The Feelings

Hi Lovely Feelers. Life has been bonkeroonies so we are giving ourselves a moment to step back. We hope to be back soon. Xoxoxo

The Queen. Money. Energy healing. Hypnosis. Billionaires who want to save themselves. From here, we tuck into a father-daughter AITA and an Ask Amy about a stalker before we wrap it with a Dear Abby inquiry about facial hair and satisfying romance novel character names. Keep your ardor blazing and your yearning tender.All Good People Here by Ashley FlowersBookPage review by Becky Libourel Diamond of Survival of the Richest by Douglas RushkoffMeghan McDonnell on MediumRead along in Falter: Volume Twelve – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comFind us on Pinterest: @thefeelingspodcastThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

We consider opening our hips to release the past and address the hijacking of our time and attention. Then we dig into a troubling AITA about weight and a Dear Carolyn write-in about a gold digger gone rogue. We smooth the edges with a catty Dear Abby plus rants and raves.Is it irresponsible to ignore the news? Tell us all about your Feelings™.Planned community in DubaiStolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention – and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann HariMeghan McDonnell on MediumRead along in Falter: Volume Twelve – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comFind us on Pinterest: @thefeelingspodcastThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

Today, we kick it off by working out our upsetting feelings about a story we heard on another podcast. Karen Kilgariff covered the strip search phone call scam on MFM, and it rattled us to the point where we can't handle it or wrap our heads around it. From here, we spend time on a Reddit AITA query and a write-in to Ask Amy. Sex, soccer moms, and overwhelmed women abound. We wrap it up with still more advice and a couple of chilling, real-life (and thematic) accounts. Cordless phones are making a comeback. Maybe fire your therapist and sign up for basic cable.My Favorite Murder episode 341 “If You Were Godzilla …”Compliance (2012)Meghan McDonnell on MediumRead along in Falter: Volume Twelve – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comFind us on Pinterest: @thefeelingspodcastThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

We discuss the healing power of nature, a local crime, and the meaning of gun rights before diving into Brené Brown's Atlas of the Heart. We talk about resignation and hope, the self-help genre, and ideas versus planning and execution. Meghan dreams of starting her own back-to-the-land movement and flirts with taking bad beauty advice. Speaking of advice, you know how we do. We end with a real humdinger of a write-in and close it out with whispers of romance and “aching tenderness.” Dig it.Halcyon Journey: In Search of the Belted Kingfisher by Marina Richie“The Crane Wife” by CJ HauserThe Power of Vulnerability TED Talk by Brené Brown“Hey Mama Wolf” by Devendra BanhartMeghan McDonnell on MediumRead along in Falter: Volume Twelve – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comFind us on Pinterest: @thefeelingspodcastThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

Today, while Julie fields four jobs and an untold number of children, we have an extra special Feeler in the house – Meghan's husband Jon. Come along while man and wife discuss politics, Matthew Shephard, slow changes in US thinking and policy (including broken healthcare), what's good, and the purpose of crafting a persona for creative work. Because he's a practiced hand, Jon brings it for the advice column and a few rants and raves. He's a smooth operator. The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life by Anu PartanenPlastic Jesus's “Bullet Proof School Desk”“The Crying Indian” commercial for Keep America BeautifulThroughline episode "The Litter Myth" from 9.5.19Meghan McDonnell on MediumRead along in Falter: Volume Twelve – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comFind us on Pinterest: @thefeelingspodcastThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

Adult children who move far away. Miracle pets. The nature of depression (what is it?) and the loneliness it brings. An online dating questionnaire horror story. Numbness and resignation. Values. ACEs. Discovering your parents are fallible. The import of location.Stay for questionable advice and a few creepy situations relating to the mystery of the human body.Lost Connections by Johann HariStolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention – and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann HariFool Me Twice podcastMeghan McDonnell on MediumRead along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comFind us on Pinterest: @thefeelingspodcastThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

We're off this week. Be sure to join us again on August 11, 2022.

Come bathe in the waters of the Feelings. Today, we talk about mental release, getting called out in couples counseling, Reddit's AITA, themes that recur in our lives, our antiquated legal system, and personality disorders. Slip into something satin while we whisk you into romance and then kill your libido with one dude's advice query to Dear Abby. It's 69 time.Loner by Teddy WayneAll in Her Head by Jessica ValentiRadiolab from July 22, 2022, “You v. You”The Shame Machine: Who Profits in the New Age of Humiliation by Cathy O'NeilMeghan McDonnell on MediumRead along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comFind us on Pinterest: @thefeelingspodcastThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

Being a mother who works from home and wears claw clips. The challenge of transitions. Solo parenting. A local government chestnut follow-up. The healing powers of nature and loved ones. Intimate partner violence. Probative value. People who don't read anymore and how reading fosters empathy. Meghan's search for the right synthesizer. Layered trauma. Obsessive thinking. Becoming an energy vampire. How much stories matter in determining how we view each other.Then we go for it with an advice column write-in before we rant and rave about people who rant. Your body belongs to you.All in Her Head by Jessica ValentiMeghan McDonnell on MediumRead along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comFind us on Pinterest: @thefeelingspodcastThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

Join us today as we discuss the disposability of women and children in the US and beauty products that lie to us. Then we dive into The Fact of a Body: A Murder and a Memoir by Alex Marzano-Lesnevich to discuss tragedy and loss that infuse multiple families and generations.We exhale by shifting to a chat about men in power who don't understand how women's bodies work but who make decisions on behalf of women's bodies. Meghan shares a tale of local government horseplay and Jules gives us Insights™ into how she thinks and behaves professionally, and it's not all roses! We wrap it with a creepy story and a kookly-dookly advice write-in. “Republicans Don't Know Shit About Abortion” by Jessica Valenti on SubstackThe Daily “Special Episode: Roe v. Wade is Overturned” from June 25, 2022“Oops!... I Did It Again” by Brittney Spears“Party in the USA” by Miley CyrusMeghan McDonnell on MediumRead along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comFind us on Pinterest: @thefeelingspodcastThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

Things are working out, workwise and otherwise. We revisit Meghan's book Listless: Volume Eleven and talk about her years in LA. Then Jules wants to deep dive on Meghan's writing on competition and human need. We spend time with Erika Krouse's memoir Tell Me Everything and break our own hearts while discussing Genie Wiley, a neglected and abused child who nonetheless just wanted her mom.We take a break from the intensity and end by covering ourselves in romance and advice.Jon's artwork Meghan McDonnell on MediumRead along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comFind us on Pinterest: @thefeelingspodcastThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

We talk about stage productions that disappoint, clickbait where you don't expect it, and a few podcast and book recommendations. Julie brings up the concept of forgiveness and we unpack what it might mean. Then we rant, we rave,  we advice and advise. Where in your body do you feel your feelings?“The King of Wishful Thinking” by Go WestMeghan McDonnell on MediumRead along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comFind us on Pinterest: @thefeelingspodcastThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

Today, we talk covert thoughts, feelings, and tears about Covid; doubt and skepticism; frustrating voter pamphlets; and then Julie tries to lure Meghan into social media use by describing BeReal. We wrap up our breakdown of Something Was Wrong's first two episodes from season 13 and continue discussing the absurdity and obscenity of how women who are abused get treated by broken people within broken systems in the US.To lighten your burdensome load, we share a few more Cat Facts™, stories to give you the shivers, and advice from Queen Jeanne (Phillips). The internet has changed the structure of your brain but there may be hope yet.“I'm Real” (feat.  Ja Rule) by Jennifer Lopez “Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard: Who's the Victim?” by Julie A. Owens, Violence Against Women Expert Consultant on May 31, 2022“'Most Violence is Not Caused by Mental Illness'” The Daily episode from June 8, 2022Meghan McDonnell on MediumRead along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comFind us on Pinterest: @thefeelingspodcastThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

We start with a discussion on religion and church and the beauty of the faithful. And because it seems that lately we can only go heavy, we continue our breakdown of Something Was Wrong's first two eps from season 13 when the story ramps up to a horrifying conclusion.To bring us back to earth, we end with some sizzling romance and a doozy of an advice write-in. Be safe and keep the faith.“That's What Friends Are For” by Dionne WarwickMeghan McDonnell on MediumRead along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comFind us on Pinterest: @thefeelingspodcastThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

Writing and parenting. Survival camp (again). Teens and toddlers. The necessity of inclusion and rites of passage. Gun violence and the absence of “gun control.”Then we deep dive into season 13 episode 1 of the Something Was Wrong podcast to highlight intimate partner violence and how insidious and surreptitious it can be.To lighten the mood, we end with raves and advice. It is your right to be safe, supported, healthy, and free.Meghan McDonnell on MediumRead along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comFind us on Pinterest: @thefeelingspodcastThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

Today, we discuss the Oklahoma Girl Scout murders being solved and our anger about the backlog of untested crime evidence. We also talk about how it feels to discover that you have food on your clothes and whether to tell someone when they have a bat in the cave. From here, it gets real as we dive into the nature of grief and the mystery of tears. We broach guilt vs. shame again and Meghan expounds on what crisis can do to and for us. Because we can't stay in the depths forever, we end it with a Marilyn vos Savant write-in, spookly dookly stories, and advice. Do you laugh when someone trips and falls?#endthebacklogMeghan McDonnell on MediumRead along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comFind us on Pinterest: @thefeelingspodcastThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

First of all, Julie washes her face every night before bed. Don't feel bad if you don't because Meghan doesn't either. We discuss feeling like we're aging but consider seeing it as evolving instead. We also broach feelings on a color scale/emotional spiral, highs and lows, feedback, taking a compliment, conversation hoarders, and eye contact (how long is too long?). We spend a while talking about muffins. Don't mention it. Meghan has embraced her lack of social media use. If she starts a cult, will you join?PSA: Don't put your children “to sleep.”Meghan McDonnell on MediumRead along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comFind us on Pinterest: @thefeelingspodcastThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

Today, we touch on cleaning out, rearranging spaces, and the effort and bravery required for living. We discuss the confusion of being a fed-up woman and the ongoing politicization and policing of women's bodies.Meghan gives a book report on The Lords of Easy Money: How the Federal Reserve Broke the American Economy by Christopher Leonard before we round it out with rants, raves, and advice and we're left wondering: Where do our tax dollars go?“Can Motherhood Be a Mode of Rebellion?” By Jia TolentinoMeghan McDonnell on MediumRead along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comFind us on Pinterest: @thefeelingspodcastThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

The spiritual implications of a never-ending cold. Life not being easy. Boise (again). What to write about if you're hard up for material. Being a Victoria's Secret model. Personal manifestos. Books that help us navigate the messy business of being a woman who's alive. Writing a letter to fear (!).The cult and culture of jobs, money, meaning, and value. Youngest Child Syndrome™. Being a chimney sweep (again). Vaginas (handle it). Rewriting the Constitution. Creepy children. Advice. You're welcome.“Private Parts” by Maya Salam, a review of Rachel E. Gross's Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical VoyageMeghan McDonnell on MediumRead along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comFind us on Pinterest: @thefeelingspodcastThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

We're talking about leashes and harnesses for little ones. (Don't play like you haven't considered it.) Then we tuck into urban legends, bells on graves, cemeteries, catfishing red flags ( yo he's not in witness protection), and people who are no good for no good reason. We spend longer than we thought we would conjecturing about hybristophilia. Then we discuss our longing to return to art and finding the right tools for expression. Come for the humor. Stay for the shocking romance names and a shady AF Dear Abby. Something Was Wrong Season 12And That's Why We Drink ep. 272 wherein Christine talks hybristophiliaMeghan McDonnell on Medium“Why are women drawn to men behind bars?” by Denise MinaWomen Who Love Men Who Kill: 35 True Stories of Prison Passion by Sheila IsenbergRead along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

Today we talk about talking to our thoughts and feelings, locating the source of our anxiety, millstones ‘round our necks, getting sick, being hard on ourselves, self talk, and wanting a tad of recognition for our homemaking.We review a book and discuss the inability to create empirical studies on human behavior and psychology, plus the legacy of insufficient mental health resources in the US. On that note, let's all try to be a little more like Rebecca from this week's Rants and Raves.Diane Sorensen on Instagram: @beauty.in.behaviorCall Me Curious podcast ep about intermittent fastingRead along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

We get into ambitious and successful siblings, creepy 1980s school portrait photographers, being a chubby fourth grader, and how a death affects a community. Then we dig into mom guilt and contemplate a couple of passages from Deborah Levy's memoir The Cost of Living which leads to musings on how threatening women are if we earn money (!) and how just being a mother at all makes us cuckoo bananas. Come for the laughs and the memories. Stay for creepy children and advice.“My daughter doesn't do phony – and I pray she stays that way” by Jenny Albers“The End of Mom Guilt: Why a mother's ambition is good for her family” by Lara BazelonYou're Wrong About “How Email Took Over the World w. Anne Helen Petersen”Read along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

Unexpected questions from strangers that remind you to pay attention to your life. Scabs vs. scars. Latent music dreams. Then we dig into the joys of struggle, the pleasures of walking, and lame-ass email replies. We also broach the idea that true crime stories are an instruction manual and talk about how much we appreciate creators who implicitly encourage us to create, too.  Julie gets really into the romance novel character names, and we empathize with a 15-year-old girl who needs some advice.Springtime is behaving strangely. Do the blossoms always come before the leaves? Let us know your feelings.Waiting for Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey Read along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed

On this ep, we fail to keep it light by discussing malignant narcissism, psychopathy, catfishing, and Cluster B personality disorders. We dive into accountability, acknowledge a need for new approaches to understanding mental health, and reference a few podcast stories that bear this out.Then it's Rants! Raves! Advice! We're left wondering: who does watch the watchmen? And do women exist?Kris Harpster's Quora answer to “Why can't a lot of people identify a narcissist?”The Rosenhan ExperimentRead along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

Today we expand on our conversations about race. We tackle the Sackler family, various and sundry predators who elude justice, mental resistance, and fear of change. Then we discuss the podcast Bad Bad Thing and comment on infidelity and narcissism. Jules and Megs round it out with Cat Facts™, children who say upsetting things, and a tragic advice write-in. We wonder aloud: Is ethical political leadership possible? Tell us how you feel.“Ten important stories being underreported by the mainstream media” by Paul RosenbergThe Butcher and the Wren by Alaina Urquhart (preorder)“Women Have Always Been a Part of White Supremacy” by Jenn M. Jackson for Teen Vogue“J.K. Rowling Writes about Her Reasons for Speaking out on Sex and Gender Issues”Read along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

Menstruation. Puberty. A Chrysler minivan circa 1989. Then it's time to hold on because we don't hold back as we broach fake internet stories that incite bad vibes, gaslighting, racism, and the sex/gender hot potato. We also discuss the legendary Nina Simone, a few of her songs and lyrics, and the nature of a complicated genius.We look at denial of our problematic history, the Fed, JK Rowling, and the token madman who shoulders our shadow selves. Arrive for the existential tangents. Stick around for romance and advice. Are things a little hinky or is it just us?“Who Am I Now?” puberty video from 1987Mrs. March by Virginia Feito“22nd Century,” “Images,” and “Mississippi Goddamn” by Nina SimoneThe Problem with Jon Stewart "Jon Talks Racial Injustice & Inflation” from 2.17.22“J.K. Rowling Writes about Her Reasons for Speaking out on Sex and Gender Issues”Read along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

The big 5-0, bishes! Happy St. Patrick's Day! How do you like us now? We don't mess around and go straight for lack of sleep, unexpected emotional wallops, how nice Julie is (and her discomfort with talking sh!*), the intensity of life in our early 40s, and how fast this gull durn ride is going.Then we dig into Galit Atlas's Emotional Inheritance and talk trauma, crises, and personal/collective pain. We discuss how fear can separate us, the discomfort of being a witness who's willing to bear with another person, epigenetics, and whether our current struggles are an opportunity to heal generational wounds.After talking about holding our family's pain for them and Meghan's wish for a f*ck ton of money and someone to make meals for her, we lighten it up with Seattleite opinions and advice. Get down with fifty. Get down with fabulous.“Hotcakes” by Meghan McDonnellRead along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

We recorded this on the morning when news broke that Russia had invaded Ukraine and speculate on what it may mean and bemoan our insecurity about reliable news sources. Then we get into noticing tension in our bodies, why we resist what we say we want, All My Children, and Pinterest. We dedicate a lot of this ep to unpacking Gretchen Rubin's The Four Tendencies. We explore our Obliger and Questioner bents and discuss how this kind of framework can be helpful in improving our understanding of ourselves and each other in any realm of our lives. After contemplating becoming more effective, we talk creepy kids, Cat Facts™, and advice. Julie reminds Meghan to have a little compassion – for once. We recommend you do the same.Take the Quiz to find your TendencyThe Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality That Reveal How to Make Your Life Better (and Other People's Lives Better, Too) by Gretchen RubinRead along in Listless: Volume Eleven – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

Middle earth. Admitting to a mistake. The goodness of family time. Mom guilt. Then we get into weird sh** that our minds tell us; walking/exercising; worthiness; time; cultural messaging toward women; and whether some moms judge other moms as much as we're told they do. We discuss a medley of random anecdotes including Meghan's radical theory about what extras say on TV and film sets, cold therapy, recovery from hating the word “moist,” tech titans, and unnecessary hate.We say goodbye to Witness: Volume Ten and break down the playlist. We wrestle with what it's like to be a writer, working a bad editing job, and what to do with life. Stay for abridged romance and a naughty advice query. We'll be your Sam Gamgee if you'll be our Frodo Baggins.“Neutron Dance” – The Pointer SistersRead along in Witness: Volume Ten – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

You're just in time for forays into women's hockey; dashed sports ball dreams of youth; a new job for Julie (hey-o); a cultural aggregation app; trash talk about the interwebs; witnessing an arrest; a haunted office anecdote; and telling your bestie creepy stories when they're already afraid.Then we f***ing go for it with Meghan's weird, abstract chart about women, men, and work in America. The dissection leads to talks on depression, perseverance, finding meaning, and internalizing unworthiness. Plus, we broach at-home hair color, Seattleite complaints and compliments, and advice. Imagine a 30-month pregnancy. Or don't. At least support TV for children so we can get some sleep around here. The “twin” character Meghan referred to from All My Children (Natalie Marlowe played by Kate Collins)The extraordinary movie that Julie referenced, Lagaan"Mitwa” by Shankar-Ehsaan-Lay, Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, Sukhwinder Singh, and Srinivas - our fave song from LagaanPicture of “ghost” man with an axe on an old military ship“Right Side vs. Left Side Energies” from Reiki Rays“Word Connection: Left & Right” by R. Philip Bouchard on MediumRead along in Witness: Volume Ten – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

Hey, Feelers. Questions: Should we sacrifice privacy for safety? Or vice versa? Is someone going to grab one of us off the street? How are we supposed to feel?Today, we talk kidnappings; getting back into reading; capital punishment; the difficulty of seeing predators as human; romance novels; and Meghan's fixation on the name “Belinda.” Then you're in for a real treat because we've got Alan and Zack from the Boo's Your Daddy podcast joining us for a cave expedition into men's feelings.We get into free vacations offered by timeshare cults; taking our talents on the road; the 5 love languages; fathering teenage girls; high paid football coaches; teachers; Finland; capitalism; universal healthcare; and a Dr. Ruth sighting. The boys get down with the advice column and a couple of creepy children. Handle it.Boo's Your Daddy!?! podcastRead along in Witness: Volume Ten – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

Hi beautiful people. Let's discuss hydration; talking about the sh** within ourselves and the difficulty of articulating it; Mercury retrograde; desire for change and self-control; letting go of resentment; exercise; physically stored emotions; and aggression. But why stop there?Jules and Meg also tuck into agile methodology; forgetting to take the bins to the curb; what we want and how to get there; being hard on ourselves; the exhaustion of pursuit; the cleaving of women; duality; holistic fulfillment; invisible labor (again); agency for a child or anyone; chrysalis; and Rumi.Then we read another advice column letter about a man behaving poorly and round it off with a sweet, safe caress of romance. You can change. The best in you will stay the same."How to let go of resentment” by Ola Radka from Start with Self"Wishin' and Hopin'" by Dusty SpringfieldRead along in Witness: Volume Ten – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

Let's get in here together! Pre-internet life (it happened). Our progeny (we relate to them). Boo's Your Daddy podcast (we guested on it). Then we go for it: unexpected job loss; Akashic records; impossible puzzles as metaphor; winter doldrums; colorful saunas; and honoring seasons and cycles.We can't help ourselves and we step into the minefield of cancelled words; misinterpretations between friends; getting set in our ways; the effects of absorbing true crime on our parenting; and TikTok aspirations. We smooth the edges with a few rants and raves and a sad advice write-in. Stay tender. Toughen up.Boo's Your Daddy!?! ep with Jules and Megs as guestsIT Inclusive Language Guide from University of WashingtonRead along in Witness: Volume Ten – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* Names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

We have another guest today! Please welcome Diane Sorenson to The Feelings! Diane is an expert in early childhood education, and she brings insight and wisdom to our relationships with our kids (including teens!) and our relationships with ourselves. We discuss parenting; fractures in families; the influence of technology on each of us; changing within instead of waiting for others to change; conscious discipline; communication; taking ownership; assertiveness; triggers; people pleasing; social conditioning; passivity; conflict avoidance; curiosity; fake calm; and so much more. We learned a lot and we know you will too. Diane also joins in to offer her two cents on an advice column letter. Be seen. Be heard. Be understood. Stay curious. Diane's Instagram: @beauty.in.behaviorDiane's website: Beauty in BehaviorDiane's podcast: Beauty in BehaviorRead along in Witness: Volume Ten – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* All names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

Today we discuss fear of our ages, shows & podcasts, and the legal system. Then we have a guest. The legend, the luminary - Julie's husband Matt! We get into dream advice column headlines; the dark side of meteorologists; Michael Barbaro's voice; clean people; searching for selfhood in our 20s; a childhood letdown involving cars; and Mother Teresa. Then we unpack a one-off advice column (hint: polyamory), Dear Abby, creepy kids, and the drama of little ones performing at-home surgery on a sibling. Believe the children.Read along in Witness: Volume Ten – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* All names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

Winter illness. “Revenge Bedtime Procrastination” (courtesy of @shityoushouldcareabout). Boundary setting. Nitrile gloves. From here, Jules and Meg talk about the Kim family; movies that mess with your head; the Turpin family; and how certain crime cases don't get covered. We also take on a confusing This American Life statement; cancellation; the dysfunction of news and journalism; banned books; being a rightwing radical or a hard hippie socialist; apps to enhance your marriage; and desert island questions. We wrap it with advice on a clumsy husband and savory romance. Get in here, you!Read along in Witness: Volume Ten – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* All names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

We're over the hill! Today, we talk snow, jigsaw puzzles, show-off Buddhist gardens, saying goodbye to things, and fear.Then an all-star guest, Meghan's niece Charlotte, joins in. We get into growing up, in-between years, scrunchies, friendship drama, popular girls, playing outside, the downside of social media, jealousy, body shaming, recess, and survival stories. If that's not enough, we also cover camping trips, scary stories, sisters, bad words, and embarrassing your family in public. Reunite with your inner eleven-year-old and get cozy with your feelings.Read along in Witness: Volume Ten – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* All names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

Oh, Feelers. Today we talk about the slow drip of the pandemmy and the ongoing time warp; needing to leave the house; breakdowns that require a call instead of a text; therapy advice; using online reviews to decide how you feel about something; being aware that we're aware; megachurches; and Jesus. Then we tuck into thought-provoking bumper stickers and signage/graffiti, love languages, annual freak outs, abusive relationships, and lack of help or resources for those who need it. Stick around for an advice column about a family secret, tidbits about black-eyed kids, a shout out to Ann Rule books, and a hot take on Creepypastas. New year, new you. Get down with the 222."16 Terrifying Encounters with the 'Black Eyed Kids'" by Chrissy StocktonRead along in Witness: Volume Ten – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* All names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

Come ‘round, ye Feelers! Comedian Kyndra Crump joins in to feel with us today. We get into God; rude celebrities; the benefits and ravages of fame and why people seek it; Rick Ross's Wingstop; darshan; tattoos of lovers' names; airports; diamonds; failing as human beings; veganism; depression (again); and the brain-gut connection. We also tuck into life coaches; changing our energy; stopping trying; middle school and school shootings; and sleep as therapy. Kyndra is a sport and humors us with her input on an advice column write in and romance novel character names. If your womanal labor has you in a tailspin, take a break and feel The Feelings.Kyndra Crump on InstagramKyndra Crump on YouTubeThe Kyndra Crump Show podcastRead along in Witness: Volume Ten – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* All names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

Teeth. Physical empathy. Baby Jessica in the well. Making your own products. Energy healing. Cellophaned sage? From there we stumble into cultural appropriation; our Catholic roots; astrology; diversity and unity; ingratitude; psychic breaches; creating/attracting our experiences; distraction via disaster; Jungian shadows; pivot tables for data; and children being wonderful. Plus, an advice write-in about a sh**-talking neighbor (!) and some ranting and raving from Pacific Northwesterners. Do you like the problems that you have? Stand in your truth.Read along in Witness: Volume Ten – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* All names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

Happy Holidays, Feelers! We dive into Barbara Walters-ing people; embracing remote work (no more showering or mascara!); aura cleansing; unexpected and useful tips (not “life hacks”); music from a certain era (spoiler alert: we're bananas for Eddie Vedder); the pronunciation of “February”; wanting to know how others see you; self-criticism and self-judgment; and “the Boise option.” Because we love you, we also talk about overfilling our metaphoric plates, patterns/habits, reverence for teachers, and fruit packed in heavy syrup. Then we round it out with spooky kids, animal sounds, and some talk of nighties and panties. PSA: Refrain from using the words “nightie” and “panties” unless discussing how inappropriate they are.“Dear Professional People, Please Stop Using the Word ‘Unfortunately'” by Meghan McDonnellRead along in Witness: Volume Ten – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* All names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

Today, we talk holidaze and birthdays; children who refuse warmth; family anxiety and hugs; the point of listening; ways to harass people we love in the name of fun; living among loveable monsters (and being one); and a brief review of the novel The Plot. We also touch on sitting in the sadness, strength after breaking, challenges that creators face (what is “good enough”?), labels in psychology, feeling deeply, subjective pain scales, and corporate brand names that replace generic words. Stay to the end for candid kitchen talk and a caress of romance. Stay strong.You're Not Listening by Kate MurphyGQ interview with Jason SudeikisJoe Rogan's interview with JewelRead along in Ingress: Volume Nine – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* All names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

No, we're not pregnant. But we talk about pregnancy today. A lot. The surprises! The feelings! The physical and psychological challenges! We also discuss giving birth to books, idolizing f*cked up people, toiling in obscurity as a writer, reaching out to people we admire, and the sadness of late-in-life success. Then we read opinions that no one asked for and empathize with a woman who needs advice re: guilt and good fortune. Keep hope alive.The Gnome Exchange Program: North Pole Rescue by Matt CaliriBook Page interview with Katherine May“My Ambivalence to Have Babies Makes Me Meshuggenah” by Meghan McDonnellRead along in Ingress: Volume Nine – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* All names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

The angels are talking to you. Are you listening? Today, we talk about last moments with grandparents, death (again), the punitive elements of capitalism, work as meaning and identity at the expense of inherent humanity and dignity, and overpaid football coaches. Then we can't help ourselves and drill down on the crookery of American hospitals, the dearth of reasonable jobs, the uncanniness of children, and anger management issues. P.S. What is the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?PSA: NEVER ask ANY woman if she's pregnant. EVER. (Sorry for the ALL CAPS but they are warranted due to the urgency of this message.)“Our Relationship to Work is Broken” by Jonathan MalesicRead along in Ingress: Volume Nine – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* All names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

Today we shine a light on the never-ending issues that womenfolk face (childcare! Our bodies! Healthcare! Family leave! Maternal death rates in the US !), setting boundaries, agency, 80s sitcoms, Susan Powter (“Stop the Insanity!”), self-defense for devaluation, kind people, elders and little ones and the mystery they share, therapy (again), and malls. Then we dig into Rachel Yoder's Nightbitch, birth experiences, and the minutiae of motherhood/being a hausfrau scullery maid. Steve Largent shows up again. Advice and romance take us to the finish. You're so #brave. So brave. Feel it with an exclamation point and consider us your metaphoric hairdressers. The Daily podcast episode: “Is Child Care a Public Responsibility?”Susan Powter Interview“Moms are living in an extraordinary era of burnout” by Mita MallickRead along in Ingress: Volume Nine – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* All names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

Today on The Feelings, we talk about moving house, the feeling of chaos, Meghan's past incarnation as a professional organizer, minimalism, and our deep relationships with our stuff. We also take on gaudy crafting, developing identity, landfills, disposability, conglomerates, and malls. We analyze Thomas & Friends before rounding it out with Midwest travel dreams, indoctrination, banned books, bicyclists, and infidelity. How can you not?Making Room for You: A Practical Guide to Organizing Your Home"The Repressive, Authoritarian Soul of 'Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends'" by Jia TolentinoRead along in Ingress: Volume Nine – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* All names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

Who wants to be a bajillionaire? Today, we talk about how our brains are in a box (it sounds worse than it is). We dig into dollar stores, grocery stores, and bargains; sh*tty apps; a Washington State plastic bag “ban”; cold hands and crazy people; altruism; and money. We also talk about men asking women for help, rethinking work culture, mothers, finding a rhythm, and parental burnout. Come for the reincarnated child story. Stay for a sick burn on American women issued by a Danish man. If you're feeling ravenous for me-time, we're your people.PSA: Please STOP “paying it forward” for the person behind you at a Starbucks drive thru. Read along in Ingress: Volume Nine – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* All names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

On this very special episode*, we get into a change of perspective, misguided notions of friendship, “affluenza,” roaring when necessary, music as a marker of time, and living in 1950s America today. We also cover Pat Buchanan (holy sh!+), the endlessness of momming and chores, tunnels as metaphor for women's lives, the effort of living, saying cruel things to someone, and the need for personal freedom and privacy. Plus, more advice than usual and a wisp of romance to soothe our aching souls. Are you functionally depressed? Grab a barf bag and some smelling salts and settle in. *JK. It's just a standard ep. We think each of them are (is?) special. Just like you. In a good way. “Hyperballad” by BjorkRead along in Ingress: Volume Nine – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* All names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

A lot of "quote unquote”s as we discuss dissatisfaction with the US of A, never ending projects, trusting strangers, nature vs. nurture (!), 2021 reality, and doctor people who aren't people people. We also talk female rage (it's real), silver linings in working from home, a hot take on Jaws, Odyssey of the Mind, self-perception, lack of attention on missing and murdered cases, and mispronouncing place names. Then we analyze people who praise and bitch about Seattle living and go the distance with a doozy of an advice column letter. Take off your jeans (who wears denim anymore?!) and slip into yoga pants. Stay a while.Read along in Ingress: Volume Nine – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* All names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.

Today on The Feelings, we talk cat updates with biblical allusions, more on Ted Lasso, the 20th anniversary of 9/11, therapy (and how we feel about it), the randomness of The NYT Magazine, and Barbizon commercials. We also cover Gabby Petito, Crystal Turner, and Kylen Schulte. We dig into recent near misses for us, intuition, dark roads, healing from anxious thoughts, feeling jaded, the punishing elements of life, and a navel/naval pun. Also, a good advice column write-in and children who say terrifying things. Ships ahoy!“Pull it Together” by The Greeting CommitteeRead along in Ingress: Volume Nine – The Journals of Meghan McDonnellPlaylist on SpotifyFollow us on InstagramEmail us at thefeelingspodcast@gmail.comThe Feelings (buzzsprout.com)Music: “When it All Falls” by Ketsa* All names and identifying characteristics have been changed to protect identities. We have solely recorded our interpretations and opinions of all events. Certain place names have been changed.