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Host Michelle Rubin explains why the podcast is taking a bit of a hiatus. Plus a soothing reco for these trying times! Join the Reco Squad. Email me at michelle@recopod.com. Recos & Related Episodes Prose Pre-Shampoo Scalp Mask Olive & June Mani System Headspace 54: Reco Redux 27: The Planner

Finish out 2020 with a look back on our favorite recommendations for happiness resources, life hacks and television binge opportunities from this year’s episodes. Join the Reco Squad. Email me at michelle@recopod.com. Recos & Related Episodes Happiness resources (2:12) The Happiness Lab 2:41 46: Get Out of Your Own Way Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy by Mo Gawdat (7:32) 53: Let’s Talk About Racism Life hacks (9:43) Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Is So Much More by Courtney Carver (10:24) 49: Care Package Rotating meal schedules (18:11) 52: State of the Union Velour jumpsuit movement (29:07) 57: Welcome to the Anxiety Club TV binge opportunities (36:46) McMillions (38:23) 48: A Bevy of Binge Options Never Have I Ever (41:58) Ted Lasso (47:55)

Forget resolutions. This year, make goals. Jenifer Linder and Michelle Rubin share their tips for personal goal planning and adjusting for life changes—and pandemics. Plus recos for what's making them happy in these troubled times. Join the Reco Squad. Angus Eye Tea podcast Conversation How this year’s plans went (10:35) How having a plan for the year helped when the unexpected happened (13:35) Just showing up was enough this year (16:33) Taking baby steps helps you move forward (22:55) How this year can help us clarify what we want (25:19) The importance of writing down goals and displaying them (30:11) How the pandemic will affect our 2021 goals (39:21) Reco Squad downloadable: The Annual Manual (43:23) Recos The Comfy (47:28) Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty (51:48) The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (58:03) The Daily Dish Podcast Related Episodes 61: Gratitude as a Superpower 58: Tales from Junior High 57: Welcome to the Anxiety Club 52: State of the Union 49: Care Package 41: 10 Years’ Time

Looking for a strategy for coping with 2020? Have you tried escapism? Steve Scheideman and Michelle Rubin share three recent favorite movies that almost helped them forget the stresses of this year. Join the Reco Squad. Leave me a message on SpeakPipe! Recos Greyhound (8:35) Uncle Frank (17:28) Superintelligence (23:28) Movies Premiering on Dec. 25 Wonder Woman 1984 Soul Related Episodes 61: Gratitude as a Superpower 59: And We’re Back 55: The Time Loop That Is 2020

Struggling to find gratitude? Just in time for Thanksgiving, guest Terri Hale shares how to cultivate a greater sense of gratitude—even during challenging times. Join the Reco Squad. Conversation Terri’s daily gratitude project (7:10) The role of accountability (9:38) How it helps her feel connected (11:38) Looking for gratitude in the the things that frustrate you (13:12) How gratitude changes your perspective (18:23) Gratitude as a mindfulness tactic (25:47) Advice for those struggling to find gratitude right now (30:01) Advice for those who want to start their own gratitude project (33:26) Resources The original Wall Street Journal article that inspired Terri’s daily gratitude project (here’s a version posted on a blog if you don’t have a subscription) A Simple Act of Gratitude: How Learning to Say Thank You Changed My Life by John Kralik Choosing Gratitude by James Autry Thanks!:How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier by Robert Emmons Look Up, Your Unexpected Guide to Good by Jan Sokoloff Harness Recos Jackbox Games (39:04) The Game of Things Consumer Reports Ratings App (46:06) Storyworth (51:03) Related Episodes 57: Welcome to the Anxiety Club 54: Reco Redux 50: The Upside of the Worst Month of My Life

