Why is it that we can tell someone “I’m totally fine!” and they instantly know we’re not? Gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, and other subtle nonverbal cues play a huge role in how we connect with one another. In this episode, host Charles Duhigg explores how we communicate without words, including a deep dive into the visual and tonal cues embedded in one of the biggest sitcoms of all time, The Big Bang Theory. He talks with Dr. Dustin York, a professor at Maryville University who studies nonverbal communication and worked in public relations for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. He also sits down with Dave Goetsch, a co-executive producer and longtime writer for The Big Bang Theory, and journalist Jessica Radloff, who wrote an exhaustive book about the show. This Slate miniseries dives into the art and science of meaningful conversations, inspired byDuhigg’s bestselling book, Supercommunicators. Supercommunicators was produced by Sophie Summergrad and Derek John, who also did the sound design. Our technical director is Merritt Jacob and our supervising producer is Joel Meyer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are some people able to talk with just about anyone—about almost anything? One answer may lie in the questions we ask—and how deeply we ask them. Stick with us here…In this episode, host Charles Duhigg examines why deep questions are so powerful and how to ask them in everyday life.He talks to Nick Epley, psychology professor at the University of Chicago and lifelong researcher of deep questions. And we catch up with Mandy Len Catron, 10 years after she wrote the viral New York Times article “The 36 Questions That Lead to Love.”This Slate miniseries dives into the art and science of meaningful conversations, inspired by Duhigg’s bestselling book, Supercommunicators. Supercommunicators was produced by Derek John and Sophie Summergrad. Our technical director is Merritt Jacob. Joel Meyer is our supervising producer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chelsea Devantez, writer, comedian and Glamorous Trash host, joins the hosts to discuss the best and worst celebrity memoirs of the year. They discuss the rising popularity of celebrity memoirs, the tension between memoir and marketing, and the impact of sharing personal stories. They also recommend memoirs as holiday gifts covering various personal experiences.

A discussion about the history and complexities of feminism, including the debate over the meaning of the term. Exploring societal regulations and LGBTQ+ rights, as well as the internal conflicts within the feminist movement. The speakers delve into perceptions and hesitations surrounding feminism and the evolving meanings of words in the context of gender issues.

Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR political correspondent and author of the Substack, This F**king Job, joins the podcast to discuss what went wrong with Sheryl Sandberg's book Lean In, the rise of 'girl boss' culture, and the lack of nuance in conversations about feminism. They also emphasize the importance of supporting women and the power of collective action

Author Alice Bolin and Slate senior producer Cheyna Roth delve into the prevalent trope of dead girls in popular culture, including the case of JonBenet Ramsey and the evolving portrayal of the trope in television shows. They discuss the societal influence on women's bodies and promote LGBTQ+ rights and equality.

On this final episode of our Golden Bachelor recap episode of The Waves, Gerry’s makes his decision but maybe loses the audience along the way. Podcast production by Brandon Nix and Cheyna Roth with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery.Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on The Waves. Sign up now at slate.com/thewavesplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the representation of gender, relationships, and feminism in Japanese anime, with a focus on Sailor Moon and queerness. Discuss the rising popularity of anime in America and the limitations of its representation. Dive into the authentic portrayal of queer relationships and expansive gender characters in anime, while critiquing problematic aspects. Discover recommendations for newcomers to the medium and get ready for dramatic reviews and 'Office Hours Live' podcast.

Hot flashes, fatigue, and vaginal dryness were some of Katie’s first clues that her body was changing. Half the population will experience menopause, yet misinformation still abounds—with doctors ill-prepared to talk to patients about this major life transition. On this episode of How To!, journalist Susan Dominus joins us to share the knowledge she gained from working on her viral magazine piece, “Women Have Been Misled About Menopause.” She explains why women’s pain has been ignored for so long, where to look for information, and how to connect with others during this confusing phase of life. Resources mentioned: “If Men Could Menstruate” by Gloria SteinemWhat Fresh Hell Is This?: Perimenopause, Menopause, Other Indignities, and You by Heather CorinnaThe Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism by Dr. Jen GunterHot Flash Sonnets by Moira EganAlloyMidiIf you liked this episode, check out: How To Make Aging Easier for Everyone. Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen.How To’s executive producer is Derek John. Joel Meyer is our senior editor/producer. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson, with Kevin Bendis and Jabari Butler. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now at slate.com/howtoplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of The Waves, Gerry’s down to two women and two potential fantasy suites. How sweet do things actually get?Podcast production by Vic Whitley-Berry and Cheyna Roth with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery.Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on The Waves. Sign up now at slate.com/thewavesplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices