Why is everyone using vibration plates?

Summary

Style-ish Podcast Episode Summary

Episode: Why is everyone using vibration plates?
Date: January 13, 2026
Hosts: Madison Sullivan Thorpe, Joanna Fleming, Annika Joshi Smith
Podcast: Style-ish by Shameless Media

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Overview

This lively episode of Style-ish explores the current craze for vibration plates—and whether they actually work—as well as 2026 style resolutions, the growing luxury of hobbies, and the latest buzz in beauty launches. The hosts blend personal anecdotes, expert advice, and listener feedback for an engaging, conversational deep-dive into wellness trends, intentional living, and fashion-forward thinking.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Road Beauty Launch in Australia & New Zealand (00:33 – 06:11)

• Excitement about Hailey Bieber’s Road Beauty Line:

  • The hosts celebrate Road’s arrival at Mecca, emphasizing the significance for Australian fans who previously struggled to access the brand.
  • Personal stories about ordering Road products and favorites, including the Glazing Milk and Peptide Lip Shapers.
  • Notable Quote:
    “Every time I go to the US I will literally go to Sephora and do my absolute best to get the most coveted products. They're always sold out!”
    — Annika (02:52)

• Shout-Outs to Honest Beauty Reviews:

  • The hosts recommend checking out honest reviews from Aussie beauty editors like Emily Algar on Rush and Claire Bridget on YouTube.
  • Memorable moment: Playful banter about “the sillies” infecting the podcast due to tech troubles (00:32–06:11).

2. Weekly Swaps & Style Inspiration (06:12 – 12:31)

• Annika (31 weeks pregnant):

  • Shares her favorite fashion-forward postpartum style inspirations: Cassie James, Chanel Zabregas, and best friend Julia Lomas Wilson.
  • Talks about pregnancy swelling and possibly passing on her favorite shoes:
    “My tabbies will be up for grabs.” — Annika (06:48)

• Joanna:

  • Reviews “Twoobs BFF thongs” for their comfort, quality, and blister-free experience despite a higher price point:
    "I immediately went for a dog walk to see if they would give me blisters—not a blister in sight." — Joanna (10:15)

• Madison:

  • Recommends Lumify eye drops as a staple for bright and refreshed eyes, inspired by Troye Sivan.
    "They make your eyes look crazy white." — Mads (11:44)

3. 2026 Style-ish Resolutions (13:58 – 23:59)

• Listener Resolutions:

  • Many listeners focus on intentionality, slowing down, better money mindset, and spending time on hobbies—rather than traditional goal-chasing.
  • The hosts discuss shifting from ambitious, overwhelming lists to “words of the year” and balanced intentions.
  • Notable Quote:
    "Becoming more intentional with my dressing... I want to really lean into the things that make me feel good."
    — Annika (22:22)

• Madison’s Resolutions:

  • Prioritizing health and regular checkups post-IVF, including full-body diagnostics and spending intentional time with elderly loved ones.
    “Spend time with elderly people in your life… the wisdom, love, and the way my cup was filled.” (18:30)

• Joanna’s Resolutions:

  • Decluttering home and wardrobe to improve mindset and actually wear more of her clothes (20:23).

• Annika’s Resolutions:

  • Refining personal style, focusing on staple brands (Harris Tapper, St. Agni), shopping intentionally, and “shopping her own wardrobe” (22:22).

4. Are Hobbies the New Luxury? (24:38 – 34:37)

• Cultural Shift to Analog Hobbies:
  • Data shows a surge in “analog hobby” interest (Google searches up 160% post-January 1).
  • Citing articles from The Guardian and NYT, the hosts discuss how hobbies now require time and sometimes money, making them small acts of resistance against burnout and productivity culture.
• Defining Hobbies:
  • Listeners and hosts realize hobbies aren’t just crafts or sports—they can be anything done voluntarily for joy, from cleaning to podcast listening (27:58).
    “If it’s a voluntary, repeatable behavior you do because you want to, then it’s classified as a hobby.” — Jess, via Joanna (27:58)
• Gender & Generational Divide:
  • Gen Z appears more intentional with time and able to prioritize hobbies; many millennial women feel too busy with parenting/caretaking to have hobbies, while their partners more easily make time (29:25).
• Experiences over Possessions:
  • Participation and new skills are increasingly valued over material goods, even among the ultra-wealthy.
• Hosts’ Hobby Aspirations:
  • Madison wants to use her Fujifilm camera for more creative, personal moments (33:22).
  • General desire to be content, slow down, and focus on genuine connection.

5. Vibration Plates: Hype or Help? (34:37 – 40:05)

• What Are Vibration Plates?:
  • Huge resurgence in popularity, especially on social media; hosts recall their ‘90s/’00s origins and parents owning them.
  • Madison: “All I imagine is, yeah, same.” — the wobbly sensation (35:13)
• Expert Opinion (Morgan Budd, Pilates Instructor):
  • Plates stimulate muscles via rapid oscillations; best used with intentional positions (squats, lunges, planks).
  • “They’re a tool to amplify movement, not substitute for it… Not a shortcut to fitness. The benefits come from how you move on them, not just being on one.” — summary of Morgan’s advice (35:13–36:35)
• Hosts’ Reaction:
  • Despite previous attempts to resist “habit stacking,” the hosts are thoroughly influenced by the idea of combining vibration plates with LED masks and Bala bands for ultra-efficient routines (36:35–37:54).
  • Joanna shares that some specialists suggest vibration plates might also have cognitive benefits for neurodivergence (including ADHD) (38:55).
• Consumer Tips:
  • Madison’s humor: She’s shopping between a plain vibration plate and an Amazon “walking pad” that both shakes and moves.
    "Please do let us know whether we need the walking pad version or just the straight up one!" — Mads (39:45)

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “If I ever have to intro this podcast in the next seven days, I’m going to scream.” — Madison (00:40)
• “Just recording them when they’re telling you funny stories, taking photos with them, like it’s just, it’s pure joy.” — Madison on time with elderly loved ones (18:30)
• “Becoming more intentional with my dressing... I want to really lean into the things that make me feel good, the things I like, think I look good in, and the things that make me feel confident.” — Annika (22:22)
• “If it’s a voluntary, repeatable behavior that you do just because you want to, then it’s classified as a hobby.” — Jess (Joanna’s friend), relayed by Joanna (27:58)
• “Vibration plates can increase muscle activation, circulation, and help with mobility and recovery... not a shortcut to fitness.”— Morgan Budd via Joanna (35:13–36:35)
• “This is a habit stacking I’m willing to let creep back in. I’m so into this trend.” — Madison (37:37)
• “What does the vibration plate not do is all I’m doing.” — Madison (39:30)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Road Beauty Launch Conversation: 00:33 – 06:11
• Weekly Swaps & Style/Fashion Inspiration: 06:12 – 12:31
• Style-ish Resolutions for 2026: 13:58 – 23:59
• Are Hobbies the New Luxury: 24:38 – 34:37
• Vibration Plate Deep-Dive & Expert Input: 34:37 – 40:05

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Tone & Style

The episode is witty, warm, and candid—much like chatting with style-savvy friends. Hosts freely mix personal experiences with expert advice, and inject humor into even the most wellness-centric discussions, never taking themselves too seriously but always digging for the real story.

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Final Thoughts

This episode leaves listeners with actionable inspiration: whether it’s investing in intentional wardrobe pieces, decluttering for clarity, making time for loved ones, reframing what “hobby” means, or weighing the pros and cons of wellness gadgets like vibration plates. The podcast is a blend of relatable chat, sharp cultural insight, and lighthearted peer influence—perfect for anyone navigating the ever-evolving worlds of beauty, style, and modern living.

Transcript

[A]

Foreign. This episode of Stylish is brought to you by 1800 tequila. Discover the unexpected this summer with the perfect base for your summer margarita menu. This is Stylish, the podcast for all things fashion, lifestyle, brand and beauty. My name is Madison Sullivan Thorpe. I am joined, as always by my co hosts, Joanna Fleming and Annika Joshi Smith.

[B]

Hello, everybody. We can't lie. We've tried to do this intro about five times. We're having some tech issues today, so if we get the sillies, it's because of that.

[A]

If I ever have to intro this podcast in the next seven days, I'm going to scream.

[C]

How are we, ladies? Anyway?

[A]

We're good. Look, we do want to say a little note to our Victorians. We just are really feeling heavy at the moment. There are some horrendous bushfires throughout the state of Victor where we record from, and our hearts are really with everyone at the moment, just absolutely devastating for those across different states. You know, probably seeing the news, but just wanted to send our love.

[B]

Absolutely.

[A]

But on a lighter note, we are going to do our weekly podcast as we usually do. And look, I don't want to call us fortune tellers, but I think you'd.

[B]

Be within your rights too, though. Madison.

[A]

Do you know what? Thank you, Joanna. I needed that. I love that we've gone with full names too. As predicted on the Stylish podcast. There we go.

[C]

Say it with your chest, stay with your chest.

[A]

As predicted on the Stylish podcast road Beauty is launching in Australia and New Zealand, coinciding with Mrs. Hayley Bieber's trip to Sydney for Vogue's forces of fashion. February 12th. We will be able to get our little mitts on the products that we have long been US Freight Forwarding, getting friends who are visiting the States to get for us pre shipping to the UK when we're on vacay. It's time. Ladies, how are we feeling?

[B]

Well, our audience were very invested in this. I know we were getting a lot of DMs from our audience being like, can't wait for you guys to talk about this. So everyone's so keen about this announcement.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And before it actually launched, I saw a few tiktoks that had preemptively seen that there was a landing page.

[C]

The girls are serving, aren't they? Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. I must admit, I did feel a little bit sorry for whoever was in, like, the SEO team who probably was just trying to do the right thing.

[C]

From the back end.

[A]

Yeah, look, give the flowers where they're due, Kudos. To Mecca here. I know we sat on this podcast when Glossier launched, I believe it was in July 2024, and said, look, does this feel a bit late? It feels like we should have maybe done this three years ago. I'll give the props to Mecca. This is very timely. I mean, the UK launched mere months ago.

[B]

It's a big get as well. For a brand that is in Sephora to then be launching with Mecca in Australia. It's big.

[C]

It's huge. I am just so pumped because every time I go to the US I will literally go to Sephora and do my absolute best to get the most coveted products. They'll always sold out. Like, it's so impossible to get your hands on these products that I'm just so, so, so excited.

[A]

I'm so excited for Aussie girls to get it. True. Because there's so much hype and excitement around it and we always are sort of. I feel like we're always the last little country to get it. But not in this case. I was so obsessed with trying road that when I went over to the States with my girlfriend Beck, we actually pre ordered everything we wanted to be shipped to the so that we knew that we had eight nights there and that it would at least get there by. We were like Christmas morning when it got there. We were like ripping parcels apart and like trying lip shapers and lip peptides. But we thought like in the world of just mass consumerism we would just tell you like our 1 favorite road product.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Jo hasn't tried it yet, so I'm excited for her to try it when it does land. But Annika and I are like, we've gone and spent all the money so now we're going to help you save from like the splurge when it arrives. Anika, what's your go to?

[C]

Absolutely, hands down, the Glazing Milk. It is the most beautiful, lightweight, dewy toner that can be worn kind of just as a base and really set your makeup or just worn as is all mixed in with your foundations, which is something that I love to do even with like a creamy bronzer and it has the most skin, like finish. Like I am so obsessed with this product and it's making me want to try the glazing mist, which I haven't yet tried but that will be next added to cartel. I've got that.

[A]

It's very good.

[C]

Okay, what's yours?

[A]

I don't know why I whispered that.

[C]

I've got like cheeky little secret.

[A]

Okay. So look, I really debated whether it was going to be the blush or the peptide lip shape, but ultimately, I've gone with the lip shaper because, you know, I'm kind of in my lip liner era.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And you did kind of steal that from me as your beauty spot. So I had to say that I was also in my eyeliner era. Two things can be true in the wise words of Rhiannon Joyce, but twist and lunge are two of my favorite shades. I actually kind of use these. Like a lippy. Like, I. I do one just on the outside, which is a little bit more bronzy, and one that's a little bit more peachy rosy on the inside.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

And I'm just. I love them.

[C]

Okay. I'll be adding list to carte, and I'll be trying this as well.

[B]

I want to buy the lip treatment because I want to compare it to my $100 lip balm and see if I can replace that.

[A]

Do you know what, Jo? I actually think that you and everyone else, I think that'll be the first product that gets added to cart. I think it'll be a hot tie for top sellers to be that and the glazing milk.

[B]

Agree. I think the glazing milk will be sold out in minutes.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

But also, now that I don't need to get that from the U.S. when are you going to New York, Mads? April, can I get you to get a stock of Lemme Sleep, please?

[C]

Yes.

[B]

You can no longer get it in Australia. Adrian's addicted to it. We need it.

[A]

Do you know what? I'll take a second suitcase and bring back some Lemme for you. Yeah.

[B]

Thank you. Appreciate that.

[C]

And you know what? If you guys actually want to have, like, a hot take on an honest review on all of the products, Emily Alga, the beauty editor over at Rush, just did a full download on all of her favorite products, and she really gave, like, quite honest, coveted reviews, so definitely check it out.

[B]

I think Claire Bridget also did something on her YouTube as well.

[C]

Nice.

[A]

Yeah, Love it. Go off Aussie Beauty YouTube, TikTok, Instagram. Girlies. I'm like, whatever. I just. Yeah, I'm excited.

[C]

Girlies love Rod.

[A]

Yeah, I am Girly. Girly is me.

[C]

Girly is me.

[A]

We told you we have the sillies.

[B]

All right, today we are sharing our stylish resolutions for 2026, whether hobbies are the new luxury and whether those vibration plates that you're all seeing all over your social media actually work. But what do we want to swap in first this week? Annika, I'm looking at you.

[C]

I love that you're looking at me because we played musical chairs last week and I got rotated out of my number one spot. So I'm very happy to be back here.

[A]

Let us know how you feel.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Hello, Hello. Welcome back. This is my channel. Anyway, at 31 weeks pregnant, your girl over here is waddling. She is in her Adam Sandler era and trust me, this is a thing today. I look like Jasmine or Elaine.

[B]

She's wearing unique.

[C]

She's innocence because the fetus so swollen. And I've been told that your feet actually expand in pregnancy and they don't go back to normal. This is an issue. So my tabbies will be up for grab. So, Mads, we were talking about this off Mike, what size are you? 38.

[A]

I'm a 39. We'll make it work.

[C]

Make them work. Make it work.

[A]

Stretch. I'll take them.

[C]

Get them. Stretch. So I'm at that point now where I really.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

Cause we've been on holidays. I haven't really cared about what I look like. Like, anything goes. Comfort is key. But we're back in the office. We're back to work. I work in fashion, for God's sake. So I've gotta look good. Trying my bloody best. And I've been referencing so many pregnancy specific like influencers and talent and creators that I'm now thinking about postpartum me. She's not far away and I'm thinking about the cool girls who I follow already, who I look to for inspiration. Your regular girlies who are just fucking cool. And I've got three for you. So Cassie James. Do we all know Cassie?

[A]

Yeah, I love Cassie.

[C]

She's a stunning human being, like, just beautiful inside and out. She's got great taste, impeccable, but she is literally the definition of she chic. She does cowards so well. She'll do like a T shirt and denim and just knows how to pair options really, really, like beautifully. I will say she does have a expensive taste. That's the word, Cass, you know, you know, if you're listening, but she has got expensive taste. But she also talks to you about replicating your wardrobe, how to shop within your own wardrobe. Yeah, so she's actually quite big on TikTok, but her Instagram is always very inspirational. So that's my first take. Chanel Zabregas. Now, she is the buying manager over at Camila and Mark. She is undeniably cool. She's polished. She's always got like impeccable styling Everything is very much like a layered approach, but also when she peers back her separates, she just looks cool. She's a working mom. I love that about her. But everything also about her is just very effortless and polished. So definitely check her out. And then last but not least, is my beautiful best friend, Julia Lomas Wilson. Now, I know I'm shouting out my bestie, but she is honestly, to me, undeniably the coolest human in the world. I look to her constantly for inspiration. She is one of those people that I think if ever I want to make a purchase, I will go to her for, like, that tick of approval.

[A]

She's your Tribal Council.

[C]

She is my tribal council. The one and only.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

But she is just one of those people that is always, again, so put together, effortless. She's got two little girls. She makes things look so good, even if she's operating on, like, minimal sleep. But these are the people I love. Real people doing cool things.

[A]

Love those. What I will say as well is that Cassie is recently engaged, so I'm anticipating we'll get some, like, wedding planning TikTok soon, and I anticipate that to be one of the chicest weddings I ever see. No pressure, Cass, of course, but, you know, looking forward to seeing it. Jo, what have you thought?

[B]

I bought a pair of thongs after seeing a lot of Instagram ads for this particular brand, and I just bought them on an impulse because they looked really, really comfortable. They're the Twoobs BFF thongs. Guess what shade I got?

[C]

Brown.

[A]

Brown, yes.

[C]

Correct.

[B]

And they also come in eight different colors. If you're not into the brown. I wouldn't say these are cheap thongs. They are $119 for the standard ones. You can get a platform version of these as well. They've got arch support. They're 100% waterproof. They're very lightweight. You know how some thongs, like fashiony thongs, can be really heavy? It's like dragging a brick around on your foot. That's true.

[A]

And then the blisters. Yes.

[B]

These I put on and I immediately went for a dog walk to see if they would give me blisters, not a blister inside. And I walked like three k's.

[A]

I love the ultimate for a walk.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Because, you know, I'm a blister person. That's how I got you on the blister patches.

[A]

Yes, yes.

[B]

So I would normally get a blister doing that, but they did not blister. I think they're Made from some recyclable materials as well. I think recycled Lycra is the material. It's like a neoprene kind of feel on the strap, but, yeah, incredibly comfortable. Very lightweight. I wouldn't say the most affordable price point, but, you know, if you can work it into your budget. I feel like they're a great shoe. And also I sent a video to my group of girlfriends being like, I got these songs, they're so comfortable. And my other friend Diana, who I've spoken about on this podcast before, was like, oh, my God, I bought them too. How good are they?

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

So, well, two people influencing you on.

[C]

Them, I can confirm. As a third person, I also own a pair of. Oh, they are so comfortable.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

I actually had to go to the Osteo on Friday. Back issues, don't ask. And she watched me waddle in them and she was like, I'm very proud of you wearing those shoes because those shoes have a great support. Oh, so there you go. Worth the 100 and whatever dollars. Yeah.

[A]

I feel like the last few weeks I've been left out of the swaps because you two, like, got this crossover. Anyway. Guess I'll have to go and buy my $119 thongs. You had me at the platform. Yeah.

[B]

And they come in black as well for you.

[A]

Yeah. She likes to be tall and she likes to wear black only. Morticia Adams. If anyone was wondering what my swap.

[C]

Was, I would love to know.

[B]

I'm waiting.

[A]

Annoyingly, it is one of those products much like rode that is in the US But Amazon and I believe IHERB sell them and they are the Lumify eye drops. These cannot be replicated. I have tried many eye drops in Australia. I use eye drops for dorky reasons. Like I wake up with dry eyes and for vanity reasons. I also was very inspired by this when Troye Sivan said that the one product he would always take is eye drops. So then I was like, well, follow Troye Savant to hell. So, okay, you just got me started. So. I love these eye drops. They make your eyes look crazy white. I had a really early morning call this morning. I didn't have them in and I thought I look shithouse without my eye drops. So that's mine. Lumify eye drops.

[B]

All right, well, next we're diving into our stylish resolutions of the year. But that will be right after a word from today's sponsor.

[A]

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[B]

Obviously, New Year's resolutions are a huge thing in January, and we've spoken before about other ways to set intentions for your year. We've chosen our word of the year before. We've done that on previous episodes, but we thought for one of our first episodes back, why not share one of our resolutions that is, you know, I guess, achievable? The brief was pretty simple. It could be big or small, and it can be fashion, beauty, lifestyle, any of those categories that Mads usually intros with. And we've also asked you guys over on Instagram for your 2026 resolutions, and there were some really common themes that came through in these. And I think it highlighted to us that these were not the kind of things like I want to run 10Ks. There were some, I don't know how you would categorize this common theme that came across. So some of them were around improving money mindset, building wealth, being more intentional with their purchases. I'd say that's all kind of financial related, maybe being a little bit more financially literate. Yeah, I suppose rather than being like, I want to run 10ks or I want to get into crocheting.

[A]

It all felt quite. Intentional would be the word, that it was quite slow and, you know, thought through. Rather than it being like a, you know, a singular goal. It was like this is, you know, what I'm putting out for the year and what I'm hoping to achieve rather than I will save X amount of dollars. It's like I, you know, a little less pressure on ourselves, which I like.

[B]

Some of the other resolutions that came through were protecting your time by slowing down, reducing screen time, spending more time on hobbies, which we're actually going to talk about in a little bit more detail next. They were some of the most common responses. So let's kick us off with our resolutions. Who wants to go first with their resolutions? I know that none of us, I don't think any of us are really New Year's resolutions people.

[A]

No. I used to be. I used to sit down and write, like, probably like 25 things that I was gonna do. I'm gonna dry body brush every day. I'm gonna use body moisturizer morning, noon and night. Like, I'm already stressed. It was, like, really dot pointy. And I used to do spreadsheets. It was really crazy.

[C]

Anyway, I used the perfect, like, party planner, like project manager.

[A]

Just like, that is my literal worst.

[C]

But, like, if I needed a girl for the job, like, I'm looking at you. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

I think I would give Monica from Friends. Yes.

[C]

Yeah. And I love that that's what you need in these days. But anyway, sorry, carry on.

