Trial & Error & Error Podcast

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
🧩 What ETFs are, and why many beginners use them to spread risk
🔢 How long-term compounding can turn small, consistent contributions into big outcomes
🧘 Why staying calm during market dips can matter more than picking “the perfect” investment
🎧 Audio note: Sound quality is a bit rough in parts of this episode. Thanks for bearing with us.
🔗 References
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). “Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)”.
FINRA. “Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)”.
Vanguard. “What is an ETF?”
Investopedia. “Diversification”.
Investopedia. “Compound Interest”.
S&P Dow Jones Indices. S&P 500 historical annual returns (long-run averages).
Federal Reserve. Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking (emergency savings / ability to cover a $400–$1,000 expense).
S&P Dow Jones Indices. S&P 500 drawdown during the 2007–2009 financial crisis (peak-to-trough decline and recovery timeline).
Nischa Shah. Personal finance guidance on emergency funds (3–6 months of expenses).

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 (sorry!) — thank you for bearing with us.
📅 New episode out Wednesday — listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎙️
💬 Question of the week: Have you ever deleted an old post out of fear? 😬
🎧 Episode Overview
We talk about digital footprints, screenshots being forever, and the very real anxiety of feeling like one old post could resurface and define you.
We explore the gray areas: Does time passed matter? Does intent matter? Are apologies ever “enough”? And should different public figures (politicians vs. reality TV stars vs. comedians) be judged by different standards?
Plus, we get into the psychology behind ostracism, outrage algorithms, group polarization, and what all of this does to creativity, growth, and the way Gen Z shows up online.
📚 Resources & References
Research Articles & Studies:
Ng, E. (2020). No grand pronouncements here…: Reflections on cancel culture and digital media participation. Television & New Media, 21(6), 621–627.
Clark, M. D. (2020). DRAG THEM: A brief etymology of “cancel culture.” Communication and the Public, 5(3–4), 88–92.
Ronson, J. (2015). So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed. Riverhead Books.
Williams, K. D. (2007). Ostracism. Annual Review of Psychology, 58, 425–452.
Williams, K. D., & Nida, S. A. (2011). Ostracism: Consequences and coping. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 20(2), 71–75.
Brady, W. J., Wills, J. A., Jost, J. T., Tucker, J. A., & Van Bavel, J. J. (2017). Emotion shapes the diffusion of moralized content in social networks. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), 114(28), 7313–7318.
Crockett, M. J. (2017). Moral outrage in the digital age. Nature Human Behaviour, 1, 769–771.
Sunstein, C. R. (2002). The law of group polarization. Journal of Political Philosophy, 10(2), 175–195.
Myers, D. G., & Lamm, H. (1976). The group polarization phenomenon. Psychological Bulletin, 83(4), 602–627.
Edmondson, A. (1999). Psychological safety and learning behavior in work teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), 350–383.
Haimovitz, K., & Dweck, C. S. (2016). What predicts children’s fixed and growth intelligence mind-sets? Not their parents’ views of intelligence but their parents’ views of failure. Psychological Science, 27(6), 859–869.
boyd, d. (2011). Social network sites as networked publics: Affordances, dynamics, and implications. In A Networked Self (pp. 39–58). Routledge.
Marwick, A. E., & boyd, d. (2011). I tweet honestly, I tweet passionately: Twitter users, context collapse, and the imagined audience. New Media & Society, 13(1), 114–133.
American Psychological Association (2022–2023). Stress in America Reports.
Twenge, J. M., Joiner, T. E., Rogers, M. L., & Martin, G. N. (2018). Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide-related outcomes, and suicide rates among U.S. adolescents after 2010. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1), 3–17.
Nesi, J. (2020). The impact of social media on youth mental health. Current Opinion in Psychology, 31, 125–129.
Massanari, A. (2017). #Gamergate and The Fappening: How Reddit’s algorithm, governance, and culture support toxic technocultures. New Media & Society, 19(3), 329–346.
Gillespie, T. (2018). Custodians of the Internet. Yale University Press.
CareerBuilder (2018, 2021). Social Media Screening Studies.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Reports on social media screening in hiring.
 

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 psychology to Instagram filters, we're unpacking why we're all so obsessed with looking good – and whether it's worth going under the knife for. 🦋
Join us for a candid conversation about beauty, self-acceptance, and making choices that are right for YOU (not the algorithm). ✨
🎧 Episode Overview
The Science of Attraction – Why do we find certain features attractive? Evolutionary psychology explains our hardwired preferences
Pretty Privilege is Real – Research shows attractive people earn more, get better jobs, and are perceived as more competent
Social Media's Impact – How Instagram and TikTok have normalised cosmetic surgery and created unattainable beauty standards
Types of Procedures – Understanding the difference between plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery, and choosing the right doctor
The Risks – Why we've lost reverence for what is actually a potentially life-threatening operation
Personal Reflections – Honest conversation about our own relationship with appearance and cosmetic procedures
Making the Right Choice – How to approach cosmetic surgery for the right reasons (hint: not for the 'gram)
📚 Resources & References
Research Articles & Studies:
Facial attractiveness: evolutionary based research
New Study Unveils Career Impact of Attractiveness: Higher Salaries and Prestigious Roles Over Time – 2025 study tracking 43,000 MBA graduates
Why Do Good-looking People Get the Job? | SPSP – Research on the self-fulfilling prophecy of attractiveness
Podcasts:
"Plastic Surgery Uncensored" by Dr. Randy Rahban
Important Note:
Always verify your surgeon is board-certified, not just "board certified" in another speciality. Do your research Babes 💄

🎙️ 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 unpack:
⏰ Why interview processes now stretch far beyond the ideal 21-day timeline
🔄 The explosion of multiple interview stages and what that means for candidates
🔬 What research reveals about structured vs. unstructured interviews
⚖️ How organisations' attempts at fairness sometimes backfire
🤖 The role of AI and technology in making things more complicated (not simpler!)
💬 The human psychology behind interview anxiety and uncertainty
Whether you're a job seeker frustrated by the process or an employer trying to hire better, this episode offers eye-opening insights backed by research and real-world examples.
💡 Spoiler alert: The solution isn't more steps — it's smarter structure and clearer communication.
🎧 Subscribe, share, and don't forget to leave us a review! Follow us @tee.podcast on Instagram and send us your hiring horror stories.
📚 Resources & References
Academic Research:
Smirnov, I., Lemmerich, F., & Strohmaier, M. (2021). Quota-based debiasing can decrease representation of the most under-represented groups. Royal Society Open Science, 8(9), 210821. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.210821
News Articles:
Smith, R. A. (2025, August 12). AI Is Forcing the Return of the In-Person Job Interview. The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/ai-job-interview-virtual-in-person-305f9fd0
Additional Sources Mentioned:
2023 Candidate Experience Survey — Austrian Employee Union
Meta-analyses on interview validity and structure (general research literature)
Research on contrast effects in interviewing
Studies on algorithmic fairness tools in hiring

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 neuroscience of love-induced bias. Spoiler alert: your gut feelings might be more accurate than you think. 👀
We break down research on relational identity changes, discuss why friends can spot red flags that love makes invisible, and share honest (and hilarious) data from our group chat questionnaire. Plus, we tackle the big question: should you ever say something? And what happens when you're vindicated after the breakup? 🎭
Whether you've been there, you're there now, or you're just curious about the science of friendship and romance, this episode will make you feel seen, validated, and maybe a little less alone in your brunch-time suffering. 😅
 
📋 Episode Overview
🔬 The Science of Friendship Displacement – Why romantic relationships can feel like they're "stealing" your friend
🧠 Love Makes You Blind (Literally) – How dopamine and oxytocin reduce critical judgment in romantic partners
👁️ Red Flag Detection – Why friends have clearer vision than people in love
💭 Three Reasons You Might Dislike Their Partner – Personality changes, protective instincts, and interpersonal incompatibility
📊 Group Chat Confessions – Real data on whether people speak up, stay silent, or accidentally sabotage
🗣️ Should You Say Something? – When intervention helps vs. when it backfires (reactance theory explained)
✅ The "I Told You So" Dilemma – What to do when you're vindicated after the breakup
💡 Final Takeaway – How to navigate these feelings without destroying your friendship
🔗 Resources & References
📚 Academic Research
Gershenfeld, J., & Witteman, H. (1996). Romantic relationships and friendships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 13(4), 519–541.
Sprecher, S., & Felmlee, D. (2000). Romantic partners' perceptions of social network interference. Personal Relationships, 7(4), 309–329.
Cross, S. E., Bacon, P. L., & Morris, M. L. (2000). The relational-interdependent self-construal. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78(4), 791–808.
Rusbult, C. E., & Van Lange, P. A. M. (2003). Interdependence, interaction, and relationships. Annual Review of Psychology, 54, 351–375.
Fisher, H. E., Aron, A., & Brown, L. L. (2006). Romantic love: A mammalian brain system for mate choice. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 361(1476), 2173–2186.
Acevedo, B. P., et al. (2012). Neural correlates of long-term intense romantic love. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 7(2), 145–159.
Fletcher, G. J. O., Simpson, J. A., & Thomas, G. (2000). The measurement of perceived relationship quality components. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 26(3), 340–354.
Lehmiller, J. J., & Agnew, C. R. (2007). Marginalized relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 24(6), 947–969.
Aquino, K., Reed, A., Thau, S., & Freeman, D. (2007). A grotesque and dark beauty. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 93(3), 385–400.
Overall, N. C., & McNulty, J. K. (2017). What type of communication during conflict is beneficial for intimate relationships? Current Opinion in Psychology, 13, 1–5.
🌐 Additional Reading
Note: All primary sources cited in this episode are peer-reviewed academic journals accessible through research databases such as PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and institutional libraries.

