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The Easy Chair
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.
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The Easy Chair
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.
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The Easy Chair
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.
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The Easy Chair
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.
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The Easy Chair
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.
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The Easy Chair
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.
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The Easy Chair
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.
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The Easy Chair
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.
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The Easy Chair
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.
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The Easy Chair
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.
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The Easy Chair
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.
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The Easy Chair
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.
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The Easy Chair
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.
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The Easy Chair
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.
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The Easy Chair
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.