Field Notes

Morning routines, productivity, wellness habits, dopamine, sunlight, gratitude, affirmations — do viral morning routines actually work?This week I tested 3 viral morning routines from an English woman, an American woman, and an Australian woman to see whether any of them could make me feel more energised, productive, and less like I’m running on fumes.The problem?I’m doing this with:a toddler who wakes up at 4:30ambroken sleepa massive family bedand a deep resistance to bouncing on a Peppa Pig trampoline with coconut oil in my mouthSo this is a very scientific experiment.In this episodemy current chaos-morning routineMel Robbins-style 5-4-3-2-1 habitsoil pulling, electrolytes and gratitudeChinese lymphatic movementsmaking the bed like a functional adultwhether morning routines are modern madness… or actually quite anthropologicalTimestamps (ish)0:00 Intro – today’s experiment1:00 My current morning reality7:00 The American morning routine10:30 The British morning routine17:30 The Australian “hot girl” morning routine25:00 Have We Lost the Plot? Morning routines through an anthropology lensJoin the book clubActually Trying Book Club:https://rosehoneymorgan.substack.com/freetrialAsk Guru & GrannySend in your dilemmas, chaos, family drama and questionable life choices for Guru & Granny.DM me at:@rosehoneymorgan@field.notes.podComing FridayI’ll report back on which bits of these morning routines actually survived contact with real life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luteal phase, PMS, hormone hacks, mood swings — do internet remedies actually work?This week’s field report: I tested some of the internet’s favourite luteal phase advice.That meant eating a suspicious number of carrots and sweet potatoes, attempting to “rebalance” my hormones, and keeping a list of everything that annoyed me during PMS week.Some of the advice helped.Some of it involved heavily salted vegetables and blind optimism.Here’s the honest verdict.Timestamps0:00 Field report: testing internet luteal phase advice1:00 My accidental vegetable discovery2:00 The luteal phase irritation list3:00 The real household tension revealed5:00 Honest thoughts about the podcast and time pressure7:00 A possible PMS supplement experiment8:30 Ongoing trials: hormone hacks & brain headset9:00 Next week: morning routinesExperiments this weekluteal phase awarenessPMS mood trackingsweet potatoes & carrots for hormonesmagnesium & sleep supportComing nextNext week I’ll test morning routines — the topic you actually voted for.Follow alongInstagram:@rosehoneymorgan@field.notes.podJoin the book clubActually Trying Book Club:https://rosehoneymorgan.substack.com/freetrial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week dives into the luteal phase (PMS) - what’s actually happening hormonally, why your mood drops, and how to cope without doing a crime.We cover:what the luteal phase actually iswhy you feel more sensitive, irritable, and withdrawnwhether it’s hormones… or your life being out of alignmentpractical ways to support your mood (from Instagram, obviously)and a slightly chaotic Guru & Granny segment involving vegans and king prawns⏱️ TIMESTAMPS (ish)00:00 Intro – why we’re ignoring the poll and talking PMS05:30 What the menstrual cycle actually does to your brain10:30 Why the luteal phase feels like low power mode12:30 Have We Lost the Plot? (evolutionary take)14:00 “You’re not moody, your life is out of alignment”16:00 Luteal phase survival tips (food, magnesium, sleep)19:00 Guru & Granny: vegan boyfriend chaos📩 ASK GURU & GRANNYGot a dilemma?Relationships, family chaos, existential crises…DM your questions to:👉 @rosehoneymorgan👉 @field.notes.pod(You can stay anonymous)📚 JOIN THE BOOK CLUBIf you want deeper dives, experiments & slightly more structure:👉 Join the Actually Trying Book Club:https://rosehoneymorgan.substack.com/freetrial🎧 IF YOU ENJOYED THISFollow the podcast, leave a review, or send this to someone who:becomes a different person before their periodhas ever thought “why is everything suddenly awful?”or needs a luteal phase survival plan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I tested 4 anxiety techniques…two from a Harvard-trained life coach and two from Old Ma.The methods:• orgasm (did not happen)• contemplating death (surprisingly helpful)• building a “sanity quilt” (tiny habits that actually regulate you)• visualising your perfect day (emotionally risky)Some worked. Some absolutely did not.Main takeaway:👉 You don’t fix anxiety with one big breakthrough👉 You fix it with small daily things that make life slightly more bearableAlso:• no one is thinking about you as much as you think• you will be forgotten (freeing, not depressing)• and stroking your dog is genuinely medicinalIf you feel constantly slightly on edge, overwhelmed, or like your brain is doing too much…this episode is for you.