Minor Issues, Major Opinions

Real Simple

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. read less

Our Editor's Take

The Minor Issues, Major Opinions podcast discusses debatable yet relatable controversies. Producing it are the editors of Real Simple, a magazine providing tips to help make life easier. The host is Leslie Corona, and joining her are cohosts Muzam Agha and Amy Maclin. In each episode, they'll debate a topic with the help of a celebrity guest, from chef Carla Hall to actor Emily Hampshire. An industry expert will then provide the facts to help settle the debate.

Minor Issues, Major Opinions lives up to its title. The podcast features low-stakes arguments that people have strong opinions on. As relatable topics go, how to fill up a dishwasher is a common conundrum.

Joining the team for the podcast debate is actor and producer Monica Padman. As well as discussing her career, Monica reveals her dishwasher preferences. They talk about family roles when it comes to this household chore. One host saw someone on social media put a toilet seat in their dishwasher. Not all TikTok hacks are helpful! At the end of the episode, an expert from GE Appliances joins to explain the guidelines.

In another podcast episode, the debated question is how often people should wash jeans. This time, TV personality Carson Kressley gets involved. They ask him about his favorite Queer Eye for the Straight Guy episodes and his secret hobby. Regarding the jeans dilemma, he reveals that he puts them in the freezer. The team asks their industry expert to confirm whether his solution is correct. They also discuss the hilarious challenge of putting jeans back on after washing.

Other topics include if soap can clean a cast iron skillet. Should people remove their shoes when they visit someone's house? Is it essential to sort laundry before washing? And how dirty are public toilets? A dentist gives what the show calls a definitive answer on whether to brush teeth before or after breakfast.

Each debate includes follow-up questions and dilemmas confirmed or denied by experts. Minor Issues, Major Opinions is a relatable podcast that will likely provide further discussion at home.

read less

EducationEducation

Play Trailer

Introducing Minor Issues, Major Opinions from Real Simple!

Introducing Minor Issues, Major Opinions from Real Simple!

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episodes

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

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

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

Encore: Are Top Sheets Necessary? A Dermatologist Gives Us His Advice

Encore: Are Top Sheets Necessary? A Dermatologist Gives Us His Advice

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do You Have to Sort Your Laundry? A Textile Expert Settles the Debate

Do You Have to Sort Your Laundry? A Textile Expert Settles the Debate

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the 5-Second Rule Real? A Microbiologist Sets the Record Straight

Is the 5-Second Rule Real? A Microbiologist Sets the Record Straight

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are Top Sheets Necessary? A Dermatologist Gives Us His Advice

Are Top Sheets Necessary? A Dermatologist Gives Us His Advice

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing Minor Issues, Major Opinions from Real Simple!

Introducing Minor Issues, Major Opinions from Real Simple!

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices