Debrief Sesh

Pre-brief: This week, we’re catching you up on what we’ve been up to lately… Hannah shares a quick update on her SF life and Stacy shares some funny stories from her trip to Kamikochi… along with a few things you definitely should know before going, especially if you’re traveling with someone you may or may not have a crush on cuz Hannah had the same experience when she went couple years ago lol Main topic: Spark vs. Slow Burn relationships. Unsurprisingly, we’re on opposite sides again. Stacy can’t imagine being with someone if there isn’t an instant spark, while Hannah thinks love can start with chemistry or grow over time…but lately we don’t have time for that slow burn, so she’s been on the “spark” side recently. We talk about whether we believe in“love at first sight”, how this connects to today’s situationship culture, how spark may eventually die down overtime, and is one really better than the other?

Pre-Brief: Obsession is 100% worth the hype (spoilers alert). We break down why we think it’s one of the best horror movies we’ve seen in a long time. Plus we get into a little K-pop drama, the new girl group from the HYBE x Geffen audition show, SAINT SATINE, has already lost a member… and they haven’t even debuted yet. Yikes. Main Topic: After watching Obsession, we started reflecting on all the crazy things we’ve done for someone we liked…and the equally crazy things our exes did that we somehow stayed through. From spending way too much money on them, holding in your farts/#2 for so long that you end up constipated and needing treatment (yes…really), or even acting “chill” when they fully edit you out of a photo lol - we’re sharing some of our embarrassing but now-funny crazy stories. Join us as we laugh at our past selves and ask the question: what is the craziest thing you’ve ever done for love?

Pre-brief: World Cup is in full swing, and although Japan unfortunately got eliminated, we did win one thing for sure - the hearts of millions of fans across the world bc GADDAMN we have some fine shyts on the national team🥵 (Nakamura Keito, we're big fans) Main Topic: Speaking of hopping on the World Cup bandwagon, there's recently been a spike in number of people getting involved in trendy things - HYROX, F1, pickleball, etc... And that's not necessarily a bad thing, but we can't help but be a bit skeptical at how much people are actually enjoying the thing, versus enjoying the commotion around the thing. Is this an unfair hot take? Tune in to figure out for yourself!

Sorry we took a little mini-break, but we’re back- now coming to you from Tokyo and San Francisco! 🌏✨As you can see, Hannah has officially left Tokyo and started her new chapter in SF! In this episode, we’re catching up on everything that’s happened over the past few weeks, from how Hannah’s settling into life in SF to what Stacy has been up to back in Tokyo (solo content??)This is also our very first virtual recording, so we’re figuring things out as we go. We think it went pretty well, but bear with us while we adjust to the new setup… starting with the realization that we probably need a new intro😂

HAPPY 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY to us!!! <333 We look back on all of our memorable moments since starting this podcast, like our first hate comment, first collab, first time getting recognized...who's cutting onions??? ALSOOO, there's a big announcement for the future of Debrief Sesh, so make sure to tune in! To celebrate, we also answer some random Qs and comments from you all (thank you to everyone who submitted on IG!)

(our mics cut off at around the 25 min mark😭 sorry for the not great quality but hope u can still enjoy!!) For podcast guest #3, we’ve got… Casey!!! Known for his dad jokes and Japanglish content with his baseball teammates, we sit down with him and get to know the guy behind the humor. We kick things off with some fun rapid-fire questions (MBTI, red flags, green flags, pet peeves, his “type”), then dive into what it’s really like living with 14 teammates, his mindset as a baseball player, and how that mentality carry over into his approach to relationships… and maybe even get some insider info on future content he’s been thinking about!

This week we talk about being Nonchalant vs. Chalant. Being nonchalant can be seen as ~chill~ but is that something we really want in a partner? Of course Stacy and Hannah have very different takes as we get into everything from double texting and constant “are you ok?” check-ins to whether a bit of playful jealousy is cute or a red flag. Plus, we talk about how our “chalant-ness” shows up outside of dating too in everyday life.

Prebrief: US influencer James Charles is back on the hot seat (again for the millionth time) after saying some out-of-touch things online, and Hannah is personally going through it after her celebrity crush Jacob Elordi is allegedly dating Kendall Jenner… :( Main topic: We’re getting into all things health. What we’ve been doing lately, what’s actually working, and what we’re not fully convinced about. From fitness routines to random wellness trends we’ve tried (or refused to try), we’re sharing our honest, unfiltered takes.

Pre-brief: We’re kicking things off with the new Netflix hit Straight to Hell (「地獄に落ちるわよ」), currently #1 in Japan - and we highlyyyy recommend. It tells the wild, real-life story of Japan’s most famous fortune teller, Kazuko Hosoki. We all remember her from TV growing up, but what we didn’t know? How she got there. No spoilers, but her life is absolutely insane. Main topic: Modern dating…breadcrumbing and love bombing. It should be a crime (it is)!!! Stacy shares her experiences with guys who keep her just interested enough but not enough, while Hannah is officially done with men who come on way too strong… only to flip a switch like none of it ever happened. As we unpack the red flags, patterns, and personal stories behind these manipulative tactics, we hope this episode helps you spot the signs early, trust your gut, and stop settling for inconsistent energy.

This week we have a special guest, Remoncky!! We kick things off with some rapid-fire questions before diving into our main topic: Digital Dating. Stacy and Hannah have shared their own opinions, tactics, and experiences navigating flirting over the current digital age (text and social media), but this time we finally get a man’s POV with Remoncky’s perspective (plus some funny stories along the way). Do men lowkey IG-stalk the people they’re interested in too? Do guys "heart" IG stories just to get their attention? Remoncky reminds us we are asking for the bare minimum😭 Somewhere throughout the episode, we also realize the very obvious black cat vs. golden retriever dynamic between us (you can guess who’s who lol) and how differently we approach these situations. This episode is a bit longer than usual, but lots of great yapping was done🙏

Pre brief: Respectfully… what are these new releases from HYBE girl groups?! These songs from ILLIT, KATSEYE, and LE SSERAFIM all feel like they’re trying to recreate that “JUMP” “GNARLY” moment but it’s just not hitting we just want the original / bit cringe but catchy kpop we grew up on…bring it back pls? Main topic: Long distance relationships. What makes LDR doable? What breaks it? Missing your mans calls for great diary entries and creativity (shoutout to the Tumblr days), and finally seeing each other with distance is probably the best ~main character energy~ butterflies & rainbows feeling to ever exist. We also miss the Facebook relationship days when your status, breakups, “it’s complicated” posts were way too public and it was TEAAAA

Pre-Debrief : We took a little break because… moms are in town🥹 Stacy gets emotional about reuniting with her mom after 3 years and why, as adults, we really need to cherish these moments more. Then of course we HAVE to talk about BIEBERCHELLA?! He’s back and looking better than ever. We get into our favorite (and not-so-favorite) Coachella moments -Sabrina Carpenter, KATSEYE, Anyma, BIGBANG-and with the festival season starting, Hannah shares a recap of her last weekend at Rainbow Disco Club! Main Topic: DATING APP HOT TAKES🔥At this point, we’ve all been on them… so let’s be honest. What kind of photos are we actually swiping right on? What’s an immediate no? The funniest/weirdest profiles we’ve seen? And what NOT to say on a Bumble date if you ever want a second one. This is solely based on our own experiences so take it how you will

Pre-brief: Summer Sonic lineup dropped… Jennie, The Strokes, LE SSARAFIM, mgk, Saucy Dog and more. Honestly, it might be worth fighting for your life in that Tokyo summer heat Also, Stacy gets fooled by her celebrity crush (Kasamatsu Sho) on April fools day and have a mini heart attack, plus she’s seeing him at a fan meet next month eeek Main topic: Imagine not talking to your ex for 2 YEARS… and he suddenly pops up because his current girlfriend wants you to delete old IG pics?? Huhhhh? Excuse me? We’re unpacking the audacity, the boundaries, and share our own “crazy ex” moments…which I’m sure we all can relate to.

Pre-Debrief: “Catching print” is going viral and honestly… it’s about time the tables have turned. Women have been judged forever by the physical appearances like chest size, so now we’re out here analyzing men’s pants. Anwar White (our hero) breaks down how to “read” a man’s sizes- A, B, or G. Shoutout to Stacy for the intel - ladies, take notes. Main Topic: Even the loud, positive, extroverted girl has weeks where everything just feels off (aka Hannah). Hannah gets real about being in a slump and how it starts to affect everything-mood, energy, and motivation. Do you lean into it (sad music, dramatic moment, just feel it out) or force yourself to get up and reset? Stacy, who doesn’t live on this emotional rollercoaster, shares her go-to tips to make these low energy days a little easier. We get into how differently we handle these moods, and why Hannah might be a little more up-and-down.

Pre-brief:BTS released their new album after 4 years, and holy crap the SCALE of their comeback was huuuuge. Netflix hosted a free concert to premiere their first comeback performance, renting out the entire Gwanghwamun Square and amassing ~100K+ views in person and on streaming (which is actually insane), and it was so freaking cool. (P.S. Hannah actually watched the full thing after recording the ep, and she absolutely loves the album now lol)Main Topic:How do you know if a guy is boyfriend material? We tell you all the green flags we've noticed in guys, from obvious things like washing dishes & folding your laundry, to more niche ones that only we probably think are green flags (does he use a baby voice to talk to cats?). Tune in to get the deets on all the positive signs that he could be *the one*, because at the end of the day you have to be able to honestly ask yourself - could he truly be my emergency contact?

Pre-brief: Arashi released their new song "Five" for the first time in 5 yrs (what a coincidence), and Stacy and Hannah have some...thoughts. Stacy also gushes about the new group that's been taking TikTok by storm - モナキ (Monaki). Also sharing thoughts on the new Netflix K-Drama "Boyfriend On Demand" starring Jisoo & the most star-studded male cast we've ever seen. Main Topic: Ugghhhh can we VENT?? For some reason, both of us have been plagued by men who stink (literally and figuratively) ruining our peace of mind. The guy who manspreads on the train, the guy whose B.O. could kill a horse, the guy who over-promises and under-delivers when he could've just...not promised anything at all??? We're fed up with these men who don't think twice to take, take, take from us. So this is our way of coping - by airing out our grievances to you guys <3

Pre-brief: This week's ep was recorded a bit earlier than usual so we're a little late buuut Bridgerton Season 4 ayyyyy💃 Stacy watched the whole season in one sitting (per usual) and Hannah shares her favorite (and not so favorite) Bridgerton seasons. One thing we both agree on -- Queen Charlotte season is superior. Also Blackpink released their new album + MV for their song "GO" and it's...ok? Hannah thought the visuals and dubstep were pretty cool, but Stacy's deeply unimpressed and lowkey disappointed. Main Topic: We're getting DEEP this week and addressing something a lot of our listeners have asked us for advice on - low self esteem. As women, it's so easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and feeling like we're not enough. Beauty, marriage, finances...the list goes on. Especially in Japan, where conforming to the norm is encouraged and praised, it can be hard to feel confident when you don't. Trust us, we've been through it, and we're sharing our thoughts + advice on how to improve…

This episode we have a special guest: Richard, aka Richaado!!!🥭You might also know him as Momo-chan or Hashimoto-san… and if you don’t, go check out his content immediately. While he’s known for his hilarious, relatable (and sometimes out-of-pocket) “foreigner in Japan” content, we go beyond the skits and ask some more personal questions about his journey as a content creator. We talk about the behind-the-scenes of how he comes up with his viral videos, what it’s like dating in Japan, and some of his wild encounter stories living here - especially moments involving race and cultural misunderstandings. And because we had the opportunity, we get some advice on how you actually go viral on the internet. Tune in to also hear about his upcoming stand up comedy show in Tokyo if you want to see him live :)

Pre-brief: Stacy’s favorite comedy duo 令和ロマン(Reiwa Roman) member 髙比良くるま(Kuruma Takahira) was recently caught in relationship rumors with Japanese TV personality MEGUMI (she was the commentator for Badly in Love) !! Another 推し, another relationship scandal... But this is exactly why we diversify our celeb crushes, people! We also accidentally discovered that we’re both really into dietary fiber right now. Everyone talks about protein… but are you hitting your daily fiber intake?? You heard it here first. Eat your edamame, chia seeds, avocado, and lentils!! Main Topic: Q&A time! Thank you to everyone who sent in so many questions :) For our new listeners, we properly introduce ourselves - how we met and why we started this podcast. We also answer your questions about our backgrounds, and give our advice on relationships, work, and living in Japan.

Pre-brief: We’re recapping our weekends - Stacy had a relatively healthy night out (lol), her first night out at Zero Tokyo, and Hannah shares her snowy getaway for the japow to Hakuba. Main topic: Books and movies are obsessed with romantic tropes…friends to lovers. Enemies to lovers. Lovers to friends. Are they actually romantic? Hannah admits she’s a certified friends-to-lovers girl and somehow still stays friendly with her exes (controversial, we know). Stacy? Absolutely not. If anything she prefers enemies to lovers (and hopefully friends to lovers happening soon..??)

Pre-brief: Hannah's hometown team wins the Super Bowl, Stacy has no idea what teams even played, but we both absolutely loved Bad Bunny's halftime show <3 Also, happy almost-Valentine's day! We reminisce the good ol' days where we'd send "Valentines grams" to each other in high school, and how the V-Day culture is so different in the U.S. versus Japan. Main Topic: How does a relationship fall apart? We analyze the all-too-common scenario of one person fighting to keep the relationship alive (*cough* usually the girlfriend *cough*), while the other dismisses or deflects. Brb, reliving traumatic flashbacks of drafting talking points in your notes app just to have a serious conversation...let's just say we both experienced some ROUGH times. We also talk about indicators that a relationship is not looking so great, like when your friends don't get along with them, or it gets nearly impossible to keep "the spark" alive physically.

Pre-Brief: Last weekend, Hannah completed her first-ever HYROX in Osaka -- otsukaresama deshita!! Stacy came through as moral support, and we recap the highlights of the trip: hot men sightings (like SHINee Choi Min-ho), a Kyoto getaway, and a USJ adventure. Main Topic: We’re talking about situationships: the in-between where you guys aren’t official and you start off “casual” but somehow come with real feelings. Ending one can be easy if you get the instant ick, but choosing to walk away on your own (when he’s not even technically your boyfriend) is much harder. Stacy shares her recent situationship drama and how surrounding herself with good people reminded her of the standards we should have in men. Also, cue the stories about all our other past situationships where we definitely learned a lesson (or two..or three....) about when it's time to call it quits.

This episode is a special one 💫 Debrief Sesh’s very first collaboration, and we’re joined by the amazing girls of SWEET REVENGE, LDH’s first global girl group! We get into all things dating and crushes in the music industry, whether dating within the industry is a go or a hard no, how our behavior totally changes when we start liking someone (Larissa may be a social butterfly, but eye contact with her crush? Absolutely not), and how the girls prefer to be approached (hint: do not invade Agnes’s personal space). We also talk about types, like how Asami shares her love for guys who really know their music and can sing. From first impressions to honest girl talk, it’s no surprise we became close friends by the end of this sesh.

Pre-brief: The good ol’ nostalgia of 2016 is back. With everyone posting their throwbacks, we couldn’t help but reminisce about the simpler times...before Trump entered the political picture, Snapchat filters, posting whatever on social media and giving less of a f*ck in general. Ohhh, how we wish we could go back. And speaking of peak 2016…did you know Fetty Wap was in prison?? Because we definitely didn’t LOL. Now that he’s out, Stacy is fully simping and gives us a complete history lesson on her newest stan <3 Main Topic: We’re sharing all the specific things guys do that make us kyun kyun ♡ Not the generic, surface-level stuff, but super specific behaviors that make us swoon. For example, Stacy's ideal type is a guy who can savor a piece of expensive chocolate (it makes sense we promise). We also talk about which kind of physical gestures we're weak against - like playing with our hair, a touch on the waist, and all that jazz. If you want to know how to steal a girl’s heart (or more specifically *our*…

Pre-brief:Stacy shares her recent celebrity crush obsession, and Hannah cannot keep up with the wide variety of Stacy’s types...But hey, she’s inclusive to all types of ikemens, and we support. Main topic:We’re talking about first dates. First dates can really tell you a lot about a person, both good and bad, and first impressions matter more than we like to admit. Between the two of us, Stacy and Hannah have had our fair share of first dates, so we break down what we look for on a first date, first date red flags you should not ignore, good first date recommendations, and also the places you should absolutely not go on a first date. And of course, we share our first date stories along the way. Here’s to more first dates that either turn into something great… or at least a great story.

Happy 2026!! Pre-brief: Hannah and Stacy spent New Year’s Eve together and welcomed 2026 in the most on-brand unplanned, chaotic, fun way possible. We went from eating sushi and watching 紅白 (kouhaku) at Stacy’s house to somehow ending up at Bar Lion (club)… and yes, Stacy was definitely eyeing a cutie. A fun way to start the year indeed. Main topic: Of course we had to kick off our first episode of 2026 with New Year’s resolutions. We share our goals for the podcast - our subscriber number targets across all platforms, collab/guest ideas, and all the new things we’re excited to bring to the pod this year. We also dive into our personal resolutions for 2026 (fitness goals, new content ideas, hosting gatherings/clubs, traveling, etc.) Andddd to end things off (per usual), we go on a little rant about the “365 Buttons” and “Bean Soupification” theory trending on TikTok. If you don’t know what we’re talking about…don’t worry, we gotchu. It’s a new year, new energy, and it’s time to manifest !!!

Pre-Debrief: We’re recapping the M-1 Grand Prix from this past weekend (Japan’s biggest annual comedy competition), and talking about why this year’s winner たくろう(Takurou) absolutely deserved the win. We also dive into Netflix’s new love-reality show ラブ上等 (Badly in Love), and… yeah, we’re fully obsessed. If you haven’t started it yet, take this as your sign, highly recommend. Main Topic: Happy Holidays!!! Staying on theme, we share our holiday wish lists - both tangible (like being desperately ready to say goodbye to our iPhone 12s, needing more furniture for our new places, etc.) and intangible ones too (boyfriend vs. rental boyfriend??? lol). Since this is our last episode of the year, we also take a moment to reflect on this podcast and everything this year brought us. Huge thank you to everyone who listened to us yap about our lives, we love you!!! See you in 2026 :’)

This week, we’re skipping our usual pre-debrief and jumping straight into a topic we all deal with: jealousy. When you’re dating, feeling a little jealous is normal… right? We unpack the small (and not-so-small) things that can trigger it - from boyfriends with a “girl best friend,” following プチ influencers (up and coming influencers) on Instagram, realizing their ex is a totally different vibe from you, to that uncomfortable/weird/jealousy feeling when you find out you’re just one of many people they’re dating (ugh roaster dating). It’s honest and hopefully very relatable.

Pre-Debrief: Justin Bieber was in Tokyo for the launch of his new clothing brand, Skylrk. We love to see his ongoing obsession with Japan and honestly, we feel a little special that he chose Tokyo as the first launch spot lol. We also get into the dating rumors swirling around aespa’s Winter and BTS’s Jung Kook. Fans are spiraling over their matching fits and “twin” tattoos, but… let’s be real, no high-profile K-pop idols would ever intentionally show off that kind of thing if they were actually dating, right? Main Topic: This week’s episode is a bit different from the usual because we’re giving you a recap our own chaotic night out. After being stood up on a date (the audacity!!), Hannah comes to the rescue and Stacy had her very first Ebisu Yokocho adventure… and it did not disappoint. We break down the whole night, the three genres of men we encountered (the Tall Guy, the Suits Guy, and Eyebrow Man), and we discover how Stacy really acts when she sees someone she’s into. Tune in to our actual debrief!

Pre-debrief: Stacy has officially moved into her new place, and she may or may not have asked out the guy who helped her move her new furniture in (eeeeek!!) Meanwhile, Hannah recaps her much-needed YOLO trip to Hawaii, complete with unexpected new friends, almost getting into a fight, nearly passing out on a hike, and plenty of chaotic vacation energy. Main topic: We dive into 甘える vs. 甘えられたい - there's no direct translation in English, but the question of whether you prefer to be the one relying or the one being relied on. Think: emotional little spoon vs. big spoon energy. Hannah loves when a guy shows his soft, vulnerable side (again the ギャップ!), while Stacy prefers not to deal with too much 甘えん坊 behavior. Tune in to hear why our preferences differ, how this plays out when dating older vs. younger men, and what it says about modern relationship dynamics.

Pre-debrief: We’ve got a bit of Johnnys… uh, Starto (still getting used to that name) news for you! Unfortunately, Ae! group fans were hit with some sad updates: Richard was arrested on suspicion of public indecency, took a brief hiatus, and Starto has now announced his decision to leave the group. Meanwhile, the Heisei Kings KAT-TUN held their post-disbandment farewell concert… RIP. Also, are people still calling them Johnnys? Would we get cancelled for that? Starto? Both? We’re confused too. Main Topic: Ah yes… the Friendzone. Being friendzoned is awkward, and friendzoning someone is equally painful. We talk about the subtle things we do when we’re trying to friendzone someone; calling them “bro”, avoiding one-on-one hangouts by suddenly turning it into a group activity, or replying to texts like we’re writing a formal business email: “It was very nice meeting you as well. Hope all is well.” We also share our many stories of being friendzoned ourselves… including our personal favorite: the infamous…

Pre-Debrief (プリブリ):The annual 紅白歌合戦 (Kohaku Uta Gassen) lineup is finally out! Japan’s biggest New Year’s Eve music show is back with a stacked list of artists, including the reunion (kind of) of King & Prince and number_i, Hannah’s fave group &Team, Chanmina, and the queens Aespa… and the rumors that ARASHI might appear for their final Kohaku performance?! Main Topic:Should the guy pay on the first date? We share our unspoken rules and awkward encounters when it comes to money in dating and relationships. From the guy who pulled out coupons on the first date, to the mega-rich dude who wouldn’t shut up about his career while manspreading his takes on the current market - we’ve seen it all. And of course, Stacy brings another chaotic “would you rather” that ends with us split again.

Pre-Brief: Hannah’s deep in her Fit Girl era after signing up for Hyrox…but the training’s brutal. Will she make it? TBD. Stacy’s cheering her on (from the couch, naturally). The duo also dives into Vogue’s viral piece, “Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing?” (Spoiler: it kind of is…) Main Topic: The glow-up is real. Stacy and Hannah reflect on growing out of their awkward phases both inside and out. From better skincare and style to stronger mindsets and post-breakup reinventions, they’re sharing the habits, mindset shifts, and mini transformations that helped them level up. Tune in for the ultimate glow-up guide!

Pre-Debrief: Stacy has a major friend update (iykyk - go back to Ep 17)! She somehow made a new friend overnight?! Hannah couldn’t be prouder. Meanwhile, Hannah shares a bittersweet life update: she’s officially moved out of her very first apartment in Japan. From navigating complicated moving logistics to saying goodbye to her first home, it’s a real grown-up moment. Main topic: Happy Halloween! We’re keeping it festive with some of our own “scary” stories: letting a random stranger into your house (why did young Stacy think that was okay??), waking up to your mom wedged between you and your boyfriend in bed, catching ringworm from a makeout gone wrong, ikemen sleep paralysis, and more. 全部のオチ：「こわ〜〜〜いw」

Pre-brief: Watch Stacy gush over the new Netflix J-drama "Romantics Anonymous" because not only is it a great rom-com, but it stars none other than Heisei kings Oguri Shun and Akanishi Jin as romantic leads!! So sexy that we can't stop screaming like teenagers. Speaking of sexy - Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2025 was absolutely stunning, and Hannah gives us the rundown of all her favorite moments (like the OG angels reuniting!!) Main Topic: Goodbye hot girl summer, and hello cuffing season </3 It's suddenly getting super cold and chilly in Tokyo, which means that most people are getting ready to lock it in with their summer flings (or people who are already boo'ed up will just get to flaunt their love throughout the holidays). We have some conflicting feelings about this season, especially when there's weird pressure to not be alone during the festive months. Especially when both of us have had some lowkey traumatic memories of this time of year (yikes)...

Stacy just got back from her annual girls trip with her college besties, and she’s sharing the deets. Her 10-year friendversary consisted of lots of tears, and apparently a surprise strip show starring hot Korean men? 改めて、girlhood最高 <3 Main topic: We’re breaking down the biggest red flags we’ve seen in men, and why you should never ignore them. We cover all the greatest hits: raised voices, weaponized silent treatment, hot-and-cold behavior, animal haters, unsolicited advice…the list goes on. For our girlies: take this as your sign to RUN. And for anyone who feels like they’ve been called out, yes you are the problem.

Cultural Digest: We get into Taylor Swift’s new album - before Swifties come for us, let’s be clear: we are not haters, just…observers 😇. We talk about how the lyrics feel a little too TikTok-coded, and honestly, some of the negative feedback might be kinda valid. We also dive into the Japanese idol scandal involving a member of Aえ! Group arrested on a public indecency charge. Some fans say he was framed, others think he was just being drunk and dumb- but after seeing his emotional apology video post-release, we can’t help but wonder if there’s more to the story. Main topic: We’re getting real about cosmetic surgery and the evolution of beauty standards in the US and Japan. We spill about the procedures we’ve had done plus our honest advice from our experience. We also unpack how beauty ideals have shifted - from the “big booty” era to the current Ozempic slim phase.. and how celebrities are suddenly so open (or suspiciously not open) about getting work done. And of course, we compare it all with Japan’s…

Cultural digest: Japan's latest trend: a romance-focused personality test called "Love Type 16" (ラブタイプ診断) - basically MBTI, but for your love life (spoiler: Stacy and Hannah got the exact same result…which means we prob need to retake this lol). Plus, we reveal our current celebrity obsessions (which honestly changes almost weekly): Hannah's crushing on Dylan Efron, while Stacy’s deep in a Tyriq Withers rabbit hole. Main topic: Making friends as adults is fricking hard!! We talk about what it’s like trying to build friendships in Tokyo, how our approaches totally differ (Hannah’s a social butterfly, Stacy…is trying), and how we’re navigating awkward convos, friendship breakups, and even what we'd do if we crush on the same guy. Also, new club starting soon? Tennis? Books? Cooking? We don't know yet but we have a new goal for Stacy: make one new friend by the end of the year. Let’s hold her accountable.

Cultural Digest: This week we’re diving into the very messy cheating scandal shaking up the Japanese entertainment world - starring none other than Kentaro Sakaguchi, his former hair stylist, Mei Nagano, and Kei Tanaka. These A-listers who referred to each other as “big brother and little sister”were apparently getting a little too close behind the scenes… Main Topic: We asked our listeners what little things guys/gals do that instantly catch your attention (shoutout to everyone who sent in answers - thank youuu!!) and we also share our own takes. From the way men adjust their hats, the confidence of a good driver or that one-hand-on-the-wheel move… to escalator etiquette and that signature f***boy cologne we secretly can’t resist. We also specifically get into the party/club scene: smooth moves that make guys stand out and is super attractive, our picks for the best clubs in Tokyo, and of course, why dance-floor makeout sessions remain undefeated.

Cultural digest: We don’t usually weigh in on politics, but we felt it was important to briefly acknowledge what’s happened recently — in short, he was a hateful person who met the fate of his own rhetoric, and empathy can only stretch so far. Main topic: Ah, the things we do when you’re down bad for someone. Camera roll full of screenshots of convos, asking your friends “what it means”, full-blown FBI-level background checks, walking the long way home just to have more time w him, whipping up baked goods to prove you’re “wifey material” (even though you never bake...) It’s all the slightly embarrassing stuff we’ve all done when we’re wayyyy too into someone… but sorry we can’t help it??

Cultural digest: Sabrina Carpenter’s new album “Man’s Best Friend” is a solid “ok” but what’s more interesting is the public’s critique. The album cover art and her overall portrayal of women is questionable at best, yet her fans defend the album as satire of the male gaze. Sabrina’s own explanation left us… honestly, scratching our heads a little, so we unpack our opinion on why this one isn’t exactly our fave. Main topic: Dating in the digital age is all about mastering the art of a perfect Instagram story for that one person to see, post-date DMs, “bad” texters, and doing a full FBI background check before a first date. Warning: we go so off topic throughout this episode, because as always, we don’t see eye to eye on things like — how often we wanna see our partners, planned vs. spontaneous dates, and even the question: keigo on a date…yes or no? And because we can’t help ourselves, we give a little shout-out to our haters out there<33

This week we’re unpacking the latest phenomenon: performative males. You know the type - the ones who brand themselves as“not like other guys” yet somehow end up exactly the same. Think: self-proclaimed feminists only when it benefits them, men who use therapy as an accessory for clout, and those who put on Oscar-worthy performances on dates…like is this really genuine or are you doing this to manipulate us? Yes, this episode is definitely biased toward our own experiences (and the questionable men we’ve witnessed), but it’s a warning worth hearing. The epidemic is real!

Cultural digest: GAP understood the assignment!! Their new jeans ad with KATSEYE is everything American Eagle wished it was - fun, stylish, and actually tasteful. Meanwhile, AKB48’s 神7 comeback stage on Music Station threw us right back into the golden idol era. But let’s be real, with groups like CUTIE STREET and FRUITS ZIPPER on the rise, there is a new generation of idols that's taking the crown. Main topic: Let’s talk about Nanpa (aka, hitting on women). Because honestly… who is teaching these Tokyo guys these lame techniques? From the classic “おねえさん、かわいいですね” to the ever-tired “1杯飲みません？” We break down why these lines aren’t it. We share our own Nanpa encounters, why we’re way better at reverse nanpa 逆ナン (sorry boys), and give our advice on how to actually ask someone out. A survival guide for both guys and girls… let’s all up our game.

Cultural Digest: Heisei-core is back and it’s feeding our souls. A new J-drama starring millennial dream team Oguri Shun and Akanishi Jin (yes, they're full-on dads now) has us screaming. RIPSLYME briefly returns, along with a remake of the iconic 熱帯夜 lip-sync video — except now the teens are adults and it's エモい af. Orange Range is also back with a Heisei version of イケナイ太陽, and honestly? We’ve never felt more alive. Main Topic: SUMMER SONIC 2025 BABYYYY!!! We went to Summer Sonic and (barely) survived to tell the tale -- Stacy came prepared for the apocalypse with cooling towels and tons of frozen water bottles, while Hannah brought the good vibes. We recap the chaotic scorching hot outdoor fest, the equally ~hot~ artists we saw, and everything in between.

Cultural Digest: This week, we globe-hop through the most unserious corners of the internet so you don't have to: 🇺🇸 In the US: Ben Platt’s Diet Pepsi cover is… kinda divine? And Taylor Swift has announced an album pre pre-sale because apparently we’ll buy anything as long as it comes with a pastel Instagram post. 🇯🇵 In Japan: number_i dropped a new track that we’re not allowed to say is bad or else hardcore fans will target us (but it is), and everyone's favorite meme these days: 2.5-dimensional musical clips. 🇨🇳 From China: the EDM rock-paper-scissors trend has us hypnotized and confused — like, what are the rules??? Main Topic: Soft launch vs. hard launch: the chaotic spectrum of modern love. We expose the subtle ways we’ve both soft-launched guys (yes, the "not-so-subtly showing a guy's hand" pic), unpack the weird energy of men who refuse to post their girlfriends (you’re not a high-profile figure, just post babe), and debate if being posted online actually means anything anymore.

Cultural digest: Here we go again… Sydney Sweeney’s controversial American Eagle ad that highkey promotes eugenics (gross), the latest Love Island USA drama: Kenny being the actual worst man ever to Jana (leaked messages, ChatGPT-generated apology, the hopes of a Call Her Daddy exposé), and Stacy also shares the best thing she bought this year: a Uniqlo wireless bra. And we uncover yet another “oh…we’re really different” moment between the two of us - but you’ll have to listen to hear it. Our main topic: The torture of dating someone who is your ideal type to a T. You know, the ex you know you shouldn’t get back with, but because he’s your exact type on paper, he’s still haunting your thoughts (and sometimes your dreams…). Stacy opens up about losing herself in that relationship, and how she's still haunted by him to this day because she fears she may never meet a guy who is as hot as him. Come listen to Stacy spiral, and feel free to drop your advice in the comments because…she definitely needs it :')

Cultural digest: Japan’s recent election and why voting here still feels confusing af, Justin Bieber back with SWAG (but also…is he actually okay?), Jeff Bezos’s wedding guest list… because why was it so fcking random? Our main topic: Are you still friends with your ex?? Hannah says yes. Stacy says absolutely not. We get into the messiness of staying friendly with exes, situationships, the “what-ifs,” and why we each approach dating so differently. Hannah tends to turn a blind eye to red flags (and makes excuses for why they’re probably fine, blame the ~potential~), while Stacy cuts men off at the first sign of anything shady. Her motto? -- “Guilty until proven innocent.” Plus, an unhinged situationship story you don’t want to miss.

Starting this week we’re gonna start off every episode with the hottest topics of the week and then talk about our main topic :) So to start off: from Astronomer CEO Andy getting caught cheating ~during~ a Coldplay concert (!!!), to the Love Island US drama (#Nicholandria stannn), to dating rumors between Ren Nagase and Hamabe Minami - we’re breaking down all the chaos. And for the real tea: Pick Me energy. We unpack the difference between the Western “Pick Me girl” and Japan’s version - the あざと女子 (azato-joshi) - and yep, we’ve met a few. From girls who play dumb to seem “cute,” to guys who proudly say they’re “not like other men,” we’re calling out the cringe and the cunning. Stay tuned for real-life encounters and shady quotes we’ve unfortunately heard :’)

Past few weeks have been full of juicy Kpop gossip, and you already know that’s our specialty. We overanalyze the fact that Blackpink and TWICE made their comebacks on the same damn day (tea), get all sappy reminiscing about 2nd gen legends like Super Junior and Girls’ Generation, and do a rundown on all the recent drama surrounding 4th gen groups like IVE and Aespa. What makes each generation so iconic…and so different? If you don’t know anything about Kpop, don’t worry we got you covered ;)

We’re back with episode 5, and this time we’re psychoanalyzing ourselves (and everyone else). These days in Japan, “What’s your MBTI?” is the new “What’s your blood type?” or “What’s your zodiac sign?” So of course, we had to break down our favorite topic: MBTIs and Love Languages - what they say about us, and how we love (or clash) with our friends and partners. And yes, Stacy and Hannah are opposites…again.