Welcome to Kelly Corrigan Wonders, a place for people who like to laugh while they think and find it useful to look closely at ourselves and our weird ways in the hopes that knowing more and feeling more will help us do more and be better.  A former newspaper columnist and four time bestselling author, Kelly wonders about loads of stuff: is knowing more always good? Can we trust our gut? How does change actually happen?  We only book nice people who have a sense of humor and know things worth knowing. Each episode ends with Kelly’s shortlist of takeaways, appropriate for refrigerator doors, bulletin boards and notes to your children.

Claire Danes, Kate Bowler and I try to figure out how the hell to live lives of real meaning and discovery, how to depersonalize the slings and arrows of any season, how to remember our agency and mobility.

Based on Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most from authors Miroslav Volf, Matthew Croasmun and Ryan McAnnally-Linz. Visit <a href="https://www.lifeworthlivingbook.com/kelly" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lifeworthliving.com/kelly </a>to access a study guide to help you work through the book. Special thanks to the Warren Smoot Carter III and Meagan Carter Charitable Fund.

Claire Danes, Kate Bowler and I try to figure out how the hell to live lives of real meaning and discovery, how to depersonalize the slings and arrows of any season, how to remember our agency and mobility.
Based on Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most from authors Miroslav Volf, Matthew Croasmun and Ryan McAnnally-Linz. Visit lifeworthliving.com/kelly to access a study guide to help you work through the book. Special thanks to the Warren Smoot Carter III and Meagan Carter Charitable Fund.

Bookclubbing to find out what makes a life worth living

Claire Danes and Kate Bowler Book Clubbing with Kelly Part 2

Arianna Huffington loves her mom, reading, America, adventure and getting to the bottom of things. She has spent a lifetime asking Why and Why Not? Our conversation zeroes in what any one of us can do to thrive, such that we might have more capacity to contribute. We loved being together, comparing notes, figuring out what leads to what. Please share with everyone you know who needs a reminder that we have agency.

This episode was made possible by AmeriHealth Caritas and can be viewed anytime you like at <a href="https://www.pbs.org/show/tell-me-more-kelly-corrigan/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PBS.org/kelly</a>.

Arianna Huffington loves her mom, reading, America, adventure and getting to the bottom of things.  She has spent a lifetime asking Why and Why Not?   Our conversation zeroes in what any one of us can do to thrive, such that we might have more capacity to contribute.  We loved being together, comparing notes, figuring out what leads to what.  Please share with everyone you know who needs a reminder that we have agency.
This episode was made possible by AmeriHealth Caritas and can be viewed anytime you like at PBS.org/kelly.

Little things add up

Deep Dive with Arianna Huffington on Thriving

As families gather in homes across the country for Thanksgiving, we thought it would be nice to share this heartfelt eulogy Katie Dahm wrote for her childhood home: 8107 Warren Avenue. (Replay of Ep 62 which originally aired on 4/9/23.)

As families gather in homes across the country for Thanksgiving, we thought it would be nice to share this heartfelt eulogy Katie Dahm wrote for her childhood home: 8107 Warren Avenue. (Replay of Ep 62 which originally aired on 4/9/23.)

A house is never just "a house" when a family loves it

Thanks For Being Here   Eulogy for 8107 Warren Ave

Every Friday, we share something good and true about the world, something to get your head right as you finish another week and head into some downtime. Inspiration comes from all manner of places, this week a New York Times article about a guy who quietly made life a little easier for the people in his town.

The <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/25/us/alabama-pharmacy-donor.html" title="New York Times article" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New York Times article</a> Kelly references was written by Emily Schmall and was published January 25, 2023.

Every Friday, we share something good and true about the world, something to get your head right as you finish another week and head into some downtime.  Inspiration comes from all manner of places, this week a New York Times article about a guy who quietly made life a little easier for the people in his town.
The New York Times article Kelly references was written by Emily Schmall and was published January 25, 2023.

When people are quietly awesome

GOTO on Real Life Goodness 

I have had migraines so bad that I ended up in the ER, so my interest in this episode was personal. Turns out so much of the country is in chronic pain that it is a major national issue affecting economic considerations like productivity and health care costs and existential considerations like depression and hopelessness. Rachel Zoffness is a pain psychologist who is reframing our understanding of what pain is and therefore how better to treat it. Given the numbers of people who live in pain, I think this might be one of the most important conversations we have shared.

This conversation was had on the set of my <a href="https://www.pbs.org/show/tell-me-more-kelly-corrigan/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PBS show Tell Me More</a>. Special thanks to the wonderful people at Amerihealth Caritas.

<a href="https://www.zoffness.com/books" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rachel Zoffness’ excellent book</a> can be purchased <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pain-Management-Workbook-Powerful-Mindfulness/dp/1684036445/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=598610837751&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvlocphy=9067609&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvrand=16612153132906637313&amp;hvtargid=kwd-1354691373749&amp;hydadcr=15520_13558534&amp;keywords=rachel+zoffness+book&amp;qid=1700059253&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

I have had migraines so bad that I ended up in the ER, so my interest in this episode was personal.  Turns out so much of the country is in chronic pain that it is a major national issue affecting economic considerations like productivity and health care costs and existential considerations like depression and hopelessness. Rachel Zoffness is a pain psychologist who is reframing our understanding of what pain is and therefore how better to treat it.  Given the numbers of people who live in pain, I think this might be one of the most important conversations we have shared.
This conversation was had on the set of my PBS show Tell Me More.  Special thanks to the wonderful people at Amerihealth Caritas.
Rachel Zoffness’ excellent book can be purchased here.

what is pain?  and how should it REALLY be treated?

