Big Mood, Little Mood with Daniel M. Lavery

Danny Lavery welcomes Hugh Ryan, the author of The Women's House of Detention: A Queer History of a Forgotten Prison, which New York Magazine called one of the best books of 2022. His first book, When Brooklyn Was Queer, won a 2020 New York City Book Award. Lavery and Ryan tackle three letters. First, from someone who is seeking closure from a failed friendship. Another letter writer is trying to understand why their boyfriend is so angry at his family. Finally, someone writes in about their book club which has morphed into a morass of secrets.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 Ashley Robertson, an expert question-asker who facilitates workshops on comprehensive, affirming, medically-accurate sexuality education. Lavery and Robertson take on two letters. First, from someone who now has suspicions that her boyfriend has been violent in past relationships. Another letter writer is tired of being marginalized by his in-laws. Plus a listener comment about December 7th letter titled “Not Microdosing''.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 Ash Sky Keen, a mathematics tutor helping neurodivergent students navigate math education. Lavery and Keen tackle two letters. First, from someone who wants their parents to recalculate their will to adjust for monetary assistance their sibling already received. A second letter writer is waiting for a friend’s apology, and fearing it will never come.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 Frankie Day, a writer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Lavery and Day take on three letters. First, from someone who is shocked that her family won’t support her adopting a child. Another letter writer is how long they should hold on to their ex’s belongings. Finally, a third letter writer is concerned that he chose a name that also belongs to a dog that is in his friend circle.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.

Daniel M. Lavery revisits a few of the many memorable letters from 2022, including one about someone who’s upset that his friends continue to associate with someone who is considered toxic (with guest Ty Mitchell). Another letter writer wants to have a third child, despite her husband’s concern about passing along a rare genetic condition (with guest Wendy Lee). And finally, a letter from someone whose close friends always start dating each other (with guest Olivia Chairmane)If you enjoy this show, please consider subscribing. You can subscribe directly to Big Mood, Little Mood for as little as $2.99/month and get an additional episode of the podcast every Friday, as well as ad-free listening. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at https://slate.com/moodplus.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Mollie West Duffy, co-author of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book about emotions at work: No Hard Feelings: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at Work, and Big Feelings: How To Be Okay When Things Are Not Okay.Lavery and Duffy take on two letters. First, from someone wondering how to support their extremely private friend and maintain boundaries. Another letter writer is monogamous, but has fallen for a polyamorous person. If you enjoy this show, please consider subscribing. You can subscribe directly to Big Mood, Little Mood for as little as $2.99/month and get an additional episode of the podcast every Friday, as well as ad-free listening. You’ll also be supporting the work we do here on Big Mood, Little Mood. Sign up now at https://slate.com/moodplus.Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Ethan Casteel, a software engineer and transgender man about town in Somerville, MA.Lavery and Casteel tackle three letters. First, from someone wondering how to talk to her child about transness. Another letter writer is trying to negotiate solo time away from their partner. A third letter is from someone who feels guilty accepting rent from their boyfriend.If 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 workNeed advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Carmen Rita Wong, author of the recently published book, Why Didn’t You Tell Me? A Memoir.Lavery and Wong take on two letters. First, from someone concerned that her brother has been spiraling since going off his meds. Another letter writer is wondering how to extricate herself from her marriage without devastating her spouse. Plus, a deep dive in to Wong’s memoir, Why Didn’t You Tell Me?Resources if you know a family member or friend experiencing delusions: https://www.bcss.org/support/how-do-i-get-help-for-my-loved-one/steps-working-delusions/If 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 workNeed advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Lisa McIntire, a writer living in San Francisco with her dog, Toby.Lavery and McIntire take on two letters. First, someone who wants to tell her mom that she did protect her enough from her creepy uncle. Another letter writer wants to advocate for their boyfriend’s non-binary child, but doesn’t want to overstep boundaries. If 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 workNeed advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Amanda McLoughlin, the CEO of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production company. She is also the longtime co-host of the podcast, Spirits.Lavery and McLoughlin take on two letters. First, someone who feels guilty about how they got