The Cozy Hollow Podcast

What makes county fairs so magical? Is it the smell of kettle corn, the bright lights of the midway, the prize-winning animals, or the memories we make with family and friends? In this episode of The Cozy Hollow, we’re taking a nostalgic stroll through one of summer’s most beloved traditions. We explore the fascinating history of county fairs—from their agricultural beginnings to the colorful carn...

Our Summer Adventure Series follows us as we explore unique destinations, local legends, and hidden gems—one adventure per episode. Could an old bookstore on the Oregon Coast really have been home to a portal to the lost continent of Lemuria? In this episode of The Cozy Hollow, we take you on a real-life summer adventure through Lincoln City, Oregon, following one of the area’s strangest local leg...

Summer has a way of slipping by before we know it. One minute we’re making plans, and the next it’s September, wondering where the season went. In this episode of The Cozy Hollow, we’re creating a summer bucket list that’s all about slowing down, making memories, and finding joy in the little moments. Instead of chasing a picture-perfect summer, we’re sharing simple ideas that help you savor the s...

What makes humans LOVE being scared? In this cozy and spooky episode of The Cozy Hollow Podcast, Molly and Kathy dive into the strange thrill of fear — from haunted houses and scary movies to childhood fears, jump scares, creepy legends, and the science behind why our brains actually enjoy a good scare. Why do we peek through our fingers during horror movies? Why are scary stories so bonding? And...

In this cozy and funny episode of The Cozy Hollow Podcast, we start by talking about the beautiful and dreamlike book The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop before diving into one of life’s funniest shared experiences: thinking you saw a celebrity in public. From mistaken celebrity sightings at grocery stores to moments where someone thought you looked famous, we explore why our brains are constant...

Why are we afraid of things that don’t always make sense… like tiny holes, deep water, or even peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth? 😅 In this episode of The Cozy Hollow Podcast , we’re diving into fears, phobias, and the funny (and not-so-funny) stories behind them. From childhood fears to real-life moments where our fight-or-flight kicked in, we explore why fear exists, how it prote...

Grab your fuzzy socks, popcorn, something warm and settle in, because tonight we’re bringing back the magic of slumber parties. In this episode, we’re sharing secrets…the silly ones, the sneaky ones, and the ones that slipped out when they definitely weren’t supposed to. From childhood confessions and snack hiding to moments where we completely put our foot in our mouths, this one feels like late-...

In this episode of the Cozy Hollow Podcast, we’re asking a question that’s been quietly sitting in the background of modern life: where did all our neighbors go? We take a cozy walk through memories of what neighborhood life used to feel like, from front porch conversations to knowing the people who lived just a few doors down. Then we explore what’s changed over time, from car culture and digital...

✨ Follow us on Instagram @TheCozyHollowPodcast and tell us—what does spring feel like to you? Have you ever noticed how spring feels… a little magical? In this cozy episode of The Cozy Hollow Podcast, we explore the mystery of spring, why this season has always been tied to renewal, hope, and fresh starts. From Irish folklore and the lingering belief in fairies and “the little people,” to ancient...

In this Cozy Step Up episode, we sit down with Rich Adams, founder and board member of Zephyr Beauty Experts and Kathy’s cousin, to talk about the journey from everyday beginnings to working with some of the biggest names in beauty and entertainment. Before the interview, we do our usual cozy catch-up and share our thoughts on Liar's Beach by Katie Cotugno . Then Rich and Kathy reflect on thei...

Bread, Bourbon, Bees & the Psychology of Old Traditions Humans have always created small rituals to feel safe when life feels uncertain. Long before weather apps, therapy, or modern medicine, people relied on simple traditions to calm their fears and protect their homes. From burying a bottle of bourbon before a wedding to prevent rain, to placing bread in pockets for protection, to telling be...

As the colder months settle in, winter invites us to slow down — not push harder. In this episode of Cozy Hollow, we explore how cozy hobbies can support your mental health, creativity, and overall well-being during the darker season. Instead of treating winter as something to survive, what if we embraced it as a time to reset, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves? We’re diving into the 5 Hobbies...

Before modern convenience and constant connection, the home ran on quiet rituals. In this episode, we explore five forgotten domestic traditions you may not have known existed — airing quilts in the snow, keeping a “Sunday best” drawer, saving soap scraps in a jar, hosting parlor games, and navigating the intricate etiquette of calling card culture. These practices weren’t just habits — they refle...

In this Cozy Step Up episode, we sit down with Bob King, a world championship chainsaw carver, to talk about how a simple curiosity turned into an unexpected and inspiring career. Bob shares how he first got started with chainsaw carving, the challenges he faced along the way. From learning a new craft later in life to pushing through fear, mistakes, and uncertainty, Bob’s story is a reminder that...

What if your home isn’t just where you live—but something that’s quietly shaping how you feel every day? In this episode, we explore how clutter, light, texture, and sensory details impact your mood, nervous system, and overall well-being. Instead of designing for aesthetics or trends, we talk about designing with intention —so your space actually supports rest, calm, and rejuvenation. Think of yo...

As we say goodbye to 2025, we’re reflecting on the moments that made this year special. ✨ In this cozy New Year’s Eve episode, we share eight highlights and lessons from 2025 — from joyful surprises and meaningful traditions to the growth that came from challenges. We talk about what brought us gratitude, what shifted our perspective, and the small moments that reminded us what really matters. Yo...

In this cozy holiday episode of The Cozy Hollow Podcast, we explore the history of Christmas traditions and uncover where many of our favorite seasonal customs truly began. We journey back to ancient winter celebrations like Saturnalia and Yule, and trace how these early festivals of light, feasting, and togetherness helped shape modern Christmas. From there, we dive into: 🎅 The evolution of Sant...

In this cozy holiday episode, we’re setting the scene by the Christmas tree with a warm drink and diving into funny Christmas letters that made us laugh, cringe, and feel wildly nostalgic. We a brief history of why kids write letters to Santa, what we asked Santa for as kids, and what we’d ask for now —from big toy dreams to wishing for rest, time, and a calmer holiday season. This episode is equa...

In this special bonus episode, we return to the world of Alyssa, first introduced in our Halloween story Not Your Ordinary Halloween from Episode 6. Alyssa’s Christmas Fix continues her journey as she navigates her first holiday season after the loss of her beloved grandmother. Wanting to bring joy back into her home, Alyssa teams up with her Uncle Simon to find a heartfelt way to lift her mom Ann...

In this cozy holiday episode, we’re sharing 8 simple and magical things you can do this Christmas season —from crafting homemade garlands and decorating ornaments with the kids, to planning movie nights, baking days, and finding fun local holiday events. We also chat about our Thanksgiving , what went well (and what didn’t!), plus the cozy mystery books we’re reading right now, including The Chris...

In this mother-daughter episode, we open up about something rarely talked about: what it’s really like to be a grandparent when your body, health, or anxiety doesn’t match the picture you always imagined. Fresh off a family trip to Disneyland, we unpack the very real struggles that came up — the physical limitations, the sensory overwhelm, the moments of guilt, and the fear of “not being enough” a...

This week we’re exploring the power of gratitude — how it supports mental health, boosts positivity, and helps us stay grounded through hard seasons. 🍂✨ We’re also featuring our Cozy Hollow Step Up guest, Beverly King, who followed her dream of writing a children’s book and made it happen. Her story is the perfect reminder that small steps can lead to big moments. If you’re craving inspiration,...

We’re heading to Disneyland! 🎢 Join us as we explore why Disney still feels so magical — the nostalgia, the heart, and the tiny details that make it truly unforgettable. We’re sharing our favorite rides, cozy corners of the park, fun facts, and what makes Disneyland such a timeless experience. ✨ Share your favorite Disney tips and follow along as we bring a little of the park’s magic home! 🏰

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with us as we explore its meaning, traditions, and the beauty of the ofrenda — plus simple ways to create your own at home. 🌼 We’re also diving into November birthdays, zodiac signs, and fun seasonal facts , along with a peek at our new fall read . Cozy up for a mix of culture, reflection, and good vibes this November. 🍂

Happy Halloween!! Join us for a cozy mix of real-life spooky encounters, an original story by Kathy Gau, and playful ‘what if’ Halloween questions. Perfect for fall nights, pumpkin candles, and curious minds. Note: The “Halloween Phantom of Portsmouth” we mention on the episode is a piece of local Olde Towne lore — a neighborhood legend preserved in ghost walks and local storytelling rather than a...