
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

Apr 2, 2024 • 14min
Are you socially fit?
Bob Waldinger, Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, discusses the importance of friendships for our health. He gives practical advice on assessing and improving relationships. Learn how to maintain social connections for optimal social fitness.

Dec 26, 2023 • 14min
The melatonin factor
The podcast explores the effectiveness of melatonin supplements for better sleep. It discusses the range of melatonin production in the brain and its relationship to sleep quality. The potential risks and benefits of using melatonin are discussed, including the lack of regulation in the market. It also emphasizes the role of melatonin in developing healthy sleep habits and the importance of seeking professional help if needed.

Dec 19, 2023 • 10min
Sleep is a ball of pizza dough
Sleep expert Lisa Strauss discusses the concept of sleep drive and introduces sleep compression technique to find the optimal amount of sleep. The podcast uses a delicious pizza dough metaphor to explain how to adjust sleep patterns for better restorative sleep.

Dec 12, 2023 • 9min
What to do if you’re up in the middle of the night
Addressing the issue of waking up in the middle of the night, the podcast discusses the need for a soothing distraction and explores techniques for falling asleep. It suggests choosing abundant resources like books and podcasts, and strategies for finding the right distraction and reducing light exposure at night.

Dec 5, 2023 • 8min
Go ahead. Think about the thing that’s keeping you up.
Explore ways to manage worries and stress at night through cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. Learn about reframing worries, setting designated worry time, and preventing intrusive thoughts. Discover practical strategies for overcoming difficulty falling back asleep and redefining urgency.

Dec 5, 2023 • 9min
Stop trying to fall asleep
In this podcast, the host discusses why trying to get yourself to sleep can hinder rest. Instead, she talks to a sleep expert who shares tangible steps to tackle anxiety at bedtime. The importance of not obsessing over sleep and avoiding obsessive monitoring is emphasized. Strategies to address performance anxiety and improve sleep are explored.

Nov 16, 2023 • 2min
Introducing “Try This”
Join Cristina Quinn as she dives into practical guidance for everyday challenges. Discover fresh techniques to improve your sleep and enhance relationships. The series promises engaging discussions and actionable insights to help navigate life's hurdles. If you're ready to experiment with new strategies and transform your daily routine, this is the perfect guide for you!