Ep 190 / Birthdays, Influencers & the Illusion of Luxury

In this episode of TAE Time, we start with birthday celebrations, travel stories, and spontaneous plans before drifting into a deeper conversation about influencer culture, money, and modern luxury.We talk about the reality of content creation, why everyone seems to want to be an influencer, and how social media has completely reshaped what luxury, success, and status look like today. From London vs Paris mindsets to why luxury items don’t hit the same anymore, we unpack how optics, wealth, and class are evolving in real time.This episode also dives into:The pressure to post and perform onlineBeing boxed into a niche as a creatorWhy influencer money is changing industriesThe difference between slow living and goal-driven lifestylesTreating the podcast as a digital diary, not a jobA relaxed but honest conversation about ambition, identity, and choosing your own pace in a hyper-online world.

Thinking of visiting Punta Cana or going to Afro Nation Dominican Republic?In this episode, we break down our unfiltered experience in the Dominican Republic — the good, the bad, and the messy.We talk about:🌴 What Punta Cana is really like⛈️ Landing in hurricane season🚗 Driving in the DR as tourists🏖️ Airbnb vs. resort life🎟️ Afro Nation DR — why the festival massively disappointed💸 Costs, safety, scams & tourist myths🍽️ Our favourite food experiences🌊 The beaches, locals & what we genuinely loved… and whether we’d actually recommend going.If you’re planning a trip to the Dominican Republic, thinking about Afro Nation, or just love travel stories — this one’s for you.

In today’s episode, we talk about how the EU can better support minorities in Ireland. This episode is part of Communicating Europe Initiative funded by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade' in collaboration with Black and Irish.- Black & Irish Website: https://blackandirish.com/- Black & Irish Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/black_andirish/

In today’s episode, we talk about how the EU operates and how Ireland plays a role in it, with our special guest Aisling. This episode is part of Communicating Europe Initiative funded by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade' in collaboration with Black and Irish. - Black & Irish Website: https://blackandirish.com/- Black & Irish Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/black_andirish/- https://www.europeanmovement.ie/press-release-ucd-university-observer-journalist-wins-european-commission-award-for-journalism-relating-to-european-affairs/- https://x.com/emireland- https://www.linkedin.com/company/674143/admin/dashboard/- https://www.instagram.com/europeanmovementireland/- https://bsky.app/profile/eumovementireland.bsky.social/post/3m4fshiv6k22r- https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/ebs/grid?ebs=yes&ebsplus=yes&date=20251031- https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en- https://www.europarl.europa.eu/about-parliament/en/organisation-and-rules/organisation/committees

In today’s episode, we talk about how birthdays have become bigger, louder, and sometimes way too overwhelming. 🎉 From the pressure to plan the perfect “aesthetic” celebration to spending money on trips, gifts, and social media-worthy moments — we break down how birthdays have changed and whether it’s all become too much.Join us for a fun and honest chat about growing up, setting boundaries, and learning to celebrate in a way that actually makes you happy. 💬

In this episode, we dive into The Great Lock-In trend and talk about how our priorities change as we get older. From calorie tracking and helping our parents stay active, to the FOMO of seeing everyone travel and party around the world right now 🌍 — we get real about the pressure to make the most of your 20s before turning 30.We also share our thoughts on how having kids can completely change your lifestyle and why it’s okay to enjoy the freedom while you have it. A funny, honest, and relatable chat about health, ageing, and living life to the fullest. 🎙️

In this episode, we take you on our journey through Romania, from exploring the beautiful city of Timișoara to experiencing authentic village life in Nicoleta’s hometown of Utvin. 🇷🇴 We share our thoughts on Romanian culture, food, people, and what makes village life so unique. From peaceful countryside moments to city adventures, this episode dives into the real Romania you don’t see in travel guides!

In this episode, we dive into the tricky world of money and friendships, should you split the restaurant bill evenly or by percentage? Is borrowing money from friends ever a good idea? And what about paying for tables at the club if you don’t even drink? We unpack the awkward, funny, and all-too-real moments that come with navigating money in social settings.Whether you’re the “I’ll just get it” friend or the one quietly calculating your order, this episode will have you nodding, laughing, and maybe even rethinking your next group night out.

After spending 2 months living in Japan, we’re sharing our honest thoughts. The good, the bad, and everything in between. From Japanese culture and daily life to food, travel, and the challenges foreigners face, we break down what we loved and what surprised us. If you’ve ever thought about visiting or moving to Japan, this is the real perspective you need.

In this episode, we go all in on modern tech frustrations—Farouq shares his very real gripe with endless sign-ups and tiny phone storage. We also break down our thoughts on the new series Mobland—was it worth the watch? Plus, we’re weighing in on the UK vs. Paris Fête de la Musique debate and sharing our take on the vibes, the music, and the cultural differences. It’s a full episode of hot takes, tech woes, and travel talk you won’t want to miss!