Life's a SHITSHOW

014 Small Business Nightmares, British Banter & What’s Wrong with the UK?

🗣️ Join the chat! Let us know what you think of the show, what you want more of, or what you think we’ve got totally wrong. Honest opinions, spicy takes, and topic suggestions always welcome. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2537109/open_sms] Welcome to Life's a Shitshow! Grab a cuppa (or sparkling water) and join us as we dive into another honest, unfiltered episode where nothing is off-limits and everything gets a laugh. Episode Summary ✨ In this episode, we start with the great water vs. coffee debate, reminisce about vision boards and goal-setting, and share the wins (and disasters) of the week – including Jo’s mouldy Christmas tree and kitchen renovation chaos. We get real about self-employment, government policies, and the state of the UK, with our signature blend of wit, ranting, and real talk. The conversation turns to audience comments, the importance of critical thinking, and what’s really going on behind the headlines, from government budgets to international drama. Expect strong opinions, plenty of swearing, and a few conspiracy theories thrown in for good measure. Key Takeaways 📌 * Staying hydrated is harder than it sounds (sparkling water wins!) * Vision boards and goal mapping: why big, juicy goals matter * Self-employment and new HMRC rules: what you need to know * The power of intent, manifesting, and living as your future self * Rants on government budgets, welfare, and the justice system * Media narratives, war talk, and why critical thinking is essential * Community shoutouts and listener comments on last week’s episode Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Your support helps us reach more listeners and keep the conversation real. Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lifesashitshow [https://www.facebook.com/lifesashitshow] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifesashitshow_/ [https://www.instagram.com/lifesashitshow_/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUM54nmV343FFp8YkcnZPTw/ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUM54nmV343FFp8YkcnZPTw/] Website: https://lifesashitshow.com [https://lifesashitshow.com%20] Amazon Books: What the Actual F*ck! [https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FWTAF-Book%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExa29hUUkzWXV4TEpNRUlhQXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5h-WVJvbJ35MYId84uAQqbIYVxOg-OCusCb2wTleZmP5hbebgs8qpD2EIToA_aem_EWcn-tanQvPkQTNJ03wU_A&h=AT28Jclc4XgpcEs10ByM-YGqmpRdvzvuzLzyNvlGfNGimDu3rSQcH2piQ__u9Ie3sLaNFks_uTpQR1ocJJgj8giWTR0hQn2zM2itjdvbsEDbOPgzBQPmxsJlblyjx65jKkLLAPliaOf6BHYqQFI&__tn__=R]-R&c[0]=AT0lqxye12K8P5RK3NXGcsn9jPWSX4FKMX9beS5p4XBDwTF0HrX6SSul5uNg1bzsJErxQSjZHwCuXKlXMCcrBACVnmwx3oObvLMGuM3yOoD8CRHQSvwTd4UOxqyFmLSPErzYeVTpSC4MDc4IMxLOj7IBm94_EejVJ8Iw0ayIMPRBMSJegq4fdBjh9nI]

013 Budget Blunders, Book Banter & British Rants

🗣️ Join the chat! Let us know what you think of the show, what you want more of, or what you think we’ve got totally wrong. Honest opinions, spicy takes, and topic suggestions always welcome. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2537109/open_sms] WELCOME 👋 Jo here (with Tasha, eventually)! Buckle up for episode 13 of Life's a SHITSHOW. This week, we’re chatting about my new book launch, the absolute farce that was today’s UK budget, and a bit of what’s hot in the news, plus the usual dose of rants and laughs. EPISODE SUMMARY We kick off with Tasha running late (as always), a Pepsi crisis, and a bit of football banter before jumping into the government’s latest tax grab disguised as a budget. We get straight into what the new minimum wage and tax threshold freezes really mean for small business owners and working families like ours—spoiler: it’s not good news. We don’t hold back on council tax, landlord taxes, or the sugar tax either. Then we dive into the reality of claiming benefits, the stigma, and the real-life impact of PIP (Personal Independence Payment). I open up about living with ADHD, menopause, and why self-employment is a lifeline for people like me and Tasha. There’s plenty of honest chat about mental health, the welfare system, and why the system never seems to work for the people who genuinely need it. We also cover: * The cost of living madness and why energy bill “reductions” are just smoke and mirrors * Social media banter (big up Aldi’s social team) * My new book, What The Actual F*ck, and why writing about menopause, divorce, and cancel culture is so cathartic * The joys of open-plan hotel bathrooms (spoiler: there are none) * Christmas tree plans and why traditional red, green, and gold will always win * A random world record involving pickle balls (don’t ask) * A quick update on Candice Sewings and her global podcast drama KEY TAKEAWAYS 💡 * The budget’s a shambles and working people are footing the bill (again) * Claiming benefits is a minefield, especially with hidden disabilities and mental health * Self-employment is often the only way for neurodiverse people to thrive * There’s power in speaking up and sharing the messy, honest truth about life * Christmas trees are serious business (and so is good banter) Thanks for listening! Subscribe, leave us a comment, and let us know if you’ve read the book or if you’re also putting your tree up early. We’ll be back next Wednesday to help you get through the rest of the week, because let’s face it, life’s a shitshow, but at least we can laugh about it together. connect with us on Socials or Youtube all are links are below:  Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lifesashitshow [https://www.facebook.com/lifesashitshow] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifesashitshow_/ [https://www.instagram.com/lifesashitshow_/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUM54nmV343FFp8YkcnZPTw/ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUM54nmV343FFp8YkcnZPTw/] Website: https://lifesashitshow.com [https://lifesashitshow.com%20] Amazon Books: What the Actual F*ck! [https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FWTAF-Book%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExa29hUUkzWXV4TEpNRUlhQXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5h-WVJvbJ35MYId84uAQqbIYVxOg-OCusCb2wTleZmP5hbebgs8qpD2EIToA_aem_EWcn-tanQvPkQTNJ03wU_A&h=AT28Jclc4XgpcEs10ByM-YGqmpRdvzvuzLzyNvlGfNGimDu3rSQcH2piQ__u9Ie3sLaNFks_uTpQR1ocJJgj8giWTR0hQn2zM2itjdvbsEDbOPgzBQPmxsJlblyjx65jKkLLAPliaOf6BHYqQFI&__tn__=R]-R&c[0]=AT0lqxye12K8P5RK3NXGcsn9jPWSX4FKMX9beS5p4XBDwTF0HrX6SSul5uNg1bzsJErxQSjZHwCuXKlXMCcrBACVnmwx3oObvLMGuM3yOoD8CRHQSvwTd4UOxqyFmLSPErzYeVTpSC4MDc4IMxLOj7IBm94_EejVJ8Iw0ayIMPRBMSJegq4fdBjh9nI]

012 Puberty Blockers, Candace Owens & The Global Shitshow

🗣️ Join the chat! Let us know what you think of the show, what you want more of, or what you think we’ve got totally wrong. Honest opinions, spicy takes, and topic suggestions always welcome. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2537109/open_sms] Welcome 👋 Tasha and I are back, Pepsi Max in the wine glass, Yorkshire Tea on drip and absolutely no plans to disappear. If you were hoping we had gone quiet, unlucky. Episode Summary This week I share where I am with the book, endless proofreads and checking every line for defamation and libel while my brain keeps looping the same chapters. Tasha is riding high on Arsenal’s 4–1 win over Spurs while I am still catching the football on TikTok because I cannot get UK TV where I am. We start with your comments, Christmas adverts and the “crap wrap with sprinkles” reaction, before I ambush Tasha with my AI “Michael Jackson Christmas” advert. She does not see it coming and it instantly becomes her favourite festive ad. Then we get into the heavy stuff. Tasha talks through the UK’s first approved puberty blocker trial for children and why we both see it as child abuse, grooming and lifelong medicalisation. We share our own “tomboy” childhoods and how, in today’s climate, we would probably be pushed towards hormones instead of given time, love and proper mental health support. From there we move into Candace Owens, Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the Becoming Brigitte investigation. We talk about the Macrons, French and Israeli links, TPUSA money trails and why we do not think Candace is “cracking up” at all. We see a determined, grieving woman with receipts, deadman packages and a very real target on her back. We zoom out into Gaza, Zionism, global elites, digital IDs and the way words like “transphobic” and “antisemite” are thrown around to shut people up while children and civilians are harmed. We also rant about Labour’s budget, “Rachel from accounts”, vaccines, food, sugar, big pharma and why I now live on a “no label” diet while still necking Pepsi Max. If you are tired of being gaslit by governments, media and institutions, this one is for you. Key Takeaways * My book is in its final proofread and my “tism” brain will not leave it alone. * Tasha is buzzing over Arsenal 4–1 Spurs while I am still relying on TikTok for football. * We see the new puberty blocker trial for children as abuse and grooming, not care. * Our own “tomboy” stories show how easily kids could be pushed into medical pathways. * We think Candace Owens is uncovering serious corruption around Charlie Kirk and the Macrons. * Language is being weaponised to silence people while real harm continues. * Digital IDs, global agend Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lifesashitshow [https://www.facebook.com/lifesashitshow] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifesashitshow_/ [https://www.instagram.com/lifesashitshow_/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUM54nmV343FFp8YkcnZPTw/ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUM54nmV343FFp8YkcnZPTw/] Website: https://lifesashitshow.com [https://lifesashitshow.com%20] Amazon Books: What the Actual F*ck! [https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FWTAF-Book%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExa29hUUkzWXV4TEpNRUlhQXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5h-WVJvbJ35MYId84uAQqbIYVxOg-OCusCb2wTleZmP5hbebgs8qpD2EIToA_aem_EWcn-tanQvPkQTNJ03wU_A&h=AT28Jclc4XgpcEs10ByM-YGqmpRdvzvuzLzyNvlGfNGimDu3rSQcH2piQ__u9Ie3sLaNFks_uTpQR1ocJJgj8giWTR0hQn2zM2itjdvbsEDbOPgzBQPmxsJlblyjx65jKkLLAPliaOf6BHYqQFI&__tn__=R]-R&c[0]=AT0lqxye12K8P5RK3NXGcsn9jPWSX4FKMX9beS5p4XBDwTF0HrX6SSul5uNg1bzsJErxQSjZHwCuXKlXMCcrBACVnmwx3oObvLMGuM3yOoD8CRHQSvwTd4UOxqyFmLSPErzYeVTpSC4MDc4IMxLOj7IBm94_EejVJ8Iw0ayIMPRBMSJegq4fdBjh9nI]

011 Christmas Adverts, Troll Comments & Switching Off the News

🗣️ Join the chat! Let us know what you think of the show, what you want more of, or what you think we’ve got totally wrong. Honest opinions, spicy takes, and topic suggestions always welcome. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2537109/open_sms] Welcome 👋 This week on Life’s a Shitshow it is just me and Tasha, no news, no doomscrolling and a lot of Christmas chaos. We are recording on a Thursday, nails hanging on for dear life, and leaning fully into festive adverts, troll comments and why we both feel so much lighter after stepping away from the headlines. Episode Summary In this episode we start with real life: ripped builder‑gel nails, clearing the house ready for Christmas trees, and why not watching the news for a week has made such a difference to our mood. We also celebrate the reaction to last week’s Michael Jackson episode, with thousands of views and shorts going a bit wild. Tasha reads out some of the best and worst YouTube comments, including the men who appear in our notifications just to tell us they “do not care” while still typing essays. We talk about vitiligo, autopsy reports, double standards and why we are not here to tiptoe around people who cannot use the scroll button. Then we move into full Christmas mode. I have lined up a selection of current UK Christmas adverts plus my all‑time favourite from ten years ago. Tasha has not seen most of them, so you get her genuine first reactions. We rate John Lewis, Waitrose, Tesco, Aldi and more, talk about why Aldi never miss with their campaigns, and compare short, punchy ads with the ones that feel like a mini film in the middle of your evening telly. My personal favourite is the “Nan on the town” advert, which hits both of us hard for different reasons. We talk about loneliness, intergenerational friendships and how much those older family members mean to us. Somewhere in the middle we also manage to cover Bluetooth “Keir Starmer is a wanker” announcements, the idea of creating our own rival Christmas adverts for the Facebook page and memories of our old network marketing days where everything was a competition. We wrap up with shout outs to Deb’s book Letters and Avil’s new salon in Spalding, why supporting small local businesses matters, and some ideas for future episodes: autism and neurodivergent kids, the education system, menopause, raising teenagers and empty nest syndrome. Key Takeaways * A week away from the news has made both of us feel noticeably lighter and happier. * The Michael Jackson episode and shorts have taken off, bringing in a wave of new listeners and some very vocal commenters. * We are not here to entertain bad‑faith arguments in the comments; if you do no Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lifesashitshow [https://www.facebook.com/lifesashitshow] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifesashitshow_/ [https://www.instagram.com/lifesashitshow_/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUM54nmV343FFp8YkcnZPTw/ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUM54nmV343FFp8YkcnZPTw/] Website: https://lifesashitshow.com [https://lifesashitshow.com%20] Amazon Books: What the Actual F*ck! [https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FWTAF-Book%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExa29hUUkzWXV4TEpNRUlhQXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5h-WVJvbJ35MYId84uAQqbIYVxOg-OCusCb2wTleZmP5hbebgs8qpD2EIToA_aem_EWcn-tanQvPkQTNJ03wU_A&h=AT28Jclc4XgpcEs10ByM-YGqmpRdvzvuzLzyNvlGfNGimDu3rSQcH2piQ__u9Ie3sLaNFks_uTpQR1ocJJgj8giWTR0hQn2zM2itjdvbsEDbOPgzBQPmxsJlblyjx65jKkLLAPliaOf6BHYqQFI&__tn__=R]-R&c[0]=AT0lqxye12K8P5RK3NXGcsn9jPWSX4FKMX9beS5p4XBDwTF0HrX6SSul5uNg1bzsJErxQSjZHwCuXKlXMCcrBACVnmwx3oObvLMGuM3yOoD8CRHQSvwTd4UOxqyFmLSPErzYeVTpSC4MDc4IMxLOj7IBm94_EejVJ8Iw0ayIMPRBMSJegq4fdBjh9nI]