Going Deep with Rachel Zoffness on Pain Management

Kelly shares an excerpt from her friend Alix Strauss’ book, The Joy of Funerals: A Novel in Stories, which has just been reissued in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

“<a href="https://www.alixstrauss.com/joy-of-fun-jacket-copy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Joy of Funerals</a> is a sneak peek at the inner world of those left behind. From the very first page, readers are drawn into the strange, often humorous world where nine women grapple with sex, power, love, and death. When read as a collection, they are anchored together by the novella, "The Joy of Funerals," which follows the life of Nina, a lonely, single thirty-something woman who attends the funerals of the deceased characters in the previous stories. Thinking her ‘funeraling’ habit is under control, Nina slips seamlessly in and out of these proceedings, and these people's lives, until, of course, she's found out.”

​

Kelly shares an excerpt from her friend Alix Strauss’ book, The Joy of Funerals:  A Novel in Stories, which has just been reissued in celebration of its 20th anniversary.
“The Joy of Funerals is a sneak peek at the inner world of those left behind. From the very first page, readers are drawn into the strange, often humorous world where nine women grapple with sex, power, love, and death.  When read as a collection, they are anchored together by the novella, "The Joy of Funerals," which follows the life of Nina, a lonely, single thirty-something woman who attends the funerals of the deceased characters in the previous stories. Thinking her ‘funeraling’ habit is under control, Nina slips seamlessly in and out of these proceedings, and these people's lives, until, of course, she's found out.”
​

Finding connection in unexpected places

Thanks For Being Here  The Joy of Funerals

Here’s my case for celebrating the litany of accomplishments that a completed college application represents. A special episode to mark the day that millions of high school kids hit send on their reach school. Please share with parents, students, college counselors and heads of school. May we all work to reset the goal line. Replay of Episode 15 (originally aired on 11/1/21)

Here’s my case for celebrating the litany of accomplishments that a completed college application represents.  A special episode to mark the day that millions of high school kids hit send on their reach school.  Please share with parents, students, college counselors and heads of school.  May we all work to reset the goal line.  Replay of Episode 15 (originally aired on 11/1/21)

For most high school seniors, November 1 marks the completion of the most complicated process they've ever managed.

Mental Health Check: On Celebrating What Really Matters

He’s good. He’s really good. In particular, Pete Buttigieg is good at making connections between pragmatic stuff like infrastructure and the most important parts of our lives — caring for people we love and making full use of ourselves. This is a conversation for anyone thinking about the next election and what it means to “make the trains run on time.”

You can watch this conversation — and about 50 more you might really love — anytime you like at <a href="https://www.pbs.org/show/tell-me-more-kelly-corrigan/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PBS.org/kelly</a>.

This episode was made possible by the lovely and hard working people at AmeriHealth Caritas.

He’s good.  He’s really good.  In particular, Pete Buttigieg is good at making connections between pragmatic stuff like infrastructure and the most important parts of our lives — caring for people we love and making full use of ourselves.  This is a conversation for anyone thinking about the next election and what it means to “make the trains run on time.”
You can watch this conversation — and about 50 more you might really love — anytime you like at PBS.org/kelly.
This episode was made possible by the lovely and hard working people at AmeriHealth Caritas.

making a life that works

Going Deep with Pete Buttigieg on Social Mobility

A stunningly beautiful eulogy comprised of notes written over many years by Paul Paroff to his friend Chris Stokes’ mother Charlotte. Charlotte was like a second mother to Paul - until she became more like his own mother and a grandmother to his son. The simplicity of the notes that are included is a reminder to us all to keep in touch, to reach out more often, to share our love and gratitude with the very special people in our lives. (Replay of Ep 44 which originally aired on 12/11/22.)

A stunningly beautiful eulogy comprised of notes written over many years by Paul Paroff to his friend Chris Stokes’ mother Charlotte.  Charlotte was like a second mother to Paul - until she became more like his own mother and a grandmother to his son.  The simplicity of the notes that are included is a reminder to us all to keep in touch, to reach out more often, to share our love and gratitude with the very special people in our lives. (Replay of Ep 44 which originally aired on 12/11/22.)

A great reminder of the simple and effective impact of notes

Thanks For Being Here  Paul's Notes to Charlotte

It often takes the perspective of another to help us see things in a new way. This GOTO includes two heart-felt and thoughtful pieces of feedback we received at Kelly Corrigan Wonders - and Kelly’s response.

It often takes the perspective of another to help us see things in a new way.  This GOTO includes two heart-felt and thoughtful pieces of feedback we received at Kelly Corrigan Wonders - and Kelly’s response.

Being open to all kinds of feedback

Go To on Admitting When You've Been Wrong

It’s not that common for someone to retain her optimism even as she studies all the ways that health outcomes vary by race. Linda Villarosa, a solutions-based journalist and medical school professor, is such a woman. In this conversation, she pulls from a childhood of doing everything right and still feeling like a fly in the buttermilk as well as her early days in journalism where she was constantly coaching her Essence readers to just behave better. Now, she’s seeing a broader picture that includes both lots of kale and walking AND systemic changes to the way we deliver care.

Linda’s 5-star book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Under-Skin-Hidden-Racism-American/dp/038554488X" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">UNDER THE SKIN</a>, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

This episode was made possible by <a href="https://www.pbs.org/show/tell-me-more-kelly-corrigan/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PBS</a> and AmeriHealth Caritas, which provides affordable health plans to millions.

It’s not that common for someone to retain her optimism even as she studies all the ways that health outcomes vary by race. Linda Villarosa, a solutions-based journalist and medical school professor, is such a woman. In this conversation, she pulls from a childhood of doing everything right and still feeling like a fly in the buttermilk as well as her early days in journalism where she was constantly coaching her Essence readers to just behave better.   Now, she’s seeing a broader picture that includes both lots of kale and walking AND systemic changes to the way we deliver care.
Linda’s 5-star book, UNDER THE SKIN, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
This episode was made possible by PBS and AmeriHealth Caritas, which provides affordable health plans to millions.

Seeing past our oldest biases

Going Deep with Linda Villarosa on Being Seen 

Kelly shares a lovely letter written by George Saunders (author of books such as Lincoln in the Bardo and A Swim in a Pond in the Rain) for his, and Kelly’s, editor Andy Ward.

Kelly shares a lovely letter written by George Saunders (author of books such as Lincoln in the Bardo and A Swim in a Pond in the Rain) for his, and Kelly’s, editor Andy Ward.

Quite possibly the most beloved editor ever

Thanks For Being Here George Saunders' Letter to His Editor Andy Ward

Thoughts on the once-ness of life. With thanks to a woman I talked to at a party in Portland a long time ago and never forgot. To be shared with everyone you know who is missing someone.

Please be in touch. Write us anytime about anything — <a href="mailto:hello@kellycorrigan.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hello@kellycorrigan.com</a> — we read every single one.

Thoughts on the once-ness of life.  With thanks to a woman I talked to at a party in Portland a long time ago and never forgot.  To be shared with everyone you know who is missing someone.
Please be in touch.  Write us anytime about anything — hello@kellycorrigan.com — we read every single one.

remembering a thing a woman told me, something true and unforgettable

Go To on a Conversation with a Widow 

Everyone is thinking about war and service. Here’s a conversation with someone who has known many battlefields and paid dearly for his commitment to defend and protect. Retired Colonel Greg Gadson was a kid who dreamed of playing football and who ended up with Super Bowl rings after all. You can watch this episode at any time on <a href="http://Www.pbs.org/kelly" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PBS</a>. Special thanks to AmeriHealth Caritas.

Retired Colonel Gadson’s book is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Waypoints-Warriors-Journey-Purpose/dp/163964024X#:%7E:text=%E2%80%9CColonel%20Greg%20Gadson's%20journey%20is,their%20sacrifice%20as%20a%20blessing." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Finding Waypoints: A Warrior’s Journey Toward Peace and Purpose</a>.

Feedback is always welcome: <a href="mailto:hello@kellycorrigan.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hello@kellycorrigan.com</a>

Everyone is thinking about war and service. Here’s a conversation with someone who has known many battlefields and paid dearly for his commitment to defend and protect. Retired Colonel Greg Gadson was a kid who dreamed of playing football and who ended up with Super Bowl rings after all.  You can watch this episode at any time on PBS.  Special thanks to AmeriHealth Caritas.
Retired Colonel Gadson’s book is Finding Waypoints: A Warrior’s Journey Toward Peace and Purpose.
Feedback is always welcome: hello@kellycorrigan.com

What you learn recovering from combat

Going Deep with Retired Colonel Greg Gadson on Resilience

Kelly’s friend Alec Guettel wrote this fabulous love letter to his wife Christy when they were forced to be apart by his work project in London. It details the trials and tribulations he might have faced had they been kept apart 300 years ago - and what he might have done.

Kelly’s friend Alec Guettel wrote this fabulous love letter to his wife Christy when they were forced to be apart by his work project in London.  It details the trials and tribulations he might have faced had they been kept apart 300 years ago - and what he might have done.

One of the best love letters ever

Thanks For Being Here Alec's Love Letter to Christy

I had this crazy thing happen one morning trying to get to LAX that I keep reflecting on. Meant to be shared with anyone you think of as one of those people, the ones who go with the grain of life as it happens.

Please be in touch. Write us anytime about anything — <a href="mailto:hello@kellycorrigan.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hello@kellycorrigan.com</a> — we read every single one.

I had this crazy thing happen one morning trying to get to LAX that I keep reflecting on.  Meant to be shared with anyone you think of as one of those people, the ones who go with the grain of life as it happens.
Please be in touch.  Write us anytime about anything — hello@kellycorrigan.com — we read every single one.

a short story about how yoga doesn't always look like poses and oms.

Go To on the Mindset That Leads to Loveliness

I loved being with Ginni Rometty. She is full of insight and clearly oriented toward world-positive work. I was also taken with her midwestern charm and candor. Emerging from a tricky childhood, she found herself running IBM in a time when very few women were commanding boardrooms (a statement that is maddeningly still applicable today). Now, she is entirely devoted to making good careers available to many more people, and her plan is working. This is a conversation for anyone who wants to build more purpose into life and perhaps one to forward along to the young professionals in your life as inspiration. Thanks to AmeriHealth Caritas and PBS for supporting this work. You can watch this conversation anytime at PBS.org/kelly.

Ginni Rometty’s book: <a href="https://ginnirometty.com/" title="Ginni Rometty Good Power" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Good Power: Leading Positive Change in our Lives, Work, and World</a>

Feedback always welcome: <a href="mailto:hello@kellycorrigan.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hello@kellycorrigan.com</a>

I loved being with Ginni Rometty.  She is full of insight and clearly oriented toward world-positive work.  I was also taken with her midwestern charm and candor.  Emerging from a tricky childhood, she found herself running IBM in a time when very few women were commanding boardrooms (a statement that is maddeningly still applicable today).  Now, she is entirely devoted to making good careers available to many more people, and her plan is working.  This is a conversation for anyone who wants to build more purpose into life and perhaps one to forward along to the young professionals in your life as inspiration.  Thanks to AmeriHealth Caritas and PBS for supporting this work.  You can watch this conversation anytime at PBS.org/kelly.
Ginni Rometty’s book: Good Power: Leading Positive Change in our Lives, Work, and World
Feedback always welcome: hello@kellycorrigan.com

good power in a tired world

Going Deep with Ginni Rometty on Purpose

Rabbi Noa Kushner wrote this poignant essay after having welcomed a visiting group of Israeli students, thousands of miles from home, into her home in the United States. It was written on October 9, 2023, not long after Hamas violently attacked Israel.

Rabbi Noa Kushner wrote this poignant essay after having welcomed a visiting group of Israeli students, thousands of miles from home, into her home in the United States.  It was written on October 9, 2023, not long after Hamas violently attacked Israel.

They needed to share the names they were holding inside

Thanks For Being Here Rabbi Noa Kushner's Essay 

A quick hit on recognizing our greatest single act of agency. Meant to be shared, especially with the younger generations.

Please be in touch. Write us anytime about anything — <a href="mailto:hello@kellycorrigan.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hello@kellycorrigan.com</a> — we read every single one.

A quick hit on recognizing our greatest single act of agency.  Meant to be shared, especially with the younger generations.
Please be in touch.  Write us anytime about anything — hello@kellycorrigan.com — we read every single one.

We have to be more careful when deciding what to put in front of our eyes.

Go To on Choosing Our Mood When We Choose Our Media

When my daughter was in high school, she read a Pulitzer prize winning book called <a href="https://evictedbook.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Evicted</a> and was blown away by how easy it is to become homeless in her country. Years later, I was at one of those thinking weekend festival things (<a href="https://www.chq.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chautauqua</a>) and listened to the Evicted author speak. <a href="https://endpovertyusa.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Matthew Desmond</a> gave the best talk I had ever heard in my life, and I have heard a lot. As soon as I had the chance, as his new book <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/675683/poverty-by-america-by-matthew-desmond/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Poverty by America</a> hit #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, I talked with him at my apartment in NYC about how America could be the place we all so want it to be. He is a rare mix of gentle and determined. Please listen, please share, for the good of all of us.

Feedback always welcome. Write us anytime. <a href="mailto:hello@kellycorrigan.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hello@kellycorrigan.com</a>

When my daughter was in high school, she read a Pulitzer prize winning book called Evicted and was blown away by how easy it is to become homeless in her country.  Years later, I was at one of those thinking weekend festival things (Chautauqua) and listened to the Evicted author speak.  Matthew Desmond gave the best talk I had ever heard in my life, and I have heard a lot.  As soon as I had the chance, as his new book Poverty by America hit #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, I talked with him at my apartment in NYC about how America could be the place we all so want it to be.   He is a rare mix of gentle and determined.  Please listen, please share, for the good of all of us.
Feedback always welcome.  Write us anytime.  hello@kellycorrigan.com

what would it take for everyone to have a fair shot?

Going Deep with Matthew Desmond on Fairness

A great note from a woman who needed a lot of help from her husband after surgery. The long recuperation offered this long married couple a new way of relating that both found to be really quite lovely.

Please share with anyone you have ever tucked in.

A great note from a woman who needed a lot of help from her husband after surgery.  The long recuperation offered this long married couple a new way of relating that both found to be really quite lovely.
Please share with anyone you have ever tucked in.

the things we discover in times of need

Thanks For Being Here from Joan to Her Husband

You and I both have short lists of people we just cannot bring ourselves to understand. But even in those most strained circumstances, we do have a set of things in common. Here’s my reminder to self of that always true fact. Meant to be shared, especially with people you’d love to reconnect with. 

Please be in touch. Write us anytime about anything — <a href="mailto:hello@kellycorrigan.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hello@kellycorrigan.com</a> — we read every single one.

You and I both have short lists of people we just cannot bring ourselves to understand.  But even in those most strained circumstances, we do have a set of things in common.  Here’s my reminder to self of that always true fact.  Meant to be shared, especially with people you’d love to reconnect with.  
Please be in touch.  Write us anytime about anything — hello@kellycorrigan.com — we read every single one.

What do we always have in common?

Go To on Finding Common Ground 

I’ve known a few 17 year-olds in my day, I bet you have too. I hadn’t yet met someone so young and already so effective. Gitanjali Rao, Time’s “Kid of the Year”, has a patent already and several more innovative projects in the works. This is a conversation for anyone who is looking for hope about a future that can feel daunting.

Please be in touch. Write us anytime about anything — <a href="mailto:hello@kellycorrigan.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hello@kellycorrigan.com</a> — we read every single one.

I’ve known a few 17 year-olds in my day, I bet you have too.  I hadn’t yet met someone so young and already so effective. Gitanjali Rao, Time’s “Kid of the Year”, has a patent already and several more innovative projects in the works.  This is a conversation for anyone who is looking for hope about a future that can feel daunting.
Please be in touch.  Write us anytime about anything — hello@kellycorrigan.com — we read every single one.

She left me better than she found me

Going Deep with Gitanjali Rao on Gen Z Ambitions 

Mary Claire Sorensen created this moving poem to honor her son Joe who was a Philadelphia sports fan, a volleyball player and coach, a fisherman, a hunter, a gardener, a landowner, a friend, and a brother. Joe believed in loyalty and showed his love in many different ways.

