The Nightly

Josh Gondelman invites his wife, author Maris Kreizman, into the Pillow Fort to test-drive real compliments and affirmations on each other. What You'll Hear Untangling the Difference: After a caller named Lucy stumped over the line between a compliment and an affirmation, Josh brings the debate home to Maris, and they work out where the surface-level nice thing ends and the deeper truth begins. Pr...

Josh Gondelman talks with caller Holly about years of Costa Rica daydreaming, decision fatigue, and the underrated magic of hiring a travel agent. What You'll Hear A Very Good Move: Josh recaps trading nine years in a slightly dim apartment for a new Brooklyn spot with giant south- and west-facing windows, a coffee terrace, and an honest-to-goodness view of Manhattan. The Costa Rica Standoff: Call...

Josh Gondelman takes a late-night call from a listener who's been trying to work on her husband's love language. What You'll Hear "That's a compliment, not an affirmation": Caller Lucy is stumped on why "you're so tall" doesn't count — and Josh helps her untangle the surprisingly slippery difference between noticing someone and actually seeing them. The birthday card loophole: It turns out Lucy wr...

Matt Young hosts The Nightly this week and takes a call from Kelsie, a singing teacher in Brisbane, Australia, who has questions about life after getting her wisdom teeth out. What You'll Hear Extra space, big questions: Kelsie got her wisdom teeth out five days ago and wants to know what to do with the new room in her mouth. Matt has a suggestion involving marshmallows. A singing teacher in recov...

Matt Young helps a caller reflect on how becoming a parent can reshape work, purpose, and what really matters. What You’ll Hear When Priorities Change: caller Tyler opens up about returning to work after welcoming his first child and the surprising emotions that came with realizing he'd rather be home with his daughter than anywhere else. Grace Across Generations: Matt and Tyler talk about breakin...

Matt Young talks with caller Emily, from Philadelphia, about how long it's reasonable to delay a celebration before letting it go. What You'll Hear Letting go of things you no longer need: Matt opens by talking about giving away books and clothing he no longer uses, and the sense of relief that comes with unburdening himself of unused belongings. How long is too long to delay a celebration: Emily...

Matt Young explores the curious world of lucid dreaming with a caller who's ready to take control of her dreams—even if she's still a little nervous to try. What You’ll Hear Dreaming on Purpose: What exactly is lucid dreaming? Matt and Erin imagine what they'd do if they could steer their dreams, from flying through the skies to revisiting meaningful moments from the past. Reality Checks & Dream J...

Josh Gondelman talks with food retail consultant Jonathan Raduns about zucchini blossoms, garlic scape pesto, and the density test for picking the perfect watermelon. What You'll Hear From Farm Kid to Food Retail Whisperer: Jonathan traces his path from selling produce on his family's farm in Western New York to starting his own consulting company twelve years ago, all in the name of making grocer...

KP Parker and Matt Bragg reunite after KP's first trip to Ireland, with strong opinions about breakfast food, beige biscuits, and horses wandering the streets of Los Angeles. What You'll Hear A Block of Beige and a Pint of Something Dark: KP brings back her hottest takes from Ireland: Weetabix in yogurt, Guinness as a nutritional smoothie, and the discovery of a foil-wrapped mint biscuit that may...

Josh Gondelman flies solo tonight and fields a call about love, Iceland, and the horror-slash-honor of being naked in front of your girlfriend's dad. What You'll Hear Uncle life, unlocked: Josh reports back from a weekend babysitting his best friend's five-year-old, and reaches a conclusion: the uncle life may be the whole life. A confession and a crisis: Caller Andi shares big romantic news, then...

Amanda Montell talks with caller Janine about closet space and wardrobe habits. What You'll Hear Sleepy time toothpaste, a product that doesn't exist yet: Amanda pitches an idea she's held onto for years—a toothpaste line in bedtime flavors like chamomile and lavender, meant to avoid the alertness that comes with mint before bed. The closet space contradiction: Janine describes living in a 100-yea...

Amanda Montell hosts The Nightly this week and takes a call from Chris in Evanston, Illinois, who has some nighttime visitors he can't quite identify. What You'll Hear A very good neighborhood mystery: Amanda opens with a story about an unfamiliar Bengal cat that turned up in her yard, and the low-stakes debate over who gets to keep him. Something's living in the attic: Chris has been hearing rust...

Amanda Montell and caller Katie celebrate the small moments of connection that can happen in the grocery store, from friendly checkout conversations to the surprising comfort of a familiar neighborhood market. What You’ll Hear The Checkout Line as Community: Katie shares how quick chats with grocery store cashiers—especially at Trader Joe’s—have become bright spots in her week, filled with kindnes...

Amanda Montell and caller Matt unpack the surprisingly blurry line between belonging and blind devotion, reflecting on a high school show choir that sometimes felt a little... cultish. What You’ll Hear The Charisma Factor: Matt revisits the magnetic show choir director who inspired fierce loyalty, unforgettable performances, and a few lingering questions about leadership and influence. Rituals, Ri...

In this Sunday Edition of The Nightly, Josh Gondelman welcomes mascot designer Tom Sapp into the pillow fort for a behind-the-scenes look at the surprising art, strategy, and heart behind the characters we cheer for. What You'll Hear From Sketchbook to Stadium: Tom shares how a career in advertising unexpectedly led him to designing iconic mascots for sports teams, schools, hospitals, and beyond—a...

Josh Gondelman and Matt Bragg swap vacation stories, travel quirks, and the bittersweet feeling of being so right. What You'll Hear The world's shortest victory lap: Matt wins a disagreement over a glass coffee cup...but it was probably not for the best. It's a triumph that comes with a broom. A tour of Benidorm: Matt introduces Josh to England's favorite seaside escape in Spain, where belly-busti...

Josh Gondelman and Caller Haley tumble down a delightfully sleepy rabbit hole about sports mascots, hometown pride, and the creatures that somehow end up representing entire teams. What You’ll Hear: A Love Letter to Austin: Haley shares her favorite parts of life in Austin, from year-round swims at Barton Springs to dancing the night away with live music. Mascots, Explained... Sort Of: A simple qu...

Kristen Meinzer talks to a caller about the laughter, traditions, and lifelong bonds that come with growing up in a big family. What You’ll Hear The House That Never Felt Empty: Peggy shares joyful memories of six siblings, station wagon road trips, backyard games, and family traditions that turned everyday moments into lasting stories. Growing Older Together: The conversation explores how big fam...

Kristen Meinzer explores the surprising comfort of physical media with a caller, from beloved books and Blu-rays to the simple joy of choosing something from your own shelf. What You’ll Hear The Little Rituals of Growing Up: Kristen reflects on childhood memories of voting with her mom, balancing checkbooks, and the everyday moments that once felt like the ultimate signs of adulthood—and which one...

Kristen Meinzer talks to a listener about graduation, empty apartments, and the strange in-between season that comes after a big life change. What You’ll Hear The Quiet After Commencement: Just days after graduating college, Kyra finds herself living alone for the first time. What happens when a home that was full of friends suddenly gets very, very quiet? Are You a Roommate Person?: Kristen refle...

Kristen Meinzer helps a newlywed decide whether a long-dreamed-of polar bear adventure belongs on the honeymoon itinerary. What You’ll Hear The Honeymoon Dilemma: Noreen shares her dream of visiting Churchill, Manitoba—a remote Canadian town famous for polar bears, beluga whales, and unforgettable wildlife encounters—and wonders if it’s the right choice for a honeymoon. A Love Letter to Canada: Fr...

On this special Sunday interview episode, Josh Gondelman is joined by guest JD Amato, a writer whose debut middle grade graphic novel (The Endless Game) was published earlier this year. They wander into the flashlight-lit world of graphic novels, childhood games, and bedtime imagination. What You’ll Hear The Endless Game Begins: JD shares how his new graphic novel grew into an 80-year game of capt...

Josh Gondelman and Matt Bragg beat the heat with holiday laundry, fresh socks, and a sleepy round of summertime "would you rather." What You’ll Hear Heat Waves & Holiday Packing: Matt makes the case for cold weather, nice jackets, and the strange fashion sacrifices required before a vacation. The New Sock Renaissance: A humble drawer refresh becomes a surprisingly powerful act of self-care, with a...

KP Parker and Caller Rosie talk about chasing a marathon goal that spans all 50 states. What You’ll Hear: A Very Long To-Do List: Rosie shares her quest to run a full marathon in every state, and how a goal that takes years can be surprisingly calming. The Scenic Route: From Philadelphia streets to humid Florida mornings, they explore how running can become a unique way to experience a new place....

Greta Johnsen talks to a caller about bedtime routines, imperfect habits, and the small rituals that help a busy household wind down. What You’ll Hear The Myth of the Perfect Routine: Virginia shares what evenings actually look like in her Brooklyn home, from late dinners and dog walks to navigating a teenager’s sudden bursts of nighttime creativity. The 87 Percent Club: Greta explores why routine...