Trial & Error & Error Podcast

🤔 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

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!