The planets are aligning. Are you ready for a new vibe? Kat Chow and Margaret Willison discuss. Then, Jennifer Egan tells us about her new book ‘The Candy House.’ Plus, the history behind the “adopt don’t shop” dog rescue movement.

Emily St. John Mandel tells us about her new book ‘Sea of Tranquility.’ Plus, we dig into the significance of the new Amazon union.

Our book club dives into ‘Notes on an Execution’ by Danya Kukafka and contends with our cultural obsession with crime stories.

We talk to Dylan Marron about his podcast ‘Conversations with people who hate me.’ Plus, are travel guidebooks dead? Or are they cake?

Is whole grain flour the secret to the best chocolate chip cookie? Plus, the woman who swims in Lake Michigan every day.

Listen to our live event on crafting and activism with Shannon “Badass Cross Stitch” Downey.

Nerdette’s “resident epidemiologist” answers your questions on the lifting of mask mandates. Plus, we listen to the pop stars singing “F U.”

We talk about the catharsis of crying at the movies and trade recommendations for what to watch this weekend.

We talk to the author about her decision to upend the tropes of crime fiction in her new novel.

Are you ready to read or watch content about the pandemic? Plus, we take a look at equal pay in soccer and beyond.