How To!

Are you stuck in a hair rut? On this episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings on Alana Lucia Balestrino, hairstylist, barber, and founder of the Brooklyn-based studio Baddies. Alana explains how to work with a stylist or barber to get a haircut you love.  If you liked this episode check out: How To Dress with Confidence. Also: Decoder Ring’s Mystery of the Mullet.  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

At least 10 percent of parents in the U.S. are disabled, but Andrea can’t seem to find parenting advice on disability and accessibility. On this episode of How To!, Carvell Wallace brings on Jessica Slice, author of the new book Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World, to help Andrea reimagine parenthood.  If you liked this episode check out: How To Date With a Disability and How To Become a Parent Overnight.  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

In this engaging discussion, Anna Sale, the host of Slate's Death, Sex & Money, chats with Andrew Schneider, the dedicated Director of Fairness West Virginia. They delve into Andrew's groundbreaking efforts to cultivate bipartisan relationships for LGBTQ rights, navigating challenges in a conservative environment. Personal stories highlight the emotional toll of advocacy and the need for informed dialogue. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of building alliances, celebrating victories, and the ongoing struggle for equality in an increasingly polarized landscape.

Kellie Farrish, a genealogist specializing in the histories of enslaved ancestors, and Kate Baron-Alicante, a financial activist with a focus on social change, join the discussion. They delve into the emotional turmoil of reconciling modern identities with painful ancestral legacies. Kellie reveals how reparative genealogy can unlock hidden family stories, while Kate reflects on her family's ties to slavery. Together, they explore the significance of forgiveness and communal healing in addressing America's complex history.

Stacey Woolley, former PTA president and Tulsa School Board member, shares her journey from opposition to collaboration with Deborah Gist, Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools. They discuss their rocky start and how the challenges of COVID-19 transformed their relationship. Insights into the ideological tensions in education reveal the importance of communication and understanding. Together, they illustrate how perseverance and empathy can lead to effective collaboration, even in a politically charged environment.

Two street vendors with opposing political views share a corner during the charged 2024 election. Selling everything from MAGA hats to Kamala candy, their rivalry transforms into an unexpected friendship. They navigate the complexities of their beliefs, showcasing the power of communication and mutual respect. As Election Day approaches, they reflect on the emotional fallout and societal issues, emphasizing the importance of dialogue amidst division. Their story highlights unity and the potential for collaboration in a polarized world.

Patrick George, editor-in-chief of InsideEVs, shares his insights on the shifting tides in the Tesla ownership landscape. He discusses how Elon Musk's controversial actions are driving owners to sell their Model Ys, impacting resale values. Two soon-to-be-former Tesla owners reveal their emotional struggles with brand loyalty and personal values. The conversation delves into practical tips for selling electric vehicles and highlights new options like the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Listeners gain valuable advice on navigating the used EV market and understanding current trends.

Melissa Febos, a bestselling author and professor, dives into the intricacies of memoir writing. She discusses how confronting fears and vulnerabilities can lead to healing and self-discovery. Listeners learn about the delicate balance between sharing personal truths and respecting privacy. Febos emphasizes storytelling as a liberating act, especially for women and marginalized voices. She also explores the journey of finding purpose in creative writing while navigating the ethical dilemmas of depicting personal relationships.

Join Derrick Gee, an online tastemaker and podcast host, as he dives into the flaws of streaming algorithms and the joys of music discovery. He reminisces about personal influences and how discovering music has evolved over time. By sharing tips on exploring underground genres and engaging with diverse sounds, Derrick encourages listeners to break free from algorithm-driven choices. Discover hidden gems and reconnect with the emotional aspects of music that make it truly special.

In a riveting discussion, Vernā Myers, Netflix’s former vice president for inclusion strategy, shares her experiences navigating tough conversations at the company, particularly following a racially charged incident. She highlights the vital role of establishing ground rules and emotional connections to foster safer dialogues. Joined by psychologist Jay Van Bavel, they delve into strategies for tackling the hardest chats, encouraging listeners to confront their anxieties and transform personal narratives into bridges for understanding.