Don't Listen To Us with Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody Listen Now: Happier with Gretchen Rubin
Mar 4, 2026
30:45
Reframe Rejection As Progress
- Try "go for the no" by reframing rejection as progress toward success instead of failure.
- Gretchen cites Joel LeBon's sales research and Jenna Fisher's "49 no's to a yes" as mechanisms that build resilience and motivation.
Failure Reduces Fear Of Trying
- Embracing trial and error reduces fear and increases willingness to attempt risky actions.
- Gretchen explains that removing stigma around failure helps people avoid holding back and improves overall performance.
Track Unfinished Books For Credit
- Give yourself credit for books you don't finish to counter the impulse to finish unreadable books for a 'gold star.'
- Gretchen tracked monthly finished books and realized logging unfinished books would honor her aim to read fewer low-value books.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app 1 chevron_right 2 chevron_right 3 chevron_right 4 chevron_right 5 chevron_right 6 chevron_right 7 chevron_right 8 chevron_right 9 chevron_right 10 chevron_right 11 chevron_right 12 chevron_right 13 chevron_right 14 chevron_right 15 chevron_right 16 chevron_right 17 chevron_right 18 chevron_right 19 chevron_right
Intro
00:00 • 2min
Why 'Go for the No' Reframes Failure
02:02 • 45sec
Listener Stammtisch and Move26 Update
02:47 • 3min
Research Behind Seeking Rejection
05:20 • 2min
Examples: Freedom to Fail and 49 No's
07:02 • 41sec
Giving Credit for Unfinished Books
07:43 • 3min
Ad break
10:27 • 13sec
Email Folder Hack from Their Mom
10:41 • 2min
Listener Question: Same-Day Book Retreat
12:41 • 4min
Same-Day Book Recommendations — Short Fiction
16:13 • 2min
Same-Day Book Picks — Funny, Sci‑Fi, And More
18:27 • 1min
Recent and Quiet Classics for Retreats
19:40 • 1min
Novella Collections and Nostalgic Choices
21:00 • 3min
Mother's Recommendations and Children's Literature
24:02 • 2min
Categorizing Same-Day Books for Retreats
26:11 • 32sec
Demerits: Dressing for Extreme Cold
26:43 • 2min
Gold Star: Productive Errand Trip
28:40 • 2min
Resources, Newsletters, and What They're Reading
30:23 • 1min
Outro
31:36 • 1min
#
Olive, Again
Olive, Again
Elizabeth Strout
Olive, Again continues the story of the retired math teacher Olive Kitteridge, now in her seventies and widowed, as she navigates a new relationship with Jack, mends ties with her son Christopher, confronts her past failures as a mother and wife, and faces the challenges of aging including a heart attack and assisted living.
Interwoven stories feature townspeople dealing with neglect, family trauma, cancer, infidelity, and societal changes, revealing Olive's growing self-awareness, empathy, and reflections on love, loss, and the human condition amid life's imperfections.
#46226
A Month in the Country
J.L. Carr
The novel follows Tom Birkin, a veteran of the Great War and a man recovering from a broken marriage, as he arrives in the remote Yorkshire village of Oxgodby to restore a recently discovered medieval mural in the local church.
Living in the bell tower and surrounded by the countryside of high summer, Birkin labors each day to uncover an anonymous painter's depiction of the apocalypse.
Through this work, he finds a new and hopeful attachment to life.
However, as summer ends and the work is completed, Birkin must leave, reflecting on the passage of time and the power of art to find consolation for all that has been lost.
#94186
Graceling
The Graphic Novel
Kristin Cashore
Gareth Hinds
#392
• Mentioned in 73 episodes
The Lion, The witch and the Wardrobe
C.S. Lewis
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a portal fantasy novel that follows the story of four English siblings - Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy - who are evacuated to the countryside during World War II. While exploring the large, old house of Professor Kirke, Lucy discovers a wardrobe that serves as a portal to the land of Narnia.
In Narnia, they encounter various magical creatures and the evil White Witch, who has cast a spell to keep Narnia in perpetual winter.
The siblings soon learn that they are part of an ancient prophecy to save Narnia, aided by the lion Aslan.
The story is an allegory of Christianity, with Aslan's sacrifice and resurrection mirroring the story of Jesus Christ.
The novel also incorporates elements from Germanic, classical Greek and Roman, and Celtic mythology.
#3745
• Mentioned in 13 episodes
The Golden Compass
Philip Pullman
The Golden Compass, also known as Northern Lights in some regions, is the first book in Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy.
It follows Lyra Belacqua, a young girl living in an alternate universe where humans and talking animals coexist.
Lyra embarks on a journey to save her friend Roger from the Gobblers, a mysterious group abducting children.
Along the way, she discovers a world of complex moralities, where figures of authority are often deceptive and true help comes from unexpected sources.
The story involves Lyra's encounters with an alethiometer (a golden compass), her daemon Pantalaimon, and various characters including the enigmatic Mrs. Coulter and her uncle Lord Asriel.
#33767
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Half His Age
Jennette McCurdy
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of I'm Glad My Mom Died comes Half His Age, a startlingly perceptive, mordantly funny, and keenly poignant rich character study of a yearning seventeen-year-old girl who disregards all obstacles in her effort to be seen, desired, and loved.
Waldo is a ravenous, blunt, naïve yet wise, impulsive, and angry seventeen-year-old who desperately wants her creative writing teacher, Mr. Korgy, despite his wife, kid, and life circumstances.
McCurdy expertly captures the dichotomy of feeling mature at 17 while remaining young and naïve.
#19214
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
The summer book
Elizabeth Gundrey
The Summer Book by Elizabeth Gundrey is an activity book published in 1974, aimed at providing engaging activities for children during the summer.
It contains a variety of exercises and games to keep young minds active and entertained.
#
Walk Two Moons
Sharon Creech
Sharon Creech's novel intertwines a present-day road trip narrative with a young girl's recollection of family events and the story of another family.
Themes of grief, identity, and cultural understanding are explored through lyrical prose and memorable characters.
The novel's emotional honesty and accessible style make it appealing for both younger and adult readers.
Its structure allows for immersive reading experiences suitable for retreats or long trips.
The book has won critical acclaim and awards for its storytelling and emotional resonance.
#14052
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
Muriel Spark
The novel tells the story of Miss Jean Brodie, a forward-thinking and eccentric teacher at the Marcia Blaine School for Girls in Edinburgh.
She selects six students, known as 'The Brodie Set,' for special tutelage, teaching them about art history, literature, and her own personal life, including her admiration for fascism.
The story unfolds through flashbacks and flashforwards, revealing the complex relationships between Miss Brodie and her students, particularly Sandy, who ultimately betrays her.
The novel explores themes of education, morality, and the influence of a charismatic teacher on her students' lives.
#708
• Mentioned in 47 episodes
CHARLOTTE'S WEB
E. B. White
Charlotte's Web, written by E.B.
White, is a timeless children's classic that tells the story of Wilbur, a pig, and Charlotte, a spider, who form an unlikely friendship.
The story is set on a farm and revolves around the efforts of Charlotte to save Wilbur from being slaughtered.
Through their relationship, the book explores themes of friendship, courage, self-sacrifice, and the natural cycle of life and death.
The novel is known for its vivid depiction of farm life and its ability to address complex emotions and themes in a way that is accessible to children.
The book has been widely acclaimed and has sold over 45 million copies worldwide since its publication in 1952.
#39902
A child's Christmas in Wales
Dylan Thomas
A Child's Christmas in Wales is a prose piece by Dylan Thomas that captures the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a young boy.
The work blends multiple Christmases into one idyllic memory, filled with snow, family gatherings, and childhood adventures.
It is celebrated for its evocative language and nostalgic portrayal of a simpler time.
#64218
A Murder Is Announced
Agatha Christie
The story begins with an unusual announcement in the local newspaper stating that a murder will take place at Little Paddocks, the home of Miss Letitia Blacklock.
On the appointed evening, guests gather at Little Paddocks, intrigued by the announcement.
As predicted, the lights go out, shots are fired, and a mysterious stranger is killed.
Miss Marple, who is visiting her friend in the neighboring village, is called upon to investigate the perplexing crime.
As she delves into the lives of the residents of Little Paddocks, she uncovers a web of hidden identities, past secrets, and tangled relationships, ultimately revealing a surprising and ingenious solution to the murder.
#410
• Mentioned in 71 episodes
The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins
Set in a post-apocalyptic North America known as Panem, The Hunger Games follows Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from District 12, who volunteers to participate in the 74th Hunger Games to save her younger sister Prim.
Alongside Peeta Mellark, the other tribute from District 12, Katniss must use her hunting skills and wits to survive the arena.
The Games are a tool of oppression by the Capitol to remind the districts of their defeat in a past rebellion.
As Katniss and Peeta navigate the treacherous arena, they also manipulate the audience and sponsors to gain advantages, while sparking the beginnings of a rebellion against the Capitol's tyrannical rule.
#12062
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Tuck Everlasting
Natalie Babbitt
In 'Tuck Everlasting', Natalie Babbitt tells the story of Winnie Foster, a ten-year-old girl who stumbles upon the Tuck family's secret: they are immortal after drinking from a magical spring 87 years prior.
The Tucks, consisting of parents Mae and Miles, and their sons Jesse and Miles Jr., live in hiding to keep their immortality a secret.
When Winnie is kidnapped by the Tucks to protect their secret, she learns about the complexities and challenges of eternal life.
The story explores themes of immortality, family, and the natural order of life and death.
As Winnie navigates her relationship with the Tucks, particularly Jesse, she must make a crucial decision about whether to drink from the spring and join them in eternal life or to live a normal, mortal life.
#2550
• Mentioned in 18 episodes
Train Dreams
Denis Johnson
The novella follows the life of Robert Grainier, an orphan sent to Idaho in 1893.
Grainier works as a laborer, building bridges and felling trees for the expanding railways.
He finds happiness with his wife and daughter but faces tragedy when a wildfire changes his life forever.
The story is a reflection on isolation, the closing of the American West, and the simple yet harsh life of a pioneer.
It juxtaposes the sounds of trains with the natural world, creating a dream-like and elegiac portrait of Grainier's life.
#8614
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
Different Seasons
Stephen King
Different Seasons is a collection of four novellas by Stephen King, each with a distinct tone and character set.
The stories include 'Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption', 'Apt Pupil', 'The Body', and 'The Breathing Method', offering a departure from King's typical horror genre with more dramatic narratives.
These novellas have inspired films like 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'Stand By Me'.
#16472
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
The Enchanted April
Elizabeth von Arnim
Elizabeth von Arnim's "The Enchanted April" is a novel about a group of women who rent a castle in Italy.
The novel explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the restorative power of nature.
Von Arnim's witty writing and charming characters make the novel a delightful read.
The novel's exploration of female relationships and the importance of personal growth continues to resonate with readers.
The novel's setting in Italy adds to its charm and provides a backdrop for the characters' transformations.
#6262
• Mentioned in 8 episodes
All Systems Red
Martha Wells
In *All Systems Red*, Martha Wells introduces Murderbot, a cyborg security unit that has hacked its own governor module to gain autonomy.
Scornful of humans, Murderbot prefers watching soap operas but is drawn into a mystery when a neighboring mission goes dark.
The novella explores themes of consciousness and human connection in a tense, action-packed narrative.
#3523
• Mentioned in 13 episodes
Piranesi
Susanna Clarke
In *Piranesi*, the protagonist lives in a world called the House, a labyrinthine structure filled with thousands of statues, tides that surge through staircases, and clouds in the upper halls.
Through his meticulous journals, Piranesi reconstructs the story of his arrival and explores the House, only to discover messages indicating the presence of another person.
As he delves deeper, he uncovers secrets and confronts the possibility of a world beyond his known reality.
#80869
Elizabeth and her German Garden
Elizabeth von Arnim
Elizabeth von Arnim's "Elizabeth and Her German Garden" is a memoir disguised as a novel, recounting the author's experiences establishing a garden in Germany.
The book blends gardening advice with witty observations on life and society.
Von Arnim's charming writing style and humorous anecdotes make the book a delightful read.
The book's exploration of themes of independence, self-reliance, and the restorative power of nature continues to resonate with readers.
The book's blend of practical advice and personal reflection makes it a unique and engaging read.
#1386
• Mentioned in 29 episodes
The Devil wears Prada
Lauren Weisberger
The Devil Wears Prada follows Andrea Sachs, a small-town girl who lands a job at Runway magazine under the infamous editor Miranda Priestly.
As Andrea struggles to meet Miranda's impossible demands, she must balance her career ambitions with her personal life.
The novel offers a humorous and insightful look into the high-stakes world of fashion publishing.
#9682
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
The English Understand Wool
Helen DeWitt
#71103
Happy All the Time
Laurie Colwin
#7237
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
Wise blood
Flannery O'Connor
Published in 1952, Wise Blood is Flannery O'Connor's first novel and a masterpiece of allegory and farce.
The story revolves around Hazel Motes, a twenty-two-year-old veteran who returns to find his family home in ruins.
He founds the Church Without Christ, advocating a humanistic reliance on self rather than God. Motes's journey is marked by encounters with various characters, including the 'blind' street preacher Asa Hawks, his daughter Sabbath Lily, and Enoch Emery, a young man with 'wise blood.
' The novel explores themes of spiritual truth, false prophets, and the search for redemption in a world characterized by sin, guilt, and judgment.
#5658
• Mentioned in 9 episodes
Heartburn
Nora Ephron
Heartburn is an autobiographical novel by Nora Ephron, inspired by her marriage to and divorce from Carl Bernstein.
The story follows Rachel Samstat, a food writer, who at seven months pregnant discovers her husband Mark Feldman's affair with Thelma Rice.
The novel vividly depicts the breakdown of their marriage, interspersed with recipes and anecdotes that humanize the characters.
It explores themes of love, betrayal, and revenge, all presented with Ephron's characteristic wit and humor.
#14259
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Foster
Claire Keegan
In this novella, Claire Keegan tells the story of a young girl sent to live with foster parents, John and Edna Kinsella, on a farm in rural Ireland in the summer of 1981.
The girl, who is unused to home comforts, finds affection and warmth in the Kinsellas' care and begins to blossom.
However, the story is marked by an underlying tension and the eventual revelation of a secret that threatens her newfound happiness.
The narrative explores themes of family, belonging, and the profound impact of kindness on a child's life.
The book is praised for its sparse yet elegant prose and its ability to evoke powerful emotions through subtle storytelling.
Mandy, Kathryn, and Gideon are off this week, but they didn’t want to leave you without something special in your feed. So we’re sharing another Lemonada show that we think you’re really going to love.
Happier with Gretchen Rubin is hosted by the #1 bestselling author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before, and it gets personal in the best way. Gretchen shares practical, totally manageable advice about building better habits and creating more happiness in your everyday life. It’s thoughtful, smart, and actually doable.
In the episode you’re about to hear, Gretchen talks about why it can be powerful to “go for the no” instead of avoiding rejection and failure. She also shares a few great same-day book recommendations and a simple hack to make your email way more efficient.
If you like what you hear, you can find more episodes of Happier with Gretchen Rubin at https://lemonada.lnk.to/happierfd
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.