Big Mood, Little Mood with Daniel M. Lavery

This week Jules sits down with Raquel Willis, an award-winning activist and journalist whose work is dedicated Black trans liberation. Raquel’s new memoir, The Risk It Takes to Bloom chronicles her political and personal awakenings as a Black trans woman growing up in the south. Jules and Raquel talk grief, gender, and collective liberation. Podcast production by Palace Shaw.Email us at: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the final episode of Big Mood, Little Mood, Daniel M. Lavery reflects on more than eight years of offering advice on both this show, and Dear Prudence. As a parting gift, Lavery shares a piece that was influenced by many of the recurring conversations over his tenure titled: “Let Me Save You Some Time: A Field Guide To Avoiding Transition By Family Committee”Although this show is ending, Lavery will still be a featured guest on Slate's Outward podcast, so please do like and subscribe right here.Production by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Ben Roy is a Denver-based comedian. Lavery and Roy offer advice to someone who is upset that his family is resenting his brother’s success, instead of just loving and supporting him. Another letter writer is worried about feeling guilty about being relieved that her children will no longer have to deal with their addicted father who passed away. Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Max Read, a journalist and screenwriter based in New York.Lavery and Read offer advice to someone who is regretting being a landlord to their aunt. Another letter writer is wishing they could get out of an internship, but doesn’t want to hurt the project.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes back his wife, Gracy Lavery, a writer and academic based in Brooklyn.The Lavery’s offer advice to someone who is wondering the next step in a marriage where one person desires polyamory. Another letter writer is wondering if she should response to an email from her younger brother who made her high school years hell.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes back Ben Gullard, an artist living in Brooklyn who designs exhibits for children's science museums. Lavery and Gullard offer advice to someone who is wondering how to handle a parent who forged his signature to get student loans. Another letter writer is fed up with the mother of her daughter’s friend, who is always dropping off the friend’s siblings for an “emergency” babysitting situation.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Ben Gullard, an artist living in Brooklyn who designs exhibits for children's science museums. Lavery and Gullard offer advice to someone who doesn’t understand why his partner can’t see that their parents are abusive. Another letter writer is butting heads with her boyfriend’s sister.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Marisa Renee Lee, a called-upon grief advocate, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of "Grief is Love: Living with Loss". Lee also regularly contributes to The Atlantic, Glamour, Vogue, MSNBC, and CNN and serves as an expert for Ritual's wellbeing app.Lavery and Lee offer advice to someone who is put off by her mom who wants to be friends with her. Another letter writer is wondering if she should let go of a friendship with someone who really doesn’t show up for her.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Adrien Behn, the host and creator of A Race Around the World: Based on the True Adventures of Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland. She is also the creator of the popular travel podcast Strangers Abroad, as well as a writer, and live storyteller.Lavery and Behn offer advice to someone who is wondering how to get a good night’s sleep living next to loud neighbors. Another letter writer is wondering how to live with an ex and avoid falling into old argument patterns.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Katie Lawler Turnbull, a NICU nurse of 17 years and a Master's in Human Rights.Lavery and Turnbull offer advice to someone who is wondering if they should attend a codependent support group, now that they’re feeling better. Another letter writer is asking how they should treat a sibling who just revealed themselves as transphobic.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes back Carmen Rita Wong, the author of Why Didn't You Tell Me?: A Memoir. Wong has also written Never Too Real and Never Too Late, and she heads up Malecon Productions, a company focusing on women-led content. Lavery and Wong give advice to someone who wonders if there is hope to deradicalize their cousin who is sliding far-right. Another letter writer is considering not taking a job, as they are questioning her about wearing a mask.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes writer Rose Tremlett, who co-hosts an optimisation podcast for the online edition of the German national newspaper, DIE ZEIT. Lavery and Tremlett give advice to someone who is confused about the messages her boyfriend gives her about the possibility of cohabitation. Another letter writer feels guilty about cutting off an ongoing correspondence with someone in prison.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Emma Arnold, a comedian, artist, and beekeeper, who recently released a comedy special and album called MYSELF. She is also the host of the City Cast Boise podcast.Lavery and Arnold give advice to someone who wants to stop feeling dread about aging and the world in general. Another letter writer wants to help a destitute friend in need of support. Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Leo Briggs and HG Gruebmeyer, who wrote and performed the play CVS, which premiered this past year at the Seven Stages Theater in Atlanta.Lavery, Briggs, and Gruebmeyer offer advice to someone who is growing weary of her bestie’s contant boyfriend drama. Another letter writer is wondering if they should discuss politics within their friend group. Plus, a deep dive on the making of the play, CVS.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Felicia Reich, a nonfiction comedy writer of personal essays and cultural commentary based in Brooklyn, NY.Lavery and Reich offer advice to someone who feels uncomfortable dating one particular person, while exploring sex with multiple partners. Another letter writer wishes an aunt would stop making up stories about her childhood.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Auyon Mukharji, a writer and musician based in Massachusetts. He is a member of the band Darlingside, and is working on an Indian cookbook with his mother, Jyoti.Lavery and Mukharji offer advice to someone who is troubled that his boyfriend resents him for blowing up their friend group. Another letter writer wants his boyfriend to reveal their relationship to his parents. Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes poet Elisa Gonzalez, whose first book, Grand Tour, will be published this month.Lavery and Gonzalez offer advice to someone who feels responsible for complicating their friend’s life by sparking their interest in transitioning. Another letter writer is wondering at what point would it be less painful to move on from an unsupportive dad. Plus a listener writes in to comment on the episode “Time to Move On”.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Julia Mounsey, a director and writer whose work has been presented at Under the Radar at the Public Theater, Soho Rep, JACK, Dixon Place, and the Deutsches Schauspielhaus in Hamburg.Lavery and Mounsey offer advice to someone who is wondering if they should honor their mother’s request to keep their abusive upbringing a secret. Another letter writer is wondering how to help a friend who is always getting in relationships that keep him unhappy. Plus, a listener's response to the letter “Grandma McGruff”.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Vani Gupta, a speech language pathologist in Sydney, Australia. Lavery and Gupta offer advice to someone who upset their husband after revealing that her former therapist and her used to flirt in therapy. Plus, an update on the letter “Clingy Sister Syndrome”, which appeared in our September 13th, 2022 episode.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery offers advice to someone who wants to connect to their body as actually part of themself. Another letter writer is troubled that their partner’s partner never pays for anything. Plus, a listener comments about ways to advocate for foster youth.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Kristina Gaddy, the author of Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo’s Hidden History and Flowers in the Gutter: The True Story of the Edelweiss Pirates, Teenagers Who Resisted the Nazis. Lavery and Gaddy offer advice to a bride who’s adoptive mom is upset that her biological mom was invited to her wedding. Another letter writer is wondering how to talk to his fiancėe about the unscientific nature of social media. Plus, banjo origin stories with a cameo from Slate’s own Ben Richmond!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Dr. Ida Santana, an addiction medicine physician and a writer. She’s on Substack @idasantana where she publishes Osage Orange, Dispatches from the Prairieland.Lavery and Santana offer advice to an educator dealing with transphobia at their school. Another letter is burnt out from supporting their friend, but is afraid to stop. Plus, a listener comment for the episode, “Is She Really Going Out with Her?”Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Chelsey Weber-Smith, the host of American Hysteria, a podcast that explores how fantastical thinking has shaped our culture.Lavery and Weber-Smith offer advice to a daughter who is trying to hang on to her relationship with her also fighting parents. Another letter is noticing that their partner’s low self-esteem is impacting their relationship. Plus, an update from the letter writer “Lost in Transition”.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Allison Raskin, the New York Times bestselling author of the books, I Hate Everyone But You: A Novel, and Overthinking About You: Navigating Romantic Relationships When You Have Anxiety, OCD, and/or Depression.Lavery and Raskin offer advice to a mom who is suspicious of her daughter’s girlfriend’s motivations. Another letter writer wants to reconnect with her sister after an abusive upbringing that led them to living in separate foster homes.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Tracy Leeds Kaplan, the founder of Small But Mighty Media and the executive producer of The Ten News.Lavery and Kaplan offer advice to someone who’s concerned that his friend is getting cut off from the help he needs. Another letter writer is wondering how to let her aunt know the reality of her sibling relationship. Also, a listener update from “Need My Social Sea-Legs”.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Leslie Cohen-Rubury, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and host of “Is My Child a Monster?”, A Parenting Therapy Podcast.Lavery and Cohen-Rubury offer advice to someone who’s parents might interfere with her decision to be a surrogate mother for her friends. Another letter writer is wondering how to tell their mom about being abused by their teacher when they were 16. Also, a listener's response to the “Fairweather Friend Group” letter.Resources mentioned in today’s show:Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD - https://cptforptsd.com/cpt-provider-roster/Dialectic Behavior Therapy - Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE) - https://dbtpe.org/find-a-therapistThe Body Keeps Score - A book by Bessel Van Der KolkNeed advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Halle Kiefer, a Senior ComedyWriter at Crooked Media, and Alison Leiby, a New York based comedian. Together, Kiefer and Leiby host Crooked Media’s weekly horror film podcast, Ruined.Lavery, Kiefer and Leiby offer advice to someone who’s rapidly approaching burn-out at work. Another letter writer is wondering what to do about their therapist, which has started to feel unsafe. Plus, a lightning round letter about how to talk about yourself with new friends without giving up the dark details of your past.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Alo Johnston, author of Am I Trans Enough, and co-host of the Wondermind podcast, Baggage Drop.Lavery and Johnston offer advice to someone considering how to reveal their crush, and another letter writer who feels disappointment that their college friend decided to detransition. Plus, a listener's response to a recent letter titled “Vacation Friends”.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Sequoia B. Holmes, host and creator of the pop culture podcast Black People Love Paramore.Lavery and Holmes offer advice to someone who is tired of her friend complaining about her ailments. Another letter writer is starting to wonder why their partner is with them. Plus, the story behind Black People Love Paramore, and a pro tip on how to keep your cereal crunchy.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Emma Gray, author of A Girls’ Guide To Joining The Resistance, and Claire Fallon, a culture critic based in New York. Together, Gray and Fallon host the podcast, Love To See It, a snarky but affectionate dissection of dating reality showsLavery and Gray and Fallon offer advice to someone who is trying to cope with racist coworkers. Another letter writer is concerned about a surgical decision they made when their child was born. Plus, a listener wrote in offering a folksy expression from her Grandmother’s diary from college.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil SurkisThis Pride Month, make an impact by helping Macy’s and The Trevor Project on their mission to fund life-saving suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Laura Cathcart Robbins, the author of the critically acclaimed memoir, Stash: My Life In Hiding, and host of the podcast, The Only One In The Room.Lavery and Robbins offer advice to someone who is wondering if they can handle a bad boss and salvage their dream job. Another letter writer is wondering why she is always confused by family and social etiquette. Also, a deep dive into Robbin’s memoir, Stash, and a listener update from “Conflicted and Demoralized”.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil SurkisThis Pride Month, make an impact by helping Macy’s and The Trevor Project on their mission to fund life-saving suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Kaitlynn Bartley, a Higher Education working in Residence Life, and Nicole Fusco, an epidemiologist.Lavery, Bartley and Fusco offer advice to someone who is wondering how to stop having a crush on their boss. Another letter writer is afraid they won’t live up to their new friend’s expectations. Plus, a lighting round letter about getting over a breakup. Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Ben Miller, co-author of the book, Bad Gays: A Homosexual History, and co-host of the podcast, Bad Gays, along with Huw Lemmey.Lavery and Miller offer advice to someone who is wondering if it’s okay to offer a DIY transition option to their boyfriend. Another letter wants to avoid any and all conversations having to do with astrology. Plus, a deep dive into Miller’s book, Bad Gays: A Homosexual History.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Seth Dirlam, a law school career counselor.Lavery and Dirlam offer advice to someone who is wondering how to stop resenting her best friends after a vacation gone awry. Another letter writer wants to support their friends who are figuring out their gender identities, without overstepping. Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil SurkisMake an impact this Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to fund APIA Scholars. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Kimi Culp, a multimedia producer, and the host of All the Wiser, a podcast about finding hope and possibility on the other side of pain.Lavery and Culp offer advice to someone who is concerned about the magazine selection in her dentist’s office. Another letter writer is wondering how to deal with a mother-in-law who freaked out up upon discovering her sex toys. Plus, a listener's response to the letter about the daughter taking swimming lessons.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil SurkisMake an impact this Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to fund APIA Scholars. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Dr. Orna Guralnik, a psychoanalyst and writer, and the host of the Showtime Docu-series, Couples Therapy.Lavery and Guralnik offer advice to someone who is nervous about initiating a kiss on a fourth date. Another letter writer wants to protect her nephew from her sister’s toxic family. Plus, a lighting round question about rainbow flags.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Cyndie Spiegel, author of the book, Microjoys: Finding Hope (Especially) When Life is Not Okay.Lavery and Spiegel offer advice to someone who is uncomfortable bringing up financial privilege among their friend group. Another letter writer wants to sever ties with her mom, but there’s one complication. Also, Spiegel shares the inspiration behind her book, Microjoys.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Zak Rosen, a Detroit-based story maker who created and hosts the podcast, The Best Advice Show, and co-hosts Slate’s parenting podcast, Mom and Dad are Fighting. Lavery and Rosen offer advice to someone who’s wondering if he should be concerned about a cashier's creepy behavior. Another letter writer is wondering how to cope in a less than desirable living environment. Plus, a follow up from the letter writer “Disgruntled Employee”.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Kristen Meinzer, an award-winning podcaster and author, and Jolenta Greenberg, a New York-based comedian and author. Together, Meinzer and Greenberg host a new podcast called How To Be Fine, where they discuss wellness-related questions and help debunk all the self-help myths and promises.Lavery, Meinzer and Greenberg give advice to someone who is feeling under appreciated by friends who frequently park their cars at his home. Another letter writer is wondering how to cope with a boyfriend who suffers from delusions. Also, Meinzer and Greenberg give us a behind the scenes look at their new podcast, How To Be Fine.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil SurkisMake an impact this Earth Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to bring more parks to more people across the country. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Tuck Woodstock, a journalist, educator, and the host of the podcast Gender Reveal. Lavery and Woodstock give advice to someone wondering why they’re suddenly identifying with their birth sex five years into their transition. Another letter writer is concerned about coming out to their social media following. A third letter is about fearing you are no longer attractive to your partner. Finally, a letter writer is wondering if they should speak up about her daughter’s water acclimation class.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil SurkisMake an impact this Earth Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to bring more parks to more people across the country. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Gabe Mollica, a comedian, storyteller and writer in Astoria, Queens.Lavery and Mollica tackle two letters. First, from a letter writer who’s wondering how to talk to her best friend who is a contrarian. Another letter writer is losing her connection with her father, as he believes that COVID is fake. Plus, Mollica shares the inspiration for his off-Broadway show, Solo.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes comedian, actor, and host of the Beautiful/Anonymous podcast, Chris Gethard. Lavery and Gethard take on three letters. First, from a letter writer who is terrified about the unknowns of transitioning. Another letter writer is wondering if their standards are too high when dating. Our third letter is from someone who wishes they could get over their resistance to polyamory. Plus, a deep dive into Gethard’s Beautiful/Anonymous podcast.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Kate Duffy, a New York based licensed clinical social worker.Lavery and Duffy tackle two letters. First, from a letter writer who wants to date someone who her best friend just broke up with. Another letter writer who is concerned that a friend’s issues around food is breaking apart their friendship.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil SurkisMake an impact this Women’s History Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to fund girls in STEM. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Sharon Lurye, a data journalist based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Lavery and Lurye take on two letters. First, from a letter writer who can’t get her ex-boyfriend to pay her back. Another letter writer wants to help her freshman roommate get her life back. Plus an update from the letter “Resentfully In Love”. Finally, Lavery reads a letter with the subject, “Mad About Masking”, and is asking you, our Big Mood Little Mood listeners, to weigh in.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil SurkisMake an impact this Women’s History Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to fund girls in STEM. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Amy S. Choi and Rebecca Lehrer, co-hosts of the new podcast series from The Mash-Up Americans titled, Grief, Collected.Lavery and Choi and Lehrer tackle two letters. First, from a letter writer who is engaged to someone they may be sexually incompatible with. Another letter writer is wondering how to return an ornament to an ex who stalked her during their breakup. Plus, a deep dive into Choi and Lehrer’s new podcast series, Grief, Collected.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Sunshine, a Digital Content Producer for the National Birth Equity Collaborative, an organization that fights for the maternal, infant, sexual, and reproductive wellbeing of Black people who can birth. In a surprise twist on today’s show, Sunshine revealed that they had written a letter which Danny read on our Praise with No Raise episode last year. We recommend checking out Sunshine’s letter from that show (subject: Non-profit Nonsense), and then tuning in to today’s ep to find out how things turned out!Lavery and Sunshine take on three letters. First, from someone who is wondering how to support a grieving friend who is difficult to be around. Another letter writer is realizing that she doesn’t having much in common with her friend group. A third letter is from someone wondering how to tell their colleague that they’re trans, when the colleague has already assumed they are cis.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil SurkisMake an impact this Black History Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to fund UNCF scholarships for HBCU students. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's a special treat for all of you Big Mood, Little Mood listeners: Daniel M. Lavery is excited to introduce to you the new Dear Prudence podcast with Jenée Desmond-Harris. Please subscribe on your favorite podcast listening platform! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Daniela Taplin Lundberg, a film producer and the host of the Hollywood Gold podcast. She is the Founder of Stay Gold Features, an independent film finance and production company. Lavery and Taplin Lundberg take on two letters. First, from someone who is wondering how to approach ending a friendship she previously promised she wouldn’t. Another letter writer wants to reduce the number of holidays spent with her mother-in-law.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Marie Manner, a research and development data scientist.Lavery and Manner take on two letters. First, from someone who is wondering if it’s okay she doesn’t have a big reason to cut her father from her life. Another letter writer is wondering if she should pursue a long-time crush.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil SurkisMake an impact this Black History Month by helping Macy’s on their mission to fund UNCF scholarships for HBCU students. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Bay Ryan, a postgraduate ecologist.Lavery and Ryan tackle two letters. First, from someone who is frustrated by loved ones who don’t take COVID precautions seriously. Another letter writer feels struggles to say any back after his partner says anything romantic. Plus, the latest on daylight saving time.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at Slate.com/MoodPlus to help support our workProduction by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.