the matcha diaries - podcast cover

the matcha diaries

cara and leopodcasters.spotify.com
Welcome to the matcha diaries - our spoken diary on how to survive your twenties (semi) sane. Each week we'll be discussing different topics that are close to our hearts. From finding self-love, navigating relationships, to all things mental health. So pour yourself a matcha and hang out with us as we get deep and motivate each other to be the best versions of ourselves. ☕

Episodes

how to enjoy your own company

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 ...

Apr 09, 202546 min

our spring favourites & recos 🌸

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! 🌸✨ 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 op...

Apr 02, 202543 min

catching flights & bouquets: life catch up

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 ...

Mar 26, 202540 min

why wait for self-acceptance?

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...

Mar 19, 202544 min

why is it so hard to make friends?

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 o...

Mar 12, 202533 min

spring clean with us: mental and physical reset

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! 🌸 we’re sitting down to chat through the intentions we’re setting for the next few months—whether it’s journaling more, living in the moment, sticking to healthier sleep routines, embracing that fake it till you make it energy, or just prioritizing ourselves. new season = new character unlocked. t...

Mar 05, 202556 min

the girls are anxious (but we found a cure)

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 🤝 bookish escapism) this episode also includes a reading & tbr debrief. 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 ...

Feb 20, 202552 min

confidence crisis, getting over a breakup, how to deal with overbearing parents & MORE

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 parents getting over a breakup how to navigate post-grad life as a couple p.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 crapp...

Feb 15, 202548 min

what to do when you don't like your best friend's boyfriend (& other juicy friendship q's)

happy (almost) galentine’s day 💘 this week, we’re diving deep into the love that truly lasts a lifetime—friendship. we answered your juicy friendship dilemmas, from the messy to the heartfelt. can you stay friends with someone who’s hurt your other friend? what if you constantly feel like a burden in your friendships? how do you stop seeking validation from your friends? And… what do you do when you really don’t like your bestie's partner? 👀 stay in the loop by following us on ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagr...

Feb 12, 202545 min

curated authenticity: can you ever REALLY be yourself online?

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 'curat...

Feb 05, 202541 min

soft girl habits 101

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 you to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future epis...

Jan 29, 202556 min

the trap of chasing the “perfect” routine

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: ...

Jan 22, 202543 min

life & pop culture catch up: it ends in court

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, d...

Jan 15, 20251 hr

it's 2025 rebrand time !!!

new year - (not really) new & improved cara & leo !! 🌟 catch up & set our goals/intentions for 2025 with us in this episode. see journal prompts we answer (for you to follow along & answer with us) below. <3 what is your 'word of the year'? what are three ways you will push yourself out of your comfort zone in 2025? what do you want to do more of in 2025? what do you want to do less of in 2025? What are 3 things you want to accomplish in 2025 (can be small/big)? ALSO DOWNLOAD...

Jan 08, 20251 hr 6 min

everything we’ve (all) learnt in 2024

✨ 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 💌), you already know how our end-of-year episodes go. this is officially our fourth year doing this tradition (WHAT how is that even possible?!), and it’s always one of our favourite moments of the year. as always, we’re answering our yearly journal prompts and, most importantly, featuring your reflections on what you’ve learned this year. this episode include...

Jan 01, 20251 hr 23 min

i read 68 books this year & these are the ones you should read

SEND US YOUR 2024 VOICENOTES ('what's one thing you learnt this year') at: [email protected] skip to 20:14 if you want to skip all the feelings chatter and jump straight to the book reviews 🤝 goodreads account (let's be friends tehe <3): https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/124147943-leo all books mentioned - see below: seven year slip by ashley poston emily wilde’s encyclopaedia of faeries (1&2) by heather fawcett the kindred’s curse series by penn cole heartless hunter by kr...

Dec 30, 202458 min

cozy season confessions: holiday joys and jitters

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 jo...

Dec 21, 202427 min

in the clurb, we all overwhelmed

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!!!! <333 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 ...

Dec 12, 202441 min

unedited weekend recap & entering ur late-20s crisis

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. <333 to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your...

Dec 06, 202440 min

can we ever heal?: overcoming body image triggers and finding self acceptance

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 n...

Dec 04, 20241 hr 1 min

confronting our body image struggles: from teenage years to our 20's

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 pressure...

Nov 24, 20241 hr 1 min

are we good enough? sad girl post election ramblings

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 ...

Nov 13, 20241 hr 3 min

introvert confessions, the fear of being "boring" & an EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!!

WE ARE HOSTING AN IN-PERSON BOOK CLUB EVENT - COME JOIN US!!!!! (pretty please) ☕️📚🥐🫂💘⭐️ tickets & more details will be posted on our ig here . other topics we chat about in this episode: introvert confessions & the fear of being "boring" the new "normal" in your twenties aka is this what becoming adults is like???? being in your hibernation era p.s. editing leo here, i'm sorry my audio quality is so crap lately i DON'T KNOW WHY. will try and fix 😭 to stay up to date on our lives, c...

Nov 04, 202428 min

hexes, hysteria & the haunting salem witch trials

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 spa...

Oct 31, 20242 hr 36 min

autumn diaries #10: a spooky story time

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! ☕ 👻🎃 p.s. from leo: this was my first time reading the story & i also was slightly too close to the mic so apologies for any audio or pronunciation weirdness!!! to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us o...

Oct 30, 202424 min

autumn diaries #9: two trips, random ramblings & our four year anniversary

the vibes of this episode are: morning face time with your bestie - 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. link to the mug mentioned: https://solineessentials.be/ (it’s genuinely the cutest 😭☕️🎃) to stay up to date on our lives, contribute to future episodes and share any of your thoughts - pls do follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ...

Oct 27, 202454 min

autumn diaries #8: autumn in new york

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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Oct 20, 202411 min

the very secret society of highly sensitive people (aka HSPs)

skip to 20:35 to dive straight into the topic and skip our chitter chatter at the beginning! <3 do you suffer with "overfeeling", aka constantly being overwhelmed by the highs and lows of your own (and other people's) emotions? changes are you might be an HSP (highly sensitive person)! the term was coined in 1996 by psychologist Elain Aron and since hearing about has genuinely CHANGED our brain chemistry and how we think about our own emotions. tune into this episode to learn together with us...

Oct 09, 20241 hr 13 min

autumn diaries #6: pumpkin spice lattes & the secret lives of mormon wives

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 joi...

Oct 02, 202438 min

autumn diaries #5: sad girl autumn

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 <3 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 BO...

Sep 30, 202441 min