Why are some people able to talk with just about anyone—about almost anything? One answer may lie in the questions we ask—and how deeply we ask them. Stick with us here… In this episode, host Charles Duhigg examines why deep questions are so powerful and how to ask them in everyday life. He talks to Nick Epley, psychology professor at the University of Chicago and lifelong researcher of deep questions. And we catch up with Mandy Len Catron, 10 years after she wrote the viral New York Times article “The 36 Questions That Lead to Love.” This Slate miniseries dives into the art and science of meaningful conversations, inspired by Duhigg’s bestselling book, Supercommunicators.  Supercommunicators was produced by Derek John and Sophie Summergrad.  Our technical director is Merritt Jacob.  Joel Meyer is our supervising producer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is it that we can tell someone “I’m totally fine!” and they instantly know we’re not? Gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, and other subtle nonverbal cues play a huge role in how we connect with one another.  In this episode, host Charles Duhigg explores how we communicate without words, including a deep dive into the visual and tonal cues embedded in one of the biggest sitcoms of all time, The Big Bang Theory.  He talks with Dr. Dustin York, a professor at Maryville University who studies nonverbal communication and worked in public relations for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. He also sits down with Dave Goetsch, a co-executive producer and longtime writer for The Big Bang Theory, and journalist Jessica Radloff, who wrote an exhaustive book about the show.  This Slate miniseries dives into the art and science of meaningful conversations, inspired by Duhigg’s bestselling book, Supercommunicators.  Supercommunicators was produced by Sophie Summergrad and Derek John, who also did the sound design. Our technical director is Merritt Jacob and our supervising producer is Joel Meyer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's an off-week for Working Overtime, so we're presenting a special bonus episode from the Smart Money podcast! Smart Money features real-world advice to help people make better decisions about their money. In today's episode, a jazz saxophonist talks about navigating the financial ups and downs of a career in the arts. If you like this episode, and if you could use some smart financial guidance, then go ahead and follow NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast on your favorite podcast app. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, host Isaac Butler is joined by actor, writer, director Erik Jensen for a frank conversation about his recent cancer diagnosis and the challenges artists face holding on to health-care coverage, especially in the age of streaming. They go on to discuss Jensen’s continued creative activity, including a new film project he co-directed with his wife and acted in with his daughter. Later, Jensen explains some of the intricacies of the recent writers’ and actors’ strikes. After the interview, co-host June Thomas joins Isaac to talk about the value of being candid about the financial realities of being a freelance artist. They also dive into creative collaborations and the importance of communicating clearly with the people you work with. Learn more about Erik Jensen’s story and make a donation here. Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675. Podcast production by Kevin Bendis and Cameron Drews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s not easy to start a business. It’s even harder to build a successful one. Luckily, we can ask experts, entrepreneurs, and business leaders for advice. In this special Slate episode, brought to you by Bank of America, we’ve gathered the best business advice from our hit shows How To! and Working. You’ll hear helpful tips and inspiring stories from business experts like Guy Raz, The Knot co-founder Carly Roney, Everything Everywhere All at Once fight choreographer Daniel Mah, and others. Join Working host June Thomas as she seeks answers to pressing questions, like: How do I take that leap of faith and start a business? How should I handle tricky workplace dynamics? How can I be a better communicator in uncomfortable situations? This episode is sponsored by Bank of America, a trusted partner for business owners. Visit BankofAmerica.com/bankingforbusiness to learn how they can help you. Do you have business advice to share? We want to hear it! Send us a note at [email protected]. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. Podcast production by Emily Charash, Michele Siegel, Rosemary Belson, Cameron Drews, and Jessamine Molli, Ben Richmond, and Derek John. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, host June Thomas talks to author and repeat Working guest Taffy Brodesser-Akner, who recently adapted her novel Fleishman is in Trouble into a limited series for Hulu. In the interview, Taffy describes the biggest challenges she faced as both a showrunner and writer. She also explains what it was like to take a very personal project and turn it into a collaborative one, with creative input from actors, directors, and tons of other creative people.  After the interview, June and co-host Isaac Butler discuss the faulty metric of character likeability in both fiction and nonfiction. They also chat about creative collaboration and tough career decisions.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Taffy tells a story about her upcoming novel, Long Island Compromise.  Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675. Podcast production by Cameron Drews. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus to help support our work. __ Sponsored by Saks.com. Check out the Holiday Gift Guide on saks.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, host June Thomas talks to Brittani Nichols, a writer and producer for ABC’s hit sitcom Abbott Elementary. In the interview, Brittani describes the show’s very collaborative writing process and explains what it means to be both a writer and producer. She also discusses how the show’s writers touch on personal experience to add texture to the world they’re creating.    After the interview, June and co-host Karen Han talk about balancing behind-the-scenes and more visible work. They also discuss what makes great sitcom writing.  In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Brittani talks about her experience acting and shares the story behind the movie she wrote and starred in, Suicide Kale.  Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675. Podcast production by Cameron Drews.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus to help support our work. __ Check out Remote Works here: https://link.chtbl.com/remoteworks?sid=podcast.WORKING Thanks Avast.com! Learn more about Avast One at Avast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this edition of Working Overtime, hosts Isaac Butler and June Thomas reply to a listener who wants some advice on pitching fiction to literary magazines. For help, Isaac and June turn to J. Robert Lennon, a novelist and short story writer who is also the editor of EPOCH, the literary magazine associated with Cornell University. In the interview, Lennon describes the pitching process for EPOCH and explains what he and his colleagues are looking for when they review submissions. He also offers advice to anyone who might be considering pitching their fiction. Do you have a question about creative work? Call us and leave a message at 304-933-9675, or email us at [email protected]. Podcast production by Kevin Bendis and Cameron Drews. Check out Remote Works here: https://link.chtbl.com/remoteworks?sid=podcast.WORKING Thanks Avast.com! Learn more about Avast One at Avast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this edition of Working Overtime, hosts June Thomas and Isaac Butler help a lister whose collection of homemade fused glass is getting out of control. The listener, named Todd, has already tried selling his art and giving to away to friend , but his collection keeps growing. June and Isaac offer creative solutions that will allow Todd to keep creating without being overwhelmed by clutter. Do you have a question about creative work? Call uss and lease a message at 304-933-9675, or email us all [email protected] Podcast production by Kevin Bendis and Cameron Drews. Check out Remote Works here: https://link.chtbl.com/remoteworks?sid=podcast.WORKING Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, host June Thomas talks to Sarah Clifford, an animal trainer who worked on the new FX series The Old Man, starring Jeff Bridges and some very talented rottweilers. In the interview, Sarah explains why rottweilers–instead of pit bulls or malinois–were chosen to be Jeff Bridges’ co-stars on the show. Then she gets specific about how she trained the dogs to display a range of behaviors and emotions. After the interview, June and co-host Karen Han compare the on-set treatment of animal performers to the on-set treatment of human actors.    In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, June asks Sarah if there are any animals that can’t be trained.  Send your questions about creativity and any other feedback to [email protected] or give us a call at (304) 933-9675. Podcast production by Cameron Drews.  If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Big Mood, Little Mood—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus. __ Thanks to Atlassian Work Check! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices