The Rosie and Roula Show

40 Episodes
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By: Roula Abou Haidar and Rosie Burrows

Welcome to the Rosie and Roula show! We have very different lifestyles and family dynamics. Rosie loves dogs. She lives the van life alone, and most days she can't be bothered to brush her hair or even look in the mirror. Roula love cats, she has three kids and a husband and doesn't dare leave the house without wearing her red lipstick.On the surface, we're like chalk and cheese. And sometimes, our beliefs are so different that we don't see eye to eye at all. Yet we find so much knowledge and fun in the conversations we have about...

101 - Just Dance, even if You Can't. You Don't Need Permission to Feel Joy!
Last Thursday at 8:00 PM

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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 medicine. About letting go. About reclaiming the joy of being silly—without shame. 

This episode covers: 

Rosie’s awkward TikTok dancing (an...


100: 100th Episode Celebration! Listeners Time for You to Join us and Win Some Cool Merch
Last Wednesday at 2:00 PM

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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 for our listeners! 

Whether you've been here from Episode 1 or just jumped in last we...


99: What Does Freedom Really Mean and What Does It Mean to You Today!
Last Tuesday at 2:00 PM

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What Does Freedom Really Mean? 

What does freedom mean to you—right now, in this exact chapter of your life? 

In this raw and vulnerable episode, Rosie and Roula explore how freedom shows up differently for each of us—depending on who we are, how we were raised, and where life has brought us. 

What starts with a powerful book passage from The Zahir by Paulo Coelho becomes a heartfelt conversation about control, parenthood, identity, rebellion, and the courage it takes to let go of our exp...


98: What If Porn was made by Women for Women
Last Monday at 2:00 PM

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What If Porn Was Actually... Made for Women? 💡💋


Rosie and Roula are going there. In this bold and honest conversation, they dive into what happens when porn is made *for* women — not just featuring them. From pleasure to power, this episode challenges the mainstream and embraces a new narrative around desire.


In this episode, we unpack:

• Why mainstream porn leaves so many women cold

• The rise of ethical, female-directed porn

• How porn can actually be a tool for *connectio...


97 - Let's talk about sex (No, Really) and the cultural baggage men and women carry around pleasure
06/15/2025

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Sex is everywhere except in our conversations. 

In this episode, Roula and Rosie get real about one of the most avoided yet essential topics: sex and relationships. From the silent expectations we carry to the myths we've been taught; they dive into how our lack of honest conversations about sex impacts everything from personal satisfaction to long-term intimacy. 

💬 In this episode:  

Why couples avoid talking about sex—and how that messes things up The cultural conditioning women face around pleasure How emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in the bedroo...


96: What’s Your Favorite Food? The One That Ignites Memories and Awakens Your Senses
06/12/2025

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"Tell Me What You Eat…" 

In this episode, Rosie and Roula dive into something we all have strong feelings about : food. Not just eating it, but remembering it, sharing it, and passing it down. 

From zaatar-smeared manoushe eaten daily on the way to school, to lamb souvlaki tied to memories of love and loss, this episode is a reminder that food is never just fuel — it’s culture, history, family, identity, and joy. 

The conversation covers: 

The foods that shaped them (and still do) 

How immig...


95: Why It's not Weird To Talk to Ourselves (also out loud! not only in our head)
06/11/2025

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Why We Talk to Ourselves (and Why It’s Not Weird) 

Do you ever narrate your day? Mutter under your breath in the supermarket? Say things like “nope, not that way” out loud to yourself? 

This week, Rosie and Roula dive into something surprisingly universal: talking to ourselves. From muttering in makeup aisles to full-blown inner monologues said out loud, they unpack the psychology, humor, and human truth behind self-talk. 

Rosie confesses to giving herself pep talks and commentary during everyday errands. Roula shares how her singi...


94: Video Call Etiquette
06/10/2025

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From flaky podcast hosts to full-blown bedroom backdrops, we’re diving headfirst into the wild world of video calls. Roula’s got rules, Rosie’s got rage, and between us, we’ve seen way too many pillows in professional meetings.

We cover:

When being "on time" is actually lateWhat to do when someone ghosts your callThe awkward art of apologising vs. owning itWhy your bed should not be part of the team meetingAnd when it’s totally fair to just… hang up


Also, Roula confesses to a double no...


93: Period Talk - How Menstruation Can Be A Time For Connection And Understanding
06/09/2025

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Ever felt like your body is betraying you once a month? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the often unspoken world of menstruation and its surprising role in fostering connection.

In this episode, we unpack:

How menstruation can be a time for connection and understanding within familiesThe importance of educating both boys and girls about menstrual cyclesPersonal stories of navigating the emotional and physical challenges of periodsStrategies for open communication and support during this time

Roula opens up about her emotional journey and the impact...


92: Accepting Compliments - Why Can’t We Just Say Thank You?!
06/08/2025

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You know that awkward moment when someone gives you a compliment and instead of saying “thanks,” you spiral into excuses, self-deprecation, or telling them exactly where you bought it on sale? Yep. We’re talking about that.

In this episode, we unpack: – Why accepting compliments feels so damn uncomfortable

What you're really doing when you deflect or downplay praiseHow giving and receiving compliments can be a two-way joy-fest (without being weird)And the surprising power of just saying… “thank you”

Roula shares a sweaty-palmed compliment story (spoiler: it went well), Rosie s...


91: Are you intimidated by people who have packed weekend plans While you have none.
06/05/2025

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“Why Do You Care What I’m Doing This Weekend?” 

This week, Rosie and Roula tackle one of the most casually intrusive questions in everyday conversation: "What are your weekend plans?" It sounds harmless. But is it? 

Rosie shares a painfully awkward grocery store exchange that led her to question the social script we've all internalized that weekends must be busy, full of activity, and worth reporting. Roula explores how expectations around productivity and plans shape our sense of worth, and how doing "nothing" is often quietly judged. ...


90: The Secret Relief of a Cancelled Plan, You didn't feel like going anyway!
06/04/2025

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The Secret Relief of a Cancelled Plan 

You know the feeling — that tiny buzz of joy when someone cancels a catch-up you didn’t really want to go to anyway. This week, Rosie and Roula open up a conversation we all relate to, but rarely admit out loud: the sweet, secret relief of a canceled plan. 

They explore the emotional tightrope between honesty and obligation, how culture shapes our etiquette around cancelling, and why it can feel so hard to just say, “I don’t have the capacity t...


89: Should Stay at Home Parents Get Paid and How
06/03/2025

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Should Stay-at-Home Parents Get Paid?

Roula and Rosie unpack the economic, emotional, and societal weight of unpaid parenting. From mental burnout to tax-funded solutions, they dig into why parenting often feels invisible and what could change if we actually valued it.

With zero political qualifications and 100% real talk, they ask:
👉 Is it time to pay parents?
👉 Who benefits  and who pays?
👉 Are there better alternatives than a paycheck?


In this episode:

* Why dancing can shift your mental state
* Parenting as unpaid lab...


88: When Hard Truth is met with Defensiveness, Manipulation or Silence
06/02/2025

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Is It Really Your Fault They Feel That Way? 

“You made me feel like this.” 

Ever heard that line? Ever said it? This week, Rosie and Roula take on one of the trickiest dynamics in relationships: emotional responsibility. Who's accountable for how we feel? What happens when someone twists your words into their wounds? 


From gaslighting to guilt trips to the minefield of honest communication, Rosie and Roula dive deep into the emotional tug-of-war that happens when hard truths are met with defensiveness, manipulation or sile...


87: Would You Date Your Friend’s Ex?
06/01/2025

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So… is it ever okay to date a friend’s ex? Rosie reckons *maybe*, Roula’s got a *knife-point* story (yes, really), and things get a little spicy.

We unpack:

Why it *might* not be betrayal  When it's actually about you, not them  The difference between a “bad person” and a “bad match”  And whether it’s time to just… get over yourself

This one dives deep into friendship, boundaries, and the stories we carry—plus a surprise appearance from Tilly!

Got your own dating drama? We want to hear it. Bonus...


86: Can You Be Alone Without Feeling Lonely?
05/29/2025

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This one goes deep, fast. A listener hits us with the big question: *Can you be alone without being lonely?* And oof, we felt that.

We explore:

Why being alone doesn’t always equal loneliness  When solitude feels empowering vs. when it stings  Rosie’s van life take (solo but not sad)  Roula’s early days in a new country and finding peace in her own company  And a whole bunch of unsolicited mic drops

Plus: Would you choose a walk in nature over a cuddle? We’re not sure either...


85: Should You Call or Text When Having A Difficult Conversation?
05/28/2025

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This episode kicks off with a bold fashion statement: Roula reveals the most outrageous shoes in her collection—and yes, she wears them in public (kind of). But we quickly shift gears thanks to another question from our most dedicated listener: is it better to call or text?

We dig into:  

Phone anxiety and childhood trauma (thanks, Mum)  Why Roula never answers her phone (but expects you to pick up)  The emotional chaos of “we need to talk” texts  When to text, when to call, and when to just send a voice no...


84: Can You Wear Crocs To A Wedding?
05/27/2025

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Crocs at a Wedding: Iconic or Inappropriate?

One listener sent us four juicy messages—and this episode is dedicated to them. Kicking off with a theory about why men have nipples (you don’t want to miss Roula’s take), we then dive into the big debate: are Crocs ever acceptable at a formal event?

From wedge-heeled clogs to silky bridesmaid dresses paired with classic Crocs, we discuss it all:  

- Why Roula owns two pairs (and is slightly ashamed)  

- How Rosie’s never splurged o...


83: Is Losing Your Shit Ever Justified?
05/26/2025

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Roula and Rosie are asking the big question this time: what do you *really* think about people who lose their shit? Is it a sign of passion and overwhelm—or just poor emotional regulation?

They dive into personal stories and uncomfortable reflections:  

- Rosie admits to shouting when she cares too much (and that one group project that still haunts her)  

- Roula confesses to punching a plant pot (yes, really)  

- They both share how growing up shaped their “shit-losing” tendencies—and how they’re trying to...


82: Do You Have A Resting Bitch Face?
05/25/2025

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Roula kicks off with a simple question: do you think you’re approachable? Cue Rosie spiralling into an identity crisis, confessing her resting bitch face and questioning whether her dog is the only reason strangers talk to her.

The conversation zigzags through awkward small talk, people-pleasing, and what it really means to be “friendly.” Roula admits she flirts with everyone. Rosie admits she might be an accidental serial killer without her dog. They both agree—being approachable isn't always the goal.

We’re all judging and being judged. But does your...


81: Is Goal Setting A Waste of Time?
05/22/2025

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Rosie kicks things off with a dramatic question: is goal setting stupid? Roula’s not having it—she’s got daily goals, backup goals, food-related goals, and a whole philosophy to go with them. Meanwhile, Rosie admits she’s just been… waking up. No intention, no direction—just vibes.

They dive into why setting goals can feel both empowering and completely overwhelming. Why do some goals energise us while others leave us spiralling in guilt? What’s the difference between having a goal and having the habits to actually reach it? And when do we...


80: Does What We Wear Define Us?
05/21/2025

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Do Clothes Really Make the Person?

Roula throws a question at Rosie while she’s mid-salami bite: do clothes make the person? What starts off as a light, silly chat quickly becomes a surprisingly raw conversation about appearance, first impressions, confidence (or lack of it), and how we choose to show up in the world.

Rosie opens up about being called a tomboy, hating makeup, and finding fashion intimidating. Roula shares how dressing up—even on her worst days—gives her the energy to keep going. They might be chalk...


79: Is Peeing In The Shower OK or Just Plain Gross?
05/20/2025

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What started as a casual question turned into a full-blown confessional. Roula admits she might have lied (or misremembered?) about how she got into the habit of peeing in the shower—and Rosie wants to know: is it actually environmentally friendly, or just an excuse? They also cover the weird things we find gross (Roula’s fine with urine but not spit), how long a “quick shower” really is, and what it's like to grow up needing to bathe with less than five litres of water.


It’s a surprisi...


78. Show Me How You Drive, I tell You Who You Are
05/19/2025

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Are You a Road Rager or a Granny Driver? This week, Rosie and Roula hit the gas on a high-energy conversation about driving styles—and the unspoken rules of the road. From tailgating and speeding to cultural chaos behind the wheel, they swap stories of road rage, reckless Ubers, and why a smooth stop can be the ultimate flex. 


Roula confesses to cheeky speeding and tailgating habits (Rosie is horrified), while Rosie admits to gripping the "oh shit" handle and cursing at strangers. It's hilarious, heated, and very rel...


77. Do You Feel Guilty Doing Nothing?
05/18/2025

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Feeling Guilty for Doing Nothing? You're Not Alone. 


 In a world that glorifies hustle and productivity, Rosie and Roula slow things down to talk about a guilt almost all of us carry: the guilt of doing… nothing. 


Why do we feel bad for resting? Why do our weekends need to be "productive"? Why does boredom feel like failure? This week, our hosts explore how deeply we've been conditioned to see downtime as laziness—and why it’s time to reclaim stillness without shame. 


...


76. Night Owls vs Early Riser: Who's Got It Right?
05/15/2025

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Rosie is a midnight mastermind.  


Roula is up with the sun.  


This week, we dive deep into the funny (and frustrating) tension between night owls and early birds and what our sleep schedules say about how we live. 


From guilt about sleeping in to the joy of empty morning streets, they unpack how society is rigged for the 9-to-5ers… and why Rosie refuses to play along. 


This episode explores: 


Th...


75. Big Boobs, Small Boobs: Does It Even Matter?
05/14/2025

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In this episode, Rosie and Roula get personal, playful, and unexpectedly deep about… boobs. From A-cups to E-cups, breast envy to back pain, they dive into body image, societal expectations, and what it means to feel feminine or not in a world that constantly has opinions about our bodies. 


Rosie opens up about life on the small-boob end of the spectrum, while Roula shares the physical and emotional weight of having larger breasts. What begins as banter evolves into a thoughtful chat on style, identity, sexuality, and self-acceptance — plus...


74. Who Should Pay on the First Date?
05/13/2025

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Romance, money, and… awkward silences. 


In this episode, Rosie and Roula dive headfirst into a classic dating dilemma: who picks up the bill on date number one? What starts as a chat about etiquette quickly unravels into something deeper—expectations, power dynamics, gender norms, and how we handle (or avoid) talking about money. 


Rosie champions the 50/50 approach, while Roula sees payment as a gesture of intent and respect—if you invite someone, you pay. But it’s complicated. What if someone expects you to pay? Wh...


73: When I Grow Up, I will be...
05/12/2025

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  "What Did You Want to Be When You Grew Up?"      

From superstar singer to best-selling author, this episode dives into childhood dreams and how life — and our bodies, parents, and practicality — often get in the way.


This week, Rosie and Roula get deeply personal. From Rosie’s chip-eating vengeance to Roula’s Cyndi-Lauper-inspired daydreams, the two explore the power of early ambitions and what happens when you realize… you’re not done becoming.


In this episode:

- Rosie’s dream of becoming a...


72: Was Paris Hilton's Sex Tape Really Leaked, Or Was It A Strategic Move?
05/11/2025

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Sex Tapes: Leaked or Launched?

From Paris Hilton to Pamela Anderson, “leaked” sex tapes have shaped careers, sparked scandals, and provoked endless debate. But how many of these tapes are truly accidental  and how many are strategic moves dressed as tabloid chaos?


This week, Rosie and Roula wade into murky waters, asking uncomfortable questions about privacy, power, shame, and sex. They explore what it means to consent to attention, how women often take the blame, and why our voyeuristic culture plays a bigger role than we think...


71: Control and Shame - the 9 to 5 Work Hours
05/08/2025

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 The 9-to-5 Lie: Control, Shame & Why It’s Still Broken 


The 9-to-5 grind: we all know it, but should we still tolerate it? In this week’s episode, Rosie and Roula dive into the frustration of rigid office hours, cultural shaming, and the outdated rules that control us. From skipping lunch to working overtime for free, they discuss how our time is treated like a commodity in a system that values control over flexibility.


Rosie is frustrated (shocker), and Ro...


70: Why Are GP's always Late?
05/07/2025

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Why Are GPs Always Late?

You show up on time. You wait. And wait. And wait.

This week, Rosie and Roula tackle a universal frustration: doctors who never run on time. From 10-minute delays to full hours spent in a waiting room, they vent about the absurdity of scheduled appointments that mean absolutely nothing and the larger, uncomfortable reality behind it all: healthcare as a business.

Rosie is fired up (no surprise), and Roula gets passionate about respect, cultural gaps...


69: Easy Going Avoiding Conflict?
05/06/2025

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Are You Really Easygoing? Or Just Avoiding Conflict?

Calm. Chill. Unbothered. Or... secretly screaming inside?

In this episode, we unpack what it really means to be easygoing and why it’s not always as peaceful as it seems. Rosie thinks it’s often a mask for avoidance. Roula wonders if it’s a quiet form of strength. Together, they try to define the line between relaxed, reserved, and completely disengaged.

They also explore what it means to be judgmental (in a good w...


68: Why Going To The Movies Is A Terrible First Date
05/05/2025

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Popcorn, silence, and... sexual tension?

In this episode, we dive into the  debate: is going to the movies a terrible idea for a first date, or an underrated icebreaker? Rosie is firmly Team No (you can’t even talk!), while Roula thinks it might be the perfect low-pressure setting to see if sparks fly  followed, ideally, by a walk or a drink.

We unpack personal stories, awkward invites, mixed signals, and the surprising weight that can come with asking (or being asked) on a date. And yes, Rosie blushes. A lo...


67: Why You Should NEVER Tell Someone to 'Calm Down'
05/04/2025

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If you’ve ever been told to “calm down” when you’re in the middle of a heated moment, this episode is for you. Rosie and Roula dive into why those two little words are more likely to escalate tension than bring peace. Rosie shares her personal experience with how “calm down” triggers frustration, and the conversation flows into an exploration of emotional triggers, family dynamics, and what we should say instead to make people feel truly heard.


We talk about the importance of pausing in emotional conversations, the power of...


66: Is an Affair Always The End of A Relationship?
05/01/2025

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Roula wants to know: is an affair the end of a relationship—or could it actually be the beginning of something better? This episode picks up where our chats about secrets and white lies left off, but now we’re diving headfirst into the big one: cheating.


We talk about what actually counts as cheating (spoiler: it’s not just sex), why some people stay, and whether fantasising counts if it stays in your head. Plus, Roula gets passionate about open communication, Rosie floats the idea of “cheating on yours...


65: Secrets - Are Some Things Better Left Unsaid?
04/30/2025

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Roula’s got a juicy question this week: is it ever okay to keep a secret? What starts as a deep dive into privacy, trust, and how much we *really* owe each other quickly turns into... well, something a little unexpected (hint: it involves a bed, hands, and dinner prep). You’ve been warned.


We’re unpacking the difference between private and personal (yes, we argue), whether secret recipes are rude, and how much truth you *actually* need in a relationship. Because let’s be real—everyone’s hiding somet...


64: Is It OK To Tell White Lies?
04/29/2025

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64. Roula and Rosie peel back the layers of the little lies we all tell—like “sure, I’ll come back for that shirt” or “no worries about the noise in the garden”—and ask: are white lies harmless, helpful, or just everyday BS? From lipstick compliments to pretending you love your kid’s questionable artwork, this episode explores whether white lies are essential for social harmony… or just sneaky ways to avoid discomfort.


How many white lies do you think you tell in a day? Be honest—well, try to.


<...


63: "It Is What It Is" - Healthy Stoicism or Emotional Immaturity?
04/28/2025

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Is “it is what it is” a sign of emotional maturity—or just emotional laziness? Roula and Rosie dig into this deceptively simple phrase and how it makes them deeply uncomfortable. Is it a shield to avoid vulnerability? A refusal to take responsibility? Or could it actually be a quiet form of acceptance? From toxic masculinity to menstrual mood swings, they unpack the many layers behind this throwaway line—and surprise themselves with where the conversation ends up.


Do you use this phrase? Or does it make your blood bo...


62: Millenial Helps Gen X Mum Understand TikTok
04/27/2025

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What started as an experiment turned into a lifeline. Rosie opens up about her journey on TikTok   from posting for fun to finding a deeply supportive community that showed up when she needed it most.

We talk about the ups and downs of creating content, the weird magic of reading Harry Potter live for strangers (who became friends), and the importance of carving out safe, kind corners of the internet.

Whether you love TikTok or haven’t dared to download it yet, this episode explores how digital platforms can fos...