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" people)
😥 The real consequences on mental health, relationships, and productivity
🤔 Why we CAN'T just quit social media entirely (spoiler: it's literally part of modern life)
🛠️ Practical strategies to use social media intentionally—without letting it use YOU
Whether you've tried quitting before or you're just starting to notice your screen time creeping up, this episode is packed with research-backed insights and actionable tips to help you build a healthier relationship with your phone.
Because the goal isn't to be chronically offline—it's to be intentionally online.
📋 Episode Overview
🎯 Introduction: What is social media addiction and why does it matter?
🧠 Segment 1: Why do we get addicted? (Neuroscience, psychology, and design)
😥 Segment 2: What are the consequences? (Mental health, relationships, performance)
🤑 Segment 3: Can we live without social media? (Spoiler: not really)
🛠️ Practical Strategies: How to escape the trap and use social media intentionally
✨ Conclusion: We don't need to quit—we need to learn how to use it properly
📚 Resources & References
Organizations & General Information:
American Psychiatric Association (APA) – https://www.psychiatry.org
American Heart Association – https://www.heart.org
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int
Research & Studies Referenced:
Studies on dopamine and reward systems in social media use
Research on intermittent reinforcement schedules and addiction
Studies linking heavy social media use to anxiety and depression
Research on social media's impact on sleep quality and blue light exposure
Studies on body image, eating disorders, and social media consumption
Research on attention span reduction and cognitive impacts of social media
Studies on loneliness paradox and superficial online interactions
Research on social media as a mediator between body image and self-esteem
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) effectiveness for social media addiction
Additional Resources:
iPhone Screen Time and app timer features for setting boundaries
Natacha Oceane (content creator mentioned in episode)
Statistics on digital skills required in 92% of U.S. jobs
Note: For specific academic papers and detailed citations, please refer to the full research notes or contact us at @tee.podcast on Instagram.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
If you or someone you know is struggling with social media addiction or any form of addiction, please know that help is available and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Professional help can make a real difference. Addiction is a serious condition that often requires expert guidance, therapy, and support to overcome. You don't have to face it alone.
International Addiction Resources:
International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM) – Provides resources and connects individuals with addiction medicine professionals worldwide: https://www.isamweb.org
SMART Recovery – Offers free, evidence-based support groups in multiple countries and languages: https://www.smartrecovery.org
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline (U.S.) – Free, confidential, 24/7 helpline: 1-800-662-4357 or visit https://www.samhsa.gov
Remember: reaching out for help is the bravest and most important step you can take toward recovery.

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 might take a few tries. Think of it as your ultimate guide to navigating the world of mental health support! 💭✨
Whether you're therapy-curious or already on your mental health journey, this episode will help you understand what to expect and how to make the most of your sessions.
🎯 Episode Overview
What therapy really is — and what it's NOT (it's a long-term investment, not a magic wand)
Why therapy matters — the power of having an impartial space to grow
Choosing the right therapist — comfort, alignment, credentials, and the importance of trial and error
Different types of therapy — from Psychotherapy to CBT to Group Therapy
Questions to ask your therapist — how to prepare for that first consultation
The journey of self-discovery — why therapy is worth the effort
📚 Resources & References
Ted Talks:
Why You Should Try Therapy Yesterday | Dr. Emily Anhalt | TEDxBoulder
What to expect from a therapy session | Alexis Powell-Howard | TEDxPatras
How to Choose The Right Therapist
Organizations mentioned:
American Heart Association
World Health Organization
Note: Additional studies and research referenced throughout the episode support the importance of therapist-client relationship quality and therapeutic outcomes.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment. We are sharing our personal opinions and outlining research we have found, but we are not licensed mental health professionals.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need professional support, please seek help from a qualified therapist, counselor, or mental health provider. If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your mental health treatment.

🤔 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 framework to assess your true fit
🔍 How to diagnose misfit using the 6 Areas of Worklife Model
⚡ The difference between energy alignment and just "following your passion"
🎯 A structured 30-day sprint to test, experiment, and decide your next move
💡 When it's actually time to leave (and when you just need better boundaries)
We're not here to tell you what to do — we're here to help you make a data-informed decision instead of an emotional one.
🎧 Grab your journal, hit play, and let's get you some clarity.
📋 Episode Overview
🎙️ Introduction: The "Am I in the wrong career?" spiral
🔥 Part 1: Why burnout masquerades as career misfit
🧠 Part 2: The Career Clarity Triangle (work fit + need fit + life fit)
📊 Part 3: Diagnosing your misfit using the 6 Areas of Worklife Model
⚡ Part 4: Energy ledger vs. passion myths
💸 Part 5: The sunk-cost trap and how to escape it
📅 Part 6: The 30-Day Career Clarity Sprint (step-by-step)
🚪 Part 7: When it's actually time to leave
🎧 Part 8: Listening companion recommendations
✨ Conclusion: You're not behind — you're calibrating
📚 Resource List
Research & Models Referenced
6 Areas of Worklife Model (Maslach & Leiter) — Framework for understanding burnout and organizational misfit
Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan) — Psychological needs: autonomy, competence, relatedness
Occupational Regret Research — Studies on career dissatisfaction and constructive career transitions
Podcasts & Episodes
80,000 Hours Podcast — Episode with Michelle Hutchinson on career changes and common career questions https://80000hours.org/podcast/episodes/michelle-hutchinson-giving-career-advice/
Radical Candor Podcast — Episode on cutting through career chaos and decision-making https://www.radicalcandor.com/podcast/career-decisions-6-19
Happen To Your Career Podcast — Career change strategy and experiments https://happentoyourcareer.com/podcast-archive/make-your-career-change-happen-with-this-unconventional-advice/
Videos & Talks
TEDx Talk: "The importance of finding the wrong career first" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv6iW_Pg7lg
Organizations & Tools
80,000 Hours — Career advice and research on high-impact careers https://80000hours.org
Radical Candor — Leadership and career guidance resources https://www.radicalcandor.com
Happen To Your Career — Career coaching and transition support https://happentoyourcareer.com

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 achievements, and share practical strategies to reclaim your birthday as a day of celebration rather than dread. Whether you love or loathe your birthday, this episode will help you understand those complicated feelings and maybe even learn to enjoy getting older. 🎉✨
🎧 Episode Overview
Why birthdays trigger anxiety — Fear of aging and unmet expectations explained
Gerascophobia unpacked — Understanding the fear of growing old and its impact on mental health
Theories of aging anxiety — From fear of death to double standards and stereotype embodiment
The pressure of societal timelines — How the "social clock" makes us feel like we're falling behind
Social media's role — Why curated online updates intensify comparison and birthday blues
How to have a GREAT birthday — Practical tips including ditching expectations, retrospection, and focusing on the future
Age is just a number — Reframing how we think about getting older and finding joy at every stage
📚 Resources & References
Best Choice Counselling - The Fear of Getting Old: Birthday Blues, Anxiety and Depression
Springer - Fear of Aging Research Article

🎙️ 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 explore the psychology behind why fun matters (hint: it's not just a nice-to-have), share a practical 14-day plan to break the monotony, and remind you that fun isn't a reward for surviving your life — it's a condition for feeling alive in it. 🌟
In this episode, you'll discover:
🧠 Why your brain gets bored (and what that does to your mental health)
🔄 How routines keep you safe but stuck — and why novelty is the antidote
🎨 The difference between pleasure and fun (and why fun is more powerful)
📅 A realistic 14-day plan to inject joy back into your week
💡 Small, intentional ways to break the loop — no dramatic life overhaul required
✨ Why treating fun as a practice (not a personality trait) changes everything
This isn't about becoming someone you're not. It's about rediscovering the person you've always been — the one who lights up when life feels alive, not just productive. 💛
So grab your headphones, take a different route today, and let's talk about how to make your life feel less like a to-do list and more like an adventure. 🎧
💬 We'd love to hear from you! What's one tiny novelty you're adding to your day? Tag us on Instagram @tee.podcast or drop us a DM!
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts — and don't forget to subscribe!
📚 Resource List
Below are all the sources, articles, and references mentioned or alluded to in this episode:
https://express.converia.de/custom/media/ESRI_2021/Verplanken__Roy____Whitmarsh__2018_.pdf
https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/SDT/documents/2000_RyanDeci_SDT.pdf
F. A. Huppert, N. Baylis, B. Keverne, Barbara L. Fredrickson; The broaden–and–build theory of positive emotions. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 29 September 2004; 359 (1449): 1367–1377. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2004.1512
Mazzucchelli, T. G., Kane, R. T., & Rees, C. S. (2010). Behavioral activation interventions for well-being: A meta-analysis. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 5(2), 105–121. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760903569154
González-Cutre, D., Romero-Elías, M., Jiménez-Loaisa, A. et al. Testing the need for novelty as a candidate need in basic psychological needs theory. Motiv Emot 44, 295–314 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-019-09812-7
Podcast episodes we loved: 
The Novelty Rule: How To Use My Neuroscience Hack That’s Changing Millions Of Lives - Liz Moody
How To Make Your Life Exciting Again
Give Yourself Permission to Have More Fun With Dr. Mike Rucker