Trial & Error & Error Podcast

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 lett...

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, lon...

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...

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 mani...

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?...

Ever caught yourself thinking “I’m happy for you… but why do I feel weird about it?” 😅 In this episode, we’re getting uncomfortably honest about envy in friendships — the kind that shows up when your bestie levels up, and suddenly your brain decides it’s a competition. We break down why jealousy hits hardest with the people closest to us, what psychology says is actually going on, and how to spot...

If your 21-year-old self could see your current festival packing list, they would call you a sellout. Your current self would call it hydration and planning. 💧🧃📋 In this episode, we unpack Festival Era 2.0: the shift from “survive the mud and the 3am kebab” to soft festivaling. Think better toilets, earlier bedtimes, selective lineups, and the brave decision to pay for comfort like the responsi...

In Highs & Lows: Substance Use in the Modern Era 🎙️✨, we’re taking a clear-eyed, non-judgmental look at what “substance use” really means today. From the 1990s prescription opioid boom 💊 to the 2020s rise of synthetic drugs like fentanyl ⚠️, we trace how the landscape has shifted and why the risks can look so different now. We also dig into the generational changes: why Gen Z is drinking les...

In this episode of Trial & Error & Error, Ale and LJ unpack the toxic habit cycle: the decision to change, the burst of momentum, the inevitable stumble, and the slow slide back to square one. You will hear why willpower is not the real solution, and how behavior change science points to a smarter path. Together, they share three practical tools to help you break autopilot patterns and reb...

In this episode of Trial & Error & Error, LJ and Ale unpack the truth behind open relationships and consensual non-monogamy. From definitions and common relationship styles to what the research says about satisfaction, jealousy, stigma, and mental health, they lay out the potential benefits and real risks so listeners can decide what fits their values. In this episode, we cover: 💬 What an...

Wedding planning looks dreamy on Pinterest, but in real life it is a mix of excitement, big decisions, and a few “wait… how much?!” moments 😅💍 In this episode, LJ shares her real-time wedding update: what the engagement was like, how couples can set expectations together, and the budgeting reality check that hits fast 💸. From choosing a venue 🏛️ and navigating guest list feelings 📋, to finding...

Ever feel like you’re one slightly-too-optimistic to-do list away from spontaneously combusting? Same. In this episode, Ale and LJ take on the philosophy of burnout: why “we work less than ever” can still somehow feel like “I have 37 jobs and they all hate me.” We unpack how modern achievement culture turns us into our own boss, our own employee, and our own extremely judgmental HR department. Exp...

Couples therapy is not just for relationships on the brink. In this episode, LJ and Ale unpack when to start couples therapy, what research says about timing, and the signs that “we’re fine” might actually mean “we’re stuck.” 💬🧠 You’ll hear about: Early intervention and why it works ✅ The “Four Horsemen” warning signs ⚠️ High-risk transition seasons that can test any relationship 🔁 Different t...

In this episode of Trial & Error & Error, Ale and LJ continue on Ale’s quest to become rich with a beginner-friendly introduction to investing in the stock market. You’ll learn: 💸 What to do before you invest (emergency fund, debt, budgeting) 📈 What a stock is, and why investing always involves risk 🧺 Why diversification matters, and how it reduces the chance of losing everything 🧩 Wha...

This week on Trial & Error & Error, we’re diving into cancel culture: what it actually means, where it came from, and why “accountability” online can sometimes turn into a full-blown pile-on. ⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode includes mention/discussion of rape/sexual violence. Please take care while listening. 🔊 Quick audio note: The sound quality in this episode isn’t the best in parts (...

Ever wondered if you should start getting Botox? 💉 In this episode, we dive deep into the world of cosmetic procedures, beauty standards, and the impact of social media on our perception of attractiveness. We explore the science behind "pretty privilege," discuss whether plastic surgery and body positivity can coexist, and share our honest thoughts on cosmetic enhancements. From evolutionary psyc...

🎙️ Ever wondered why landing a job feels like running a marathon through an obstacle course? In this episode of Trial & Error & Error, we dive deep into the increasingly complicated world of job interviews. From endless interview rounds to AI-powered screening tools, we explore why the hiring process has become so complex — and what the science actually says about it all. Join us as we unp...

Ever felt weird about your best friend's new partner? Like they've suddenly become a stranger? You're not alone—and science says you're not crazy either. 🧠💕 In this episode of Trial & Error & Error, we dive deep into one of friendship's most taboo topics: hating your bestie's partner. We explore the psychology behind why this happens, from friendship displacement theory to the neuroscien...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of social media addiction—exploring why we can't stop scrolling, what it's doing to our brains, and how we can take back control without going completely offline. We break down: 🧠 The neuroscience behind social media addiction (dopamine, intermittent rewards, and infinite scroll) 🎯 Who's most vulnerable and why (hint: it's not just "weak-willed" peopl...

Ever wondered what really happens in therapy? 🛋️ In this episode, we're breaking down everything you need to know about starting your therapeutic journey — from what therapy actually is (spoiler: it's not a quick fix!) to choosing the right therapist for YOU. We dive into the different types of therapy, the questions you should ask during your first consultation, and why finding the right fit migh...

🤔 Are you in the wrong career… or just burned out? Before you quit your job, hit pause. In this episode, we break down the difference between career misfit and burnout — and give you a science-backed 30-day plan to figure out which one you're actually dealing with. You'll learn: 🔥 Why burnout feels like being in the wrong career (and how to tell them apart) 🧩 The Career Clarity Triangle framewo...

Ever feel that weird knot in your stomach as your birthday approaches? You're not alone. In this episode of Trial & Error & Error, we dive deep into birthday anxiety — exploring why birthdays can trigger stress, fear of aging, and feelings of falling behind on life's "timeline." 🎂😰 We unpack the psychology behind gerascophobia (fear of aging), discuss societal pressures around milestone...

🎙️ Breaking with Routine: How to Make Life More Fun Feeling stuck in the same loop? Life feeling a little… flat? You're not alone. In this episode, we're diving into why your brain craves novelty, how autopilot mode is quietly draining your joy, and most importantly — how to bring fun back into your everyday life without needing a personality transplant or a spontaneous move to Bali. ✨ We'll expl...

In this episode, we dive deep into the science behind alcohol consumption, explore why humans have been drinking for centuries, and question whether going cold turkey for a month is actually helpful—or just another New Year's resolution waiting to fail. We discuss the real effects alcohol has on your body and brain, the social dynamics that make drinking so appealing, and why younger generations a...

🎙️ Ever wonder how your exes shaped the person you are today? In this episode of Trial & Error & Error, we dive deep into the psychology of past relationships—exploring how breakups disrupt your sense of self, why some people ruminate while others rebound, and how your attachment style influences your healing process. We'll discuss the science-backed concept of the "Anti-Wishlist"—using pa...