In partnership with Cotton
We’ve all experienced it—that moment of walking into someone’s home and instantly feeling a connection to the space. “This is so you,” we might say, recognizing how the environment perfectly reflects its inhabitant’s personality. While minimalist beige interiors have dominated design trends for years, there’s a refreshing countermovement emerging that celebrates individuality and emotional resonance in our living spaces.
Dopamine decor, as this movement has come to be known, isn’t simply about aesthetic choices—it’s about cultivating environments that genuinely elevate your mood. By thoughtfully incorporating vibrant colors, rich textures, and meaningful personal treasures, your space becomes more than just visually appealing—it becomes emotionally nourishing.
What makes this approach so compelling is its inherent individuality. Your version of “happy” is entirely personal, which means dopamine decor manifests differently in each home. Some might gravitate toward saturated jewel tones and bold patterns, while others might find joy in softer palettes punctuated with meaningful objects. The common thread is intentionality—surrounding yourself with elements that spark genuine pleasure.
Creating a space that nurtures your well-being doesn’t require a complete renovation. Small, strategic changes can transform both the look and feel of your home:
The fixtures that came with your home likely prioritized function over personality. Consider swapping standard sconces for options that make a statement while casting a warm, inviting glow throughout your space.
While hardwood and tile create beautiful foundations, they often lack the tactile comfort that boosts our sense of well-being. A thoughtfully chosen rug can introduce color, pattern, and texture simultaneously, transforming a hallway or foyer into a moment of daily delight.
Perhaps the most liberating aspect of dopamine decor is its emphasis on personal meaning over rigid design principles. That slightly amateur watercolor from a dear friend? The ceramic figurine discovered during your travels? These pieces deserve prominent display—preferably on a shelf in your favorite vibrant hue.
Most dopamine-rich spaces share one element: they don’t shy away from color. That shade you’ve always been drawn to but never incorporated into your decor (chartreuse, perhaps?) deserves exploration. If painting walls feels too permanent, start with accent pieces like throw pillows or framed artwork.
Bringing elements of nature indoors creates an immediate sense of vitality and calm. Living plants add movement, color, and improved air quality, though even those without a green thumb can find options that thrive with minimal attention—African violets and pothos are particularly forgiving companions.
Beyond living elements, natural materials add layers of sensory richness to our environments. The new Cotton x Abbode Heirloom Collection perfectly exemplifies this principle. This collaboration between Cotton and New York City’s Abbode embroidery studio transforms 100 percent cotton table linens into everyday treasures with hand-embroidered florals, playful cutlery designs, and charming cake slice motifs.
What sets these pieces apart is their balance of heirloom quality with practical livability—they’re as washable as they are beautiful, designed to be used regularly rather than saved for special occasions. The embroidered table runners and whimsical napkins embody the essence of dopamine decor: bringing joy to daily rituals through materials that feel as good as they look.
Once you’ve identified elements that resonate with your personal sense of joy, consider anchoring your space with a focal piece. A statement chair, for example, can establish the emotional tone of a room while providing practical comfort. The key is choosing something that makes you smile each time you see it.
Natural light remains one of the most powerful mood elevators in any interior. If architectural changes like adding skylights aren’t possible, consider minimizing window coverings to maximize the sunlight that filters through your space throughout the day.
What makes dopamine decor so revolutionary is its rejection of one-size-fits-all design in favor of deeply personal expression. By surrounding yourself with colors, textures, and objects that trigger positive emotional responses, your home becomes more than just a showcase—it becomes a sanctuary that actively contributes to your well-being.
Whether it’s through the cheerful embroidery of the Cotton x Abbode Heirloom Collection gracing your dinner table or the perfect shade of blue on your bookshelf, these thoughtful touches transform routine moments into opportunities for joy. In a world that often feels increasingly standardized, there’s profound pleasure in creating spaces that are unmistakably, authentically yours.
Ready to bring this approach to your own table? The Cotton x Abbode Heirloom Collection is available at ShopAbbode.com, offering a perfect starting point for infusing your everyday rituals with sustainable style and genuine character.
Rihanna just wowed us with another fabulously public pregnancy reveal at the Met Gala (remember her Super Bowl halftime performance that made us forget about the actual game?) Her red carpet appearance got us thinking about how weird it must be to unveil your baby bump when you’re in the public eye. Do you just kind of let it happen? Or do you make a statement?
Some stars have turned their baby bumps into performance art—here are the most iconic moments that redefined celebrity pregnancy reveals forever.
Before she decided to, controversially, go to space for some reason, Katy Perry was focused on normal pop star things, like making music videos. And on March 4, 2020, she used her art to reveal her pregnancy! At the end of the video for “Never Worn White,” she revealed a stunning baby bump while standing ethereal and goddess-like in flowing fabric, undoubtedly launching a thousand maternity photo shoot Pinterest boards. She gave birth to daughter Daisy Dove Bloom, who she shares with husband Orlando Bloom, on August 26, 2020.
One of Them Days star Keke Palmer put speculation that she might be pregnant to rest when she appeared on Saturday Night Live. She delivered her whole opening monologue in a stylish trench coat, before saying, “’There’s some rumours going around. People have been in my comments saying ‘Keke’s having a baby,’ ‘Keke’s pregnant,’ and I want to set the record straight.” Then she opened up the trench and revealed her bump, saying “I am!”
Keke’s comedic timing never misses.
Kourtney Kardashian pulled off an amazing surprise at her husband Travis Barker’s Blink-182 concert in 2023, holding up a sign in the audience that read “TRAVIS I’M PREGNANT” for all to see. A visibly moved Barker ran offstage to give his wife a huge hug and kiss. There’s nothing like seeing a surprised dad get all teary. Nice job, Kourtney.
As everyone who’s seen the Cowboy Carter tour footage knows, Beyoncé is now a proud mom to 3 kids—Blue Ivy, 13, and twins Sir and Rumi, 7. But Queen Bey wowed the world during the 2011 VMAs when, after blowing the roof off the joint with “Love On Top,” she unbuttoned her tuxedo jacket and cradled her new baby bump with a smile that said everything. Apparently that moment broke the then-Twitter record by generating 8,868 tweets per second.
Blue, the icon that you are—that girl has been onstage and smashing records since before she was born!
This one’s a deep cut, but it’s one of the most iconic pregnancy reveals of all time. Did you know that before Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz insisted that Lucy’s pregnancy be written into I Love Lucy, the Code of Television Practices forbade discussion of anything remotely sexual—even pregnancy between a married couple—on air? (Yes, pregnancy was sexual, because it implied that the married couple had, y’know, had sex.)
Arnaz and Ball fought for the storyline, ultimately changing the landscape of TV forever and giving us one of the sweetest, most genuine moments in all of sitcom history. They still weren’t allowed to say “pregnant” on screen, but it was a step in the right direction.
Without this moment, would we still be using “expecting” as a euphemism? Pretending babies arrive via stork? (In these times, who knows, maybe we’re already headed back there!)
So in their own unique ways, each of these women turned a private milestone into a cultural touchstone, showing that pregnancy announcements don’t have to be PR statements. They can be art, comedy, surprise, even revolution. Somewhere a publicist is already plotting the next viral baby bump moment.
For more celebrity gossip and hot takes, listen to Comments By Celebs, The Toast, and Not Skinny But Not Fat.
The biggest celebrity courtroom drama of 2025 isn’t another A-list divorce or a Real Housewife tax scandal. Instead, a case is unfolding and shaking the entire foundation of hip-hop, celebrity culture, and power dynamics in the music industry. The Diddy trial is officially underway, and it’s as high-stakes as it is shocking.
Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently facing a federal trial for sex trafficking, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy, among other serious charges. According to NBC News, jury selection began amid heavy media scrutiny, with federal prosecutors painting a disturbing picture of a man who allegedly used his wealth and influence to operate a predatory network behind closed doors.
In short? This isn’t just a fall-from-grace moment—it’s a potential industry-wide reckoning.
Combs has denied all allegations through his attorneys, and his legal team is portraying the narrative as a “witch hunt” against a successful Black businessman. However, the Department of Justice seems to be playing a long game, backed by years of evidence, witness testimony, and even confiscated surveillance footage.
If convicted on all counts, Diddy could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. According to The Independent, the most serious of the federal charges—sex trafficking—alone carries a minimum of 15 years and can result in life, depending on the number of victims, use of coercion, and whether minors were involved.
Combined with obstruction and conspiracy charges, prosecutors are targeting what they allege is a criminal enterprise that operated under the guise of a music empire.
Legal experts have compared this to the R. Kelly and Jeffrey Epstein cases, with one key difference: Diddy has continuously operated in plain sight, backed by decades of fame, connections, and business clout.
In theory? Yes. In practice? It’s complicated.
While Diddy could take a plea deal, it would come with significant strings attached. Pleading guilty requires him to name names and provide extensive cooperation, which could expose an entire network of co-conspirators and enablers in the entertainment industry.
That means if a plea is even on the table, it won’t be quiet—and it won’t be clean.
As NBC News reports, Diddy’s legal team hasn’t publicly ruled out any option. Still, sources say the government incentivizes cooperation, especially given how many prominent figures have already been implicated in sealed documents.
This is where the trial starts to feel less like court proceedings and more like a twisted Hollywood roll call.
According to Variety, several high-profile celebrities, including Michael B. Jordan, Kanye West, Kid Cudi, and Mike Myers, are considered potential witnesses or have been named in legal filings. The reasons range from alleged eyewitness accounts to connections through business deals or private parties.
To be clear, being on the witness list doesn’t mean these celebrities did anything wrong—it just means they might have relevant information.
While the criminal trial gets the headlines, the civil suits reveal deeper narratives and allow many survivors to finally have their say.
Diddy has settled multiple civil suits quietly, including one high-profile case brought by singer Cassie Ventura. She accused him of repeated abuse, sexual coercion, and surveillance over their nearly decade-long relationship. The lawsuit was dropped just one day after it was filed, with both sides releasing statements that the matter was resolved “amicably.”
Since then, at least six more women have come forward with similar allegations: promises of fame, offers of mentorship, and eventual emotional and/or physical exploitation. One suit alleges he flew young women across state lines under false pretenses—key evidence supporting the federal sex trafficking charge.
Many of the women claim they were silenced through non-disclosure agreements, threats, or hush money, a tactic eerily similar to what we’ve seen in other celebrity abuse cases.
The civil suits have also shed light on the culture of intimidation surrounding Diddy’s inner circle—bodyguards, assistants, and executives allegedly helping to cover up the behavior instead of stopping it.
The Diddy trial isn’t just about one man—it exposes an industry that has long protected its power players at the expense of the vulnerable. It’s about celebrity, privilege, and the limits of immunity when the receipts are this damning.
While a conviction could mark a decisive win for survivors and accountability, the cultural fallout is just beginning.
We’ll be updating this post as the trial continues—because if there’s one thing this case makes clear, it’s that the age of silence in the music industry may finally be coming to an end.
Women are constantly being sold skincare products—and it sometimes feels impossible to know what we should or shouldn’t buy. But fear not! Clearstem founders Danielle Gronich and Kayleigh Christiana dropped by Wellness Her Way to share some of their best tips for fighting acne. Gronich is a clinical esthetician and Christiana is an integrative health practitioner who both share a passion for a comprehensive, whole-body approach to healing.
Wellness Her Way host Gracie Norton asked them some of our biggest burning (well, hopefully not burning!) acne questions.
If you learn nothing else from Gronich and Christiana, learn to check all products for pore-clogging ingredients. Gronich says people are uneducated about the ingredients in our products.
Christiana explains that problematic ingredients exist in both natural and conventional products. Clean beauty often contains coconut oil, shea butter, and algae derivatives, while conventional products use ingredients like isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate—names so difficult to pronounce that most people simply overlook them.
Christiana points out that fillers make up 95 percent of the product, while the active ingredients you’re actually buying it for represent just two percent of it. These fillers—approximately a hundred different agents—are what typically cause acne.
“Some are natural and seemingly friendly, like coconut oil,” notes Gronich. “You’re like, ‘Great. I cook with coconut oil. It must be great if I’m eating it. It’s natural.’” But Gronich warns, “natural means nothing.” Something that gets broken down easily by your stomach might not properly break down on your skin.
Clearstem’s website has a “pore clogging ingredients checker” that you can use to evaluate any product. Gronich notes that “non-comedogenic” labels can be misleading since this testing focuses on allergic reactions rather than pore-clogging potential, which explains why products with coconut oil and shea butter can still carry this label.
Maybe—but they might be hiding acne triggers. “When I first met Danielle [Gronich], I was at the height of my biohacking phase,” says Christiana. “I was taking so many supplements. I was experimenting with colostrum for gut health at the time. I had no idea that colostrum is literally dairy. So if you break out from dairy, you will break out from colostrum.”
She advises evaluating all supplements,including protein powders, greens powders, pre-workouts, and other daily concoctions for excess amounts of B12, zinc, vitamin D and biotin.
“Zinc in high amounts can spike testosterone,” explains Gronich. “I see that all the time, cold and flu season, people start taking zinc, and everyone comes in with, like, mustache acne.”
Gronich adds that many people assume health supplements are universally beneficial, not realizing they’re often getting ten times the necessary dosage of, for example, B12, which can cause hormonal acne along the jawline.
It depends on your needs. Here’s what the founders recommend:
Gronich recommends a varied toolkit for exfoliation. She suggests using a physical scrub that acts as a polish to remove dead skin without stripping your barrier.
How to work an exfoliating scrub into your skincare routine is up to you. You can use a scrub for just 10 seconds a few times a week or for a full minute once a week. The key, Gronich emphasizes, is being gentle and consistent rather than overdoing it.
You should use a physical exfoliant—“like a gentle scrub,” Gronich specifies—and an alpha hydroxy acid. You may have used salicylic acid, which is commonly prescribed and great for oily skin, but have you ever tried mandelic acid? That’s the one that the Clearstem founders are really going wild for right now.
Mandelic acid works by physically unclogging the congestion in your pores. It’s effective against all types of acne, says Gronich, explaining, “You just leave it alone on your skin for about 15 minutes, and then you go and add your next step.”
“Everyone’s got a different sweet spot,” Gronich says. The right amount of exfoliation depends on your skin type and goals, stopping short of where your barrier becomes dry.
Gronich and Christiana agree that not nearly enough dermatologists or functional medicine doctors use bloodwork to make their recommendations. “I’m the biggest fan of blood work,” says Christiana. “Anytime people are like, I don’t know where to start, I’m like, go get your lab testing. Because until you have data based off of your own body, how are you going to know where to start? It’s literally a map. It’s like a guide.”
She points out that not all functional medicine doctors understand acne well. “A lot of naturopaths and functional medicine people will put people on way too high amounts of B12. And they’ll think, ‘Oh, your skin’s breaking out because you’re purging, you’re detoxing.’ That may or may not be true. Sometimes it’s just too much B12.”
Hydrate: Gronich recommends drinking at least half a liter of water before any caffeine, whether you choose matcha or coffee.
Eat veggies: With the help of an endocrinologist, Christiana says she eliminated nearly everything from her diet and included two servings of cooked vegetables with every meal. Later, she was able to integrate more foods back in, but the veggies definitely stuck. “I have never felt better. So now I have greens for breakfast and a little bit of sausage or bacon. It’s the best.”
Get protein and exercise, in whichever order you prefer: Christiana advises following your body’s preferences rather than forcing yourself into someone else’s routine. If you need food before working out, eat something—don’t fast just because others recommend it. The goal is getting about 30 grams of protein before 11 a.m., regardless of your exercise timing.
Wash your face—but not with hot water: “Cool and lukewarm water, have at it. Do that all you want,” says Gronich. “Do the face dunking and ice, all the things. But hot water, avoid at all costs. Especially when it’s beading on your face. Hot water causes damage to the skin.”
According to Gronich, hot water prevents healing of acne, scars, and wrinkles, making all these conditions worse. “Your acne will become more aggressive and your wrinkles will actually look deeper,” she says.
The founders have tested this theory by having clients stop washing with hot water and photographing their crow’s feet before and after. Christiana reports the wrinkles typically reduce by half—“It’s like Botox.”
Gronich also notes that people often over-cleanse because their pores are visibly congested from using products with pore-clogging ingredients. Once these ingredients are eliminated, skin behaves much better. “You wake up in the morning, your skin is fine. You splash off in your T-zone if you need it, and then you go about your day. And you want to splash off in the morning instead of doing a deep cleanse because that’s how you preserve your barrier. And that’s what’s going to make you age better. Because when you dry your skin out in the morning, you get UV damage faster. And that’s what causes most aging,” Gronich says.
In the evening, use lukewarm water and an effective, yet gentle cleanser to remove the day’s accumulation of sweat, pollution, and products.
Okay, that’s a lot of info. But the key takeaways are straightforward—check the ingredients in everything, be aware of your diet and supplements, and be gentle with your face.
Check out the full episode for tips on treating acne through nutrition. For more info on how to take care of you, listen to Wellness Her Way.
Author and content creator Drew Afualo has built her career on calling out men online, and she’s not apologizing for any of it.
“My business stands on the shoulders of men who hate me,” says Afualo. “They are pillars of my business.” With millions of followers across TikTok and Instagram, she’s made her name by frequently responding to and dismantling videos promoting fatphobic, misogynistic, racist, or transphobic views—and she has no problem admitting that, yes, she hates men.
She’s also been with her (male) fiancé for eight years.
On a recent episode of Girls Gotta Eat, Afualo explained to hosts Rayna Greenberg and Ashley Hesseltine how she manages to reject patriarchal nonsense while still loving a good man. Turns out, it’s not all that complicated.
“I made a video about very specific red flags in men,” says Afualo, “and that was my first video to really take off.”
Almost instantly, her TikTok comments section transformed into a cesspool of male rage.
“I had never in my life experienced hate that felt so personal,” she says. But rather than cowering, she recognized an opportunity. “I must have really hit you if you came all the way over here to say some crazy sh** to me. So I started making fun of them back,” she says. “I was making 10 to 12 videos a day, saying the meanest s*** I could possibly think of. And I’m really good at it. I can make fun of anyone—especially men.”
Afualo says speaking her mind has always come naturally—even to her own detriment.
“I had no fear as a child,” she says. “And that’s not a good thing. It is okay to have a healthy dose of fear, especially to protect yourself.”
She acknowledges that not everyone possesses that level of confidence, especially when it comes to confronting others. Her advice? Start small.
“A lot of times when people are very passive, they let things happen,” she says. “Like if they get your coffee order wrong, or say your name wrong, you’re just like, ‘Ah, it’s all right.’”
Those small moments may seem insignificant at first, but they matter. “If you start standing up for yourself in little ways, you start to build your own confidence. Because you’re like, ‘I matter. What I want matters. The things I like matter. My feelings matter.’” That confidence snowballs. “When you start standing up for yourself that way, naturally over time it builds. You can stand up for yourself in bigger ways.”
And if you’re shy or not naturally assertive, Afualo says there’s no need to dive headfirst into confrontation.
You don’t need to “cold plunge” into changing your personality overnight. “That may backfire and then you won’t know how to deal with it. So I like to encourage women to start small,” she says.
Afualo hopes her content inspires women to eventually stand up to more systemic harms.
“There’s a misconception that my content is just about roasting men,” she says. “That’s part of it, but there’s a bigger message. I’m empowering women—and anyone else men harm. What I care about is how people see me react to the sh** [misogynists] say online. I want them to see how I don’t internalize it and keep moving forward.”
So how do you balance feminist principles with dating men?
“It’s a lot simpler than people think. People overcomplicate it,” says Afualo.
If a man isn’t misogynistic, he won’t be offended. In fact, she says, calling out the patriarchy is a great way to filter out toxic men.
“Man as a whole is evil, as an entity,” she says. “Men have inflicted violence and oppression on the world in ways that are irreparable. It’s okay to say that out loud. Every time something terrible happens, it’s a man like 99 percent of the time. So it’s not ‘I hate my man’—it’s ‘I hate most men.’ They all start guilty and have to work their way to innocent.” And by the way, the patriarchy can be harmful to men too—so a feminist man will understand that he can probably benefit from what you have to say.
Hesseltine offered this comparison: “When people talk about white women who voted a certain way or have certain beliefs,” she said, “I know I’m trying to be the best white woman I can be. I don’t hold those beliefs, so I’m not offended. The same way a good man is not offended by the ‘I hate men’ rhetoric. They’re like, ‘That doesn’t apply to me. I’m doing my best.’”
You can criticize an institution without condemning every individual within it.
Afualo’s advice to men who want to be good partners to proud feminists? “If you’re not awful, prove it. If it doesn’t apply, let it fly.”
If Afualo can build her career around calling out the patriarchy and still find a guy who can “let it fly,” there’s hope for us all.
For more advice on dealing with male nonsense, listen to Girls Gotta Eat.
For nearly a decade, Ruby Franke was known as the wholesome Mormon matriarch behind the YouTube channel 8 Passengers. On the channel, she and her husband, Kevin, documented their family life with their six children. At its peak, the channel had 2.5 million subscribers and over a billion views. But behind the carefully edited vlogs was an alarming truth—one that would eventually land Ruby Franke in prison for aggravated child abuse.
Now, one of those children, Chad Franke, is speaking out. And what he reveals on The Squeeze is even more heartbreaking than you might expect.
On February 20, 2024, Ruby Franke was sentenced to four consecutive terms of 1 to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts of aggravated child abuse. Under Utah law, she must serve at least four years of that sentence behind bars. Her partner in crime, Jodi Hildebrandt—a so-called therapist and Ruby’s business partner at the now-defunct ConneXions—was also sentenced for her role in the abuse.
The horrifying details of the case began to unfold in August 2023, when Ruby’s 12-year-old son escaped from Hildebrandt’s home with visible wounds and duct tape on his limbs, asking a neighbor for food and water. Police found Ruby’s 10-year-old daughter inside the house, also severely malnourished. Both children were hospitalized, and the remaining minor children were taken into custody.
This wasn’t an isolated incident—it was the culmination of years of abuse disguised as “discipline,” backed by warped religious justifications and broadcast to millions.
Now 19, Chad Franke is ready to share his truth. In his sit-down with The Squeeze, Chad doesn’t just talk about what happened—he gives us the emotional blueprint of what it felt like to grow up in a house that doubled as a YouTube set.
From a young age, Chad was a star of 8 Passengers. At first, he enjoyed the attention: “I liked it because I realized that people liked me,” he said. But the darker side emerged quickly. Chad recalled how his mother would “take the door off [his] bedroom,” and later, his bathroom door. “She didn’t want me to have any kind of privacy at all,” he explained.
Then came the moment that sparked public outrage: the revelation that Chad had been sleeping on a beanbag for seven months. The video went viral, triggering immediate backlash. “That day was when the cancellation started,” Chad said. His mother’s response? She stormed into the room screaming, “You bitch. You did that on purpose. You knew what you were doing.”
Chad was just 15.
“I don’t think I’ve ever shared this before,” he admitted, referencing that night. “My dad actually came down and was like, ‘Ruby, you need to get away from him.’” It was one of the few moments his father intervened.
One of the most chilling takeaways from the interview is Chad’s account of how Ruby and Jodi Hildebrandt manipulated his understanding of right and wrong using religious language.
“Distortion” was the word they used to label anything they deemed sinful or threatening. Chad explained, “Truth and distortion were like heaven and hell.” If he so much as questioned his mother or Jodi, he was told he was living in “distortion” and, by extension, rejecting God.
It’s no surprise, then, that Chad once believed their abuse was justified. “As sad as it is to say,” he admitted, “I even believed [Ruby] when she said she was saving the kids from demons.”
One of the most gut-wrenching parts of Chad’s story is how deeply this manipulation cost him. He was a top sprinter in Utah, and track was his passion. After being banned from football, he held onto track until that, too, was taken away by his mother. “I cried like a baby,” he remembered. “She took away the one thing that brought me joy.”
But in a moment of clarity and courage, Chad confronted his mother after her arrest. “We talked in very spiritual ways, like, ‘Mom, Jesus wouldn’t hurt his kids like this,’” he recalled. She initially denied everything—but days later, she called again, this time crying. “She said, ‘I thought about everything you said… You are completely right.’”
Despite this, Chad is clear: “Just because I said I love you… doesn’t mean I should have a relationship with her right now.”
He hasn’t spoken to her since.
Today, Chad is focused on healing. He’s in therapy. He’s working on a clothing line called Freed, inspired by the #FreeChad movement that gained traction online during the height of the scandal. “I want other kids to feel like they have a voice,” he said.
He’s also definitive about the future: “I’ll never put my kids on social media. They deserve a real childhood.”
In a world where influencers often profit from performative parenting, Chad Franke is the rare voice of reason, proof that resilience is real and healing is possible.
And as for Ruby Franke? The truth isn’t just that she was abusive. It’s that she monetized that abuse, justified it with religion, and convinced herself it was love. Thankfully, her children now know better.
Most of us have toxic tattoos we regret. Maybe it’s the tiny SpongeBob you thought was “so random” after your third margarita at Coachella. Or the name of the ex you swore was “the one,” but now is ancient history. In short, toxic tattoos are practically a rite of passage. But what if the worst part of your ink wasn’t the design or the story behind it?
What if the tattoo itself is toxic?
According to recent research and a deep dive on The Art of Being Well with Dr. Will Cole, your beloved (or not so beloved) body art might be doing more than aging badly. It could be affecting your hormones, your organs, and yes, even your risk of cancer.
You probably didn’t ask what was in that neon pink dragon tattoo ink, but science has some answers, and they’re not great.
Dr. Will Cole doesn’t sugarcoat it: “Tattoo ink is largely unregulated, and many inks contain heavy metals, microplastics, and carcinogens.” He also explains that tattoo ink doesn’t just stay put. “Over time, those ink particles don’t just sit there looking pretty—they migrate through your lymphatic system, liver, even brain in some cases,” he explained.
Research from the Australian Cancer Council backs this up. A 2016 report found that 83 percent of black inks tested contained polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)—a class of chemicals considered carcinogenic by the World Health Organization. Even more alarming: Some inks contain barium, copper, mercury, and even amines, which can release cancer-causing agents over time.
According to the National Institute of Health, tattoo ink—especially when injected deep into the dermis—can trigger a toxic chain reaction. Under the skin, these ink compounds can undergo chemical changes from sun exposure, metabolism, or even laser removal attempts.
The result? The formation of primary aromatic amines (PAAs), which are known to be highly carcinogenic. Add heavy metals like cadmium, arsenic, and lead—all found in some inks—and suddenly, that cute ankle tat looks more like a biological experiment.
Dr. Cole explains, “When your immune system is constantly fighting these foreign substances, it can lead to chronic inflammation, hormone disruption, and in some cases, autoimmune flares.”