Mary Claire Sorensen created this moving poem to honor her son Joe who was a Philadelphia sports fan, a volleyball player and coach, a fisherman, a hunter, a gardener, a landowner, a friend, and a brother.  Joe believed in loyalty and showed his love in many different ways.

Oh those stories they would tell...

Thanks For Being Here Mary Claire's Poem for her Son Joe

The story of how a TV show began…for anyone who is trying to do something hard.

(Replay of Ep 37 which originally aired on 4/1/22)

Please note: This episode references Tell Me More episodes which aired in the spring of 2022. A new season of Tell Me More began airing on PBS on 10/2/23 and you can watch any time at pbs.org/kelly.

The first podcast episode featuring extended interviews from the latest PBS series drops on 10/10/23.

The story of how a TV show began…for anyone who is trying to do something hard.
(Replay of Ep 37 which originally aired on 4/1/22)
Please note:  This episode references Tell Me More episodes which aired in the spring of 2022.  A new season of Tell Me More began airing on PBS on 10/2/23 and you can watch any time at pbs.org/kelly.
The first podcast episode featuring extended interviews from the latest PBS series drops on 10/10/23.

What does it really take?  16 years.

Go To on Stamina 

Kelly finds herself between two Annas -- <a href="http://annaquindlen.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anna Quindlen</a>, the Pulitzer Prize winning writer, and Anna Sale, the host of WNYC's popular <a href="https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/deathsexmoney" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Death, Sex &amp; Money </a>podcast. Together, they read excerpts from their books and riff on how terribly easy it is to misunderstand each other in family life. From thinking you’re not "a divorce kinda person" to overestimating our influence as parents, love is rife with misunderstandings. Here’s a conversation that will help you find your way out of what tangle you might be in at the moment. If this episode was useful to you, you’ll probably really like Kelly's conversation with Wanda Holland Greene on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/recognizing-our-agency-with-wanda-holland-greene/id1532951390?i=1000497863619" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Finding Agency</a>. And please subscribe, rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts!  We read and appreciate every review. You can follow the conversation with Kelly on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kellycorrigan/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@kellycorrigan</a>. (Replay of Ep 24 - originally aired 3/2/21)

Kelly finds herself between two Annas -- Anna Quindlen, the Pulitzer Prize winning writer, and Anna Sale, the host of WNYC's popular Death, Sex & Money podcast. Together, they read excerpts from their books and riff on how terribly easy it is to misunderstand each other in family life. From thinking you’re not "a divorce kinda person" to overestimating our influence as parents, love is rife with misunderstandings. Here’s a conversation that will help you find your way out of what tangle you might be in at the moment. If this episode was useful to you, you’ll probably really like Kelly's conversation with Wanda Holland Greene on Finding Agency. And please subscribe, rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts!  We read and appreciate every review. You can follow the conversation with Kelly on Instagram @kellycorrigan. (Replay of Ep 24 - originally aired 3/2/21)

Kelly surrounds herself with podcaster Anna Sale and Pulitzer Prize winner Anna Quindlen to compare notes on how family life is rife with misunderstandings.

Going Deep with Anna Sale + Anne Quindlen on Misunderstandings

Karen McKinney shared her beautiful essay “An Unmodern Love” with us and we’re so grateful that she did. It’s a look at the kind of love she wishes for: historic, enduring and relentless. It’s also a loving remembrance of the 68 years-long marriage between her parents, Holocaust survivors Stanley and Dora.

Karen is currently working on a memoir and has set up an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stanleywulcart/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram page</a> to share the photographs and artwork created by her father Stanley.

Karen McKinney shared her beautiful essay “An Unmodern Love” with us and we’re so grateful that she did. It’s a look at the kind of love she wishes for:  historic, enduring and relentless.  It’s also a loving remembrance of the  68 years-long marriage between her parents, Holocaust survivors Stanley and Dora.
Karen is currently working on a memoir and has set up an Instagram page to share the photographs and artwork created by her father Stanley.

A love for the ages

Thanks For Being Here  An Unmodern Love

It can be really hard to interpret the signals our bodies send us. Does stress mean we should run? Does discomfort mean something is going wrong? Today’s mini pod unpacks one of the top social science findings of 2022. (Replay of Ep 80 - originally aired 1/27/23)

It can be really hard to interpret the signals our bodies send us.  Does stress mean we should run?  Does discomfort mean something is going wrong?  Today’s mini pod unpacks one of the top social science findings of 2022. (Replay of Ep 80 - originally aired 1/27/23)

What if discomfort is a positive signal?

Go To on Interpreting Discomfort 

Starting in college and not stopping until long after law school, Rich Roll regularly, deliberately, got black out drunk. He is now a widely respected wellness advocate and athlete. He and Kelly talk about the long road of tiny adjustments that have led to his transformation into an ultra marathoner, bestselling author and podcaster whose conversations are valued by millions. Follow the conversation on Instagram @kellycorrigan. (Replay of Ep 10 which originally aired on 11/30/20)

Starting in college and not stopping until long after law school, Rich Roll regularly, deliberately, got black out drunk. He is now a widely respected wellness advocate and athlete. He and Kelly talk about the long road of tiny adjustments that have led to his transformation into an ultra marathoner, bestselling author and podcaster whose conversations are valued by millions. Follow the conversation on Instagram @kellycorrigan. (Replay of Ep 10 which originally aired on 11/30/20)

From drunk and despondent to world class athlete and #1 bestselling author, Rich Roll has deep experience with how change happens and the takeaways are gold. 

Going Deep with Rich Roll on Change

Sherri Coale wrote a deeply-felt “you got this” letter to her son Colton in the days before his wedding. She was certain that if she tried to say all of the important things she wanted him to know, “nonsensical drivel wrapped in tears, would land in his lap”. So, she sat down and wrote him this loving, sage advice-filled letter. This is a great GOTO to share with any young couple you may know…and maybe even your partner.

Sherri Coale wrote a deeply-felt “you got this” letter to her son Colton in the days before his wedding.  She was certain that if she tried to say all of the important things she wanted him to know, “nonsensical drivel wrapped in tears, would land in his lap”.  So, she sat down and wrote him this loving, sage advice-filled letter. This is a great GOTO to share with any young couple you may know…and maybe even your partner.

Chasing life together should be the stuff of legend

Thanks For Being Here Sherri's Wedding Letter to her Son Colton

A bit of insight on word choice and climate conversations, culled from a piece by John Marshall at Potential Energy Coalition.

A bit of insight on word choice and climate conversations, culled from a piece by John Marshall at Potential Energy Coalition.

What words kill progress?  Which ones move us forward?

Go To on How To Talk about Climate

Mary Louise Kelly (host of NPR’s All Things Considered) has been doing some <a href="https://marylouisekellybooks.com/books/it-goes-so-fast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reflecting. </a> What choices did she make and how do they look now, as her nest is nearly empty? Is it okay to travel through war zones when a kid is home with the flu? What is gained and what is lost, for the individuals in question and for society? This is a conversation to take in slowly, to share with every mother you know, and to discuss.

Thanks to the Aspen Ideas Festival. This conversation was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Mary Louise Kelly (host of NPR’s All Things Considered) has been doing some reflecting.  What choices did she make and how do they look now, as her nest is nearly empty?  Is it okay to travel through war zones when a kid is home with the flu?  What is gained and what is lost, for the individuals in question and for society?  This is a conversation to take in slowly, to share with every mother you know, and to discuss.
Thanks to the Aspen Ideas Festival.  This conversation was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike.

A war correspondent and someone's mother

Going Deep with Mary Louise Kelly on Parenting Choices

Shana Moore’s eulogy is a love letter to her very special mom Marcia Livesay McLean, AKA “Marshy”. Getting to grow up with a mom who is there for you “with bells on, no matter what” is a privilege that Shana fully acknowledges. Her heartfelt eulogy paints Marshy as the ultimate voice of the underdog, a “joy maker” who loved beautiful things and a caring mom who made every thing she touched more vibrant.

Shana Moore’s eulogy is a love letter to her very special mom Marcia Livesay McLean, AKA “Marshy”.  Getting to   grow up with a mom who is there for you “with bells on, no matter what” is a privilege that Shana fully acknowledges. Her heartfelt eulogy paints Marshy as the ultimate voice of the underdog, a “joy maker” who loved beautiful things and a caring mom who made every thing she touched more vibrant.

Privilege redefined

Thanks For Being Here  For the Love of Marshy

Talk about a Go To thought…here is a clip from an on stage conversation with Rainn Wilson about living and dying by comparison. 

Thank you to the team at the Aspen Ideas Festival. This episode was recorded prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike

Talk about a Go To thought…here is a clip from an on stage conversation with Rainn Wilson about living and dying by comparison. 
Thank you to the team at the Aspen Ideas Festival.  This episode was recorded prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike

When bronze is better than silver

Go To Quick Hit with Rainn Wilson on Envy

Rainn Wilson (who you might know as Dwight Schrute) is making a serious call for a <a href="https://www.soulboom.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">spiritual revolution</a> based on joy, acts of service and being honest about our mixed natures. This is a conversation to share with anyone who is thinking seriously about how to elevate matters of the soul over the clang and bang of the modern world. Or maybe just someone who needs a laugh.

This conversation was recorded at Aspen Ideas Festival before the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Rainn Wilson (who you might know as Dwight Schrute) is making a serious call for a spiritual revolution based on joy, acts of service and being honest about our mixed natures.  This is a conversation to share with anyone who is thinking seriously about how to elevate matters of the soul over the clang and bang of the modern world.  Or maybe just someone who needs a laugh.
This conversation was recorded at Aspen Ideas Festival before the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Joy, service and good will 

Going Deep with Rainn Wilson on Spirituality 

When her daughter Zoe was departing for college, Shelley Russell wrote her this gorgeous, poetic (and funny) letter. It honors all that the two shared as mother and daughter living under the same roof and offers loving acceptance for all that is yet to come.

When her daughter Zoe was departing for college, Shelley Russell wrote her this gorgeous, poetic (and funny) letter. It honors all that the two shared as mother and daughter living under the same roof and offers loving acceptance for all that is yet to come.

They always knew she could do it.

Thanks For Being Here  Shelley's College Send-off Letter to Zoe

My friend Jennie just lost her friend Katie, which of course makes me think about my friend Liz, who died almost 8 years ago now. To make a bit of sense of things, I turned to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lives-Actually-Have-Blessings-Imperfect/dp/0593193709/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=642367712121&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvlocphy=9021322&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvrand=8114759370957774863&amp;hvtargid=kwd-1932036054898&amp;hydadcr=17808_13467023&amp;keywords=kate+bowler+blessings+book&amp;qid=1694021850&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a book of blessings</a> by my friend Kate Bowler and her friend Jessica Richie. I offer a selection here as a salve for Jennie, for myself, for any of you who are looking for a place to rest in your grieving. Please share with the people you love.

My friend Jennie just lost her friend Katie, which of course makes me think about my friend Liz, who died almost 8 years ago now.  To make a bit of sense of things, I turned to a book of blessings by my friend Kate Bowler and her friend Jessica Richie.  I offer a selection here as a salve for Jennie, for myself, for any of you who are looking for a place to rest in your grieving.  Please share with the people you love.

A go to blessing for hard times

Go To on Grief

Dan Harris is a smart, hungry skeptic looking for ideas you can count on in the worst of times, like say when you have a panic attack while you’re anchoring the news for ABC. He’s been thinking out loud with some very wise people for many years now through books and a podcast called 10% Happier that I find invaluable. Some topics we break open are uncertainty, humility and practices to keep us connected.

Thanks to our many friends at the Aspen Ideas Festival for making this conversation possible.

This was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Dan Harris is a smart, hungry skeptic looking for ideas you can count on in the worst of times, like say when you have a panic attack while you’re anchoring the news for ABC.  He’s been thinking out loud with some very wise people for many years now through books and a podcast called 10% Happier that I find invaluable.  Some topics we break open are uncertainty, humility and practices to keep us connected.
Thanks to our many friends at the Aspen Ideas Festival for making this conversation possible.
This was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike.

The student becomes the teacher

Going Deep with Dan Harris 

Today’s episode features an anonymous essay submitted by a teacher who works in New York City. This is for all of us who care so deeply but may not have the broader context for what’s really happening day-to-day in the life of a teacher.

Today’s episode features an anonymous essay submitted by a teacher who works in New York City.  This is for all of us who care so deeply but may not have the broader context for what’s really happening day-to-day in the life of a teacher.

What really happens in the classroom?

Thanks For Being Here  A Teacher Invites Us In

How do people come to change their minds? Hint: it’s not because of some novel argument or just the right amount of pressure. Thanks to conversations with <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kelly-corrigan-wonders/id1532951390?i=1000622624141" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Monica Guzman</a> and <a href="https://www.pbs.org/video/michael-lewis-1tdflu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Lewis</a>, I came to see something more clearly. This is one to share with anyone you wish you could talk to more openly and comfortably about contentious issues.

How do people come to change their minds?  Hint: it’s not because of some novel argument or just the right amount of pressure.  Thanks to conversations with Monica Guzman and Michael Lewis, I came to see something more clearly.  This is one to share with anyone you wish you could talk to more openly and comfortably about contentious issues.

How to manage the vitriol

There's always more than you can know

Krista Tippett, informed by decades of inquiry through her super-project, <a href="https://onbeing.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">On Being</a>, sits with Kelly to consider what’s in flux, what needs will never abate and what we might rediscover in new forms. In this moment when everything is broken open, when institutions are received with less reverence and more skepticism, where should we point our minds and hearts? What practices serve us best? This is a conversation to share with every thinking friend in your life and use as fodder for your own search for a spiritual home.

Thanks to our many friends at the Aspen Ideas Festival for making this interview possible.

This conversation was captured before the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Krista Tippett, informed by decades of inquiry through her super-project, On Being, sits with Kelly to consider what’s in flux, what needs will never abate and what we might rediscover in new forms.  In this moment when everything is broken open, when institutions are received with less reverence and more skepticism, where should we point our minds and hearts?  What practices serve us best?  This is a conversation to share with every thinking friend in your life and use as fodder for your own search for a spiritual home.
Thanks to our many friends at the Aspen Ideas Festival for making this interview possible.
This conversation was captured before the SAG-AFTRA strike.

A candid conversation with student of morality and well being Krista Tippett 

Going Deep with Krista Tippett 

Jennifer Wallace, who was recently a guest on Kelly Corrigan Wonders, shared this lovely eulogy she wrote for her dear friend Katie Spikes. Jennifer and Katie met as 20-something journalists, just starting out their careers together, while working at CBS. They remained very close for 30 years and this eulogy is a loving tribute to the talented, humble, sunny, generous and grounded woman that Katie was. Jennifer says Katie was “a magnet that attracted so many different kinds of people” and “if you were her friend, you were a friend for life”.

Jennifer Wallace, who was recently a guest on Kelly Corrigan Wonders, shared this lovely eulogy she wrote for her dear friend Katie Spikes.  Jennifer and Katie met as 20-something journalists, just starting out their careers together, while working at CBS.  They remained very close for 30 years and this eulogy is a loving tribute to the talented, humble, sunny, generous and grounded woman that Katie was.  Jennifer says Katie was “a magnet that attracted so many different kinds of people” and “if you were her friend, you were a friend for life”.

You wanted to be worthy of her friendship.

Thanks For Being Here Jennifer Wallace's Eulogy for Katie Spikes

Things we know about touch and why it is so important, from my own recent experiences and through <a href="https://www.kellycorrigan.com/kelly-corrigan-wonders/gretchenrubin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this conversation with Gretchen Rubin.</a>

Things we know about touch and why it is so important, from my own recent experiences and through this conversation with Gretchen Rubin.

We crave touch, cradle to grave.

GOTO on Hugging and Holding

In large and small ways, mattering is essential. Self esteem depends on our ability to contribute to the lives around us. You may know Jennifer B. Wallace from her stints on morning television or her journalism in the Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. She and Kelly discuss her first book:<a href="https://www.jenniferbwallace.com/about-never-enough" title="Never Enough link" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.jenniferbwallace.com/about-never-enough" title="Never Enough link" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—And What We Can Do About It</a>.

Please note: In this episode, Kelly and Jennifer discuss the high cost of having a child see a private neuropsychologist for an evaluation. However, every parent/guardian is legally entitled to refer their child to Special Education.  Schools typically have a procedure in place.  For example: the parent(s) might need to meet with the principal and psychologist to discuss building level interventions. If the parent decides to go through with the referral, the school has 45 school days to complete an evaluation and determine eligibility - if the child has a disability that adversely impacts their learning the child is classified and an IEP is created.  <a href="https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/edlite-FAPE504.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)</a> guarantees access to all.

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

What makes you feel like you matter?

Jennifer Wallace on Mattering in a Modern World

Nancy Brown, a military spouse of 19 years, wrote this loving tribute for her two best deployment buddies. It honors the way the three friends formed one great big family while living through several deployments in Eastern North Carolina. Three women, no husbands and nine children all dressed in each other's hand-me-downs. On paper, they were more different than alike but maybe that's a more accurate description of a family after all.

Nancy Brown, a military spouse of 19 years, wrote this loving tribute for her two best deployment buddies.  It honors the way the three friends formed one great big family while living through several deployments in Eastern North Carolina. Three women, no husbands and nine children all dressed in each other's hand-me-downs. On paper, they were more different than alike but maybe that's a more accurate description of a family after all.

A new way to look at family.

Thanks For Being Here Nancy Brown's "The Lejeune Family" 

Food for thought on America Ferrera’s speech at the climax of Barbie, informed by the great Jia Tolentino (a <a href="https://www.kellycorrigan.com/kelly-corrigan-wonders/jiatolentino" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">former guest</a> who I found totally fascinating and original) and her book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Trick-Mirror-Self-Delusion-Jia-Tolentino/dp/0525510540" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trick Mirror</a>. Let us never forget that we are a product of our culture. Please share, especially with the younger generation working to figure out who they are.

Food for thought on America Ferrera’s speech at the climax of Barbie, informed by the great Jia Tolentino (a former guest who I found totally fascinating and original) and her book Trick Mirror.  Let us never forget that we are a product of our culture.  Please share, especially with the younger generation working to figure out who they are.

What America said...

Thoughts on Barbie and Womanhood

First up, a conversation with Katie Couric, who has been in the media business for 40 some years now in a variety of roles, who has a really honed perspective on where we are, how we got here, and where we might try to get to next. After Katie, a discussion with Neal Katyal, a Georgetown law professor who has argued in front of the Supreme Court. Between Neil and Katie, we hope we come to a set of understandings about this moment in American public life and what we might hope for and work towards next. (Replay of Ep 118 which originally aired on 12/13/22).

First up, a conversation with Katie Couric, who has been in the media business for 40 some years now in a variety of roles, who has a really honed perspective on where we are, how we got here, and where we might try to get to next. After Katie, a discussion with Neal Katyal, a Georgetown law professor who has argued in front of the Supreme Court.  Between Neil and Katie, we hope we come to a set of understandings about this moment in American public life and what we might hope for and work towards next. (Replay of Ep 118 which originally aired on 12/13/22).

Meeting at the intersection between law, politics and the media

Double Header:  Katie Couric + Neal Katyal

It’s often the little things in life that help us to get through the day: a cup of tea in the morning, gardening, puttering around the house and moving shoes, books and empty glasses back where they belong. We all have things which help us to stay grounded in the midst of a world that feels more crazy and frightening by the day. Stefanie Wass submitted her essay, “Chicken Soup for the Soul”, to share a soothing ritual which she has found gives her great comfort.

It’s often the little things in life that help us to get through the day: a cup of tea in the morning, gardening, puttering around the house and moving shoes, books and empty glasses back where they belong.  We all have things which help us to stay grounded in the midst of a world that feels more crazy and frightening by the day.  Stefanie Wass submitted her essay, “Chicken Soup for the Soul”, to share a soothing ritual which she has found gives her great comfort.

The little things in life help us to get through it all

Thanks For Being Here  Stefanie's "Chicken Soup for the Soul"

Play this one on repeat. Share widely. Michelle Icard tells me that kids have rights (okay) and these are they. 

From Michelle’s book <a href="https://michelleicard.com/books/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">8 Setbacks That Can Make a Child A Success</a>, available August 22, 2023.

Play this one on repeat.  Share widely.  Michelle Icard tells me that kids have rights (okay) and these are they.  
From Michelle’s book 8 Setbacks That Can Make a Child A Success, available August 22, 2023.

What do we owe our children?

Your Child's Bill of Rights

Based on her invaluable playbook for anxious parents everywhere, Michelle Icard thinks with Kelly about mistakes and making sure that rebellions don’t become the headline of our kids’ childhoods, but rather a jumping off point. This is a conversation to save us all from the overreactions and regrets that stymie growth. Michelle’s book is <a href="https://michelleicard.com/books/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">8 Setbacks That Can Make a Child A Success</a>, available August 22, 2023.

Warning: this episode includes a brief discussion of suicide.

Based on her invaluable playbook for anxious parents everywhere, Michelle Icard thinks with Kelly about mistakes and making sure that rebellions don’t become the headline of our kids’ childhoods, but rather a jumping off point.  This is a conversation to save us all from the overreactions and regrets that stymie growth.  Michelle’s book is 8 Setbacks That Can Make a Child A Success, available August 22, 2023.
Warning: this episode includes a brief discussion of suicide.