010 Michael Jackson Trailer Drops, Fan Obsession & No Shit News

🗣️ Join the chat! Let us know what you think of the show, what you want more of, or what you think we’ve got totally wrong. Honest opinions, spicy takes, and topic suggestions always welcome. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2537109/open_sms] Welcome Jo here. This weeks episode is a bit different. No weekly news rundown, no politics, no doomscrolling - just us (me and Tasha) losing our minds over the new Michael Jackson movie trailer. If you’re here for MJ nostalgia, you’re about to get your fill. Episode Summary Tasha joins late, fuming because her “MJ vibe” was nearly ruined. We immediately spiral into full-on Michael Jackson superfan mode. The new movie trailer has dropped and, frankly, it’s all we care about right now. Tasha’s watched it more times than she’s slept, her granddaughter’s obsessed, and we’re both reliving our childhoods. Jo’s got a list of questions for Tasha: first MJ memories, favourite songs, best concert, and what it means to be a lifelong fan. Tasha talks about the emotional rollercoaster of being a supporter through all the media storms, the joy of MJ’s music, and the frustration with the estate’s half-arsed marketing. We play some home video clips, talk about the allegations, and why most fans have done more research than the bloody journalists. We swap stories about MJ memorabilia, family dress-ups, and the wildest things we’ve done for fandom. Tasha shares what she’d say to Michael if she could, why she doesn’t bother convincing skeptics, and how being a fan has shaped her resilience. Key Takeaways * The new Michael Jackson trailer is out and Tasha hasn’t slept since. * MJ fans have done more homework on the allegations than most reporters. * Favourite MJ memories: Off the Wall, Thriller, Bad Tour, Smooth Criminal, and the iconic moonwalk (which, shockingly, Tasha can’t do). * Being a fan is about more than music - it’s about community, comfort, and a bit of madness. * Tasha’s wildest fan moment? Catching the director of Leaving Neverland trolling fans on Twitter. * You can’t cancel MJ - he’s too ingrained in music, culture, and dance. * If you’re skeptical, do your own research. Most people who do end up pissed off at the media, not Michael. Resources & Links * Michael Jackson Official Trailer (YouTube) [https://studio.youtube.com/video/CSv299knv0U/edit] - Our Reaction * SWG Mixes – Best MJ Remixes on YouTube [https://youtube.com/@singlewhiteglove?si=L-reIp77MpIoP44u] * Michael Jackson’s History Album – Listen on Spotify/Apple Music If you’re still here, you’re either as obsessed as we are or just enjoy a bit of chaos. We’ll be back next week wi Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lifesashitshow [https://www.facebook.com/lifesashitshow] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifesashitshow_/ [https://www.instagram.com/lifesashitshow_/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUM54nmV343FFp8YkcnZPTw/ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUM54nmV343FFp8YkcnZPTw/] Website: https://lifesashitshow.com [https://lifesashitshow.com%20] Amazon Books: What the Actual F*ck! [https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2FWTAF-Book%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExa29hUUkzWXV4TEpNRUlhQXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5h-WVJvbJ35MYId84uAQqbIYVxOg-OCusCb2wTleZmP5hbebgs8qpD2EIToA_aem_EWcn-tanQvPkQTNJ03wU_A&h=AT28Jclc4XgpcEs10ByM-YGqmpRdvzvuzLzyNvlGfNGimDu3rSQcH2piQ__u9Ie3sLaNFks_uTpQR1ocJJgj8giWTR0hQn2zM2itjdvbsEDbOPgzBQPmxsJlblyjx65jKkLLAPliaOf6BHYqQFI&__tn__=R]-R&c[0]=AT0lqxye12K8P5RK3NXGcsn9jPWSX4FKMX9beS5p4XBDwTF0HrX6SSul5uNg1bzsJErxQSjZHwCuXKlXMCcrBACVnmwx3oObvLMGuM3yOoD8CRHQSvwTd4UOxqyFmLSPErzYeVTpSC4MDc4IMxLOj7IBm94_EejVJ8Iw0ayIMPRBMSJegq4fdBjh9nI]