Podcasts about mightier than

Episode Highlights:In this episode, I sit down with Rochelle Melander, a writer, teacher, and creativity coach, to explore journaling, creativity, and leveling up in your personal and professional life. Rochelle shares actionable insights from her books, Level Up and Mightier Than the Sword, offering inspiration for anyone looking to ignite their creativity or reconnect with their inner child.Key Takeaways:* Rochelle's book Level Up is packed with practical exercises to help you journal and level up your life, no matter where you're starting.* Mightier Than the Sword is a must-read for kids or anyone wanting to rediscover their playful, imaginative side.* Journaling isn't about perfection—it's about showing up and exploring your thoughts. Rochelle offers unique tools to make journaling approachable for everyone.* Creativity isn't just for writers—Rochelle shares tips on how journaling can help professionals, parents, and kids alike unlock their best ideas.* The conversation emphasizes the power of storytelling and journaling as tools for transformation, healing, and growth.Quotes from Rochelle Melander:* “Journaling is not about being perfect. It's about showing up for yourself and your thoughts.”* “Level Up is a toolkit for anyone who wants to create a more inspired and meaningful life.”* “Kids have so much creativity—it's just waiting to be unleashed. That's why I wrote Mightier Than the Sword.”* “Storytelling is a superpower. It's how we connect, heal, and grow.”* “If you're struggling to journal, start small. You'd be surprised how much you can uncover with just a few minutes a day.”Connect with Rochelle:* Books: Level Up | Mightier Than the Sword* Website: Rochelle's Official Site This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyaf.substack.com/subscribe

Matt and Rob return to the archives to review three adventures each from back issues of Dungeon and Dragon magazines! Subscribe to the DMofNone Patreon!  https://www.patreon.com/DungeonMasterOfNone  Join the DMofNone Discord! Anna's Archive Steel Shadows Fedifensor Mightier Than the Sword The Chapel of Silence Chadranther's Bane The City Beyond the Gate Music: Pac Div - Roll the Dice Generique, Miles Davis (from Ascenceur Pour L'Echafaud) Van Morrison - The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword Disturbed - The Sound of Silence The Clash - London Calling

A new MP3 sermon from Redeemer Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Word is Mightier Than the Sign Subtitle: The Gospels in Harmony Speaker: George Vander Dussen Broadcaster: Redeemer Presbyterian Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 6/23/2024 Bible: John 4:43-54 Length: 32 min.

JOHN McCUTCHEON AND TOM PAXTON JOIN FORCES TO CREATE THEIR FIRST JOINT RECORDING TITLED ‘TOGETHER' John McCutcheon and Tom Paxton have been pals for decades, but it was COVID and Zoom that turned them into a songwriting team. Every Monday at 2PM they'd tell jokes, reminisce about old friends, and, of course, talk lots of sports. What happens when two of folk music's most beloved and prolific songwriters join forces?  Songs about history, the news, baseball, cowboys, America, love, the remembered, the forgotten. The arrangements are compelling, the production pristine, and the performances stunning.  From the stirring “Ukrainian Now” to the hilarious “Same Old Crap,” the immigrant story of “In America” to the heart stopping finale, “Together,” each song shines as would be expected of this partnership. John McCutcheon & Tom Paxton together have seeded the folk music landscape with hundreds of songs, sung by thousands for decades.  With the album ‘Together', they add another bunch of great new ones to the repertoire of our time.  And, given the bounty of those Monday afternoons, this is only the beginning. PLEASE WELCOME TWO FOLK LEGENDS JOHN MCCUTCHEON AND TOM PAXTON TO INTERVIEWING THE LEGENDS … PURCHASE THE LATEST ALBUM BY Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon entitled ‘Together' The long-awaited collaboration between two of folk music's most beloved and prolific songwriters. The COVID pandemic finally brought these two old friends together via weekly Zoom cowriting sessions. This fourteen-song collection released on Appalsongs Records, barely scratches the surface of the hundred-or-so songs John & Tom came up with. With pristine production and world-class musicianship, the songs cover ground from Ukraine to Ellis Island to Shakey's Pizza to a cowboy campfire. Available at amazon.com   FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon Visit www.tompaxton.com Tom Paxton Official website https://www.facebook.com/TomPaxtonMusic Tom Paxton Facebook https://twitter.com/TomPaxtonMusic Tom Paxton Twitter https://open.spotify.com/artist/55kipiKplrHBCZN6L1gtrv?si=1zajLLTqRTCVDbks6uFPeA&nd=1 Tom Paxton Spotify www.folkmusic.com John McCutcheon Official website www.facebook.com/people/John-McCutcheon/100063915871608 John McCutcheon Facebook https://twitter.com/mccutcheonfolk John McCutcheon Twitter   TOM PAXTON DISCOGRAPHY Discography I'm the Man That Built the Bridges [live] (Gaslight, 1962) Ramblin' Boy (Elektra, 1964) Ain't That News! (Elektra, 1965) Outward Bound (Elektra, 1966) Morning Again (Elektra, 1968) The Things I Notice Now (Elektra, 1969) Tom Paxton 6 (Elektra, 1970) The Compleat Tom Paxton [live in June 1970 at the Bitter End nightclub, Greenwich Village, Lower Manhattan, New York City] (Elektra, 1971) How Come the Sun (Reprise, 1971) Peace Will Come (Reprise, 1972) New Songs for Old Friends [live] (Reprise, 1973) Children's Song Book (Bradleys, 1974) (reissued in the U.S. ten years later under the title The Marvelous Toy and Other Gallimaufry (Cherry Lane / Flying Fish, 1984) Something in My Life (Private Stock, 1975) Saturday Night (MAM, 1976) New Songs from the Briarpatch [live] (Vanguard, 1977) Heroes (Vanguard, 1978) Up and Up (Mountain Railroad, 1979) The Paxton Report (Mountain Railroad, 1980) Bulletin (Hogeye, 1983) Even a Gray Day (Flying Fish, 1983) Tom Paxton in the Orchard (Cherry Lane Records, 1984) One Million Lawyers and Other Disasters (Flying Fish, 1985) A Paxton Primer (Pax, 1986) Folksong Festival 1986 (Pax, 1986) And Loving You (Flying Fish, 1986) Balloon-alloon-alloon (Sony Kids' Music, 1987) Politics Live [live] (Flying Fish, 1988) The Very Best of Tom Paxton (Flying Fish, 1988) In The Orchard [live] (Sundown Records, 1988) Storyteller (Start Records Ltd, 1989) It Ain't Easy (Flying Fish, 1991) A Child's Christmas (Sony Kids' Music, 1992) Peanut Butter Pie (Sony Kids' Music, 1992) Suzy Is a Rocker (Sony Kids' Music, 1992) Wearing the Time (Sugar Hill, 1994) Live: For the Record [live] (Sugar Hill, 1996) A Child's Christmas/Marvelous Toy and Other Gallimaufry (Delta, 1996) A Car Full of Songs (Sony Kids' Music, 1997) Goin' to the Zoo (Rounder, 1997) I've Got a Yo-Yo (Rounder, 1997) The Best of Tom Paxton (Hallmark, 1997) Live in Concert [live] (Strange Fruit, 1998) Fun Animal Songs (Delta, 1999) Fun Food Songs (Delta, 1999) A Car Full of Fun Songs (Delta, 1999) I Can't Help But Wonder Where I'm Bound: The Best of Tom Paxton (Rhino, 1999) Best of the Vanguard Years (Vanguard, 2000) Stars in Their Eyes (Cub Creek Records, 2000), duet with Mark Elliott Live From Mountain Stage [live] (Blue Plate, 2001) Under American Skies (Appleseed and Koch International, 2001) Ramblin' Boy/Ain't That News! (Warner Strategic Marketing, 2002) Your Shoes, My Shoes (Red House, 2002) Looking for the Moon (Appleseed, 2002) American Troubadour (Music Club, 2003) Best of Friends [live on February 16, 1985 at Holsteins folk club, Chicago, Illinois] (Appleseed Recordings, 2004) (originally taped for broadcast by WFMT's The Midnight Special radio show by its host, Rich Warren) The Compleat Tom Paxton (Even Compleater) [live] (Rhino Handmade, 2004) Outward Bound/Morning Again (Wea/Rhino, 2004) Live in the UK [live] (Pax, 2005) Live at McCabe's Guitar Shop [live] (Shout Factory, 2006) Comedians and Angels (Appleseed, 2008) Redemption Road (Pax Records, 2015) Boat in the Water (Pax Records, 2017) Live at Portland, Oregon, November 7, 2017 (2018) with The Don Juans The Essential (Apple Music, 2019) Live! (Bandcamp, 2019) with The Don Juans Rabbit (Misra, 2022) with Buffalo Rose Together (2023) with John McCutcheon   BOOKS: Aesop's Fables (William Morrow & Co, 1988) Belling the Cat and Other Aesop's Fables (William Morrow & Co, 1990) Engelbert the Elephant (William Morrow & Co, 1990) Androcles and the Lion: And Other Aesop's Fables (William Morrow & Co, 1991) Birds of a Feather and Other Aesop's Fables (William Morrow & Co, 1993) The Animals' Lullaby (Let Me Read, Level 3) (William Morrow & Co, 1993) Where's the Baby? (HarperCollins, 1993) Engelbert Moves the House (Let Me Read, Level 3) (Good Year Books, 1995) The Story of Santa Claus (HarperCollins, 1995) The Story of the Tooth Fairy (William Morrow & Company, 1996) Going to the Zoo (William Morrow & Company, 1996) Meet Tom Paxton – An Interview With Tom Paxton: Level 3 Reader (Good Year Books, 1996) Engelbert Joins the Circus (HarperCollins, 1997) The Jungle Baseball Game (Morrow Junior, 1999) Jennifer's Rabbit (HarperCollins, 2001)   John McCutcheon Discography How Can I Keep from Singing? (June Appal Recordings, 1975) The Wind That Shakes the Barley (June Appal Recordings and Rounder, 1977)* From Earth To Heaven (June Appal Recordings, 1978) (As part of group Wry Straw) Barefoot Boy with Boots On (Rounder, 1980) Fine Times at Our House (Rounder, 1982; reissued Greenhays, 2010) Howjadoo (Rounder, 1983) Winter Solstice (Rounder, 1984, with Trapezoid and Washington Bach Consort) Signs of the Times (Rounder, 1986, with Si Kahn) Step By Step: Hammer Dulcimer Duets, Trios and Quartets (Rounder, 1986) Gonna Rise Again (Rounder, 1987) Mail Myself to You (Rounder, 1988) Water from Another Time: A Retrospective (Rounder, 1989) What It's Like (Rounder, 1990) Live at Wolf Trap (Rounder, 1991) Family Garden (Rounder, 1993) Between the Eclipse (Rounder, 1995) Summersongs (series: John McCutcheon's Four Seasons) (Rounder, 1995) Wintersongs (series: John McCutcheon's Four Seasons) (Rounder, 1995) Nothing to Lose (Rounder, 1995) Sprout Wings and Fly (Rounder, 1997) Bigger Than Yourself (Rounder, 1997, co-written by Si Kahn) Doing Our Job (Rounder, 1997, with Tom Chapin) Autumnsongs (series: John McCutcheon's Four Seasons) (Rounder, 1998, family album) Springsongs (series: John McCutcheon's Four Seasons) (Rounder, 1999, family album) Storied Ground (Rounder, 1999) Supper's on the Table (Rounder, 2001, retrospective) The Greatest Story Never Told (Red House Records, 2002) Hail to the Chief (self-published, 2003) Hammer Dulcimer Repertoire (Homespun Tapes, 2003; CD and book) Stand Up! Broadsides for Our Time (self-published, 2004; reissue 2010) Welcome the Traveler Home: The Winfield Songs (self-published, 2004; reissue 2010) Mightier Than the Sword (Appalsongs, 2005) This Fire (Appalsongs, 2007) The Hammer Dulcimer (Hal Leonard, 2007; 6 CDs and booklet) Sermon on the Mound (Appalsongs, 2008) Untold (Appalsongs, 2009) Passage (Appalsongs, 2010) This Land: Woody Guthrie's America (Appalsongs, 2011) 22 Days (Appalsongs, 2013) Joe Hill's Last Will (Appalsongs, 2015) Trolling for Dreams (Appalsongs, 2017) Ghost Light (Appalsongs, 2018) To Everyone in All the World: A Celebration of Pete Seeger (Appalsongs, 2019) Cabin Fever: Songs from the Quarantine (Appalsongs, 2020) Bucket List (Appalsongs, 2021)   Support us on PayPal!