Not every tattoo spells doom for your health, but watch for these warning signs:
If any of these sound familiar, Dr. Cole advises getting bloodwork done to test your toxic load and heavy metal levels. “A functional medicine approach looks at what your body is storing and where, so we can safely detox it,” he says.
Let’s say you’re reading this with a half-sleeve of zodiac signs, a ribcage quote from Fight Club, and a butterfly tramp stamp that’s seen better days. Now what?
Dr. Cole recommends the following steps:
As Dr. Cole says, “We have to redefine what wellness looks like—and sometimes, it means rethinking choices we never thought to question.”
If you wear art on your body forever, you deserve to know what’s in the paint.
Back by popular demand, Kristin Cavallari is sharing her current obsessions. If you love her fitness or skincare routine tips on Instagram or (let’s be honest) her great body, you’ll want to try her recommendations. She’s sharing everything she’s loving at the moment for beautiful skin, a healthy gut, and spiritual wellness. So if you love discovering random favorites, you’ll enjoy these tips and life hacks on Let’s Be Honest.
Cosmetic gold roll-CIT is the at-home microneedling device that Cavallari uses almost every night. She describes it as “essentially a home microneedling contraption type thingy.” She relies on Environ, a skincare company that blends beauty, care, and science, between her professional appointments every six weeks.
Cavallari’s skincare routine begins with toner, followed by rolling her face with the Environ microneedling tool, then applying her products. “The whole point of microneedling is essentially your products go in deeper. You wanna be doing it hard enough where it’s doing something, but you don’t have to do it too hard,” Cavallari says.
Cavallari has championed this detox program for years and has done it about 10 times. “The reason why I love Kroma is because it’s the only detox that I’ve done that has good quality ingredients. It’s the only one that you can actually eat on. So you’re not hangry, pissed off, or feeling like sh*t the whole time. By the end of it you really feel amazing,” she says.
How does it work? It’s an at-home detox program that Cavallari describes as a five-day food guide delivered right to your door. The day begins with a matcha latte, which Cavallari says tastes like heaven. Throughout the day, the program includes oatmeal, a smoothie, bone broth soup (you can add protein and veggies to it), and a cookie butter combination of almond butter, cashew butter, and goji berries.
Cavallari does Kroma before every big photo shoot, recently using it before her tour and ahead of Stagecoach. If you have doubts about detoxing, just know that Cavallari loves Kroma so much she even invested in it: “I’m such a believer in what they’re doing and this product. I love it so much.”
Cavallari and her trainer, Kevin Klug, swear by creatine. She uses Cymbiotika—a podcast sponsor she praises as one of the cleanest, quality brands on the market. (When you buy supplements, you often get a product full of hidden, toxic ingredients.) She uses it on her workout days, but she admits that she should probably use it every day to reap the benefits: “I love everything that this brand stands for because there’s a lot of crap on the market. It’s helped with my muscle building muscle. I also think it’s helping keep me lean and is great for brain health. Honestly, it’s changed my body!”
Dr. Ryan Monaghan was the first physician to suggest Cavallari check her gut health with an at-home stool test. “I had been taking vitamins and was healthy for years—years. I’d seen other doctors and tested my food sensitivity and hormones, but without having a full picture of your gut, it doesn’t matter,” Cavallari explains.
Testing revealed she had SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), but since working on her body, her gut is in a much better place. Cavallari and her kids use Genova Diagnostics, a three-day stool collection kit. Cavallari suggests talking to your doctor to get started. Even though it’s kind of gross, she still encourages it: “Having that picture of your gut health is so important to overall health. If your gut’s outta balance, everything else is.”
For a non-alcoholic alternative, try TÖST ROSÉ. Cavallari discovered it on a sober night out with friends and now stocks bottles in her home wine cellar. “My friends and I were obsessed because it’s not sweet. It honestly tastes like you were drinking alcohol, but obviously, without the alcohol. It’s so good and refreshing,” she says.
Humble brag moment—Saylor launched her first jewelry collection with Uncommon James, and Cavallari obviously couldn’t be more proud. The mom-daughter duo designed the beach-themed line, featuring seashells and flamingos, during a trip to Miami last year.
Saylor, who aspires to eventually take over Uncommon James, is thrilled about the launch. “She’s been telling everybody. The whole school knows about it! When it came out, she actually had all of her little girlfriends over and gifted everyone the collection. It’s just been really fun for me to see how excited she is and to be able to do this together.”
Venturing into the spiritual realm, Cavallari recently experienced a channeler—someone who connects with spirit guides. It was Cavallari’s first time experiencing a channeler, and though she admits it’s pretty far out there, her session provided insights about her dad, past relationships, and her kids. Ultimately, it’s unlocked better mental health and spiritual wellness.
Cavallari’s biggest takeaway is not to overcomplicate spirituality: “Spirituality can be as simple as laying in the grass, going for a walk, looking at the clouds, sitting outside with your coffee in the morning, and just listening to the birds. It’s about being present. That’s way more digestible.”
After parting ways with her COO of nearly five years at Uncommon James, Cavallari feels revitalized about her company. Cavallari is an advocate for shaking things up to create new energy: “It jumpstarted my excitement. I’ve learned that I do need to be involved and be in the mix of things. New beginnings are really scary, but sometimes, they’re the best thing that you need personally, as a company, and as a family. Doing something scary is the best thing, and I don’t think we should be afraid because really good things can come from it.”
Speaking of Uncommon James, the lifestyle brand recently launched a new candle scent, Rustic Mandarin. Cavallari praises the all-natural ingredients. The soy candles feature all-natural ingredients free of phthalates, parabens, and dyes. “It is mandarin, rosemary, cedar, and sage. Sounds random as f***, but it is heaven. It’s divine. I want to eat it. It smells so good. ”
Crediting her older son Camden, Cavallari now uses a red light filter on her phone to help with her nighttime routine. For detailed instructions on activating this feature, tune into Let’s Be Honest. “Putting this red filter on will probably help a lot with your body’s natural production of its own melatonin. Try it out,” Cavallari says.
Before there was a Sandoval, a Scandoval, or even a Bachel-ette meltdown that sent America spiraling, there was Spencer Pratt—crystal-loving, camera-mugging, unapologetically chaotic Spencer Pratt. And if you were watching MTV’s The Hills in the late 2000s, you already know that he didn’t just lean into the villain edit—he practically invented it.
These days, the 41-year-old self-proclaimed fame addict is older and wiser yet still wildly entertaining and proudly villainous. On Not Skinny But Not Fat with Amanda Hirsch, Pratt opened up about everything from the devastation of losing his family’s home in the Los Angeles wildfires to his wife Heidi Montag’s unexpected pop music renaissance.
Before reality TV strategy existed, Spencer delivered a Machiavellian masterclass on hijacking a show. He wasn’t just a cast member on The Hills—he was the show’s narrative engine, throwing grenades into friendships, dodging accountability with expert-level smirks, and telling cameras he wanted to be famous. That last part? Turns out he meant it.
“I never wanted to be loved,” he told Amanda Hirsch. “I always just wanted to get money to, like, have a good life… the easiest route was always being the antagonist or the, as they say, the villain”.
Spencer, meet TikTok. The new generation has officially resurrected his rep—and this time, they’re siding with him.
In January, Spencer and Heidi’s dream home—one they’d poured every cent into—was destroyed in the Pacific Palisades wildfires. “Legitimately, you could drink our toilet water,” he said of the now-lost house, describing the high-end water filters and everything they’d invested in.
The insurance situation made the loss even more painful. After the Woolsey Fire, their insurer dropped everyone in the Palisades, forcing Spencer to turn to California Fair Plan, which only covered structural damage. The cost to rebuild? At least $5 million.
He’s now suing the city of Los Angeles while his hustle has kicked into overdrive. “I’m hustling like a psychopath because… I’m putting my whole life into achieving as close as we can get to pop stardom for Heidi,” he said.
In a twist worthy of a Ryan Murphy finale, Heidi’s 2010 album Superficial is having a moment. “Heidi’s song ‘I’ll Do It’ blew up on Douyin in China,” Spencer explained. “We’re talking billions of streams… and checks started coming in for the first time in fifteen years”.
So naturally, Spencer did what he does best: plotted. They recorded new music, hired young producers, and rereleased Superficial for its 15th anniversary—three days after their house burned down.
Now starring in Hulu’s Got to Get Out, a reality competition series that throws celebrities and civilians into psychological mind games, Spencer is thriving—and not exactly holding back.
He and Kim Zolciak-Biermann appear to form an alliance on the show, and he’s already calling out Omarosa for labeling him “the weirdest person on reality TV.”
“I’m not weird at all,” he shot back. “Diabolical, sure—that’s my brand. But weird? That’s just inaccurate”.
So, how’s Spencer really doing? He says he hasn’t had time to process the fire emotionally, but plans to eventually “cry for a month with [his] hummingbirds” once they have a new home. In the meantime, he’s turned TikTok into a personal therapy session.
“Some people use therapy… I use TikTok,” he said, noting how the comments section gives him a blend of emotional support, unsolicited advice, and full-on chaos. “It’s easier when you’re talking to strangers and engaging with bots all day long”.
When asked if he regrets anything about his reality TV past, Spencer doesn’t flinch: “I should have never filmed with family. Never film with family unless you’re a Kardashian and making a billion dollars”.
But the rest? It was all part of the plan. He’s not just surviving the villain arc—he’s monetizing it. And with Spencer Pratt, that’s exactly the point.
If you didn’t know this already, we’re biiiiig book fans over here at Dear Media and we don’t just mean when it comes to the Readheads Book Club. We’ve talked about books like “Gone Girl,” the best books for women in their 30s, and even podcasts for book lovers. But you know what we haven’t covered yet? Spicy books with a good plot and great tension. You know where this is going.
We want the tension, the drama, to clutch the pages one minute and blush the next we want it ALL. We want something like this episode of the Ins and Outs, but… more of it, ya know? And, here’s the thing: not all spicy books are created equal. Some seriously lack plot and emotional pull, and that’s what we’re here for, right?!?
Maybe we can accredit Tinx for talking about “The White Lotus” in this episode of We Met at Acme, but consider us inspired. In the name of good taste (and good smut), we’ve put together some of the best spicy books you can get your hands on. We’re talkin’ spice and substance you don’t have to compromise here. Ready to find your next obsession?
We’ve all read those books where it’s all steam and no storyline. And not to yuck anyone’s yum we get it! but they just don’t always hit the same. That’s why, before we jump into our recs, we need to talk about what actually makes a book spicy.
You’ve gotta know the difference between an enemies-to-lovers, solid slow-burn, or straight-up “I’m glad nobody’s looking over my shoulder” kind of vibe. This will be super helpful in figuring out what kind of heat level you’re into (or want to avoid entirely). Regardless, we’re taking a note from this episode of The Dissenters sex is normal and okay to talk about!
Alright, so what makes a spicy book “spicy”? It all comes down to how sexually explicit the content in the book is. We don’t just mean a kiss here and a reference to sex there spicy books take it all the way. There’s typically strong sexual tension, graphic descriptions of what’s going on, and tons of sensual language. Sex and intimacy are a big part of the story, not just a subliminal afterthought.
But there are levels to this sh*t. In some books, we have that slow-burn romance where you’re practically begging the characters to just do it already. In other books, it’s hot and heavy as soon as you open the first page.
But what’s great about the books we’re about to recommend is that even though they’re spicy, there’s still depth. The best spicy books use all that tension to build relationships, advance storylines, and create character development. Knowing what you’re comfortable reading can help you find the vibe that’s right for you.
TL;DR? Spice is about intensity, openness, and how important sexual energy is to the story. Once you know what you like, finding the right books is 10x more fun.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you haven’t heard of ACOTAR yet, where have you been??? It’s taken the social media world by storm, and a biiiiig reason for that is the unexpected spice. And let us add to the Maas hype: She really knows how to balance romance with the dark, gritty content.
Feyre, a human hunter, finds herself in the land of the fae after killing an undercover fae without realizing it. It sounds strange but stick with us here. Threaded in between jaw-dropping plot twists, real, relatable moments, and tons of action, there are endless amounts of spice.
ACOTAR is the first book in a series of five, but the spice level increases throughout each book. It starts as the perfect slow-burn romance and transitions into full-blown “close the book in public” level smut. Stick with it, and you won’t be disappointed.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Alright, Penelope Douglas is known for, let’s just say… pushing the boundaries. She has tons of best sellers that are all prettyyyy spicy and pretty taboo. Credence, for example, isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But hey, like we said, you like what you like!
The story follows Tiernan de Haas, a 17-year-old girl who recently lost her parents. After becoming orphaned, she goes to live with her step-uncle and two step-cousins in a secluded cabin. She’s left to deal with her intense emotions all of them. Talk about setting boundaries with family.
It’s taboo, controversial, and definitely gritty, but people love it because of Douglas’ storytelling. We don’t just see how Tiernan (and her family) toe the line, but how their relationships unfold amidst it all. If you’re ready to dive into heavy-level spice, add it to your cart ASAP.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
We all know Colleen Hoover for “It Ends With Us,” but did you know she leans heavily into spice occasionally? “Ugly Love” follows Tate and Miles, two characters with serious chemistry but don’t want to admit it. When they acknowledge their feelings and confess their attraction, they create one boundary: all sex, no strings attached.
Oh, did we mention that Miles is Tate’s brother’s best friend? Yeah, messy. While it has a heavy dose of spice, it’s got an equal amount of emotional connection. We aren’t just reading about two people with an undeniable amount of tension; we’re watching it build slowly over time.
We’d consider this book a pretty safe start if you haven’t totally dived into the spicy deep end yet. If you want a good plot and good sexual chemistry, this one’s for you.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you’re a fan of trending spicy books, then you’ve probably already heard of “Praise” by Sara Cate, the first book of the “Salacious Player’s Club” series. To all of our praise kink fans, get ready for this one.
Charlotte (Charlie) is a 21-year-old who just got out of a relationship and is craving validation. Except the one person she finds herself drawn to is her ex-boyfriend’s dad, Emerson. (Yeah, she took this episode of Almost Adulting a little too seriously.) Emerson owns the Salacious Players Club and, not realizing who Charlie is, mistakes her for a new submissive candidate.
But now that Charlie has peeked into the world of BDSM, there’s no way she’s turning back now. She’s so deep in you can’t convince us she didn’t listen to this episode of Ex-Virgin. You definitely don’t have to read the rest of the series, but just know it dives deeeep into the world of kinks and unconventional romance.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Anyone familiar with that “mob wife aesthetic” that was recently trending on social media? If that intrigued you, pick up “Ruthless People” to really get a feel for the vibe. Another series (sorry, they’re too good!), but you won’t be able to get enough of it.
Melody, heir to the Italian mafia, is destined to despise Liam, heir to the Irish mafia they’re rivals, after all. That was until their families arranged their marriage in hopes of ending years of conflict. Two potential mafia bosses who secretly hate each other but also have an abundance of lust and tension? Sign us up.
As expected, tons of twists and turns will have you flying to the next page. But somewhere between it all, it’s a super spicy ride from start to finish. For more mafia-inspired content, check out this post!
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Don’t let the cutesy cover of this book fool you; it is fuuuullll of spice. Piper Bellinger, a Hollywood “It” girl, goes through a scandal that lands her in a small beach town. When she gets there, she meets Brendan a grumpy sea captain who wants nothing to do with her. In his eyes, she’s sassy and “too good” for the rugged life and she’s determined to prove him wrong.
Eventually, after Brendan and Piper keep running into each other, something about that polar opposite attraction gets them curious. Out of the books mentioned so far, this one definitely leans on the safer side perfect if you’re just dipping your toes into the spice.
It dives deep into that slow burn, enemies-to-lovers trope we love so much. Think of it like this: Equal parts romance and tension! If you want more on just how opposites attract, check out this episode of We Met At Acme.
Spicy level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wanna dive deeper into darker, spicy books? “The Ritual” is all about manipulation, control, and heavy elements of BDSM. We’re not just talking about a hint here or there; we’re talking more along the lines of (possible TW!) knife play, degradation, and voyeurism.
Blakely, the main female character, comes from a life full of privilege. And, of course, what is a girl like this attracted to? The Lords a secret society known for their desire for control. This episode of Ex-Virgin goes more in-depth into the whole “Dom versus Sub” convo. She’s particularly attracted to Ryat, the (assumed) leader of The Lords. Did you expect differently?
This isn’t your light and fluffy romance. It’s smutty, dark, and pretty taboo at times. But even with all of the high sexual tension, there’s a powerful recognition of what this new lifestyle does to Blakely and how she transforms as a person. Deep and spicy it does it all.
Spicy level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
We’re finishing this list off with one of the queens of spice ”Punk 57” by Penelope Douglas. The scene is set in high school, but readers say it’s definitely not written like YA (Young Adult). Consider it more like “Euphoria” meets “Cruel Intentions.” Hooked yet?
Ryen and Misha were paired together as pen-pals when they were kids. They talk about everything confessions, their deepest thoughts, secrets you get it. But they both agree that they will never meet in real life. That’s until Misha sees Ryen and realizes there’s much more to her than he thought. It kinda gives us the same vibes as the “Invisible String Theory,” right?
So, what’s a guy to do? Misha disguises himself with a fake name, gets close to Ryen, and suddenly we have this intense enemies-to-lovers situation that’s just as magnetic as it is messy. Messy as in there’s also a little bit of using food as foreplay; we don’t judge!
So, let’s ask the real question: why do people read spicy books in the first place? The honest answer is that they’re fun, hot, intriguing, and make you feel something. It’s the perfect blend of thrill and fantasy in a safe, no-strings-attached kind of way.
Spicy books let you explore desire and relationships through a lens that feels personal and empowering. You’re not just invested in the sexual relationship characters have with each other; you’re connected to the build-up and intimacy, too. And yeah, sure, sometimes we just want to read something that makes our hearts race a little bit but who cares???
We’re over that whole “sex talk is forbidden” thing. Sex-positivity is powerful! This episode of Ex-Virgin talks all about it. People want books that reflect that self-aware, pleasure-seeking energy and why not? It’s comforting, exciting, validating, and sometimes even healing.
Whatever the reason a big sexual fantasy, self-connection, or just pure heat you do you and have a damn good time doing it.
We covered everything from lighthearted and romantic spice to straight-up taboo and borderline risque passion. No matter which book piques your interest, we’re just glad that we could give you something to add to your TBR. So, what are you waiting for? Treat yourself and fill up your shelf you deserve it.
Don’t forget to check out The Readheads the podcast that also happens to be a digital book club! And of course, keep up with the Dear Media blog for everything from relationship advice to essential health and wellness tips. Plus, the DM shop has tons of must-have pieces, like this “Be Kind” tote bag perfect for carrying all of your new reads on the go!
When dating strategist Benny Hart joined Lindsey Metselaar on We Met At Acme, she was fairly certain they wouldn’t agree on much. “So many of you DM’d me his videos and were like, ‘Get this guy on the podcast—you won’t agree on anything,’” she said in the intro. But “unfortunately,” she joked, they actually found some common ground.
Metselaar takes a “men should lead, play your cards close to the chest” approach to dating, while Hart encourages women to clearly communicate what they want. So what did they actually agree on?
Hart and Metselaar disagree on when you should tell someone what you’re looking for in a relationship, when you should move in with a partner, and how quickly you should start dating again after a breakup. But there are a couple ideas where they’re totally in sync.
Hart is currently in what he calls the “beginning stages” of something that’s not quite a relationship yet. While he’s being exclusive with his new paramour, he admits, “I don’t use that terminology. I actually can’t stand it.”
Metselaar agrees, adding, “I think being exclusive is a cop-out.”
As Hart explains, “The number one reason I don’t like that conversation is because people are already too confused about the dating scene. Then you add another layer of complexity with all these definitions and phases.”
He goes on to say that the term doesn’t mean much: “It seems to be a safeguard for when I feel like having an out, or if I happen to meet somebody.”
That doesn’t mean they’re against labels altogether. “I see it going from dating somebody to relationship,” says Hart. “I don’t like the dating, exclusive, relationship.”
Today’s path to commitment feels more complicated than ever: the dreaded “talking stage,” situationships, “exclusively dating,” then “boyfriend/girlfriend,” (or girlfriend/girlfriend, or boyfriend/boyfriend, or gender non-conforming significant other, whatever feels right to you!), then maybe even “partner” status before eventually, perhaps, marriage. According to both experts, all these steps don’t actually clarify or solidify anything—they just make everyone more confused.
