Kelly Corrigan Wonders

Meet George Sweetland, a first-grade teacher from Connecticut who turned his love of drawing monsters and late-night sketching sessions into a dream career as a children's book illustrator. In this episode of our Makers series, George shares how an Instagram post changed everything, why he keeps bins of "failed" sketches, and what happened when he tried to make pickle juice risotto for his family. We dive into the magic of getting lost in creative work, how to handle feedback without losing your voice, and why encouraging kids to build their own imaginative worlds is more important than ever. George brought Kelly and her daughter Claire's new book Marianne the Maker to life with his beautiful illustrations and his story is a reminder that the future truly belongs to those brave enough to create. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All three of the Tiehel sisters eulogized their incredible mom PT but this one, written by daughter Amy really sums up the way PT lived her life: always on the lookout for the person having a tough go of it, the loner, the one who needed a helping hand. This is a story about taking the time to really notice people and to help make the world a better place, one small, kind gesture at a time. (Previously aired) To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if that scrap of paper you're about to throw away holds the seed of something extraordinary? This week, Kelly reflects on the power of saving the small things that might seem insignificant at first glance - from childhood journals and camp letters that sparked a writing career, to a simple bedtime story that evolved into something much bigger. You'll hear the adorable recording of Kelly's daughter Georgia ( just 2 years old at the time) telling the original "Maryanne the Faker" story about a little girl who pretends to be sick to get out of soccer practice. That simple bedtime tale would eventually become Kelly and her daughter Claire's new children's book, Marianne the Maker. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When was the last time your desire to be "better than" someone else got in the way of a meaningful connection - or derailed an important conversation? Kelly welcomes theologian Miroslav Volf to explore how our competitive nature often undermines genuine dialogue. Drawing from his book The Cost of Ambition: How Striving to Be Better Than Others Makes Us Worse, Volf shares wisdom on shifting from interactions that destroy to ones that build. Together they examine the hollow pursuit of superiority that affects our relationships, social media, education, and politics while offering a transformative alternative rooted in the simple affirmation: "It is good that you are." This discussion invites us all to consider what might happen if we could break free from the superiority trap and embrace a more collaborative way of being with others. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hi all - this is Tammy writing. Today marks one year since Kelly's mom died. On Tuesday, June 4th, 2024, I had the honor of attending the funeral service for Kelly's mom, the indomitable Mary Corrigan - lovingly known as "Jammy" to her six grandkids. One thing (among many) that the Corrigan family does very well is honor and celebrate family. GT, Booker and Kelly each delivered a moving, intimate, often humorous eulogy for their one-of-a-kind mom, in front of the hundreds of people who filled St. Thomas of Villanova church to honor her. Today, we're sharing Kelly's. (Previously aired) To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelly explores Amanda Ripley's take on navigating our fear-filled world. Through the story of a government employee facing an impossible choice, Amanda helps us discover how to stay human when everything feels divisive. Plus, Kelly unpacks Chasing Peace author Tom Rosshirt's practical four-step approach to taming anxieties - highlighting a powerful shift from trying to impress others to being genuinely amazed by them. It's the perspective flip we need right now—finding wonder when the world feels most chaotic. A fifteen-minute reset for anyone asking, "How do we keep going when everything feels so hard?" To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelly explores a radical new way to rate politicians with Brad Porteus, the Executive Director of Bridge Grades, who reveals that the most collaborative members of Congress are complete unknowns while the divisive firebrands are celebrities. This eye-opening conversation, part of our Hard Conversations series, challenges our tribal politics and offers a surprising path forward: what if our differences could actually be America's superpower? Discover why humility might be the missing ingredient in our political discourse and how changing who we celebrate in Washington could transform our divided nation. To see the existing scores for members of Congress, go to: www.bridgegrades.org. Subscribe to ⁠bridgegrades.substack.com⁠ to be the first to get the 2025 Bridge Grades. Brad Porteus is also the author of, Roll With It, a heartfelt and vividly detailed love letter to Gen X. This episode was made possible by a grant from Templeton Religion Trust. To learn more, go to ⁠⁠templetonreligiontrust.org⁠⁠. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelly shares a Marine Corps wife's essay (titled "Cincinnatus") honoring her husband's quiet retirement after 20 years of service. Instead of ceremonies, his legacy lives in small, meaningful actions like giving away his expensive uniform to help a young officer and driving a beat-up Corolla with a trunk full of first aid supplies - so he can help anyone, on a moment's notice. It's a moving reminder that true service isn't captured in plaques or uniforms but in "small private acts of dedication" and the humble wisdom to know that our real legacy is "to give it all away. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelly shares the remarkable story of Armia Khalil, a Metropolitan Museum of Art security guard with a secret talent. As a child, Armia played in the mud and created little sculptures by the Nile River. Years later, the artistic young man immigrated to the US with just $375 and a suitcase of woodworking tools. After years of struggle, he landed a job as a security guard at the Met, where a chance conversation with a curator led to his lifelong dream coming true. It's a powerful reminder that everyone—from bus drivers to baristas—carries a universe of dreams inside them. What might we discover if we took a moment to see the artists walking among us? This episode was inspired by Dodai Stewart's New York Times article. (published January 8, 2025).⁠ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a part of our Hard Conversations series, the author of the New York Times best-seller ⁠The Tell and one of TIME's "2025 Women of the Year", Amy Griffin opens up about confronting trauma after decades of silence - and shares with us why sometimes the hardest conversation of all is the one you're afraid to even begin. With warmth and remarkable clarity, Amy shares how perfectionism and achievement served as her smokescreen until a series of events—including a profound comment by her daughter who said, "You're nice but you're not real " and her husband's experience with therapeutic MDMA—led her to face her past. What unfolds isn't just a story of trauma but a testament to the elasticity of love and the freedom that comes with truth-telling. As Amy puts it, "You think secrets keep you safe, but they keep you stuck," revealing how sharing her story allowed her to experience life in "technicolor"—loving deeper, crying harder, and finding joy on the other side of pain. Please note that this episode contains discussion of sexual abuse. This episode was made possible by a grant from Templeton Religion Trust. To learn more, go to ⁠templetonreligiontrust.org⁠. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At this time of year, we are knee-deep in sports: college lacrosse, the NBA play-offs and all the golf majors. Where there are sports, there are adjectives describing the athletes and where there are sports championships, those adjectives are garish and piled-high. Kelly wonders if maybe it's time to use those dazzling descriptors to honor not the elite athletes out there but the army of regular, everyday, hard-working moms. (Previously aired) To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's episode is a part of our "About Your Mother" series honoring Every Mother Counts. Bono lost his mother Iris when he was 14 years old. She had an aneurysm at her father's funeral and as he says, he's been singing to her ever since. This is a very special conversation, possibly my favorite interview of all time, made more lovely and intimate by the friendship between Bono and Christy going back many years now. (Previously aired) This series hopes to raise $100,000 to support safe and respectful pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care in 9 countries through Every Mother Counts, founded in 2010 and led every day since by Christy Turlington Burns. Please join us with a donation here. Maternal health is a human right and as Bono says, raising kids takes a village and a mother is a village. Got feedback? Have an idea? We love to hear form listeners. Write us anytime — hello@kellycorrigan.com - or sign up for our weekly list of takeaways here. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Build the life of your dreams and learn from the world's most successful people. Emma Grede, one of America's richest self-made women - wants you to make the most of your life. On ‘Aspire with Emma Grede', learn through thought-provoking conversations with some of the most successful and smartest minds on the planet. Each episode will unpack their habits, philosophy and strategies, covering career advice, well-being, psychology and of course how to win in business. The show offers personal stories, data-driven advice, real-world strategies, and the experience you need, to turn your dreams into reality. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mary Louise Kelly (host of NPR's All Things Considered) has been doing some reflecting. What choices did she make and how do they look now, as her nest is nearly empty? Is it okay to travel through war zones when a kid is home with the flu? What is gained and what is lost, for the individuals in question and for society? This is a conversation to take in slowly, to share with every mother you know, and to discuss. (Previously aired) Thanks to the Aspen Ideas Festival. Our takeaways were really good on this one…if you'd like to receive the weekly list, just shoot a note to hello@kellycorrigan.com or pop by the website and sign up there. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelly shares a listener's story that perfectly captures what Thanks For Being Here is all about - honoring the people who matter most, whether they're still with us or have moved on. Tracy Hargan's beautiful toast to her 80-year-old mother Janet shows us why these tributes are so powerful and needed. Through the toast given at her mom's birthday celebration, Tracy reminds us all to speak our love out loud - to grab those chances to tell someone exactly what they mean to us, creating moments of connection that stay with us forever. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special Go To, Kelly and Christy Turlington Burns sit down with Melinda French Gates to talk about the woman who raised her, Elaine, who taught her to set her own agenda and find a moment every day to really connect with the people who matter most.Our About Your Mother series raises funds to support safe and respectful pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care in 9 countries through Every Mother Counts, founded in 2010 and led every day since by Christy Turlington Burns. (Previously aired) Please join us with a donation here. Maternal health is a human right.With special thanks to Tracy and David at Laughing Man Studios in Tribeca who support this series with pro bono studio time and superb coffee.Got feedback? Have an idea? We love to hear from listeners. Write us anytime — hello@kellycorrigan.com - or sign up for our weekly list of takeaways here.Check out Kelly's Tell Me More episode featuring Melinda French Gates.Past episodes from the About Your Mother series:Jennifer GarnerAmy SchumerBonoCindy Crawford Spike LeeEdward Burns To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we continue our Hard Conversations series, Kelly talks with Ami Dar, the founder of Idealist.org, about finding hope in a deeply divided world. From his days as a teenage soldier in Israel to creating a global platform for good, Ami shares the moment that changed his perspective forever. With genuine optimism, he makes the case that small actions ripple outward, the world is often kinder than we think, and we're all just looking for ways to connect. Their talk offers both comfort and a nudge toward action - finding common ground with others by starting with what we share before tackling the hard stuff. This episode was made possible by a grant from Templeton Religion Trust. To learn more, go to templetonreligiontrust.org. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's Thanks For Being Here comes from listener Hilleary Wright who shares an essay written by her 10-year-old son Bruce titled, "Accidental Growth." Bruce's piece details a skiing accident that left him with a spiral-fractured tibia at age five, requiring a full leg cast for six weeks. But the real magic happens in Bruce's reflection on how challenges make us stronger - just like the burls that form on giant sequoias when they're stressed or injured. Bruce's "little-kid wisdom" feels perfect for all of us grinding through 2025's challenges. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today is another episode in our series about moms in honor of Every Mother Counts. Today we talk to the iconic Cindy Crawford, an old friend of Christy's (you may have seen them together in the Apple TV docu-series The Super Models). Cindy is a Midwestern girl, a high school valedictorian who started at Northwestern on an academic scholarship to study chemical engineering before her career took her around the world. She is also the daughter of Jenny, a young bride who had four children and lost one to childhood leukemia. This is a candid and loving conversation about the realities of family life. Please share. (Previously aired) This series hopes to raise $100,000 to support safe and respectful pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care in 9 countries through Every Mother Counts, founded in 2010 and led every day since by Christy Turlington Burns. Please join us with a donation here. We know that maternal health is a human right; let's help make it ubiquitous. Love it? Don't like it? Have an idea? We love to hear from listeners. Write us anytime — hello@kellycorrigan.com - or sign up for our weekly list of takeaways here. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is the first in the 2nd half of our Hard Conversations series. Kelly speaks with Rabbi Sharon Brous, who she discovered at the Aspen Ideas Festival and was so captivated by that she waited backstage to invite her onto the podcast. Together they explore forgiveness through ancient and modern perspectives, examining a powerful ritual where those with broken hearts walked against the crowd at the Temple Mount and were asked simply, "What happened to you?" Rabbi Sharon unpacks the Jewish process of teshuvah (repentance), shares why sitting beside someone in their darkness can mean more than offering solutions, and reveals how truly seeing one another might help us bridge our deepest divides. Their exchange offers fresh insights for anyone seeking to repair relationships or create meaningful connections after harm. Check out Rabbi Sharon's book: The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend our Broken Hearts and World. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of Thanks For Being here features a moving eulogy written by listener Maggie Willman for her father. Through a beach photo and thoughtful words, Maggie reveals how her dad became the "somebody" everyone could count on. Her story reminds us of the impact we have when we show up for others. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Continuing our special series about moms in honor of Every Mother Counts. Christy and I recently spent an unforgettable Saturday afternoon talking to the singular force of nature that is Spike Lee about his mother, Jackie, who died when Spike was a sophomore at Morehouse College. Spike has 134 directing credits over four+ decades, in each case imploring us to Wake Up. Here's a chance to understand something about the development of this legendary voice. Please share. (Previously aired) This series hopes to raise $100,000 to support safe and respectful pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care in 9 countries through Every Mother Counts, founded in 2010 and led every day since by Christy Turlington Burns. Please join us with a donation here. Maternal health is a human right. Love it? Don't like it? Have an idea? We love to hear from listeners. Write us anytime — hello@kellycorrigan.com - or sign up for our weekly list of takeaways here. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelly sits down with global philanthropist, women's advocate and friend Melinda French Gates to dive into her new book The Next Day: Transitions, Change and Moving Forward and chat about what Melinda calls "the clearing" – that awkward space between ending one thing and figuring out what's next. They cover everything from pushing back against Catholic school rules as a kid to making tough calls about work, family and marriage. It's a warm, honest conversation about finding your way through life's biggest transitions and coming out stronger on the other side. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's Thanks For Being Here comes from Kelly's friend Jill Marshall (featured in our past GOTO's about elder care and planning), who finally took the plunge and signed up for yoga teacher training at 57. Jill tells us about the fantastic group of people she met, the deep bonds they formed, and the life lessons they shared along the way. She gets real about her first time teaching - imperfections and all. It's a lovely reminder that it's never too late to try something new and find your people. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Funny with a touch of Irish melancholy. That's how actor, director, producer Edward Burns described Molly, his mother, to me and my co-host, Christy Turlington Burns (who has been married to Eddie for 20+ years). In celebration of his new novel, A Kid From Marlboro Road, Eddie joined us in studio to talk about childhood, parenthood and grief. Our About Your Mother series has raised funds to support safe and respectful pregnancy, delivery and postpartum care in 9 countries through Every Mother Counts, founded in 2010 and led every day since by Christy Turlington Burns. (Previously aired) Please join us with a donation here. Maternal health is a human right. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Listener Duncan Keegan submitted this astonishingly beautiful eulogy which he wrote and delivered for his five year-old son Ruairí. We were so deeply moved when we first read it that we reached out to Duncan to see if he would consider reading it himself for today's episode. He kindly agreed and said, “I hope it helps some grieving parents out there, especially the fathers. I think some fathers find it hard to find the voice.” We hope this stunning tribute helps anyone who is mourning the loss of a dear loved one to feel less alone. (Previously aired) To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Based on her invaluable playbook for anxious parents everywhere, Michelle Icard thinks with Kelly about mistakes and making sure that rebellions don't become the headline of our kids' childhoods, but rather a jumping off point. This is a conversation to save us all from the overreactions and regrets that stymie growth. Michelle's book is 8 Setbacks That Can Make a Child A Success. (Previously aired) Warning: this episode includes a brief discussion of suicide. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we're sharing listener Andra Cardow's reflection on twenty years of marriage. She shows us how love grows through everyday moments—dog walks, car rides, and cozy nights at home. It's a delightful reminder that our most treasured relationships aren't built on big, dramatic moments, but in all those small, seemingly ordinary times we spend together. Andra beautifully describes finding joy in the simple things and how those little shared experiences can add up to something pretty special over time. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first of a 5-part series of conversations about moms in honor of Every Mother Counts. Jen G, as we call her in my house, is as special and wonderful as you think she is. She is such a ready learner that she carries around a pen and notebook everywhere she goes. She cares about all the right things and not one bit of the nonsense. She is still, in many essential ways, one of the “Garner girls” from West Virginia. Today's conversation, co-hosted by Christy Turlington Burns, celebrates Jen's mom, Pat (and a little bit, Jen's dad, Billy Jack Garner, who died only 10 days before we recorded). I have loved knowing Jen since we met at The Nantucket Project many years ago and am grateful she could be with us for this series. (Previously aired) This series hopes to raise $100,000 to support maternal health in 9 countries through Every Mother Counts, founded in 2010 and led every day since by Christy Turlington Burns. Please join us with a donation here. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In large and small ways, mattering is essential. Self esteem depends on our ability to contribute to the lives around us. You may know Jennifer B. Wallace from her stints on morning television or her journalism in the Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. She and Kelly discuss her first book: Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—And What We Can Do About It. (Previously aired) Please note: In this episode, Kelly and Jennifer discuss the high cost of having a child see a private neuropsychologist for an evaluation. However, every parent/guardian is legally entitled to refer their child to Special Education.  Schools typically have a procedure in place.  For example: the parent(s) might need to meet with the principal and psychologist to discuss building level interventions. If the parent decides to go through with the referral, the school has 45 school days to complete an evaluation and determine eligibility - if the child has a disability that adversely impacts their learning the child is classified and an IEP is created.  Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) guarantees access to all. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's episode features an essay from listener Molly James-Lundak who found unexpected wisdom during her medical leave. Following her breast cancer diagnosis, Molly's time away from work became a journey of personal discovery that transformed her perspective on life. She shares her insights about listening to your inner voice, noticing life's precious details, connecting with others meaningfully, and embracing a slower pace. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today is #2 in a special 5-part series about moms in honor of Every Mother Counts. Amy Schumer is as sharp a writer as she is a performer. I love her always-on-point work in Life & Beth, Trainwreck and all 44 episodes of Inside Amy Schumer. She's honest in way I wish more people were and you'll hear that in this candid conversation about her mother, Sandra. (Previously aired) This series hopes to raise $100,000 to support maternal health in 9 countries through Every Mother Counts, founded in 2010 and led every day since by Christy Turlington Burns. Please join us with a donation here. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Women's basketball is on the rise and The Women's Hoops Show is here for every buzzer-beater, breakout star, and game-changing moment. Join host Jordan Robinson as she dives deep into the WNBA, college hoops, and the rise of new leagues like Unrivaled to bring you insightful conversations with players, coaches, and analysts. If you love women's basketball, this is your year-round home for the biggest stories in the game.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelly and her daughter Claire talk with Emmy-winning comedy writer and producer Meredith Scardino about the creative process. Meredith shares her path from visual art to comedy writing, including her work on The Colbert Report and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt before creating the show Girls5eva. She discusses how ideas emerge, the challenges of structuring stories, the importance of creative community, and why she feels an intrinsic need to make things. Check out Kelly and Claire's new children's book Marianne the Maker - you can pre-order HERE. To celebrate the release of Marianne the Maker, Penguin Young Readers is matching each pre-order with a donation of the book to Save the Children's early education programs in the U.S. — up to 2,000 books. Pre-order your copy today and help inspire a love of reading in the lives of children who may not otherwise have access to books. Occasionally hyperlinks don't work on desktop computers, below you'll find the addresses for the links above: Marianne the Maker website: https://www.mariannethemaker.com To preorder Marianne the Maker: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/marianne-the-maker-kelly-corrigan/1146247121?ean=9780593206096 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 shock "a Navy man". What struck us most was her realization that the traits she thought made her the "black sheep" were actually the values her grandfather had cultivated in everyone—peace, love, community—manifesting differently across generations. This is exactly what Thanks for Being Here is meant to highlight: how profoundly we affect one another. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 time when kids are grown and it's finally easier to pursue long-delayed dreams. As Eddie perfectly puts it: "If not now, when?" Whether launching a dress line like Gretchen or making your 14th film like Eddie, they remind us that the joy is found in making itself, not in the outcome. The key to creative longevity? Managing your energy and surrounding yourself with supportive people who believe in your vision. Check out Kelly and Claire's new children's book Marianne the Maker - you can pre-order HERE. To celebrate the release of Marianne the Maker, Penguin Young Readers is matching each pre-order with a donation of the book to Save the Children's early education programs in the U.S. — up to 2,000 books. Pre-order your copy today and help inspire a love of reading in the lives of children who may not otherwise have access to books. Occasionally hyperlinks don't work on desktop computers, below you'll find the addresses for the links above: Gretchen M: https://gretchenm.com Edward Burns: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0122653/?ref_=vp_close Marianne the Maker website: https://www.mariannethemaker.com To preorder Marianne the Maker: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/marianne-the-maker-kelly-corrigan/1146247121?ean=9780593206096 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 witness to each other's lives. It's a gentle nudge for all of us to cherish and perhaps be more open with the companions who walk alongside us. Please share this episode with anyone who has been there with you over the years - or maybe someone you want to reconnect with. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 solutions including the effective "sleep reset" technique for those frustrating middle-of-the-night wake-ups. Visit coopsleepgoods.com and use code KELLY20 for 20% off your order - including their fantastic pillows designed for every type of sleeper. To learn more about sleep expert Dr. Cheri Mah visit: www.drcherimah.com and IG/X: @drcherimah To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Pete reflects on the film "Inside Out": "I was there for every major decision, but where did this come from?". A reminder that creativity remains wonderfully mysterious, even for the masters. Check out Kelly and Claire's new children's book Marianne the Maker - you can pre-order HERE. To celebrate the release of Marianne the Maker, Penguin Young Readers is matching each pre-order with a donation of the book to Save the Children's early education programs in the U.S. — up to 2,000 books. Pre-order your copy today and help inspire a love of reading in the lives of children who may not otherwise have access to books. Occasionally hyperlinks don't work on desktop computers, below you'll find the addresses for the links above: Marianne the Maker website: https://www.mariannethemaker.com To preorder Marianne the Maker: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/marianne-the-maker-kelly-corrigan/1146247121?ean=9780593206096 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Jennifer Cramer-Miller's memoir, Incurable Optimist. To learn more about how organ donation saves lives, visit Donate Life. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 learning. Susan and Ivy explain how singing to babies releases oxytocin, how arts education closes achievement gaps, and why creative expression matters for everyone from CEOs to doctors to children. Check out Kelly and Claire's new children's book Marianne the Maker - you can pre-order HERE. To celebrate the release of Marianne the Maker, Penguin Young Readers is matching each pre-order with a donation of the book to Save the Children's early education programs in the U.S. — up to 2,000 books. Pre-order your copy today and help inspire a love of reading in the lives of children who may not otherwise have access to books. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 equips us not just with knowledge, but with the curiosity and critical thinking skills needed for thoughtful engagement with our complex world. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 perfect cinematic moments. Whether you're following the awards closely or just enjoy great films, join us as we count down to Oscar Sunday. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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-country weekly to take care of his father who had Alzheimer's and if you ask him, caring for them is both a harrowing duty and a privilege with many benefits. After talking to Richard, Kelly did a deep dive into what we know about trauma and grief with research, author and Columbia professor George Bonanno. This conversation is for anyone and everyone who is caring for another person. Please share.(Previously aired) To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 understand ourselves and those we love. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 the set of her PBS show Tell Me More, she met up with bestselling author Arthur C. Brooks, a happiness researcher who writes for The Atlantic and teaches at Harvard. (Previously aired) To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices