Have you ever noticed little white fluffy spots or yellowish patches on your lettuce at the grocery store? This could be downy mildew, a microbe that infects lettuce and other leafy greens.

This microbe might not be well-known, but it's of great importance due to its effects on the agriculture industry and the food we buy. It poses a significant challenge for farmers by potentially wiping out entire crops. If we unknowingly purchase lettuce or herbs infected with downy mildew from the organic section, we might end up with unappealing produce.

Understanding downy mildew can help us make informed choices at the store and gain insight into the challenges faced by farmers in controlling this pathogen.

So, in this episode we'll learn about downy mildew from plant pathology researcher Dr. Kelsey Wood. She'll explain what this organism is, how to identify it, and the latest research aiming to control it in a more sustainable way. We'll also cover its life cycle, genetics, and impacts on agriculture. Tune in to discover this intriguing plant pathogen.

Topics covered in this episode:

• What downy mildew is and its life cycle
• Why downy mildew is not a fungus
• How downy mildew spreads
• Downy mildew’s impact on agriculture
• Spotting downy mildew in your local grocery store
• Discovering a highly resistant lettuce variety
• At-home microbiology activities: grocery store hunt and vinegar wash experiment

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/downy-mildew-kelsey-wood/

AT-HOME MICROBIOLOGY ACTIVITY: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/downy-mildew-activity/

AT-HOME MICROBIOLOGY ACTIVITY: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/mold-vinegar-wash-activity/

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While many microbes bring benefits, pathogens are the focus when ensuring food safety. This episode dives into practical tips for enjoying chicken, whether you buy chicken or eggs from the store or raise your own chickens for eggs in your backyard.

Join food safety expert Dr. Andrea Etter as she shares insights into preventing foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter. Dr. Etter is an assistant professor specializing in food microbiology and food safety at the University of Vermont. From her vast knowledge, you’ll learn how to prepare chicken at home safely and even keep your own backyard chickens.

By understanding basic food safety practices, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones while not forgetting the many positive roles of microbes in our lives.

Dr. Etter will equip you with strategies for safe chicken handling, from effective cooking techniques to proper backyard coop hygiene.

Join us as we explore food safety. I hope this empowers you to make informed choices for safe chicken handling.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Dr. Etter's background and path to food microbiology
• Food safety from grocery shopping to meal consumption
• Common pathogens like Salmonella and Campylobacter in chicken
• Salmonella and Campylobacter risks and prevention strategies
• Handling and food safety of raw store-bought chicken
• Microbial risks of backyard chickens and tips for safe raising practices

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/chicken-safety-andrea-etter/

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Have you ever stopped to think about the bustling world of life thriving right on your skin? Billions of microscopic organisms, collectively known as the skin microbiome, call this complex ecosystem home, playing a vital role in our health.

Many of us are unaware of the intricate dance between our skin and its microbial residents. This delicate balance can tip, potentially leading to various health concerns. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating realm of the skin microbiome with microbiologist Dr. Aayushi Uberoi.

Dr. Uberoi shares her research on how the skin microbiome strengthens our largest organ's crucial barrier function. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of skin microbes.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Dr. Uberoi's journey to microbiology
• The skin's barrier functions and ecosystem
• The role of the skin microbiome in health and disease
• Microbiome changes in skin disorders
• Potential for novel skin microbiome-based therapies
• Antibacterial soap misconceptions
• At-home microbiology activity: Accessible Microscopy: Discovering Microbes with a Foldscope

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/skin-microbiome-aayushi-uberoi/

AT-HOME MICROBIOLOGY ACTIVITY: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/foldscope-activity/

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Have you ever thought about the trillions of invisible, microscopic entities inhabiting your body right now? While much of the microbiome spotlight shines on bacteria, there's a hidden side to this story that many people overlook.

In this podcast episode, we discuss the lesser-known residents of our microbiome: viruses. These tiny but potent entities are fundamental players in our gut's ecosystem. And Michael Shamash, a microbiology researcher studying these viruses, shares all the profound roles they play in our gut and our overall health. After listening, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for these microscopic allies within you and how they can impact your well-being.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Bacteria, phages, and the microbiome
• Gut virome and its role in human health
• Phages in early childhood microbiome development
• Phages in infant gut microbiome and their potential impact on adult health
• Phage therapy for early childhood illnesses
• OnePetri app to automate the process of phage plaque counting
• At-home microbiology activity: Crafting Model Phages

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/gut-virome-michael-shamash/

AT-HOME MICROBIOLOGY ACTIVITY: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/model-phage-activity/

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Are you curious about how microbes are involved in creating a more sustainable world? Those tiny, often-overlooked organisms hold a remarkable secret — the power to break down chemicals through biodegradation. Imagine a world where plastics and other challenging compounds, often seen as environmental villains, could be transformed into environmentally-friendly products.

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Jhonatan Hernandez Valdes to discuss how these microbes are revolutionizing our approach to sustainability. He shares about his role as a microbiologist at Nouryon, investigating and understanding how microbes degrade chemicals in the environment. Ultimately, his research aims to help in developing more environmentally friendly products.

Tune in if you want to explore how we can work with microbes to leverage their transformative powers to pursue a greener, cleaner world.

Topics covered in this episode:

• What is biodegradation?
• The challenge of persistent chemicals
• How microbes adapt to biodegrade novel chemicals
• Biodegradation and environmental sustainability

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/sustainability-through-biodegradation-Jhonatan/

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Lab coats are an integral part of the world of microbiology, serving as a vital piece of personal protective equipment (PPE). When we envision a microbiologist at work wearing their crisp lab coat, we often associate it with professionalism and scientific rigor. However, the reality is that lab coats, while essential, don't always live up to expectations. For many scientists, they can be a source of frustration rather than confidence.

This is why Dr. Derek Miller, founder of Genius Lab Gear, began The Lab Coat Project. Through this project, Derek aims to create lab coats that not only protect but empower scientists by addressing their unique challenges. Through extensive feedback from over 1,500 scientists, Derek designed lab coats for men and women that will work in various scientific environments, emphasizing comfort and functionality.

In this episode of the Joyful Microbe podcast, Derek shares his vision for this innovative project, focusing on improving external challenges like productivity and safety while also addressing internal issues related to personal comfort and self-image. Our conversation offers insights into an often overlooked aspect of scientific research attire and highlights the potential impact of this initiative on scientists' lives.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Why Derek started The Lab Coat Project
• What challenges do scientists face with lab coats
• The importance of lab coats and safety
• What scientists want in a lab coat based on Derek’s survey of over 1,500 scientists
• The improved lab coat design from The Lab Coat Project

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/lab-coat-project-derek-miller/

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Are you a science educator who wants to spark curiosity in your high school students with microbiology? In this world of information overload and digital distractions, capturing the attention of today's learners might seem like an uphill battle. That’s why, in this podcast episode, I chatted with Clara Marcelín, a seasoned high school science educator. She shares her methods for transforming microbiology education into an engaging and lifelong passion. Get ready to discover fresh strategies that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on exploration, all while reshaping the way students view the captivating realm of microscopic life.

We also discuss the exciting paradigm shift in how microorganisms are perceived and the importance of conveying the positive aspects of microbes, dispelling misconceptions, and helping students recognize the integral role microbes play in human health, nutrition, and well-being.

Overall, Clara's approach to microbiology education champions hands-on experiences, personal connections, simplicity, and positive perceptions of microbes. Her insights are valuable for educators seeking to inspire curiosity, resilience, critical thinking, and a lasting passion for science among high school students.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Clara’s path to science and science education
• How to engage science students in the classroom
• The importance of connecting with students
• Challenges of teaching microbiology
• Advice on keeping it simple
• At-home microbiology activity: Making Tepache

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/high-school-microbiology-clara/

AT-HOME MICROBIOLOGY ACTIVITY: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/tepache/

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Have you ever caught a whiff of something and wondered, "What in the world is responsible for this?" Well, the world of microbes might hold the answer. These tiny organisms, invisible to the naked eye, have the remarkable ability to produce smells that range from delightful to downright repulsive. It's a world where the nose becomes a gateway to a range of odors, each telling a microbial story.

As a curious microbiologist, I couldn't resist asking my fellow scientists about their favorite microbial smells. So, I took to Twitter, and the responses were intriguing, with an array of aromas ranging from delicious to disgusting.

One thing that makes these microbial scents so interesting is that they often capture the essence of the environments in which the microbes thrive. Even when grown in the sterile confines of a laboratory petri dish, these microbial fragrances transport us to far-off places, evoking associations we never thought possible.

In this episode, we journey into the aromatic world of microbes. Get ready to discover smells that scientists encounter in their quest to understand the hidden wonders of microbial life.

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/microbial-smells/

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In a world where news articles claim that your water bottle has more bacteria than a toilet seat, it's natural to worry about microorganisms making you sick. However, it’s important to embrace the microbial world around us because they play crucial roles in our lives, and without them, we would be in bad shape. So, in this episode of the Joyful Microbe podcast, we’re covering how to appreciate microbes while maintaining a healthy respect for them.

For this topic, I wanted to discuss these ideas with someone who understands them well, which brought me to Dr. Sandra Wilks. She is a researcher specializing in infection prevention and control, specifically focusing on the contamination of medical devices. Here, we discuss how to enjoy the microbial world around us without fear.

With her vast knowledge and genuine enthusiasm, she shares her journey from childhood curiosity to a passion for microbiology. Sandra's fascination began with tools like magnifying glasses and a microscope, allowing her to discover unseen microorganisms on leaves, moss, and in pond water. She was captivated by the diverse communities of diatoms, amoebas, and other microscopic life forms. This curiosity grew during her time at the British Antarctic Survey, where she explored samples from icy seas and deepened her understanding of marine microbiology. She then went on to complete her PhD in marine microbiology.

Over the years, Sandra's research expanded to include various aspects of microbiology, such as animal waste, sewage, drinking water, food, and everyday surfaces. Her current focus lies in studying the contamination of medical devices and the microbial environments in hospitals and beyond.

Join us as we uncover misconceptions about what “dirty” actually means, appreciate the wonders of the microbial world, and learn to responsibly share our world with these invisible organisms that shape our lives, whether we realize it or not.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Fear of microbes and perception of cleanliness
• What is actually dirty?
• Balancing good hygiene practices with coexisting with microbes
• Differences between cleanliness in medical and home settings
• The misleading nature of articles comparing the number of microbes on different surfaces
• Need for risk assessment and understanding actual risks associated with microbes
• Definitions of cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting
• Advice on which areas of the home to focus on for cleaning
• Importance of preserving good microbes and maintaining a healthy microbiome
• Balancing cleaning products with exposure to beneficial microbes and environmental impact
• At-home microbiology activity: Discovering the Microbial World: Create Your Own Agar Plates

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/sandra-wilks/

AT-HOME MICROBIOLOGY ACTIVITY: Discovering the Microbial World: Create Your Own Agar Plates

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In this episode, we dive into the captivating world of algae and biotechnology with Dr. Kyle Lauersen. He is an Assistant Professor at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia and leads a research group focusing on engineering algae for useful purposes.

We cover everything from the basics of algae and their role in nature to their potential to drive sustainability. These tiny yet powerful organisms hold incredible secrets. Discover how metabolic engineering has turned algae into cellular factories, producing useful chemicals and cleaning wastewater. Join us as we explore the challenges and gaps in algae cultivation technology and learn how to observe algae under a microscope in an exciting at-home activity. Get ready to be inspired and amazed by the power of algae!

Topics covered in this episode:

• The basics of algae
• Diversity and exceptions within algae
• The roles of algae in nature
• The algae studied by Kyle’s group
• Algae biotechnology
• Challenges and gaps in algae cultivation technology and processing
• Observing algae under a microscope
• At-home microbiology activity: Algae Under the Lens: A Microscopic Exploration

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/algae-nature-biotechnology-kyle-lauersen/

AT-HOME MICROBIOLOGY ACTIVITY: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/algae-microscope-activity/

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I'm thrilled to announce that in this podcast episode, I read the introduction chapter of my brand new ebook, Joyful Microbiology Activities. This book has been a labor of love, and I'm so excited to share it with you.

Microbiology is a fascinating subject studying organisms that are often viewed negatively as “those gross and scary germs.” However, my goal with this ebook is to shift that perception and show you that microbes are incredibly important in our lives and can even bring joy! Through a collection of hands-on activities, I hope to inspire your curiosity, help you gain a deeper understanding of the microbial world around us, and allow you to have some fun with these tiny but mighty creatures.

Whether you're a science teacher, a parent with curious kids, or simply someone who loves learning new things, there is something for everyone in this ebook. From exploring the microbes in our homes and living in our yards to investigating the microbial communities in soil, this book covers a wide range of topics that will spark your interest and expand your knowledge. These activities work for multiple ages and grade levels, with some very simple activities that are suitable for elementary students and others for middle and high school students.

I’ve had people ask me if I’ll release a print version of it eventually, and my answer is maybe. For now, it makes the most sense to me to provide it as an ebook so that you can print out the pages for the single activity you plan to do. That way, you can also write your notes on the printed pages because I encourage documentation of your results in each activity.

I'm truly passionate about sharing the joy of microbiology with others, and I hope that this book will inspire you to see the world of microbes in a new light. So sit back, relax, and join me as I read the introduction chapter of Joyful Microbiology Activities.

GET THE EBOOK HERE: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/activities-book/

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/introducing-joyful-microbiology-activities/

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Dr. Jake Robinson is a microbial ecologist at Flinders University and researches microbes, ecosystems, social equity issues, and ways to conserve and restore nature. He studies how microbes can benefit human health and not just cause disease. He is also the author of the new book Invisible Friends. He came on the podcast to discuss a variety of topics, including the following:

• The importance of microbes for building a strong immune system
• Balancing microbial exposure and targeted hygiene
• How microbes in nature can enhance human health (read more here)
• What forensic microbiology is (read more here)
• Applications of forensic microbiology
• His book Invisible Friends (read more here)
• At-home microbiology activity: Forensic microbiology trace evidence (find the activity here)

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/microbes-health-jake-robinson/

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We are celebrating, microbe friends! This month marks the 4th anniversary of Joyful Microbe!!! I’ve had such a blast creating articles, podcast episodes, and other resources to help you enjoy microbes in your daily lives and spread knowledge about the microbial world with others.

In this episode, I’m featuring ideas and tips about microbiology education from folks in the Joyful Microbe Community! You all came up with some great ideas: fun ways you’ve explored or learned about the microbial world at home and ways you’ve engaged your students about microbes.

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/joyful-microbe-community-microbiology-education-tips/

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A vast number of microbes live on our skin, in our gut, and almost everywhere else you can imagine on and in our bodies. Collectively, these microbes are called the human microbiome and play a crucial role in our health and well-being. Different locations on our bodies contain a specific set of microbes, which are individual microbiomes, i.e., the gut microbiome, skin microbiome, and oral microbiome. The skin microbiome is a relatively less researched microbiome on our bodies but is incredibly important for the health of this protective outer barrier.

On the podcast, I talked to Dr. Julie O’Sullivan, a skin microbiome researcher at APC microbiome at the University of College Cork in Ireland, about how these microbes keep us healthy and how when they get out of balance can cause issues like eczema and acne. She also gives us some practical tips for maintaining a healthy skin microbiome and shares her thoughts on skin microbiome tests.

Topics covered in this episode:

• What is the skin microbiome?
• How does the skin microbiome keep us healthy?
• How are microbes involved in eczema and acne?
• Gut-skin axis
• Microbiome-friendly skincare
• Practical tips for maintaining a healthy skin microbiome
• Skin microbiome tests
• At-home microbiology activity: Hand washing and skin microbes

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/skin-microbiome-julie-osullivan/

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Tardigrades are beloved microorganisms. These little water bears hide in moss, lichen, and bark of trees. When kids discover tardigrades, it often sparks an interest in science. If you haven’t personally experienced finding a tardigrade under the microscope, I promise it makes a significant impact.

In this podcast episode, you’ll get the chance to learn about tardigrades from Dr. Sandeep Eswarappa, who studies these delightful organisms in his laboratory. After listening to the interview, you’ll see that he has a clear passion for the microbial world. So, you’re sure to enjoy this episode of the podcast.

Topics covered in this episode:

• What are tardigrades?
• Where can you find tardigrades?
• What other organisms live in the same places as tardigrades?
• What do tardigrades eat?
• Tardigrade life stages
• Are tardigrades immortal?
• Applications of tardigrades survival in extreme conditions
• At-home microbiology activity: Watch tardigrades emerge from tun to active state

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/tardigrades-sandeep-eswarappa/

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Fermented foods like beer, wine, bread, sauerkraut, yogurt, and kombucha are delicious to eat and fun to make at home. And we can give credit to microbes for the wonderful flavors of these foods. The process of fermentation is when microbes transform food so that it extends its shelf life, improves the taste, or makes it beneficial to consume. 

