Why do we need our drinks ice-cold, our homes perfectly chilled, and our refrigerators, plural, running 24/7?

In this episode of Popularly Unpopular, I’m joined by energy forecaster Johan Tolosa to talk about our modern obsession with keeping things cold. From air conditioning and thermostats to ice in everything we drink, we’ve become remarkably good at controlling temperature — but what does all that cooling actually cost?

We talk about energy demand, peak electricity use, refrigeration, the differences between the U.S. and other parts of the world, and whether we’ve quietly decided that comfort means being cold.

Because maybe the unpopular opinion isn’t that we use too much air conditioning…

Maybe it’s that we’ve forgotten what “comfortable” actually feels like.

Rest Isn’t Earned. It’s Needed.

When did being busy become something to be proud of?

In this first episode back from my break, I’m exploring our obsession with hustle, productivity, and constantly doing more—and why we need to rethink the idea that we have to earn rest.

I’ll talk about burnout, what research tells us about the importance of recovery, and why sometimes we need to step away even from the things we love.

Because rest isn't quitting.

Rest isn't earned. It's needed.

After a short, thoughtful break, Popularly Unpopular is back! This season, we’re questioning the things we’ve accepted as “normal,” challenging everyday assumptions, and exploring the opinions hiding in plain sight. Because sometimes the best conversations start with one simple question: “Wait… why do we actually do this?”