Trial & Error & Error Podcast

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 are choosing sobriety. But most importantly, we explore a better approach: curiosity over fear, gradual change over extreme challenges, and self-reflection over self-judgment.
If you've ever wondered about your own drinking habits or felt pressured by sober trends, this episode is for you. We're not here to tell you what to do with your body—we're here to help you understand it better. 💭
⚠️ Important Note on Alcohol Addiction & Support
While this episode explores our relationship with alcohol in a social and cultural context, we recognize that for some, alcohol consumption is a serious health concern. Alcohol addiction is a medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it's nothing to be ashamed of.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol dependency, please know that help is available. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. You don't have to face this alone.
International Resource:
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global fellowship with meetings in over 180 countries. Their website offers resources, online meetings, and a meeting finder to help you connect with local support groups.
If you're in crisis or need immediate assistance, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis helpline in your country.
🎧 Episode Overview
What alcohol does to your body – From acetaldehyde toxicity to increased cancer risk, we break down the science
Why we drink – The social and psychological reasons behind alcohol consumption
Is Dry January a test or a trap? – Why strict resolutions can backfire and create stronger cravings
A better approach – How curiosity, small changes, and self-awareness can lead to lasting transformation
What does alcohol mean to you? – Reflective questions to help you understand your own relationship with drinking
📚 Resources & References
Note: While specific sources were referenced in the script content, no explicit URLs or article titles were provided. Below are general topics discussed that listeners may want to explore further:
Health effects of alcohol consumption (acetaldehyde, liver disease, cancer risks, dementia)
Studies on alcohol and social bonding
Trends in alcohol consumption among younger generations
Gradual behavior change vs. cold turkey approaches
Social norms and drinking culture evolution

🎙️ 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 past relationship experiences to clarify what you absolutely don't want in future partners—and share practical strategies for turning emotional pain into personal growth.
💡 Episode Overview:
🧠 How breakups disrupt your identity and self-concept
💔 The psychological impact of losing a romantic partner
🔄 Rumination vs. meaning-making: which helps you heal?
🔗 How attachment styles (anxious vs. avoidant) shape your breakup experience
📝 The "Anti-Wishlist" exercise: turning red flags into boundaries
✅ Science-backed strategies for moving forward without getting stuck
🚫 Why no-contact might be better than staying "friends immediately"
📱 The hidden cost of digital footprints after a breakup
Whether you're healing from a recent split or reflecting on relationships from your past, this episode offers evidence-based insights and real talk about how your exes built (and broke) you—and how you can use those lessons to date smarter.
🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday. Subscribe now and follow us @tee.podcast!
Resources
. Who am I without you? The influence of romantic breakup on the self-concept Erica B. Slotter Wendi L. Gardner Eli J. Finkel Northwestern University
Psychosocial Effects of Romantic Breakups During Emerging Adulthood: A Systematic Review Joana G. Fernandes, Carina Santos, Mariana V. Martins

Ever feel like your metabolism just isn't what it used to be? 🤔 In this episode, we're diving deep into the truth about metabolism, aging, and why those aggressive diets you see all over TikTok are doing more harm than good.
We break down the science behind Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE), explain why your body fights back when you restrict calories too aggressively, and reveal the real reasons your metabolism might feel "slower" as you get older (spoiler: it's not magic, and you're not broken! 💪).
From debunking viral diet trends to understanding the difference between weight loss and fat loss, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you approach your health from a place of self-love and care — not punishment.
Whether you're curious about metabolism, tired of yo-yo dieting, or just want to feel your best in your own skin, this episode is for you! 🎧✨
🔬 What is metabolism? Understanding TDEE and its four key components (BMR, PA, NEAT, TEF)
❌ Why aggressive diets fail: How extreme calorie restriction triggers your body's survival mechanisms
💡 The key difference: Weight loss vs. fat loss — and why muscle matters
🎭 Debunking TikTok trends: What I eat in a day videos, metabolism boosters, 10k steps, electrolytes, and more
💪 The real solution: Building and maintaining muscle while fueling your body properly
💖 Approach from self-love: Fat loss should come from caring for yourself, not punishing your body
🌟 Focus on performance: What can your body achieve? How strong, fast, or flexible can you become?
Note: This episode references general fitness and nutrition science principles. For specific health concerns, always consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
Follow Us:
Instagram: @tee.podcast
New episodes every Wednesday on your favorite podcast platform 🎧

In this episode of "Trial & Error & Error," we dive deep into the age-old tradition of New Year's resolutions. 🎉 Why do we set them? Why do we fail at keeping them? And more importantly, how can we actually make them stick? 💪
Join us as we explore the fascinating history of New Year's resolutions, from ancient Babylonian promises to the gods to modern-day gym memberships. We'll unpack the psychology behind the "fresh start effect" and discuss why temporal landmarks make us feel like we can finally get our lives together. ✨
We'll also get personal, sharing our own resolutions from 2025 and revealing what we're committing to in 2026. 📋 From finishing PhDs 🎓 to mastering pull-ups 💪, from improving finance literacy 💰 to simply being more present 🧘‍♀️—we're covering it all.
Finally, we'll share practical, tried-and-tested tips for setting realistic and achievable goals that actually align with what YOU want for your life (not what society expects from you). 🌟 Because let's be honest—the best time to start becoming your best self isn't January 1st. It's right now. ⏰
Tune in for honest reflections, research-backed insights, and a healthy dose of motivation to seize the moment and make 2026 your year! 🚀
Follow Us:
Instagram: @tee.podcast
New episodes every Wednesday on your favorite podcast platform 🎧
📚 Resources & Links
Research & Articles:
The Fresh Start Effect: Temporal Landmarks Motivate Aspirational Behavior – Management Science journal article on how temporal milestones influence motivation and goal-setting behavior
Books Mentioned:
Atomic Habits by James Clear – Referenced for the "make it obvious" principle and habit formation strategies
Quotes & Concepts:
"You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with" – Motivational concept popularized by Jim Rohn

Ring in the new year with us as we explore the wildest, weirdest, and most wonderful New Year's traditions from around the globe! From eating twelve grapes at midnight in Spain 🍇 to throwing plates at friends' doors in Denmark 🍽️💥, from jumping waves in Brazil 🌊 to getting booped by an onion in Greece 🧅 — this episode is packed with fascinating rituals that prove humanity knows how to celebrate.
But it's not just about the quirks. We dive deep into the why behind these traditions — exploring the anthropology, psychology, and emotional significance of New Year's celebrations. Why do we love a fresh start? What makes midnight so magical? And are resolutions even worth it anymore?
Join us for laughs, reflection, and maybe some inspiration for your own New Year's ritual. Whether you're a grape-eater, a chair-jumper, or a couch-prosecco-sipper, this episode will remind you that every tradition — no matter how strange — is really just an act of hope. 💫
Perfect for: Culture lovers 🌍, trivia enthusiasts 🤓, anyone who wants to feel globally connected as they countdown to midnight ⏰.
What you'll learn:
Unique New Year's traditions from over 15 countries 🗺️
The anthropology and psychology behind ritual celebrations 📚
Why humans love symbolic fresh starts 🔄
Fun lightning-round questions to spark your own reflection ⚡
Tune in, tag us with your traditions, and let's leap into the new year together 🎆 — same vibes, new intentions. 🎧💜
Articles / Academic Reads
Marking the New Year Around the World – Human Relations Area Files (Yale)
Cosmological Renewal: An Anthropological Analysis of New Year Celebrations in the Andes as a Rite of Passage – ResearchGate
Five New Year’s Rituals of Renewal – Sapiens.org
New Year’s Traditions Around the World – EBSCO Research Starters
Podcasts / Videos
“Unusual New Year Traditions” – Leonardo English Podcast
“New Year Traditions & Celebrations Around the World #148” – LearnAboutPod
“Folklore Friday: New Year’s Eve History” – Podbean
“20 Strange New Year’s Traditions From Around the World” – YouTube
Fun Source Links
Travel.Earth – 10 Unusual New Year’s Eve Traditions
AFAR Magazine – 14 New Year’s Traditions From Around the World
Oxford Summer Courses Blog – New Year’s Eve Traditions Around the World
Greenvelope.com – New Year’s Traditions

