How To!

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.

Caitlin McGarry, a Senior Editor at Wirecutter and consumer technology expert, joins to help tackle digital clutter. She shares practical strategies to declutter files and organize photos, emphasizing the balance between emotional attachments and digital minimalism. The discussion includes how to establish effective filing systems and manage overflowing inboxes, while also highlighting the importance of transitioning to cloud storage. Caitlin's insights aim to simplify your digital life, making organization feel achievable and less overwhelming.

In this enlightening discussion, science journalist Melinda Wenner-Moyer shares her expertise on navigating parenting in polarized families. She offers practical strategies for fostering confidence and justice in children while managing differing family beliefs. Melinda emphasizes turning uncomfortable moments into valuable lessons and maintaining open communication to nurture empathy. With clever insights and relatable anecdotes, she empowers parents to uphold their values and encourage critical thinking, all while preserving family bonds.

Dr. Sarah Wheeler, an educational psychologist specializing in ADHD, shares her personal journey with the condition and offers invaluable insights into overcoming shame. She discusses coping strategies that foster self-acceptance while navigating the societal pressures of perfectionism. The conversation highlights the importance of embracing neurodiversity, addressing the harmful practices of masking, and nurturing individual strengths. Listeners gain practical advice on managing ADHD-related anxiety and building supportive relationships that promote growth and joy.