups and workplace politics).

Expect philosophy, psychology, petty anecdotes, and a loving reminder that boundaries are hotter than revenge. 📚🧠🍿🚧

Ever rehearsed asking for a raise... only to convince yourself you're being "too greedy" five minutes later? Yeah, us too. 😅

In this episode, we're diving into one of the most nerve-wracking conversations of your career: asking for more money. We unpack whether it's actually okay to ask for a raise in your first few years, why Millennials and Gen Z are changing jobs more than ever, how to figure out what you're really worth, and the exact questions you should ask your manager when it's time to talk salary.

No awkward corporate jargon, no "girl boss" clichés—just practical advice, research-backed insights, and the confidence boost you need to start advocating for yourself. Because doing great work deserves to be recognised. 💸✨

(Friendly reminder: every company has different compensation policies and budget cycles. This episode is intended for educational purposes and offers general career advice—always consider your own workplace policies and circumstances when negotiating your salary.)

Can you believe it's been a whole year?

What started as two work besties chatting about life has grown into something we never imagined—a podcast, a community, and a friendship that's been shaped by every conversation we've had along the way.

In this special anniversary episode, we're turning the microphones on ourselves as we reflect on our first year of podcasting. We're asking each other the questions we've never asked before: our favourite episodes, biggest surprises, funniest behind-the-scenes moments, the lessons we've learned, and how creating this podcast has changed us both.

We'll also share what we've loved most about building this community, what your support has meant to us, and where we hope the podcast goes in Year Two.

Whether you've been listening since our very first episode or you've only just found us, thank you for being part of this journey. Every stream, follow, message, recommendation, and laugh has helped make this first year one we'll never forget.

So grab your favourite drink, settle in, and celebrate with us as we look back on an unforgettable first year—and dream about everything that's still to come.

💛 Thank you for listening.

🥂 Here's to Year One.

🎙️ Here's to many more.

Don't forget to follow the podcast, leave us a rating, and share this episode with someone who has been on the journey with us.

Ever wish STIs came with an unsubscribe button? Same. In this episode, we’re getting comfy with the uncomfy and talking all things STIs/STDs—what they are, how they spread (spoiler: it’s not just one kind of sex), why symptoms are not a trustworthy narrator, and how to protect yourself.

No shame, no scare tactics—just facts, laughs, and the kind of info that makes your future self say: “Omg thank you.” 💅🏽✨

(Friendly reminder: this episode is educational and not a substitute for medical advice—talk to a healthcare professional for personal guidance.)

Ever wondered why your body can feel like a high-performing athlete one week and a mildly haunted potato the next? 🏋️‍♀️🥔👻 This week on Trial & Error & Error, we’re talking periods, hormones, and the internet’s favorite wellness buzzword: cycle syncing. 🩸🧠✨

We break down the menstrual cycle (without the high school trauma), how hormonal contraception actually works, and what science really says about training “by your phase.” Spoiler: your uterus didn’t get the memo about being perfectly predictable—and neither did the research.

If you’ve ever thought, “Am I genuinely weaker today, or is my luteal phase just being dramatic?”… welcome home. 😮‍💨📉💅

Ever been told to “forgive and forget” like your brain has a little Delete button and your nervous system didn’t get the memo? 🧠🗑️

In this episode, we unpack what forgiveness actually means (spoiler: it’s not excusing bad behavior, and it’s definitely not handing someone a VIP wristband back into your life). We get into the psychology, the history, the science, and the messy human reality of letting go—without gaslighting yourself into amnesia.

If you’re trying to heal from a betrayal, a friendship fallout, a situationship with audacity, or just your own past decisions… consider this your permission slip to forgive with boundaries and remember with wisdom. 🧾🧱✨

📘 Robert Enright’s forgiveness process model research

Hot weather. ☀️ Cold drinks. 🍸 Questionable decisions. 😏 In this episode of Trial & Error & Error, Ale and LJ deep-dive into the chaotic magic of the summer romance: the situationship season where vitamin D hits, inhibitions drop, and someone in linen convinces you you’re “normally not like this.” 💃🏽

We unpack the classic tropes (camp crushes, lifeguards, summer jobs, first kisses, long-distance flings, and the legendary glow-up), swap stories, and ask the important scientific question: is this person hot… or is it just 33°C and a spritz? 🍹 Expect laughs, mild emotional damage, and at least one moment where you’ll think, “Wait… I’ve done that.”

Summer is here: bikinis are out 👙, iced coffees are in ☕… and so is that annoying little voice whispering 😕, “Should I be more toned by now?” In this episode of Trial & Error, we unpack the global obsession with the “summer body” and ask the only logical question: who invented this—and why are they so loud about it every June? 💬

We get into why body dissatisfaction spikes in summer across countries, how beauty standards change depending on where you grew up (thin + tan vs curvy vs pale + delicate), and why the one thing that never changes is this: someone is always profiting off the insecurity. Then we bring it back to reality with a simple, non-chaotic way to feel stronger and more confident—without turning your life into a full-time punishment project.

Because your body doesn’t need to be “summer-ready.” Summer needs to be you-ready. ☀️

Ever tried to manifest a new job, a new partner, or at least a parking spot… and then wondered if the universe left you on read? 🤔

In Ethis episode, LJ & Ale dive into the Law of Attraction and separate the glittery “good vibes only” myth from the psychology that actually moves the needle. ✨ From self-fulfilling prophecies and placebo effects to the brain’s sneaky filters, we unpack why manifestation feels so convincing, where it gets messy, and how to use the helpful parts without slipping into magical thinking.

Scientific & academic

Popular / cultural context

If you want the “manifestation” glow-up without the pseudoscience, this one’s for you.

Summer is calling. Your bank account is not. In this cheeky money-chat episode, we’re prepping for sunny plans without the post-holiday financial hangover. We talk budgets that actually work in real life, how to plan your “perfect summer” without pretending you’re on a yacht in Capri, and the one habit that saves you from waking up in September like: Who is Zara and why do they have all my money?