G’day, and welcome to the Pursuit of Freedom podcast! Tune in to unpack what freedom truly means to you so you can start taking action TODAY to make your free, rich life a reality. After each episode, you will be one step closer to uncovering who you are when you step away from society’s expectations and follow your heart. So the only question that remains is, "Are you ready to stop settling and start truly living? "
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Welcome to the Rosie and Roula show! We have very different lifestyles and family dynamics. Rosie loves dogs. She lives the van life alone, and most days she can't be bothered to brush her hair or even look in the mirror. Roula love cats, she has three kids and a husband and doesn't dare leave the house without wearing her red lipstick. On the surface, we're like chalk and cheese. And sometimes, our beliefs are so different that we don't see eye to eye at all. Yet we find so much knowledge a ...
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Writers Bloc provide a place for people to develop their writing, read fantastic stories for free and create collectives with other emerging writers. Whether it’s easier for you to engage with us online or off, Writers Bloc is for writers, wherever they are. We are in the process of developing a website that will change the way that writing is shared. It will reward engaged feedback and elevate great prose. Offline, in towns all across the country we have groups that operate as part of a lar ...
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Welcome to The Burningly Passionate, where we dive deep into the minds of passionate individuals from all walks of life. Join us as we sit down with entrepreneurs, hobbyists, creatives, and many more to explore their stories, experiences, and insights about life and what makes them so passionate? From discussing the challenges and triumphs of building a business, to exploring the intricacies of a particular craft or interest, we cover it all. Each episode, we sit down with a remarkable indiv ...
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61: The Lost Art Of Flirting and Why We Must To Get It Back
13:39
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13:39Send us a text Remember when flirting was fun? Rosie and Roula explore how something once playful and innocent has become complicated by mixed signals, social shifts, and fear of crossing lines. We talk about the subtle signals, the importance of consent, and why flirting doesn’t always mean romance. Sometimes, it’s just about being human curious, …
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Send us a text Rosie and I get talk about tattoos and what they mean, why we get them, and how they’re seen. From subtle ink with big emotional weight to bold full-body art, we explore how tattoos tell stories and challenge societal expectations. We also talk about the stigma, especially in workplaces and across different cultures, and why it’s tim…
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Send us a text So… Roula went to a naked spa. And no, it’s not what you think. Rosie and Roula talk about stepping into spaces where everyone’s baring it all, and how that can actually lead to feeling more comfortable in your own skin, not less. From the fear of the first-time experience to the surprising sense of community that comes with it, we e…
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87: Dancing with Trauma and Our Journey Towards Healing with Ronika Merl
1:11:20
1:11:20
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1:11:20In this episode, I sit down with Ronika Merl for a deep conversation about storytelling, trauma, and the messy, nonlinear path to healing. We talk about how sharing our stories helps us process pain, why acceptance is a huge part of personal growth, and the power of authentic connections. Ronika shares her take on aging as a privilege and why freed…
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58: Mispronouncing Words: Embarrassing Or Who Cares?
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17:05Send us a text What happens when you say a word "wrong"? Rosie and Roula explore the messy, beautiful, and sometimes hilarious world of pronunciation and why getting it perfect might not matter as much as we think. From workplace tensions to childhood cuteness, we reflect on how language connects us, challenges us, and reveals a lot about who we ar…
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57: Why "Let's Catch Up for a Wine" Turns Us Off
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9:59Send us a text You know that casual “Let’s catch up for a wine” invite? Turns out, it rubs Roula the wrong way—and she’s not holding back. Rosie joins in with her own beef about the classic “coffee catch-up,” and the two unravel why these little social scripts can be a turnoff. From mocktails to assumptions about wine culture, they get into the uns…
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56: Why Did I Dream I Had a Penis? And Other Weird Sleep Mysteries
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11:51Send us a text 56. Rosie and Roula take a deep dive into the wild world of dreams—from the utterly bizarre (yes, there’s a penis dream) to the deeply emotional and symbolic. Roula shares the recurring people who rescue her in dreams, and Rosie questions why we even call life goals “dreams” when actual dreams make no damn sense. It’s an unscripted, …
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55: Keep Your Head Up - What Your Posture Says About You
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12:32Send us a text A woman walking with her eyes fixed on the ground sparks a surprising reflection for Roula—and things get unexpectedly deep. Is looking down a sign of insecurity or just a habit? Does holding your head high really change how you feel or how others see you? Rosie challenges Roula’s assumptions and in the process, they uncover somethin…
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Send us a text Roula was warned not to get all science-y about this, but here we are. Rosie brings a question straight from her friend’s husband that spirals into nipple piercings, evolution, and whether all embryos really start as female. Things get weird, mildly inappropriate, and unexpectedly informative. Is it biology, pleasure, or something el…
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86: Grief is like moving into a new town and not knowing anybody with Lynn Banis
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1:01:41In this episode, I chat with Dr. Lynne Banis, who has faced unimaginable loss—losing her mother, brother, and husband in a short span of time. She shares her personal experience with grief and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it, from the deep psychological impact to the unexpected ways it can reshape who we are. We talk about the import…
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Send us a text 53. Weddings are weird. From extravagant ceremonies to guests stressing over gifts, the whole thing is a bit... much. So why do we still do it this way? Roula and Rosie dive into the world of wedding gifts—why they feel outdated, whether asking for money is any better, and if guests should just pay to attend instead. Plus, Roula shar…
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52: Sharing Voice Messages From Our Listeners
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10:57Send us a text 52. Listeners Take Over! This episode is all about YOU! We’re featuring voice messages from our listeners, sharing their thoughts on past topics, personal experiences, and some unexpected wisdom. You’ll hear: 🔹 A deep ethical dilemma, retrieving sperm from a deceased partner 🔹 "Hate at first sight", how quick judgments shape our reac…
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51: Do Women and Men Support Each Other Differently?
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10:28Send us a text 51. When a guy messes up, his mates roast him. When a woman messes up, her friends rally around her, no matter what. But is that true? And if it is, is one approach better than the other? In this episode, we’re diving into the way men and women support each other—whether it’s brutal honesty or blind loyalty, which one actually helps?…
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Send us a text We made it! 50 episodes, baby 🎉 Roula sipping lukewarm tea, Rosie’s already halfway through her choco milk and we’re feeling all the feels in this milestone episode. We’re talking: 🔥 What we've learned from 50+ episodes (and counting) 🔥 Why our solo podcasts felt... *meh* 🔥 The magic of finding the right co-host 🔥 That time we record…
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49: Do Men Sit Longer on The Toilet than Women?
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9:43Send us a text 49. We’ve seen it, dads disappearing for 30-minute bathroom breaks while moms barely goes 30 seconds. But why? Is it really in their DNA, or have they just mastered the art of sneaking in alone time? Roula brings in scientific (questionable) reasoning, while Rosie calls BS on the whole thing. We’re talking: ⚡ The great toilet escape,…
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💡 Key Takeaways Grief is a unique and sacred process for everyone. The five stages of grief are not a linear path. Healing through grief can lead to self-discovery. Support from others is crucial during the grieving process. It's important to acknowledge and honor one's grief. Grief can transform into gratitude and appreciation over time. Helping o…
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48: Are Drinks a Type of Food? The Debate No One Asked For
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11:49Send us a text 48. We're diving into the hard-hitting questions today: are drinks technically food? Rosie accidentally sparks a full-blown existential crisis over a simple Instagram post, and Roula—while snacking on a mandarin—throws some serious millennial shade. From soup dilemmas to the ultimate smoothie debate, we try (and fail) to get to the b…
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47: Cultural Pride or Assimilation Disaster?
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18:29Send us a text 47. What culture do you call your own? The one you were born in or the one you’ve grown? In this episode, we dive into the tension between cultural pride and assimilation. Rosie wrestles with the question, “What even is my culture?” while Roula reflects on the challenges of making connections in a country where people don’t often inv…
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Send us a text 46. Rosie swears she's stubborn, but Roula's not so sure. In this episode, we unpack what stubbornness really looks like: when it’s a strength, when it’s a roadblock, and how to tell the difference. From cereal debates (milk first? Seriously?) to pushing back on bold design choices, we get into the nuances of standing your ground ver…
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45: Yalla, Let's Go! Language, Culture, and the Power of Words
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10:42Send us a text 45. One word, endless meanings: Roula gives Rosie a crash course on "yalla" and why context is everything. From bedtime routines to moments of impatience, we break down how tone, culture, and emotion shape language. Plus, Roula shares how Dutch directness threw her for a loop—and why words like "prima" just don’t cut it. Tune in and …
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44: Having Fun in Midlife: Why It Matters More Than Ever
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14:33Send us a text 44. Who says getting older means getting boring? Not us! This episode kicks off with an intense love affair—with mandarins—and quickly turns into a deep dive on why fun shouldn't stop just because you hit a certain age. Roula shares insights from a midlife women's group, tackling why so many relationships lose their spark and what to…
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84: Healing Through Creativity - A Doctor’s Journey to Artistic Freedom With Vasu Tolia
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43:29In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Vasu Tolia, a former paediatrician and medical researcher who made the bold decision to leave her established career and pursue a life of creativity through art. We explore the intersection of medicine and creativity, how artistic expression can be a powerful tool for healing, and what it takes to embrace a seco…
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43: How to Deal with People Who Always Try to One-Up You
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10:49Send us a text 43. We all know that person—the one who can’t help but turn every conversation into a competition. You’re sick? They were sicker. You had a bad day? Theirs was worse. It’s frustrating, dismissive, and honestly, just plain annoying. But is it always intentional? Roula and Rosie dive into why people one-up, when it’s harmless versus do…
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42: The Silent Judgment of the School Pickup Zone
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11:52Send us a text 42. Roula’s red lipstick sparked an existential crisis—kind of. In this episode, we dive into the unspoken social dynamics of the school pickup zone, the weirdly persistent power of peer pressure (even as adults), and why something as simple as lipstick can make you feel like you stand out in all the wrong ways. Rosie questions wheth…
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Send us a text Some say it’s just affection. Others think it crosses a line. In this episode, we get into it. Roula says it’s a hard no (hello, germs and boundaries), while Rosie questions if we’ve just been conditioned to see it as romantic. We’re talking: ✨ Is it harmless or confusing for kids? ✨ The hygiene factor—should we be worried? ✨ How cul…
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Send us a text Why do women have to pick a title that reveals their relationship status, while men just get Mr. for life? In this episode, we get into it. Rosie has a full-blown what the hell?! moment, while Roula breaks down the history (it’s as ridiculous as you think). We’re talking: Why women get stuck with Miss, Mrs., or Ms. and men just don’t…
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39. Divorce: Could Be Rising Like a Phoenix
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11:43Send us a text Breakups and divorces: soul-crushing endings or the start of something better? In this episode, we get real about what comes after love ends. Rosie swears it’s a full-on phoenix moment (rebirth!), while Roula digs into the messy but crucial part—accountability. From heartbreak and nostalgia to leveling up and learning what not to do …
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83: Signs of Burnout and Misalignment, and the Importance of Values with Mary Guerdoux Harries
1:06:14
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1:06:14In this episode, I sit down with Mary Guerdoux-Harries, a core energy coach who helps women design a life they love without burning out. Mary shares her journey from working in corporate engineering to finding purpose in coaching, highlighting the wake-up calls that led her to reevaluate her path. We dive into how stress, overwhelm, and those littl…
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Send us a text Marriage, a romantic fairytale or just a contract? In this episode, we get real about the highs, the lows, and the absolute chaos of love and marriage. Rosie talks about her experience, while Roula explains how her first marriage felt more like a practical deal to make the love story possible. We break down the weird stigma around di…
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Send us a text Roula hears it in a song and starts wondering… what does hot-blooded really mean? Rosie immediately pictures someone fiery and passionate, but the dictionary definition? Easily angered and sexually aroused. 😳 So why do men get to be fierce while women are out of control? We unpack the meaning, the double standards, and the one outfit…
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Send us a text Ever feel annoyed when you do something nice for someone, and they don’t say thank you? Yeah, we get it! In this episode, we talk about why a simple thank you goes a long way and how it feels when it’s missing. Rosie vents about those who take without showing any appreciation, while Roula shares a story about someone who never bother…
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35: Overcoming Language Anxiety and Embracing Your Accent
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13:24Send us a text 35. Learning a new language is one thing, but speaking it with confidence? That’s a whole different challenge. Roula shares her journey of learning Dutch and the pressures of proving herself beyond her accent, while Rosie talks about her fear of mispronouncing French and avoiding speaking altogether. We unpack the quirks of accents, …
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34: How Music Triggers Memories and Emotions
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14:39Send us a text 34. Music isn’t just sound—it’s time travel. In this episode, we dive into the songs that transport us, whether to childhood breakfasts, teenage heartbreaks, or moments of pure joy. Roula recalls the one song that got her through wartime in Lebanon, Rosie shares a musical memory that involves her dad and a dolphin, and we both admit …
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82: Healing Trauma Without Reliving It: A Groundbreaking Approach with Kasia Makuch-Cole
1:34:48
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1:34:48In this episode, I sit down with Kasia Makuch-Cole, a psychotherapist and founder of Balance Psychotherapy Clinic, to explore a refreshing, body-focused approach to mental health. Kasia challenges traditional therapy models that prioritize storytelling and diagnoses, advocating instead for working with body sensations and emotions to process trauma…
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Send us a text 33. Why do we hesitate to say, "I look amazing today" or "I'm really proud of myself"? In this episode, we unpack the discomfort around self-praise and why sharing our wins isn’t arrogance—it’s self-belief. Roula reflects on her gym epiphany, Rosie discovers a newfound confidence in the mirror, and we call out the cultural baggage th…
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32: To Shave or Not to Shave? That’s the Hairy Question
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13:49Send us a text 32. We’re getting real about body hair—leg hair, armpit hair, pubes, all of it! Do we love it? Hate it? Tolerate it? From cultural norms to personal preferences, we spill the tea on our own hairy (or not-so-hairy) experiences. Rosie confesses to her lazy shaving habits, while Roula sticks to her daily smooth routine like a ritual. Pl…
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Send us a text 31. In this episode, we dive headfirst into the green-eyed monster, unpacking what it really means in relationships. Is it toxic, or can it actually be healthy? Rosie spills on past relationship drama, Roula gets real about her own jealous moments, and together, we figure out how to turn those feelings into something useful (hint: it…
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30: Can Men and Women Really Be Just Friends?
