Quarter Life Archives

The time has come: Season 1 of Quarter Life Archives has reached its end and we couldn’t be prouder. We are so grateful for all our listeners who have tuned in for the lighthearted and serious topics that we’ve covered on this podcast. For our last episode, we’re looking back at a year of social distancing and answering quarantine trivia questions about our new habits, hobbies, and lifestyle. We’re exposing the good and the bad, and getting personal about how this pandemic year has changed us. Grab a drink and join us for our season finale!

Looking back at your teenage years means reflecting on moments of embarrassment, insecurity and inexperience. Today, we’re taking a walk down memory lane together with our guest Shawn. Whether it’s appreciating every moment or caring less about what other people think, these are the things we wish we knew when we were younger. Despite all our ups and downs, one thing is for certain: We all miss having less responsibility. 

In the wake of Sarah Everard's death, we found ourselves once again discussing the issue of women's safety with our girlfriends. The reoccurring problems are all too familiar. Whether it's being harassed by strangers, shamed by the public, or intimidated by people in power, women unfortunately have been forced to adapt to a life of inequality. In this episode, we are sharing the stories of our female friends to demonstrate the many varieties of harassment and assault we encounter regularly. We are raising awareness and offering suggestions on what men can do to help women feel more safe. 

Types of harassment & sexual assault: 

• https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/discrimination/what-are-the-different-types-of-discrimination/harassment/
• https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/discrimination/what-are-the-different-types-of-discrimination/sexual-harassment/
• https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/9426-workplace-harassment.html
• https://www.rainn.org/articles/sexual-assault

Surveys & statistics: 

• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women
• https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/SexualHarassmentreport2016.pdf
• https://www.rainn.org/statistics/victims-sexual-violence
• https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/facts-and-figures
• https://www.unwomenuk.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/APPG-UN-Women-Sexual-Harassment-Report_Updated.pdf

Victim support in the Netherlands: 

• https://slachtofferwijzer.nl/how-is-victim-support-regulated-in-the-netherlands/

Victim support in the United Kingdom: 

• https://www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/get-help/

United States sexual violence hotline: 

• https://hotline.rainn.org/online

You should travel while you're young! At least that's what everybody says, right? Although still perceived as a luxury, travelling abroad is now cheaper, easier and more accessible than ever before. At the same time, there are more things to consider now: Should I be travelling if I can't afford it? How harmful is overseas travel on the environment? Is the local community benefitting from my presence? These are the questions we will be answering today, as we deep dive into what it means to travel responsibly in a world post Covid-19. 

For both Noni and our guest Dana, coming from a developing country (Indonesia and Egypt respectively) means they share certain frustrations on how some people view their home. Today, we're defining what it means to be classified as a developing country and exploring the ways in which mainstream media has altered general perceptions. We'll also be discussing global power dynamics and examining how charities and aid programs have the potential to do more harm than good.

Part 2 of an important conversation on the significance of contraceptives. Why should they be used, what are your options, and why should men be involved in the process? These questions will all be answered in our two-part episode with our guest Nicole, a final-year medical student with a lot of knowledge to share. In Part 2 we're continuing our discussion on birth control pills, hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptive methods. We're also talking emergency contraceptives and why they shouldn't be your Plan A. 

Part 1 of an important conversation on the significance of contraceptives. Why should they be used, what are your options, and why should men be involved in the process? These questions will all be answered in our two-part episode with our guest Nicole, a final-year medical student with a lot of knowledge to share. In Part 1 we're discussing the least effective methods of birth control, ranging from pulling out and condoms to fertility awareness. We're also touching on consent and introducing the benefits and drawbacks of the birth control pill. 

Living in a foreign place means that you're bound to stumble upon unexpected and potentially odd cultural differences. As two internationals studying in the Netherlands, we've had our fair share of surprises. This week we are debunking common misconceptions about the Dutch, ranging from weed culture to spending habits, and discussing the things we find most confusing about the country we have come to love.

GME, r/wallstreetbets and the stock market - All terms that have been in high circulation the past few weeks. Investing is something most people know they should do, but unfortunately many feel they lack the knowledge or ability to start. So, this week we're welcoming back Chris to share his journey as an amateur investor and help make the stock market less intimidating for us beginners. 

Long distance relationships - A choice few people dare to make, and yet a reality many people now have to face. Although there is no blueprint on how to make such a relationship last, our resident long-distance expert Karina tells her story on going the distance. Communicating well, setting expectations and learning to be happy alone are just some of the tips she shares.

Growing up with any kind of cultural influence is bound to leave a mark. Today we’re discussing family matters through the lens of a (semi-)Asian upbringing. Managing expectations, dealing with hierarchy and balancing your social/dating life are all part of the experience. Not Asian? No problem. Maybe our cultures have more things in common than you’d expect.

Getting out of an unhealthy relationship is always easier said than done. Realising that your friend or partner's behaviour may be harmful can take time, and even then there's room for error. In today's episode, we're tackling the complexities of recognising toxic relationships and learning to put yourself first.

With any age or generation, there are generalisations, criticisms and opinions to be heard. This week, we included our listeners in our discussion and asked them which common assumptions bother them. The result: A conversation on tackling ageism, understanding hardships and technology's impact on society.

We’re happy to announce that Noni has managed to secure her first job! Although a very exciting time, starting a job doesn’t come without its own troubles and mishaps. Today we’re chatting about those common and awkward first week experiences. We’ll also be touching on how the pandemic has affected work life and potentially created a more challenging environment for a newcomer.

Dating can be difficult, even more so when you're living through a pandemic, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth trying. In this episode, we'll be exchanging stories on dating with online platforms, coming to terms with inexperience and giving some insight on problems women face regularly.

As we grow older one thing seems clear, the friends you make are the ones who shape the memories you have. Regardless of how you met, each relationship has the potential to last or be forgotten. Today we talk with our guest Chris about those special relationships and how age and circumstances change our perception of what's important. 

You’ve completed the chapter in your life everyone says will be life-changing, now what? Together with our first guest David, we’ll be talking about what paths we chose post-uni, societal pressure and starting a master during a pandemic.

Starting anew can be daunting for anyone. That’s why this week we’ll be talking about one of the most monumental times in your early twenties, going to college or university. We’ll be chatting about our decision to study in The Netherlands, Dutch student life, moving abroad and coping with feelings of regret.

Get to know Noni and Karina, a pair of unlikely friends brought together by the decision to move to the country where bicycles reign. In this short preview, we’ll be reflecting on our life here, how the pandemic has disrupted our future, and how this podcast helps us overcome our own static lives.