In this podcast episode, I talk with Dr. John Leech, a scientist who studies fermented foods at MASTER, APC, Teagasc, and University College Cork in Ireland. We talk all about these delicious foods, the microbes in them, as well as the health benefits of consuming them. 

Topics covered in this episode:

• What are fermented foods, and what is fermentation?
• Why eating fermented foods is worth doing?
• What microbes are typically found in fermented foods?
• What are the health benefits of fermented foods?
• Do fermented foods contain probiotics?
• Do fermented foods alter the microbiome?
• Can we get sick from home fermented foods?
• At-home microbiology activity: How To Make Sauerkraut

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/fermented-foods-john-leech/

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The K-12 curriculum does not cover microbiology much at all. But this area of science matters. Children need a complete understanding of the microorganisms that play roles in our health, like the microbiome, and diseases, like germs. That way, they’ll carry these concepts into adulthood, ultimately helping keep them healthier.

Despite the lack of microbiology education in K-12, some high schools offer full microbiology courses. So, to learn more about what it’s like teaching microbiology at the K-12 level, I talked to high school microbiology teacher Jessica Popescu.

Whether you’re an educator, microbiologist, or science enthusiast, you’ll find something interesting in this episode of the Joyful Microbe podcast.

Topics covered in this episode:

• how to introduce students to microbiology and the different types of microbes
• techniques for engaging students
• how project-based classes help students experience science
• how microbiologists can help high school educators
• hands-on microbiology activities for high school students
• microbiology classroom activity

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/high-school-microbiology-activities-popescu/

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How do you explain microbiology to a child? 

It’s an abstract topic since you can’t readily see microbes due to their size. So, to help your kids visualize microbes, you can read them a children’s book specifically about microbiology. 

I’ve featured a few excellent microbiology books for kids before on Joyful Microbe. But after I found out about Dr. Mike Manefield, a microbiologist who writes children’s microbiology books, I knew I needed to chat with him. He’s a full-time professor at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, and writes these incredible books as a hobby. His publishing company is called Micronovo.

His desire with these books is to communicate the complex stuff of microbiology and share it with his friends, family, especially his children, and the world so they can understand why the microbes are so cool.

Grab one of these microbiology books written by a microbiologist to help your kids understand the importance of microbes in our world. Learning the concepts from these books will equip them early in life with a well-rounded view of the microbial world, seeing both the good and the bad, so they can make educated, science-based decisions as they grow.

Topics covered In this episode:

• Micronovo: books about microbiology for children
• The microbial stars of the books
• A summary of three Micronovo books
• At-home microbiology activity: biodegradation

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/kids-microbiology-books-mike-manefield/

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The words bacteria and beauty are not usually associated. But some bacteria make beautiful colors that span the entire rainbow. And one type of bacteria called Streptomyces coelicolor makes an antibiotic with a lovely blue pigment. This blue-colored antibiotic, called actinorhodin, inspired microbiologist Dr. Vineetha Zacharia, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Berkeley studying this soil bacterium, to use it like watercolor paint to create art. 

So, read on or listen to the podcast episode to learn about her work with Streptomyces coelicolor and how she got into what she calls “Actino Art.”

Topics covered in this episode:

• Streptomyces coelicolor, a colorful bacterium
• Life cycle and cell types
• Antibiotics and other helpful chemicals Streptomyces produce
• Painting with antibiotics
• At-home microbiology activity: Actino Art

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/bacteria-paint-vineetha/

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Dr. Sarah Wettstadt is the founder of the BacterialWorld blog and loves sharing about bacteria and all of the amazing things they do in the world. So I know you’ll enjoy hearing this episode where we talk about the superpowers bacteria have and how bacteria can help us save the world.

In this episode, you will learn about…

• 4 bacterial superpowers
• 3 ways bacteria can help save the planet
• How bacteria impact our daily lives
• Why not all microbes are bad

JOYFUL MICROBE SHOW NOTES: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/bacteria-superpowers-sarah-wettstadt/

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FREE GUIDE 7 Ways to Enjoy Microbes in Your Daily Life: https://joyfulmicrobe.com/daily-lives-guide/