How To!

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.

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.