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