This week on The Easy Chair, it’s Family Mad Libs. From our vacation spot in The Hamptons, we play a spirited game of Mad Libs, World’s Greatest Word Game ™. The story we fill in the blanks on is “Let’s Dance”. Joining me is my entire fam- husband Sam, daughter Hannah, son Jake and his wife Jillian Vogel, daughter Rachael and her husband Will Goldstein, daughter Sarah, daughter Eliza and her BF and BFF Dan Licata, and son Micah. It’s hilarious and spontaneous and entirely unedited. Some of the word choices are questionable at best. We laugh a whole lot. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be a Hurwitz- well, tune in and join the family. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it’s a reprise of “The Gift of the Magi,” the classic short story by O. Henry. This small sweet gem of a tale is generally considered a Christmas story, as well as the iconic illustrative example of irony. I would challenge the limits of these descriptions. This story about love and sacrifice is relevant for any time of year, and the lessons it imparts are not tied to faith, but shared humanity. O. Henry’s story tells what it means to love and sacrifice, and champions the notion that what really, really matters in this world can't be bought or sold. This has been a week where we could all use some harmony and healing, and replaying this story on the podcast felt, to me, like the most magical, restorative gift I could think of for my listeners. Enjoy. Questions? Comments? Are you a writer or fellow podcaster with a story you’d like to share on the podcast? Let me know at [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it’s Mightier Than the Sword, Holiday Survival Edition, with co-host Stephanie Spaulding! Today we tackle the holidays. It’s a time of gift-giving, holiday parties, and mandatory good cheer. We explore ways to healthily navigate the season. Many of us feel stressed and overwhelmed by the social and fiscal demands of the holidays, and Steph has some great strategies for taking a step back and figuring out how to let go of the social conventions and expectations that no longer serve us. It’s a wonderfully instructive episode- I came away with a slew of useful tools for surviving the season, and all of you listeners will, too. Tune in! Our sponsor this week is Rothys, the flats you’ve been waiting for! If you’re seeking comfort, style, and sustainability, look no further. Rothy’s shoes are incredible; they’re made of recycled plastic water bottles and they’re cool-looking, insanely comfortable, and machine washable. Head on over to www.Rothys.com/chair to order your new favorite flats! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair, my guest is my daughter Rachael, and we talk about her indie folk band, Honey Magpie, and their second album, which they recently finished recording. Their single, “Undecided”, comes out on January 24th, 2020—and trust me, I’ll let you know when it drops! In our fun and freewheeling interview, Rachael talks about the things that delighted and/or challenged her during the making of "Midnight Morning". We also talk candidly about Rachael’s creative influences, including her childhood in our never-ever-quiet house with her five siblings. She has a particularly appalling story to share that requires both a sense of humor and a strong stomach. You don’t want to miss this revelation. For an insider’s glimpse into album production and growing up Hurwitz, tune in! Our sponsor this week is CBS, whose second season of “Tell Me a Story” has begun, taking the world’s most well-known fairy tales and reimagining them as dark and twisted psychological thrillers. The new season features “Beauty and the Beast,” “Sleeping Beauty” and “Cinderella”—like you’ve never seen them before. Sign up TODAY for CBS All Access by visiting www.CBS.com/EasyChair for your first week of CBS All Access FREE so you can stream the new season of “Tell Me a Story” Thursday. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair, it's chapter one of my novel that’s been in progress (or arrested development) for quite a spell. I’ve been feeling very connected to Nantucket, the island I love, and prone to the tug of family, past and present. The Point centers on the Folger-Yurofsky family, who’ve been coming to Nantucket all their lives, to a cottage that’s been in their family for decades. Jane and her sister Lucy love the yearly pilgrimage from their lives in Berkeley, California to summers at the comfortably ramshackle cottage on a bluff overlooking Nantucket Sound. This summer, though, is different; they are without their loving grandmother, who passed away suddenly a few months before. Join me for a sweet tale of the power of memory, family, and enduring love. This week, I have a trifecta of sponsors. First is Ritual, the multivitamin for women. Better health doesn’t happen overnight, and Ritual is offering my listeners 10% off their first three months at www.ritual.com/easychair. Then, Brooklinen, the sheets, comforters, towels, and loungewear you’d love to gift yourself or someone you love this holiday season. If you’re seeing this post-BlackFriday/Cyber Monday, you can still use the promo code chair at www.Brooklinen.com for 10% off AND free shipping. Finally, the CBS series Tell Me a Story starts its second season of classic fairy tales with a complex, dark, intriguing twist. Sign up TODAY for CBS All Access at www.CBS.com/EasyChair . Get your first week of CBS All Access FREE and stream the new season of Tell Me a Story Thursday. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it’s the iconic short story writer Amy Hempel’s “The Cemetery When Al Jolson Is Buried.” This poignant story is about bearing witness to the final days of a best friend’s life. Full disclosure: I had to record the end four times before I made it through without crying. Also note: there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING even remotely maudlin about Hempel’s story. Like all of her work, it’s brutally, beautifully honest. Tune in to hear this heartbreaking short story masterpiece. This week’s sponsor is Rothy’s. The holidays mean celebrations with friends and family. Why not feel comfortable and look stylish? Rothy’s makes flats for women and kids out of plastic water bottles, so even better- they are sustainable, too! Go to www.Rothys.com/chair to get the flats you've been waiting for in time for the holidays. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, I am happy to share the subversively funny, life vs. art, absolutely all-too-true short story “How to Become a Writer” by Lorrie Moore. Moore’s tone, that of a classic how-to piece providing aspiring writers with a road map of sorts, veers off-course into a very personal narrative of the unique twists and turns of her own writing life. Moore is entertaining and very smart, and the tale she has written is a master satire of most authors' self- absorption and nagging insecurities. To all you writers out there: this will have you laughing out loud while acknowledging the crazy dedication it takes to create the work you feel compelled to put forth as you throw logic and practicality to the wind. I loved coming across (and getting to read) this gem of a story. Tune in! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it’s the return of Mightier Than the Sword, with my wonderful co-host Stephanie Spaulding! Between one thing and another, it’s been a while since Steph and I have been able to record together, so this feels like an awesome reunion. We talk about the ideas we’ve had about writing and words, and discuss, individually, the beliefs that have stood the test of time and things we have come to see differently. It’s one of my favorite MTTS episodes on record, and I love that we were able to dive deep into the way we once felt and/or still feel about language, literature, and life. Tune in! Our sponsor this week is Brooklinen. With the holidays around the corner, consider giving the gift of coziness and comfort in the form of Brooklinen’s sheets, comforters, towels, etc. Check out Brooklinen’s expanded line of products that will transform your home (and any home you gift) into a spa. For 10% off and free shipping, go to www.Brooklinen.com and enter promo code chair. Brooklinen: everything you need to live your most comfortable life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today’s Easy Chair episode: “The Patron Saint of Words” with guest poet, artist, radio host, and journalist Karen (K.P.) Ponzio. K.P. reads a very cool article she wrote about the Patron Saints of New Haven project, conceived and rendered by local artist Sara Scranton. With her finger squarely on the pulse of the New Haven art scene, Scranton tapped fellow artists not only to tell about their art, but to be their art in the form of a traditional Patron Saint. (https://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/new_havens_patron_saints_canonized/). Then, we get into a lively discussion of what’s happening in our happening hometown of New Haven, the thrill of riding the wave of newly-unleashed artistic expression, and what it means to say yes (and selectively no) to the universe. K.P. is a BLAST to talk to, and this podcast thrums with her irreverent, vibrant energy. Tune in! And you can catch her radio show here: https://cygnusradio.com/author/kpcygnusradio-com/ This week’s sponsor is Ritual, the obsessively researched, wholly transparent once daily vitamin that fills in the gaps in a woman’s diet. I have been taking Ritual for over a year and it’s made a real impact on the way I feel. For 10% off your first three months, go to www.ritual.com/EASYCHAIR. You’re welcome! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just in time for Halloween, in this episode of The Easy Chair I read “Popsy”, Stephen King’s dark tale of a child abduction in which the tables get terrifyingly turned. Sheridan, a gambling addict, has taking to kidnapping children for a sinister figure named Mr. Wizard. He finds a young boy who is lost at the mall and lures him into his van. The boy is looking for his Popsy, and when Sheridan reveals that Popsy is not, as promised, waiting for him at a nearby McDonald’s, the boy tells him Popsy will find him. Sheridan is quick to laugh this off. But something dark is happening that Sheridan cannot not possibly imagine. You are not going to want to miss this twisted tale by the master of horror. This week’s sponsor is Rothy’s. Style, comfort, and sustainability- At Rothy’s, I guarantee you’ll find your new favorite flats. I’m loving my slip-on sneakers these days; I can wear them to yoga, then straight to work, and they look and feel fabulous. Go to www.Rothys.com/chair to find YOUR forever shoes See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, I read Margaret Atwood’s c. 1975 feminist short story, “Rape Fantasies”. Chatty narrator Estelle describes talking with her co-workers about their rape fantasies and hers. Their fantasies are the stuff of Hollywood movies and magazines, not at all authentic, in Estelle’s view, while hers are real. Estelle is an honest person, an over-sharer, and as she shares various fantasies, she begins to waver. What she understands about rape and what she can't begin to comprehend make for a darkly comic, oddly illuminating story about the differences, real and perceived, between men and women. Don’t let the title put you off (like I almost did). This story is a feminist classic. Tune in! This week’s sponsor is Brooklinen. Towels, sheets, comforters- doesn’t your place (and don’t you!) deserve a fall makeover- from blah to spa? My bathroom is looking amazing, thanks to the luxury towels I ordered from Brooklinen- without the luxury markup. For 10% off and free shipping, visit www.Brooklinen.com today and use promo code CHAIR for 10% off and free shipping. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, I read a funny and thought-provoking short story by the late Roald Dahl, "The Great Automatic Grammatizator." For anyone who has ever wondered if there is a can’t fail writing formula, or if maybe, just maybe, the surest route to publication can be accomplished by computer algorithm- this is the story for you. Young Adolph Knipe has created a computer that can be fed data that will, if his boss Mr. Bohlen allows, make writers and writing obsolete. At the end of the day, writers want to write, but more than that, they want certain publication, fame, and money. It’s all about cornering the market, baby, and novels are big business. This tale will have even the most earnest of young writers pondering their calling and their future. Tune in! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, on The Easy Chair, I read the conclusion of “The Fat Girl” by Andre Dubus. Louise has graduated college and now weighs less than her goal weight. She has morphed from fat to thin in less than a year, and suddenly, the world opens up to her in ways she never imagined. The gifts within her reach are the spoils of her self-deprivation, and all she has left to do is claim them. This is, after all, the American Woman’s Dream. Or is Louise just a stranger in a strange land? This is an extraordinarily powerful story about female sacrifice, about what we, socially and culturally, value, and the deeper personal truths that steadfastly refuse to allow women like Louise to disappear. This week’s sponsor is Ritual! I’ve been taking Ritual for Women for over a year, and I have never felt better. Ritual has the vitamins and minerals you don’t get enough of from even the healthiest of diets, all in their purest, most digestible form. Subscribe today by going to www.ritual.com/easychair for 10% off your first three months.andre dubus See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair, I read Part One of “The Fat Girl”- a stunning short story by Andre Dubus. Louise has been fat since childhood, furtively secreting away stashes of chocolate candy, which she eats at night, in bed. Then, her college roommate, with the best of intentions, intercedes. After a year of self-denial, Louise’s life changes. She gains the love of her mother and pride of her father, the admiration of friends, acquaintances, and strangers, but through self-sacrifice and weight loss, what else has she sacrificed and lost? Tune in to part one of an achingly painful story that dares to tell the truth about what is has meant for too long to be a young woman in the world. Today’s sponsor- Rothy’s! These shoe are not only stylish, they’re sustainable! I love my new Chelsea boots in Moonglow. To feel cool teaching teens is no small feat, and Rothy’s makes that possible! To order your new favorite flats, go to www.Rothys.com/chair. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it’s Mightier Than the Sword, with my wonderful co-host Steph Spaulding. We’re both back at work in the classroom, and…drum roll, please…so far, we are DOING A-OKAY. Steph’s got a new approach that she shares with us that involves the word joyful, and I’m teaching in what just might be the best school in the world, with the most aspirational group of young writers imaginable. We talk about teaching and dress codes and swearing, and also review a couple of books we’ve read- Steph’s is American Chinatown: A People’s History of Five Neighborhoods by Bonnie Tsui, which I’m putting in this blurb because she couldn’t recall the title and author on the podcast. Anyway, it’s a fun catch-up, and I hope you’ll tune in! This week’s sponsor is Brooklinen. Luxury sheets without the middleman- and the luxury markup! Fall is the perfect time to give your home a posh linen makeover. Head on over to www.Brooklinen.com and enter promo code chair for 10% off your first order…and free shipping! These really are the best sheets ever. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it’s the conclusion of Joyce Carol Oates’s stunner of a short story, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been”. Arnold Friend has shown up at fifteen-year-old Connie’s screen door, behind which she’s home alone. Suddenly what seemed like a chance encounter at a popular summer hang-out turns into something sinister, something infinitely darker. Arnold just wants Connie to go with him. That's all. But is it? Connie's consciousness shifts, and she is suddenly no longer in the safe mundane familiarity of her own kitchen, but poised on the brink of alien, possibly terrifying world that an increasingly impatient shortArnold Friend cannot wait to show her. Tune in! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, I read the first half of Joyce Carol Oates's brilliant, twisted short story, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been.” Connie is a fifteen-year-old girl from a small town, newly aware of her beauty, newly boy-crazy, awakening to life and the pleasures it offers the young and, even more abundantly, the beautiful. It’s summer, and Connie is a regular at all the local hangouts...along with the mysterious Arnold Friend. Her parents and sister leave one Sunday afternoon for a family barbecue and Connie decides she will skip it. A familiar car rolls up the driveway. It would seem that Arnold Friend has had his eye on Connie. This week’s sponsor: Ritual, the obsessively-researched vitamin for women. There are key nutrients that even the healthiest eaters don’t get enough of. Enter Ritual! I am a HUGE Ritual fan, and take my two capsules every day without fail. Start your ritual today by heading on over to www.ritual.com/easychair for 10% off during your first three months. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, I read two funny and fabulous essays by author Anne Lamott from her seminal book on writing and life in general, Bird By Bird. Lamott is smart, self-deprecating, witty, and wise, and what she has to say about the process of writing, about life as a writer, and about just being human is not only enlightening, but genuinely useful. These two essays, “Short Assignments” and “Shitty First Drafts”, will inspire anyone who is even just thinking about writing to get started… and will definitely entertain everyone else. I had so much fun reading her work aloud. Tune in! This week’s sponsor is Rothys, makers of the best flats ever for women and girls. Take it from Buzzfeed, Rothys will be your forever shoe. They go with everything, from formal wear to yoga pants, and are made from recycled plastic water bottles. Style, comfort, and sustainability, all in one shoe. Head over to www.Rothys.com/chair for your pair of gotta-have-ém flats today! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: “Mary”, second of a two-part series by master storyteller Saul Fussiner. Like last week’s “Shane”, “Mary” is set largely in Ireland. A decade has passed, and Saul and his new wife have stopped in Fahan while on their honeymoon. (The Irish owner of the Connecticut estate /wedding venue was so moved by their ceremony that he invites the couple to visit his ancestral home and meet his family). Saul’s story lands at the four-way intersection of sacred, tribal, spiritual and the everyday sweetness of ordinary life. At this intersection, the line between friend and family softens and falls away. Saul and I also talk about roadside shrines, the sport of hurling, and what it really means to be a storyteller. It’s a great ride, from the passenger seat of a rental car to an afternoon of backyard football, through the cliffs and valleys of Fahan to the intimacy of shared history and heartbreak around the kitchen table, and stuff like that. Trust me. You will not want to miss a single word. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, I’m joined by writer/storyteller Saul Fussiner. It’s been a minute since Saul has been on the podcast, and the story “Shane” is from Saul’s series of stories connected by times spent in Ireland, “I’ve Heard Those Drums All My Life.” "Shane" is set in the Ireland of the '80s, when Saul and his girlfriend accidentally visit the wrong town in the bittersweet last days of their relationship. Saul’s stories, traced by memory and anchored in precise cultural, musical, and just plain existentially human references, capture this time and place, foreign yet familiar. Sit back with a cup of strong tea (or Irish whiskey, perhaps?) and take a listen. This week’s sponsor is Brooklinen. Brooklinen is committed to bringing you luxury sheets, comforters, and robes, without the luxury mark-up. For 10% off and free shipping on your best bedding ever, head to www.brooklinen.com and use promo code chair. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it’s a breezy tribute to the joys of summer reading on Mightier Than the Sword! Co-host and fellow educator (yes, that’s right … I’m headed back to the classroom in September, and you’ll hear about that on the podcast) Steph Spaulding and I weigh in on a few of the books we read over the summer. We offer some critical analysis, what worked and what didn’t, in terms of plot, pacing, and character development. We also pay tribute to the sweet end of summer, and the fresh start of a new school year. It’s what I like to call a free-wheelin’ episode—steph spaulless editing, more off the cuff, lots of banter and laughter that will, I hope, be infectious. Tune in! This week’s sponsor is Ritual, the obsessively researched vitamin for and by women. I start every day with two ritual capsules, which gives me all the nutrients women need and might not be getting enough of, even, with a healthy diet. Start your ritual today! Head on over to www.ritual.com/easychair today, for 10% off your first three months! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, I read to you the short story “The Knowers” by Helen Phillips. Imagine a world in which every person can decide to find out the date of their death- but they can’t know the circumstance surrounding it. Would you even want this knowledge? What if you were lovingly, decades-long married to someone who emphatically didn’t want to know to date of your demise? How would you live your life…and face the date of your death when it rolled around? This is a fascinating, beautifully told story about the nature of mortality and marital love. It really got me thinking, and I know it’ll get you thinking, too. This week’s podcast is brought to you by Rothy’s shoes. Rothy’s makes flats for women and girls that are comfortable, stylish, and sustainable- made for life on the go. I just ordered my third pair (indigo gingham- so cool!) Go to www.Rothys.com/chair and order your new favorite flats today! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it’s another Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Steph Spaulding. In this episode, we discuss perfectionism, procrastination, and how both behaviors are the downfall of many a good writing practice. Steph describes herself as a recovering perfectionist, while I was once an aspiring perfectionist. Procrastination is something we both still wrestle with, or have learned to accept, when it comes to writing and life, but perfectionism must be abandoned in the interest of getting work done. When is enough editing enough? Is it really okay to be minimally, rather than maximally, satisfied? This is an uber-enlightening podcast, helpful not only to the writers out there, but also for anyone who has ever struggled with the fear of not being good enough. Tune in! And any questions, comments, or suggestions, just shoot us an email at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, I read a devastating short story by Stephen King: “The Last Rung on the Ladder.” This is absolutely not your typical Stephen King horror story, and it's a tale that you should definitely listen to along with a tall glass of iced tea on one of these hazy summer afternoons. Narrator Larry recounts the story of the long-ago day from his childhood on his family's farm, when he was playing with his kid sister Kitty, taking turns jumping from the top of their three-story barn rafters into the hayloft. The ladder is flimsy, and he knows it, but they jump one last time. As Kitty climbs to the top the last rung of the ladder gives way... This is a sweeping, complex tale of love, guilt, and innocence lost from Stephen King at the top of his storytelling game. Tune in! Our sponsor this week is Brooklinen. Now that the warmer weather is here,it’s time to switch up your sheets, duvets, and comforters to something a little breezier and blissfully lightweight. Check out Brooklinen’s newest Linen Collection. Get 10% off and free shipping by going to Brooklinen.com and using promo code CHAIR. I love my Brooklinen sheets and you will, too! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, I read a classic short story, which is a tribute to storytelling. “The Open Window” (by Saki, c. 1914) is about Framton Nuttel, a gentleman seeking a place to stay so he can regain his health, which has been compromised by a number of things, including frayed and fragile nerves. Enter Vera, the very creative niece of Mrs. Sappleton, whose home Mr. Nuttel might like to take a room in. Apparently a terrible tragedy has taken place. Apparently there’s something not quite right about the open window. It’s a small gem of a tale that I’d never read before, but come to find out it is a short story favorite of many. Many people argue the moral of this parable, but I’m not sure there is one. No matter. It’s simply delightful. Tune in! This week’s episode is brought to you by Ritual, the obsessively researched vitamin for women, by women. It’s got nine of the essential nutrients you might not be getting enough of, even with a balanced diet. I start every day off with two Ritual vitamins, and it’s made a discernible difference in the way I feel. For my listeners: you get 10% off your first three months by going to ritual.com/EASYCHAIR. Start your Ritual today! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week’s episode: “New Beginnings” with returning guest writer Michele Tenney. In addition to being a fine writer, Michele is a personal trainer, nutritionist, and wellness coach (you can find her at https://elevateptw.com/) and she’s on the podcast with me this week to talk about new beginnings. Michele reads two pieces she wrote for the beginning of the year, but new beginnings can (and should) happen any time, and summer is a great time to shed old habits. Advice on how to set and attain fitness goals, to make a healthy lifestyle a thing of joy, and not self-abnegation, to fully accept that we are not what we feel, but what we believe- Michele makes aspiration the key to success, when it comes to transforming ourselves. I definitely learned more than a thing or two from this podcast. Twenty push-ups this morning, up from fifteen yesterday. I'm feeling it, and believing it! This week’s sponsor- Rothy’s, the shoes everyone’s talking about. They are made from recycled plastic water bottles, and they come in four fabulous, stylish silhouettes (I’m crazy about my sneakers, folks). They go with everything, from fancy dresses to yoga pants, and as for comfort…don’t get me started! Like butter! Go to rothys.com/chair to buy your new favorite flats! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it’s back to Mightier Than the Sword, with my wonderful co-host Steph Spaulding. We’re talking about work/life balance, or work/life integration, as we see it. All work and no play makes anyone a dull person, but does all play and no work have a similar effect? I am staring down a big project and I am stressing out over whether I’ll have any time to enjoy my favorite season (summer, if you’re guessing). Steph is looking at her own summer vacation after putting in a full school year. Both of our positions are challenging in their own ways, and Steph and I share some ideas about how to navigate work, play, and life. If you have any questions, observations, or insights for me and Steph, please email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week’s episode: "When Creative Calling Meets Everyday Life" (with Rachael Hurwitz). I’m thrilled and honored to have my talented singer/songwriter daughter Rachael of the indie-folk band Honey Magpie on the podcast for an interview! Rachael answers my questions about keeping the creative fire burning bright, despite the tug of daily life faced by all aspiring artists who can’t quit their day jobs. We talk about inspiration from the first flash to fleshing it out. Rachael describes the serendipity and step-by-step of the songwriting process. It’s a fun podcast, and for those of you who refuse to let your dreams die- you’ll get some useful insights. Promise! Our sponsor this week is Brooklinen, maker of five-star look and feel sheets, duvets, comforters, towels, and more. My bed and bath are completely outfitted in Brooklinen’s summer colors and I could not be happier! Get 10% off and free shipping when you use promo code CHAIR at www.Brooklinen.com. You’ll agree- these really are the best sheets ever! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it’s Ursula Le Guin’s startling short story “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”. Le Guin was a brilliant storyteller of mostly science fiction with a cautionary twist- not unlike Margaret Atwood. In this tale, the nation of Omelas sounds like a utopia, populated by compassionate, earnest citizens who spawn golden, happy children…but at its very root lies a hideous truth upon which the ongoing existence of Omelas rests. Many have seen this dark reality with their own eyes, and the more sensitive others know of it but refuse to look for themselves. Then, there are the ones who walk away from Omelas. This is a powerful, thought-provoking tale about free society and the imperfection of human nature, with abundant parallels to the state of our nation and our world. This week’s podcast is brought to you by Quip, the portable, can’t live without electric toothbrush that makes best brushing practices a snap for adults and now, for kids! Go to www.getquip.com/easychair and get your first refill pack free. Join over 1million happy, healthy mouths! Also, Ritual, the multivitamin for women and girls that fills in the gaps in your diet with two glowingly transparent, minty capsules a day. You’ll get 10% off your first three months by going to www.ritual.com/easychair . Start your Ritual today! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast: "Awe, Joy, and Peace" with guest author Michele Tenney. Michele is an inspiration by virtue of the way she lives as well as in the way she writes, and I’m beyond thrilled to welcome her back to the podcast. She reads two wonderful original essays that highlight the ways that our attitudes and perspectives impact our overall health. Michele is not only an expert in the fitness and nutrition field (see her website, https://elevateptw.com ), she pays close and loving attention to the lessons her own life offers up, and shares her knowledge and insights with humor, grace, and clarity. This is an episode you will benefit from, promise. Tune in!                                                                      The sponsor of this week’s podcast is Rothys. Are you ready for your new favorite flat? Rothys are made from recycled plastic bottles- and their comfort, style, and sustainability will blow your mind! Go to www.Rothys.com/chair to order the shoes that you can wear anytime, anywhere, in four fabulous silhouettes. I love my Rothys, and you’ll love yours, too. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, I celebrate my 200th episode milestone with an original short story, “Conversant”. Celia is a woman who has been raised by an emotionally abusive mother to believe she’s a terrible conversationalist. After Celia’s boyfriend Joaquin leaves her, she is convinced of the truth of her mother’s words: that she’ll always be alone, a fate she deserves. But life goes on to surprise Celia in unexpected ways: a quirky co-worker, a serendipitous apricot jumpsuit, a guy named Darius who may just be true love at first sight, and how about the threat of sudden, violent death? Can the worst mother be the best teacher? Tune in to a story I loved writing, and I hope you’ll love. Thank you to my faithful listeners, loyal sponsors, and of course, the Headgum Podcast Network. Also, my amazing husband Sam, who has formatted The Easy Chair for your listening pleasure lo these many years. You all have been there for me, and I am eternally grateful. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, I read aloud another wonderful short story (fitting, as it is officially Short Story Month) by author Thomas Pierce. Pierce gives us a poignant, funny, and illuminating story about Val, a surly, medically fragile twelve-year-old who is obsessed with Pippin monkeys. The story is narrated by his mother’s boyfriend, an affable yet cynical dude who has signed on to take Val to the local zoo to see some Pippins- but by acting responsibly, loses their place in the exhibition line. There’s a whole lot going on in both backstory and subtext over this fraught day, and it’s not clear whose running the show. Or maybe it is. Tune in to hear one of the most engaging and hilarious stories I’ve ever read. Ever, ever. This week’s sponsor: Quip! It’s spring, and time for cleaning everything perfectly- including your teeth. Quip now offers its toothbrushes in kids’ size, so the whole family can commit to healthy mouths and smiles! Just go to www.GETQUIP.com/easychair for your first refill pack free. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week’s episode is another Mightier Than the Sword, with my savvy co-host Steph Spaulding. We are still on the topic of book group etiquette and strategies. How to choose a book? How do books that are not on bestseller lists make it onto our reading lists? Are book group members obliged to finish a group pick that they struggle with? Many questions (mostly mine) and some valuable insights (mostly Steph’s). Tune in! And please, we’d love to hear from you on all things book group and writing related. Email us at [email protected]. It would make our week to hear from you! This week’s sponsors are Ritual, the obsessively researched vitamin for women and girls, and Brooklinen, with sheets, comforters, and towels that bring you luxury goods direct to your home, without the middleman markup! I love my Ritual vitamins (never have I felt so healthy) and my Brooklinen sheets and comforter (never have I felt so relaxed). Go to brooklinen.com and use promo code Chair for 10% of your first order, and free shipping, and Ritual.com/EASYCHAIR for 10% off your first three months! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week’s episode: I am so excited to read yet another stellar short story by the incomparable Zadie Smith, "Crazy They Call Me." This is a gut-punch of a story, a literary re-imagining of the life of Billie Holiday, as recounted by Billie Holiday: reflective, devastating, defiant. “Lady Day” lived a dual life of notoriety and loneliness, and you will feel like you really get to know the woman behind the myth of the woman intimately, through Smith’s un-minced words. The last sentence takes it from a "clean" rating to "explicit" and it's perfection. Tune in. This week’s sponsor- Rothy’s! If you're searching for flats that are comfortable, stylish, and sustainable- your search is over. Head on over the rothys.com/chair to pick up a pair of your new favorite shoes today! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it’s Mightier Than the Sword! This week I blindside co-host Steph Spaulding with two things: first, a question about the impetus for our writing, and what we love as readers, and second, the way we choose to procrastinate. (For me, it’s the news of the day and Zillow.) It’s a fun and absolutely spontaneous discussion- I hope you’ll listen! On the next MTTS, we are going back to the subject of book groups. Write to us with your book group challenges, insights, and most memorable moments at [email protected] and Steph and I will answer you. Promise! This week’s episode is brought to you by Quip, makers of the best, sleekest, most effective and portable electric toothbrush, which now comes in kids’ size, so your young’un can start on the path to the healthiest smile ever. Just go to GETQUIP.com/easychair and get you first refill pack for free. I love my Quip, and I know you and your whole family will, too! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the podcast, I read Roald Dahl’s “Lamb to the Slaughter.” Like all things Dahl, it is part tongue-in-cheek, part macabre, and 100% snarky. Mary Maloney is pregnant and feeling nothing but adoration for her police detective husband Patrick until he comes home from work one night to tell her he’s leaving her for another woman. Oh, and Mary decides to cook a frozen leg of lamb for dinner. From domestic bliss to all hell breaking loose, this story is a gruesome/fun roller coaster of a ride. This week’s sponsor is Care/of Protein Powders! Care/of provides honest guidance for their protein powders, formulated specifically for YOU. Snack smarter, enhance your workout, and give your smoothie the protein boost it needs with Care/of’s Protein Powder! For 50% off your first Care/of order, go to www.TakeCareOf.com and enter promo code easychair50. It has made a huge change (for the better!) in the way I look and feel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the podcast, it’s a fabulous short story by one of my favorite authors, Vladimir Nabokov. In “Symbols and Signs” an elderly couple visit their adult son, who they have committed to a psychiatric hospital, on his birthday. The son’s psychosis, “referential mania” has him convinced the universe is filled with symbols and signs. Everything around him is a veiled reference to his personality and existence. His parents know this is crazy. But on this day, signs and symbols indicate otherwise. This story will get you thinking about the power of love- and the razor-thin flashpoint between sanity and insanity. The podcast is brought to you by two of my faves, Brooklinen and Ritual! I start every day with Ritual (two minty capsules a day keep me at my peak) and end every day sliding between Brooklinen sheets, under my Brooklinen comforter. For Ritual: get 10% off your first three months by visiting www.ritual.com/easychair ! For Brooklinen: get 10% off your first order and free shipping by heading over to www.brooklinen.com and entering promo code CHAIR. Like me, you’ll find that Ritual and Brooklinen are the perfect bookends to your day! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it’s Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Steph Spaulding! Steph is back from a two-week trip to Marrakech, Morocco. Her stay at a riad was definitely interesting. So much to talk about, from the marketplaces to air quality, food to the cultural customs…all very cool. While there were unexpected elements to her sojourn, some positive, some less so, still, I’m keeping Morocco on my short list of places to visit. We also discuss how to talk about a book in a group setting without getting into a fight (this happened in my old book group) or hurting sensitive feelings. Steph brings up the concept of dialogue vs. debate. To anyone navigating their way through their own book group etiquette…you are going to want to take notes. This week’s sponsors are quip, the electric toothbrush recommended by over 20,000 dental professionals that will change the way you brush. To get your first refill pack free, go to www.getquip.com/easychair. Also- Rothy’s, the flats that are comfortable, stylish, and sustainable- for free shipping, go to rothys.com and use code chair. Two great deals on two great products that I absolutely swear by! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, I am reading Tillie Olsen’s beautifully poignant short story “I Stand Here Ironing”. I am endlessly grateful that I got to hear Tillie Olsen speak at a writing conference in 1981; her wisdom, creativity, and steel tenacity were tangible, even in a vast, crowded auditorium, and deeply influenced me. I don’t think there’s another writer who so movingly and accurately portrays the limitations and sacrifice of traditional 1950s domestic life, what it meant to be a wife and mother while holding out the hope for something different, something better for our daughters and the generations of women to follow. I have loved Tillie Olsen and this particular story for a very long time and I am really, really happy to be able to share it with you. Please tune in. It’s a story that you'll never forget. Any questions, comments, suggestions- pretty please send them my way at [email protected]. I would love to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it’s Honey Magpie II! First, a gorgeous, heartbreaking song about love's devastating disappointment by Pippa Hoover, followed by Pippa’s fascinating explication of her lyrics. Next up: Rachael Hurwitz’s achingly sweet song about the passage of time and the uncertain place we all hold between a remembered past and unclear future. Lots of existential ground is covered, from the perspective of a miserably downtrodden mother in the form of cautionary advice to her daughter (Pippa’s “Sweet Tooth”) to a plaintive longing for lost childhood that haunts a fast-moving present and uncertain future (Rachael’s “Smallest Grains of Sand”). Finally, Kati, Pippa, and Rachael gather round the mic with me to reflect, share an inside joke, and tell you how and where you can find them both online and in person. Tune in! You will be a Honey Magpie fan for life. And be sure to follow the band at http://honeymagpie.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to a two part introduction to the indie folk band Honey Magpie! Rachael Hurwitz, Kati Moore and Pippa Hoover are three talented singer/musicians/songwriters from North Carolina, and in these back-to-back episodes, they visit me at my sweet little Airbnb in Carrboro to talk about their songwriting influences and their backstories and their creative work, both individual and collectively. Kati performs her song “Moonbreak” and names a surprising influence- The Red Hot Chili Peppers. (link to lyrics of all three original Honey Magpie Songs here) .The episode engages an interesting discussion about whether a great melody or great lyrics come first. Then…check out Kati, Pippa, and Rachael’s wonderful song lyrics. And don’t forget to join us next week for Honey Magpie, part two. Our sponsors this week: Ritual, the transparently healthy once a day multi-vitamin that has been keeping me going strong all winter, and for 10% off your first three months, head on over to ritual.com/easychair. Quip, the go-anywhere electric toothbrush that guides a thorough clean and will give you the healthiest smile ever. Go to getquip.com/easychair and get your first refill pack free. Also, Brooklinen, the five-star luxury sheets I LOVE. Indulgent, without the middleman mark-up! For 10% off your first order and free shipping go to Brooklinen.com, promo code chair. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Co-host Jane Gross and I get together again after a too-long break for Heart to Heart, healing wisdom for creative souls (though really, for all listeners)! It’s been a while, and for Jane, life has taken some wild hairpin twists and turns, but always, there’s something to be learned, and Jane shares with you some hard-won insights on grieving, coping, and overcoming. It’s a very honest look at heartbreak, loss, anger, and new beginnings. Please join us for a deep, frank, and revealing look at life after upheaval. The sponsor of this week’s podcast is Rothy’s, the flats for women and girls that hit the trifecta- comfortable, stylish, and sustainable! Go to Rothys.com and enter code chair to get your new favorite shoes, free shipping with no minimum. I love my Rothys and I guarantee you will too! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it’s a triumphant return to Mightier than the Sword, with my wonderful co-host Steph Spaulding! I’ve been out of town and Steph’s been both hard at work and under the weather, so it’s been a minute since our last MTTS episode, and there’s lots to talk about. I’ve been writing, Steph’s been reading, and this crazy, remarkable world keeps spinning. Being able to write over the past month has given me some insight into my own writing process, which might prove useful to fellow writers out there. Steph has a great (and surprising) reading suggestion for readers. And we both agree- unsolicited- that we love our Ritual vitamin subscriptions, so we are giving Ritual a free, heartfelt shout-out. Health is HUGE. So are words, and how we shape/interpret them. Tune in. And if you have any comments, observations, or questions, email us at [email protected]. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, I read Lauren Groff’s suburban nightmare/dreamscape story “Ghosts and Empties”. A young mother who has become “a woman who screams” walks every night in her eclectic old Florida neighborhood, exiting her house and tying up her sneakers, leaving her husband and sons as they make their way toward sleep. For her, the night reveals many fascinations- the tragic black swan family, the overweight young man reinventing himself on his treadmill, the sad attrition at the neighborhood nunnery. The night also harbors a devastating secret, personal, unacknowledged, that can’t be screamed away or walked off. Groff’s dramatic phrasing, powerful language, and vivid, surprising imagery will take your breath away. Take a listen. This week’s episode is brought to you by the world’s best electric toothbrush: Quip. Quip’s gentle sonic pulse action and brush heads that are delivered to your door on a dentist-recommended schedule are just a couple of reasons to love Quip. Get your first refill pack free by heading over to GETQUIP.com/EASYCHAIR. I love my Quip toothbrush, and I guarantee you’ll love yours. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the podcast, I read my short story, “Orientation”. One memory that stands out for virtually everyone who has experienced going away to college is meeting your freshman year roommate for the first time. Jennifer, a sensitive, determinedly optimistic eighteen year old with a deep need to be liked, has never met anyone quite like Mara- cynical, straight-talking, self-protective – a person whose motto is me first, and when it comes to the feelings and perceptions of others, she doesn't seem to care. Their dorm room is small, but maybe, just maybe, there's room for growth- and compromise. There's a lot to unpack in this story, from an awkward gynecological self-examination (!?) to an equally awkward college mixer. This is a story you won't want to miss. This week’s sponsor is Ritual, the two vitamins taken one daily that supply vital nutrients that many women lack. I swear by my Ritual- it’s 100% transparent and builds a healthy foundation from the inside out. Start your ritual today by going to www.ritual.com/EASYCHAIR! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, “Schoolgirl”, an original short story by yours truly. It’s 1977, the summer of the infamous Model Wars between Eileen Ford and John Casablancas, the heads of the two most powerful modeling agencies in the world. Four young models just starting their careers are sent to Paris- and left to fend for themselves. It’s the story about the dark underbelly of an industry synonymous with enviable wealth and elegance, and cutthroat competition. For Lauren and her roommates Beth, Caro, and Kat, life lessons abound over a Parisian summer filled with three shedding cats, a slew of sketchy businessmen, and a surprising sense of sisterhood. The sponsor of this week’s episode is Rothys, the flat that is comfortable, stylish, and sustainable! New styles are constantly being created- and selling out. I love my Rothys and love even more that they are insanely soft, yet made from 100% recycled plastic. For free shipping and free returns and exchanges, go to rothys.com and use promo code chair. Get this deal while it lasts! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair, I read a spine-tingling scary story perfect for the thick of winter: “Strawberry Spring” by Stephen King. A serial killer stalks the campus of a small New England college, murdering and dismembering female co-eds. Locals dub him Springheel Jack, a spectral figure who comes in with the fog and ice melt of Strawberry Spring, the false, early thaw that comes before the most brutal of winter’s storms. Our protagonist is as horrified and mystified as any of his classmates, but he has to admit that he finds the mists and shadows of Strawberry Spring oddly alluring. Warning: don’t listen to this story by yourself, late at night. The last line of this story is considered one of the best last lines of any short story. Tune in, and find out why. Sponsors of this week’s podcast are Quip, makers of the sleekest, most effective portable electric toothbrush ever. For my listeners: get your first refill pack FREE at GETQUIP.com/EASYCHAIR. Second sponsor: Brooklinen, maker of five-star hotel quality sheets, comforters, towels, available to you to enjoy at home! For $20 off your first order and free shipping, go to Brookinen.com and be sure to use promo code CHAIR. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on the podcast, I read Donald Barthelme’s hilariously morbid short story “School” along with “Five Short Stories”, an unconventional collection of short shorts by Lydia Davis. Hopefully these tales and tidbits will delight and amuse you… and stay with you long after you’ve heard them. Winter is long and cold, dark and dreary, and I believe most of us need a little boost, a shot in the arm, if you will. These quirky works by two incredibly gifted writers definitely and very positively redirected me. Banish the winter blahs...tune in! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, I read Miranda July’s brilliant, quirky short story “Roy Spivey”. It’s about an uncertain young woman who through being “a pushover” finds herself with a first-class upgrade, only to be seated next to a major heart-throb celebrity on a cross-country flight. From their casual flirtation, some very interesting things happen, and ultimately this serendipitous encounter changes her life in unexpected ways. July’s story is astonishingly unique. You’ve never heard anything quite like it- I if you’re like me, you won’t be able to get it out of your head. Tune in! This week’s episode is brought to you by Ritual, the daily vitamin for women. Think of it as the multivitamin, reinvented! Taking my Ritual vitamins is my very favorite daily habit- a healthy, easy-to-keep resolution for 2019. Start your Ritual today by going to ritual.com/EASYCHAIR today! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aquaponics 101 (with Hannah Hurwitz). Climate change is a true national and global crisis, and one solution to the devastating environmental impact caused by our current way of producing food is aquaponics. What is aquaponics agriculture? (I’ll give you a hint: it involves water and fish). Hannah is working for an amazing start-up, Trifecta Ecosystems, and what they aim to do is transform spaces, from blighted warehouses to wasted classroom corners, into micro-farms that can 1.) Sustainably feed people and 2.) Protect the environment. Tune in to hear Hannah talk about aquaponics- the aspirational ideas behind it, the science supporting it, and the vast potential aquaponics holds for becoming, in the words of her current initiative, a City That Feeds Itself. This week’s podcast is brought to you by Quip, makers of the best, most effective yet gentle electric toothbrush ever. Order yours today at GETQUIP.com and if you use promo code EASYCHAIR, you’ll get your first refill pack FREE! Your mouth will thank you for it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, on Mightier Than the Sword, Steph and I talk about New Year’s resolutions…and why, this year, we’ve decided against them. We are taking a different approach to 2019- a fresh start, for sure, but without the pitfalls and self-recriminations that often come with setting (and all too often, breaking) resolutions. Tune in to hear our takes on the pros and cons of the annual resolution tradition. We have some original ideas on how to make the New Year more of an opportunity than a challenge. As always, any questions, comments, and insights- let me and Steph know at [email protected]. This week’s podcast is brought to you by Brooklinen, the folks who make getting into bed at night my favorite part of the day. I love the simple luxury of my Brooklinen sheets and comforter! You can get $20 off your first order and free shipping by going to Brooklinen.com, promo code CHAIR. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, I read the first chapter of my YA novel under consideration (working title, Sisterhood of the Porcelain God). Sophie is 18, a senior in high school, and her life should be poised for takeoff, but the eating disorder that has turned her life upside down since she was 13 makes forward momentum all but impossible. Publicly, she seems to be making progress, but privately, she is still locked in a fight for her life. This is the beginning of a difficult but important story. 30 million people suffer from eating disorders in the United States, and every 62 minutes, someone dies as a direct result of an eating disorder. Sisterhood is about Sophie’s journey. The road to recovery is marked by daily struggles for survival, and the people you meet along the way. Tune in! Let me know if you like what you’ve heard so far at [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A progressive scary/funny story by the entire Hurwitz clan.

This week’s episode: Gift Giving, on Mightier Than the Sword! Co-host Steph and I give each other gifts that are unconstrained by budget or actual attainability. The expression “it’s the thought that counts” is what this exercise in generosity is all about. In addition to our mutual gift exchange, we talk about our favorite holiday movie and T.V. specials. Along the way I impressively quote the ghost of Jacob Marley and Steph beautifully reminds us that the rancor of current politics and pervasiveness of consumerism should not distract us from what the holiday season is all about: light, love, warmth, family, friends, and gratitude. It’s an episode that will have you genuinely embracing the spirit of the season. Any questions, comments, suggestions- please write us at [email protected]. We want to hear from you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: Part Two of Seasonal Work, by Laura Lippman. This is the continuation and conclusion of Lippman’s poignant/painful short story told by Kyle, the 14 year-old stepdaughter of Gary, a con artist. The plan is in motion. The family has relocated to Baltimore, and the scam has begun. The kind social worker who comes back to check on Kyle and her siblings turns out to be something quite different. Who’s been playing who? It’s a surprising turn of events in this light and mostly dark holiday tale. The end of the story is a shocker, and you’re going to want to tune in what happens. This is a holiday story unlike any story you’ve heard before. This weeke’s episode is brought to you by Rothy’s flats, the perfect shoes for women and girls! I love my Rothy’s. They’re comfortable, stylish, and sustainable ( incredibly, they are made from recycled plastic bottles, but they are comfy as any show you're ever worn). Go to Rothys.com and enter promo code chair for free shipping, and no minimum. I guarantee you’re gonna love your Rothy’s, just like I do. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: Part One of an anti-holiday holiday short story: "Seasonal Work" by Laura Lippman. Grifter Gary and his four kids- three biological, one his step-daughter- take part in an annual holiday scam that’s working so far. Take off for a new city at Christmastime. Pretend the gifts you pretended to buy got stolen from your minivan. Local news coverage and a trusting public take care of the rest. Gary’s stepdaughter, narrator of the story, is a willing accomplice. Or is she? Tune in to hear me read this quirky, honest, unexpectedly resilient tale... to be continued next week. Today's episode is brought to you by Brooklinen. I just got my new Brooklinen comforter and slept like a baby for the first time since I was a baby! Brooklinen has some great gift ideas for this holiday season. If you go to brooklinen.com and use promo code chair, you’ll get $20 off your first order, plus free shipping. Go on, make yourself or someone you love blissfully happy! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's episode: “Give the Lady What She Wants”, a winsome, heartbreaking short story by Leslie Pietrzyk. It’s longer than my typical Easy Chair offerings, but trust me, you will love this tale. Set in Chicago in 1982, the narrator is dress shopping with her college roommate, Jess, and Jess’s mother, and since she is the same size as Jess’s younger sister, Linda (a no-show because “shopping is bourgeois”) she is recruited/volunteers to try on dresses in Linda’s stead. Entitled Jess and her mom have a love of shopping that crosses the line into unhealthy obsession, and their day spent combing through every dress in an entire department store spirals into something darker. What is thought and what is said, what is heard and what is overheard, breaks hours spent in close quarters into fragments that expose our vulnerability and our loneliness. Tune in to this beautiful story. This week’s episode is brought to you by Brooklinen, maker of the world’s most comfortable sheets, comforters, towels and more, and Rothy, maker of the world’s most comfortable, stylish and sustainable flats for women and girls. My listeners can go to Brooklinen.com and use promo code chair to get $20 off your first order and free shipping! They also hightail it to Rothys.com and use promo code chair for free shipping (with no minimum!) Great products that make great holiday gifts. Tell 'em I sent you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair: Sit back and listen to “Sissy” a charming short story by author/playwright Kathy Anderson. It’s about the reunion of two sisters in their 70s. One, the narrator, is a failed actress living in California, the other, a successful investor from a “hoity-toity” New York City suburb. Add to the mix a derelict floating restaurant, a bored boatman, and a secret burning desire to swim with stingrays. It’s a crazy quilt of a tale about mortality, history, and sisterly connection, but take my word for it: everything comes together perfectly. There is nothing I adore more than a story that causes you to laugh out loud at one passage and cry at another. That’s the poignant balancing act that “Sissy” pulls off. Tune in! “Sissy” provides the perfect timeout before launching into the busy holiday season. This week’s sponsor is Brooklinen! I love my Brooklinen sheets, comforter and duvet cover, which give me a 5 star hotel luxury sheet experience at home. For my listeners, get $20 off your first order and free shipping by going to Brooklinen.com and entering promo code chair at checkout. You’re welcome! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today’s episode: It’s time to head back to Mightier Than the Sword with co-host Stephanie Spaulding! This week, we are talking GRATITUDE. After all, it’s Thanksgiving, and family, friends, and being grateful is what it’s all about. Steph and I share our current Thanksgiving plans (both of them unconventional) and we revisit our pasts, with memories both sweet and challenging, relative to the Thanksgiving holiday. I tell the story about a Thanksgiving that's been a secret...up to now. Tune in. It's the perfect side dish, whether you're having a traditional bird or a Tofurkey. Steph and I would love nothing more than to have you share the holiday with us. And as always, any questions, comments, or suggestions can be sent our way at [email protected]. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, my guest is daughter Hannah, just back from a solo adventure to Southeast Asia. She has some cool tales to tell about her three weeks in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Nepal. For anyone considering a trip to that part of the world, she offers her take, and some useful tips. There were a few unplanned events (such as getting hit by a motorcycle) during which her characteristically cool head had to prevail, but expansive landscapes and unique people and two waterfall sightings made every challenge worth it. Check out hannahhurwitz.com, to see the incredibly vibrant photos on her travel blog. I am thrilled Hannah had the guts to make this trip, and even more thrilled that’s she’s back home and on the podcast to talk about it. Tune in! I have two sponsors this week: https://www.brooklinen.com/ bringing you the best, most luxurious sheets, comforters, and towels ever, and https://www.rothys.com, bringing you the most comfortable, stylish, and sustainable flats ever! At Brooklinen, get 20% off your first order and free shipping by entering promo code chair at checkout. At Rothy’s, you’ll get free shipping with no minimum purchase when you enter promo code chair at checkout. For a great night's sleep and happy feet, you’ll want to take advantage of these great offers. You’re welcome! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair, I read two essays about what I believe is our ongoing moral imperative to remember the past and learn from it, and to the safeguard the health and richness of our collective national future. It’s a whole lot of important territory to cover in one short podcast, but the eloquent words of Elie Weisel and Libba Bray make it soul-stirring and resonant. The focus of this week's podcast is not about listening to my voice but using yours for the greater good. The takeaway: GET OUT THERE AND VOTE. This is a time for hope, not cynicism. I hope you’ll tune in to listen to these powerful essays, and even more, I hope you’ll be inspired to act. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cemetery House by my Mightier Than the Sword co-host Steph Spaulding felt like the perfect story to share for Halloween. Not that it is scary; more because it reveals, to me, the sweet unbroken link between the living and the dead. This link isn’t somber, but joyful, and knowing that the end of life can be the beginning of a different kind of relationship is a profoundly wonderful realization. Please tune in as I attempt to do justice to Steph’s short, magical story of loss, sorrow, forgiveness, and love set between adversarial neighbors in a small Vermont village. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it’s Mightier Than the Sword! Steph and I discuss the role humor has in the societal processing of challenging events. Here's a special treat: to underscore this theory, I offer “Kegtapping: The Ballad of Brett Kavanaugh” as proof- and Steph and I encourage you to follow this link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vBzZAzY8RI) to a fun yet poignant Youtube video I had a hand in. You’ll enjoy it, especially if you share our feelings of devastation about the Kavanaugh hearings some weeks back, because, well, that’s how humor works. Steph and I also talk about the nature of memory and who gets to be believed. As always, it’s an honest discussion that touches on humor with a social and moral conscience…and teeth. This episode is brought to you by Brooklinen! These luxurious sheets and comforters give you a five-star hotel experience without have to leave the comfort of your own bed. Get $20 off plus free shipping by going to Brooklinen.com and remember to use the promo code chair. I guarantee you the most deluxe, comfortable sleep experience you’ll ever have. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mother-Daughter Catch Up (with Hannah Hurwitz!) Hannah has moved on from Shoulda Swiped Left; she has had quite an eventful year, and in this episode, I have fun catching up with her. She left one job for two new ones and she is poised to embark on a three-week solo trip to Southeast Asia. Hannah has always been fearless, and things that make me anxious as her mother don't even show up on her radar. Hannah shares her five-country itinerary; I share some book recommendations. She’ll check back in on the podcast when she gets home at the end of the month. Tune in to a sweet mother/daughter convo about where Hannah has been, what she’s learned, and where she’s going next. This week’s episode is brought to you by the one and only RX bars! Made from real, honest ingredients, they are for people craving something portable, easy, good-for-you, and delicious. RX bars literally saved me when I was running around like a maniac at Jake’s wedding last August. For 25% off your first order, go to rxbar.com/chair and use promo code CHAIR. And, hey, try the new flavored nut butters, which are 100% real and DELICIOUS. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, I got to interview personal trainer, nutritionist, and wellness coach extraordinaire, Michele Tenney. In the spirit of the podcast, Michele is a also an excellent writer, and it was her uplifting article about the dynamic connection between soul, spirit, and body that got me figuring out a way to feature her on the podcast. How radical is it, to believe that by improving our moral health, we improve our physical health? Michele tells the inspirational story of her son Colin's perilous birth. It’s a tribute to the power of faith, and even for me, a secular and at times even cynical person, I was motivated to not only strive to do better, but to be better. Michele’s resilience is powerful, and like Michele herself, always seeks the light. Tune in to hear some motivating wisdom. It’s a great way to begin the week. Next week I check in with my daughter Hannah before she embarks on a five country solo tour of Southeast Asia. It’s a great catch-up on the good things happening in Hannah’s life. You’ll be surprised, I guarantee. Take a listen! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it’s back to Mightier Than the Sword, and Steph and I are coming at you with two very interesting book reviews. This has been a particularly unsettling week for our country, and sometimes the best antidote to the sturm und drang of modern American life is to temporarily escape into a good book. I love to open up my home and the mic to Steph at the end of my solitary baking/writing/listening obsessively to NPR day. Steph has read a great non-fiction book, and she weighs in very eloquently. I’ve got a work of fiction by a new writer to critique. If you have a book you’d like to tell us about, or even promote your own writing, write to us at [email protected]. We’ll happily give you some air time. Steph and I want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair: Meet Sam! This is the episode you’ve all been waiting for. Sam Hurwitz is my spouse, devoted father to our six kids, a brilliant tax lawyer, and a devotee of mysteries/police procedurals. Like me, Sam also has a daily writing practice (okay, his is limited to partnership agreements and estate planning documents, unless you want to count terse emails) but he’s my go-to grammarian, a champion speller, and all-around quirky-cool guy. Even though his son Jake has dubbed him a cabbage, a knapsack, and a troll, nothing could be further from the truth. Tune in, and get acquainted with my sweet, straight-shooter spouse. Our sponsor this week is Brooklinen. I will continue to sing the praises of these luxurious sheets. Even though I’m sleeping in my same old bed, I feel like I’ve been transported to a five star hotel, thanks to Brooklinen. For 20% off your first order and free shipping, just go to Brooklinen.com and enter promo code chair. You're welcome! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s a lively return to Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Steph Spaulding! We talk about waiting for Hurricane Florence to hit the east coast, and how natural disaster is fodder for the 24 hour news cycle. By the time this podcast is out, the storm will be over, and our speculation about its impact will be either confirmed or proven wrong. Then, it’s time for what I’ve been wanting to do with Steph all week: play one more round of Would You Rather. One question relates to writing, the other relates to time travel and indoor plumbing. Intriguing, no? And please, if you have a would you rather, or a question, or a comment, or anything at all you’d like to say to me and Steph, write to us at [email protected]. We mean it when we say we want to hear from you! This week’s podcast is brought to you by the company that makes the most luxurious, comfortable sheets, pillowcases, and comforters- Brooklinen! Since Brooklinen came into my life,I don’t want to leave my bed in the morning, and I can wait to tuck in every night. Here’s an exclusive offer for my podcast listeners: get 20% off and free shipping when you go to Brooklinen.com and enter promo code chair. What are you waiting for? These are THE BEST SHEETS EVER. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair, the conclusion of Stephen King’s brilliant horror story, “The Man in the Black Suit.” On a summer morning fishing trip, Young Gary meets the devil, a.k.a. The Man in the Black Suit, who tells him his mother is dead. Like his brother Dan, she is the hapless victim of an allergic reaction to a bee sting. Gary doesn’t want to believe his gruesome story, but finds himself thinking the devil is speaking the truth. Gary also knows the devil means him harm, but how does a nine-year-old boy escape the Prince of Darkness? It’s a story that plays with the reader’s mind, and the fears that every human has about death, abandonment, and evil are awakened in King’s short story. Sink into that chair and listen to what I think might be the scariest story ever. Next week, it’s Mightier Than the Sword! Steph Spaulding is back for another episode, and another game of “would you rather…” As always, it’s a great writerly convo. Questions, comments, insights, write to us at [email protected]. We want to hear from you, and we want you to tune in! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair, part one of Stephen King’s brilliant and terrifying short story, “The Man in the Black Suit.” It’s been less than a year since nine-year-old Gary lost his brother due to an allergic reaction to a bee sting, and he and his parents are still in mourning. It is a sleepy summer day and, after doing his chores, he is allowed to go fishing as long as he doesn’t go further than the fork in the river. He is successful, catching a couple of big trout, when he decides to rest on a sunny, flat knoll. As he daydreams, a bee lands on his nose. This is, of course, highly triggering to Gary, with his brother’s fate so fresh in his mind, but the bee turns out to be the least of his troubles. He is joined on the sunny knoll by the Man in the Black Suit, with eyes of fire, reeking of sulfur, and he brings with him some very, very sad news. This episode is brought to you by Brooklinen. Do you want the silkiest, most luxurious sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers in the whole world in a variety of sophisticated colors, delivered straight to your door? Of course you do! Get a whopping 20% off and free shipping at Brooklinen.com, and be sure to use promo code chair. There’s even a risk-free 60-night satisfaction guarantee and lifetime warranty on all sheets and comforters! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair, it’s a very special episode of Mightier Than the Sword. Steph and I recorded this on Steph’s actual 40th birthday. Because it is such a landmark occasion, I agreed to let her surprise me, which meant playing a game that Steph’s been obsessed with of late. Basically, it’s a toned-down philosophical version of “Would You Rather.” Steph poses questions that have us pondering some weighty choices relative to age, mortality, incarceration, and purple feathers vs. pink fur. We also ask you, dear listeners, to belatedly celebrate Steph’s b-day by writing to us with your own Would You Rathers at [email protected]. Any and all submissions will be read on our next podcast. Promise! We want to hear from you. And as Steph says, keep it clean. Today’s episode is brought to you by RXBAR. If you haven’t tried these protein-packed energy bars, made from authentic ingredients like egg whites, nuts, organic cocoa and dates, you don’t know what you’re missing. RXBAR calls BS on non-transparency and unnecessary additives and the result is uniquely delicious. For 25% off your first order, visit rxbar.com/chair and enter promo code CHAIR at checkout. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair: It’s a reprise of last summer’s “What’s Next,” a cryptic progressive tale brimming with intrigue and hilarity. After their beloved cat Ringo turns up decapitated on their front porch, Allison and Nick flee to a remote lake house. Allison dreams of a sparkly life of lakeside ease while Nick longs to ramp up their “business” in Chicago … or maybe he just wants to fulfill his dream of becoming a dentist. This story has it all: a pontoon boat full of twerking hot cops, champagne burps, and a coveted peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The story was written/read by the following folks on vacation in Nantucket in the following order: Me, spouse Sam, daughter Hannah, Hannah’s fabulous friend and business partner Melissa Stern, son Jake, daughters Rachael, Sarah, and Eliza, Jake’s stunner of a fiancée Jillian Vogel, and finally, baby of the family, son Micah. Words cannot express how deeply I adore this episode. I am replaying What’s Next in honor of son Jake’s wedding to his lovely Jill this very week. It felt fitting. Plus, it’s an awesome episode. Plus, it gave me some extra time to kvell. Enjoy, and I’ll be back next week. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it’s a relaxed return to Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Steph Spaulding. This week Steph and I share our reading list summer picks. Here’s the context: the weather is hot, the air is heavy, and if you’re like us, you don’t feel like moving. You might consider this the perfect time to pick up a good read (and to this listen to podcast!) Steph’s top choice is a work of historical non-fiction, and mine is good ol’ literary fiction. We both weigh in. And just so you know…the heat has made me a bit more laissez-faire than usual, so I didn’t edit this episode as aggressively as I am generally inclined. You’ll feel like you’re in the room. I hope you’ll join us! Questions, comments, insights- direct to [email protected]. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it’s Heart to Heart, with my wonderful and wise co-host Jane Gross. This week we take on a difficult subject: heartbreak. It’s something most of us go must through, and Jane offers some ideas on how to successfully navigate the challenge of ending a relationship. Our conversation leads us to discuss ways to enter into a relationship with a healthy sense of boundaries and expectations. This is one episode that is truly empowering for those in the throes of the end of a relationship, and Jane offers some great strategies for staying strong, positive, and ultimately, happily independent. Tune in! And questions, insights, comments- please contact us at [email protected].  We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair, just sit back and let me read you a classic short story: “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant. When the wife of a lowly clerk is invited to a fancy ball, she complains that she has no jewels to wear. When her husband suggests she borrow a necklace from a wealthy friend, it seems like an excellent idea, until...well, listen in and find out what happens next in this tale of vanity, envy, pride, and assumption. It's a return to the good old days! I love reading y'all a story. This week’s episode is brought to you by Ritual, the once daily subscription vitamin that I am absolutely committed to. The vast majority of women don’t get the recommended amount of nutrients from diet alone. Ritual brilliantly fills in the gap. Go to ritual.com/easychair and order yours today. Your body will thank you for it! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it’s Mightier Than the Sword! Steph and I talk about “Nanette”- the Netflix comedy special by Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby. If you haven’t seen it, OMG DO, and also, listen to us discuss just how groundbreaking it is. Gadsby does not give us a conventional stand-up comedy, but an intensely personal storytelling blending humor and pathos and spot-on social commentary. We are continuing our exploration of censorship, specifically of the female voice, and Gadsby’s singularly poignant show seemed to fit right into our shared hopeful view that maybe as a comedy audience- and a societ- we are finally willing to listen to stories, not just laugh at punchlines. Any questions, observations, stuff you’d like to add, please write to us at [email protected]. We aren’t joking when we say we want to hear from you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: It's “Heart to Heart” with co-host Jane Gross. This is an incisive and, okay, radical conversation about what made Donald Trump Donald Trump. Jane, who knows her stuff when it comes to her long-time profession puts on her psychologist hat to connect the dots between Trump the emotionally stunted child to Trump the world-class narcissist acting out from a place of unique power on an international stage. What are we supposed to learn from this man, and this moment in history? The conclusion Jane draws is at once scary and empowering. Tune in to a very different, very honest, very important episode. My sponsor this week is Quip, the portable electric toothbrush that travels seamlessly (example: this past week, I’ve taken mine to Maine, California, and New York) and is all about best brushing practices. To get your first scheduled refill free, just head over to getquip.com/easychair. I’m a committed quip user, and once you try it, you will be, too. As always, questions, comments, concerns: email me at [email protected]. Unless you’re a rabid Trump troll or Russian hacker, we want to hear from you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: “The Telltale Heart,” the classic twisted Victorian psychological thriller by Edgar Allen Poe. This story has been scaring the wits out of readers since it was first published in 1843. When the narrator of events insists to you that he’s not mad, there’s a pretty strong possibility that he is quite mad, indeed. This story of obsession, premeditation, gruesome murder and unbearable paranoia has stood the test of time- and I promise it will keep you riveted, whether or not you’re hearing it for the first time. Personally, I have so much fun when I go back to the classic Easy Chair storytelling format, where I get to simply read you a brilliant piece of writing. I hope you can grab 15 minutes to turn up the A.C., sit back, and listen to this sinister tale by the master of the macabre. Questions, thoughts, suggestions … please send ‘em my way at [email protected]. And congratulations to Easy Chair alum Danny Stone, who just landed a wise and fortunate agent to represent him in the literary marketplace. Not an easy feat, but Danny, I'm not surprised. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: another episode of Heart to Heart, healing wisdom for creative souls, with co-host, artist, licensed therapist, and dear friend Jane Gross. Sometimes we are unwitting recipients of unanticipated negative reactions. From fielding angry emails and hurtful texts to facing the jerk who screams at you as you try your best to merge into traffic, we sometimes must confront negativity that blindsides us. What if the first reaction was calm, rather than frantic? Jane has some great tips on how to cultivate our ability to step back, rather than lash out, to sit with upset, rather than immediately push it away. Jane and I have both been working on this in our own lives with varying degrees of success, and we share our experiences with the knowledge that owning our reactions is not only the best way forward, it offers tremendous opportunity for growth. It’s always laugh-filled and enlightening when Jane and I collaborate. Tune in! This week’s episode is brought to you by Ritual, the once-daily subscription vitamin that is seamlessly and conveniently delivered straight to your door. I have been taking Ritual for the past three months and I have literally never felt better. Find out for yourself by visiting ritual.com/easychair. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it’s another clear and honest episode of Mightier Than the Sword, the advice podcast for writers, readers, and people who may just be wondering what me and co-host Steph Spaulding have on our minds. Today, an email from a listener has us talking about censorship. It's a complicated topic. Do we, as female writers, self-censor before even putting our work out there? Is there a double standard for women and men, when it comes to being judged on the creative work we produce? From Samantha Bee to Roseanne Barr, women have said what’s on their minds, but often at great cost. For a serious topic, Steph and I manage to laugh a lot. Still. This is a writerly conversation that affects us all. Any insights, questions, opinions…c’mon, guys, we want to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected]. This week’s episode is brought to you by the best, sleekest, smartest electric toothbrush in the entire universe- Quip. Just head over to getquip.com/easychair and get your first refill pack FREE with a Quip electric toothbrush. Your happy, healthy mouth will thank you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it’s Heart to Heart, healing wisdom for the creative soul, with co-host Jane Gross. Today’s episode has many things to offer: an exploration of arguably what we humans crave more than anything. Jane’s answer might surprise you, just like it did me: I would have guessed love. What’s your guess? Tune in to find out Jane’s answer. Also, Jane takes listeners on an off-the-cuff guided meditation that is genuinely effective in helping to attain that aforementioned thing we humans want above all else. Please join me and Jane for a free-wheeling episode filled with self-discovery, insight, and laughter. Any questions, insights, or opinions for me or Jane? Email us at [email protected]. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week: “The Gift of the Magi” is a classic short story by O Henry. This small gem is generally considered a Christmas story as well as an iconic example of comic irony. I would challenge the limits of these labels. This story about love and sacrifice is relevant for any time of year, and the lessons it imparts are not tied to one faith. While O. Henry certainly uses elements of both comedy and irony, his story tells what it means to love and sacrifice, and champions the notion that what really, really matters in this world can't be bought or sold. This has been a week that could use some tender loving care, and reading this story on the podcast felt, to me, like the most magical gift I could think of for you, my listeners. Enjoy. Questions? Comments? Do you have a short story you’d like to share on the podcast? Write to me at [email protected] . I would love to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The week's episode: Bad Neighbor, Part 2, by author Deborah Zervas. This culmination of Deborah’s story is intense and provocative. This fiction is a cautionary tale about how the power people living side by side have to both create and destroy community. If you ever wonder what might downshift an altruist into a vengeful misanthrope, well, pay attention to the unraveling of the narrator as she recounts the intrusions and annoyances she endures at the hands of her neighbors, and see if you can determine her moral tipping point. Will just desserts be served? Tune in and find out. This week’s episode is brought to you by Quip, the iPhone of electric toothbrushes, designed with the health of your mouth in mind! I love my Quip. It’s designed to make brushing more effective. It’s also sleek, portable, and super affordable. Also, if you go to getquip.com/easychair, you get your first replacement brush free! It’s enough to put- and keep!- a radiantly healthy smile on your face! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: I welcome back returning guest author Deborah Zervas for part one of her two-part story, Bad Neighbor. What does it mean to be a good neighbor? Perhaps a more relevant (and story-specific) question is, what does it take to make a bad neighbor? The narrator in this wry fictional tale is, like Deborah Zervas herself, a Midwest transplant to a Northeast city. She was raised with regional rules of civility, but a series of unfortunate neighbors seem hellbent on disabusing her of that idealistic notion. Deborah’s story follows an atypical (for The Easy Chair, at least) downward trajectory. It is by turns shocking and hilarious. Peeping Toms and tree Nazis, you’re on notice! Whether you’re appalled or laughing like crazy, you’re going to love listening to this story, and you will not want to miss part two next week. Questions, insights, anything at all, contact me at [email protected]. I want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I have been a long time planning the wedding for my daughter, Rachael. Guess what? The wedding is THIS WEEKEND. Yay, and YIKES. I needed something funny and light to read, since I didn't have time to write anything, so I settled on the hilarious “I Like You” by the hilarious Amy Sedaris. Today, I share some passages from her how to hostess book that are irreverent yet practical. How to be a guest. How to entertain guests. How to get rid of guests. Basically, it’s everything you need to know about planning a successful gathering of people. I desperately needed some snarky practical advice from a woman who does not take herself too seriously. I like you, too, Amy Sedaris, and so will all of you listeners. Wish me luck! If all goes well, I’ll be back next week with an original short story for you. If all doesn’t go well, I’ll still be back with an original story for you. Thanks for listening. Any questions, criticisms, insights, anything at all, contact me at [email protected]. I like you, and would like even more to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Steph and I are back with Mightier Than the Sword. Our topic: the difference between writing and storytelling. I step out of my comfortable narrative distance to tell a very difficult true story. Two weeks ago, I was the victim of a sexual assault. The ways people- from friends and neighbors to law enforcement- reacted to my story made me realize that I may be a decent writer, but I am not a reliable storyteller. Steph and I talk about how women who have been victimized often detach from their feelings in order to relate a traumatic event. This is not your typical MTTS. What was a tough episode to record is an important episode to tune into. Take a listen, and if you have anything you’d like to weigh in on, get in touch with us at [email protected]. This week’s episode is brought to you by Quip, the world’s smartest wireless toothbrush. It’s lightweight, cordless, sleek and awesome. Just think of it as the iPhone of toothbrushes. When it comes to oral hygiene, Quip is a game-changer. Check it out at getquip.com/easychair. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's episode: "Hills Like White Elephants." This classic short story by Earnest Hemingway is widely considered most striking for everything that is revealed in the things are left unsaid. A man and a woman are waiting for the train to Barcelona. It is a hot afternoon. They are drinking beer at a bar and talking about the landscape, the weather, and whether or not the woman should have an abortion. Nothing is actually said about this last detail, but Hemingway’s inference is as heavy as the still, hot afternoon air of the café, and his spare style allows the reader (or listener) to fill in the gaps, leaving to our imagination to resolve the deliberately open ending. This may be a short short story, but it is complex, as well as exquisitely crafted. Tune in and be transported! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s a return to the old format, only instead of fiction I’m reading a witty social commentary by the inimitable humorist/social critic Fran Lebowitz. Lebowitz, author of Metropolitan Life and Social Studies, has been writing about what makes people and life annoying since the early seventies. My favorite Lebowitz quote: “The opposite of talking isn’t listening. The opposite of talking is waiting.” Her essay, “Writing: A Life Sentence,” is a textbook example of Lebowitz’s sardonic style. Professional and aspiring writers will see themselves and their career arcs in this essay. Join me as I read Lebowitz's deftly hilarious, biting assessment of the writer's life from cradle to grave. Any questions, insights? PLEASE direct them to me at [email protected]. For real. I would love to hear from you. Listen up! Shameless plug! Cookies and listening to podcasts are the perfect pairing. Want chocolate chip cookies to die for? Multigrain shortbread that’ll knock your socks off? I got ‘em. Just visit jakesmomscookies.com and order them today! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it’s Heart to Heart, healing wisdom for all of us humans, with co-host Jane Gross. This week Jane takes on the topic of asking for and accepting support from trusted sources. Getting help can be challenging for those, like yours truly and Jane, who generally find themselves in the helper role. Asking for help is, in fact, a vulnerable and brave thing to do. As with many of our best Heart to Heart convos, Jane and I start down a path with no planned destination, so the fact that this podcast turned out to be both enlightening and useful was the very best kind of surprise. Please join us for a uniquely special episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, another fabulous episode of Mightier Than the Sword! Steph and I stay on last time's topic: travel writing. Steph reads her succinct, distinctly humorous reflection on her recent trip to Paris (here's an example: “The Eiffel Tower: I like it.”). I admit it: I slacked on my assignment to write something fresh about my recent travel experience to Norway, but I did rummage through my bookshelves to find a piece I wrote years ago for a coffee table book about the Cayman Islands and an inspiring woman I met there named Miss Winnie. Steph and I also talk about travel vlogging (On the Road With Darwin, are you listening?). This is a super fun episode, and we hope you’ll join us. We also hope you’ll write to us at [email protected] with some travel stories of your own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week: “In the Field." Returning guest author Deborah Zervas reads three vignettes about time spent in remote places. Her experience of the wild's simultaneous profound connectivity and separation inform her writing, and her words transport us from of the everyday home and comfort zone to magical terra incognita. It should be noted that during this episode Charlie, my newly-adopted Westie, is curled under our feet, listening avidly to Deb’s recounting, especially when she gets to the part about being pulled by a canine pack on a dogsled into Canada. For those of you craving more of Deb’s work, visit muse.deborahzervas.com to uncover a unique motherlode of creative brilliance. And hey- what could be better than a thick, fabulously rich multigrain shortbread square along with a cup of tea on a cool spring day? Answer: nothing. For this this month only, you can go to jakesmomscookies.com and order up some of my dear friend and talented guest baker Lesley Rowe’s “Not Your Grandmother’s Shortbread.