Death, Sex & Money

Martha Wainwright, an accomplished musician known for her folk roots, shares her journey of self-discovery after divorce. She candidly discusses the grief of losing her mother and the impact it had on her artistry. Martha opens up about body image, emotional complexities in relationships, and finding new confidence through music. She reflects on navigating midlife as an artist while balancing career and personal fulfillment. With humor and honesty, she highlights the power of community and emotional expression in her songs.

Cody Delistraty, a grief researcher who turned his personal loss into a quest for solutions, shares insights from his journey after losing his mother. He explores various unconventional remedies for grief, including psychedelics and technology, and highlights the importance of community and creative expression in healing. Cody's reflections on literature, laughter, and art reveal powerful ways to navigate loss, emphasizing that understanding and connection are vital to finding solace in the grieving process.

Katie Ernst, an Episcopal priest, shares her inspiring journey of self-acceptance and love alongside her partner, Julian. They dive into the emotional intricacies of body image and relationships, especially influenced by societal beauty standards. The conversation highlights the transformative power of vulnerability and communication in romantic connections. They also explore the joy of body positivity through a queer lens and discuss how weight changes can impact love dynamics, emphasizing the importance of support and understanding in growth.

Jess Serrante, a dedicated climate activist, teams up with Joanna Macy, a renowned figure in the movement, who offers insightful wisdom on resilience and aging. Their conversation delves into the challenges of emotional pain amidst global crises, emphasizing transformative grief and finding hope. They explore the importance of community, the complex emotions tied to activism, and the necessity of shifting perspectives. Expect touching stories that foster understanding and connection, illustrating how relationships can navigate the tumultuous waters of activism.

Crystal Hefner, who spent a decade married to Hugh Hefner, shares her journey from a lavish life at the Playboy Mansion to finding her true self. She candidly discusses the emotional complexities of their age-gap relationship and how the mansion's flashy lifestyle sometimes masked her struggles with identity and social anxiety. Crystal reflects on deep feelings of loss after Hugh's passing and explores her evolution, revealing insights from her memoir about resilience and the quest for genuine connection in a world of superficiality.

Miranda July, a celebrated author and filmmaker, discusses her recent New York Times bestseller, which explores the often-ignored topic of perimenopause. She shares her personal journey through this transformative phase, addressing the emotional and cognitive challenges women face. Miranda emphasizes the need for open conversations about menopause and the cultural stigma surrounding it. The episode also features listener experiences, highlighting the importance of representation and the shifting perceptions of aging women in society.

Angela, a former debt collector with 15 years in the industry, shares her journey from collector to debtor after being banned for unethical practices. She reflects on the surprising realization that people struggle to pay their bills and the emotional toll of the job. Angela discusses the irony of now receiving calls from collectors herself and critiques their approaches. With a newfound perspective, she emphasizes the complexity of financial struggles and her aspirations for overcoming debt while navigating the moral dilemmas that plagued her former career.

Join Olympic diving legend Greg Louganis as he reflects on his remarkable journey, including competing in the high-pressure 1988 Olympics after a severe accident and revealing his HIV status. He shares insights on resilience, mental preparation, and the emotional challenges faced by young athletes. Greg also discusses the importance of mentorship, visualization techniques, and how his experiences have shaped his life beyond diving, including his love for dog training. His story is one of triumph and unwavering determination.

Guest James T. Morrison shares his battle with substance use disorder, housing instability, and the criminal justice system. He discusses humane drug policies, changing societal perceptions of drug use, and the need for a shift in how we address addiction. The episode also touches on mental health struggles, interventions for addiction, and personal journeys of recovery and resilience.

Mayor London Breed, facing a tough reelection campaign, discusses San Francisco's drug crisis and measures taken. She reflects on her childhood surrounded by addiction and poverty, navigating caregiving challenges, and addressing governance issues. Breed highlights her approach to leadership and her efforts to support the community.