Slate Advice

Kate is juggling a lot: work, kids, caregiving for an elder, a dance troupe, the PTA, community organizing. Oh, and she runs a ‘90s-themed DJ night, too. On this episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings on Oliver Burkeman, author of Four Thousand Weeks and Meditations for Mortals, to talk with Kate about how to stop doing everything all the time. If you liked this episode check out: How To Manag...

On this episode: Slate’s own Aymann Ismail is with us to talk about his new book, Becoming Baba – which is out TOMORROW!  We’ll talk about the book. But first, Aymann, Jamilah, Zak and Elizabeth take a question from a listener who’s hoping to reclaim the time that she feels like she lost during the newborn phase. And on Slate Plus: Elizabeth has a dilemma, and Aymann sticks around to help. If you’...

On this episode: Zak, Elizabeth and Jamilah talk about summer boredom. We get questions about this every year — so we’re coming in early this year with some ideas for how to handle that classic, but dreaded, complaint… that no, really, there’s nothing to do.  And after that, of course, we’re sharing a round of triumphs and fails.  Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to...

Kate stopped reading in 2016. Since then, she’s tried to find her way back to it but something’s not clicking, and it’s left a book-shaped hole in her heart. Reading used to be something she really enjoyed, took pride in, and loved connecting with people over. On this episode of How To!, co-host Carvell Wallace brings in Maryanne Wolf, director of ⁠UCLA’s Center For Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and...

On this episode: Zak, Lucy and Elizabeth chat about screentime. We’ve got two great questions that are variations on the theme: are podcasts screentime? And you missing out on something if your little ones don’t get to watch a certain children’s YouTuber? We’ll discuss. After that, we’re circling up for a round of triumphs and fails, because why not? And if you stick around for the Slate Plus Play...

On this episode: Zak, Elizabeth and Jamilah help a listener who’s just lost her job due to DOGE cuts – and now, she’s trying to figure out how to explain what’s happening to her elementary schooler. And, they’re getting ready to move back to the States after working and living overseas. There’s a lot to unpack, and we’ll do what we can to help.  And after that, of course, we’re sharing a round of...

Mary is juggling a busy career and family life and, like many of us, she feels guilty about the time she spends on her phone. On this episode of How To!, Courtney Martin talks with author and teacher Molly Caro May about how she’s helping others rethink—and rewire—their dependency on devices with an approach that’s focused on the mind-body connection. If you liked this episode, check out How To Ma...

On this episode: Zak, Lucy and Elizabeth chat about sibling spats. Our question is from the mom of three tween girls who are jealous of each other — so we’ll talk about dealing with unfairness, and keeping the peace. We’ll also check in and share what’s on our minds this week. And if you stick around for the Slate Plus Playground, we’re talking about our parenting “shoulds.” If you’re not part of...

Drawing isn’t just child’s play. It’s a shortcut to joy, presence, and connection—all things we could use a lot more of these days. On this episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings on artist, graphic journalist, and founder of DrawTogether Wendy MacNaughton to explain how everyone at the grown-ups table can start drawing, too. Courtney’s blind contour drawing If you liked this episode check out:...

On this episode: Elizabeth and Lucy sit down with Meagan Francis – she’s a parenting writer and the author of the new book, The Last Parenting Book You’ll Ever Read. It’s all about embracing the teen years and your impending empty nest.  And if you stick around for the Slate Plus Playground, Zak and Jamilah join Elizabeth to talk about what they hope an empty nest looks like.  If you’re not part o...

On this episode: Zak and Elizabeth introduce a series-within-a-series called Care and Feeding 101 — where we’re walking you through all things baby, with the help of some truly amazing experts. Think of it like the baby book that we know you don’t have time to read.  In Volume One: Zak meets some seasoned sex and relationship coaches who just had a baby. And Elizabeth invites Dr. Sheilagh Maguines...

At a time when inflation, tariffs, and stock market fluctuations are creating confusion and financial strain, we’ve assembled an unlikely panel of experts to answer your money questions, big and small.  Our panel includes: Bethel Habte, a financial coach and author of the Deconstructing Money newsletter; Mark Blythe, economics professor at Brown University and author of Inflation: A Guide for User...

On this episode: Zak, Elizabeth and Lucy chat with Diana Lind, an urban policy expert and writer, about her thoughts on parent-friendly cities. We’ll talk about ways that cities do – and could – make housing, third places, transportation, and more work better for more families. And if you stick around for the Slate Plus Playground, Diana hangs out for a conversation about why kid activities have t...

After dating influencer TheWizardLiz revealed she had been cheated on, her viral tips for how to “keep” a man rang hollow. Candice Lim fills in Kate Lindsay on all the Wizard Liz lore, and how TikTok dating gurus are this decade’s Carrie Bradshaws. But with so much more of our lives on display, it’s riskier than ever for anyone to claim they’ve figured out the secret to love. Have these creators r...

On the final episode of Dear Prudence, Jenée is joined by Lonnae O’Neal – a senior writer for ESPN/Andscape and the author of the forthcoming book Bibb Country: Unearthing My Family Secrets of Land, Legacy and Lettuce. Together, they’ll answer questions like: what do you do when your friends’ husband calls you his wife’s hot lookalike? Is it worth taking a self-esteem hit to attend your 10-year hi...

On this episode: Zak, Elizabeth and Lucy talk about executive functioning. Listeners reliably chime in when Elizabeth and Lucy talk about their planners, their calendars, and their methods of staying sane… so today, we’re diving into the ways we keep track of everything. Most of the time. After that, of course, we’ll circle up for a round of triumphs and fails. Join us on Facebook and email us at...

On this episode: Zak, Elizabeth and Jamilah help a listener who just got told that her toddler is overweight. Now, she’s wishing the pediatrician hadn’t said anything — and she’s also feeling like she failed as a parent. So, we’re here to explain how she didn’t fail… and talk about what healthy bodies can look like. And then, we’ll circle up for a round of checkins… and on Slate Plus, we muse on w...

In this episode, Jenée is joined by Seema Yasmin, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, poet, medical doctor, author, and professor. Together, they’ll help a listener set on decorating their home with their old burlesque photos and posters without looking too narcissistic, another feeling isolated when her friends invite her ex-girlfriend to parties and events, a listener upset that their friend didn’...

On this episode: Zak, Elizabeth and Jamilah are talking about a tricky dynamic between a stepson and his step-grandparents. Our listener doesn’t differentiate between her stepson and her bio kids in her home — but when her parents interact with the kids, it’s a different story. So, our listener is wondering what’s normal… and how to patch up this issue with her husband, who’s upset by it. After th...

Think of all the broken stuff you’re storing in your home. A blender that won’t blend? A bike without brakes? A buttonless blouse? Resist the urge to buy new stuff—and listen to this How To! episode instead! Courtney Martin brings together Phoebe Schenker, executive director of Reuse Alliance and founder of The Mending Library, and Sue-Jean, a reuse enthusiast, to talk about breathing new life int...

In this episode, David Roth and Drew Magary (the hosts of Defector Media’s The Distraction) join Prudie (Jenée Desmond-Harris) to answer letters from readers about what to do when your parents are cosigning your brothers’ political values just because he’s the favorite, how to be an optimistic dater after a near-decade of failed dating, and how to react when you’re sure that your husband’s step-so...

On this episode: Zak, Elizabeth and Lucy are talking about twins! Our listener just found out that the one baby she was expecting is, in fact, two babies… and she’s freaking out a little. And we did too, because none of us have twins — but when we tell you the Care and Feeding community came in clutch? We mean it.  After that, of course, we’ll circle up for a round of triumphs and fails. Join us o...

Lily wants to have satisfying sex that plays to her core desires, but lately it’s been hard to describe to potential partners exactly what she wants. On this episode of How To!, Carvell Wallace brings on Dr. Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman—sexologists, authors, and the founders of the Somatica Institute. They coach Lily (and all of us) on how to define the individual experiences we’re seeking...

On this episode: Zak, Elizabeth and Jamilah are talking about being the place to be. This member of the Slate Parenting Facebook Group takes pride in being the place where their tween and teen girls hang out with their friends… but being the “cool parent” does come with some serious responsibility, and that’s what our writer is worried about. And then, we’ll circle up for a round of checkins… and...

In this episode, Jenée is joined by Helen Rosner, an award-winning staff writer at The New Yorker. Together, they answer questions from listeners in serious conundrums. Do you tell your grieving sister-in-law that your now-deceased brother cheated on her years ago?  Are you allowed to punish a child you're babysitting when they’re being an extremely picky eater? And how do you support your wife’s...