DJ DiDonna, founder of The Sabbatical Project, shares tips on planning a meaningful and manageable sabbatical. They discuss the importance of taking breaks, exploring personal interests, and managing finances during time off. The podcast provides insights on self-discovery, trying new activities, and avoiding future regrets by reconnecting with oneself and pursuing passions.

Psychiatrist Dr. Bessel van der Kolk helps a shark attack survivor cope with lasting trauma on the podcast. They discuss grieving the 'old you' and embracing your new self to heal mentally and physically.

How To!’s senior editor Joel Meyer recently experienced a yard sale fail and wants to know what went wrong. He spent hours planning and organizing the items on his lawn, but when it was all said and done he barely made enough to cover the cost of lunch. Enter this week’s expert, Ava Seavey, a self-described master of garage-sale-ology and author of Ava’s Guide to Garage Sale Gold. Seavey tells host Courtney Martin some hilarious stories and insider tips for how to cash in on all your old stuff.If you liked this episode, check out “How To Find the Gems in All Your Junk”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.Podcast production by Derek John, Joel Meyer, Rosemary Belson, and Kevin Bendis.Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now at slate.com/howtoplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer and powerlifter Mikala Jamison joins the podcast to share her journey of starting strength training and how to avoid the bro-culture in weight rooms. Topics include overcoming gym intimidation, building confidence in strength training, and navigating the world of strength training for beginners.

Author Nina Renata Aron discusses her experience exiting a toxic relationship, exploring themes of deceit, infidelity, and healing. The podcast delves into navigating challenging relationships, setting boundaries, and finding growth after toxic breakups.

Writer and illustrator Kristen Radtke discusses American loneliness with Paula, exploring its complexities, triggers, and impact on relationships. They delve into the value of communication in the digital age and embracing vulnerability amidst conflicts. Radtke shares insights from her graphic novel and childhood memories of feeling misunderstood.

Abby Falik, Founder of The Flight School, discusses the benefits of taking a gap year to find personal fulfillment outside traditional academic paths. The podcast explores the pressure of educational expectations, the value of alternative learning journeys, and the importance of designing a purposeful gap year for personal growth and introspection.

Stand-up comedian and cancer survivor Tig Notaro helps a listener deal with a vindictive neighbor by advising to take control of the situation with humor and clarity. Suggestions include gardening with headphones and channeling the hero in your favorite movie. The podcast explores empowering assertive communication, reclaiming personal boundaries, and finding resilience through humor in challenging circumstances.

Workplace advice columnist Alison Green helps a stellar employee navigate handling feedback, building better relationships with higher-ups, and giving better feedback. The episode explores the emotional impact of receiving feedback, detaching from criticism, and the nuances of power dynamics in the workplace.

Therapist Jeff Guenther helps Allen navigate flirting authentically, stick to non-negotiables, and boost self-confidence. Topics include small talk, eye contact, and dating insights, expressing romantic interest in the gym, and partner preferences versus self-love.