Minor Issues, Major Opinions

Latest Episodes:

Bath Versus Shower: A Microbiologist Confirms Which Is Better and Teaches Us a Lesson in Hygiene Sep 07, 2023

In our last episode of the season, we immerse ourselves in the bath versus showers debate—is one really better than the other? REAL SIMPLE editors Leslie Corona, Muzam Agha, and Amy Maclin ask each other a million invasive questions about their personal hygiene habits, consider building a spreadsheet tracking the number of hours Amy has spent in tubs, and whether or not candles are essential to a good soak. Leslie then has a very satisfying discussion with author and actress, Emily Hampshire, who reveals the unique technique she used to bathe. Former guests Monica Padman and Kirsten Ferguson also share their bathing preferences. At the end of the episode, we hear from Michael G. Schmidt, PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina, who confirms whether or not one is better—or if there’s even a big difference between the two.

For more info, visit realsimple.com/mimopodcast

Co-Hosts

Leslie Corona

Muzam Agha

Amy Maclin

Producers

Leslie Corona

Lauren Iannotti

Mickey O'Connor

Director of Audio Growth Strategy & Operations

Jennifer Del Sole

Audio Producer

Tom Miritello

Executive Producer

Lottie Leymarie

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can You Use Soap on Your Cast Iron Skillet? A Food Industry Expert Confirms What’s Actually Okay Aug 31, 2023

On this week's episode, we debate the best way to clean cast iron skillets. Non-Southern REAL SIMPLE editors Leslie Corona, Muzam Agha, and the very Southern Amy Maclin discuss the pros and cons of cast iron, why some of us avoid it like the plague, and why you shouldn't smoke cigarettes around it. (Yes, we're serious.) Leslie checks in with author and actress Tabitha Brown about her upcoming projects and has to ask this very Southern lady her thoughts on pan scrubbing. Chef Carla Hall and Emily Hampshire of Schitt's Creek fame contribute to the conversation. Then, at the end of the episode, James Beard Award-winning food writer and cookbook author J. Kenji López-Alt gives us the mind-blowing truth about soap on cast iron.

For more info, visit realsimple.com/mimopodcast

Co-Hosts

Leslie Corona

Muzam Agha

Amy Maclin

Producers

Leslie Corona

Lauren Iannotti

Mickey O'Connor

Director of Audio Growth Strategy & Operations

Jennifer Del Sole

Audio Producer

Tom Miritello

Executive Producer

Lottie Leymarie

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What’s the Right Way to Load a Dishwasher? An Appliance Expert Lays Down the Rules Aug 24, 2023

On this week's episode, we discuss the many rules of dishwasher loading. REAL SIMPLE editors Leslie Corona, Muzam Agha, and Amy Maclin touch on family cleaning dynamics, bad TikTok hacks, and cooking salmon in the dishwasher. (Spoiler alert: It's a bad idea.) Then, Leslie and Monica Padman, co-host of the podcast Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, chat about Monica's current projects, plus her dishwasher preferences. Bethenny Frankel and Tabitha Brown offer their takes on the dreaded household chore as well. Finally, at the end of the episode, we hear from Brandon Schaefer, a product manager for GE Appliances, who shares the right dishwasher loading guidelines.

For more info, visit realsimple.com/mimopodcast

Co-Hosts

Leslie Corona

Muzam Agha

Amy Maclin

Producers

Leslie Corona

Lauren Iannotti

Mickey O'Connor

Director of Audio Growth Strategy & Operations

Jennifer Del Sole

Audio Producer

Tom Miritello

Executive Producer

Lottie Leymarie

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Should You Brush Your Teeth Before or After Breakfast? A Top Dentist Gives the Definitive Answer Aug 17, 2023

On this week's episode, we debate the best time to brush those pearly whites—is it before or after breakfast? REAL SIMPLE editors Leslie Corona, Muzam Agha, and Amy Maclin cover teeth moss, school programs of yore that required gargling pure fluoride, and the long-term effects of La Croix on your chompers. Then Leslie fan-girls over the main guest, Bethenny Frankel, who does not hold back on the dental discussion. Fellow celebs Monica Padman and Tabitha Brown also jump in on the debate. Then, at the end of the episode Sally Cram, DDS, a spokesperson from the American Dental Association, shares when you should actually brush your teeth.

For more info, visit realsimple.com/mimopodcast

Co-Hosts

Leslie Corona

Muzam Agha

Amy Maclin

Producers

Leslie Corona

Lauren Iannotti

Mickey O'Connor

Director of Audio Growth Strategy & Operations

Jennifer Del Sole

Audio Producer

Tom Miritello

Executive Producer

Lottie Leymarie

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does the Person in the Middle Seat of an Airplane Get Both Armrests? A Travel Expert Referees the Battle of the Elbows Aug 10, 2023

On this week's episode, we debate whether or not the middle seat of an airplane gets both armrests. REAL SIMPLE editors Leslie Corona, Muzam Agha, and Amy Maclin talk about general airplane etiquette, the manspreading epidemic plaguing the country, and window seats versus aisle seats. Then Leslie catches up with the main guest, Craig Melvin, TODAY Show news anchor, who gives a very passionate response on the episode’s topic. Celebrities Bethenny Frankel and Emily Hampshire chime in as well, with vastly different takes. Then, at the end of the episode Jacqueline Gifford, Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure magazine, presides over the matter.