[A]

But in my mind, they used to be motivation, and then I started to see them more as punishment, which is personally where Word of the year came in for me. And I was at an event earlier in the week and someone said to me, what's your intention for the year? And I said, kind of what I did last year, but bigger and better. So, like, it's more just that mindset for me. And then a word that I like to anchor in. I've also started bringing in a secondary word, because why not be greedy? It's my own life. I can do what I want.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

I have. I have two. Classic me. It's like when you ask me to do one swap and I bring two. One is that I want to take my health more seriously. So, as I've mentioned, did a lot of IVF in my 20s by nature. Spent a lot of time in specialist office and with doctors and in hospitals, and I didn't love that. And so sometimes going to my GP for things gives me a little bit of anxiety because there is kind of always that conversation we need to have as well. But I turned 30 last year and I have had some really sort of, you know, stories around me of girlfriends, you know, having skin cancers Cut out or having, you know, scares. And I think I was like, okay, this is a bit of a wake up call for me not to take my health for granted and just those kind of things of like, you know, being a little bit more mindful with the exercise that I do, going and getting regular blood tests just to check that everything's okay. Like what is my B12 doing? What are my iron levels? You know, if my period's irregular, like going and checking it and not just being dismissive of it because you know, I would never miss like a facial appointment I'd booked. But I'm very quick to cancel a doctor's appointment.

[B]

Have you seen those ever lab scans? I want to do one of them.

[A]

I'm actually going to do one of those tiktoks.

[B]

Should we go and do that together?

[A]

Yes.

[C]

Can I come?

[B]

Yes. We might need to wait until you're not pregnant.

[C]

Oh okay. Wait till March girls.

[A]

So there's like these full body diagnosis that you can go and get and I, I really want to toe that line and preface this for audience listeners who might be thinking of doing the same by saying don't let that fear monger you because I think a lot of the time people go to that and then start to panic about certain things. And you know, much like anything you lift the hood up on a car that a mechanic will probably tell you there's 20 things you can do, there's probably three that'll make sure the car's still running great. Do you know what I mean? Sorry. If anyone's a mechanic and listening to.

[B]

Each other they're probably like that's not it.

[A]

My lucky, my lucky, lucky. Last though, just if I can, is to spend time with elderly people in your life. I took my 83 year old great aunt for dinner the other night. We had a three and a half hour dinner together. I will genuinely cry. The wisdom, love and like the way that my cup was filled. And I guess just like I left going this time is not forever with her and she is my grandma's sister and I lost my grandma 10 years ago and we, we were incredibly close. I tell mum she was my equal favorite with mom, kind of favorites but just recording them when they're telling you funny stories, taking photos with them like it's just, it's pure joy. And I know life's busy, I know it's probably more fun in the front of your mind to go and get a wine with your girlfriends but let me tell you, the Chinese restaurant did not know what to Hit at when we walked in because we had the time of our life.

[C]

I love that so much. That's beautiful. I'd give anything to have, like, a little chat with my grandma again. Either of my grandmas. Like, it's just something that you can never. You take it for granted when you have them here, and then when they're gone, it's like, I'll do anything to even hear their voice or their little chuckle and their, like, sneaky little remarks.

[A]

Like, literally anytime something good happens in my life, I still think that I would love to call my grandma.

[B]

Do you want to come to the country club with Popsy?

[A]

I would love to come to the country club with Popsy.

[B]

A whole stylish shit check.

[C]

Oh, my God. I'm on my way.

[B]

You're so invited. She'd be so keen. She doesn't know either of you guys because she doesn't understand podcasts or social media.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Doesn't even know.

[A]

See, the Golden Globes have it as a category now, so get on board, girl. Yeah, it's never too late.

[B]

She doesn't really know what's going on there. But, yeah, she was very shocked at my hands when people knew who she was. She's like, all these people came up to me and they knew who I was. I was like, yeah, that's because I post you on my Instagram. All my friends know who you are.

[A]

Oh, phenomenal. Jo, what's your intention for the year?

[B]

Mine is largely around decluttering and kind of clearing my space, because that really helps my mindset a lot.

[C]

Mainly, I was literally gonna say, remember in the title where we said it had to be something associated with, like, our podcast, like, brand, lifestyle, fashion, beauty. And I knew somehow Jo was gonna come in with a cat and that, like, it had to happen. I was like, surely, maybe she'll give us something different. She's right back in there. Wow. She is who she is. Yep.

[B]

I am who I am.

[A]

I'm gonna choose.

[B]

So I really need to clear this, like, mess out of my space so that I can function. Do you guys ever get into this mindset where your house is a mess and you don't focus on anything else until it's sorted?

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

It creates a lot of, like, stress in my brain, and I can't function. Like, my study starts to get full of, you know, rubbish from deliveries and things like that, and I just can't function. Anyway, wardrobe is a place of concern at the moment because it's so disorganized, and there's just so much in there that I'm not wearing. And I feel like I'm massively wasting all of these clothes because I'm wearing the same shit all the time.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

And just because it happens to be at the top of my washing pile, I'm grabbing for it because it's the last thing I put in my drawer.

[A]

And.

[B]

And so I'm just rewearing the same stuff over and over, which there's nothing wrong with that. Of course I want to get bang for buck out of my clothes, but there's also a lot of things sitting in there that I never touch and I forget that I have. And then I look back on things and I'm like, oh, I forgot I had that dress.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So I need to get better at wearing more of my wardrobe. Even if I'm just going to be at home talking to clients via Zoom, I should probably start wearing more of my things rather than just throwing a T shirt and some tracksuit pants on.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So I want to get better at prioritizing the things in my wardrobe and also clearing out things that are no longer serving me and giving them a new home by, you know, donating them or selling them. So, yeah, that's a bit of a focus for this year is just stay on top of that because I think a lot of us do that in January and then we just let it get out of hand throughout the year.

[A]

But 1000%.

[C]

Do you know what? This kind of ties into my goal for the year as well. But I am focusing on refining my style and becoming more intentional with my dressing. And I think working in the industry, like, I'm so exposed to fashion trends and you can quite easily get swept up in trends and wanting to be looking like you're wearing the latest. Like, can you trend that's out? That's not what I'm about. As I'm getting older, I think I now have such an appreciation for like a really well cut blazer, beautiful, sharp and sophisticated tailoring, textural fabrics and interesting designs over prints. And I think now that I'm kind of refining and mapping out my style blueprint, so to speak, I want to really lean into the things that make me feel good, the things I like, think I look good in, and the things that make me feel confident. So two brands come to mind. I'm a brand loyalist, as we all know. Once I kind of find a brand I love, I will just shop that brand. But Harris, Tapper and St. Agni are my go tos. Like, they can do no wrong in my eyes. Beer park even. I'm leaning on a lot at the moment. I just feel like the designs, the cuts, really flattering brands that are made by women for women. Yeah, that's what I'm about. So I've kind of gone through a bit of a phase at the moment. I too want to be more intentional with my purchases. I'm shopping my own wardrobe. I'm looking what I've got, what I love, my hero pieces and any kind of areas of opportunity that I can layer in. But they have to be intentional.

[A]

I love that. I love that so much. I also love anything sin Agni, so I'm so with you.

[C]

They're just amazing, aren't they? The total workhorses of my wardrobe.

[A]

Yeah, but we do love a show pony now.

[C]

We do.

[B]

All right, next we're going to get into hobbies and why they're the new luxury. But that will be right afterward. From today's sponsor, January is tennis season here in Australia, but even if you're not the sporty type, you can still celebrate thanks to Michael Hill. Discover their stunning range of diamond tennis bracelets crafted in yellow and white gold with your choice of mind or lab grown diamonds. And for those of you who love the game, their chic tennis inspired pendants are the perfect addition to your favorite necklace or bracelet. Treat yourself to a piece of sophisticated history with Michael Hill's tennis range, perfect for courtside viewing or not. Thanks so much to Michael Hill for making this episode of Stylish possible.

[A]

Okay, our next headline is Are Hobbies the new Luxury? As we just spoke about, a lot of our listeners said that their intention for the new year was to make time for new hobbies or to hone in on their current hobbies. But I don't know about you guys, I feel like I'm saying this all all over socials at the moment. Have you guys seen this on your feeds as well?

[B]

I have. Yeah, I have.

[A]

So in a recent article for the Guardian late last year, writer Tara Russell summed up why younger generations are so drawn to hobbies. From book clubs to crochet drawing to pottery, Gen Z is building a new social life from old materials against the backdrop of a youth mental health crisis. These slow hobbies are more than quaint diversions. They are small acts of resistance against digital exhaustion, isolation, and a culture that means worth in productivity. The data is pretty compelling on this too, and definitely backs it up. Google trends show that searches for the term analog hobbies have increased 160% in the last 30 days alone. I'm pretty willing to bet that one 60%. A lot of that would have been attributed post Jan 1, when people start thinking about their new year and their intentions. Yeah, but we've been seeing this conversation play out a lot on socials as well, and questioning whether having hobbies and having the time more importantly to do the hobbies is a new form of luxury. In a New York Times article from last year, writer Joshua Rothman wrote that hobbies require a certain level of material sufficiency. They unfold during leisure time, which itself requires a concept of leisure, which in turn contrasts with the patterns of work that we associate with industrialized life. Many hobbies, moreover, are made possible by the affordable consumer goods industrialization creates. They involve shopping, which, if you think about it, you want to start pottery, you got to go to pottery class, you want to learn tennis, you got to get a tennis coach, you got to buy a tennis skirt. Because, let me tell you, you wear a skirt without the shorts, we've got a problem. Do you think that hobbies have become the new luxury?

[B]

Well, spare time in itself is a luxury, I think. Is that quote alluded to? But as you also went on to say, most hobbies, even things like crocheting, you're buying materials to do that. Painting, you're buying a canvas. Even coloring, you've got to buy a coloring book. Even down to those most simple hobbies that seem small and not costly in their nature end up kind of accumulating a cost. So it's generally not free. Unless you're joining a run club.

[A]

No, I'll stop you there. Wait. I was running half marathons. The amount of money I spent on it. And I use my quotation marks, free sport. Being at the physio twice a week to have my knees trapped. Girl, that's an expensive.

[B]

So nothing's for free these days?

[C]

Nothing's for free? Not even a walk or a run outside?

[A]

Well, even then, you got to buy runners.

[B]

It's true.

[C]

Cheapest.

[A]

Do you have any hobbies personally?

[C]

Look, my hobbies consist. I wouldn't say I've got hobbies as such, but I've got things I enjoy doing. Like I love Pilates, I like cooking, like, things like that. I don't think they're an actual hobby. This is a thing I love doing.

[B]

That's a great segue for me, though, because I put this in my group chats before we had this conversation, because I was thinking to myself, I don't have any hobbies either. I've kind of Got interests, but I don't really have hobbies.

[A]

Cleaning.

[B]

And I'm interested in true crime. But one of my friends, Jess, made a really good point. She said, I think people do themselves a disservice by saying they don't have hobbies because it's not like arts and crafts. But if it's a voluntary, repeatable behavior that you do because you want to, then it's classified as a hobby. And that could be watching reality tv, it could be listening to podcasts, it could be cleaning.

[C]

Jess, you're my girl.

[A]

Yeah, Jess. Beautiful summary.

[B]

You don't have to classify a hobby as playing tennis or going to golf or something like that, but if it's something you really enjoy doing, it doesn't matter what it is, it can still be classified as your hobby.

[A]

Wine bars.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

Hobby. There you go.

[C]

Tappity tap at the car.

[A]

No, guys, wine bar is not my hobby.

[C]

Albert agreed to disagree.

[A]

They changed their chairs. I was there last night and I was like, guys, where's my chair with my name on it? Serious question, though. Is there a hobby off the back of that definition that you would like to get involved in this year?

