The art of life requires empathy, resilience, and a laugh or two—especially now. But after all that we've been through over the last few years, one question endures: How do we deal? This idea is at the core of artist Grace Miceli's book, How to Deal. Billed as "a weird but honest roadmap from a friend who wants to make it just that much easier for us to navigate our own journey," How to Deal provides a creative respite from the "daily dreads" that pervade modern life. With thoughtful prose and a collection of original comic strips, illustrated lists, and diary entries, Grace renders a compassionate exploration of what it means to deal with—and embrace—the messier parts of life, both online and off. In this interview, Grace shared more about the evolution of her creative practice, the process of working on How to Deal in a period of isolation, and what she's learned about slowing down—and trusting herself. This episode also opens with a story by Emily Freidenrich. A transcript of this episode is also available on our website: https://www.slowstoriespodcast.com/community/slow-stories-podcast-show-notes-grace-miceli-how-to-deal.

Slow Stories

Grace Miceli, Artist and Author of How to Deal

Rituals transform how we live, work, and create, but closer to home, they can do something much greater: encourage self-love. For conscious creators like Matthew Herman, this idea is especially prevalent—enter Boy Smells. Co-founded in late 2015 with his partner David Kien, Matthew and the team have worked diligently to create a gender-inclusive lifestyle brand that, in their words, encourages people to “make loving your identity a daily ritual.” With products ranging from candles to fragrances to intimates, Boy Smells aptly puts the personal back in personal care routine.  While much of Boy Smells’ journey is reminiscent of Matthew’s personal experiences, the brand has embraced its community every step of the way. In this interview, Matthew shared more about his journey from fashion to fragrance, the ins and outs of building a genderful brand, and what he’s learned about slowing down—and living an abundant life.  This episode also opens with a story by Julianne Fraser. A transcript of this episode is also available on our website: https://www.slowstoriespodcast.com/community/slow-stories-podcast-show-notes-matthew-herman-boy-smells.

Matthew Herman, Co-Founder of Boy Smells

What do we remember about our stories? In her stunning debut novel, The Shimmering State, Meredith Westgate explores the convergence of memory, art, and grief through the lens of two artists: Lucien, a grieving photographer who moves to Los Angeles to care for his grandmother, and Sophie, a dancer with the Los Angeles Ballet Company who has landed a coveted lead role in an upcoming production. On the periphery of their stories is an experimental drug called Memoroxin that "targets and delivers patients' own memories" and is intended for medical treatment. But when Lucien and Sophie meet as patients at the Center—a Memoroxin rehabilitation clinic founded by the mysterious Dr. Sloane—readers are taken on a journey between past and present to understand Lucien and Sophie's connection to one another—and the world around them. The consumption and curation of memory fuels so much of how we live, work and create in our digital age. Yet as The Shimmering State comes out during a time of recalibration—both online and off—Meredith's work reminds us of the delicate threshold between the memories that make us who we are and the stories we tell ourselves. In this interview, Meredith shared more about the origins of The Shimmering State, her thoughts on the curation and commodification of memory, and why writing fiction slows her down.  This episode also opens with a reading by Kayla Maiuri. A transcript of this episode is also available on our website: https://www.slowstoriespodcast.com/community/slow-stories-podcast-show-notes-meredith-west-author-of-the-shimmering-state.

Meredith Westgate, Author of The Shimmering State

Art creates space for understanding, introspection, and intimacy. These themes are especially at play in the work of artist and writer Larissa Pham. You may recognize Larissa’s work from her bylines in esteemed publications, including The Paris Review Daily, or in the case of this episode, from her brilliant work of creative nonfiction, Pop Song, which is described as “a book about distances, near and far. The miles we travel to get away from ourselves, or those who hurt us, and the impossible gaps that can exist between two people sharing a bed.” In this vibrant essay collection—at once both vulnerable and incisive—Larissa examines modern intimacy through incisive analysis and personal reflection against the backdrop of an increasingly digital-first world. With a critic’s eye and an artist’s heart, Larissa also draws connections between works of art and acts of life as she navigates heartbreak and searches for meaning. And during a time where connection has taken on a whole new level of importance, Larissa’s genre-defying work reminds us to honor the power of art, intimacy, and self. In this interview, Larissa shared more about the role of pace and paying attention in her writing practice, her thoughts on consumption in our digital age, and the distances she’s overcome creatively—and beyond. This episode opens with a reading by poet Devon Walker-Figueroa. A transcript of this episode is also available on our website: https://www.slowstoriespodcast.com/community/slow-stories-podcast-show-notes-larissa-pham-pop-song. Content Note: This conversation centers on art, connection, and creativity but mentions topics including trauma and sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised. Thank you for tuning in.

Larissa Pham, Author of Pop Song

While some stories remain in your heart, others simply make you laugh out loud. Jen Spyra's storytelling oscillates between the two. You may recognize Jen's work from her roles at revered comedic havens like The Onion and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert or from her bylines in publications like The New Yorker and McSweeney's. Most recently, Jen has channeled her editorial expertise into her debut book. Enter Big Time, Jen's comedic story collection that has received praise from industry giants like Tina Fey, Jack Handey, and Mindy Kaling.  In Big Time, Jen lends her sharp—sometimes irreverent—comedic voice to fourteen jaw-dropping short stories. While these works may be fictitious in nature, Jen doesn't shy away from using humor to examine the facts of contemporary culture—and in turn, her own life. For Jen, comedy often stems from a place of empathy and paying attention. In this interview, Jen shared more about these ideas along with the role of pace in her writing process, how she's defined her distinct comedic sensibility, and what instincts she had to unlearn to write Big Time. A transcript of this episode is also available on our website: https://www.slowstoriespodcast.com/community/slow-stories-podcast-show-notes-jen-spyra-big-time.

Jen Spyra, Comedy Writer and Author of BIG TIME

"A lasting, conscientious change in the self is similar to one in society: it requires consistent tending. It is sometimes painful and often tedious. We must choose it over and over." This is one of the many resonant passages readers will come across from writer Melissa Febos in her latest book, Girlhood. In this stunning essay collection, Melissa deftly examines (and interrogates) the stories we're told as girls, how these narratives inform who we become as adults, and the ways we can transcend them to be in service of the self. Alongside Melissa's writing, each piece features a stunning illustration by Forsyth Harmon, who is also the author and artist of the novel Justine (a devastating story that also tackles the complexities of girlhood). At the beginning of each essay, Forsyth lends her signature illustration style—simple, sharp, and effortless line drawings—to create a portal inside. While these visuals are black and white on the page, Girlhood as a whole reminds us to traverse the grey area that often makes up adolescence; that liminal space between who we're told to be and ultimately owning who we really are.  Together, Melissa and Forsyth's work renders a nuanced portrait of how our girlhoods shape us, challenge us, and stay with us. In this interview, Melissa and Forsyth shared more about how these themes informed their books, what led them to collaborate on Girlhood, and the role of pace in their creative lives. A transcript of this episode is also available on our website: https://www.slowstoriespodcast.com/community/slow-stories-podcast-show-notes-melissa-febos-girlhood-forsyth-harmon-justine.

Melissa Febos, Author of Girlhood and Forsyth Harmon, Author/Illustrator of Justine

Conscious connection with others has taken on a whole new level of importance after a year of isolation and recalibration. But if you ask changemakers like Jen Batchelor, lasting connection comes from within and begins with fueling the body and mind—the heart and soul. Enter Kin, co-founded in 2018 by Jen as “the first packaged Euphoric beverage—a non-alcoholic spirit made of adaptogens, nootropics, and Botanics—designed to give you that unique alcohol-fueled buzz, but without any of the negative effects.” Jen has risen to prominence as a leader in Euphorics, and her category-defining work has created new avenues for those looking to engage in the time-honored ritual of gathering around a table. In this interview, Jen shared more about how pivotal moments in her childhood informed her perspective on community and hosting, the storytelling and science of Kin, and what she hopes to bring to the ritual of gathering today. This episode also opens with a reading by Sophie Roche Conti of Conti Communications. A transcript of this episode is also available on our website: https://www.slowstoriespodcast.com/community/slow-stories-podcast-show-notes-jen-batchelor.

Jen Batchelor, Co-Founder of Kin

"Tell me the whole story from the beginning." This line has impacted Dr. Suzanne Koven in more ways than one. The revered doctor and writer in residence at Massachusetts General Hospital has cultivated a career that uniquely rests at the intersection of medicine and storytelling. She recently illuminated these experiences in her debut essay collection, Letter to a Young Female Physician. In Letter to a Young Female Physician, Suzanne reflects on her expansive medical life through lenses including identity, family, and literature. The latter was especially pertinent to this conversation. In this interview, Suzanne shared more about the rituals that have informed medical and writing practice, her thoughts on slow storytelling, and how reading and writing have brought meaning to her community—and life. This episode also opens with a reading by Gia Salvaggio. A transcript of this episode is also available on our website: https://www.slowstoriespodcast.com/community/slow-stories-podcast-show-notes-suzanne-koven.