“We can’t put men on a pedestal, ladies,” says Metselaar. “That’s why we date multiple people and give more than one favorite a chance at a time. If you’re on Hinge and you have one guy out of the bunch that you think is cool, he seems too good to be true, and he asks you out, then you might not feel like you still need to give other people a chance, but you 100 percent do.”
“I don’t think men should ‘pedestalize’ women either,” says Hart. He points out that a lot of the dating content that’s supposedly aimed at empowering women actually encourages women to hold out for guys who will worship them. In reality, however, “They typically don’t like the guys that over-pedestal them. They typically like the guys who actually have a life and are focused on a purpose that’s bigger than them. When you meet guys who are not fully focused on you and you start disqualifying them, I think you’re doing yourself a big disservice.”
“I will be the first one to say that girls are lying,” says Metselaar. “They don’t want a guy who’s like cringe-ily obsessed with them.” She does add a caveat though: “I think that a man should put you on a pedestal. He just shouldn’t make it so obvious to you. My husband put me on a pedestal when we first started dating, but he was good at making it seem like he didn’t.”
Hart sees the same pattern with men: “As much as guys will tell you, ‘Wow, I want her to be about me,’” the opposite is true in reality. “They want a girl that’s busy too. When she’s all about you, it’s like, ‘Get a life.’”
Perhaps the biggest piece of advice that Metselaar and Hart agree on is a rather contradictory one: Don’t spend too much time obsessing over dating advice. When Metselaar asked Hart, “Why do you think women should listen to your dating advice?” he had a hilarious reply.
“I don’t think they should, and that’s the truth. I don’t think they should listen to any dating advice. I always tell ’em, ‘Get the f*** offline—don’t listen to any dating advice. If you’re online and you see mine, fantastic. I’m not asking anybody to listen to my advice. If it doesn’t make the most sense to you, that’s okay,” he continues. “If it resonates, great.”
Hart believes the biggest problem with dating today is that people are way too influenced by what they see online, using dating content as a way to feel less alone or like someone gets them. “If I’m part of that problem, you should get offline fully,” he says.
Metselaar agrees that dating content has an undue influence on our brains and behavior. When people listen to (or read) too much dating advice, “They’re not in tune with their feelings. They’re sometimes more focused on ‘If we sleep well together on our first night, like, I didn’t have a good night’s sleep, does that mean I didn’t like him?’”
Too much dating content can also make you obsess over “little nuances” that you wouldn’t have cared about before. Metselaar gave this example: “Something that pisses one woman off doesn’t necessarily piss me off. So if a woman is online talking about, ‘My husband, he’s not allowed to follow Instagram models,’ but my husband follows Instagram models, and I don’t care, all of a sudden I’m like, ‘Should I care?’”
The only one who truly knows your priorities, likes, and dislikes is you. Dating content can be fun—even informative sometimes—but it’s more entertainment than education.
Hart left the podcast with this final thought: “Stop looking online for dating content, including mine.” He calls the overproliferation of dating content a “throughline of problematic pieces that are always ingrained in how people see dating now. In order to have more of an optimistic frame, focus on being a good version of yourself and attracting good people.”
For more great dating advice, listen to We Met At Acme.
Let’s throw it back to last night’s festivities. ICYMI the annual Met Gala took place last night and transformed the Metropolitan Museum of Art into an art installation as celebrities ascended the red carpet (well, in this case, blue dotted with florals) staircase in designer labels and statement pieces to fit this year’s Met Gala theme: Black dandyism. Whether you loved the looks or considered the night a fashion flop, here are the biggest moments and headlines from fashion’s biggest night.
Queen of reveal, Rihanna strikes again! Following Beyoncé’s iconic 2011 MTV Awards baby bump debut and Rihanna’s own Super Bowl 2023 Halftime Show pregnancy announcement, the superstar has delivered yet another surprise.
At the 2025 Met Gala, Rihanna confirmed she’s expecting baby number three with longtime partner A$AP Rocky. Earlier in the day, she was photographed in New York City wearing a sheer, two-piece set that hinted at her growing belly. Soon after, she was on the Met steps proudly showing off her baby bump in a Marc Jacobs three-piece suit.
Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter attended the Met Gala solo—just one year after making their red carpet debut at the same event. There was an awkward moment when they crossed paths that had everyone talking. Carpenter rocked a custom Louis Vuitton bodysuit, and Keoghan wore a Valentino black suit. The pair reportedly split several months ago due to “busy schedules.”
Aimee Lou Wood was hanging out with Patrick Schwarzenegger while strategically avoiding Walton Goggins at last night’s Met Gala. The two have made headlines recently with their rumored feud. The question is what’s really going on? Perhaps a cast member dispute or a secret lovers’ quarrel? We’re waiting for someone to spill what really happened between these two—and we know a few podcasts that would love to break the news.
One Met Gala guest many people did not expect to see was Kamala Harris, who has remained lowkey since last fall’s election. The former vice president donned a black and white dress from Off-White by creative director IB Kamara with a long scarf and a sweeping statement sleeve. In a statement to Vogue, she explained how art and politics relate: “Art has the power to shape the conversation about where we are today and where we need to go.”
The internet quickly divided after the official X account for The Democrats posted a photo of Harris with the caption, “Kamala Harris stuns at the Met Gala.” Many X users shamed Harris for attending the event while Israel’s war on Gaza is ongoing. Others criticized her attendance as a wasteful act of elitism during a time when the Democratic party has a record-low approval rating.
The Kardashian-Jenner family practically owns Met Gala real estate at this point. They love a good party and getting glammed up. Who doesn’t? While everyone expected the Academy Award nominated actor, Timothée Chalamet, to accompany his girlfriend, he opted for sweats and a hoodie instead. He took to instagram to share his chill night in, watching the Knicks defeat the Boston Celtics 108-105 in the second round of the NBA playoffs. Don’t worry about Jenner though. She seemed unbothered in her black corseted bodice dress—a sexy custom gown by Italian designer, Ferragamo.
Megan Thee Stallion broke the Met Gala’s “no-phone policy.” She took to Instagram to share a quick video of herself, Doechii, and Angel Reese toasting and sampling hors d’oeuvres. From the quick clip, we were blessed with an insider glimpse of the Met Gala menu: cornbread and caviar, white truffle lobster rolls, and vegan lox.
Despite the no-phone rule, Stallion defiantly declares in the video. “We’re not supposed to have our phones, but we’re doing it [anyway].” You can also catch glimpses of Ciara, Cynthia Erivo, Serena Williams, and Tessa Thompson in her video clips. We loved the sneak peek inside, but let’s hope Stallion hasn’t ruined her chances of being invited back. Fingers crossed!
