Birthdays are meant to be joyful… right? So why do they so often come with pressure, comparison, anxiety, and that quiet feeling of I should be happier than this?

In this episode of LATE BLOOMERS, Rich and Rox talk honestly about the emotional hangover that can hit around birthdays — especially when you’re feeling behind, overwhelmed by expectations, or carrying grief into another year. From childhood memories and milestone shame to the fear of ageing, loneliness, and the desire to feel seen, they unpack why birthdays can sting even when life is good.

They also explore how to turn birthdays into something gentler: a chance to celebrate growth, honour who you are now, and find gratitude without forcing joy or pretending everything’s perfect.

Tender, relatable, and funny in all the right places — this episode is a reminder that getting older isn’t something to fear. It’s something to live through, learn from, and sometimes cry about… then eat cake anyway. 🎂