
Try This
“Try This” from The Washington Post is a series of audio courses designed to jump-start the parts of life where we can all use a few pointers — with pithy, snackable solutions you can easily use. Host Cristina Quinn brings exactly the right amount of motivation with her endearing enthusiasm and the curiosity to learn along with you. Each course is a quick and practical guide that provides new perspectives on the kinds of hurdles we all share. If you’ve been searching for the right place to start, Try This.
Latest episodes

Oct 17, 2024 • 14min
How the electoral college works
Aaron Blake and Amy Gardner, both political reporters at The Washington Post, break down the complex workings of the electoral college. They explain how electors are chosen and their crucial role in the presidential election process. The duo highlights the challenges of achieving a majority, emphasizing how state populations impact electoral votes. They also delve into unique vote distribution methods in Maine and Nebraska, and discuss what happens if no candidate secures the needed 270 votes. This insightful conversation makes a complicated subject approachable and engaging.

Oct 9, 2024 • 28min
Post Reports: How to make sense of political polls
Martine Powers, co-host of "Post Reports," chats with Emily Guskin, the deputy polling director at The Washington Post. They dive into the intricacies of political polling, explaining how polls are created and what makes them credible. Emily breaks down the importance of understanding the margin of error and navigating the challenges that arose after the 2016 election. The conversation also touches on the significance of interpreting polls as snapshots of public opinion rather than definitive predictors.

9 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 13min
From ‘I want to be’ to ... ‘I am’
Join clinical psychologist Natalie Dattilo-Ryan, who specializes in helping individuals reshape long-held beliefs. She discusses the powerful role of affirmations in transforming self-perception and how to leverage confirmation bias effectively. Natalie offers a structured approach for turning intentions into actionable steps to promote real change. Discover how realistic affirmations can foster authentic growth and embrace the journey of becoming the person you aspire to be!

5 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 15min
Let your beliefs do the work
Clinical psychologist Natalie Dattilo-Ryan and neuroscience professor David Creswell share insights on the transformative power of affirmations. Dattilo-Ryan provides effective techniques for creating personalized affirmations that enhance self-worth. Creswell discusses how these positive statements can trigger the brain's reward system, helping to manage stress and boost resilience. Together, they explore the critical link between affirmations and personal values, revealing how self-discovery can reshape beliefs and foster emotional strength.

Jul 18, 2024 • 11min
The kitchen sink
Mary Beth Albright, author of "Eat and Flourish," dives into the intriguing link between food, cooking, and mental health. She shares practical tips for efficient cooking, like the magic of frozen vegetables and sheet pan meals. Albright encourages experimentation and emphasizes the importance of community in meal preparation. Additionally, she redefines cooking as a joyful, shared experience rather than a stressful task, promoting the idea of communal dining to combat solitary eating. It's all about finding joy and simplicity in the kitchen!

Jul 11, 2024 • 10min
Nourishing your inner cook
Food writer and 'Food Network Star' finalist, Mary Beth Albright, discusses how cooking can be a joyful and fulfilling experience, nourishing our well-being. She explores the connection between cooking and our inner selves, highlighting the psychological aspects of food preparation and the therapeutic benefits. Albright also suggests enhancing the cooking experience through food rituals and fun names for dishes.

Jul 4, 2024 • 11min
Mastering the meals you can count on
Food experts Joe Yonan, Becky Krystal, and Aaron Hutcherson discuss the benefits of building a repertoire of reliable meals, mastering them through practice, and enhancing dishes with unique tweaks. Emphasizes the importance of finding recipes that resonate and taking the drudgery out of cooking by putting it on autopilot. Host Cristina Quinn guides listeners on how to level up their kitchen confidence and culinary skills.

Jun 27, 2024 • 13min
Your kitchen personality is more obvious than you think
Food experts Joe Yonan, Aaron Hutcherson, and Becky Krystal discuss aligning personality traits with cooking styles to personalize your culinary experience. They explore various kitchen personalities, from rule followers to those who love to experiment, making cooking more enjoyable and fulfilling.

7 snips
Apr 16, 2024 • 13min
When to call it quits
Advice columnist Carolyn Hax and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson discuss adjusting expectations, having difficult conversations, and when to end a friendship. They offer practical tips for navigating challenging relationships and making the most of friendships.

5 snips
Apr 9, 2024 • 11min
Why it pays to get out of your comfort zone
Washington Post advice columnist Carolyn Hax and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson discuss ways to foster new friendships and revive old ones, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of comfort zones. They explore the benefits of connecting with strangers and redefining friend time, highlighting the value of real-life interactions in the digital age.