Christmas as an adult hits different. The magic is still there, but so is the stress, the spending, the family negotiations, and that nagging voice asking, "Did I do enough this year?"
In this episode of Trial & Error & Error, we're unwrapping the complicated reality of Christmas in adulthood. From the financial pressure of gift-giving to navigating family traditions across cultures and relationships, we're getting real about what makes the holidays both wonderful and overwhelming.
We discuss:
✨ How Christmas changes when you become the one organizing it
💸 The biggest holiday stressors (spoiler: money and expectations top the list)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Juggling partner families and building your own traditions
🍷 Food, drink, and letting go of holiday guilt
📆 The end-of-year review spiral and how to survive it
Whether you're dreading December or desperately trying to keep the festive spirit alive, this episode is your survival guide to enjoying the holidays without losing your mind — or your bank account.
Tune in for honest conversations, practical tips, and a reminder that you're not alone in finding Christmas both magical and exhausting.
🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday.
Follow us on Instagram (@tee.podcast) and share your holiday survival stories — we want to hear from you!
Articles & Studies:
American Psychological Association (2023) - Holiday Stress Survey: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2023/holiday-stress
Additional Resources:
Tips for managing holiday stress and maintaining healthy eating habits during the festive season
Strategies for budgeting and financial planning during Christmas
Mindfulness and self-care practices for the holiday period

🎙️ It's time for the ultimate yearly wrap-up! In this reflective episode of "Trial & Error & Error," we're diving deep into the 12 Areas of Life framework by Zig Ziglar to look back on everything 2025 threw at us — the wins, the losses, the plot twists, and the glow-ups.
From physical health and mental wellness to love, career, finances, creativity, and community, we're breaking down each area with honest reflections, personal stories, and the kind of sisterly banter that keeps it real. We're rating our year, sharing what we learned, and declaring our energy for 2026.
Whether you're looking to reflect on your own year or just want to eavesdrop on our chaos, this episode is your permission slip to pause, process, and prep for your next chapter. Because life isn't about perfection — it's about growth, one messy, beautiful moment at a time.
✨ Topics we cover:
Physical & mental health check-ins
Love life updates and lessons
Family, friendships, and boundaries
Career wins and financial mindset shifts
Personal growth, creativity, and spirituality
Our 2026 energy declarations
Grab your journal, your favorite drink, and join us for this cozy, cathartic conversation. Let's close out the year with clarity, gratitude, and a whole lot of main-character energy.
💬 Connect with us on Instagram @tee.podcast and share your own yearly reflections — we'd love to hear from you!

Summary
Feel like time is slipping through your fingers? In this episode of "Trial & Error & Error," we dive into the paradox of being busy but not productive. Discover how to identify your "time villains" — those sneaky habits stealing your hours — and meet your "time heroes" that actually save you time. We explore the science behind effective time management, share practical micro-experiments you can try today, and introduce a fresh perspective: treating time like a messy best friend you need to learn to work with, not control. Join us for the 7-Day Time Experiment and learn to align your schedule with your values, energy cycles, and real priorities. Stop chasing time and start dancing with it.
Takeaways
Awareness is the first step: Conduct a time audit to track what you actually do for one day — you'll discover where your hours really go and identify your time villains.
Align your schedule with your values: Time management works best when your calendar reflects your actual goals and priorities, not just other people's demands.
Set boundaries to protect your time: If you don't guard your time, someone else will fill it for you. Be selective about what gets access to your schedule.
Work with your natural rhythms: Align tasks with your energy cycles — do creative work when you're energized, and routine tasks when your energy is lower.
Try the 7-Day Time Experiment: Track your time, identify one villain, test one change for a week, and reflect on whether it made you feel freer or more constrained.
Time management is self-care: Research shows that regularly evaluating your priorities reduces anxiety and improves life satisfaction.
Productivity isn't about doing more: It's about doing the right things efficiently. Focus on quality over quantity.
Personify time as a character: Instead of trying to "manage" time, become fluent in its language — learn to dance with it rather than chase it.
Resources:
Aeon, B. & Aguinis, H. (2020). Does time management work? A meta-analysis. PLoS One, via PMC7799745
Aeon, B. et al. (2024). Time Management Interventions and Well-being. Frontiers in Psychology, via PMC10927119
T Mountain (C1042). 10 Strategies for Better Time Management - https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/C1042/time-management-10-strategies-for-better-time-management/
Marquette University (2021). Effective Time Management for Students and Professionals - https://today.marquette.edu/2024/09/on-topic-eight-tips-on-improving-time-management/
Efron, N. (2023). Ten tips for efficient academic time management. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 106(7), 691–693. https://doi.org/10.1080/08164622.2022.2139592
YouTubers: Ali Abdaal, Thomas Frank
Podcasts: It’s About Time (Anna Dearmon Kornick), The Time Management Podcast (Abigail Barnes).

Summary
In this episode of the Trial and Error Podcast, Ale and LJ explore the multifaceted experience of pet ownership, discussing the emotional connections formed with pets, the benefits and challenges of having them, and the grief associated with losing a beloved animal. They delve into the responsibilities that come with pet ownership, including financial considerations and the emotional readiness required to care for another being. The conversation highlights the joys and struggles of being a pet owner, making it clear that while pets bring immense joy, they also require significant commitment and care.
Takeaways
People are increasingly choosing pets over children.
Having a pet can provide emotional support and companionship.
Pets can help reduce feelings of loneliness and improve mood.
Owning a pet instills a sense of responsibility and routine.
Taking care of a pet can create a sense of accomplishment.
Pets can facilitate social interactions and connections.
The grief of losing a pet is often overlooked and misunderstood.
Adopting a pet, especially a rescue, comes with unique challenges.
Financial stability is crucial before getting a pet.
Being emotionally ready for the commitment of a pet is essential.
Resources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3872511/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbBMVa2A68s
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772632023000028
https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-018-1613-2
https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/health-benefits-of-pets-how-your-furry-friend-improves-your-mental-and-physical-health/2024/04
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1261022
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11776356/
https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.1079/hai.2020.0017
https://www.youtube.com/@TierZoo 
 

Summary
In this episode, the hosts explore the complexities of non-confrontational confrontation, discussing its definitions, psychological aspects, personal experiences, and the impact of passive-aggressive behavior. They share insights on how to approach confrontation in a healthier way, emphasizing the importance of direct communication and the potential for strengthening relationships through constructive conflict resolution.
Takeaways
Confrontation can be non-aggressive and still effective.Passive-aggressive behavior often leads to misunderstandings.Avoiding confrontation can weaken relationships over time.Direct communication is essential for resolving conflicts.Humor can sometimes lighten the tension in confrontations.Setting clear goals for confrontation can lead to better outcomes.Taking time to process emotions before confronting is beneficial.Confrontation can strengthen relationships if handled well.Yelling is not the only way to confront issues.Understanding the psychology behind avoidance can help address it.
Resources: 
https://cmcffc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Confrontation-in-Addiction-Treatment.pdf
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/13684302241309872?casa_token=9XrJU4JaFpAAAAAA%3AOcsK2dc-tq0CyBTd9FUN4js-QDzOrkjTZ2PoNpQq_3GHTMo-gmKSOr8HRJ4L43jA185ngoFP1FFkHQ
https://www.wondermind.com/article/confrontation/