Go To on Finding Magic in Hard Times

The Happy/Crappy files part 2: Kelly and author/professor/podcast host and friend Kate Bowler look back at their most joyful moments from 2024. Through personal stories they explore how happiness showed up in both the big moments and in small daily experiences. The conversation moves easily between laugh-out-loud stories and deeper insights about friendship, family, and finding meaning. It's a reminder to notice and celebrate the good stuff, even in complicated times. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s often the little things in life that help us to get through the day: a cup of tea in the morning, gardening, puttering around the house and moving shoes, books and empty glasses back where they belong. We all have things which help us to stay grounded in the midst of a world that feels more crazy and frightening by the day. Stefanie Wass submitted her essay, “Chicken Soup for the Soul”, to share a soothing ritual which she has found gives her great comfort. (Previously aired) To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Multi-talented writer and producer BJ Novak (The Office) joins Kelly - in this Medium interview from a few years back - to explore the surprisingly deep relationship between comedy and "darkness". From bombing on stage to nailing the perfect joke, BJ opens up about the art of making people laugh, even (or especially) when things get heavy. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Podcaster, professor and wisdom-dropper Kate Bowler joins Kelly for a dive into the Crappy Files of 2024. With honesty, humor, and surprising insights, they unpack everything that challenged them this year - from the deeply personal to the wildly universal. Come back next week for the Happy Files, when we flip the script and celebrate what went right. Share them both with someone who could use a really good talk right now. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Beth Mason wrote this love letter to her sister Susan who, as the "in town" sibling, became their parents' default caregivers. Beth encourages us all to pass this along to anyone who's in the trenches doing the hard, essential work of caring for others. We see you - and we're so grateful. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meet Dahlia, the awesome New Yorker who's made it her personal mission to cheer for marathon runners who don't have anyone rooting for them on race day. She shows up with signs, tissues, and endless enthusiasm to support complete strangers as they tackle those grueling 26.2 miles. It's a tradition she started in honor of her late father, and honestly, it's exactly the kind of feel-good story we all need right now. Check out this article by Hannah Frishberg of Gothamist to learn more about Dahlia and see photos. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelly talks with bestselling author Sophie Kinsella (Shopaholic series) about life after her 2022 brain cancer diagnosis. Sophie shares what it was like to edit a novel she couldn't remember writing, explains her nightly gratitude practice with her husband Henry, and describes how she's learned to focus on what truly matters. The conversation weaves through her writing process, her relationship with sleep, and her decision to turn her medical journey into fiction rather than memoir, all while bringing her characteristic wit to a candid discussion about healing. This series is sponsored by Coop Sleep Goods who make the Original Pillow and Comphy SpaSheets that Kelly (and her whole family) love. Go to www.coopsleepgoods.com/wonders for 20% off To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Natalie Silverstein shares her essay "On Memory and New Beginnings," reflecting on her mother's passing three years ago and her journey toward healing. Through her 16 year-old daughter's wisdom and the Jewish concept of teshuvah, Natalie learns to focus on cherished memories rather than the difficult final days – a story that will resonate with anyone who has lost a parent. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelly's daughter Claire takes the mic to share her experience with Camp Kesem, an amazing organization that runs free summer camps for kids whose parents have faced cancer. As both a cancer survivor's daughter and the current director of UVA's Kesem chapter, Claire opens up about her personal story and shows how this incredible community creates pure magic for children going through tough times. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Supreme Court lawyer Neal Katyal shares his secrets for maintaining incredible energy while handling landmark cases, teaching, and appearing as a legal analyst. From getting by on six hours of sleep to finding joy in live music and doing improv comedy, Neal reveals how authentic connections and meaningful work keep him going. This series is sponsored by Coop Sleep Goods who make the Original Pillow and Comphy SpaSheets that Kelly (and her whole family) love. Go to www.coopsleepgoods.com/wonders for 20% off To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices