

the matcha diaries
cara and leo
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. ☕
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
Mentioned books

Jan 24, 2024 • 31min
struggling to make genuine connections & how to be a good friend
In this episode, cara dives into the topic of struggling to make genuine connections:
self-discovery: she unpacks the challenges faced when leaving familiar surroundings and entering new social circles. the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of cultural differences and societal expectations.
instant connections vs. effortful relationships: the gut feeling of instant connections and the pondering of why some relationships require more effort. cara emphasises the value of getting to know people beyond first impressions.
quality over quantity: cara discusses the misconception of needing to connect with everyone and the significance of cherishing authentic connections. exploring the idea that different friendships serve different purposes.
friendship realities vs. social media fantasies: she addresses the influence of social media in shaping unrealistic expectations of friendships. recognising that true connections involve effort (highs&lows).
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 you can join us here we are reading eat, pray, love for our January read <3 <3
for advertising opportunities, or you don't have any social media and want to chat, please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.com

Jan 10, 2024 • 1h 15min
the reality of growing up: quarter life crisis vibes & internalised misogyny
In this podcast, the hosts reflect on the reality of growing up in their mid-late twenties, exploring topics like internalized misogyny, beauty standards, existentialism, and evolving perspectives on aging. They discuss the representation of 'older' women in media, reflect on aging and future milestones, and navigate the challenges of the corporate world. They also touch on the pressure to look younger, the importance of embracing life and accepting imperfections, and share book and TV show recommendations.

Jan 3, 2024 • 1h 3min
2024 is going to be iconic
EEPPP how is it already time for our first episode of 2024 and in our opinion its ICONIC.
2024… we feel excited, nervous, scared, and grateful for everything that is to come. join us as we continue with our tradition and take this time to set our intentions for the upcoming year…new habits we want to introduce, patterns we want to break and goals we want to achieve. We also discuss the ways in which we want to push ourselves out of our comfort zone this year!
If you would like to join us in this tradition here are the questions that we answer (it honestly is such a fun journaling exercise to do and one to look back on at the end of the year)
What is one overarching intention you would like to set for this coming year? (Potentially choose one word that reflects this - our ‘word of the year’)
What are three ways you will push yourself out of your comfort zone in 2024?
What do you want to do more of in 2024?
What do you want to do less of in 2024?
What are three things you want to accomplish in 2024 (can be small/big)
Thanks again for all of you that have listened to us in 2023 and we are truly excited to continue to make content (that is hopefully better for all of you)
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 in the process of picking our January read <3 <3
for advertising opportunities, or you don't have any social media and want to chat, please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.com

Jan 1, 2024 • 1h 30min
what we've (all) learnt in 2023 🌟
In this special reflection episode, the hosts answer journal prompts about their past year. They discuss their wins, challenges, and lessons learned. They reflect on personal growth and the importance of navigating difficult experiences. They also talk about expanding their reading preferences, reflecting on happiness and contentment, and navigating stress and the need for control. The speakers discuss personal growth, the challenges of communication, and explore the humor in feeling nervous.

Dec 23, 2023 • 53min
q&a: living intentionally & keeping spirits up during the christmas season - podmas #12
we can't believe this is our final podmas episode EEP!!! In this q&a styled episode we answer some of your questions around:
living in the moment and living intentionally
how our friendship has changed now that we are long distance girlies
our all time favourite book
our advice on how to keep spirits up when feeling down during the christmas season
we honestly loved doing this podmas series and we hope you enjoyed it just as much <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 BOOK CLUB... you can join us here current book of the month is 'iron flame' by rebecca yarros).
Don’t forget to email us a voice note of you telling us one thing that you have learnt in 2023 - we will put this in our 2023 reflections episode <3
for advertising opportunities, or you don't have any social media and want to chat, please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.com

Dec 21, 2023 • 26min
finding balance in the winter season - podmas #11
In this solo episode I share all the things I am going to try do to find balance and stillness in the winter/festive season. From setting boundaries and saying ‘NO’, digital detoxes, setting intentions & removing guilt.
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 'iron flame' by rebecca yarros).
Don’t forget to email us a voice note of you telling us one thing that you have learnt in 2023 - we will put this in our 2023 reflections episode <3
for advertising opportunities, or you don't have any social media and want to chat, please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.com

Dec 19, 2023 • 57min
surviving cuffing season single ft isabella mayer - podmas #10
Isabella Mayer, a friend of the host, discusses being single in your twenties during the holiday season and beyond. They talk about not feeling behind in dating, appreciating being single, stopping the need for male validation, learning about love from platonic relationships, and solo date ideas.

Dec 17, 2023 • 16min
a christmas story - podmas #9
grab yourself a hot drink & get COSY because we're reading you a christmas story in today's episode! we read 'the gift of the magi' by o'henry (a story that growing up i've always been told about by my grandma, aka you already know it's a good one). we hope you enjoy this slightly different style of episode & it makes u feel the festive spirit (as it definitely did for us!).
and as promised, if you're interested in reading more stories linking them all below.
the gift of the magi - o. henry
https://americanenglish.state.gov/files/ae/resource_files/1-the_gift_of_the_magi_0.pdf
https://webhome.auburn.edu/~vestmon/Gift_of_the_Magi.html
a christmas dream - louisa may alcott
https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/40682/pg40682-images.html#a-christmas-dream
“The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle” - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1661/pg1661-images.html#chap07
a child’s christmas in wales - dylan thomas
https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks07/0701261h.html
some short christmas stories - charles dickens
https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1467/pg1467-images.html
even more available here: https://teaandinksociety.com/classic-christmas-short-stories-read-online/*
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

Dec 15, 2023 • 44min
gift ideas (+ fave gifts we’ve given/received) - podmas #8
this episode is for those of you who maybe haven't been as organised as you would have liked to be and still are SCRAMBLING for some last minute present ideas for christmas! we share sooo many gift ideas we have for this year, as well as our favourite gifts we've given & received.. 99.999% guarantee that there'll be something in this list which someone in your life will love hehe <3
and even if it should be too late for christmas this year, then these still apply for any gift giving occasions.
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 'iron flame' by iron flame).
for advertising opportunities, or you don't have any social media and want to chat, please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.com
logo credit: @french75studio

Dec 13, 2023 • 41min
our christmas stories, favourite memories & rituals - podmas #7
get to know what christmas is really like for cara&leo's family in this personal cosy podmas episode. We share some of the routines, traditions (some are way over the top), and our favourite memories!x
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 'iron flame' by rebecca yarros).
for advertising opportunities, or you don't have any social media and want to chat, please email us at: thematchadiariespod@gmail.com
logo credit: @french75studio