Suzanne Koven, Doctor and Author of Letter to a Young Female Physician

What is poetry asking of us? This question was top of mind at the start of Rachel Schwartzmann's conversation with artist Courtney Marie Andrews. The critically-acclaimed musician (and self-proclaimed "student of experience") has translated her wisdom and storytelling prowess into her debut poetry collection, Old Monarch, which "centers around themes of longing and a desire to belong while excavating scenes from her childhood in the American Southwest." Much like her heartfelt songwriting, in Old Monarch, Courtney's lyrical poetry is reminiscent of not only earthen terrain but of more complex territories, including self-discovery and transformation. Like a monarch itself, Courtney's creative work travels far and wide. But for Courtney, poetry in particular acts as a mechanism to go deeper. While this debut collection has come during a historic time of transformation, it is also a timeless reminder of how art can capture—and honor—the human condition.  In this interview, Courtney shared more about creating with intention, her life as a musician and poet, and what she's learned about slowing down—and looking in. This episode also opens with a reading by Katie Yee of Literary Hub and Emergent Journal. A transcript of this episode is also available on our website: https://www.slowstoriespodcast.com/community/slow-stories-podcast-show-notes-courtney-marie-andrews

Courtney Marie Andrews, Musician, Poet, and Author of Old Monarch

Beauty industry luminaries like Lesley Thornton prove that with a little extra care, beauty can offer something much greater than aesthetics—it can leave an imprint on someone's heart. From an early age, Lesley had a commitment to community building, and coupling this with her lifelong love of beauty, skincare, and artistry allowed her to connect with people from all walks of life. Professionally Lesley's work in the cosmetics industry is far-reaching, and her past roles have ranged from retired esthetician to makeup for The Estée Lauder Companies to on-air beauty and skincare expert for Discovery Networks. But most recently, Lesley has channeled her passion and expertise into building Klur—an eco-inclusive botanicals brand made in California. Industry insights aside, Lesley's journey in building Klur has been a slow and ever-evolving process. But despite the brand's ups and downs, Lesley's careful balance of science-led formulations and refined storytelling has created a business foundation for Klur to endure—and thrive. For Lesley, inclusivity, sustainability, and community all transcend Klur's mission statement, and her own story is living proof of the holistic impact that comes when we prioritize people over products. In this interview, Lesley shared more about the life experiences that have shaped her approach in building Klur, the importance of visual storytelling in her life—both online and offline—and what she's learned about the inextricable link between self-care and community care. This episode also opens with a story contributed by Stephanie Tam of Space of Time Studio. https://www.slowstoriespodcast.com/community/slow-stories-podcast-show-notes-lesley-thornton-klur.

Lesley Thornton, Founder of Klur

Design impacts every aspect of modern life, but it can also serve as a vessel for us to reconnect with time-honored traditions and stories. This duality is often at play in the work of ceramic artist Dina Nur Satti. Dina's practice rests at the intersection of academia, artistry, and aesthetics, and these elements have informed her namesake brand, Nur Ceramics, which in Dina's words, has helped her to: "explore ideas of personal purpose and growth, as well as our collective transitions, cultural storytelling, and communal rituals." Even with Dina's appreciation for art in all its forms, her arrival into the world of ceramics was slow-going. As she's found her footing creatively, the Brooklyn-based founder has also navigated the complexities of creating work in tandem with building a sustainable business. While this process has been anything but linear, Dina has learned to embrace the imperfections and evolution that come with creating a business—and life—with care. In this interview, Dina spoke more about the synergy between creativity and health, how art can help us emerge from—and face our own—shadows, and what narratives she hopes to instill in the next generation of artists.  This episode also opens with a reading by Carol Miltimore of Seek Collective. https://www.slowstoriespodcast.com/community/slow-stories-podcast-show-notes-dina-nur-satti.

Dina Nur Satti, Founder of Nur Ceramics

Time and time again, we've witnessed how storytelling can transcend barriers and ignite our senses. The latter has become especially important in our interconnected age—and artists like Jessica Manning are living proof of how the digital space can be a powerful vehicle for people to create—and tell stories—that remain in our hearts. For Jessica, this has notably come to life through music. The singer-songwriter's rich vocals and poignant lyrics are just a few details that have shaped her thoughtful perspective and presence as an artist. And most recently, Jessica showcased this musical prowess in her newly-released EP titled "You Are Here."  Yet even with this milestone, Jessica is no stranger to the importance of slowing down. And this has become even more apparent as she's navigated working in a space predicated on output and performance. For Jessica, pivots have become part of her process, and the result has enabled her to broaden her creative approach so that she can tell stories in new and exciting ways. In this interview, Jessica shared more about her ongoing professional evolution, the origins of "You Are Here," and her musical journey as a whole, and what she's learned about changing her pace to cultivate a more considered creative practice. This episode also opens with a reading by Erika Veurink. A transcript of this episode is also available on our website: https://www.slowstoriespodcast.com/community/slow-stories-podcast-show-notes-jessica-manning.

Jessica Manning, Musician

We can't always prepare for the unexpected, but we can pace ourselves when navigating tough moments. This is a lesson that Zak Williams has slowly learned through the years and is now translating to the masses as the co-founder of well-being brand, PYM, short for Prepare Your Mind. While PYM offers a collective invitation to those looking to take better care of their mental health, the brand's origins stem from Zak's personal experiences after tragically losing his father—renowned entertainer Robin Williams—to suicide in 2014. Throughout his recovery, the redemptive power of storytelling ultimately catalyzed Zak to write a new chapter of his life. Through extensive research and an enduring commitment to bettering mental hygiene for all, PYM was born with a mission to, in their words, "support feelings of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm with all-natural, safe, and super effective Mood Chews." Products aside, Zak's pursuits in the mental health space have also reinforced the importance of slowing down to create brands and conversations with longevity. In this interview, Zak spoke more about these ideas and shared more about the development of PYM, the power of preparation and resilience, and what he's learned about storytelling as a tool to support the mental health movement.  This episode also opens with a reading by Tonya Papanikolov of Rainbo Mushrooms. A transcript of this episode is also available on our website: https://www.slowstoriespodcast.com/community/slow-stories-podcast-show-notes-zak-williams-pym. Content Note: This conversation centers on supporting mental health and fostering well-being but does allude to topics including substance use and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. Thank you for tuning in.

Zak Williams of PYM

Certain moments in life leave an indelible mark on our stories. While it can sometimes be uncomfortable to navigate these moments of uncertainty, individuals like Deja Foxx remind us that moving with intention will always be a step in the right direction. At just twenty years old, Deja has already risen to prominence as a community builder who is seamlessly bridging the gap between social justice and social media to connect and mobilize young people around the world. While you may be familiar with Deja's work as the Influencer and Surrogate Strategist for Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, Deja's impact began closer to home, when at just sixteen, a question she posed to her senator at a town hall meeting ultimately catapulted her into the spotlight as a leader to watch in the reproductive justice movement. These days, and even as the world continues to reckon with a global health crisis, Deja has continued to scale her advocacy work—most notably with her digital community, GenZ Girl Gang. But platforms aside, asking questions has remained integral to Deja's work, especially when it comes to examining the systems and policies necessary to ensure a more equitable future. For Deja, these life-changing experiences have reinforced the critical role that storytelling can play in creating lasting change. In this interview, Deja reflected on her own story, the role of pace in activism, and what she's learned about meeting the moment. This episode also opens with a reading by Samara Cooper. A transcript of this episode is also available on our website: https://www.slowstoriespodcast.com/community/slow-stories-podcast-show-notes-deja-foxx-genz-girl-gang.

Deja Foxx, Activist and Founder of GenZ Girl Gang

Some stories stay with us, and the ones that do often shape our lives in ways that we never thought were possible. This is the case for Becky Cooper, whose chance encounter with a harrowing collegiate tale ignited her ten-year exploration into the unsolved murder of Jane Britton—an archaeology graduate student at Harvard who takes center stage in Becky's sophomore book, We Keep the Dead Close: A Murder at Harvard and a Half Century of Silence. In this compelling mystery-meets-memoir, Becky creates a rich tapestry of Jane's life as she attempts to unearth details around the tangled investigation of her death. But as someone who is no stranger to the allure of storytelling, Becky's immersion into Jane's world ultimately provoked a deeper inquiry into the systems that shape—and at times compromise—a narrative. For Becky, giving a voice to Jane's life (while also sharing snippets of her own experiences throughout the book) ultimately served as a critical reminder about the power and responsibility that comes with telling stories about the past, especially as we navigate a complicated present.  In this interview, Becky shared more about these ideas, what initially led her to Jane, how slowing down informed her writing process, and what she's learned about the delicate balance of reconstructing and reflecting on a person's story. A transcript of this episode is also available on our website: https://www.slowstoriespodcast.com/community/slow-stories-podcast-show-notes-becky-cooper-we-keep-the-dead-close.

Becky Cooper of We Keep the Dead Close

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