Short bonus episode on The Mind is Mightier Than the Sword: The Power of Perception CHECK THE BLOG AT:https://networkofawareness.com/blogFOLLOW US AT:https://networkofawareness.com/For the Full Video presentation go to our social media links.Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6345825287143424 We're grateful for your support and are working diligently to provide our listeners with valuable information, that can assist in developing a greater sense of Social & Self Awareness in our ever-changing Societies & Cultures. If you would like to donate and support our show please choose one of the links below: https://cash.app/$NetworkofAwareness https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/networkofawareness?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US NOA Social Media Links: https://www.spreaker.com/show/network-of-awareness https://twitter.com/orra_noa https://www.youtube.com/@ORRA_THE_INFORMATIONALIST https://www.instagram.com/networkofawareness.com1/ https://www.tiktok.com/@orra_informationalist https://www.facebook.com/networkofawareness.com1/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090538384661 All praises to our creator the Most High which inspires the very best in us! "When you live in the present, there's always an opportunity for a new beginning." - ORRA

Short bonus episode on The Mind is Mightier Than the Sword: The Power of Perception CHECK THE BLOG AT:https://networkofawareness.com/blogFOLLOW US AT:https://networkofawareness.com/For the Full Video presentation go to our social media links.Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6345825287143424 We're grateful for your support and are working diligently to provide our listeners with valuable information, that can assist in developing a greater sense of Social & Self Awareness in our ever-changing Societies & Cultures. If you would like to donate and support our show please choose one of the links below: https://cash.app/$NetworkofAwareness https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/networkofawareness?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US NOA Social Media Links: https://www.spreaker.com/show/network-of-awareness https://twitter.com/orra_noa https://www.youtube.com/@ORRA_THE_INFORMATIONALIST https://www.instagram.com/networkofawareness.com1/ https://www.tiktok.com/@orra_informationalist https://www.facebook.com/networkofawareness.com1/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090538384661 All praises to our creator the Most High which inspires the very best in us! "When you live in the present, there's always an opportunity for a new beginning." - ORRA

The Spin Chagrin, a concept that finds Frank having to watch a movie he's never seen before based on the random spin of a wheel filled with off-the-wall genres, continues into a new year. In this episode, Frank's category was "The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword" and to fulfill the category, Frank watches and reviews Vin Diesel's 2020 comic adaptation, Bloodshot. He also reviews the 2013 heist thriller Parker, adapted from Donald Westlake and the comic adaptation, Constantine, starring Keanu Reeves.

After two weeks in Canada we are back in New York to talk with Josiah the Gift. Fresh out of releasing in brand new album "Mightier Than the Sword", he told us all about the project and mentioned two more releases for this year, with one being the highly antecipated "Lavish Language" with Bishop.  We also spoke about his earlly years in the rap game under the name Joblak, the evolution since then and how he joined the Umbrella family. This and much more so stay tuned and enjoy. 

Current Location: Toronto, CanadaHometown: Danville, VAFamily: Recently Married UVA Grad, Jenny Weatherholtz (UVA, CLAS '03)IMP Tapping: 1997Email: Hargraves.ryan@gmail.com LinkedIn: Ryan Hargraves Facebook: Ryan Hargraves Twitter: @HargravesRyanAmazon, “Daze and Knights of Comedic Destruction: Short Tales Illustrating Why the Pun is Mightier Than the “Sword of”,Mentioned in this episode:Total Cents Dymaic Ad

David S. Reynolds (http://davidsreynolds.com) speaks with Ink Slingers via Zoom about his 2020 book, Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times. Books by David S. Reynolds: Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times (2020) Lincoln's Selected Writings (2014) Mightier Than the Sword: Uncle Tom’s Cabin and the Battle for America (2012) Walt Whitman's America: A Cultural Biography (2011) Beneath the American Renaissance: The Subversive Imagination in the Age of Emerson and Melville (2011) John Brown, Abolitionist: The Man Who Killed Slavery, Sparked the Civil War, and Seeded Civil Rights (2009) Waking Giant: America in the Age of Jackson (2009) Want to connect with Ink Slingers? Tweet us @inkslingers2 or catch us on Instagram @inkslingerspodcast. Music: Dub Feral by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3683-dub-feral License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Ink Slingers will be back with a new set of interviews starting January 4, 2021. In the meantime, stay safe out there, wear a mask, and remember that Black lives matter.

This week, it's Mightier Than the Sword, Holiday Survival Edition, with co-host Stephanie Spaulding! Today we tackle the holidays. It's a time of gift-giving, holiday parties, and mandatory good cheer. We explore ways to healthily navigate the season. Many of us feel stressed and overwhelmed by the social and fiscal demands of the holidays, and Steph has some great strategies for taking a step back and figuring out how to let go of the social conventions and expectations that no longer serve us. It's a wonderfully instructive episode- I came away with a slew of useful tools for surviving the season, and all of you listeners will, too. Tune in! Our sponsor this week is Rothys, the flats you've been waiting for! If you're seeking comfort, style, and sustainability, look no further. Rothy's shoes are incredible; they're made of recycled plastic water bottles and they're cool-looking, insanely comfortable, and machine washable. Head on over to www.Rothys.com/chair to order your new favorite flats! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it's the return of Mightier Than the Sword, with my wonderful co-host Stephanie Spaulding! Between one thing and another, it's been a while since Steph and I have been able to record together, so this feels like an awesome reunion. We talk about the ideas we've had about writing and words, and discuss, individually, the beliefs that have stood the test of time and things we have come to see differently. It's one of my favorite MTTS episodes on record, and I love that we were able to dive deep into the way we once felt and/or still feel about language, literature, and life. Tune in! Our sponsor this week is Brooklinen. With the holidays around the corner, consider giving the gift of coziness and comfort in the form of Brooklinen's sheets, comforters, towels, etc. Check out Brooklinen's expanded line of products that will transform your home (and any home you gift) into a spa. For 10% off and free shipping, go to www.Brooklinen.com and enter promo code chair. Brooklinen: everything you need to live your most comfortable life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it's Mightier Than the Sword, with my wonderful co-host Steph Spaulding. We're both back at work in the classroom, and…drum roll, please…so far, we are DOING A-OKAY. Steph's got a new approach that she shares with us that involves the word joyful, and I'm teaching in what just might be the best school in the world, with the most aspirational group of young writers imaginable. We talk about teaching and dress codes and swearing, and also review a couple of books we've read- Steph's is American Chinatown: A People's History of Five Neighborhoods by Bonnie Tsui, which I'm putting in this blurb because she couldn't recall the title and author on the podcast. Anyway, it's a fun catch-up, and I hope you'll tune in! This week's sponsor is Brooklinen. Luxury sheets without the middleman- and the luxury markup! Fall is the perfect time to give your home a posh linen makeover. Head on over to www.Brooklinen.com and enter promo code chair for 10% off your first order…and free shipping! These really are the best sheets ever. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it's a breezy tribute to the joys of summer reading on Mightier Than the Sword! Co-host and fellow educator (yes, that's right … I'm headed back to the classroom in September, and you'll hear about that on the podcast) Steph Spaulding and I weigh in on a few of the books we read over the summer. We offer some critical analysis, what worked and what didn't, in terms of plot, pacing, and character development. We also pay tribute to the sweet end of summer, and the fresh start of a new school year. It's what I like to call a free-wheelin' episode—steph spaulless editing, more off the cuff, lots of banter and laughter that will, I hope, be infectious. Tune in! This week's sponsor is Ritual, the obsessively researched vitamin for and by women. I start every day with two ritual capsules, which gives me all the nutrients women need and might not be getting enough of, even, with a healthy diet. Start your ritual today! Head on over to www.ritual.com/easychair today, for 10% off your first three months! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it's another Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Steph Spaulding. In this episode, we discuss perfectionism, procrastination, and how both behaviors are the downfall of many a good writing practice. Steph describes herself as a recovering perfectionist, while I was once an aspiring perfectionist. Procrastination is something we both still wrestle with, or have learned to accept, when it comes to writing and life, but perfectionism must be abandoned in the interest of getting work done. When is enough editing enough? Is it really okay to be minimally, rather than maximally, satisfied? This is an uber-enlightening podcast, helpful not only to the writers out there, but also for anyone who has ever struggled with the fear of not being good enough. Tune in! And any questions, comments, or suggestions, just shoot us an email at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it's back to Mightier Than the Sword, with my wonderful co-host Steph Spaulding. We're talking about work/life balance, or work/life integration, as we see it. All work and no play makes anyone a dull person, but does all play and no work have a similar effect? I am staring down a big project and I am stressing out over whether I'll have any time to enjoy my favorite season (summer, if you're guessing). Steph is looking at her own summer vacation after putting in a full school year. Both of our positions are challenging in their own ways, and Steph and I share some ideas about how to navigate work, play, and life. If you have any questions, observations, or insights for me and Steph, please email us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's episode is another Mightier Than the Sword, with my savvy co-host Steph Spaulding. We are still on the topic of book group etiquette and strategies. How to choose a book? How do books that are not on bestseller lists make it onto our reading lists? Are book group members obliged to finish a group pick that they struggle with? Many questions (mostly mine) and some valuable insights (mostly Steph's). Tune in! And please, we'd love to hear from you on all things book group and writing related. Email us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. It would make our week to hear from you! This week's sponsors are Ritual, the obsessively researched vitamin for women and girls, and Brooklinen, with sheets, comforters, and towels that bring you luxury goods direct to your home, without the middleman markup! I love my Ritual vitamins (never have I felt so healthy) and my Brooklinen sheets and comforter (never have I felt so relaxed). Go to brooklinen.com and use promo code Chair for 10% of your first order, and free shipping, and Ritual.com/EASYCHAIR for 10% off your first three months! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it's Mightier Than the Sword! This week I blindside co-host Steph Spaulding with two things: first, a question about the impetus for our writing, and what we love as readers, and second, the way we choose to procrastinate. (For me, it's the news of the day and Zillow.) It's a fun and absolutely spontaneous discussion- I hope you'll listen! On the next MTTS, we are going back to the subject of book groups. Write to us with your book group challenges, insights, and most memorable moments at easychairpodcast@gmail.com and Steph and I will answer you. Promise! This week's episode is brought to you by Quip, makers of the best, sleekest, most effective and portable electric toothbrush, which now comes in kids' size, so your young'un can start on the path to the healthiest smile ever. Just go to GETQUIP.com/easychair and get you first refill pack for free. I love my Quip, and I know you and your whole family will, too! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it's Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Steph Spaulding! Steph is back from a two-week trip to Marrakech, Morocco. Her stay at a riad was definitely interesting. So much to talk about, from the marketplaces to air quality, food to the cultural customs…all very cool. While there were unexpected elements to her sojourn, some positive, some less so, still, I'm keeping Morocco on my short list of places to visit. We also discuss how to talk about a book in a group setting without getting into a fight (this happened in my old book group) or hurting sensitive feelings. Steph brings up the concept of dialogue vs. debate. To anyone navigating their way through their own book group etiquette…you are going to want to take notes. This week's sponsors are quip, the electric toothbrush recommended by over 20,000 dental professionals that will change the way you brush. To get your first refill pack free, go to www.getquip.com/easychair. Also- Rothy's, the flats that are comfortable, stylish, and sustainable- for free shipping, go to rothys.com and use code chair. Two great deals on two great products that I absolutely swear by! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, on Mightier Than the Sword, Steph and I talk about New Year's resolutions…and why, this year, we've decided against them. We are taking a different approach to 2019- a fresh start, for sure, but without the pitfalls and self-recriminations that often come with setting (and all too often, breaking) resolutions. Tune in to hear our takes on the pros and cons of the annual resolution tradition. We have some original ideas on how to make the New Year more of an opportunity than a challenge. As always, any questions, comments, and insights- let me and Steph know at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. This week's podcast is brought to you by Brooklinen, the folks who make getting into bed at night my favorite part of the day. I love the simple luxury of my Brooklinen sheets and comforter! You can get $20 off your first order and free shipping by going to Brooklinen.com, promo code CHAIR. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's episode: Gift Giving, on Mightier Than the Sword! Co-host Steph and I give each other gifts that are unconstrained by budget or actual attainability. The expression “it's the thought that counts” is what this exercise in generosity is all about. In addition to our mutual gift exchange, we talk about our favorite holiday movie and T.V. specials. Along the way I impressively quote the ghost of Jacob Marley and Steph beautifully reminds us that the rancor of current politics and pervasiveness of consumerism should not distract us from what the holiday season is all about: light, love, warmth, family, friends, and gratitude. It's an episode that will have you genuinely embracing the spirit of the season. Any questions, comments, suggestions- please write us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. We want to hear from you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's episode: It's time to head back to Mightier Than the Sword with co-host Stephanie Spaulding! This week, we are talking GRATITUDE. After all, it's Thanksgiving, and family, friends, and being grateful is what it's all about. Steph and I share our current Thanksgiving plans (both of them unconventional) and we revisit our pasts, with memories both sweet and challenging, relative to the Thanksgiving holiday. I tell the story about a Thanksgiving that's been a secret...up to now. Tune in. It's the perfect side dish, whether you're having a traditional bird or a Tofurkey. Steph and I would love nothing more than to have you share the holiday with us. And as always, any questions, comments, or suggestions can be sent our way at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cemetery House by my Mightier Than the Sword co-host Steph Spaulding felt like the perfect story to share for Halloween. Not that it is scary; more because it reveals, to me, the sweet unbroken link between the living and the dead. This link isn't somber, but joyful, and knowing that the end of life can be the beginning of a different kind of relationship is a profoundly wonderful realization. Please tune in as I attempt to do justice to Steph's short, magical story of loss, sorrow, forgiveness, and love set between adversarial neighbors in a small Vermont village. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it's Mightier Than the Sword! Steph and I discuss the role humor has in the societal processing of challenging events. Here's a special treat: to underscore this theory, I offer “Kegtapping: The Ballad of Brett Kavanaugh” as proof- and Steph and I encourage you to follow this link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vBzZAzY8RI) to a fun yet poignant Youtube video I had a hand in. You'll enjoy it, especially if you share our feelings of devastation about the Kavanaugh hearings some weeks back, because, well, that's how humor works. Steph and I also talk about the nature of memory and who gets to be believed. As always, it's an honest discussion that touches on humor with a social and moral conscience…and teeth. This episode is brought to you by Brooklinen! These luxurious sheets and comforters give you a five-star hotel experience without have to leave the comfort of your own bed. Get $20 off plus free shipping by going to Brooklinen.com and remember to use the promo code chair. I guarantee you the most deluxe, comfortable sleep experience you'll ever have. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it's back to Mightier Than the Sword, and Steph and I are coming at you with two very interesting book reviews. This has been a particularly unsettling week for our country, and sometimes the best antidote to the sturm und drang of modern American life is to temporarily escape into a good book. I love to open up my home and the mic to Steph at the end of my solitary baking/writing/listening obsessively to NPR day. Steph has read a great non-fiction book, and she weighs in very eloquently. I've got a work of fiction by a new writer to critique. If you have a book you'd like to tell us about, or even promote your own writing, write to us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. We'll happily give you some air time. Steph and I want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a lively return to Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Steph Spaulding! We talk about waiting for Hurricane Florence to hit the east coast, and how natural disaster is fodder for the 24 hour news cycle. By the time this podcast is out, the storm will be over, and our speculation about its impact will be either confirmed or proven wrong. Then, it's time for what I've been wanting to do with Steph all week: play one more round of Would You Rather. One question relates to writing, the other relates to time travel and indoor plumbing. Intriguing, no? And please, if you have a would you rather, or a question, or a comment, or anything at all you'd like to say to me and Steph, write to us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. We mean it when we say we want to hear from you! This week's podcast is brought to you by the company that makes the most luxurious, comfortable sheets, pillowcases, and comforters- Brooklinen! Since Brooklinen came into my life,I don't want to leave my bed in the morning, and I can wait to tuck in every night. Here's an exclusive offer for my podcast listeners: get 20% off and free shipping when you go to Brooklinen.com and enter promo code chair. What are you waiting for? These are THE BEST SHEETS EVER. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair, the conclusion of Stephen King's brilliant horror story, “The Man in the Black Suit.” On a summer morning fishing trip, Young Gary meets the devil, a.k.a. The Man in the Black Suit, who tells him his mother is dead. Like his brother Dan, she is the hapless victim of an allergic reaction to a bee sting. Gary doesn't want to believe his gruesome story, but finds himself thinking the devil is speaking the truth. Gary also knows the devil means him harm, but how does a nine-year-old boy escape the Prince of Darkness? It's a story that plays with the reader's mind, and the fears that every human has about death, abandonment, and evil are awakened in King's short story. Sink into that chair and listen to what I think might be the scariest story ever. Next week, it's Mightier Than the Sword! Steph Spaulding is back for another episode, and another game of “would you rather…” As always, it's a great writerly convo. Questions, comments, insights, write to us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. We want to hear from you, and we want you to tune in! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair, it's a very special episode of Mightier Than the Sword. Steph and I recorded this on Steph's actual 40th birthday. Because it is such a landmark occasion, I agreed to let her surprise me, which meant playing a game that Steph's been obsessed with of late. Basically, it's a toned-down philosophical version of “Would You Rather.” Steph poses questions that have us pondering some weighty choices relative to age, mortality, incarceration, and purple feathers vs. pink fur. We also ask you, dear listeners, to belatedly celebrate Steph's b-day by writing to us with your own Would You Rathers at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. Any and all submissions will be read on our next podcast. Promise! We want to hear from you. And as Steph says, keep it clean. Today's episode is brought to you by RXBAR. If you haven't tried these protein-packed energy bars, made from authentic ingredients like egg whites, nuts, organic cocoa and dates, you don't know what you're missing. RXBAR calls BS on non-transparency and unnecessary additives and the result is uniquely delicious. For 25% off your first order, visit rxbar.com/chair and enter promo code CHAIR at checkout. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome back to the Law School Toolbox podcast! Today, we're talking about using laptops and other technology in law school – when to use them and when to leave them at home – because this is not as straightforward as it might seem. In this episode, we discuss: Some of the “Pros” associated with note-taking on a laptop and why these don’t actually lead to increased retention or learning Why using laptops can be so distracting – and how that affects more than just the student taking notes on her laptop Whether or not it’s fair for professors to ban laptops in the classroom Are there any students for whom laptop use may do more good than harm? How to back up your hand-written notes Some recommendations for handwriting your class notes RESOURCES: Is Handwriting Notes a Good Thing or a Bad Thing? (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/is-handwriting-notes-a-good-thing-or-a-bad-thing/) The Pen is Mightier Than the Keyboard: The Advantages of Longhand over Laptop Notetaking by Pam A. Mueller and Daniel M. Oppenheimer (http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797614524581) Scientific American: A Learning Secret: Don’t Take Notes with a Laptop (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-learning-secret-don-t-take-notes-with-a-laptop/) The New York Times: Laptops are Great. But Not During a Lecture or Meeting. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/22/business/laptops-not-during-lecture-or-meeting.html?_r=0) Deep Work by Cal Newport (http://calnewport.com/books/deep-work/) Tips for Using the Cornell Note-taking Method (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/tips-for-using-the-cornell-note-taking-method/) All the Supplies You Need to Start Law School Right (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/supplies-need-start-law-school-right/) Laptop Multitasking Hinders Classroom Learning for Both Users and Nearby Peers by Faria Sana, Tina Weston, and Nicholas J. Cepeda (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360131512002254?via%3Dihub) Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/LST-Ep-161-Should-You-Use-Laptop-in-Law-School.pdf) If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/law-school-toolbox-podcast/id1027603976) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Law School Toolbox website (http://lawschooltoolbox.com/contact). If you're concerned about the bar exam, check out our sister site, the Bar Exam Toolbox (http://barexamtoolbox.com/). You can also sign up for our weekly podcast newsletter (https://lawschooltoolbox.com/get-law-school-podcast-updates/) to make sure you never miss an episode! Thanks for listening! Alison & Lee

This week on The Easy Chair, it's a relaxed return to Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Steph Spaulding. This week Steph and I share our reading list summer picks. Here's the context: the weather is hot, the air is heavy, and if you're like us, you don't feel like moving. You might consider this the perfect time to pick up a good read (and to this listen to podcast!) Steph's top choice is a work of historical non-fiction, and mine is good ol' literary fiction. We both weigh in. And just so you know…the heat has made me a bit more laissez-faire than usual, so I didn't edit this episode as aggressively as I am generally inclined. You'll feel like you're in the room. I hope you'll join us! Questions, comments, insights- direct to easychairpodcast@gmail.com. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mightier Than the Sea Rev. Ben Porter Psalm 93

This week on The Easy Chair, it's Mightier Than the Sword! Steph and I talk about “Nanette”- the Netflix comedy special by Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby. If you haven't seen it, OMG DO, and also, listen to us discuss just how groundbreaking it is. Gadsby does not give us a conventional stand-up comedy, but an intensely personal storytelling blending humor and pathos and spot-on social commentary. We are continuing our exploration of censorship, specifically of the female voice, and Gadsby's singularly poignant show seemed to fit right into our shared hopeful view that maybe as a comedy audience- and a societ- we are finally willing to listen to stories, not just laugh at punchlines. Any questions, observations, stuff you'd like to add, please write to us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. We aren't joking when we say we want to hear from you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it's another clear and honest episode of Mightier Than the Sword, the advice podcast for writers, readers, and people who may just be wondering what me and co-host Steph Spaulding have on our minds. Today, an email from a listener has us talking about censorship. It's a complicated topic. Do we, as female writers, self-censor before even putting our work out there? Is there a double standard for women and men, when it comes to being judged on the creative work we produce? From Samantha Bee to Roseanne Barr, women have said what's on their minds, but often at great cost. For a serious topic, Steph and I manage to laugh a lot. Still. This is a writerly conversation that affects us all. Any insights, questions, opinions…c'mon, guys, we want to hear from you! Contact us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. This week's episode is brought to you by the best, sleekest, smartest electric toothbrush in the entire universe- Quip. Just head over to getquip.com/easychair and get your first refill pack FREE with a Quip electric toothbrush. Your happy, healthy mouth will thank you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Steph and I are back with Mightier Than the Sword. Our topic: the difference between writing and storytelling. I step out of my comfortable narrative distance to tell a very difficult true story. Two weeks ago, I was the victim of a sexual assault. The ways people- from friends and neighbors to law enforcement- reacted to my story made me realize that I may be a decent writer, but I am not a reliable storyteller. Steph and I talk about how women who have been victimized often detach from their feelings in order to relate a traumatic event. This is not your typical MTTS. What was a tough episode to record is an important episode to tune into. Take a listen, and if you have anything you'd like to weigh in on, get in touch with us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. This week's episode is brought to you by Quip, the world's smartest wireless toothbrush. It's lightweight, cordless, sleek and awesome. Just think of it as the iPhone of toothbrushes. When it comes to oral hygiene, Quip is a game-changer. Check it out at getquip.com/easychair. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, another fabulous episode of Mightier Than the Sword! Steph and I stay on last time's topic: travel writing. Steph reads her succinct, distinctly humorous reflection on her recent trip to Paris (here's an example: “The Eiffel Tower: I like it.”). I admit it: I slacked on my assignment to write something fresh about my recent travel experience to Norway, but I did rummage through my bookshelves to find a piece I wrote years ago for a coffee table book about the Cayman Islands and an inspiring woman I met there named Miss Winnie. Steph and I also talk about travel vlogging (On the Road With Darwin, are you listening?). This is a super fun episode, and we hope you'll join us. We also hope you'll write to us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com with some travel stories of your own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's Mightier Than the Sword, Travel Edition! Steph and I are back from trips to Europe- Paris for Steph, and Bergen, Norway for me. We share snippets from our journeys, plus advice about travel writing in general. Whether promoting a travel destination or simply journaling, travel writing is challenging. Total immersion in new experience requires living in the moment, as opposed to taking notes. What makes for successful travel writing? We opine, and bust a few myths while we're at it. If you have a travel story or writing tip to share, email us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com, and we'll put it out there! We mean it when we say we want to hear from you! This week's episode is brought to you by Ritual. I'm not only a Ritual spokesperson, I'm a dedicated Ritual subscriber! Ritual vitamins contain the 9 essential ingredients that most women don't get from their diets alone. Since taking Ritual, I have more consistent energy throughout the day and sleep better at night. Just go to ritual.com/EASYCHAIR. You'll see what I mean. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, Steph and I host a Mightier Than the Sword that will turn you around. Dynamic guest motivational author, Shawn Anderson, has inspired people all over the world with his “extra mile” message. He shows by example—pedaling across the U.S. twice, walking across England, Ireland, Japan, Spain, and Portugal, and sparking connections and creating adventures in 40 plus countries around the globe. He is six (soon to be seven) times published, and, if you're anything like me and Steph, you'll find his positive message about living your best life deeply inspiring. Shawn shares accounts of two of his favorite on-the-road encounters—one with an Amish grandfather named Eli, and the other with a guy who calls himself Jamaican Snoop Dogg. Those wanting to learn more about Shawn and Extra Mile Mission, go to http://www.shawnanderson.com/. This podcast is guaranteed to move you. And wait! There's more! Today's episode is brought to you by Ritual, daily vitamins for women that are simple, effective, and backed by real science. I am coming off a 21-day challenge to make these vitamins part of my ritual every morning, and I feel different—stronger, more energetic—than I did three weeks ago. Just go to ritual.com/easychair to start your month subscription. I did! Finally, a special nod to Yusef Islam, a.k.a. Cat Stevens. At the top of the show is his lovely instrumental lead-in to the song “On the Road to Find Out.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's episode has me and Steph once again joining writerly forces on Mightier Than the Sword, where we discuss beginnings. Steph savors them. I belabor them. We talk about ways for writers to approach their starting places, and we share some of our all-time favorite first sentences. Steph dazzles with some pretty impressive memorized recitation. We talk about beginnings as springboards and catalysts, and beginnings as dead-ends. Simple truth: a strong beginning determines marketability and overall success. Then, we offer a challenge: craft an awesome opening sentence! Email us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com and if we declare you the winner, I will personally ship you a dozen fabulous Jake's Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies. You can't pass this up. And … speaking of Jake's Mom's Cookies—try some for a whopping 10% off! Just head over to jakesmomscookies.com, order a classic dozen cookies, baked fresh and delivered pronto, by entering the promo code Mama at checkout. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: It's Mightier Than the Sword, and Steph and I take things Writing Advice 101 with A LIST OF USEFUL, PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WORKING WRITERS. If you are a professional feeling less than inspired by the prose you are compelled to generate for work, you might want to try out these tried and true strategies, curated by Steph and endorsed and implemented by both of us. These methods are guaranteed to banish writer's block and writing performance ennui. We also get to talk about Maria Bamford, chaperoning high school dances, and the size of rhino poop. Tune in; it will all make sense! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it's yet another fabulous Mightier Than the Sword with co-host Stephanie Spaulding! This week, we're talking about the flu epidemic, specifically that thoughtless jerk at the gym who insists on working out while hacking germs everywhere, and, most relevant to our writing-centered podcast, Mary Sues. In literary terms, a “Mary Sue” is the perfect female character. She is so beautiful she's desired by all men and so smart everyone respects her opinion. She enters the narrative essentially without flaws and emerges unchanged and triumphant. It's often said when a book features a Mary Sue the author is fulfilling a wish by inserting a character based on herself. Stephanie and I discuss the limited and arguable pros and multiple cons of this type of character, whether reading about them or writing them. And just so you know, gender doesn't discriminate: along with Mary Sues, there are Larry Stews. We'd love to hear what you think of this persistent literary trope, and anything else you have on your mind. C'mon! Email us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com to weigh in! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's episode: It's Mightier Than the Sword, Holiday Edition! Sit back and snuggle up to me and Steph exuding warm, cozy holiday spirit. We share with you our favorite holiday memories, books, and movies, ranging from predictable to sentimental to surprising. Holiday traditions come down to what we hold on to, and what we let go. We've let go of a lot, including our most previous episode's write a poem a day challenge. We both dropped the ball after one sad attempt, but that's okay. What we have here is a relaxed convo about the magic of Santa, the challenges and dearness of family, and who plays the best Ebenezer Scrooge. Tune in! This week's sponsor is ZOLA, the wedding website that will do anything for love! If there's a wedding in your future, head over to Zola.com/easychair for $50.00 off your registry. You heard right. Check it out, and fall head-over-heels with the wedding website dedicated to LOVE. Zola. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it's a fabulous new episode of Mightier Than the Sword! Steph Spaulding and I are talking poetry. What are the differences between writing prose and writing poetry? Steph bravely shares two original poems, one involving an Etch-a-Sketch, the other, her birth control pills. I am not that confident a poet, so I read a personal favorite with a very overt connection to The Easy Chair podcast. Steph and I talk about our writing relationship to poetry, both in our pasts (earnest and embarrassing) and our presents, which would seem to be equally earnest but less angst-filled and better crafted. It's a fun exploration of the writing form we both try on for size from time to time. Join us for this lively and as always, disarmingly honest, discussion. The Easy Chair has two awesome sponsors! First is LOLA, makers of all-natural organic delivered straight to your door feminine care products. For 60% off your first order, just use the promo code CHAIR. Then, there's StoryWorth, the company that's the created the perfect gift for that storyteller in your life. Go to storyworth.com/easychair for $20.00 off your subscription. I've already designated my holiday season StoryWorth recipient… See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it's Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Steph Spaulding. For all of you writers out there, Steph tells about her experience self-publishing, and offers advice and insight. One Tough Cupcake, Steph's collection of short stories, is hot off the press, and Steph takes a walk through the process from start to finish, from unexpected stumbling blocks to abundant rewards. Steph also reads my favorite excerpt from her story “Buzz Cut.” This episode is both entertaining and informative. Fans of Steph's fiction should go to Amazon and pick up a copy of her eye-catching, magical collection of heartfelt and hilarious stories. The holidays are coming, and this book makes a lovely gift for anyone who loves a good read. This week, The Easy Chair played host to two awesome sponsors: Zola, the wedding registry site with absolutely everything for planning your big day and beyond, and Lovepop, makers of the cards that double as works of art. To all of you out there planning your wedding: head over to Zola and use the offer code Zola.com/easychair, for $50 toward your registry. And, why not give a Lovepop card to someone you love? Check out Lovepop.com/easychair and get a discount code and free shipping! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: With fall upon us, get cozy and take a listen to this tale full of hilariously histrionic domestic confusion. “Margot, Sheila, and Fat Barbie” by Mightier Than the Sword co-host Steph Spaulding is about the juggling act of modern-day family life. Lawyer Margot, a warrior for social justice, is married to stay-at-home spouse Sheila, who spends her days ISO happiness and identity. Their family includes Molly, Sheila's daughter from her first marriage to stoic, kindhearted Joe, and Leo, Margot's son by serial sperm donor Franco. In this story, the focus is on Mattel's "groundbreaking" product line: Fat Barbie. To buy, or not to buy? That is the question! This story will make you laugh out loud while pondering some complicated cultural truths. Next week, I will be launching a new feature: Heart to Heart, a once a month sit-down with friend and therapist/healer Jane Gross. Together, we explore the interface between heart and art. If you're like me, navigating the artistic life generates more questions than answers, which is where Jane comes in. She offers insight gleaned from experience and intuition, plus some practical tools for living an abundantly creative life. As always, any questions or thoughts you'd like to share with me, Steph, or Jane can be directed to easychairpodcast@gmail.com. This week's episode is brought to you by Squarespace.com. Make your website one hundred percent radiantly your own with Squarespace. Want proof? Check out jakesmomscookies.com and see what I mean! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, on Mightier Than the Sword, Steph and I talk about letters. Letters have a long and newly relevant (we've got a letter story that resonates with a modern political scandal) history, as Steph reveals. From self-expression to storytelling, letters are revealing and informative, and we are fervently hoping our listeners will share their letters with us! In this podcast I also read a snarkily hilarious string of faux letters by author Libba Bray. Writers everywhere will laugh along as they feel her pain. This episode is for lovers of classical history and modern humor. Tune in. And please, write to us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com with questions, insights, observations…we mean it when we say we want to hear from you. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, on Mightier Than the Sword: co-host Steph Spaulding drops by crazy early on a Saturday morning to talk about the novels we just finished reading. Commonalities: we are both wearing pajamas and we both loved our books except for the endings, which leads to a discussion of endings in general, and how, for writers everywhere, constructing a good ending is one of the greatest challenges. What are the elements of a good ending? Why are good endings so hard to write? Are sequels proof that writers and readers alike resist endings? Speaking of endings, how will we end the podcast? Tune in to find out! Listeners out there: write to us with your favorite book, movie, or television series ending at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. We will happily share your endings on the next MTTS. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: It's another epic episode of Mightier Than the Sword, the advice podcast for writers! Co-host Stephanie Spaulding and I welcome returning fellow writer Deborah Zervas, who is poised to launch her blog ( http://muse.deborahzervas.com ). Deborah is a designer and artist as well as talented creative and technical writer and deep thinker, so she is not one to just slap a blog up and hope for the best. When it comes to the process of building a blog, Deb leaves no stone unturned, and in this episode Deb walks us through her method. It's interesting, informative, and as always when the three of us get together, lively. Join us for this episode dedicated to all things blog. And, as always: any questions or insights, shoot them our way at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. We mean it when we say we want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair, it's Shoulda Swiped Left with Hannah and Jake. This is their final SSL podcast. For the last time on The Easy Chair they discuss Hannah's on-line and current old-school matchmaker dating life. It's the sweetest, funniest, most self-aware episode ever. Fact: I am going to miss this monthly podcast so much. For me, it was a chance to hear my wonderful kids speaking to each other openly and publicly about love and the unsinkable hope of finding it, through chance or technology. I got to know both Hannah and Jake in a different way, and one thing that I take away from the experience is the mutual respect and kindheartedness of their relationship. If you, like me, hate to see their conversations end, write to me at easychairpodcast@gmail.com suggestions for alternative directions Hannah and Jake might take. Travel? Politics? Any and all ideas are welcome. Next week: It's Mightier Than the Sword where Steph Spaulding and I take on how to start a blog with special guest and blog creator in progress Deborah Zervas. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on The Easy Chair, it's another awesome episode of Mightier Than the Sword with co-host Steph Spaulding. This week Steph picked our topic: side hustles. From gigs like editing to being a writing coach, writing-related gigs can be great side hustles, especially when we writers have demanding day jobs like teaching and starting up a cookie business. Not a whole lot of writers can make ends meet by writing, so this episode is dedicated to what we do to support and even invigorate our creative work. Steph and I discuss side hustles from a variety of perspectives, and we offer up our stories of successful side hustle gigs and time-wasting scams. If you have a side hustle story you'd like to share, or some side hustle advice you'd like to offer, write to us. We'd love to hear from you at easychairpodcast@gmail.com! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, on Mightier Than the Sword I blindsided co-host Stephanie Spaulding with Elmore Leonard's list of ten writing tips. Steph and I are both list-lovers, and the late Mr. Leonard has some pointers that bear writerly discussion. How we feel about opening with weather, using regional dialect, and the usefulness of prologues will be abundantly clear, not to mention overuse of exclamation points! Writers- if you have questions, suggestions, or anything you'd like to share, please email us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you! And yes, that exclamation point was absolutely intentional! The AWESOME new musical intro to The Easy Chair is by North Carolina indie-folk band Honey Magpie. The track is “Lost In the Woods” which was written and sung by my daughter Rachael. If you want to hear more from this talented band, you can find them on bandcamp, iTunes, spotify, google play, and amazon, or just follow this link: http://honeymagpie.com/ This week's episode is brought to you by Squarespace.com. Squarespace is the best, period. Want proof? Check out jakesmomscookies.com. next week, when the site goes live. When you're ready to launch your own website, be sure to use promo code easychair for 10% off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's Mightier Than the Sword, with co-host Stephanie Spaulding! Today we talk about one big writerly conundrum: when to abandon a writing project, when to push through and finish it, and when to put it on the back burner. We offer useful strategy and compassionate empathy to those writers out there who have ever questioned the worth of their work, which is to say every writer ever. We also discuss some tangential stuff, like the particular cruelty of summer viruses, the nightmarish start to every school year, and what fall is good for (I say apples). Tune in for this informative, frank, and funny discussion. And writers out there: we want to hear from you! Questions? Insights? Email us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Steph Spaulding and I are back with another episode of the podcast for writers, Mightier Than the Sword! We discuss the disciplined practice of writing. Is it a labor of love, or more like pure labor? Writing on retreat is one thing, but integrating a writing practice into life on a regular basis presents a set of unique challenges. Steph and I talk about how to start, how to keep the writing flow going, when to push, when to be patient. Join us for this entertaining (and hopefully enlightening) episode. Writers: we encourage you to write to us with questions, tips, insights, you name it, at easychairpodcast@gmail.com with Mightier Than the Sword in the subject line. Next week: it's a rare treat: a whimsical and slightly twisted Hurwitz progressive story, written whilst on our family vacation on Nantucket. It will possibly offend and definitely delight you. This week's episode is brought to you by Squarespace. I chose Squarespace to create a fabulous website for Jake's Mom's Cookies, my side hustle chocolate chip cookie biz. (thanks to daughter Hannah for her gorgeous photography and web design). See what I mean: https://www.jakesmomscookies.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: Shoulda Swiped Left Episode 20. That's right, 20 episodes, and still, after all that time, Hannah and Jake never fail to surprise me. They share the same strange phobia (you'll never guess). They talk dating, travel, waterfalls, and legit old-school matchmaking. It's a uniquely freewheeling and enlightening episode, even by Shoulda Swiped Left standards. In fact, it is one of my all-time favorites. It isn't often you can say audio file editing was a pleasure, but this time, it was. Tune in and you'll see what I mean. Next week: Mightier Than the Sword with co-host Steph Spaulding returns, and the week after that, another Hurwitz family progressive story (remember Trouble in Paradise?). For writing questions or dating stories, email me and Steph or me, Jake, and Hannah at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week: It's a new episode of “Mightier Than the Sword” and Steph Spaulding and I process both the details and the aftermath of our DIY edit swap. Personally, it was a huge challenge to bring my newborn manuscript into the world and hold it out (even to a close and supremely competent pal) for a careful, honest inspection. Constructive criticism was what I sought, but dreaded. Steph is less of a head case and just wanted to make sure her about-to-be self-published collection of short stories was mechanically sound. Find out how we fared, serving as each other's editor. Are we still speaking to each other? Is peer editing a solid or terrible idea? Tune in and find out. Okay, writers out there! Send us your questions and/or thoughts! If there's any topic you'd like us to cover, let us know. Email us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com Next week: Shoulda Swiped Left with Hannah and Jake. I am not sure what this next episode will bring, but I can promise you it's gonna be very interesting. Daters out there with stories to tell, send them our way at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: “Matricidal Maniac” by none other than Mightier Than the Sword co-host and gifted, ever-popular writer Stephanie Spaulding. In this tale, which we want you to note is 100% fictional, honest, Christine's excruciatingly embarrassing mother travels to Manhattan to spend time with her daughter, and Christine's annoyance explodes into an array of colorful death fantasies. Not that Christine wants to kill her mother- she knows where to draw the line- but maybe she wouldn't mind if Mom was the victim of a bus crash, or an ice fishing accident, or a stroke. Parental relationships are complicated, and maybe, just maybe, what goes on in our heads is not the same as what goes on in our hearts. Stephanie's deft story explores the interface between shock and hilarity. You will not want to miss one of my favorite Easy Chair episodes EVER. Next week: It's Mightier Than the Sword, and Steph and I candidly share the results of our peer editing project swap. The week after that: Shoulda Swiped Left, with Hannah and Jake. Send writing questions/insights or dating stories to easychairpodcast@gmail.com. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it's Mightier Than the Sword. Co-host Steph Spaulding and I show by example the leap of faith and specific intentions of editing in general, and peer editing in particular. We have swapped manuscripts for editing purposes, with different editorial goals for our work, and we walk you through the process of editing. Aspiring writers and editors, pay attention! Speaking of editing, in editing this podcast, I realize how insecure I sound. I think many of you out there will empathize with my plight- seeking editorial help and constructive criticism, but also deathly afraid to actually receive it. Our next Mightier Than the Sword is the follow-up to what happened with this foray into peer editing. It's an honest look at a sensitive subject, but just so you know- Steph and I remain the best of friends. Writers with questions/suggestions, daters with stories/insights, email us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com with the appropriate podcast (here's a thought-use acronyms!- MTTS or SSL) in the subject line. Hannah and Jake and Steph and I want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, It's The Easy Chair episode 100!!! To mark this momentous podcasting milestone: Shoulda Swiped Left with Hannah and Jake. Of course there's dating talk but also career talk, house talk, and a smattering of observations and opinions. My greatest joy as host and podcast editor is once a month, I get to appreciate the special dynamic between my two oldest kids. They might not always agree but they never fail to support each other. It's a wide-ranging, relaxed, and largely unedited podcast. Celebrate with me by tuning in to this 100% genuine special anniversary episode. Next week, on Mightier Than the Sword: In preparation for sending our books out into the world, Steph Spaulding and I exchanged manuscripts to edit. We talk about the rules of engagement, when it comes to editing, and offer some advice to editors and those seeking editorial help. We also share our hopes and fears. As always, if writing advice is something you seek or would like to share, or if you have a dating story to tell, email us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com with Mightier Than the Sword or Shoulda Swiped Left in the subject line. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On The Easy Chair this week: Mightier Than the Sword is back, and Steph and I talk D.I.Y. writing retreats. Summer is the perfect season for writers both professional and aspiring to snag some time to work on their writing projects, and taking off to a remote, ideally idyllic location solo or with fellow writers is the best idea ever. Planning retreats takes some forethought and planning. Steph and I speak from our own fabulous writer's retreat experience. We're here to share strategies about retreating- how to get where you want to go, and what to do when you're there. Hint: it's NOT all work and no play! And FYI: S'mores are involved. Next week: Shoulda Swiped Left is back, with Hannah and Jake. In the meantime, we want to hear from you! If you are a writer seeking or sharing advice for Mightier Than the Sword, or a person with an on-line dating story to share on Shoulda Swiped Left, contact us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Easy Chair: “P.R. Story” by Deborah Zervas. Yes, P.R. may be the acronym for Public Relations, but in this case the initials are for the island of Deborah's grandparents' birth, Puerto Rico. Steph Spaulding and I first heard Deborah read this at a coffee house in New Haven and were absolutely blown away. Deborah has woven a profoundly poignant narrative tracing what it means to return to the place you have always known by heart. She tells this memoir piece in two languages, English and Spanish, spanning three generations and two cultures. What emerges is a deeply personal account, lyrically expanded into a resonant human truth about longing and belonging. Listen. Escucha. Next week: it's a return to Mightier Than the Sword! Steph and I discuss the pros and cons of writing retreats. Okay, fine, just the pros. The following week it's Shoulda Siped Left. Hannah and Jake are back after a hiatus to talk about what's up, on-line dating wise. News and insights abound! If you have questions/advice about writing, or a dating debacle you'd like to share, email us at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. Seriously. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week: Mightier Than the Sword is back! Stephanie Spaulding and I discuss our post-teaching summer plans, which for me includes following my agent's directive and revising two manuscripts. I admit I am daunted, but itching to get started. Stephanie is eager to begin the process of self-publishing her collection of short stories. It's the perfect moment to discuss a topic of great importance to many aspiring writers, namely, how to best get written work out into the world. Does the traditional publishing route, with an agent, seem like the best fit, or is self-publishing the better option? It's an enlightening glimpse into the rapidly expanding, increasingly agile world of publishing. Next week: Okay, I blew it. Hannah and Jake were together for their cousin's wedding this weekend but things were too hectic for them to sit down and talk about dating stuff. Never fear; I have a gorgeously haunting short story for you by a gifted emerging author Deborah Zervas. And please, those with writing questions and/or insights, write to me and Steph at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Friday Portland Train | Robb Johnson : The RobbJohnson - YouTube Ideology | Billy Bragg : Talking With the Taxman About Poetry I Kissed a Girl | Jill Sobule : Jill Sobule The Queer Gospel | Erin McKeown : Monster Protest Jamz Vol.1 Bi | Living Colour : Stain Born This Way | Lady Gaga : Born This Way Power Has A Shelf Life | Arundhati Roy : Come September: In Conversation with Howard Zinn Global Tattoo | Hamell On Trial : The Happiest Man In the World Terrors (Live) | Ed Hamell : Rant & Roll (Terrorism of Everyday Life) [Live In Edinburgh, Scotland] Red Marty | Hamell on Trial : The Chord is Mightier Than the Sword Pledge (Live) | Ed Hamell : Rant & Roll (Terrorism of Everyday Life) [Live In Edinburgh, Scotland] Hold the Fort | Joe Uehlein : Classic Labor Songs from Smithsonian Folkways People Gotta Be Free | Keb' Mo' : Peace....Back By Popular Demand

This week's episode: “Sook's Karaoke Palace” an as-told-to-me synthesis of real-life, real-person anecdotes. I'm excited to finally emerge from my post-Trump creativity slump, plus, I really love how the narrative came together. It begins when Dan and his college buddies move off campus to an apartment belonging to Sook, a woman of Korean ancestry, indeterminate age, and endless surprises. Sook can shrug off the blood stains on the rug and doesn't hesitate to break into Dan's apartment to test the smoke detector. Dan's and Sook's relationship is one that is difficult to explain, and impossible to forget. Next week, we're back to Mightier Than the Sword, the advice podcast for writers. Stephanie Spaulding and I cheerfully offer advice and support. The week after that- it's Shoulda Swiped Left, the podcast where Hannah and I dish about on-line dating and related topics. Jake is coming home for his cousin's wedding, so he'll be here to talk to Hannah in person. To recap: Those with writing questions, email easychairpodcast@gmail.com with Mightier Than the Sword in the subject line, and those with sharable dating debacles, same email address, only Shoulda Swiped Left in the subject line. We ALL want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week marks the return of "Mightier Than the Sword," the advice podcast for writers. Co-host Stephanie Spaulding and I field a great question from Eric, an astrophysicist/aspiring writer Stephanie met recently. Something is holding Eric back from taking the writing plunge: he finds the challenges of character development and believable dialog intimidating. Stephanie and I reveal our personal go-to strategies for creating believable characters who use authentic dialog, some orthodox, some decidedly less so. Some might be a little freaked out about a few of our borderline stalker methods, but that's okay. Just like love and war, when it comes to writing, we figure all's fair. Tune in! Next week: it's a short story. I'm not sure what it will be about or even where it's coming from, but I have no doubt you'll love it. And please, keep those writing questions coming. Email me and Steph at easychairpodcast@gmail.com with “Mightier Than the Sword” in the subject line. On-line daters with stories to tell me and Hannah, same email address, but “Shoulda Swiped Left” in the subject line. We ALL look forward to hearing from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's episode: Shoulda Swiped Left, with Hannah and Jake. It has been a busy month in lots of ways and believe me when I tell you Hannah's got stuff to talk about. The news is not all bad, but human relationships are never without complications. Jake and Hannah have different approaches to dealing with guys who go M.I.A.. You'll see what I mean when you tune in to this interesting and enlightening episode. Next week: it's a return to Mightier Than the Sword, the advice podcast for writers! Co-host Stephanie Spaulding has a question from an astrophysicist who hopes to try his hand at writing but is challenged by the prospect of creating character through dialogue. (One of our less orthodox suggestions: eavesdropping). We also have some slightly more socially acceptable strategies. As always, if you have dating stories or are seeking writing advice or the chance to add your two cents on either subject, send an email to easychairpodcast@gmail.com, with either “Shoulda Swiped Left” or “Mightier Than the Sword” in the subject line. We ALL want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, I pass the microphone to Stephanie Spaulding, who guest hosts “Safe in the Black Sand,” by author Danny Stone. (Actually, I wind up taking the mic back because Danny's story and the conversation it sparked were impossible to resist). In Danny's lyrical and haunting novella, protagonist Jax's transgender sister Angelica is the victim of a brutal hate crime. To save Angelica, Jax must descend into the chaotic miasma of his father's hallucinatory brain, to a place where profound, necessary, and all but forgotten truths are buried. "To forget is not to delete". Trust me: you will not want to miss this story. Next week, It's Shoulda Swiped Left, with Hannah and Jake touching base on dating developments. The week after that, it's another episode of Mightier Than the Sword, where Steph and I offer tips and insights to writers. Stories for Shoulda Swiped Left and questions for Mightier Than the Sword go to easychairpodcast@gmail.com. Be sure to put the intended podcast in the subject line. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Stephanie Spaulding and I are back with Mightier Than the Sword, the bi-monthly advice podcast for writers. In this episode we welcome our first guest: author, essayist, and poet Cameron Gearen. Cameron joins us remotely from her hometown of Chicago with insightful, practical advice on how to deal with the bane of every writer's existence: writer's block. Whether the case is chronic or acute, Cameron, Stephanie, and I offer up our go-to prescriptions. A useful takeaway for every writer suffering from this frustrating affliction is guaranteed. Cameron's brilliant collection of poetry, Some Perfect Year, was recently published, so she knows what she's talking about. It's a fun and enlightening conversation. And, if you have any writing questions, please send them our way at easychairpodcast@gmail.com with “Mightier Than the Sword” in the subject line. Stephanie and I would love to feature them on an upcoming episode. Next week: new writer, new story! I'll be joined by writer Danny Stone. He's got a great story to share. Shoulda Swiped Left is up after that. Hannah and Jake will be checking in to tell of on-line dating developments in Hannah's life. Do you have a dating story you'd like to share? Send it along to easychairpodcast@gmail.com with “Shoulda Swiped Left” in the subject line. We want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's episode: Blog Jam. I picked some of my favorite posts from my nearly eight-year-old blog, Lolliblog, ranging from funny to reflective. My blog isn't thematic or even consistent, just the daily musings of a woman who lives to write and is trying her best to put into words the three Es- experience, emotion, and existence. How did I feel about my daughter Eliza's penchant for dressing like her brother? Is it true that the best piece of prose I ever read was written by some high school student on her college application? Do I think that Lizzie Borden ax murdered her parents? And what, or whom, comprises a playdate from hell? Tune in. You will be surprised, but you won't be disappointed. Promise. Daters: Email me and Hannah at easychairpodcast@gmail.com. com to have your dating story shared (anonymously) on the next episode of Shoulda Swiped Left, with “Shoulda Swiped Left” in the subject line. Writers seeking or offering insights: write to me and Steph Spaulding, same email address, with “Mightier Than the Sword” in the subject line. We ALL want to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, it's Mightier Than the Sword #3! Co-host Stephanie Spaulding and I have a question from a new writer about blogging. Does vetting- something artists in every form turn to, before launching their creative work into the world- have a critical place in the blogger's universe? Stephanie and I weigh in. Our fears, insecurities, and tendencies to wear our hearts on our pens might surprise you. What makes for a successful blog post? How do we feel when our message is overlooked but our grammar is nitpicked? Find out. This is a freewheeling episode. I go off on tangents, and Steph reins me in. I think this is what they call co-hosting chemistry. Writers out there- ask us questions! Give us your opinions! Stephanie and I are here for you. Write in to easychairpodcast@gmail.com, with Mightier Than the Sword in the subject line. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's Shoulda Swiped Left #17, and it's totally THE BEST. So much gets discussed: the virtues and rewards of being your true self. Breaking up, both badly and less so. Guilt. Ghosting. An earnest email from a fan with a link to …porn? Maybe we're just confused. Join me, Hannah, and Jake for a super long, even more super worth it Shoulda Swiped Left episode that's funny, real, and surprising. Next week: “Mightier Than The Sword” with Stephanie Spaulding. We'd love to take on your writing related questions! Send them to easychairpodcast@gmail.com, with Mightier Than the Sword in the subject line. Daters out there: same email address, with “Shoulda Swiped Left” in the subject line. We want to hear from you. This Easy Chair episode is brought to you by none other than Blue Apron. It's the #1 fresh food delivery service for a reason! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's episode: “Learning to Dress My Mother” by Australian writer Rosemary Jones. Rosemary has written a moving micro-memoir about the shift in roles between her mother- a former word-loving historian, now an octogenarian with Alzheimer's- and her. Guaranteed, tears will mix with laughter as Rosemary recounts the assumption of her new role: handmaiden. She wasn't raised to be one. Unless, perhaps, she was. Next week, it's Shoulda Swiped Left Episode 17! Hannah and Jake came home for the holidays where they got a chance to really catch up on any number of things, from relationship status to real estate investment. Stuff is happening. It's a great, high-energy episode. If you have a dating story, send it along to easychairpodcast@gmail.com with Shoulda Swiped Left in the subject line, and we will happily share it (anonymously, of course!). If it's writing advice you seek from me and Stephanie Spaulding, just put Mightier Than the Sword in the subject line. We'd love to hear from you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We speak with Lama Surya Das this week about what it takes to integrate spiritual understanding into our lives as 21st century citizens. He explores the question of whether our sense of time has sped up in the “over-information age,” and how we can change our relationship to time. He also shares the outlines of what he calls the Six Building Blocks of a Spiritual Life—a post-traditional model aimed at integrating the inner and outer dimensions of life. We conclude our discussion by looking at what he calls, “Positive Buddhism.” Positive Buddhism is a formulation of the Buddhist teachings that emphasize some of the more life-affirming aspects of the awakened life, instead of some of the more life-denying aspects, such as suffering, renunciation, and non-attachment. This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to part 1, The Tao of Twitter. Episode Links: www.Surya.org The Mind is Mightier Than the Sword ( http://amzn.to/cmIOru ) Positive Psychology ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positive_psychology ) Awakening the Buddha Within ( http://amzn.to/9HeJJ0 )

Weekly JourneywithJesus.net postings, read by Daniel B. Clendenin. Essay: *"I Know How You Feel:" The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus* for Sunday, 8 January 2012; book review: *Mightier Than the Sword; "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and the Battle for America* by David S. Reynolds (2011); film review: *Martha Marcy May Marlene* (2011); poem review: *Resurrection* by Mary Ann Bernard.

The Western Lama, as he is affectionately called by the Dalai Lama, Surya Das is a sought-after speaker and teacher. We are honored to have the opportunity to talk to him this week as he assists us in the awakening process. A published poet, translator and chantmaster, with over 35 years of study in Zen, vipassana, yoga and Tibetan Buddhism with the great masters of Asia, including the Dalai Lama's own teachers, the authorized Lama has also authored several books, his most recent: “The Mind is Mightier Than the Sword: Enlightening the Mind, Opening The Heart.” Founder of many Buddhist and spiritual organizations that help to increase our global awareness, his list of accomplishments is simply too great to mention here but suffice it to say that you are going to get the chance to hear from him directly as we discuss the essential meaning of life and the process of waking up. Do NOT miss this show.