Podcast Summary: "high heels and bare nails, things i like rn"
podcast: anything goes with emma chamberlain
host: emma chamberlain
date: October 16, 2025
Overview
In this candid, cozy solo episode, Emma Chamberlain shares her current obsessions — little things, routines, and trends that are bringing her joy lately. From style changes like embracing heels and bare nails to foodie revelations (hello, frozen yogurt!), Emma’s in a phase of subtle self-discovery, comfort re-evaluation, and embracing both old and new pleasures. The episode’s tone is casual, personal, and filled with Emma’s signature blend of sarcasm, honesty, and warmth.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. High Heels: From Reluctance to Obsession
[03:00 – 11:50]
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Emma confesses a lifelong aversion to high heels due to discomfort and "bad foot anatomy," yet has recently begun loving certain heeled styles — especially comfortable boots and kitten heels.
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She describes the feeling heels give her: not necessarily "confident" or "powerful," but "a sense of elegance, a sense of chicness."
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Emma is even pushing herself to wear less-comfortable pairs just for the emotional lift.
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She reflects on newfound confidence and wonders if this heel phase might be a reflection of changing self-perception or just a fleeting moment.
"There's something about the way that a heel elevates a look that makes me feel good... Maybe I'm just craving a sense of elegance or chicness." — Emma [06:45]
2. Bare Nails: Rediscovering Natural Simplicity
[11:50 – 17:40]
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Lifelong habit of having elaborate or at least gel-polished nails; even ran a nail art Instagram as a kid.
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Recent shift: Gave her nails a break from polish and artificial enhancements — now embraces "groomed but bare" natural nails.
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She marvels at the low-maintenance and finds unexpected beauty in simplicity.
"As my personal style and as my taste evolves, I become more interested in natural things. I see a different kind of beauty in simplicity as well." — Emma [16:55]
3. Eyeliner (in the Waterline): Completing the Look
[22:05 – 28:45]
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Previously avoided eyeliner and especially winged liner, struggled with application and didn't like the way classic eyeliner looked on her.
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Recently discovered the magic of waterline eyeliner — favors darker shades to suit her "creepier" makeup vibe.
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This completes her makeup looks, seeming to solve a problem she’s had for years.
"I finally cracked the code. I've been loving it...I think it makes the whole makeup look cohesive." — Emma [27:00]
4. Chokers: The 2010 Trend Returns
[28:45 – 33:20]
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Bought black leather and lace chokers, despite their “cringe” reputation post-Tumblr era.
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Finds chokers unexpectedly flattering and admits they're almost more like "outfit extensions" or scarves than jewelry.
"It just kind of like continues the outfit up onto the neck, which I like. It's almost like wearing a scarf." — Emma [32:45]
5. The Perfect At-Home Uniform
[33:20 – 42:00]
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After experimenting for a YouTube video, Emma perfected her at-home working "uniform": all-black athleisure (Brooks run shoes, black sweatpants, black tee or tank, optional black cardigan).
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Main brand shoutout: Bleu Salt (“pricey but soft and beautiful”).
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Notes how a cohesive, all-black look makes her feel chic and boosts confidence, even alone at home.
"There's something about an all-black outfit that always feels chic to me. It's just so cohesive." — Emma [40:30]
6. The Joy of Early Dinners
[42:00 – 46:20]
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Candidly rails against late dinner culture and raves about eating as early as 5–6pm.
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Lists benefits: better digestion, avoids unnecessary snacking, allows more spontaneity with restaurant reservations.
"Why are we trying to make a dinner reservation for 8pm? Why not skip the rush, go at 6pm?" — Emma [43:05]
7. Frozen Yogurt is Back
[49:10 – 56:20]
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Reminisces about frozen yogurt’s mid-2010s heyday and recent rediscovery.
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Loves the fun, self-serve experience and ability to control portion sizes. Describes her dream cup (tart flavors, berries, honey, granola, chia seeds).
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Even claims (with hesitation) that she might like froyo more than ice cream.
"Frozen yogurt is back, people. If you forgot about frozen yogurt, wake up, wake up." — Emma [54:55]
8. The Art of Mocktails (Sober Living Update)
[56:20 – 1:01:59]
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Shares her sobriety update (1 year alcohol-free due to likely intolerance).
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Debunks her own earlier mocktail skepticism; now revels in creative, astringent, and herbal non-alcoholic drinks—especially those that feel "fancy" or are made fresh at restaurants.
"They're not just juice. They'll do interesting things...it's so fun to drink." — Emma [57:40]
9. Crushed Croutons: Gourmet Food Hack
[1:02:00 – 1:04:10]
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Emma’s discovered crushing croutons with a mortar and pestle — sprinkling the crispy crumbs over salads, pasta, anything for texture.
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Prefers the crunchiness to store-bought breadcrumbs; suggests everyone try it.
"A little crunch never hurts." — Emma [1:04:00]
10. Hiking Trips: The New Favorite Getaway
[1:04:10 – 1:08:10]
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Raves about the magic of hiking-focused road trips (recently to a SoCal outdoorsy town).
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Prefers active vacations over "shopping cities," loves the grounding, spontaneous, and fulfilling aspect of hiking getaways.
"When I'm on vacation, I want to do stuff...So going on a hiking vacation, you get the satisfaction and the fulfillment of completing something." — Emma [1:06:40]
11. Sleeping with a Pillow Under Her Legs
[1:08:10 – 1:11:35]
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Accidentally found relief for her back pain by sleeping with a pillow under her knees.
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Shares both personal anecdote and a Google-researched rationale (improved circulation, less pressure on spine); suspects she may need a new mattress.
"I'm loving sleeping with my legs up with a pillow underneath... Perhaps indefinitely." — Emma [1:11:03]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On high heels:
"There's a sharpness to them. There's a strength to them... I don't know, but I've been just craving the feeling that I get when I wear heels a lot lately." [08:00] -
On natural nails:
"I think, like for events and stuff, perhaps I'll put on some like crazy claws... But for right now, for whatever reason, I'm really enjoying the low maintenance ness and the look of natural clean nails." [15:30] -
On eyeliner mastery:
"I used to hate cooking...But once you understand the ingredients, you can kind of wing it. It's the same thing with makeup. Once you get it, it's fun." [28:00] -
On early dinners:
"I don't like eating late and then going to sleep like full and then I'm like having acid reflux as I'm trying to fall asleep." [44:45] -
On frozen yogurt:
"I can't stop talking about it. I think I'm gonna get frozen yogurt tonight... It's so good, it's so good, I love frozen yogurt, I'm obsessed." [54:10] -
On sobriety and mocktails:
"I love it, I'm so happy I don't drink anymore... Now I'm obsessed with ordering mocktails because they're not just juice, they'll do interesting things." [56:35] -
On hiking vacations:
"There are certain vacations where the main activity is shopping. That's fun, but, like, I don't need to buy more things... Hiking trips, the move." [1:07:45]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- High Heels: 03:00 – 11:50
- Bare Nails: 11:50 – 17:40
- Eyeliner/Makeup Tangent: 22:05 – 28:45
- Chokers: 28:45 – 33:20
- At-Home Uniform: 33:20 – 42:00
- Early Dinners: 42:00 – 46:20
- Frozen Yogurt: 49:10 – 56:20
- Mocktails/Sobriety: 56:20 – 1:01:59
- Crushed Croutons Hack: 1:02:00 – 1:04:10
- Hiking Trips: 1:04:10 – 1:08:10
- Sleeping with Pillow Under Legs: 1:08:10 – 1:11:35
Conclusion
This episode is a delightful, meandering snapshot of Emma’s evolving tastes and routines — a mix of comfort, nostalgia, self-improvement, and playful “trend revivals.” Whether it’s style, food, or lifestyle, Emma’s experimentation and openness encourage listeners to embrace what brings them genuine joy, even if it’s seemingly trivial or a little quirky.
For listeners who haven’t tuned in:
You’ll come away with fun, relatable tips, a sense of Emma’s refreshingly honest personality, and maybe a craving for froyo or a desire to try a choker again — or at least to rethink how you dress at home.