Welcome to the matcha diaries - the podcast where we talk about all things post grad and how to survive your twenties (semi) sane. Each week we'll be discussing different topics that are very close to our hearts - from navigating romantic relationships, friendships, finding the right career path to all things mental health. So pour yourself a matcha and hang out with us as we laugh about our failures, celebrate our little wins and motivate eachother to be the best versions of ourselves.
this week's episode is a very special one — i'm (leo) joined by my high school bestie Alexa for a nostalgic and pretty vulnerable conversation about who we used to be, who we've become & what we'd tell our younger selves. from crying over boys to learning how to stop craving male validation, from incessantly comparing ourselves to finding self-worth in our twenties — this one's for the girls who like us are still healing (from) their teenage selves. so grab a drink, get cosy & join us for a little trip down memory lane.
we thought it was about time we did a truly honest check-in with you guys & ourselves about our relationships with arguably THE most important person in our lives: OURSELVES. we talk about our current thoughts on body image, our relationship to food (TW! please don't listen if you think thiscould trigger you in any way
in this episode, we're sharing some recent 'embarrassing' (yet empowering) stories! leo talks the time she accidentally booked herself into an advanced ballet class, even though she's a beginner—and how she powered through the entire class anyway. It's all about stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing the awkwardness, and laughing at yourself in the process. .then cara opens up about how she struggled to complete a 5k, took a moment to cry, but reminded herself that it's okay to have both high and low running days. It's a cozy chat about embracing the uncomfortable, allowing ourselves to feel the lows, and pushing through with grace.to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us here - current book of the month is 'the end of loneliness' by benedict wells).if you don't have any social media and want to chat (or for advertising opportunities), please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.com
meet Dennis! a stranger who Leo met in Thailand who kindly agreed to share his story in a spontaneous, funny, yet open-hearted conversation.in just 30 minutes, Dennis talks about what inspired him to travel, how his career path changed, what being a father has taught him, what he might do differently if he had the chance, and what he treasures most about connecting with people from all around the world throughout his life.this episode is a heartwarming reminder of how powerful it can be to simply say hello to a stranger. it's all about human connection, the value of slowing down, and the beauty of learning from someone else's story. so take a pause with us, join Leo on the beach in Thailand, and let's get to know Dennis.to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us here - current book of the month is 'the end of loneliness' by benedict wells).if you don't have any social media and want to chat (or for advertising opportunities), please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.comlogo credit: @french75studio
this episode is a cosy chat about the idea that good attracts more good—and vice versa too. we also get into being a pessimist vs an optimist and .... does luck even exist (we lowkey get kinda existential) ??we end the episode by answering one of your listener questions "how to get past the initial stages of friendship to make deeper connections"!
we're back baby! in this episode, we're sharing some slow moments & big thoughts - from leo's reflections on her recent trip to thailand, to cara's week of solo dates and solo joy's! plus, we spiral into pop culture rants — katy perry's space mission, hailey bieber “documentary” drama, and the sydney sweeney x glen powell ‘situationship'to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do Follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕Thinking of joining our BOOK CLUB? We'd love to have you! Check it out here!for advertising opportunities, or you don't have any social media and want to chat, please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.com
in this (solo) episode, the lovely leo dives into the art of being alone — and actually loving it. from recent studies on solitude and why it can actually be essential, to leo's personal favorite solo activities and thoughtful responses from our listeners, this episode is your guide to romanticising your alone time. whether you're learning to be more independent or already thriving in your solo era, we hope this chat leaves you feeling more grounded, inspired, and connected to yourself.to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do Follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕Thinking of joining our BOOK CLUB? We'd love to have you! Check it out here!for advertising opportunities, or you don't have any social media and want to chat, please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.com
sharing all the things we're loving this spring – from new podcast obsessions to little movies/series getting us through the season. come join with us for a cozy catch-up on our current faves & recos!
join us for a catch up about our recent highs & lows - from becoming a bridesmaid (!!), work/life stress, reading challenges to upcoming travel plans. to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on [instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us here - current book of the month is 'days at the morison bookshop').if you don't have any social media and want to chat (or for advertising opportunities), please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.com logo credit: @french75studio
society shapes how we see ourselves—whether it's beauty standards or the pressure to fit in. but as we get older, something shifts. we start questioning what actually matters to us versus what we've been conditioned to believe. in this episode, we unpack how societal expectations influence self-perception, why we care so much about external validation in our early years, whilst also exploring why it's so important to love and accept yourself right now instead of looking back with regret.to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do Follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕thinking of joining our BOOK CLUB? We'd love to have you! Check it out here!for advertising opportunities, or you don't have any social media and want to chat, please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.comLinks to research:https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a53119/reasons-your-early-thirties-are-way-better-than-your-early-twenties/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/survey-reveals-that-american-women-are-aging-beautifully-good-hair-days-boost-confidence-301958303.htmlhttps://www.vogue.com/article/happiest-age?
in this solo episode, i share some honest thoughts on my struggles recently to make meaningful friendships and I unpack the psychology behind our craving for a built-in social circle, why adulthood makes friendships feel so much harder, and what we can actually do to cultivate real connection! I also give you a little life update (spoiler: the parents meeting each other wasn't the disaster my overthinking brain imagined) and share my thoughts on Binding 13 and Keeping 13!to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do Follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕thinking of joining our BOOK CLUB? we'd love to have you! Check it out here!for advertising opportunities, or you don't have any social media and want to chat, please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.com
this week, we're back in our cozy wednesday morning recording session, and honestly, would it even be us if we didn't kick off march with an episode all about welcoming a fresh new season… aka SPRING!
the title of the episode really says it all - this week we were feeling ANXIOUS and full-on self sabotage mode was ACTIVATED. in this morning coffee chat, we go into the full debrief on the why & how we're shaking ourselves out of it.very on brand for us (anxious girlies
this ep was supposed to be a cute advice ep all about LOVE but ended up starting on a slightly different note...aka a lil emotional meltdown... BUT THEN we actually get into the advice section and answer all the qs, including:how to deal with overbearing parentsgetting over a breakup how to navigate post-grad life as a couplep.s. editing leo typing this description and all i can say is SORRYYY for my meltdown i hope its not too annoying & also i don't know why my audio quality is so crappie in this ep grrrstay up to date on our lives by following us on instagram, tiktok, or subscribing on youtube! ☕ Book lovers, don't miss out on our BOOK CLUB — this month's read is the one and only ONYX STORM by Rebecca Yarros.Not on socials? Email us at thematchadiariespod@gmail.com to chat.
happy (almost) galentine's day
warning: this basically was a facetime call that you joined in on - we absolutely went on a ramble on this one! is it even possible to be authentic on online, or does everything end up curated by default? we feel so authentic on the podcast, but when it comes to posting our lives online, capturing that same raw authenticity feels 1000 time harder! join us as we chat through the pressure of perfection, the 'performative' nature of social media, and navigating the balance between 'real' and 'curated'. lowkey ironic but...stay in the loop by following us on Instagram, TikTok, or subscribing on YouTube! ☕ Book lovers, don't miss out on our BOOK CLUB—this month's read is the one and only ONYX STORM by Rebecca Yarros. Not on socials? Email us at thematchadiariespod@gmail.com to chat or for advertising opportunities.