🧠 What you’ll get:• realistic anxiety coping strategies• small daily habits that actually help• a brutally honest test of popular techniques• a reminder that your life doesn’t need to be perfect to be good⏱️ Chapters00:00 Testing 4 anxiety techniques01:00 Why orgasm didn’t make the list02:00 Thinking about death (and why it helps)04:30 The “life in weeks” reality check05:00 The sanity quilt (best one)08:00 Tiny habits that improve your day10:00 The perfect day exercise (spiral warning)11:30 Final thoughts + what actually worked📲 Follow me on Instagram:@rosehoneymorgan@field.notes.pod🔔 Subscribe for more:Weekly experiments in:• anxiety• self-improvement (without the cringe)• modern life• and trying to function like a normal person Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you live with that constant background hum of anxiety, you’ll understand the feeling of trying everything — therapy, routines, productivity hacks — and still feeling slightly on edge.So today we’re trying something different.This is a Mother’s Day anxiety special, featuring:• two anxiety techniques from my mother (Old Ma)• two techniques from a Harvard-trained life coach• and a conversation that includes orgasms, existential philosophy, and a surprisingly detailed death plan.In other words: a fairly normal episode.The Four Anxiety TechniquesIn this episode we explore four very different ways of dealing with anxiety:1️⃣ Old Ma’s technique #1: orgasm as emotional regulation2️⃣ Old Ma’s technique #2: contemplating death (memento mori)3️⃣ The “Sanity Quilt” method from Martha Beck4️⃣ The Perfect Day exerciseSome of these are more sensible than others.The Sanity QuiltThe Sanity Quilt idea comes from Martha Beck.Imagine a patchwork blanket where each square is a small activity that reliably calms your nervous system.Not big life changes.Just tiny stabilisers you can rely on when things feel overwhelming.Examples might include:• a quick walk outside• dancing to one song in the kitchen• lighting a candle• listening to music• texting a friend• reading a few pages of a book• making a cup of tea• eating a tiny cheeseboard (personal favourite)The idea is to build a toolkit of small things that help you regulate before you spiral.The Perfect Day ExerciseThe Perfect Day exercise asks a different question:Instead of chasing big life goals, what does a good ordinary Tuesday actually look like for you?You imagine a realistic ideal day — from when you wake up to when you go to bed.Not a fantasy billionaire life.Just the kind of day your nervous system would actually enjoy living in.Because life is basically thousands of Tuesdays in a row.Also in this episode• how worrying brains invent problems that never happen• why modern life might be fuelling anxiety• why remembering death can sometimes make life easier• Old Ma’s surprisingly detailed end-of-life planAsk Guru & GrannyIf you want Old Ma and I to attempt to solve your life problems, send us your dilemmas.Relationship chaos, family drama, existential crises — we’ll take it all.DM your questions to:@rosehoneymorgan@field.notes.podYou can remain anonymous if you like.If you enjoyed this episodePlease follow the show, leave a review, or share it with someone who:• worries about things that never happen• enjoys slightly unhinged mother–daughter conversations• or might benefit from a sanity quilt and a small cheeseboard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Earlier this week I began testing the Flow Neuroscience headset — a device that uses transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to stimulate areas of the brain linked to depression.In simpler terms:I’ve started plugging my forehead into a charger.This Friday Field Report is the week one update.I talk through:• What the headset actually feels like to wear• The slightly alarming wet electrode pads situation• Whether the electrical stimulation hurts (spoiler: mildly… but in a “strong skincare” kind of way)• The surprisingly good therapy app that comes with it• Why the behavioural therapy modules are actually better than a lot of therapy I’ve paid for• Whether the experiment is making me feel even slightly more motivatedSo far the results are… inconclusive.But I do feel a bit more like “come on then, let’s be having you.”Which is something.Inside the Flow appOne thing that genuinely impressed me was the built-in therapy courses.The headset isn’t just about the electrical stimulation — the app includes:• behavioural therapy modules• mindfulness and meditation sessions• sleep support• habit-building exercises• diet and lifestyle guidanceAll delivered through a chat-style interactive course, which is surprisingly engaging when you’re struggling to focus.It’s a bit like a choose-your-own-adventure therapy conversation.Find of the WeekThe therapy format inside the Flow app — genuinely useful behavioural therapy exercises delivered in a way that actually keeps you engaged.If I find similar tools that don’t require a brain-electrocuting headset, I’ll link them here. Ok so there's one called Youper but it's not available in the UK annoyingly. Abby - your AI therapist looks good. Or Wysa the app looks good too. Haven't tried any of them though so... just going off the App Store sales pitch!Fail of the WeekI currently have around 200 unanswered messages across email, WhatsApp and DMs.The longer I leave them, the more awkward the replies become.Classic.The experiment continuesI’ll report back again once I’ve used the headset for the full three-week protocol to see whether it actually improves:• mood• motivation• executive function• anxietyOr whether I’ve simply been mildly electrifying my forehead for no reason.Join the conversationIf you’ve tried anything that actually helped your mental health, motivation or executive function — send it my way.DM me on Instagram:@rosehoneymorgan@field.notes.podJoin the Book ClubWe’re currently reading Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway inside the Actually Trying Book Club.Join here:https://rosehoneymorgan.substack.com/freetrial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode is about mental health, low mood, chronic anxiety, executive dysfunction, and a slightly alarming-looking headset that may or may not be about to change my life.I’m trying the Flow Neuroscience headset — a non-invasive medical device that uses tDCS (transcranial Direct Current Stimulation) to stimulate the part of the brain linked to depression.In simpler terms:I am, apparently, going to start plugging my forehead into a charger.And honestly? At this point I’m open to it.In this episode I talk about:My long history of low mood, dread, anxiety, and general internal gloomEverything I’ve already tried:CBTEMDRAcceptance and Commitment Therapymedicationexercisewatersleeptrying really hard not to lose the plotWhat the Flow headset actually isHow it’s meant to workWhy the NHS uses itThe statistics that made me willing to strap an electrical device to my headWhether this is cutting-edge science or a sign that modern life has gone badly wrongWhy our ancestors may have had lives that were more naturally protective of mental health than ours are nowAlso in this episode:A new Ask Guru & Granny segment on beauty, Botox, fillers, lipstick, tailored clothing, and why my mother believes a teaspoon of botulism could kill the human race.So, as usual, it’s a mixed bag.What happens next?I’m starting the headset experiment now.On Friday I’ll report back on:what it feels likewhether it hurtswhat the app is likeand whether I feel even slightly less like I’m permanently treading emotional waterThe bigger results, apparently, take a few weeks — so this is just the beginningSend in your dilemmas for Ask Guru & GrannyIf you want me and Old Ma to attempt to solve your problems, send them over.DM me on Instagram:@rosehoneymorgan@field.notes.podAnd if I ignored your last one by accident, just bump it and send it again.Join the book clubWe’ve just started Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway inside the Actually Trying book club.https://rosehoneymorgan.substack.com/freetrialIf you enjoyed this episodePlease follow the show, leave a review, or share it with a friend who:is hanging on by a threadhas tried everythingor would absolutely try electrically charging their forehead if it meant feeling a bit more perky Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week I tested the internet’s favourite anti-doomscrolling trick:turning your phone to gray scale (black and white).The theory is simple: remove the bright colours that hijack your brain’s dopamine system and suddenly your phone becomes far less addictive.Did it cut my screen time in half?Well… not exactly.But it did reveal some interesting things about how our brains react to colour, stimulation, and the endless scroll.In this week’s Field Report we discuss:Whether gray scale actually reduced my screen timeWhy social media becomes weirdly less appealing in black and whiteHow the experiment accidentally pushed me into a ChatGPT rabbit holeWhy real life suddenly looked much more colourful and vividA brief “Have We Lost the Plot?” anthropology segment on humans and colour stimulationThe unexpected downside: trying to play phone games in grayscalePlus:Find of the WeekAppreciating colour again (and the joy of bold interiors)Fail of the WeekSpending another two hours helping June solve a murder in June’s JourneyLinks & Things MentionedJoin the Actually Trying Book Club👉 https://rosehoneymorgan.substack.com/freetrialLucy’s interiors Instagram👉 https://www.instagram.com/lucycollierinteriorsFollow the ShowFollow the podcast so you don’t miss next week’s experiment.If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend who is also trying (and occasionally failing) to reduce their screen time.Next WeekNext week’s topic may or may not make brands even more nervous about working with me… but at this point the damage is probably already done.See you then. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If your screen time is creeping up…If your phone feels impossible to put down…If the real world is starting to look a bit dull by comparison…This week I’m testing a free, surprisingly simple method that claims to reduce doomscrolling fast.No apps.No discipline hacks.No expensive “digital detox” retreats.Just one setting change.In this episode we discuss:How color and contrast hijack your dopamine systemWhy overstimulation can make the real world feel flatThe “gray scale” method and how to set it upAnd why I realised I needed to fix this — urgentlyI’m committing to a full week of gray scale to see if it genuinely reduces screen time.If you try it too, let me know what happens.The Instructions To enable grayscale on an iPhone, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Color Filters, then toggle "Color Filters" on and select "Grayscale"To turn on grayscale on Android, go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls > Bedtime mode and enable "Grayscale"📲 DM me on Instagram:@rosehoneymorgan@field.notes.podI’ll report back with the results.⭐ If this episode helps:Follow the show, leave a review, or send it to the friend who says “I don’t go on my phone that much” but somehow knows every trend Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

📚 Book Club Free Trial : https://rosehoneymorgan.substack.com/freetrialNext month’s book: Feel the Fear and Do It AnywayLink in show notes.Join us so I can reject brands with confidence.ANYWAYI’m back from the front lines.Four whole days.Zero processed food.Planned, chopped, cooked, washed up.Repeated.Never again.In this episode we discuss:The emotional toll of planning three meals a day like a Victorian housewifeWhether chopping board dinners are secretly geniusWhy cheeseboard dinner is an elite parenting hackThe M&S “non-UPF” range (sausages, buns, ketchup — full review)Migraines, morale, and missing BiscoffBeing dropped by my first big brand deal and spiralling publiclyWhether I should sell my soul for a podcast editorAnd if early death from crisps is simply a trade-off I’m willing to makeThe experiment verdict?Did I feel superhuman?No.Did I feel morally superior?Briefly.Did I miss ready meals with my entire being?Yes.🧀 FIND OF THE WEEKCheeseboard dinner.Elevated picky bits.Zero guilt.Highly recommend.❌ FAIL OF THE WEEKEverything else.If you’ve cracked the code on eating well without turning it into a full-time job, tell me.📲 DM me on Instagram:@rosehoneymorgan@field.notes.pod⭐ If you enjoyed this episode:Follow the show.Leave a review.Send it to a friend but pre warn them about which episodes are shite. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week I tried going ultra-processed-food-free.I lasted one day.Then I got violently ill.Was it the chicken?Was it soft play?Was it karma for mocking chopping-board influencers?Unclear.This week is Take 2.Because the real question isn’t “Is processed food bad?”It’s:How on earth are we supposed to avoid it if we can’t cook and don’t have a private chef?In this episode we discuss:My catastrophic attempt at roasting a chickenWhy I owe chopping-board people an apologyCottage cheese and berries (I’m still not convinced)The alarming bacteria situation on cutting boardsThe new M&S “UPF-free” rangeWhy modern health advice quietly assumes unlimited timeWhether there’s a realistic middle ground between crisps and grinding your own flourI’m trialling:The single-ingredient chopping board approachThe M&S UPF-free rangeAnd whatever I can manage without poisoning myself againI’ll report back properly in Friday’s Field Report.If you have:Healthy ready meal recommendationsLow-effort meal hacksOr thoughts on whether I’ve lost the plotTell me.📲 DM me on Instagram:@rosehoneymorgan@field.notes.podI read them. I respond. I occasionally take your advice.Private chef reel link : https://www.instagram.com/reel/CteX-QfMvkD/?igsh=cjR4bzNlOHM2eGU3⭐ If you enjoyed this episode:Follow the show, leave a review, or send it to a friend who owns a chopping board but still eats waffles daily. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s update is… brief.After confidently declaring I would attempt a week of ultra-processed-food-free living, I made it:👉 One day.And now I am recording this hunched over a sick bowl in what can only be described as the pink fluffy gown of shame.Is it norovirus?Is it food poisoning?Is it my body rebelling against actual vegetables?We do not yet know.What we do know:• Cooking is dangerous• My stomach muscles are shot• The commitment to this podcast remains intactFull debrief on Monday — assuming I survive.—📚 Join “Actually Trying” for the proper breakdowns (when I’m upright again): https://rosehoneymorgan.substack.com/freetrial📲 Follow along for live chaos:@rosehoneymorgan@field.notes.podLike. Subscribe. Send electrolytes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Field Notes, we enter the land of: Ultra-Processed Food.According to certain very serious doctors on the internet, UPFs are now:“The leading cause of early death on planet earth. Ahead of tobacco.”Cool.Not dramatic at all.So naturally, I’ve decided to test whether cutting them out for a week will:Improve my migrainesReduce my exhaustionFix my yo-yo weight historyOr simply make me feral and resentfulBecause unfortunately… most of the things listed as “ultra-processed” are the things I actually eat.🥪 In This Episode We Discuss:What actually counts as Ultra-Processed Food (and how inconsistent the definitions are)The claim that UPFs are worse than tobaccoThe inflammation / microbiome argumentThe counter-argument from registered dietitiansWhether the research is observational or causalFood anxiety vs legitimate health concernMy chaotic personal dietGrowing up on enforced raw spinachCheese-based GCSE breakdownsYo-yo weight cycles and hyper-palatable foodOzempic changing the household food dynamicWhether non-UPF eating is realistic with childrenWhy I eat like a 19-year-old boy with a student loanAnd whether “whole foods” are actually practical in real life🍽 Personal Context (Aka Why This Is a Problem)My current diet includes:Fistfuls of turkeySalt & vinegar crispsTuna pastaMushroom coffeeMinimal fruitSuspiciously little fibreMeanwhile the internet is telling me my gut lining is dissolving and my liver is weeping.So this week I attempt to go:👉 UPF-Free (or as close as I can manage)And we’ll see whether:My energy changesMy migraines shiftMy mood improvesOr whether I simply miss crisps🧠 Bigger QuestionsAre we pathologising modern food?Is this another wellness panic?Or is the hyper-palatable environment genuinely wrecking us?Can a busy parent realistically cook everything from scratch?And why does cutting processed food feel so emotionally loaded?👵 Guru & Granny ReturnsThis week’s dilemma:“I’ve narrowed it down to three husband contenders. How do I choose?”Featuring:The Strong Stomach Theory™The Chap OlympiadEscape room testingVomit resilienceAnd a brief detour into secret familiesYou’re welcome.📚 JOIN “ACTUALLY TRYING”If you’d like to improve your life without becoming insufferable:Join the book club / self-improvement group chat over on Substack.This month:👉 Atomic Habits by James ClearYou’ll get:Weekly practical breakdownsPrivate podcast episodesCheat sheetsKnowledge topicsAnd a place to collectively sort ourselves outJoin here:https://rosehoneymorgan.substack.com/subscribeOr sign up free for the weekly notes.📲 Follow & ShareFollow on Instagram:@rosehoneymorgan@field.notes.podShare this episode with someone who:Owns at least three types of oat milkIs suspicious of emulsifiersOr eats crisps in the car and calls it “lunch” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Field Report is the follow-up on vagus nerve regulation, still-face parenting, and trying to soothe our fried nervous systems.I tested the homework:Ice water dunk.Breath work.Humming (unfortunately, in public).Links MentionedVagus nerve stimulation device - https://shorturl.at/Q0YQQBreath work app - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/breathwrk-breathing-exercises/id1481804500Gospel Sunday Service Choir track - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qre8LJVd3o (wait for SIA to come out and sing with them, it gets me every time. Also look up 'sunday service choir' on youtube or spotify and enjoy the full album. I love 'rain' and 'father stretch' the most. 📚 Join “Actually Trying”Private podcast episodes, book breakdowns, and practical self-improvement without becoming unbearable.https://rosehoneymorgan.substack.com/subscribeFollow on Instagram:@rosehoneymorgan@field.notes.podNew episodes every Monday (deep dive) and Friday (Field Report).In this episode we discuss:Full head ice dunk attempts (and whether they calm you down or just make you feel mildly feral)Why breath work felt surprisingly effectiveThe school gate humming incidentThe still-face experiment and why scrolling in front of your kids hits differentlyWhy regulation starts in the body, not the brainWhether overthinking (and over-ChatGPT-ing) makes stress worseThe new vagus nerve stimulation device you can clip to your earThe gospel choir soundtrack that fuelled my public “moment”Why humans used to regulate naturally (and now need calendar reminders to breathe)💀 Fail of the WeekPublic humming.Misread eye contact.A minor wellbeing check from one of the two hot dads.We move.💡 Find of the WeekRegulation is physical.You cannot reason your way out of stress when your heart is racing.Long exhales > spiralling thoughts.Unclench your jaw > rewrite your narrative.Body first. Brain second. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vagus Nerve Tips, Stress & Still Face ParentingThis week I force you to join in with whatever the mad reels tell us to do - so concentrate.My algorithm is obsessed with vagus nerve regulation: calm your nervous system, soothe your vagal tone, stop being on edge, stop snapping, stop doom-scrolling and just… relax.So naturally, I decided to look into it.In this episode I unpack why modern life feels so dysregulating, why scrolling feels calming but actually isn’t, and whether humming, cold water, jaw unclenching and breathing like an ancient human might help — or whether we’ve officially lost the plot.You may need to unclench your teeth while listening.🧠 What We Cover• Why “just calm down” doesn’t work• The Still Face experiment — and why blank-facing kids backfires• What the vagus nerve actually does (without wellness nonsense)• Why your body has to feel safe before your brain can think• The most common vagus nerve tips from Instagram• Which ones felt useful, which felt weird, and which I’ll actually keep🧪 The Internet Advice I TestedIncluding:• Humming & singing• Breathing out longer than in• Jaw and tongue relaxation• Cold water on the face• Slow movement instead of checking outNo ice baths. No candles. No pretending we live in a monastery.🏺 Have We Lost the Plot?Probably not.Humans have always regulated themselves through:• movement• rhythm• cold exposure• shared calmWe just used to do it naturally — now we have to remember.🔁 Field Report Coming FridayI’ll report back on whether any of this helped in real life, or whether it joined the long list of things that sounded promising and didn’t survive a weekday.📚 JOIN “ACTUALLY TRYING”If you want help actually applying this stuff (without becoming insufferable):👉 https://rosehoneymorgan.substack.com/subscribeThis month’s book:Atomic Habits – James ClearYou’ll get:• Weekly breakdowns you can actually use• Private podcast episodes• Cheat sheets & summaries• Anti-brain-rot knowledge topicsYou can also join free for the notes via email.📲 STAY IN THE GROUP CHATFollow along on Instagram:• @rosehoneymorgan• @field.notes.podAnd come back Friday for the field report. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

