Trial & Error & Error Podcast

Trial & Error & Error Podcast

Two work besties thriving in their late 20s, (or attempting to). Relationships, work, family, society expectations... And the return of Lindsay Lohan. You know what they say: ”3rd time’s the charm!” Our goal is to make ”Fetch” happen.

  1. 18h ago

    54. STDon't

    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.” 💅🏽✨ Key Takeaways 📝 STI vs STD: An infection can exist without symptoms (STI), while an STD is when it progresses into a disease state. You can’t “tell” by looking: Most STIs can be totally symptom-free—testing is the only real tea. Transmission is broader than you think: Oral, anal, vaginal, skin-to-skin contact, and even shared toys can all be routes. Prevention isn’t just condoms: Vaccines (HPV, Hep B), regular testing, honest convos, and PrEP/PEP for HIV all matter. Stigma helps nobody: Having an STI isn’t a moral failing—it’s a medical situation. Period. Resources & Sources 🔗📚 World Health Organization (WHO) — Sexually Transmitted Infections Fact Sheet (2025) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — About Sexually Transmitted Infections (2024) CDC — Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance Report (2024) CDC — STI Treatment Guidelines Hufstetler K, et al. — Clinical Updates in Sexually Transmitted Infections (2024) Wu Z, et al. — Global, Regional, and National Burden of HIV and Other STIs (2025) Deng M, et al. — Global Burden of Disease 2021 Study Results (2025) Wang W, Sawleshwarkar S, Piraveenan M. — Computational Approaches of Modelling HPV Transmission…: A Systematic Review (2024) National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine — Sexually Transmitted Infections: Adopting a Sexual Health Paradigm American Sexual Health Association — An Overview of Common STIs, Testing, and Treatment (2026) National Health Service (NHS) — Sexually Transmitted Infections (2024) Cribier B. — Sexually Transmitted Diseases: An Unprecedented Overview (2025) (Friendly reminder: this episode is educational and not a substitute for medical advice—talk to a healthcare professional for personal guidance.)

  2. Jul 15

    53. Fitness & Menstruation: Is there any truth behind cycle syncing?

    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. 😮‍💨📉💅 Key takeaways 🗓️ There’s no “normal” cycle that fits everyone: 28 days is an average, not a rule—typical cycles vary widely (often ~21–35 days). 📈📉 Hormones fluctuate, but performance effects aren’t consistent: research shows some people feel worse in late luteal/early follicular, but objective performance changes are mixed and highly individual. 🧩 Cycle syncing isn’t a one-size-fits-all training plan: there isn’t strong evidence for a universal “best workout per phase,” so personalization beats trends. 😵‍💫 Perceived effort can change even if strength doesn’t: mood, sleep, stress, cramps, and symptoms can make the same workout feel harder—adjusting is not “quitting,” it’s smart. 🩺 If symptoms are intense or disruptive, get checked: conditions like PCOS/endometriosis can change everything—don’t normalize suffering. 🔗 Resources (links) 🌸 Start here (easy, practical reads) Menstrual Cycle 101 (Clue) — a clear overview of phases, hormones, and what’s actually happening each month: Read Birth Control 101 (Clue) — a plain-English guide to the different methods + how they work: Read 🧪 For the science-y listeners (research papers) Menstrual cycle & performance review (Open access, PMC): PMC7916245 Hormones/menstrual cycle research (Open access, PMC): PMC6710244 Menstrual cycle / exercise-related research (Open access, PMC): PMC8508274 Cycle-related symptoms/physiology paper (Open access, PMC): PMC5820163 Cycle, hormones, and related health outcomes (Open access, PMC): PMC5708589 Peer-reviewed journal article (Springer) — may be behind a paywall depending on your access: 10.1007/s00737-020-01094-0

  3. Jul 8

    52. To forgive but not forget

    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. 🧾🧱✨ ✨ Key takeaways 🤝 Forgiveness ≠ reconciliation. You can forgive someone and still choose distance. 🧠 Forgetting isn’t the goal—and often isn’t possible. Memory can be protection. 🧯 The opposite of forgiveness isn’t remembering; it’s staying emotionally on fire. ⚠️ “Forgive and forget” can be dangerous when it pressures people to tolerate harm. 🪞 Self-forgiveness matters too—when it includes accountability, not excuses. 🔎 Resources & sources (for the show notes) 📘 Robert Enright’s forgiveness process model research 🎯 Everett Worthington’s REACH Forgiveness Model 📊 Wade, Hoyt, Kidwell & Worthington (2014): meta-analysis on forgiveness interventions 🧑‍⚕️ American Psychological Association (APA): forgiveness and health 🧾 Kim et al. (2022): forgiveness and psychological health outcomes 🧠 Raj et al. (2016): mental health and forgiveness 🕰️ Historical origins of the phrase “forgive and forget” 📰 Washington Post coverage referencing recent forgiveness research + the Global Flourishing Study

  4. Jun 24

    50. Body image - The pressure of the summer body

    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. ☀️ Key takeaways‼️ The “summer body” ideal is culturally specific (and constantly moving), but the pressure to chase it is worldwide. If you moved somewhere your body type was the beauty standard, your insecurities might still follow—because this isn’t just about appearance, it’s about what we’ve linked our self-worth to. The confidence glow-up isn’t a diet—it’s detaching your value from aesthetics. If you do want body goals, the boring stuff works: Lift progressively (yes, the heavier ones) Prioritize protein Build consistent balanced meals (not perfect ones) Take recovery seriously (sleep is part of the program) Resources & sources mentioned 📚 University of Melbourne study on seasonal body dissatisfaction (summer peak, winter lowest) across multiple countries (as discussed in the episode). YouGov international survey on body satisfaction (mentioned: Indonesia ranking high in reported satisfaction). Cultural context referenced in the episode: Beauty standards + media influence across regions (Western countries, Latin America, Southern Europe, East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia) The commercialization of beauty ideals (diet culture, cosmetic procedures, skin-whitening markets, etc.)

  5. Jun 17

    49. Mind Over Matter? The Truth Behind the Law of Attraction

    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. Key takeaways Mindset does not magically pull outcomes toward you, but it can change your behavior in ways that make outcomes more likely. Self-fulfilling prophecy is real: what you expect influences what you do, and what you do shapes what happens. Placebo is not “fake.” Belief can meaningfully impact stress, mood, and pain. Confirmation bias and selective attention can make it feel like the universe is sending signs, when your brain is just highlighting patterns. Positive thinking works best with planning and action, not passive wishing. Watch the dark side: victim-blaming, ignoring structural barriers, and waiting instead of acting. Resources & sources 📚 Scientific & academic Merton, R. K. (1948). The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy Bandura, A. (1977). Self-Efficacy Theory Seligman, M. (1998). Learned Optimism Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow Placebo research in journals such as The Lancet and JAMA Popular / cultural context Byrne, R. The Secret Hill, N. Think and Grow Rich Sincero, J. You Are a Badass If you want the “manifestation” glow-up without the pseudoscience, this one’s for you.

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Two work besties thriving in their late 20s, (or attempting to). Relationships, work, family, society expectations... And the return of Lindsay Lohan. You know what they say: ”3rd time’s the charm!” Our goal is to make ”Fetch” happen.