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11:57Send us a text 30. Can men and women really be just friends? In this episode, we dive into the complexities of male-female friendships. Why do people assume there must be something more? Why is it so difficult to maintain these friendships as we get older? Roula shares her struggles with finding genuine male friends, while Rosie reflects on past ex…
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Send us a text 29. Ever done something so embarrassing you wanted the ground to swallow you up? Yep, same. In this episode, we’re sharing our most cringe-worthy stories—like when I made a fool of myself (and my dog didn’t help) at a hardware store, or when Roula decided a rockstar’s table was her personal stage. We chat about why embarrassment feel…
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28: Laugh 'Til You Cry, Cry 'Til You Laugh!
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12:42Send us a text 28. Ever wonder about the different types of crying? We sure do! In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of tears, from happy sobs during a movie to those awkward one-tear drips when you’re trying not to let it show. We talk about laughing till your stomach hurts, crying in private, and those moments when you just can’t hol…
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27: Stop Offering to Help, do This Instead.
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12:26Send us a text 27. Ever get annoyed when someone asks, "Can I help?" especially when you’ve got it all under control? Us too! In this episode, we dive into why we resist help and what it really means when people offer. Spoiler: it's not always about the help – it’s about control! We get into the tricky dynamics of asking for help, setting boundarie…
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Send us a text 26. In this episode, we’re taking on the phrase that makes our blood boil: “Everything happens for a reason.” Really? Losing someone you love? Growing up in a war zone? No, we’re not buying it. We dive deep into why this saying needs to go, how it messes with accountability, and the ways we can take ownership of our lives without bla…
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Send us a text 25. Ever wondered what truly makes an adult? We get into the messy, confusing, and sometimes hilarious differences between teenagers and adults. Is it just about life experience or something more? From realizing adults can be just as reckless as teenagers to navigating the tricky balance between authority and freedom, we’re diving de…
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24: The Big Question – Do You Want to Have Kids?
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14:35Send us a text 24. In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of wanting to have children or not. We get real about our personal journeys with the big question, sharing our own thoughts on why we either do or don’t want children. Expect laughter, some honesty, and a few lightbulb moments as we chat about societal pressures, the freedom of a child…
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81. Identifying your core values will get you unstuck
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29:19In this episode, I get real about burnout, feeling stuck, and how I’m recalibrating my life and this podcast. After months of pushing myself too hard, I’ve realised that two episodes a week isn’t sustainable, and it’s time to shift gears. I open up about the challenges I’ve been facing—being stuck in one place due to van troubles, financial stress,…
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23: I Wish I Was a Little Bit Taller - Does Height Really Matter?
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14:19Send us a text 23. Why is height such a big deal? In this episode, Roula shares how being short shaped her experiences, Rosie talks about the pros and cons of being tall, and we question why Google even includes height in celebrity bios. From dating preferences to awkward height differences, we get into the weird ways society values being tall. Tun…
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22: Manspreading – Think Again Before You do It
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12:54Send us a text 22. Is manspreading a subconscious habit, a comfort thing, or just plain rude? In this episode, Rosie vents about men taking up too much space on public transport, Roula questions whether it’s a cultural thing, and we wonder—do they even realise they’re doing it? We also get into body confidence, unexpected nudity, and whether Speedo…
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Send us a text 21. In this episode, Rosie and Roula dive into the things they envy about men—whether it's the freedom to go topless, muscle envy (hello, Lenny Kravitz), or the ability to pee standing up without any fuss. From the simplicity of beer and movie nights to the thought of getting into home improvement, they explore the things that make t…
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Send us a text 20. We’re talking all about grey hair—why we love it, hate it, and sometimes freak out about it. Rosie shares her grey eyebrow drama, and Roula opens up about her decision to ditch the dye and embrace her natural silver. We dive into the double standards around aging for men and women, the surprising confidence boost grey hair can br…
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19: Is it OK to Make Sounds While You Eat?
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13:11Send us a text 19. Food isn’t just for eating—it’s for feeling, savouring, and apparently, making a lot of noise about. In this episode, Rosie confesses to her habit of moaning over a good meal, Roula shares how her family can’t stand it, and we get into why some people find loud eaters annoying while others think it’s a sign of true enjoyment. Fro…
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