How To!

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.

Rachelle Hampton, host of the Normal Gossip podcast and a former Slatester, joins the conversation to unveil the surprising benefits of gossip. They explore its role in building community, trust, and safety, emphasizing how whisper networks can empower marginalized voices. Rachelle also discusses the moral nuances of gossip and the importance of engaging in it thoughtfully. With humorous anecdotes about dating and the digital age, this chat reveals how gossip can be a force for connection rather than judgment.

In this engaging conversation, Scaachi Koul, a Slate culture writer and author of 'Sucker Punch,' delves into the world of ethical hating. She redefines what it means to criticize by promoting 'hating up'—challenging those in power instead of the vulnerable. Koul shares personal anecdotes about parental influence and the role of humor in navigating societal issues. The discussion is both humorous and insightful, providing a fresh perspective on dissent and the importance of intentional criticism as a tool for social change.

Matthew Dicks, an elementary school teacher and expert storyteller, joins the discussion to help a frustrated dog owner, Jordan, navigate a chaotic feud over off-leash pets in her park. They dive into the emotional intricacies of revenge, sharing hilarious anecdotes about revenge-related pranks and community tensions. Dicks offers clever strategies to tackle park regulations and manage annoying individuals with humor, while exploring the morality behind seeking retribution. It’s both insightful and entertaining for anyone harboring a petty grudge!

Kate Levitt, a busy parent and community organizer from San Francisco, joins author Oliver Burkeman, known for his insightful work on productivity. They dive into the challenges of balancing numerous commitments while preventing burnout. The discussion emphasizes the importance of prioritizing joy and self-care amidst chaos. They highlight the value of accepting human limitations and the significance of indulgent, solitary moments for personal growth. Together, they explore how to embrace life's complexities without losing sight of one's well-being.

Maryanne Wolf, director of UCLA’s Center For Dyslexia, sheds light on the intricacies of the reading brain and the profound impact of literature on our lives. She shares insights on rekindling a love for reading, especially after loss or during difficult times. The discussion navigates the challenges posed by modern technology on our reading habits and emphasizes the joy of picking books that resonate personally. Wolf's expert advice on deep reading and sustaining the reading habit is both inspiring and practical.

Join Molly Caro May, a facilitator and writer dedicated to helping others reconnect with their minds and bodies, as she shares insights on managing technology dependency. They delve into the addictive nature of smartphones and how it affects creativity and productivity. Molly advocates for mindful engagement with devices, offering strategies to foster healthier relationships with technology. The conversation also highlights the importance of establishing boundaries for families amid digital distractions and finding joy in the natural world.

Wendy MacNaughton, a bestselling illustrator and founder of DrawTogether, discusses the transformative power of drawing. She explores how this art form fosters joy, presence, and connections in everyday life. Wendy shares a playful blind contour drawing exercise that highlights vulnerability and observation. She emphasizes embracing imperfections in art while overcoming creative barriers. The conversation touches on the importance of community in creativity, encouraging listeners to engage with their unique artistic perspectives and reconnect through drawing.

Mavi was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis more than 15 years ago. Since then, she’s managed her symptoms and myriad life changes—but the past several months have been dominated by intense, chronic pain. On this episode of How To!, Carvell Wallace brings on Toni Bernhard, author of How to Be Sick and How to Live Well With Chronic Pain and Illness, to talk with Mavi about making peace with this new normal. If you liked this episode check out: How To Withstand Pain.  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. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson, with Kevin Bendis. Our technical director is Merritt Jacob and our supervising producer is Joel Meyer. Want more How To!? Subscribe to Slate Plus to unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of the How To! show page. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer is about to send her oldest child off to college in the fall—and her kid isn’t the only one who’s anxious about the transition. On this episode of How To!, host Carvell Wallace and Jennifer talk with Christine Self, director of parent and family relations at Texas Tech University, about navigating a huge change, making the most of campus visits, talking about alcohol, and how much access you actually need to your kid’s life. Resources mentioned:  You're On Your Own (But I'm Here If You Need Me) by Marjorie Savage College Ready Grown and Flown If you liked this episode check out: How To Take a Gap Year and How To Pick a College (and Actually Afford It). 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. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson, with Kevin Bendis. Our technical director is Merritt Jacob and our supervising producer is Joel Meyer. Want more How To!? Subscribe to Slate Plus to unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of the How To! show page. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices