Kelly Corrigan Wonders

Today's Thanks for Being Here comes from an anonymous, young college graduate who shared words at her grandfather's shiva. In the midst of the world unfolding at a mad pace around us, she reminds us how one person's presence can transform a family. Her "Poppy" saw her critical eye as rooted in love and justice, encouraged her activism, and promised that nothing she could ever share with him would...

While forcing ourselves to exercise at the gym, it can be all too easy to look around and judge others. Maybe it makes us feel a bit better in the moment regarding how we look, how in shape we are (or aren’t) and what we’re wearing…maybe it’s time to stop. (Previously aired) To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about...

Filmmaker Edward Burns and actress/designer Gretchen Mol discuss what keeps creative people going through doubt and disappointment. Both share how they discovered their callings, explore the magic of finding flow, whether in acting, writing or filmmaking and talk candidly about resilience in the creative process. Their film "Millers in Marriage" explores relationships after age 50, that golden tim...

Shanti Brien's beautiful reflection on her 40-year friendship with Trish, who passed away. Shanti explores the bittersweet reality of their deep connection—filled with shared memories and adventures—yet marked by emotional boundaries they never fully crossed. Through moments from middle school notes to late-night dancing, she reminds us that true friendship isn't about perfection but about bearing...

In today's episode, sponsored by Coop Sleep Goods, Kelly explores the five main reasons we wake up at night with insights from Stanford sleep expert Dr. Cheri Mah, an internationally recognized sleep physician & research scientist (who specializes in sleep optimization and maximizing performance for elite athletes and sports organizations). From environmental factors to stress, we cover practical...

A deep dive on "making" with Kelly's daughter Claire and Pete Docter, the creative genius behind Pixar classics. Pete shares how he discovered animation, his journey to Pixar, and the evolution of films like "Up" and "Monsters Inc." Despite his success, he remains refreshingly humble about the creative process. His golden advice for young creators: just make stuff and push beyond your comfort zone...

Kelly shares Jennifer Cramer-Miller's beautiful story about the life-changing gift of organ donation. Through touching thank-you letters written after her kidney transplant, Jennifer shows us how one act of generosity created a ripple effect of kindness and gratitude. Her story reminds us that heroes walk among us every day, often without recognition. Portions of this episode are excerpted from Je...

Food for thought on America Ferrera’s speech at the climax of Barbie, informed by the great Jia Tolentino (a former guest who I found totally fascinating and original) and her book Trick Mirror. Let us never forget that we are a product of our culture. Please share, especially with the younger generation working to figure out who they are. (Previously aired) To learn more about listener data and o...

In episode one of our Makers series, Kelly and her daughter Claire speak with neuroscientist Susan Magsamen and Google's Chief Design Officer Ivy Ross about how art and creativity affect our brains and bodies. Their book, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us, reveals that making isn't just a hobby but a fundamental human need that improves wellbeing, helps process trauma, and enhances lear...

Today's Thanks For Being Here is a speech KCW producer Tammy Stedman recently delivered at her alma mater, Washington College, about the lasting impact of her college experience. She reflects on how the personal connections, individual attention, and sense of community shaped not just her career in media, but her approach to life and learning. Tammy's story reminds us that education at its best eq...

Inspired by Derek Thompson's Atlantic article "The Antisocial Century," we're hosting our first ever live event which will take place in Bozeman, MT on July 31st, 2025. We plan to bring 150 people together in beautiful downtown Bozeman for an afternoon of creative activities including writing, singing, art, and stitching. More details at: kellycorrigan.com/bozeman. To learn more about listener dat...

This week's Go To is a special Oscar-themed conversation. We (Kelly and producer Tammy) share some of our favorite Best Picture winners throughout the years, discuss what makes a screenplay truly stand out, and have some laughs about past Academy decisions that left us puzzled. Our chat explores the elements that make certain films timeless - powerful storytelling, unforgettable performances, and...

Estimates are that about every 15 minutes we make a decision and that decision often involves a choice of who to put first, ourselves or someone else. The culture and business of self is thriving. Richard Lui is a news anchor whose life has asked him to repeatedly consider the ping ponging we all do between acts of selfishness and acts of selflessness. Eight years ago, he started flying cross-coun...

Today's Thanks For Being Here features a touching eulogy shared by Diana Weymar, creator of the Tiny Pricks Instagram account. Through thoughtful birthday emails, Diana's daughter Liza found connection with her grandfather Tom. At his funeral, she shared how their unique bond shaped her life, even when their relationship wasn't always easy. A beautiful reminder of how family stories help us unders...

Looking to boost your happiness? Kelly dives into psychologist Jenny Taitz's fresh take on finding joy in our daily lives. Drawing from Jenny’s New York Times article, Kelly shares simple tricks for savoring the good stuff - from spicing up how we talk about happy moments to flipping disappointments into opportunities. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www....

Bestselling author and recovering stage 4 cancer patient Kate Bowler (Duke Divinity professor and host of Everything Happens podcast) asks as many questions as she answers. Where did we get our ideas about what’s fair, what can be manifested, what we’re owed? When it comes to cultural messages of self help, what’s true and what’s a bunch of profitable nonsense? After Kelly sat down with Kate on th...

Meg Hayes shares the experience of watching her son Patrick run the Boston Marathon – a day that began with all the joy and community spirit that makes marathon-watching so special, and ended up teaching her profound lessons about grace, luck, and the kindness of strangers in moments of crisis. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-pol...

Join me as I explore how AI is becoming part of our emotional lives, from helping with daily tasks to potentially supporting our kids in ways both promising and concerning. I'm guest curating at TED 2025 on the topic "What is a parent for in an AI world?" and I'd love your thoughts at hello@kellycorrigan.com on where AI could help – or shouldn't – in your children's lives. To learn more about list...

When prosecutor Karen McKinney argued for a life sentence against a 19-year-old gang member named Joseph, she never imagined they would one day share laughs over tacos. Twenty years later, their unexpected friendship challenges everything Karen believed about human capacity for change. After witnessing Joseph's profound transformation at his parole hearing, she took the unprecedented step of reach...

Newly appointed Judge Kristine Burk's investiture ceremony became unexpectedly tender when her 19-year-old son Tyler took the podium. Moving beyond the usual formal speeches, Tyler crafted an acrostic poem for "JUDGE" that revealed the everyday magic of his mom - from her unshakeable belief in second chances, to her instinct for helping strangers in need, to the joyful warmth she radiates to every...

Hey friends, in a world that feels like it's constantly throwing storms, floods, and fires our way (both literal and metaphorical), I want to share something that's been a true refuge for me – reading. Today I'm highlighting two books that have been a balm for my soul: Daniel Mason's "Northwoods," a beautiful story spanning centuries on a plot of Massachusetts land, and Kazuo Ishiguro's "Clara and...

Sisters Amy and Meg's story reveals how even the closest family bonds can fracture – and heal. Growing up with a widowed mother in the 1960s, their relationship became strained by years of unbalanced dynamics and taken-for-granted love. When Meg finally stepped away, it led to painful years of separation that affected both sisters and their families. Through persistence, humility and grace, they f...

Today'sThanks For Being Here features a beautiful eulogy written by Audrey Bowler for her grandfather Herbert Reichlin, a World War II veteran who lived to be 99. From young soldier to beloved family man, "Grandpop Herb", always believed in miracles and the power of love. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about yo...

Steve and Jill Marshall from Silver Path Consulting are back to tackle two of the biggest challenges families face when helping aging parents: getting finances in order and planning final arrangements. They dive into why having a solid financial plan isn't just about numbers – it's about peace of mind and protection. From practical tips on finances to protecting against exploitation, they share wi...

In this third episode of our Hard Conversations series, Simon Greer, a Jewish organizer whose uncles fought for Israel in 1967, and Saad Soliman, a social justice consultant whose uncles died fighting for Egypt in that same war, met at a professional gathering between corrections officers and formerly incarcerated individuals. They made a pivotal choice: create connection rather than perpetuate di...