How To! with Mike Pesca

Author Nina Renata Aron discusses her experience exiting a toxic relationship, exploring themes of deceit, infidelity, and healing. The podcast delves into navigating challenging relationships, setting boundaries, and finding growth after toxic breakups.

Writer and illustrator Kristen Radtke discusses American loneliness with Paula, exploring its complexities, triggers, and impact on relationships. They delve into the value of communication in the digital age and embracing vulnerability amidst conflicts. Radtke shares insights from her graphic novel and childhood memories of feeling misunderstood.

Abby Falik, Founder of The Flight School, discusses the benefits of taking a gap year to find personal fulfillment outside traditional academic paths. The podcast explores the pressure of educational expectations, the value of alternative learning journeys, and the importance of designing a purposeful gap year for personal growth and introspection.

Stand-up comedian and cancer survivor Tig Notaro helps a listener deal with a vindictive neighbor by advising to take control of the situation with humor and clarity. Suggestions include gardening with headphones and channeling the hero in your favorite movie. The podcast explores empowering assertive communication, reclaiming personal boundaries, and finding resilience through humor in challenging circumstances.

Workplace advice columnist Alison Green helps a stellar employee navigate handling feedback, building better relationships with higher-ups, and giving better feedback. The episode explores the emotional impact of receiving feedback, detaching from criticism, and the nuances of power dynamics in the workplace.

Therapist Jeff Guenther helps Allen navigate flirting authentically, stick to non-negotiables, and boost self-confidence. Topics include small talk, eye contact, and dating insights, expressing romantic interest in the gym, and partner preferences versus self-love.

Author Carvell Wallace discusses his memoir 'Another Word for Love' with co-host Courtney Martin. They talk about writing, being seen as good vs. actually being good, forgiving oneself, and the journey to becoming whole again.

A few years ago, Leah was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Her condition has posed many serious challenges, including how to start and maintain friendships. She wants to build a rich social life, but her symptoms—and the stigmas surrounding mental health—often get in the way. When Leah does meet a new person, she struggles with how (and when) to talk about her diagnosis and feels intense pressure to be "the perfect friend." On this episode of How To!: Carvell Wallace brings on psychotherapist Dr. Aleksandra Rayska for a frank conversation about managing expectations, celebrating new achievements, and just going easy on yourself. If you liked this episode check out: How to Navigate Adult Autism. Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. How To's executive producer is Derek John. Joel Meyer is our senior editor/producer. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson and Kevin Bendis. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now at slate.com/howtoplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Doing the work" is a phrase often heard when talking about racial justice. We heard it a lot after the death of George Floyd in 2020. And we need to continue talking about it—but there's an important aspect of "the work" that's been missing. On this episode of How To!: Courtney Martin brings in Garrett Bucks, author of The Right Kind of White and founder of The Barnraisers Project, to help Elizabeth Doerr talk to fellow white parents about the implications of opting out of their kids' public school. If you liked this episode check out: "How To Fight Racism in Your Town" CAST YOUR VOTE FOR HOW TO! IN THE 2024 WEBBY AWARDS! https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2024/podcasts/shows/advice-how-to Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. How To's executive producer is Derek John. Joel Meyer is our senior editor/producer. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson and Kevin Bendis. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now at slate.com/howtoplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Storyteller extraordinaire Michaela Leslie-Rule guides Mia, a violinist turned conceptual artist, in bringing a big idea to life rooted in connection. They explore breaking artistic boundaries, using storytelling for policy change, managing creative chaos with collaborators, and embracing failure for creative confidence.