Life and Laughter

Sharing stories has connected people for tens of thousands of years. It's how we learn about each other. It's how we develop empathy, understanding and compassion. In this episode, I talk about ways to find your own stories to share with the people you love.

Many factors affect how the body functions, but an autoimmune disease really f*cks things up. This episode talks about how to treat yourself well, whether or not you have an autoimmune disease. Thank you for listening!

My daughter gave me Mac Barnett's book, "Make Believe." It's a conversation about the importance of good children's books, written by a wonderful children's book author. In this episode, we talk about stories, books and the complexities of childhood. I hope you listen and enjoy!

In this episode, we finish Merlin Sheldrake's "Entangled Life" with hope for the future, as researchers are working with fungi and mycelium to save the world! Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we continue Merlin Sheldrake's "Entangled Life." We're talking magic mushrooms, zombie fungi and LSD. Are they miracle cures for depression, fear and anxiety? You'll have to listen.

We continue exploring the amazing and microbial world of fungi. This week, we're talking slime mold and lichen, two tiny species that change the way we see the world. Thank you for listening! Please share, like and follow.

Let's learn about fungus! Merlin Sheldrake's fascinating book "Entangled Life" is about fungi, mushrooms, hyphae and mycelium. It's a wonderful dive into a kingdom we rarely explore. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we finish "The Other Side of Change" by Maya Shankar, with Maya's own story about adapting to life's circumstances. I hope you can find connection, optimism, hope and joy as we finish this book. Thank you for listening.

The way we talk to ourselves, the stories we carry, have so much influence on how we see the world. As we continue with "The Other Side of Change," we hear stories from two women and how their inner stories influenced their lives. Thanks so much for listening! LY

Being in love opens us to all kinds of experiences, but it can also come with sadness, grief and loss. How do we deal with that and still allow ourselves to love completely? In this episode, we continue Maya Shanker's "The Other Side of Change" to learn about healthy attachment. Thanks for listening!

What happens when our identity is upended or we fall into negative thinking spirals? As we continue "The Other Side of Change" by Maya Shankar, we hear stories from people who have reshaped their place in the world. It's inspiring and hopeful. Thank you for listening!

We start a new book this week! "The Other Side of Change" by Maya Shankar is a brilliant look at how change shapes us, teaches us and makes us reprioritize what really matters. Also, follow her amazing podcast, "A Slight Change of Plans." You won't regret it.

In this episode, we finish David Toomey's "Kingdom of Play" with play research into reptiles, fish and bees! The whole world is a playground. Can you play with an animal today?

"Kingdom of Play" by David Toomey covers all types of animal play. This episode discusses dogs, rats, birds and dolphins. Animals play much more than we realize! Please listen, share and follow!

From meerkats and pigs to monkeys and rats, researchers have studied animal play for decades. So why do animals play? What have we learned? Listen in as we dive into "Kingdom of Play" by David Toomey to learn why play behavior is so important for animals, including humans. Please like, share and follow!

We're starting a new book: Kingdom of Play , a fascinating look at how and why animals play. From ravens dive-bombing each other to octopuses tossing objects in the water, play turns out to be far more than simple fun. Play is a window into intelligence, social behavior, and survival in the animal world. Join me as we explore the science behind play and what it reveals about animal lives.

Part Three of "How to Stand Up to a Dictator" shows us that resistance is a series of choices made by ordinary people who believe truth is worth defending. The fight for democracy begins with people who refuse to look away. Please review, share, and like.

In Part 2 of How to Stand Up to a Dictator , Maria Ressa shares what happened in the Philippines as a blueprint for how democracies unravel, and how ordinary people can push back. Ressa makes the case that courage is necessary, silence is complicity, and defending democracy is an ongoing battle. Please like, share and follow!

As we start, How to Stand Up to a Dictator , we follow the life of Maria Ressa, from the Philippines to America, and the opportunities that placed her on the front lines in the fight for democracy. Thanks for listening! Please share, like and follow. LY

We're starting Maria Ressa's book, "How to Stand Up to a Dictator," because what's happening in our country is mirroring the rise of other autocracies. Let's learn together about the best ways to stand up for truth and hold power accountable. Please listen, like, share and follow! LY

In this episode, we finish the book "Change the Recipe" by chef and humanitarian José Andrés. He calls for change, whether that's through small actions, new connections, or better laws, and he challenges us all to do our part in making this world better. Building longer tables means including everyone. We can do that. Right? Please listen, share, like and follow! LY

When chef José Andrés started World Central Kitchen, he didn't wait for the perfect circumstances or the best financial opportunities. He just showed up and started helping. As we continue his book, "Change the Recipe," we discuss how he works with locals to create the most successful team of soulmates imaginable. Thank you for listening! LY

In José Andrés' book, "Change the Recipe," he writes about his early relationship with food, his desire to become a chef, and how his curiosity helped him develop an adventurous mind.

In this short episode, I introduce our next book, "Change the Recipe: Because You Can't Build a Better World Without Breaking Some Eggs." Written by the founder of World Central Kitchen, José Andrés, the book is about the healing power of food. I hope you enjoy this book! Please share, follow and like this podcast. LY

Let's enter 2026 with thoughtful intention, setting easy goals and offering plenty of grace. Join me as we finish Beth Kempton's book "Calm Christmas," and let's start the year with hope and connection. Please follow, like and share this podcast. LY