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