join us in this very cosy morning record where we're chatting all about habits—the ones we've mastered, the ones we're still working on, and the ones we'd love to establish this year. From simple routines like morning coffee rituals and daily reading streaks to tackling flat-cleaning consistency, we're reflecting on what works and what doesn't. If you're looking for inspiration to refine your own habits, this cosy conversation is for youto stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do Follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕Thinking of joining our BOOK CLUB? We'd love to have you! Check it out here!for advertising opportunities, or you don't have any social media and want to chat, please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.com
be honest... have you imagined yourself waking up at 6 am, journalling, running 10k and somehow also reading every day in 2025?? we listen and we don't judge because we're lowkey (highkey) right there with you! in this episode (after our usual catch up which ends about 19 mins in) we dive into our thoughts on setting routines for the new year, including the questions:- can you set fitness related goals without them being toxic? - what to do when your new routines flop? - what's more important: discipline, motivation or giving yourself grace?? to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us here. current book of the month is ‘the ‘wedding people by alison espach).if you don't have any social media and want to chat (or for advertising opportunities), please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.com
we're back with a life and pop culture catch-up you didn't know you needed. this week, leo shares all about her LA adventures—including a moment driving through skid row that led us to unpack the Luigi Mangione court case! we also slightly dive into the juicy battle of Justin and Blake - stars of the It Ends With Us movie. Let us know if you like these pop culture style episodes!! Stay in the loop by following us on Instagram, TikTok, or subscribing on YouTube! ☕ Book lovers, don't miss out on our BOOK CLUB—this month's read is The Wedding People by Alison Espach, and we're obsessed. Not on socials? Email us at thematchadiariespod@gmail.com to chat or for advertising opportunities.
new year - (not really) new & improved cara & leo !!
✨ Skip to 01:08 to hear all of your amazing voice notes! ✨ if you've been with us for a while (aka more than a year—hey, loyal listeners
SEND US YOUR 2024 VOICENOTES ('what's one thing you learnt this year') at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.com skip to 20:14 if you want to skip all the feelings chatter and jump straight to the book reviews
today we're diving into the real, cozy, yet chaotic side of the holidays. from nostalgic moments and festive traditions to the stress of gift-giving and family tensions, the holiday season brings a mix of joy and jitters. I'll be sharing some of my own experiences, including chaotic gift-giving and unexpected family changes this year. plus, we'll hear some of your holiday highs and lows, and explore ways to find peace amidst the holiday chaos. grab a cozy drink and let's chat about it all—the joy, the stress, and everything in between. to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us here current book of the month is 'an academy for liars' by alexis henderson). if you don't have any social media and want to chat (or for advertising opportunities), please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.com
feeling #stressednotblessed? but want to feel #blessednotstressed this festive season?? SAME HERE - let's turn that frown upside down together in this episode. WE'VE GOT THIS GUYS!!!!
WE WERE IN PERSON TOGETHER FOR THIS EPISODE BIG WOOOOP. less of a big woop is unfortunately that cara is super quiet in this episode coz of some mic issues we had (downsides of only using one mic) so pls forgive us & we hope it doesn't disrupt the listening experience TOO much. if you came to the book club event we love and appreciate you forever and ever! it was genuinely so special and so much fun.
Trigger Warning: In this episode, we discuss body image, body dysmorphia, and the emotional impact of societal expectations on self-esteem. If you're sensitive to topics surrounding weight, appearance, or eating disorders, please listen with caution. In part 2, we dive deep into the complex world of body image, exploring the impact of societal pressures, social media, and sports culture on how we see ourselves. Can we ever truly heal from body image struggles, or is it a something we're always navigating? We discuss the role parents play in shaping our self-perception and how they can do more to help young people develop healthier relationships with their bodies. We also reflect on what we wish we could take back from our past selves and the changes we want to make moving forward. From shifting our perspectives to removing ourselves from triggering environments, we explore actionable steps toward healing. We tackle difficult questions like: Do we have body dysmorphia, and why is it so normalized? How do we handle those moments when we absolutely hate how we look in a photo or video? Plus, we touch on the unique pressures of body image in sports, where appearance and performance often collide. Join us for this honest and thought-provoking conversation about body image, healing, and finding self-acceptance. to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us here where we are currently reading "An Academy for Liars" by Alexis Henderson
trigger warning: In this episode we talk about body image, the impact of societal expectations on self-esteem, and personal experiences with dieting, weight, and self-worth. f you're sensitive to topics of weight, self-esteem, or eating disorders, please listen with caution.. in part 1 of this much needed catch up, we share a recap on our experiences with body image starting from our childhood years to our current experiences now as adults. We discuss the struggles we face with societal pressures (aka the unfortunate ozempic trend) ... we discuss some thoughts around if we can ever truly heal from our experiences & also touch on our changing bodies and how we want to learn to love them! to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us here where we are currently reading "An Academy for Liars" by Alexis Henderson
in this episode we share our recent thoughts post election (GRRR) & also share some recent thoughts around comparison, fitting in, being "good enough", balancing life & so much more to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us here where we are currently choosing our November read hehe!
WE ARE HOSTING AN IN-PERSON BOOK CLUB EVENT - COME JOIN US!!!!! (pretty please) ☕️
Step into the eerie shadows of Salem, 1692, where whispers of witchcraft hung thick in the air... This Halloween, we're bringing you a bewitching special on the Salem Witch Trials—a time when fear turned friends into foes, and innocent lives were caught in the storm of suspicion. With our super special guest, Katie Kennedy (TikTok's very own The History Gossip), we'll dive into the twisted tales of Salem, exploring the eerie mix of religious fervor, social gossip, and gendered tensions that sparked the hysteria. Get ready for the spine-chilling stories of women like Bridget Bishop and Rebecca Nurse, and the downright brutal “tests” they endured. Grab your pumpkin spice latte and join us …
this is the story of 'the monkey's paw' by william wymark jacobs, a tale of what happens when fate is tempted and desires are granted... but at a price. grab a hot drink, cosy up & get in a spooky szn mood with us! ☕
this truly feels like a morning face time with your friend - we share recent updates on what we've been up to (cara's New York trip & Leo's Italy trip) - we ramble about a lot of things & Leo shares her mid way review of the book "intermezzo" by sally Rooney. to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us here where we are reading “Ninth “House by Legih Bardugo. p.s - we were both still recovering from being sick so sorry if we sound really ill!
in this episode of The Matcha Diaries, inspired by the iconic style of Sex and the City, Cara takes you through her recent autumn trip to New York City. join her as she navigates pre-trip anxieties, embraces spontaneity, and finds beauty in the unexpected moments that make city life so captivating.to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us here where we are reading “Ninth “House by Legih Bardugo.
skip to 20:35 to dive straight into the topic and skip our chitter chatter at the beginning!
this week, we're snuggling up with our latest TV obsession, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives—trust us, it's the perfect binge for those cozy nights in (we also chat about other series we're loving right now that you won't want to miss) we share our beauty products/tips that we are adding to our daily routines. plus, Leo dives into journaling to create some warm and inviting routines... and of course, we chat about the coziest autumnal drinks that feel like a warm hug in a mug. get comfy and join us for a little autumnal morning chat
in this episode you can live follow along leo going through a 3-day funk. we talk all about what to do when you're also feeling the 'sad girl autumn' vibes, as well as some other random reflections on getting older... grab a hot drink & get cosy with us
in our fourth episode of our autumn diaries series we have a proper deep dive into the autumnal books we've read & our tbr list hehe grab a hot drink & get cosy with us
in our third episode of our autumn diaries series we chat about our highs & lows and the routines we want to implement this season. grab a hot drink & get cosy with us
in our second episode of our autumn diaries series we explore how autumn's transition mirrors our personal experiences. we share the things we are letting go of as we discuss shedding old habits and burdens. we also delve into what we're inviting in—like cozy reads, restful practices, and intentional living. we would love it if you tagged along with us and tried these prompts & reflected on your own experiences. to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us here where we are reading "Love in the time of Cholera" by Gabriel García Márquez
join us in this cosy episode where we kick off our "autumn diaries" series where we will be doing seasonal episodes to get us in the mood for the upcoming months
in this (truly, VERY!!) special episode, we had the utmost privilege of interviewing the incredible author and @wordsofwomen founder - lauren martin!! we've talked about her book 'book of moods' and how much we absolutely ADORE it so many times on this podcast and luckily, lauren didn't disappoint by being just as amazing, insightful (and quote filled) as the book itself. we talk about: regret & anxiety - always living in the past and future vs in the presentwhy women overthink so much! from being insecure to appreciating our beauty female friendships & the societal pressures around themthe desire to 'have it all' & of course, lots and lots of incredible quotes and women! PLEASE follow lauren & buy her incredible book/cards via the links below:instagrambuy her book! buy her incredible new card collection to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us here current book of the month is 'love in the time of cholera' by gabriel garcía márquez).if you don't have any social media and want to chat (or for advertising opportunities), please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.com
get cozy and grab your favourite warm drink and join us as we sit down with the incredible Milla for a mythological deep dive you don't want to miss: we explore the origins of the gods in Hesiod's Theogony and delve into the intriguing world of mythological beings like the hundred-handed Hecatoncheires and the one-eyed Cyclops, unraveling their roles in these ancient narratives. we chat about the rise of Zeus, the stories of Prometheus's defiance and Pandora's fateful curiosity. but that's not all— we also highlight more fascinating myths, such as the tragic love stories of Apollo and Hyacinth, and Echo and Narcissus. to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us here where we are currently choosing our book of the month!!
