How To!

Journalist Andrew Zaleski takes a deep dive into snoring after his wife's complaints pushed him to investigate the causes and remedies. He shares fascinating insights on snoring mechanics, the role of genetics and health factors, and his personal experiment with various anti-snoring devices. Andrew breaks down home sleep studies, details the pros and cons of CPAP, and explores behavioral fixes like sleep position adjustments. He also highlights the emotional toll snoring can take on relationships, encouraging listeners to address persistent snoring with professional help.

Laura Brown, an author and former editor of InStyle, and Christina O'Neill, ex-editor of WSJ Magazine, share candid stories of their own firings and the emotions that followed. They discuss how these experiences led to their book, 'All the Cool Girls Get Fired', which offers insights on transforming setbacks into opportunities. Practical advice includes networking strategies over traditional resumes, managing finances post-firing, and the importance of community support. They emphasize the power of honesty in interviews and reframing narratives to highlight resilience.

Join journalist and author Soraya Chemaly as she explores the complexities of anger, urging women to embrace it as a signal of injustice rather than a destructive force. She discusses how race and gender influence anger expression and evaluates the effectiveness of rage rooms. Soraya advocates for harnessing anger into community action through creative outlets and self-care. She also emphasizes the importance of teaching emotional competence to children and reclaiming the emotional freedom of youth.

Ashanti Branch, a youth development worker and founder of The Ever Forward Club, shares invaluable insights on raising emotionally intelligent boys. He discusses the importance of understanding the 'mask' boys wear and the need for curiosity-driven conversations to uncover their feelings. Ashanti emphasizes the impact of peer pressure and modern rites of passage, advocating for diverse interests to build resilience. He also encourages parents to foster trust and self-awareness, helping boys navigate their identities amidst societal expectations.

In this conversation, award-winning poet and U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón shares her insights on infertility and the emotional complexities of motherhood. She helps Lauren, who is pivoting from seven years of fertility treatments to adoption, find strength in her journey. Ada discusses the power of poetry as a coping mechanism and how reframing narratives around infertility can create new possibilities. They also explore themes of surrender, community support, and finding joy after loss, making it a poignant discussion on embracing life’s unexpected paths.

This mailbag episode features Elizabeth's update on losing her virginity at 43, discussing her journey of leaving the LDS church and discovering non-monogamy. She shares her emotional and physical surprises while finding a communicative partner. The hosts dive into listener feedback on previous popular episodes, particularly about rekindling a love for reading. They also brainstorm zany ideas for future topics, including emergency childbirth tips and circus escapes, adding fun future possibilities for listeners.

Joining the discussion is Dr. David Spiegel, a leading psychiatrist from Stanford University and an authority on hypnosis. He debunks Hollywood myths surrounding hypnosis and highlights its therapeutic potential for stress, pain relief, and even boosting athletic performance. The conversation includes a hands-on hypnotizability test with the host, emphasizing how hypnosis can combat procrastination and enhance creativity. Dr. Spiegel also shares insights about his self-hypnosis app, Reveri, and the innovative ways hypnosis can promote personal empowerment.

Vanessa Zoltan, an atheist chaplain and author, shares her insights from guiding others in making tough career choices. She discusses the balance between pursuing passions and the need for financial stability, highlighting the rise of burnout among creatives. Vanessa emphasizes that quitting can be an act of bravery rather than failure. The conversation also dives into the challenges of finding identity beyond work and the importance of emotional support when navigating life's big decisions.

Guest Katherine Goldstein, a journalist focused on motherhood, caregiving, and gender equity, shares invaluable insights on hosting as she helps Krystina rekindle her social life. They delve into the concept of 'deep casual hosting,' emphasizing connection over perfection. Katherine encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability and intentionality when planning gatherings. They explore strategies for meaningful conversations and overcoming social anxiety, proving that it’s not about the event itself, but the relationships we nurture.

Doug Lemov, author of 'Teach Like a Champion,' shares his coaching wisdom alongside Amanda Ripley. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of coaching youth sports, emphasizing the need for training and strong communication. Lemov highlights balancing fairness with competition, the importance of rituals for overcoming losses, and strategies for managing parents' expectations. Listeners gain insights into fostering a supportive environment and nurturing young athletes through constructive feedback and personal growth.