
How To!
You’ve got questions. Together, we get answers.We all need advice, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to turn. Each week, Courtney Martin and Carvell Wallace bring a listener on to the show to solve their toughest problems with the help of world-class experts. It’s free therapy, and you’re invited.
Latest episodes

May 7, 2024 • 40min
How To Flirt With Confidence
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.

Apr 30, 2024 • 36min
Carvell Wallace on Another Word for Love
Author Carvell Wallace discusses his memoir 'Another Word for Love' with co-host Courtney Martin. They talk about writing, being seen as good vs. actually being good, forgiving oneself, and the journey to becoming whole again.

Apr 23, 2024 • 40min
How To Find Your People After a Mental Health Diagnosis
A few years ago, Leah was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Her condition has posed many serious challenges, including how to start and maintain friendships. She wants to build a rich social life, but her symptoms—and the stigmas surrounding mental health—often get in the way. When Leah does meet a new person, she struggles with how (and when) to talk about her diagnosis and feels intense pressure to be “the perfect friend.” On this episode of How To!: Carvell Wallace brings on psychotherapist Dr. Aleksandra Rayska for a frank conversation about managing expectations, celebrating new achievements, and just going easy on yourself.If you liked this episode check out: How to Navigate Adult Autism.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.How To’s executive producer is Derek John. Joel Meyer is our senior editor/producer. The show is produced by 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

Apr 16, 2024 • 39min
How To ‘Do the Work’ of Racial Justice
“Doing the work” is a phrase often heard when talking about racial justice. We heard it a lot after the death of George Floyd in 2020. And we need to continue talking about it—but there’s an important aspect of “the work” that’s been missing. On this episode of How To!: Courtney Martin brings in Garrett Bucks, author of The Right Kind of White and founder of The Barnraisers Project, to help Elizabeth Doerr talk to fellow white parents about the implications of opting out of their kids’ public school.If you liked this episode check out: “How To Fight Racism in Your Town”CAST YOUR VOTE FOR HOW TO! IN THE 2024 WEBBY AWARDS! https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2024/podcasts/shows/advice-how-toDo 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.How To’s executive producer is Derek John. Joel Meyer is our senior editor/producer. The show is produced by 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

Apr 9, 2024 • 44min
How To Bring a Big Idea to Life
Storyteller extraordinaire Michaela Leslie-Rule guides Mia, a violinist turned conceptual artist, in bringing a big idea to life rooted in connection. They explore breaking artistic boundaries, using storytelling for policy change, managing creative chaos with collaborators, and embracing failure for creative confidence.

Apr 2, 2024 • 34min
How To Crack Up Your Coworkers (Encore)
Learn how to navigate humor in professional settings with guest Naomi Bagdonas, co-author of Humor, Seriously!, and Michael Terry, a hilarious hedge fund guy. They discuss jokes that flop at the office, handling tense situations, and avoiding offending your boss with humor.

Mar 19, 2024 • 43min
How To Help a Loved One With Dementia
Listen to Courtney Martin and Tami Anastasia provide guidance on supporting loved ones with dementia, finding beautiful moments in the journey, and engaging individuals with purposeful activities. Learn how to navigate the emotional turmoil of caregiving and embrace transformative relationships in dementia care.

Mar 12, 2024 • 38min
How To Say What You’re Thinking
A soon-to-be ordained minister struggles with public speaking in small groups, seeking advice on improving communication skills. Expert guidance on becoming a super communicator explores trust, leadership, and battles with anxiety in articulation. Tips on embracing imperfection, creating safe spaces for imperfect conversations, and prioritizing connection in friendships are shared.

12 snips
Mar 5, 2024 • 38min
How To Rethink Retirement
Discussing the unexpected emotional journey post-retirement, coping with change and embracing transitions for personal growth, finding professional satisfaction through new hobbies, and navigating life's transitions with kindness and patience.

Feb 27, 2024 • 31min
How To Let Go of a Friendship
Our series about friendship ends with a look at, well, how friendships end.Alice and Grace connected when their kids started dating. They became fast friends whose family lives were intertwined—in a good way. They even joked that they might end up raising grandchildren together. When the kids broke up, Alice and Grace broke apart, too. Now, Alice is wondering whether she should fight for her cherished relationship or just move on. On today’s episode, Carvell Wallace brings on Carissa Potter, an author and artist who founded People I’ve Loved and hosts the podcast Bad at Keeping Secrets. Miss last week’s episode? Learn how to evolve your friendships. If you’re enjoying this series, check out our other friendship episodes:How To Find Your PeopleHow To Make Friends as an AdultHow To Make Friends… Like a ManHow To Talk to StrangersHow To Show Up For a Friend With CancerDo 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.How To’s executive producer is Derek John. Joel Meyer is our senior editor/producer. The show is produced by 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