The Rosie and Roula Show

In this raw and real episode, we peel back the layers and ask: what are you secretly embarrassed you can't do? From Roula’s fear of swimming pools to Rosie’s history with self-harm, we get vulnerable about the parts of ourselves we usually keep hidden—and why we’ve decided to speak up now. We talk about: – The fear of being seen differently after opening up – Why we avoid shame by staying sil...

We tackle the messy meaning of “selfish.” Is it always a bad thing, or have we just been taught to feel guilty for putting ourselves first? From mum guilt and solo living envy to backhanded compliments and babysitting dilemmas, this episode digs into when selfishness becomes self-respect—and when it crosses a line. We explore: – What makes someone “selfish”… and who gets to decide – How boundaries...

This one's for the Gen X-ers. Roula and Rosie dive into what’s really going on with the “forgotten generation”—from outdated work mindsets to evolving parenting styles. Is Gen X caught between progress and pride? Do they envy the freedom Millennials and Gen Z are claiming? And how do we move forward without getting stuck in blame? We get into: – Why Gen X might feel left behind – The impact o...

Roula dropped a spicy take last episode—and now we’re unpacking it. Do younger generations *actually* lack resilience, or are they just pushing back on the crap Gen X put up with? In this episode, we dive into generational parenting styles, quality of life, and whether facing fewer hardships means you’re less capable… or just luckier. We explore: – The impact of parenting that shields kids from st...

Ever wondered how Rosie and Roula crossed paths and ended up hosting a podcast together? Spoiler: it started with a random online challenge, a vague forum post, and a whole lot of winging it. In this episode, we spill the story of how we met, became friends, and ended up recording over 100 episodes side by side (virtually). We also manage to go completely off-topic and cover: – Roula’s Middle East...

Are we lazy, less creative humans for using AI to help us write things? Or are we just evolving with the times? In this episode, Rosie confesses to feeling guilty for using AI in her emails—and Roula goes full passionate podcast voice to set the record straight. We chat about: Why using AI doesn’t mean you’re not doing the work  The difference between cheating and collaborating with a tool  How ou...

We’ve all been there: stuck in a never-ending chat where your brain checks out but your face keeps pretending. In this episode, Roula and Rosie dive into those painfully long-winded conversations—why they happen, how we deal, and what to do when you're the one doing the rambling. We cover: How to handle people who talk (and talk… and talk) Whether pretending to listen is kinder or just coward...

What happens when someone tells you your joke wasn’t funny—and not in a “bad timing” kind of way, but in a “that actually hurt me” kind of way? Do you shut down? Get defensive? Or say thank you and do better? In this episode, we dive into the big, messy, beautiful pool of self-awareness. From controlling your reactions to recognising when you've hurt someone (and what to do next), they share...

We’ve all been there—someone makes a joke at your expense, everyone laughs, and you’re left wondering if you’re being too sensitive or if they were actually just being a dick. In this episode, Rosie and Roula dive into the fine line between playful banter and passive-aggressive digs disguised as “just jokes.” We get into: Why some jokes feel more like punches than punchlines The weird way we’re co...

Is “making love” just a polite way to say “sex”? Or does it mean something softer, slower... maybe a bit boring? In this episode, Rosie and Roula dive into the language of sex: what we call it, why it matters, and whether saying “make love” is sweet, cringe or completely outdated. We cover: Why the term ‘making love’ makes us squirm Whether sex can still be romantic without being vanilla Cultural...

We've all done it: smiled, nodded, and pretended we *definitely* knew that person who just greeted us like an old friend. In this episode, Roula and Rosie dive into the awkward art of forgetting people — and being forgotten. From unrecognised ex-colleagues to mystery street encounters, it’s all about memory, embarrassment, and saving face. We cover: When someone remembers *everything* about y...

From dishwasher dramas to meeting meltdowns, we’re embracing the messy truth: most of us have a little control freak hiding inside. Roula dishes up a strong theory on spacing cutlery, Rosie interrogates every decision, and somehow we end up bonding over fear, trust, and perfectly stacked plates. We cover: Why you care so much about how the car is packed The not-so-subtle art of controlling outcome...

In this bonus ep, we reveal the three listeners who won our competition (yep, we said two but picked three because we’re soft). We also chat about: The sweet and funny messages you sent us How it actually feels to hit 100 episodes Why Roula’s obsessed with the weather And why you *really* should follow the show (Rosie rolls her eyes but agrees) To Shell, Barb, and Andrew: you’re bloody legends. An...

Why Are Nipples (and Boners) So Embarrassing?   Why do we feel ashamed of perfectly natural bodily reactions, like hard nipples or spontaneous boners, even when they’re not sexual?  This week, Rosie and Roula wade into a funny, awkward, and surprisingly freeing conversation about anatomy, puberty, and the weird rules we’ve all absorbed about what’s appropriate to show or hide.  From cold-day nippl...

We've all been there stuck in a conversation, a meeting, a moment that feels never-ending . Whether it's a neighbor who won’t take the hint, a friend oversharing at the worst time, or a social trap you didn’t see coming,how do you get out gracefully?  In this hilarious and honest episode, Rosie vents about a 3-hour ordeal involving van repairs, unsolicited help, and a man who doesn’t kno...

This one’s got it all: reckless driving, flashing lights, corrupt customs officers… and a couch that might be the most uncomfortable seat in Lebanon. Rosie and Roula get personal and a little lawless in this week’s episode, sharing wild stories about run-ins with the police, driving faux pas, and a full-blown wrongful arrest (yes, really).  From accidentally speeding on an empty highway to being d...

What is the first thing we use to do when we wake up: Go and Pee. What is the first thin we do when we wake up: We grab our phone and go to pee. We used to wake up, have breakfast, and go outside. Now, we wake up and check our phones before we even pee. This week, Rosie and Roula take a long, honest look at the ever-present device that’s quietly taken over our lives: the smartphone.  In a nostalgi...

“Wait… Are You a Guy?”   Rosie got misgendered again . At karaoke. At Bunnings. Even in the bathroom. And this week, she’s finally talking about it.  From dropping a wrench on her face (yes, really) to navigating the discomfort of being mistaken for a man, this episode dives into gender identity, expression, and what it means when strangers decide who you are—without asking.  Roula brings personal...

Do You Have an Alter Ego?   This week, Rosie and Roula dive into a question they weren't quite ready for: What even is an alter ego?   From Sasha Fierce to Ziggy Stardust, we explore the fascinating idea of creating a different version of ourselves. But is an alter ego just for performers? Or do we all have one hidden somewhere—maybe in our wardrobe, our attitude, or how we show up in differe...

Is Being Judgmental Always Bad?   We all do it. Whether it's silently raising an eyebrow at someone’s outfit or voicing a strong opinion about someone’s choices , judgment is a part of how we move through the world. But is that really a bad thing?  This week, Rosie and Roula go deep on the concept of judgment. After catching themselves using the phrase “I’m being judgmental” in a recent episo...

When is a sandwich a sanga ? Why are Speedos called budgie smugglers ? And what in the world is whoop whoop ?  This week, Rosie quizzes Roula on the wild, wonderful, and often ridiculous world of Australian slang. It’s a playful episode full of misfires, laughter, and the kind of bonding that only happens when someone says "fair dinkum" and means it.  From cultural confusion to surprise...

Stranger Among Strangers: Breathwork, Ice Baths & Awkward Silence   This week, Rosie and Roula dive headfirst literally and figuratively into the discomfort of being the odd one out. Roula recounts her experience at a breathwork and ice bath workshop where she arrived feeling like a total outsider in a room full of Dutch strangers. Cue awkward introductions, misjudged icebreakers (yes, she ask...

Hot or Cold? How Weather Shapes Who We Are   Can the weather change your mood, your lifestyle, your memories—even your identity?  In this episode, Rosie and Roula go deep into a surprisingly emotional topic: the weather . From Lebanon to the Netherlands, Queensland to Darwin, they share how climate, seasons, and sunlight affect everything—from what we wear to how we feel about ourselves.  You’ll h...

You say you can’t dance? Good. Neither can we. And we’re doing it anyway. 🕺💃  In this joyful, vulnerable, and slightly ridiculous episode, Rosie opens up about her daily TikTok shimmy challenge—despite claiming she “can’t dance.” Roula dives into why dancing has always been a love language for her, and how it connects us to joy, freedom, and even healing.  We’re talking about movement as medicin...

We Made It to 100 (And We’re Giving Stuff Away)   It’s our 100th episode ! And what better way to celebrate than by giving you free stuff?  This week, Rosie and Roula take a break from their usual rants and reflections to mark a massive milestone: 100 episodes of The Rosie and Roula Show . With matching merch (and some boob-staring), they reminisce, giggle, and announce something fun: a giveaway f...