📚 JOIN “ACTUALLY TRYING” at https://rosehoneymorgan.substack.com/subscribeThis month’s book:👉 Atomic Habits by James ClearYou’ll get:• Weekly breakdowns you can actually implement• Private podcast episodes• Cheat sheets & summaries• Anti-brain-rot knowledge topicsOr sign up free for the notes part in your email. Field Report: Psychic Signs, Spirit Messages & When “Woo-Woo” Gets a Bit MuchThis week’s Field Report is the follow-up to Monday’s episode on signs from the universe, mediumship, and whether humans secretly need meaning to function.I promised to test it myself.So naturally, I:✔ Went to a celebrity psychic✔ Asked the universe (and possibly my dead dad) for a very specific sign✔ Emotionally spiralled slightly✔ Learned an unexpectedly useful life lessonThis episode contains psychic predictions, Ocado logistics, grief anthropology, and the first ever Guru & Granny agony aunt segment — which immediately descends into curtain-related chaos.You’ve been warned.🔮 PART 1 — The Psychic VisitI revisit the psychic reading I had while pregnant and unpack:• The eerily accurate pregnancy and birth prediction• The very weird pocket watch story• The food/content creation prediction that aged… suspiciously well• The possibility my mum believes psychics just hire private investigators• The big question: coincidence, cold reading, or something stranger?👻 PART 2 — Asking the Universe (and My Dad) for a SignI tested the theory properly by requesting one specific sign:👉 The name “Tim”👉 Offline only👉 Within three daysThe results include:• Stick-based desperation• Ocado driver Timothy (plum van edition)• The Reticular Activating System explained in real life• Why looking for signs made grief feel… louder, not lighter💔 FAIL OF THE WEEKWhy deliberately searching for spiritual reassurance actually made my mental state worse — including:• Emotional dwelling• Grief resurfacing• Incense-fuelled crying sessionsNot exactly the influencer wellness journey promised.💡 FIND OF THE WEEKTurns out:👉 Asking actual living humans for support works surprisingly wellFeaturing:• Asking Old Ma for help• Adult children still wanting their mum to tidy their room• The emotional science of support vs isolation👵 NEW SEGMENT — Guru & GrannyOur first listener dilemma arrives:“How do I persuade my husband to fund bespoke home renovations without murdering him?”Expect:• Alarmingly traditional advice• Weaponised porridge window insulation• Manipulation strategies that should absolutely not be peer reviewed🧠 Bigger TakeawayLooking for signs might comfort some people.But this experiment raised bigger questions about:• Grief processing• Pattern-seeking human brains• Why meaning matters psychologically• And when “self-help spirituality” quietly becomes avoidance✉️ WRITE INTO GURU & GRANNYSend your dilemmas, chaos, or questionable life decisions via DM or to my instagram @rosehoneymorgan or @field.notes.podYou can remain anonymous. Highly encouraged after this episode.🎙 ABOUT FIELD NOTESA self-improvement podcast for people who are:• Chronically online• Mildly overwhelmed• Trying to improve their lives without becoming insufferableEach week I test internet advice so you don’t have to.⭐ If You Enjoyed This EpisodePlease follow, rate, and share with someone who has either:• Googled angel numbers at 2am• Booked a psychic once “just for fun”• Or owns at least three types of incense Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Want to actually try this year? Join me at - https://rosehoneymorgan.substack.com/subscribe I’ve started Actually Trying - a private Substack podcast + newsletter for people who are sick of collecting advice and never applying it.Each month includes:A realistic book club (starting with Atomic Habits by James Clear — no perfection required)An Anti-Brain-Rot Club to relearn things we probably should already knowWeekly private podcast episodesCheat sheets, summaries, and notes delivered straight to your inboxNew private episodes drop every Wednesday.You can listen in your normal podcast app.What if asking for signs from the universe isn’t unhinged… just very human?In this episode of Field Notes, I go somewhere my family would deeply prefer I didn’t: signs from the universe, communicating with the dead, near-death experiences, and whether any of this is actually real — or just a very effective placebo.This all started after I listened to neuroscientist and psychiatrist Dr Tara Swart on Diary of a CEO, where she calmly (and alarmingly confidently) explained that she believes it is possible to communicate with people who have died — not as a spiritual guru, but as an Oxford-educated medical doctor with a PhD in neuroscience.So naturally, I had to investigate.In this episode, we cover:Why humans have always searched for signs, meaning, and messages from “elsewhere”Dr Tara Swart’s experiences after losing her husband — and the science she believes supports themNear-death experiences that are genuinely difficult to explain (including the red MG story)Whether consciousness might exist beyond the brainThe placebo effect — and why “even if it’s not real” doesn’t necessarily mean it doesn’t workFamous placebo studies (fake knee surgery, antidepressants, pain relief)The reticular activating system (RAS) and why asking for “signs” might simply train your brain to notice moreManifestation, meaning-making, and why modern life feels spiritually hollowWhether looking for signs can help with grief, loneliness, and uncertainty — even if you remain deeply scepticalMy own experiment (starts now):I’m going to ask for a specific, offline sign — not from Instagram, not from scrolling — and I’ll report back on Fridaywith what happened.If you’re not into the idea of signs from the dead, I also talk through an alternative:connecting with future you — the older, calmer version of yourself who already survived whatever you’re panicking about now.Have we lost the plot?Probably not.For most of human history, we’ve consulted gods, oracles, ancestors, rituals, astrology, omens, and stories to make sense of the world. When societies lose shared meaning systems, anxiety and loneliness tend to rise — which might explain why manifestation, astrology, and “signs from the universe” are having such a moment.This episode isn’t about convincing you to believe anything.It’s about asking whether meaning itself might be useful — even if it’s a little bit made up.Coming up next:Friday: Field Report — what happened when I asked for a sign (plus a story involving a psychic)Next week: Ask Guru & Granny — the new listener Q&A segment with:a chronically online take (me)a chronically offline take (Old Ma)Send your questions to: rosefieldnotespod@gmail.comOr DM me on Instagram: @rosehoneymorgan(Anonymous is absolutely fine.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Field Report follows on from Monday’s episode on Main Character Dressing — specifically the idea of “dressing for the life you want.”So naturally, I committed to the ultimate test:I dressed as a Clean Girl.And so did Old Ma.What followed was… humbling.Scraped-back buns. Stark white activewear. An identity crisis involving my hairline, forehead, and general facial geography. Turns out Clean Girl Dressing is not for the faint-hearted — or anyone with a large skull, ginger hair, or a low tolerance for belts.In this episode, I report back on:What Clean Girl dressing actually feels like in real lifeWhy scraped-back buns are basically a humiliation ritual unless you’re a 9 or 10Whether wearing white really does change behaviour (spoiler: it does, slightly)Why clothes can affect confidence, posture, and how willing you are to steal your children’s snacksThe unexpected psychological impact of feeling “seen” vs wanting to disappearWhy everyone needs a symbolic power item (boots, hat, gilet, etc.)The problem with buying “nice pieces” instead of full outfitsWhy belts are medieval torture devicesAnd what Clean Girl taught me about hygiene, confidence, and hand-washing (sad but true)Finds & FailsFind of the week:The concept of a power outfit — clothing that lets you walk into places like you own them (post office, returns desk, life in general)Fail of the week:Wearing nicer clothes under the coatBeltsStiff blousesThinking I could style “mid-range” outfits without buying the full mannequin lookAccidental Life HackHow to get a workout done without creating a third outfit or extra laundry (sports bra under pyjamas = elite behaviour)📬 Ask Guru & Granny — Coming Next WeekFrom next week, we’re officially launching Ask Guru & Granny — the new listener segment where we tackle your problems from two perspectives:Chronically online (me)Chronically offline (Old Ma)If you’ve got a dilemma, spiral, life question, or quiet panic — send it in.📩 Email: rosefieldnotespod@gmail.com📲 Instagram DM: @rosehoneymorganTell us if you want to be anonymous or named.Neither of us are licensed therapists.My mum’s main qualification is “a life well lived” and decades of being deeply unimpressed by nonsense.📸 Extra Bits & VisualsYou can see:Old Ma’s Clean Girl attemptAesthetic referencesPower item discussionOver on the podcast Instagram:👉 @field.notes.podI’ll be back on Monday with another experiment — and yes, it may cause a domestic incident. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re told to dress for the life we want — not the life we have.That if we change how we dress, we’ll change how we feel.That confidence, motivation, discipline, and even happiness might be hiding in a blazer, a slicked-back bun, or a pair of cowboy boots.But… is that actually true?Or is this just another internet reinvention fantasy dressed up as self-improvement?In this episode of Field Notes, I look at main character dressing, aesthetic identities, and the idea that clothes can function as behavioural cues — through humour, cultural anthropology, and lived experience.This one is for anyone who:feels permanently scruffy, flat, or half-aliveknows they care about how they look, but can’t seem to follow throughsuspects there’s something psychologically real going on here… but also something deeply ridiculousWhat we cover• Main character dressing — what it actually means, and why it’s everywhere• Dressing for the life you want vs dragging yourself around in leggings and a fleece• Why clothes can genuinely affect mood, confidence, and behaviour (without becoming delusional about it)• A gentle roasting of men in tracksuits (you can sit with us — just behave)• The aesthetics currently doing the rounds online:Clean GirlTomato GirlMob WifeCottagecore• Why switching aesthetics can feel like trying on identities• Whether “rehearsing” a version of yourself helps — or just makes you overthink everything• The anthropology of adornment, status, and signalling (including a Copper Age man buried with a solid gold penis sheath)• Why Old Ma is always dressed properly — and why she might be onto somethingIntroducing (soft launch): Ask Guru & GrannyThis episode also sets up a new weekly segment starting next episode:Ask Guru & GrannyEach week we’ll answer listener questions using:a chronically online take (me)and a chronically offline take (Old Ma — archaeologist, control group, deeply unimpressed by nonsense)You can ask about:identityworkconfidencerelationshipsmotivationor anything you’re quietly spiralling aboutSend questions to: rosefieldnotespod@gmail.comOr DM me on Instagram: @rosehoneymorganTell us if you’d like to be anonymous or named.(Neither of us are licensed psychologists or counsellors. My mum’s main credential is “a life well lived” and decades of not indulging bullshit.)What’s coming nextI’ll be actually trying this in real life:testing different aestheticsseeing whether clothes change behaviour, mood, or self-controland reporting back honestly — including whether it’s worth the laundry, the sensory overload, or the effortPhotos, visuals, and Old Ma’s homework will be shared on the podcast Instagram.Follow for clips, extras & deleted scenes📸 Podcast Instagram: @field.notes.pod(behind-the-scenes chaos, visuals, and things that didn’t make the edit)If this episode made you laugh, think, or feel mildly called out — share it with someone who’d enjoy being part of this group chat.See you on Friday for the Field Report. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Housekeeping: Ask Guru & Granny starts MondayYou send in your problems.You get:a chronically online take (me)a chronically offline take (Old Ma)Questions can be about:workrelationshipsidentityconfidencedecision paralysis....anythingSend questions to:📩 rosefieldnotespod@gmail.comOr DM me on Instagram: @rosehoneymorgan or @field.notes.podTell us if you’d like to be anonymous or named.(Neither of us are licensed psychologists or counsellors.)Spacedust discount code - https://www.spacegoods.com/ROSE18621(they actually give one to anyone. still... I think it's 20% off) This EpisodeThis week I went all in on mushroom coffee - far beyond the recommended daily allowance - and flirted with the idea of ayahuasca.Not at a retreat.A workshop.Which is very much the pre-retreat.I went in curious, sceptical, exhausted, and - unfortunately - deeply distracted by a fit shaman, which immediately ruled out any future scenario involving vomiting, purging, or losing control in front of an attractive man.So: ayahuasca is crossed off the list for now.Mushroom coffee, however? Fully in the running.What this episode coversWe’re all knackered.Properly frazzled.Running on broken sleep, caffeine, and whatever scraps of energy are left after bedtime.And yet Instagram and TikTok cannot agree on what we’re supposed to do about it for more than eleven seconds.So this field report looks at what actually helped — and what absolutely did not.In this episode, I cover:What ayahuasca actually involves (spoiler: buckets, purging, and zero dignity)Why psychedelic “healing” feels wildly incompatible with my personalityA deeply unsettling mushroom horror story involving horses, Marmite, and sixth formWhy I don’t buy the idea that neuroplasticity + strangers + vomiting is the answerMushroom coffee vs normal coffee — how it actually feels in the bodyBrain fog, focus, and that rare feeling of being mentally “on”Why mushroom coffee feels more like:a full night’s sleeppeak flowa few days before ovulationCoffee side effects (yes, including that one)The creatine variable (and why it complicates the experiment)Sleep deprivation, parenting, and surviving on medium-to-go energyWhy mushroom coffee works brilliantly before midday and terribly afterHow to make mushroom coffee taste genuinely good (no grim watery nonsense)Mushroom coffee & ingredients mentioned We talk about:Mushroom coffeeFunctional mushroomsNootropics and adaptogensLion’s ManeCordycepsChagaReishiMacaCreatine and cognitionBrain fog, focus, and fatigueCoffee alternativesBrands mentioned (not ads):SpacegoodsDIRTEA / DirtyHow I actually drank it (the non-feral version)Full mug of oat milk (yes, the whole mug)Microwave for one minuteOne tablespoon mushroom coffeeStirDrinkOptional (if you’re feeling fancy):Hazelnut or pistachio crème (M&S)Do not bother with waterDo not add washing-up admin to your lifeFind of the WeekMushroom coffee made properly — creamy, hot, and not vaguely punishing.Fail of the WeekDrinking it after midday.Absolutely wired.Absolutely no sleep.Do not recommend.What’s nextI’ll be back on Monday with:the first proper Ask Guru & Grannyanother thing I’m actually tryingand a report on whether any of this is helping or just rearranging the exhaustionSee you then. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.