Trying to figure out your holiday plans this year? You’re not alone. Michelle Rubin shares her guide for how to safely and creatively celebrate the holidays in these unprecedented times. Join the Reco Squad. Recos & Resources CDC Holiday Guide (4:20) CDC Thanksgiving Guidelines Online Experiences by AirBNB (7:53) ‘True Vs. False’ Funny Historical Game Fun Travel Quiz With a Pro Travel Writer Meal exchange ideas (New York Times article) (13:45) Goldbelly (15:27) Virtual game night (19:23) The Game Gal Word Generator (to play Catchphrase online) Code Names Jackbox Games Gathering in person safely (21:47) “Innovative Holiday and Winter Gatherings in the Time of COZID–19,” Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Pods and social bubbles (22:58) Sample pod agreement Thinking about the holidays differently (25:57) Related Episodes 57: Welcome to the Anxiety Club 50: The Upside of the Worst Month of My Life 40: My Holiday Survival Guide

Michelle Rubin returns from hiatus with occasional co-host Steve Scheideman in tow to share their latest geeky obsessions, including Song Exploder and Airtable. Join the Reco Squad. Recos Song Exploder (4:52) Airtable (12:36) Informed Delivery by USPS (21:00) Related Episodes 55: The Time Loop That Is 2020 54: Reco Redux 31: The Griller

Junior high is hard enough without adding a pandemic on top of it. In this episode, host Michelle Rubin talks with her niece, Reece Rubin, who has some great recommendations for trying to find some normalcy in the midst of a pandemic. Join the Reco Squad. Conversation Going back to school (10:14) Navigating the new rules and procedures (18:04) Socializing during a pandemic (19:40) How her parents are coping (28:18) What’s helping her cope (29:27) How running cross country helps her socialize (34:20) Outlook on trying new things (40:03) Recos Drop 7 (32:24) Sing to Me Instead by Ben Platt (46:31) Ben Platt: Live From Radio City Music Hall One Last Forking Table Read (The Good Place) (52:00) Related Episodes 57: Welcome to the Anxiety Club 49: Care Package 45: Marathon Woman

Are you dealing with anxiety? On this week’s episode, podcaster Elaine Best shares the story of how she came to realize she might have an anxiety disorder — and then started a comedy podcast about it. Plus: the magic of velour. Join the Reco Squad. Listen to Elaine’s podcast, Angus Eye Tea. Conversation Why Elaine decided to podcast about anxiety (9:32) The story behind the name “Angus Eye Tea” (13:02) How she came to realize she was dealing with anxiety (16:00) You don’t have to “qualify” to be anxious (18:41) How she learned to deal with her anxiety (25:28) Elaine’s rubber band theory of anxiety (30:47) Dealing with anxiety in 2020 (32:37) Recommendations for people who have recently been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder (51:15) Recos Bollywood movies (1:00:57) Imran Khan I Hate Luv Storys Bride and Prejudice Ghost World Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge Don’t Ask Tig (1:07:37) Black Frasier Velour jumpsuits (1:12:47) Related Episodes 53: Let’s Talk About Racism 50: The Upside of the Worst Month of My Life 43: Tales From a Mixed-Orientation Marriage Connect with Elaine Instagram: @anguseyetea Twitter: @AngusEyeTea Pinterest: Angus Eye Tea

Are you a student of enneagram? Or just want to understand those enneagram references on your Instagram feed? Polly Maly joins Michelle Rubin to talk about her enneagram obsession, type and favorite resources and how it helps her understand her family better. Plus: Crafty recos! Join the Reco Squad. Conversation How Polly became interested in enneagrams (6:38) The Enneagram Institute Test (8:42) Our types (10:22) Enneagram wings (19:24) Better understanding yourself through your type (28:04) Better understanding your partner and children (33:04) Polly’s recommendation for others (39:46) Your Enneagram Coach Recos Enneagram resources (43:12) The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne StabileThe Enneagram Journey podcastEnneagram and Coffee on InstagramAshton.Creates on InstagramJamie Gordon Life Coaching on Instagram Positivity Passport(46:44)Annie’s Crochet of the Month Kit(52:03) Related Episodes 51: So You Want to Write a Book 46: Get Out of Your Own Way 10: The Gift Curator

Michelle Rubin and Steve Scheideman share their favorite movies during a summer without theatrical releases. Join the Reco Squad. Recos Palm Springs(7:45)En El Séptimo Dia(16:17) We Are Freestyle Love Supreme(20:56) Related Episodes 54: Let’s Talk About Racism 50: The Upside of the Worst Month of My Life 48: A Bevy of Binge Options

From “Central Park” to Hunt a Killer, Michelle Rubin and Steve Scheideman share their latest obsessions and what’s keeping them sane this summer. Join the Reco Squad. Recos AppleTV+(10:57)“Central Park” (14:56)“Little America” (21:04)Olive & June Into Youline of nail colors (25:40)Hunt A Killer(30:14) Related Episodes 53: Let’s Talk About Racism 50: The Upside of the Worst Month of My Life 48: A Bevy of Binge Options

Mark Wilson and Michelle Rubin have an honest discussion about racism, including Mark’s experience as the only Black student in their predominantly white high school, an open letter he wrote to former classmates and more. Intro White Fragility by Robin Diangelo Conversation Why Mark decided to write an open letter to his “Iowa brothers and sisters” (10:35)Being the only Black student in an all-white school (16:20)The open letter Mark posted on Facebook (21:10)How often Mark gets pulled over by the police (38:48)Part 2 of the letter (and Mark’s first day at an all-white junior high) (48:12)The first time Mark heard someone use the word “racist” (1:00:10)Reactions to Mark’s Facebook post (1:15:45)Continue the conversationEmail michelle@recopod.comPost a commentEngage on social mediaInstagramFacebookTwitterMark’s upcoming podcast, “The Unheard American Voices” (1:38:05) Recos Boldly(1:41:15) Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy by Mo Gawdat(1:43:20)#sunshinesongs (1:45:25) Featured Episodes 43: Tales From a Mixed-Orientation Marriage 39: Like a Boss 29: The Redhead Unicorn Connect with Mark Email: mfwbaritone@yahoo.com

Looking for a fun and simple way to set family goals? Metta West shares a tradition that her family has used for everything from planning more vacations to having more side dishes for dinner. Plus, her awesome meal planning hack and other recos. Join the Reco Squad. Conversation Recos Never Have I Ever Aldi’s Sparkling Pink Lemonade Related Episodes 49: Care Package 41: 10 Years’ Time Connect with Metta Instagram: @meditor17

Independent author Teresa Laurenzo talks about how she turned her late mother’s childhood stories into a young adult novel and what she learned in the process. Plus, more binge recos! The Grace Girls by Teresa Laurenzo Join the Reco Squad. Conversation The Inspiration for Teresa’s book (5:13) How an inspiring professor encouraged Teresa to write (6:44) How initial negative feedback allowed Teresa to find the right path (8:06) Fusing her mother’s stories with her own imagination (11:00) Formulaic vs. literary novels (14:41) Dealing with self-doubt (18:35) How she learned about independent publishing (21:34) Best advice she received (28:26) Researching the era and locations in her book ( 28:53) Recommendations for others who may want to write a book (35:22) Join a local writer’s group Michael Hague’s Storymastery.com Writer’s Digest Give your manuscript to someone you trust to give you feedback and to someone in the field about which you are writing to check for accuracy Recos Mrs. America (40:22) Here’s How the Mrs. America Cast Compares to Their Real-Life Counterparts Outlander (47:30) Call the Midwife (50:45) Endeavour (53:48) Related Episodes 48: A Bevy of Binge Options 46: Get Out of Your Own Way

Michelle Rubin shares a story of how a challenging time in her life — when she endured a miscarriage, received a cancer diagnosis and got laid off within three weeks — helps her cope with fear and anxiety about what’s happening in the world right now. Plus, she and Steve Scheideman share their latest obsessions, including Upload and “Staying in with Emily and Kumail.” Join the Reco Squad. Conversation The story of one of the worst months of my life (3:17) Three things I learned during one of the worst months of my life (15:18) Stop focusing on the what ifs (15:51)My Chemo ManifestoFeel your feelings (24:03) Disaster Distress Hotline: call 1–800–985–5990. You can also text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.National Alliance on Mental Illness Resource and Information GuideRemember that it’s all relative (30:15) Conversation with Steve Scheideman about one of the worst months of his life (34:05) Recos I’m Just a Person by Tig Notaro (50:24) Upload (54:29) “Staying In with Emily and Kumail” (23:21) The Wallow by Emily V. Gordon Related Episodes 49: Care Package 48: A Bevy of Binge Options 47: Navigating the New Normal 44: Romantic Risks

Jenifer Linder and Michelle Rubin talk about how they’re coping with everything going on in the world, their current favorite podcasts and, of course, press-on nails. Join the Reco Squad. Conversation Take things one day at a time (19:05) Find one thing to bring you joy every day (24:08) Try a virus news-free day (26:39) Let some light in (32:01) Handwriting a letter to a loved one (35:13) Check in with people (38:42) Tackle a small project (41:06) Recos Unlocking Us with Brene Brown (48:42) Office Ladies (55:49) imPRESS press-on manicure (1:00:38) Project 333: The Minimalist fashion Challenge That Proves Less Is So Much Moreby Courtney Carver (1:07:53) Be More WIth Less Connect with Jenifer Email: jen@jlinderinteriors.com Related Episodes 41: 10 Years’ Time 28: The Podcast Fan 19: The Cord-Cutters 13: The Organizer 03: The Double Cousin

Have you run out of things to binge while social distancing? On this episode, Michelle Rubin and Steve Scheideman have a few suggestions. They share latest faves and a few throwback recommendations. (Have one to share yourself? Go to the show page and leave a comment!) Join the Reco Squad. Recos “Little Fires Everywhere” (7:04) When a TV Adaptation Does What the Book Could Not “Brockmire” (12:07) “Star Trek: Picard” (14:32) CBS All Access free trial (use the promo code GIFT) “McMillions” (23:10) Throwback Recos “The Wire” (26:58) “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (32:29) "Angel" Firefly (39:15) Serenity Related Episodes 42: Our Favorite 2019 Recos 30: The Gladiator

Bess Jacobson and Michelle Rubin talk about their tips for working from home, connecting with others and just trying to deal with the new normal brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Conversation Keeping a routine (8:10) It’s easy just to keep working at the end of the day (9:20) Challenges of working from home long-term (11:00) Being patient with people (13:10) Try to be respectful of poeple’s time (15:42) Virtual social gatherings (18:39) Distractions are good for our mental health (22:15) Connecting with others (29:40) Finding comfort in things that are familiar to me (33:40) It’s OK if you’re still figuring this out; take care of yourself (34:20) Recos Coronavirus podcasts (36:25) Coronavirus: Fact vs. Fiction with Dr. Sanjay GuptaCoronavirus Daily Draw Something (41:20) The Truth Comes Out (I called it Heads Up in the episode, but I meant this one! We talked about it on this episode. Comedy specials (43:28) * Mike Birbiglia: The New One (40:02) Fortune Fiemster: Sweet & SaltyIliza Schlesinger: Unveiled Connect with Bess Twitter: @BeatriceMarie Related Episodes 32: The ‘Creek’ Geek 16: The Valentine Maker 06: The Hallmark Movie Expert

Photographer Molly Wood shares her story of how she regained her confidence, pursued her passion and took her artistic career to the next level. The Conversation A crisis of confidence (5:17) Getting out of her own way (7:12) Getting over the crisis of confidence (10:12) Why Molly shoots botanicals (10:51) Being OK with the work even if people didn’t like it (15:39) Fear of failure (21:22) The myth of not having time (22:27) Molly’s process (24:48) Molly’s advice to others who want to pursue their passion (28:00) Recos Mixbook 35:48 The Happiness Lab 41:20 The Maika Commuter Tote 46:08 Connect with Molly Molly Wood Photography Instagram: mollywoodphoto2