For more info, visit realsimple.com/mimopodcast

Co-Hosts

Leslie Corona

Muzam Agha

Amy Maclin

Producers

Leslie Corona

Lauren Iannotti

Mickey O'Connor

Director of Audio Growth Strategy & Operations

Jennifer Del Sole

Audio Producer

Tom Miritello

Executive Producer

Lottie Leymarie

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Encore: Are Top Sheets Necessary? A Dermatologist Gives Us His Advice Aug 03, 2023

On this week’s episode, we debate top sheets! Do you absolutely need one? Or can you go rogue and skip it? REAL SIMPLE editors Leslie Corona, Muzam Agha, and Amy Maclin tackle this hotly contested sleep preference. Leslie chats with the main guest, celebrity chef Carla Hall about her latest projects and finds out she has some pretty strong thoughts on bedding. Actress Kristen Bell also throws in her two cents, as well as next week’s guest, designer and Queer Eye star Bobby Berk. Then, we bring in our expert, Joshua Zeichner, MD, from the dermatology department at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, who will help us decide which is the winning side—Team Top Sheet or Team No Top Sheet?

For more info, visit realsimple.com/mimopodcast

Co-Hosts

Leslie Corona

Muzam Agha

Amy Maclin

Producers

Leslie Corona

Lauren Iannotti

Mickey O'Connor

Director of Audio Growth Strategy & Operations

Jennifer Del Sole

Audio Producer

Tom Miritello

Executive Producer

Lottie Leymarie

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Should You Ask Guests to Take Off Their Shoes? A Disease Prevention Specialist Tells Us the Dirty Truth Jul 27, 2023

On this week's episode, we discuss shoes in the house. REAL SIMPLE editors Leslie Corona, Muzam Agha, and Amy Maclin talk about cultural norms plus all the different kinds of feet—smelly feet, gritty feet, ugly feet. Then Leslie chats with the Home Edit founders and hosts of the podcast Best Friend Energy, Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, about upcoming projects and give their perspectives on footwear indoors. We also hear from TODAY Show anchor Craig Melvin who explains what his parameters are for shoes on or off at home, as well as Monica Padman, co-host of the podcast Armchair Expert, who decides it's not worth discovering what's hiding in our rugs. Then, at the end of the episode, disease prevention specialist Lisa Cuchara, Ph.D., from Quinnipiac University delivers a whole bunch of science to settle this debate (and shares what she does in her own home).

For more info, visit realsimple.com/mimopodcast

Co-Hosts

Leslie Corona

Muzam Agha

Amy Maclin

Producers

Leslie Corona

Lauren Iannotti

Mickey O'Connor

Director of Audio Growth Strategy & Operations

Jennifer Del Sole

Audio Producer

Tom Miritello

Executive Producer

Lottie Leymarie

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How Often Do You Really Need to Wash Your Jeans? A Textile Scientist Breaks Down the Facts Jul 20, 2023

On this week's episode, we discuss how often you should really wash jeans and dispel lots of myths around the subject. REAL SIMPLE editors Leslie Corona, Muzam Agha, and Amy Maclin talk about putting denim in the freezer, the hop-like dance you do when wiggling into freshly-laundered skinnies, and why Amy’s jeans might be feeling “crunchy.” Then Leslie catches up with the main guest, Queer Eye icon and fashion expert, Carson Kressley, who shares his denim care tips. Home Edit founders, Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, give their two (laundry) cents as well. Then, at the end of the episode, textile scientist Rachel McQueen, Ph.D., from the University of Alberta sheds light on the jean-washing debacle.

For more info, visit realsimple.com/mimopodcast

Co-Hosts

Leslie Corona

Muzam Agha

Amy Maclin

Producers

Leslie Corona

Lauren Iannotti

Mickey O'Connor

Director of Audio Growth Strategy & Operations

Jennifer Del Sole

Audio Producer

Tom Miritello

Executive Producer

Lottie Leymarie

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do You Have to Sort Your Laundry? A Textile Expert Settles the Debate Jul 13, 2023

On this week's episode, we discuss laundry sorting—will your clothes really suffer if you don't do it? REAL SIMPLE editors Leslie Corona, Muzam Agha, and Amy Maclin explore the various piles laundry sorting creates, how it affects relationship dynamics, and socks... socks come up a lot. Then Leslie checks in with the main guest, beloved Peloton instructor Kirsten Ferguson, and asks about her laundry routine and the mysterious case of her missing socks. Sasha Velour makes another appearance to talk about laundering luxury socks (even more socks!), and Carson Kressley of the original Queer Eye cast chimes in to reveal he actually moonlights as a laundry guru. At the end of the episode, textile professor Frances Holmes Kozen from Cornell University hops on to confirm whether or not sorting laundry actually matters.

For more info, visit realsimple.com/mimopodcast

Co-Hosts

Leslie Corona

Muzam Agha

Amy Maclin

Producers

Leslie Corona

Lauren Iannotti

Mickey O'Connor

Director of Audio Growth Strategy & Operations

Jennifer Del Sole

Audio Producer

Tom Miritello

Executive Producer

Lottie Leymarie

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is It OK to Let a Dog Lick Your Face? An Expert from the CDC Weighs In Jul 06, 2023

On this week’s episode, we debate P.D.A. with pets—is it actually safe to let your pup lick your face? REAL SIMPLE editors Leslie Corona, Muzam Agha, and Amy Maclin discuss the hygiene question at hand (and fail to understand dog lovers worldwide). Then Leslie chats with the main guest, Season 9 winner of RuPaul's Drag Race, Sasha Velour, about her new book. Plus, she shares her unique rules for smooches from her Italian greyhound. We also hear from celebrity chef Carla Hall and beloved Peloton instructor, Kirsten Ferguson on the controversial subject. At the end of the episode, Casey Barton Behravesh, DVM, director of the CDC’s One Health Office, will explain if a little dog slobber on the cheek is truly harmless.

For more info, visit realsimple.com/mimopodcast

Co-Hosts

Leslie Corona

Muzam Agha

Amy Maclin

Producers

Leslie Corona

Lauren Iannotti

Mickey O'Connor

Director of Audio Growth Strategy & Operations

Jennifer Del Sole

Audio Producer

Tom Miritello

Executive Producer

Lottie Leymarie

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is it OK to Sit on Public Toilets? An Epidemiologist Gives Us the Surprising Answer Jun 29, 2023

On this week’s episode, we debate public toilet seats—is it okay to plop right down on top of them? Or should you hover in fear of the cooties lurking on the rim? REAL SIMPLE editors Leslie Corona, Muzam Agha, and Amy Maclin dive into the toilet bowl discussion. Then Leslie chats with the main guest, comedian Michelle Buteau, about her new Netflix series and her hilarious perspective on public restrooms. Season 9 winner of RuPaul's Drag Race, Sasha Velour, also shares her own (international!) hot take. At the end of the episode, William Schaffner, M.D., a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, will reveal whether you can give your knees a break and just sit down or if you should hover fearfully in perpetuity.

For more info, visit realsimple.com/mimopodcast

Co-Hosts

Leslie Corona

Muzam Agha

Amy Maclin

Producers

Leslie Corona

Lauren Iannotti

Mickey O'Connor

Director of Audio Growth Strategy & Operations

Jennifer Del Sole

Audio Producer

Tom Miritello

Executive Producer

Lottie Leymarie

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is the 5-Second Rule Real? A Microbiologist Sets the Record Straight Jun 22, 2023

On this week’s episode, we debate the 5-second rule! Can you still eat food after you’ve dropped it? Does the amount of time it’s been sitting on the floor really matter? REAL SIMPLE editors Leslie Corona, Muzam Agha, and Amy Maclin explore these questions and ponder their life choices in the kitchen. Leslie chats with the main guest, Bobby Berk, design expert and Emmy-nominated TV host known for his work on Queer Eye, who fills us in on his forthcoming first book, and of course, shares his own hot take on the 5-second rule. Michelle Buteau also chimes in with some thoughts on the topic. Then, microbiologist Jason Tetro, author of The Human Microbiome Handbook and host of The Super Awesome Science Show, will drop some science-backed truth bombs about the 5-second rule to help us decide if it’s real or all made up.

For more info, visit realsimple.com/mimopodcast

Co-Hosts

Leslie Corona

Muzam Agha

Amy Maclin

Producers

Leslie Corona

Lauren Iannotti

Mickey O'Connor

Director of Audio Growth Strategy & Operations

Jennifer Del Sole

Audio Producer

Tom Miritello

Executive Producer

Lottie Leymarie

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are Top Sheets Necessary? A Dermatologist Gives Us His Advice Jun 15, 2023

For more info, visit realsimple.com/mimopodcast

Co-Hosts

Leslie Corona

Muzam Agha

Amy Maclin

Producers

Leslie Corona

Lauren Iannotti

Mickey O'Connor

Director of Audio Growth Strategy & Operations

Jennifer Del Sole

Audio Producer

Tom Miritello

Executive Producer

Lottie Leymarie

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing Minor Issues, Major Opinions from Real Simple! Jun 01, 2023

New from Real Simple, Minor Issues, Major Opinions is a wildly relevant, funny and engaging podcast that dives into the low-stakes controversies everyone has an opinion on. Hosted by Real Simple staffers Leslie Corona, Muzam Agha and Amy Maclin, Minor Issues, Major Opinions covers polarizing topics ranging from the mundane to the meaningful: Do You Need a Top Sheet? Is the 5-second rule real? Should You Ask Guests to Take Off Shoes Indoors? Is It OK To Let Your Dog Lick Your Face? Each week, we’ll chat with celebrities like Carla Hall, Carson Kressley, and Michelle Buteau to hear their hot takes on the topics at hand and get the final word from experts across industries to settle the debate once and for all. New Episodes every Thursday.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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