How To!

Rebecca Onion, a Slate staff writer on a quest to strengthen her singing voice, chats with G. Phillip Shoultz III, a conductor and educator at VocalEssence. They discuss the emotional power of communal singing and Rebecca's hesitation about performing in public. G. Phillip emphasizes that anyone can learn to sing and shares physiological benefits of group activities. They demystify auditions, advocating for simple song choices, and encourage Rebecca to join welcoming singing circles to overcome her fears and embrace the joy of singing.

In this engaging discussion, Grace Chang-Nicollett, Vice President at the Center for Effective Philanthropy, shares her insights on effective charitable giving. She clarifies myths about nonprofits and emphasizes the importance of understanding who truly benefits from donations. Grace also highlights that lower-income individuals often give a higher percentage of their income. Discover practical tips on giving amounts, alternatives like time and talent, and how to evaluate nonprofits beyond mere financial ratios. It's a compelling guide for making your generosity count!

Melody Warnick, an author and journalist passionate about community and place attachment, shares her journey from feeling alienated in Blacksburg, VA, to falling in love with it. She discusses her innovative 'Love Where You Live' project, which encourages people to engage in their communities through activities like exploring, volunteering, and enjoying local events. Melody emphasizes how connections to neighbors can enhance resilience during tough times and highlights the importance of embracing what makes a place unique.

Melody Warnick, author and journalist recognized for her insightful books on choosing where to live, joins to help navigate the exciting yet daunting task of relocating. They discuss how moving isn't a magical fix for life’s problems, but a catalyst for change. Melody dives into the concept of being an 'Anywhereist,' highlighting how remote work expands options. Listeners learn how to define their values and effectively score potential cities on a 10x10 grid, ensuring their new home truly fits their lifestyle.

Join Mercury Stardust, known as The Trans Handy Ma’am and home repair expert, alongside journalist Sam Sanders, a first-time homeowner, as they dive into the world of DIY. They challenge the notion of hiring contractors, discussing the importance of embracing failure as a learning tool. Mercury highlights painting as a great starter project and shares essential tools for beginners. They also explore how personal histories impact our approach to home maintenance and encourage listeners to take small steps towards building their confidence.

Join journalist Sam Sanders, a fresh homeowner grappling with DIY fears, and Mercury Stardust, the Trans Handyman and home improvement expert. They dive into the nuances of talking to contractors, discussing everything from understanding power dynamics to leveraging multiple bids for better deals. Mercury emphasizes trusting your instincts when vetting contractors and discovering how local networks can be invaluable. They explore the emotional barriers to DIY, revealing that starting small can build confidence and skills. A must-listen for hesitant homeowners!

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.