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s Mightier Than the Sword, Travel Edition! Steph and I are back from trips to Europe- Paris for Steph, and Bergen, Norway for me. We share snippets from our journeys, plus advice about travel writing in general. Whether promoting a travel destination or simply journaling, travel writing is challenging. Total immersion in new experience requires living in the moment, as opposed to taking notes. What makes for successful travel writing? We opine, and bust a few myths while we’re at it. If you have a travel story or writing tip to share, email us at [email protected], and we’ll put it out there! We mean it when we say we want to hear from you! This week’s episode is brought to you by Ritual. I’m not only a Ritual spokesperson, I’m a dedicated Ritual subscriber! Ritual vitamins contain the 9 essential ingredients that most women don’t get from their diets alone. Since taking Ritual, I have more consistent energy throughout the day and sleep better at night. Just go to ritual.com/EASYCHAIR. You’ll see what I mean. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: it’s another enlightening episode of Heart to Heart, healing wisdom for creative souls and, well, everyone. This week my co-host Jane Gross joins me to talk about taking on the challenges of unwanted change. Our discussion is rooted in the work Jane does as a therapist and healer. Our first reaction when facing unwanted change (often involving anger and blame) can be examined, rather than rejected, or even simply muddled through. Unwanted changes come up for all of us, and Jane offers some great strategies for turning angst-filled challenges into opportunities to learn and grow. For anyone going through upheaval, this episode is definitely one you don’t want to miss. If you have questions for us, or insights to share, contact us at [email protected]. Jane and I want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair, “The Red Shoes.” This folk story was one I read obsessively when I was young. I was fascinated by it, though the morality lesson it imparts (that vanity is a cardinal sin, punishable by … amputation?!) is honestly gross and horrifying. I decided to share it with you: an old-school fairy tale about Karen, the pretty adopted daughter of a kind-hearted old lady. Karen covets a princess’s footwear, which is where her problems begin. Along the way is an angel, a creepy soldier, and of course, the executioner, all of which will make you think long and hard before buying a pair of red shoes. Join me for a cautionary tale you will find both quaint and disturbing. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, Steph and I host a Mightier Than the Sword that will turn you around. Dynamic guest motivational author, Shawn Anderson, has inspired people all over the world with his “extra mile” message. He shows by example—pedaling across the U.S. twice, walking across England, Ireland, Japan, Spain, and Portugal, and sparking connections and creating adventures in 40 plus countries around the globe. He is six (soon to be seven) times published, and, if you’re anything like me and Steph, you’ll find his positive message about living your best life deeply inspiring. Shawn shares accounts of two of his favorite on-the-road encounters—one with an Amish grandfather named Eli, and the other with a guy who calls himself Jamaican Snoop Dogg. Those wanting to learn more about Shawn and Extra Mile Mission, go to http://www.shawnanderson.com/. This podcast is guaranteed to move you. And wait! There’s more! Today’s episode is brought to you by Ritual, daily vitamins for women that are simple, effective, and backed by real science. I am coming off a 21-day challenge to make these vitamins part of my ritual every morning, and I feel different—stronger, more energetic—than I did three weeks ago. Just go to ritual.com/easychair to start your month subscription. I did! Finally, a special nod to Yusef Islam, a.k.a. Cat Stevens. At the top of the show is his lovely instrumental lead-in to the song “On the Road to Find Out.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair, it’s another episode of Heart to Heart, healing wisdom for creative souls, with my co-host, Jane Gross. Jane, who is by trade(s) an artist and a healer, addresses a subject that I (and most of us) struggle with: finding compassion. I share an anecdote from my stress-filled, travel-filled past couple of weeks, in which an airline glitch and surly gate agent are the straws that break this camel’s back. Jane offers some calming wisdom for anxious, reactive moments such as these. The two things that are most often jettisoned in tense situations are serenity and perspective, and Jane’s wise advice will help you regain yours in the times you are struggling to hang on. Join us for a conversation that hums with Jane’s trademark insight, honesty, and warmth. And hold on...try my fabulous Jake's Mom's chocolate chip Cookies! On sale this month, 10% off. Just visit jakesmomcookies.com and enter the offer code Mama at checkout. Satisfaction guaranteed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week’s episode has me and Steph once again joining writerly forces on Mightier Than the Sword, where we discuss beginnings. Steph savors them. I belabor them. We talk about ways for writers to approach their starting places, and we share some of our all-time favorite first sentences. Steph dazzles with some pretty impressive memorized recitation. We talk about beginnings as springboards and catalysts, and beginnings as dead-ends. Simple truth: a strong beginning determines marketability and overall success. Then, we offer a challenge: craft an awesome opening sentence! Email us at [email protected] and if we declare you the winner, I will personally ship you a dozen fabulous Jake’s Mom’s Chocolate Chip Cookies. You can’t pass this up. And … speaking of Jake’s Mom’s Cookies—try some for a whopping 10% off! Just head over to jakesmomscookies.com, order a classic dozen cookies, baked fresh and delivered pronto, by entering the promo code Mama at checkout. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair: “The Child Who Loved Roads” by Norwegian author Cora Sandel. Physiology dictates that all mortals must age, but is it possible to not grow old? I believe it is, and so does the protagonist in this charming short story. Behind her are the voices of The Adults, telling her to slow down, to be practical, while ahead of her beckons the open road, the fresh air, and the stories in her head. This wistful, enchanting tale of youth is perfect for curling up under a comforter with a cup of tea. Settle in and savor this small gem told in the classic fictional Easy Chair style. And, if you have a story you’d like me to consider for the podcast, please, send it along to [email protected]. I will read it. Absolutely. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, on The Easy Chair: “Before and After,” by returning guest author Deborah Zervas, who shares her artfully crafted essay about the calling into being of her New Haven home. For years Deb and her husband Bruce have worked mindfully on their house. While windows and aluminum siding were being replaced, a blueprint of what defines them, tangible and intangible, materialized. Renovation proved to be an undertaking of hand, eye, intellect, and soul. This podcast is about real estate not to be flipped, but lived in; cherished, with reverence for the past, joy in the present, and room for the future. Deb’s exploration of the concept of home, lasting and transitory, will stay with you for a long time. Listeners wanting a glimpse of the house (and a dive into more of her insightful prose), go to her website MUSE @ https://muse.deborahzervas.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: It’s Mightier Than the Sword, and Steph and I take things Writing Advice 101 with A LIST OF USEFUL, PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WORKING WRITERS. If you are a professional feeling less than inspired by the prose you are compelled to generate for work, you might want to try out these tried and true strategies, curated by Steph and endorsed and implemented by both of us. These methods are guaranteed to banish writer’s block and writing performance ennui. We also get to talk about Maria Bamford, chaperoning high school dances, and the size of rhino poop. Tune in; it will all make sense! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the podcast: Heart to Heart, healing wisdom for creative souls. Are you feeling as unsettled/anxious as we are? Today, Jane Gross and I explore this existential phenomenon. Pervasive un-ease seems rampant. Jane puts a more positive spin on upheaval. What if things need to be shaken up, so we can better examine the hard truths that rise to the surface? Jane offers strategies to handle stress and negativity. I know I felt better after trying one of Jane’s suggestions during the podcast. Join us for an honest and open talk about living through and thriving despite these challenging times. And, to those of you looking to find Jane online, visit http://www.paintingfromtheheart.org. This podcast is guaranteed to inspire you to rethink, re-center, and refresh. You are going to love our latest Easy Chair sponsor. BARKBOX is all about doggie love! They deliver once-a-month curated dog treats for dogs and dog lovers in your life. Just go to www.barkbox.com/CHAIR for one month free with your first six-month subscription! Side note here: my favorite canine, Beamer, got his Barkbox delivered yesterday. His tail is still wagging. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it’s yet another fabulous Mightier Than the Sword with co-host Stephanie Spaulding! This week, we’re talking about the flu epidemic, specifically that thoughtless jerk at the gym who insists on working out while hacking germs everywhere, and, most relevant to our writing-centered podcast, Mary Sues. In literary terms, a “Mary Sue” is the perfect female character. She is so beautiful she’s desired by all men and so smart everyone respects her opinion. She enters the narrative essentially without flaws and emerges unchanged and triumphant. It’s often said when a book features a Mary Sue the author is fulfilling a wish by inserting a character based on herself. Stephanie and I discuss the limited and arguable pros and multiple cons of this type of character, whether reading about them or writing them. And just so you know, gender doesn’t discriminate: along with Mary Sues, there are Larry Stews. We’d love to hear what you think of this persistent literary trope, and anything else you have on your mind. C'mon! Email us at [email protected] to weigh in! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair: “Family” with guest writer Deborah Zervas. Deb recently launched her bi-monthly e magazine, Muse (https://muse.deborahzervas.com ) and here, she reads two moving pieces from the current issue. Both “Kin” and “Love Letter” are loosely but intimately connected by the common thread of family. Deb’s writing is the perfect ratio of lyrical to analytical, and in these essays she eloquently examines the microcosms and macrocosms of familial connection. “Kin” is about Iceland and its natives, and how this island's family links through shared geography and worldview. “Love Letter” is for Printha, a young neighbor whose joyful presence in Deb’s life underscores what it means to be a parent, even (maybe especially) to Deb, a woman who made a conscious choice not to be one. Few things are more fascinating than family, and this podcast is proof. Tune in! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair, “The Composition,” a short story by Chilean author Antonio Skarmeta. The story begins on one sunny spring day, when Pedro’s thoughts are on getting to school on time for once and scoring a goal in soccer in the afternoon neighborhood soccer game. Then, at the game, Pedro's friend Daniel’s father is arrested by the military junta because he is a leftist. The thing is, Pedro’s parents are leftists, too. When Captain Romo, a government officer, shows up one morning at Pedro’s school and assigns the class compositions intended to reveal parental antifascist political beliefs, with a prize going to the best (most revelatory) composition, Pedro puts his pen to paper. He really, really wants a new soccer ball. This is my kind of snow day: cozy inside and the chance to read this winsome, suspenseful narrative about what happens when the innocence of childhood faces the duplicity of oppression. Tune in! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s episode of The Easy Chair, part two of “How to Survive the Storm” with my guest Lucy Gellman. This is the second half of a podcast dedicated to journalism, social justice, and the importance of faith communities. A fellow New Havenite, gifted writer, probing reporter, deft radio show host, and ardent social activist, Lucy has seen first-hand the resilience of our city’s neighborhoods. Her journalistic work provides clear insight into congregations shaped by shared challenges and conviction. Questions arise. What is Lucy’s perceived role, as a reporter? What moves her to uncover the need so many of us have to keep the communal faith? This is the perfect uplifting podcast to usher in the New Year with renewed clarity and purpose. I promise Lucy’s words will inspire you. Tune in! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today’s episode: It’s Mightier Than the Sword, Holiday Edition! Sit back and snuggle up to me and Steph exuding warm, cozy holiday spirit. We share with you our favorite holiday memories, books, and movies, ranging from predictable to sentimental to surprising. Holiday traditions come down to what we hold on to, and what we let go. We’ve let go of a lot, including our most previous episode’s write a poem a day challenge. We both dropped the ball after one sad attempt, but that’s okay. What we have here is a relaxed convo about the magic of Santa, the challenges and dearness of family, and who plays the best Ebenezer Scrooge. Tune in! This week’s sponsor is ZOLA, the wedding website that will do anything for love! If there’s a wedding in your future, head over to Zola.com/easychair for $50.00 off your registry. You heard right. Check it out, and fall head-over-heels with the wedding website dedicated to LOVE. Zola. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair, “How to Survive the Storm.” I am joined by local vibrant and super brilliant reporter/radio show host/social activist Lucy Gellman. Lucy takes listeners to Varick Memorial AME Zion Church, a 199 year-old Black church in our mutual hometown of New Haven, Connecticut, where Pastor Kelcy Steele leads his joyful congregation. His sermon on this particular day, "How to Survive the Storm", is as much about facing the struggles of daily life in the neighborhood as it is about keeping religious faith. This is the first of a two-part podcast that explores what faith communities mean to cities like New Haven. It’s a compelling, thoughtful look at the way one man and one congregation unite to potentially transform a neighborhood. It’s a very special Easy Chair episode, perfect for the season, and for these challenging times. Tune in! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it’s Heart to Heart, the podcast offering healing wisdom for creative souls, with wonderful and wise co-host Jane Gross! At holiday time, things tend to get busy. Along with the festivities and traditions come stress and anxiety. Jane and I talk about ways to decompress, breathe deeply, and take everything down a notch. Why not savor, as opposed to struggling though, the holiday season? Jane has something radical and paradigm-shifting to say about gift-giving. If you are feeling overwhelmed, overwrought, or just plain over the holidays, you owe it to yourself to tune in. This week’s sponsor: Hello Fresh! It’s the meal delivery service that makes it so anyone (even me) can whip up fabulous meals the whole family will love, be they vegetarians, meat maven, or kids, using whole ingredients and simple yet stunning recipes so you can create chef-worthy meals in your home kitchen. Check out hellofresh.com and use promo code easychair30 for $30 off your first week! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it’s a fabulous new episode of Mightier Than the Sword! Steph Spaulding and I are talking poetry. What are the differences between writing prose and writing poetry? Steph bravely shares two original poems, one involving an Etch-a-Sketch, the other, her birth control pills. I am not that confident a poet, so I read a personal favorite with a very overt connection to The Easy Chair podcast. Steph and I talk about our writing relationship to poetry, both in our pasts (earnest and embarrassing) and our presents, which would seem to be equally earnest but less angst-filled and better crafted. It’s a fun exploration of the writing form we both try on for size from time to time. Join us for this lively and as always, disarmingly honest, discussion. The Easy Chair has two awesome sponsors! First is LOLA, makers of all-natural organic delivered straight to your door feminine care products. For 60% off your first order, just use the promo code CHAIR. Then, there’s StoryWorth, the company that’s the created the perfect gift for that storyteller in your life. Go to storyworth.com/easychair for $20.00 off your subscription. I’ve already designated my holiday season StoryWorth recipient… See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's episode: It's Heart to Heart, healing wisdom for the creative soul! Co-host Jane Gross and I discuss the world of difference between what feeds the ego and what nourishes the soul. Awareness is a starting place, but this work requires mindful strategy. Jane walks us through her process. Speaking from my own perspective as a writer and a woman, it is very easy to work from a place of depletion. The challenge is to find the mutually beneficial energy exchange we strike when we understand that by serving our own needs, we better serve others. Not only does it sound appealing; self-care provides a practical solution to the tapped out feeling that makes the work of creativity an uphill slog, rather than the joy it should be. This week’s sponsor is Hello Fresh! Make your meals at home with these fun, easy to follow recipes, using the freshest, most delicious ingredients delivered right to your door! Head on over the Hellofresh.com and use the offer code easychair30 for $30 off your first order. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it’s Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Steph Spaulding. For all of you writers out there, Steph tells about her experience self-publishing, and offers advice and insight. One Tough Cupcake, Steph’s collection of short stories, is hot off the press, and Steph takes a walk through the process from start to finish, from unexpected stumbling blocks to abundant rewards. Steph also reads my favorite excerpt from her story “Buzz Cut.” This episode is both entertaining and informative. Fans of Steph’s fiction should go to Amazon and pick up a copy of her eye-catching, magical collection of heartfelt and hilarious stories. The holidays are coming, and this book makes a lovely gift for anyone who loves a good read. This week, The Easy Chair played host to two awesome sponsors: Zola, the wedding registry site with absolutely everything for planning your big day and beyond, and Lovepop, makers of the cards that double as works of art. To all of you out there planning your wedding: head over to Zola and use the offer code Zola.com/easychair, for $50 toward your registry. And, why not give a Lovepop card to someone you love? Check out Lovepop.com/easychair and get a discount code and free shipping! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lost in the Woods. Yes, like The Easy Chair theme song, guest writer Philip Bennett was lost in the woods, specifically the Adirondacks, though not, as it turned out, for long. This is the story of the afternoon that Philip, a lifelong hiker, got lost in the wilderness without cell phone reception, a map, or a clearly marked trail, but with a potentially catastrophic heart condition. A few hours spent facing one’s mortality changes a person in unexpected ways. Philip’s unintended adventure holds a host of life-affirming insights. I guarantee Philip’s unique voice (gentle, witty, wry) will draw you in and make you think about what it really means to be alive, and human. This week’s Easy Chair sponsor is Squarespace! To check out how aesthetically gorgeous and seamlessly functional a Squarespace website can be, check out my own jakesmomscookies.com. Turn your idea into the next big thing on Squarespace.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grab a cup of tea, pull up a comfy chair, and tune in to the very first episode of Heart to Heart on The Easy Chair! This monthly feature is an ongoing unfolding conversation between my truest self- a far-from-slick creative type just doing her best to stay afloat- and my dear friend Jane, by trade and calling a healer, artist, and one of the wisest people I know. Heart to Heart is all about the journey, and in our maiden voyage podcast Jane begins with a guided meditation, which leads to a discussion about our inner small person, deliberate distractions, loneliness, and laughing in yoga class. If you crave getting to know your spiritual and creative side, Heart to Heart is the podcast for you. If you’d like to get in touch with me or Jane to ask questions, offer insights, or share your stories, please email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you. This week’s episode is brought to you by Squarespace. I use Squarespace for my own ecommerce website (check out jakesmomscookies.com!) because it is visually stunning, intuitive, plus, I get tech support 24/7. MAKE IT HAPPEN on Squarespace! Just use the offer code EASYCHAIR for 10% off your first website or domain. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, on The Easy Chair: Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Steph Spaulding. Steph and I are all about #metoo. We have much to discuss, from first-hand harassment, the strange paralysis of the pivotal calling-out moment, and the importance of standing up and speaking out regardless. We talk Harvey Weinstein, Woody Allen’s defense of Harvey Weinstein, and Lindy West’s brilliant, scorching feminist takedown of both. Call it a focused, thoughtful, and brutally honest rant. We may not name names, but we both really want to, and we’re working on it. If you have something you’d like to add to this timely conversation, please email us at [email protected]. Steph and I will be delighted to share your views (even if they don’t align with ours!) on our next podcast. Next week is the intrepid launch of a new feature: Heart to Heart, a once a month sit-down with friend and artist/healer Jane Gross. Together, we explore the interface between heart and creativity. If you’re like me, navigating the creative life generates more questions than answers, which is where Jane comes in. She offers insight gleaned from experience and intuition, plus some practical tools for living an abundantly creative life. And hey! We have a new awesome sponsor! Hello Fresh, the fabulous fresh food delivery service! You get everything you need to create a fabulous fresh dinner start to finish delivered straight to your door. Get cooking using whole, real, fresh ingredients, that come pre-measured and with step by step instructions. Just use the offer code easychair30 for $30 off your first delivery! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: With fall upon us, get cozy and take a listen to this tale full of hilariously histrionic domestic confusion. “Margot, Sheila, and Fat Barbie” by Mightier Than the Sword co-host Steph Spaulding is about the juggling act of modern-day family life. Lawyer Margot, a warrior for social justice, is married to stay-at-home spouse Sheila, who spends her days ISO happiness and identity. Their family includes Molly, Sheila’s daughter from her first marriage to stoic, kindhearted Joe, and Leo, Margot’s son by serial sperm donor Franco. In this story, the focus is on Mattel’s "groundbreaking" product line: Fat Barbie. To buy, or not to buy? That is the question! This story will make you laugh out loud while pondering some complicated cultural truths. Next week, I will be launching a new feature: Heart to Heart, a once a month sit-down with friend and therapist/healer Jane Gross. Together, we explore the interface between heart and art. If you’re like me, navigating the artistic life generates more questions than answers, which is where Jane comes in. She offers insight gleaned from experience and intuition, plus some practical tools for living an abundantly creative life. As always, any questions or thoughts you’d like to share with me, Steph, or Jane can be directed to [email protected]. This week’s episode is brought to you by Squarespace.com. Make your website one hundred percent radiantly your own with Squarespace. Want proof? Check out jakesmomscookies.com and see what I mean! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, on Mightier Than the Sword, Steph and I talk about letters. Letters have a long and newly relevant (we’ve got a letter story that resonates with a modern political scandal) history, as Steph reveals. From self-expression to storytelling, letters are revealing and informative, and we are fervently hoping our listeners will share their letters with us! In this podcast I also read a snarkily hilarious string of faux letters by author Libba Bray. Writers everywhere will laugh along as they feel her pain. This episode is for lovers of classical history and modern humor. Tune in. And please, write to us at [email protected] with questions, insights, observations…we mean it when we say we want to hear from you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair: “True To Your Heart” with my very special guest Jane Gross. Jane is an artist, writer, and practitioner of heart-healing. Jane’s approach to all she does aligns with her essential nature: gentle and fearless. In her two spoken pieces, Jane lyrically traces a path to resilience that is accessible to all, and her words shine with grace and truth. For me, it was a gift to record this unique Easy Chair episode. Our conversation examines the struggles we humans share and celebrates the courage it takes to face our inner and outer naysayers on our way to positive growth and transformation. Tune in to this awesome episode. It will change you. For all of you folks out there seeking to know more about Jane and her visionary work, go to http://www.paintingfromthe heart.org/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, on Mightier Than the Sword: co-host Steph Spaulding drops by crazy early on a Saturday morning to talk about the novels we just finished reading. Commonalities: we are both wearing pajamas and we both loved our books except for the endings, which leads to a discussion of endings in general, and how, for writers everywhere, constructing a good ending is one of the greatest challenges. What are the elements of a good ending? Why are good endings so hard to write? Are sequels proof that writers and readers alike resist endings? Speaking of endings, how will we end the podcast? Tune in to find out! Listeners out there: write to us with your favorite book, movie, or television series ending at [email protected]. We will happily share your endings on the next MTTS. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: It’s another epic episode of Mightier Than the Sword, the advice podcast for writers! Co-host Stephanie Spaulding and I welcome returning fellow writer Deborah Zervas, who is poised to launch her blog ( http://muse.deborahzervas.com ). Deborah is a designer and artist as well as talented creative and technical writer and deep thinker, so she is not one to just slap a blog up and hope for the best. When it comes to the process of building a blog, Deb leaves no stone unturned, and in this episode Deb walks us through her method. It’s interesting, informative, and as always when the three of us get together, lively. Join us for this episode dedicated to all things blog. And, as always: any questions or insights, shoot them our way at [email protected]. We mean it when we say we want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it’s Shoulda Swiped Left with Hannah and Jake. This is their final SSL podcast. For the last time on The Easy Chair they discuss Hannah’s on-line and current old-school matchmaker dating life. It’s the sweetest, funniest, most self-aware episode ever. Fact: I am going to miss this monthly podcast so much. For me, it was a chance to hear my wonderful kids speaking to each other openly and publicly about love and the unsinkable hope of finding it, through chance or technology. I got to know both Hannah and Jake in a different way, and one thing that I take away from the experience is the mutual respect and kindheartedness of their relationship. If you, like me, hate to see their conversations end, write to me at [email protected] suggestions for alternative directions Hannah and Jake might take. Travel? Politics? Any and all ideas are welcome. Next week: It's Mightier Than the Sword where Steph Spaulding and I take on how to start a blog with special guest and blog creator in progress Deborah Zervas. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair, it’s another awesome episode of Mightier Than the Sword with co-host Steph Spaulding. This week Steph picked our topic: side hustles. From gigs like editing to being a writing coach, writing-related gigs can be great side hustles, especially when we writers have demanding day jobs like teaching and starting up a cookie business. Not a whole lot of writers can make ends meet by writing, so this episode is dedicated to what we do to support and even invigorate our creative work. Steph and I discuss side hustles from a variety of perspectives, and we offer up our stories of successful side hustle gigs and time-wasting scams. If you have a side hustle story you’d like to share, or some side hustle advice you’d like to offer, write to us. We’d love to hear from you at [email protected]! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, on Mightier Than the Sword I blindsided co-host Stephanie Spaulding with Elmore Leonard’s list of ten writing tips. Steph and I are both list-lovers, and the late Mr. Leonard has some pointers that bear writerly discussion. How we feel about opening with weather, using regional dialect, and the usefulness of prologues will be abundantly clear, not to mention overuse of exclamation points! Writers- if you have questions, suggestions, or anything you’d like to share, please email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you! And yes, that exclamation point was absolutely intentional! The AWESOME new musical intro to The Easy Chair is by North Carolina indie-folk band Honey Magpie. The track is “Lost In the Woods” which was written and sung by my daughter Rachael. If you want to hear more from this talented band, you can find them on bandcamp, iTunes, spotify, google play, and amazon, or just follow this link: http://honeymagpie.com/ This week’s episode is brought to you by Squarespace.com. Squarespace is the best, period. Want proof? Check out jakesmomscookies.com. next week, when the site goes live. When you’re ready to launch your own website, be sure to use promo code easychair for 10% off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Stephanie Spaulding! Today we talk about one big writerly conundrum: when to abandon a writing project, when to push through and finish it, and when to put it on the back burner. We offer useful strategy and compassionate empathy to those writers out there who have ever questioned the worth of their work, which is to say every writer ever. We also discuss some tangential stuff, like the particular cruelty of summer viruses, the nightmarish start to every school year, and what fall is good for (I say apples). Tune in for this informative, frank, and funny discussion. And writers out there: we want to hear from you! Questions? Insights? Email us at [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair: It’s another candid episode of Shoulda Swiped Left with Hannah and Jake. It’s always a complete surprise to me what makes it onto the podcast, and this episode is no exception. Join us for a spirited and essentially unedited episode (we all had a busy week with only last-minute recording time) so enjoy the largely uncut content. And huge congratulations to Rana Othman, who won a dozen of Jake’s Mom’s Chocolate Chip Cookies by correctly identifying the ad-lib moment in last week's progressive Hurwitz family story. (It was when Jake called out “ciao, bitches”). Next week, Steph Spaulding and I will be back with an original short story by writer Keith Eldred. This week’s episode is brought to you by Squarespace. Whatever your website needs, check out Squarespace.com. If you’re like me, you’ll fall in love. In fact, I am using Squarespace for my own website, https://www.jakesmomscookies.com. Here's some additional incentive: when you’re ready to launch your site, just enter promo code easychair for 10% off! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair: “What’s Next,” a cryptic progressive tale brimming with intrigue and hilarity. After their beloved cat Ringo turns up decapitated on their front porch, Allison and Nick flee to a remote lake house. Allison dreams of a sparkly life of lakeside ease while Nick longs to ramp up their “business” in Chicago… or maybe he just wants to fulfill his dream of becoming a dentist. This story has it all: a pontoon boat full of twerking hot cops, champagne burps, and a coveted peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The story was written/read by the following folks on vacation in Nantucket in the following order: Me, spouse Sam, daughter Hannah, Hannah’s uber fabulous friend and business partner Melissa Stern, son Jake, daughters Rachael, Sarah, and Eliza, Jake’s stunner of a fiancée Jillian Vogel, and finally, baby of the family, son Micah. Words cannot express how deeply I adore this episode. Also: the first person to catch the crazy ad lib moment and correctly identify it gets a free batch of Jake’s Mom’s Cookies delivered to his/her doorstep. Email your answers to [email protected] and I will send cookies to the winner post haste. Today’s episode is brought to you by LOLA feminine products. Steph Spaulding literally insisted on stopping by to promote LOLA because it is THAT GOOD. To try out LOLA, go to MyLola .com and enter the promo code CHAIR for a whopping 60% off your order. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Steph Spaulding and I are back with another episode of the podcast for writers, Mightier Than the Sword! We discuss the disciplined practice of writing. Is it a labor of love, or more like pure labor? Writing on retreat is one thing, but integrating a writing practice into life on a regular basis presents a set of unique challenges. Steph and I talk about how to start, how to keep the writing flow going, when to push, when to be patient. Join us for this entertaining (and hopefully enlightening) episode. Writers: we encourage you to write to us with questions, tips, insights, you name it, at [email protected] with Mightier Than the Sword in the subject line. Next week: it’s a rare treat: a whimsical and slightly twisted Hurwitz progressive story, written whilst on our family vacation on Nantucket. It will possibly offend and definitely delight you. This week’s episode is brought to you by Squarespace. I chose Squarespace to create a fabulous website for Jake’s Mom’s Cookies, my side hustle chocolate chip cookie biz. (thanks to daughter Hannah for her gorgeous photography and web design). See what I mean: https://www.jakesmomscookies.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: Shoulda Swiped Left Episode 20. That’s right, 20 episodes, and still, after all that time, Hannah and Jake never fail to surprise me. They share the same strange phobia (you’ll never guess). They talk dating, travel, waterfalls, and legit old-school matchmaking. It’s a uniquely freewheeling and enlightening episode, even by Shoulda Swiped Left standards. In fact, it is one of my all-time favorites. It isn't often you can say audio file editing was a pleasure, but this time, it was. Tune in and you’ll see what I mean. Next week: Mightier Than the Sword with co-host Steph Spaulding returns, and the week after that, another Hurwitz family progressive story (remember Trouble in Paradise?). For writing questions or dating stories, email me and Steph or me, Jake, and Hannah at [email protected]. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week: It’s a new episode of “Mightier Than the Sword” and Steph Spaulding and I process both the details and the aftermath of our DIY edit swap. Personally, it was a huge challenge to bring my newborn manuscript into the world and hold it out (even to a close and supremely competent pal) for a careful, honest inspection. Constructive criticism was what I sought, but dreaded. Steph is less of a head case and just wanted to make sure her about-to-be self-published collection of short stories was mechanically sound. Find out how we fared, serving as each other’s editor. Are we still speaking to each other? Is peer editing a solid or terrible idea? Tune in and find out. Okay, writers out there! Send us your questions and/or thoughts! If there’s any topic you’d like us to cover, let us know. Email us at [email protected] Next week: Shoulda Swiped Left with Hannah and Jake. I am not sure what this next episode will bring, but I can promise you it’s gonna be very interesting. Daters out there with stories to tell, send them our way at [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: “Matricidal Maniac” by none other than Mightier Than the Sword co-host and gifted, ever-popular writer Stephanie Spaulding. In this tale, which we want you to note is 100% fictional, honest, Christine’s excruciatingly embarrassing mother travels to Manhattan to spend time with her daughter, and Christine’s annoyance explodes into an array of colorful death fantasies. Not that Christine wants to kill her mother- she knows where to draw the line- but maybe she wouldn’t mind if Mom was the victim of a bus crash, or an ice fishing accident, or a stroke. Parental relationships are complicated, and maybe, just maybe, what goes on in our heads is not the same as what goes on in our hearts. Stephanie’s deft story explores the interface between shock and hilarity. You will not want to miss one of my favorite Easy Chair episodes EVER. Next week: It’s Mightier Than the Sword, and Steph and I candidly share the results of our peer editing project swap. The week after that: Shoulda Swiped Left, with Hannah and Jake. Send writing questions/insights or dating stories to [email protected]. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it’s Mightier Than the Sword. Co-host Steph Spaulding and I show by example the leap of faith and specific intentions of editing in general, and peer editing in particular. We have swapped manuscripts for editing purposes, with different editorial goals for our work, and we walk you through the process of editing. Aspiring writers and editors, pay attention! Speaking of editing, in editing this podcast, I realize how insecure I sound. I think many of you out there will empathize with my plight- seeking editorial help and constructive criticism, but also deathly afraid to actually receive it. Our next Mightier Than the Sword is the follow-up to what happened with this foray into peer editing. It’s an honest look at a sensitive subject, but just so you know- Steph and I remain the best of friends. Writers with questions/suggestions, daters with stories/insights, email us at [email protected] with the appropriate podcast (here’s a thought-use acronyms!- MTTS or SSL) in the subject line. Hannah and Jake and Steph and I want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, It's The Easy Chair episode 100!!! To mark this momentous podcasting milestone: Shoulda Swiped Left with Hannah and Jake. Of course there’s dating talk but also career talk, house talk, and a smattering of observations and opinions. My greatest joy as host and podcast editor is once a month, I get to appreciate the special dynamic between my two oldest kids. They might not always agree but they never fail to support each other. It’s a wide-ranging, relaxed, and largely unedited podcast. Celebrate with me by tuning in to this 100% genuine special anniversary episode. Next week, on Mightier Than the Sword: In preparation for sending our books out into the world, Steph Spaulding and I exchanged manuscripts to edit. We talk about the rules of engagement, when it comes to editing, and offer some advice to editors and those seeking editorial help. We also share our hopes and fears. As always, if writing advice is something you seek or would like to share, or if you have a dating story to tell, email us at [email protected] with Mightier Than the Sword or Shoulda Swiped Left in the subject line. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On The Easy Chair this week: Mightier Than the Sword is back, and Steph and I talk D.I.Y. writing retreats. Summer is the perfect season for writers both professional and aspiring to snag some time to work on their writing projects, and taking off to a remote, ideally idyllic location solo or with fellow writers is the best idea ever. Planning retreats takes some forethought and planning. Steph and I speak from our own fabulous writer’s retreat experience. We’re here to share strategies about retreating- how to get where you want to go, and what to do when you’re there. Hint: it’s NOT all work and no play! And FYI: S’mores are involved. Next week: Shoulda Swiped Left is back, with Hannah and Jake. In the meantime, we want to hear from you! If you are a writer seeking or sharing advice for Mightier Than the Sword, or a person with an on-line dating story to share on Shoulda Swiped Left, contact us at [email protected]. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: “P.R. Story” by Deborah Zervas. Yes, P.R. may be the acronym for Public Relations, but in this case the initials are for the island of Deborah’s grandparents’ birth, Puerto Rico. Steph Spaulding and I first heard Deborah read this at a coffee house in New Haven and were absolutely blown away. Deborah has woven a profoundly poignant narrative tracing what it means to return to the place you have always known by heart. She tells this memoir piece in two languages, English and Spanish, spanning three generations and two cultures. What emerges is a deeply personal account, lyrically expanded into a resonant human truth about longing and belonging. Listen. Escucha. Next week: it’s a return to Mightier Than the Sword! Steph and I discuss the pros and cons of writing retreats. Okay, fine, just the pros. The following week it’s Shoulda Siped Left. Hannah and Jake are back after a hiatus to talk about what’s up, on-line dating wise. News and insights abound! If you have questions/advice about writing, or a dating debacle you’d like to share, email us at [email protected]. Seriously. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week: Mightier Than the Sword is back! Stephanie Spaulding and I discuss our post-teaching summer plans, which for me includes following my agent’s directive and revising two manuscripts. I admit I am daunted, but itching to get started. Stephanie is eager to begin the process of self-publishing her collection of short stories. It’s the perfect moment to discuss a topic of great importance to many aspiring writers, namely, how to best get written work out into the world. Does the traditional publishing route, with an agent, seem like the best fit, or is self-publishing the better option? It’s an enlightening glimpse into the rapidly expanding, increasingly agile world of publishing. Next week: Okay, I blew it. Hannah and Jake were together for their cousin’s wedding this weekend but things were too hectic for them to sit down and talk about dating stuff. Never fear; I have a gorgeously haunting short story for you by a gifted emerging author Deborah Zervas. And please, those with writing questions and/or insights, write to me and Steph at [email protected]. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's episode: “Sook’s Karaoke Palace” an as-told-to-me synthesis of real-life, real-person anecdotes. I’m excited to finally emerge from my post-Trump creativity slump, plus, I really love how the narrative came together. It begins when Dan and his college buddies move off campus to an apartment belonging to Sook, a woman of Korean ancestry, indeterminate age, and endless surprises. Sook can shrug off the blood stains on the rug and doesn’t hesitate to break into Dan’s apartment to test the smoke detector. Dan’s and Sook’s relationship is one that is difficult to explain, and impossible to forget. Next week, we’re back to Mightier Than the Sword, the advice podcast for writers. Stephanie Spaulding and I cheerfully offer advice and support. The week after that- it’s Shoulda Swiped Left, the podcast where Hannah and I dish about on-line dating and related topics. Jake is coming home for his cousin’s wedding, so he’ll be here to talk to Hannah in person. To recap: Those with writing questions, email [email protected] with Mightier Than the Sword in the subject line, and those with sharable dating debacles, same email address, only Shoulda Swiped Left in the subject line. We ALL want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week marks the return of "Mightier Than the Sword," the advice podcast for writers. Co-host Stephanie Spaulding and I field a great question from Eric, an astrophysicist/aspiring writer Stephanie met recently. Something is holding Eric back from taking the writing plunge: he finds the challenges of character development and believable dialog intimidating. Stephanie and I reveal our personal go-to strategies for creating believable characters who use authentic dialog, some orthodox, some decidedly less so. Some might be a little freaked out about a few of our borderline stalker methods, but that’s okay. Just like love and war, when it comes to writing, we figure all’s fair. Tune in! Next week: it’s a short story. I’m not sure what it will be about or even where it’s coming from, but I have no doubt you’ll love it. And please, keep those writing questions coming. Email me and Steph at [email protected] with “Mightier Than the Sword” in the subject line. On-line daters with stories to tell me and Hannah, same email address, but “Shoulda Swiped Left” in the subject line. We ALL look forward to hearing from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week’s episode: Shoulda Swiped Left, with Hannah and Jake. It has been a busy month in lots of ways and believe me when I tell you Hannah’s got stuff to talk about. The news is not all bad, but human relationships are never without complications. Jake and Hannah have different approaches to dealing with guys who go M.I.A.. You’ll see what I mean when you tune in to this interesting and enlightening episode. Next week: it’s a return to Mightier Than the Sword, the advice podcast for writers! Co-host Stephanie Spaulding has a question from an astrophysicist who hopes to try his hand at writing but is challenged by the prospect of creating character through dialogue. (One of our less orthodox suggestions: eavesdropping). We also have some slightly more socially acceptable strategies. As always, if you have dating stories or are seeking writing advice or the chance to add your two cents on either subject, send an email to [email protected], with either “Shoulda Swiped Left” or “Mightier Than the Sword” in the subject line. We ALL want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, I pass the microphone to Stephanie Spaulding, who guest hosts “Safe in the Black Sand,” by author Danny Stone. (Actually, I wind up taking the mic back because Danny’s story and the conversation it sparked were impossible to resist). In Danny’s lyrical and haunting novella, protagonist Jax’s transgender sister Angelica is the victim of a brutal hate crime. To save Angelica, Jax must descend into the chaotic miasma of his father’s hallucinatory brain, to a place where profound, necessary, and all but forgotten truths are buried. "To forget is not to delete". Trust me: you will not want to miss this story. Next week, It’s Shoulda Swiped Left, with Hannah and Jake touching base on dating developments. The week after that, it’s another episode of Mightier Than the Sword, where Steph and I offer tips and insights to writers. Stories for Shoulda Swiped Left and questions for Mightier Than the Sword go to [email protected]. Be sure to put the intended podcast in the subject line. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Stephanie Spaulding and I are back with Mightier Than the Sword, the bi-monthly advice podcast for writers. In this episode we welcome our first guest: author, essayist, and poet Cameron Gearen. Cameron joins us remotely from her hometown of Chicago with insightful, practical advice on how to deal with the bane of every writer’s existence: writer’s block. Whether the case is chronic or acute, Cameron, Stephanie, and I offer up our go-to prescriptions. A useful takeaway for every writer suffering from this frustrating affliction is guaranteed. Cameron’s brilliant collection of poetry, Some Perfect Year, was recently published, so she knows what she's talking about. It’s a fun and enlightening conversation. And, if you have any writing questions, please send them our way at [email protected] with “Mightier Than the Sword” in the subject line. Stephanie and I would love to feature them on an upcoming episode. Next week: new writer, new story! I’ll be joined by writer Danny Stone. He’s got a great story to share. Shoulda Swiped Left is up after that. Hannah and Jake will be checking in to tell of on-line dating developments in Hannah’s life. Do you have a dating story you’d like to share? Send it along to [email protected] with “Shoulda Swiped Left” in the subject line. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week’s episode: Blog Jam. I picked some of my favorite posts from my nearly eight-year-old blog, Lolliblog, ranging from funny to reflective. My blog isn’t thematic or even consistent, just the daily musings of a woman who lives to write and is trying her best to put into words the three Es- experience, emotion, and existence. How did I feel about my daughter Eliza's penchant for dressing like her brother? Is it true that the best piece of prose I ever read was written by some high school student on her college application? Do I think that Lizzie Borden ax murdered her parents? And what, or whom, comprises a playdate from hell? Tune in. You will be surprised, but you won’t be disappointed. Promise. Daters: Email me and Hannah at [email protected]. com to have your dating story shared (anonymously) on the next episode of Shoulda Swiped Left, with “Shoulda Swiped Left” in the subject line. Writers seeking or offering insights: write to me and Steph Spaulding, same email address, with “Mightier Than the Sword” in the subject line. We ALL want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it’s Mightier Than the Sword #3! Co-host Stephanie Spaulding and I have a question from a new writer about blogging. Does vetting- something artists in every form turn to, before launching their creative work into the world- have a critical place in the blogger’s universe? Stephanie and I weigh in. Our fears, insecurities, and tendencies to wear our hearts on our pens might surprise you. What makes for a successful blog post? How do we feel when our message is overlooked but our grammar is nitpicked? Find out. This is a freewheeling episode. I go off on tangents, and Steph reins me in. I think this is what they call co-hosting chemistry. Writers out there- ask us questions! Give us your opinions! Stephanie and I are here for you. Write in to [email protected], with Mightier Than the Sword in the subject line. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s Shoulda Swiped Left #17, and it’s totally THE BEST. So much gets discussed: the virtues and rewards of being your true self. Breaking up, both badly and less so. Guilt. Ghosting. An earnest email from a fan with a link to …porn? Maybe we’re just confused. Join me, Hannah, and Jake for a super long, even more super worth it Shoulda Swiped Left episode that’s funny, real, and surprising. Next week: “Mightier Than The Sword” with Stephanie Spaulding. We’d love to take on your writing related questions! Send them to [email protected], with Mightier Than the Sword in the subject line. Daters out there: same email address, with “Shoulda Swiped Left” in the subject line. We want to hear from you. This Easy Chair episode is brought to you by none other than Blue Apron. It’s the #1 fresh food delivery service for a reason! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week’s episode: “Learning to Dress My Mother” by Australian writer Rosemary Jones. Rosemary has written a moving micro-memoir about the shift in roles between her mother- a former word-loving historian, now an octogenarian with Alzheimer’s- and her. Guaranteed, tears will mix with laughter as Rosemary recounts the assumption of her new role: handmaiden. She wasn’t raised to be one. Unless, perhaps, she was. Next week, it’s Shoulda Swiped Left Episode 17! Hannah and Jake came home for the holidays where they got a chance to really catch up on any number of things, from relationship status to real estate investment. Stuff is happening. It’s a great, high-energy episode. If you have a dating story, send it along to [email protected] with Shoulda Swiped Left in the subject line, and we will happily share it (anonymously, of course!). If it’s writing advice you seek from me and Stephanie Spaulding, just put Mightier Than the Sword in the subject line. We’d love to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.