The Rosie and Roula Show
Welcome to the Rosie and Roula show! We have very different lifestyles and family dynamics. Rosie loves dogs. She lives the van life alone, and most days she can't be bothered to brush her hair or even look in the mirror. Roula love cats, she has three kids and a husband and doesn't dare leave the house without wearing her red lipstick.
On the surface, we're like chalk and cheese. And sometimes, our beliefs are so different that we don't see eye to eye at all. Yet we find so much knowledge and fun in the conversations we have about our lives.
We talk about insignificant matters that have a daily impact on the way we interact at work, in our family lives, friendships, and with ourselves.
Our episodes are short, sharp, and to the point. There's no chit chat or sweet talking around here. We talk about everything from our illogical pet peeves and philosophical musings to the things in society that make us go, what the fuck?
We ask the big questions. For example, should a person with a penis put down the toilet seat for a person with a vagina, or the other way around? And does it disgust you when someone licks their fingers whilst eating and then passes you the salt? Or when they burp, without saying excuse me?! And what was the one thing you heard today that put a smile on your face, and why?
Join us each week during your lunch break, a trip to the shops, or even whilst you're sitting on the toilet, for a quick dose of banter with your spicy hosts, Rosie and Roula.
The Rosie and Roula Show
142: Part 1 - Revisiting It Is What It Is - Listeners Insights: Acceptance, Triggers & Finding New Words
“It is what it is.” A phrase some people find comforting — while others find it triggering. In this episode, Roula & Rosie dive into the meaning, the emotions, and the personal stories behind this deceptively simple expression.
Inspired by thoughtful listener comments, the conversation unpacks:
Why “it is what it is” can feel empowering for some but dismissive for others.
How phrases get tied to personal experiences (yes, even Conor McGregor 👀).
The balance between acceptance and hope.
Alternative ways of expressing resilience without shutting down emotions.
Why community feedback (shoutout Funky7961 & Codex!) makes conversations richer.
It’s reflective, a little funny, and definitely relatable for anyone who’s ever struggled with the fine line between letting go and holding on.
Keywords: it is what it is meaning, podcast on acceptance, letting go podcast, resilience mindset, coping with illness podcast, alternative to it is what it is, mental health podcast conversations
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Rosie (00:00)
phone on do not disturb. Actually I have a I have a mode called podcast recording or recording a podcast. There we go.
Okay.
Roula who's asking the first question today?
Roula (00:16)
You can go ahead and ask me the first question. Yeah.
Rosie (00:17)
Oh, it's me. I'm first. This is exciting. You
might not like this one, but I really want to revisit an episode. in episode 63, we were talking about how I'm really triggered by the saying, is what it is. We have had some interesting feedback from listeners and it has really made me reflect on some of the things I was saying because I was quite opinionated saying
It's as if people aren't processing their feelings. They're not taking accountability. They're just shrugging it off. Like where's the emotional maturity? But I'm beginning to question that. So are you open to talk about this again?
Roula (01:01)
I am. I don't remember ⁓ what we talked about because you know, our episodes are spontaneous and on the fly. ⁓ Yes, let's go into it. I'm open for this.
Rosie (01:08)
They are.
Let's do it.
Good. Okay. So we got a comment. Both of these are on YouTube actually.
One of them from Codex Arrow. He says, it is what it is means accepting things that are beyond our control. It reminds us that if something can't be changed, there's no point in wasting time and energy on it. Instead, we should move on and focus on what we can influence. I use it to move on. Now the other comment, it's on a similar vein. you want.
Roula (01:58)
Can we we talk? It's OK.
I thought because I'm afraid to forget the first comment in the conversation.
Rosie (02:03)
Okay, we can talk about
this one and then I can read the other one if you like. You want to do that?
Roula (02:08)
Yeah.
Rosie (02:12)
Well, what are your thoughts on that?
Roula (02:12)
I,
yes, I see. totally agree with the codex because it's true accepting, you know, it's, either rethink, do something about it, accept it and move on. I completely agree with this. It's true except it is what it is except in it. What I feel my issue is.
Rosie (02:20)
Mmm.
Roula (02:42)
the sentence doesn't fulfill my acceptance state.
Rosie (02:48)
Yes, yes, it's the words. Something about it just shits me off. But when I read Codex's comment, I'm like, yeah, you're right. I'm a big advocate for focusing on the things that are within your control. That's very important. There's a lot outside our control. And since getting these comments, I've really been quite self-aware.
Roula (02:52)
Yeah.
Yeah.
Rosie (03:16)
And as many listeners will know, neither of my parents are alive anymore. I'm 33 and often when people learn this, they're like, oh, I feel so sorry for you and you know, all these things. And often I'll say, well, you know, life is unpredictable. I can't change it. Something like that. And that's kind of just using different words for it is what it is. So that was a bit confronting for me.
Roula (03:42)
These different words
feels more empowering than it is what it is. And I know we're looking at it into maybe a shallow just real and get over your sentence. The meaning of what is what it is is accepting what's happening, accepting the situation and move on. OK, this move on. I love it when we say it is what it is. And now I want to move on.
Rosie (03:48)
Yeah!
EEEEH
Mmm.
Roula (04:12)
I feel satisfied. Yes, but when we say it is what it is and we lift our shoulders up, which I hear it very often, I feel I want more. This is not enough, but it could be in my character. I don't accept things as they are. I want to know for sure that is really the last resort.
Rosie (04:14)
It's empowering, like you said. You're making a choice.
Yeah.
Yeah.
This
goes back to our Control Freak episode. Well, I like that song. okay. okay, right. Well, moving on. But it's the semantics matter. We're talking about the use of different words. There's nuances there and I'm kind of with you.
Roula (04:37)
This is my last resort. No, no, no. No, this song is very depressing. No, I don't want even my son to listen to it. Yeah, it's bad. Mental health bad. OK. ⁓
⁓ you cut off. I didn't hear. I don't hear you.
Rosie (05:02)
It's the words it is what it is. Not the meaning, but the words and the delivery. Something about it pisses me off and I still can't put my finger on it. But I agree with what Codex said. Now get this, there's another comment. Can I read this one out now?
Roula (05:15)
This is not working. You're frozen.
You're gone.
Rosie (05:24)
Where are ya? You there?
Roula (05:28)
I wonder if I'm frozen too.
Rosie (05:33)
ROULA!
What the fuck? You there?