welcome to the final digital detox diary entry where Leo did a month without social media to test her brain & see what happens ... FYI we recorded this before we recorded our latest video episode - so sorry if it is confusing heheeh in this episode we talk about: content creators that we interact with and we love we reflect on ‘influencers' and their content our experiences with our social media Leo reflects on her detox: what she missed whilst she was on her detox what she didn't miss what she wants to do going forward we also share your responses to the questions we asked on insta: poll: are you happy with how you consume social media currently (time, mental health effect etc.) if you ever did a social detox (now with leo or another time), what did you notice? which habits help you engage with social media in a healthy way? to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us here current book of the month is 'Truly Devious' by Maureen Johnson').
We're reunited in this SPECIAL VIDEO episode where we asked you guys to ask us some questions. Some of the things we discussed: How to approach people / make friends How Leo and I maintain our long distance friendship a JUICY question of what we like least about each other If we had to choose a song to be in our life playlist, what would it be Let us know if you enjoy the video episodes and we can start doing this more hehehehe Follow us on instagram (@the.matcha.diaries) to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes, and share any of your thoughts! Also, if you want to join our book club... you can join us here! We're currently reading Truly, Devious by Maureen Johnson.
we're back together in this cosy morning episode where I (cara) finally gets to share some exciting news about a massive life change (aka I am officially a London girly now) EEP!! leo also shares some recent thoughts of what changes her and marco might have in the future hehe. we end the episode reflecting on the movie 'inside out 2' that we both watched hehe! we defo recommend Follow us on instagram (@the.matcha.diaries) to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes, and share any of your thoughts! Also, if you want to join our book club... you can join us here!
in part two of our special episode with Zoe we discuss the following: how to learn to be okay with feeling lonely / being alone going to therapy - portraying your true self to your therapist our personal reflections about going to therapy - what we've learnt what we like and dislike zoe shares the poems she wrote, what they mean to her, and the story behind each poem to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us here !
welcome to the digital detox diary entry #6... ONE MONTH without social media to test my brain & see what happens ... JOIN ME! books i mention (READ THEM):
we're back together in this special episode as we welcome back our friend zoe for a heart-to-heart about life after a breakup and experiences of loneliness
welcome to the digital detox diary entry #5-8 (lol)... 10 days without social media to test my brain & see what happens ... JOIN ME! in today's episode i catch you up on the last few days, as well as dive into the psychological effects of comparison on social media & the scientific reasons behind them (from 19:13 mins onwards)... daily journal prompts: how did i feel today? how did i spend my time? what inspired me today? what am i grateful for? if you want to join the challenge or just want to chat, please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.com to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us here current book of the month is 'funny story' by emily henry). logo credit: @french75studio --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thematchadiaries/message
welcome to the digital detox diary entry #4... 10 days without social media to test my brain & see what happens ... JOIN ME! daily journal prompts: how did i feel today? how did i spend my time? what inspired me today? what am i grateful for? if you want to join the challenge or just want to chat, please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.com to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on instagram, tiktok or subscribe to us on youtube here! ☕ also, if you want to join our BOOK CLUB... you can join us here current book of the month is 'funny story' by emily henry). logo credit: @french75studio --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thematchadiaries/message
welcome to the digital detox diary entry #3... 10 days without social media to test my brain & see what happens ... JOIN ME!
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