[B]

Not really, to be honest.

[C]

This is gonna sound so lame and cliche, but I want to spend more time with friends and family. Like that, for me, is like what I actually want to invest my time in this year.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

It's my hobby.

[A]

I could. I reckon that's almost segment before this one where that's your intention.

[B]

Let's go back a second.

[A]

And I say that with pure love.

[C]

Honestly, I'm here to, like, bring the whole episode together. What can I say?

[B]

I will say, though, that Gen Z are obviously in a very different time of their lives to what a lot of millennials are in right now. So a lot of my girlfriends are mums. And so when I sent that out to the group chat, they're like, no, we don't have time to have hobbies. But a lot of their partners have hobbies.

[C]

How nice.

[B]

And I actually. And I want to draw attention to this because I actually said to one of our friends, can I bring this up? And she was like, go for it. I was at her house when she just had a new baby. She was breastfeeding. And her husband said in front of me, like, she was talking about him playing basketball. And she said something like, oh, well, you know, it'd be nice to have hobbies. And he said, well, you should get a hobby. And I said, how would you. Where would she find the time? Are they together? So I think, yes, she'll laugh at that.

[A]

In sickness and in health.

[B]

I think Gen Z, obviously, being in a very different phase of their life, they've maybe got a little bit more time than a lot of millennials do currently to develop a hobby or foster a hobby. And equally, I think men find the time to foster hobbies even when they're in this phase of life, because women are naturally, you know, they end up being the caretakers and they're running the household a lot more than men are. So I don't think that that necessarily lends itself to millennial women developing hobbies or getting to spend time doing the stuff that they want to do.

[C]

It's actually a really good point because I also just think Gen Z, again, are so much more intentional with their time. Like, as millennials, correct me if I'm wrong, but growing up, I think for us, we were so focused on the promotion, the job title, getting ahead. Monetary wealth, like anything for us, was kind of more associated with wealth being houses, cars, having nice things. Yeah. But I said this last year in an episode, being busy is not the ultimate flex. And I think that was kind of ingrained in us when we were at school, growing up, going to university. It was like hustle after hustle after hustle. But now slowing down and actually being more intentional with your time and aware of your time. I feel like Gen Z know how to optimize time.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

It's just so unique to me and what my upbringing looked like.

[A]

Yeah. Or to the contrary of that. They're not able to financially engage in a lot of the things that people were doing, like buying cars or buying houses. So they're choosing to invest their money in wellbeing.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

And activities and hobbies, because that's so out of reach. They might as well do something that sparks joy. Yeah.

[C]

It's so interesting. And it's also something now, like, with my intention for the year was being content. It's like slowing down, actually focusing on the things that matter and what that looks like. I think a focus on mental wellbeing, Less burnout. Just actually focusing on things that really ultimately do bring you joy and being connected again.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Well, there's an amazing TikTok video that I got served a couple of days ago when I knew we were gonna cover this. It is by a creator called Curated Underscore by Underscore. Molly, thanks for all those underscores. Molly reads like my year 7 Gmail address, but she spotlighted participation over possession, saying that 2026 is the year of the hobby. Because we're exposed on social media to people having so much.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

And buying so much that suddenly what you do and what you participate in is way more interesting about someone than what they have. And I loved that sentiment. And then off the back of that, I saw a really great article that Matty Stefanis, who is an Australian living over in New York, actually highlighted by the Economist, titled why the Ultra Rich are Giving up on Luxury Assets. So we're talking kind of about Gen Z. But then this is kind of a, I guess, generational less concept, which is they're like, really gravitating to these exclusive experiences and that being the new currency for them because you can, you know, everyone suddenly kind of got access to everything and it felt like maybe hobbies were an extension of that for people who don't have this, like, crazy generational wealth. Yeah. Anyway, that's my food for three.

[B]

Are you going to get any hobbies this year?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

What are you going to do?

[A]

So I have my Fujifilm camera.

[C]

Yes, you do.

[A]

It's a Fujifilm X100V. Please write that down. But I was at a wedding recently and so many girls had their digital cameras, which I love, go off girlie pop. But I didn't buy my camera so that I could take it to weddings and get like a photo of me looking good in an outfit. I originally bought it when I was going away on a girls trip for four weeks. And I just, like, wanted to capture us just having the time of our lives and like, the beautiful surroundings of Italy. And I want to be more intentional about taking my camera places that aren't like, fit check. It's like, no. Like, this is beautiful landscape. Or when I drive up to my grandpa's farm, like, it's more those moments. So I kind of want to get into photography for, like, a little bit more fun and not just like, it's, you know, for the gram.

[B]

Love that.

[A]

Love this.

[C]

Would you also ever play tennis and get into tennis?

[A]

I really want to learn tennis. I am incredibly uncoordinated. Like, I actually got invited to go to a tennis tournament last year with some friends.

[C]

Amazing.

[A]

And I got all dressed up and I just didn't play. I just was like, oh, no, it's all good.

[C]

There's just something about you. Like, can you see it? I can see her, like, just being like a real tennis gal.

[B]

It's the Ralph Lauren vibe.

[C]

It's the Ralph Lauren, is it? That's it. Yeah.

[A]

Love Ralph Lauren.

[B]

All right, well, next we're discussing whether vibration plates actually work. I have been seeing these vibration plates all over social media. It feels like everybody is posting them at the moment and every AM like D shed routine, whatever you call them, they're on the vibration plate. I'm like what are these things? And I feel like they were popular in the 90s, 80s maybe.

[A]

Yeah. Well, our head of podcast Lucy was saying she remembers being like 11 or 12 and her mom having one.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And Lucy's 30s so you know, this.

[C]

Is such a throwback. Like I honestly remember seeing these in my parents shed and like my mum has one still to this day. Do they actually work?

[A]

I don't know. But all I imagine when I say them is yeah, same.

[B]

I feel like I'd feel it in my brain. So we asked Morgan Budd, who is a Pilates instructor and co founder of Power Moves, which is a Pilates and yoga studio in Brisbane, and we asked her to weigh in. She told us that vibration plates create rapid oscillations that cause your muscles to contract and relax reflexively, which increases muscle activation even during simple movements. Basically your body has to work harder to stabilize itself. The key is more about how they're used so they're best paired with intentional positions. Think squats, lunges, planks and mobility work. Short sessions work best. They're a tool to amplify movement, not substitute for it. There are claims that they aid in weight loss and improving strength and flexibility. In terms of whether there are any actual benefits from a fitness or health perspective, Morgan says there are, but there's a caveat. Vibration plates can increase muscle activation, circulation and help with mobility and recovery. When used properly. They can also be useful for people wanting a low impact way to challenge strength and stability. But they're not a shortcut to fitness. You still need real movement, load and consistency. The benefits come from how you move on them, not just being on one. Morgan says it's kind of an of the moment thing for sure. But that's not to dismiss that they do have some benefits. Are we buying one each? Because I'm looking at you two and we all look like we're maybe influenced.

[A]

I have been and absolutely targeted. They have got me. And this is the antithesis of what I talked about all last year, which was my psychologist and I making a very, very conscious effort to unhabit stack me. I'm not allowed to be reading decks on walks. I'm not allowed to listen to self improvement or business podcasts on walks. It is for pop songs and rap music, but this this is a habit stacking. I'm willing to let creep back in. I'm so into this trend. So at first I got served the vibration plate, just. Just the girlies on the vibration. And then I obviously was interacting with that. So then I got served the habit stacking girlies, which I know I made a very conscious effort last year to unhabit stack. But there's like all these girlies are doing the vibration. Play an LED mask and then BALA bands, which are the weighted wrist bracelets. Bala are like the chic looking ones, but you can also just get like some at Kmart or Target and they're kind of doing like 10 minute arm workout. 10 minute LED, 10 minute. And I'm like, I'm in.

[C]

This is like the ultimate. If you were time poor and you need to kind of layer up and do all the things, this is the time to do it on your vibration plates.

[B]

I think it's around this, like, obsession with optimization. I mean, that's why saunas are so popular. It's why supplements are so popular. It's just an extension of that.

[A]

I feel I'm a marketer's dream for this.

[B]

I'm not mad about it.

[A]

What I want to know, though, and I would love the audience, please do send me a dm. There's two that I'm debating. Or one is just the original vibration plate. If we count how many times I do that, I'm scared. There's another one which is an Amazon walking pad.

[B]

Oh, that's different.

[A]

That then shakes.

[B]

Oh, okay.

[A]

I mean, it's like I think 200 or 250. It's 10 kilos. You can slide it under your bed. I'm like, on a rainy day, I could put Georgie Baby and I on there.

[C]

But you could also do it at your standing desk.

[A]

I don't have one of the. I did have one of those. I didn't like it.

[C]

Oh, I've got one. I've got one at home and one in the office. And it's like, if you ever need to get your steps in, that would be a great one.

[B]

You could just stand at the vibration plate at your desk if you wanted to.

[A]

There you go.

[C]

At the moment, I just sit on my Swiss spool. But, you know, we can upgrade.

[B]

Yeah, I don't know if it would be good or bad for the pelvic floor.

[A]

I'm gonna guess bad. Uneducated guess, but a guess nonetheless. Jo, are you gonna be buying one?

[B]

I'm tempted.

[A]

This feels like a real bit of you I know.

[B]

I'm really tempted. I don't know how to put it, but I think under the bed could be an option. I. I actually saw a really unique take on this from a doctor that I follow on socials called Dr. Yumiko Kadoda. And she posted on her stories the other day that she was purchasing one for herself, but she referenced that whole body vibration might have cognitive benefits for people that are neurodivergent. That's why she was investing in it. And she said apparently there are some studies coming out that it could be good for adhd.

[C]

Right.

[B]

Which I thought was such an interesting benefit on top of, like, the physical side of things, that it might have cognitive benefits as well.

[A]

What does the vibration plate not do is all I'm doing.

[B]

I don't know.

[A]

Feels like an add to cart.

[C]

Yeah, but wait, there's more.

[B]

I think we've all just influenced each other.

[A]

Okay, great. We've all got an LED too, so Katya's doing that. Have either of you got bala bands?

[C]

No, but I will be adding those.

[A]

Yeah, great. Perfect. All right, well, please do let us know whether we need the walking pad version or just the straight up one. Need to know the level of vibration now. I feel like your next social series will actually be which vibration plate it might be. Yeah, it'll be like the LED all over again. Yeah. But that is all for this week's episode of Stylish. That feels like the right spot to round it out at. Thank you very much for joining us. And thank you, of course, Joanna Fleming.

[B]

And Annika Joshi Smith, and you, Madison Southern Thought.

[A]

Thank you so much. Remember, you can drop us an email or let us know what vibration plate to buy anytime at style-ishamelessmedia.com or you can slide into our DMs over tylishpod. We, of course, cannot forget to thank our beautiful, shameless media team. Head of podcast Lucy Hunt, whose mother had a vibration plate, and senior podcast producer Kate Emmerburg, who does not have a vibration plate. Ray and I will be back with you this Friday and you'll hear from the three of us back here next Wednesday. See you then.

[B]

Bye.

[C]

This podcast was recorded on Wurundjeri land.

[B]

Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.