their boyfriend to start doing house chores. Another letter writer is wondering how to repair a family rift over them coming out as trans. If 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 workNeed advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Rakesh Satyal, the author of the novels Blue Boy and No One Can Pronounce My Name. He is currently an Executive Editor at the HarperOne Group/HarperCollins. Lavery and Satyal tackle two letters. First, someone who is trying to create distance with their mother who is thinking about moving next door. Another letter writer is wondering how to cultivate a chosen family.If 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 workNeed advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Kat Kinsman, the executive features editor at Food & Wine, author of Hi, Anxiety: Life With a Bad Case of Nerves, and founder of Chefs With Issues, an ever-evolving project that addresses the mental health crisis in the hospitality industry.Lavery and Kinsman take on two letters. First, someone who believes their partner is wasting their time, studying for a career they are not qualified for. Another letter writer is wondering how to talk to her brother about his sexual assault of her when they were children. Support for people recovering from sexual abuseRAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) - https://www.rainn.org/Survivors of Incest Anonymous - https://siawso.org/Hidden Water - https://hiddenwatercircle.org/If 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 workNeed advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Danielle Moodie, host of the podcast, Woke AF, where she explores the many facets of what it means to be "woke" in our modern life. Lavery and Moodie take on three letters. First, from a career counselor who wants to keep their students from exploring particular jobs. Another letter writer was scapegoated by his colleagues, but wants his life back. Finally, a letter writer is looking for advice on how to come out as non-binary to their father.If 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 workNeed advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Margo Donohue, author of Filmed in Brooklyn, and co-host of the podcasts, Book Vs. Movie, Dorking Out, and What a Creep.Lavery and Donohue tackle two letters. First, someone who can no longer support her sister through her years long, turbulent breakup from her ex. Another letter writer has a feeling that their boyfriend might be trans, and is wondering how to bring it up. Plus, Donohue takes us on a deep dive through her new book, Filmed In Brooklyn, which is the result of over two years of writing, researching, and photographing over 250 films that take place and/or shot in Brooklyn. If 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 workNeed advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Emi Nietfeld, a writer, software engineer, and author of ACCEPTANCE: A Memoir. Her essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Rumpus, Vice, and many more publications.Lavery and Nietfeld take on two letters. First, someone trying to cope with a failed gender-affirming surgical procedure. Another letter writer is wondering how to have a conversation with her elderly mom about her mental health. Plus, a chat about Nietfeld’s memoir, Acceptance. If 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 workNeed advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Ginna Green, a strategist-consultant-movement-builder now helping Jewish (and other) organizations change through her new firm, Uprise. She is also the co-host, along with Lynn Harris, of the Jewish advice podcast, A Bintel Brief.Lavery and Green tackle two letters. First, someone who is trying to save a friendship with a friend who tends to drive most people away. Another letter writer is trying to hold boundaries with her brother, but is worried that he has no one else to help him. Plus, how A Bintel Brief podcast came to be.If 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 workNeed advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Alyssa Knox, a night shift ICU nurse. Lavery and Knox take on two letters. First, someone who’s hurt that their best friend didn’t attend their wedding. Another letter writer can’t get a word in edgewise with their energy vampire roommate.If 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 workNeed advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Katie Tastrom, a sex worker and writer whose work focuses on disability justice. Her forthcoming book about prison abolition and disability justice is coming out in late 2023. Lavery and Tastrom take on two letters. First, someone who received a marriage proposal from her depressed boyfriend. Another letter writer is wondering how to make it up to their friend after accidentally calling them by their deadname, and how to get their own family to start honoring their own chosen name. Plus, a sneak peek at Tastrom’s forthcoming book on abolition and disability justice.More on transition “traps”:https://www.thechatner.com/p/let-me-save-you-some-time-a-fieldhttps://www.thechatner.com/p/let-me-save-you-some-time-on-transitioninghttps://www.thechatner.com/p/the-stages-of-im-really-trying-toIf 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 workNeed advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Celeste Ng, the New York Times bestselling author of Everything I Never Told You and Little Fires Everywhere. Her third novel, Our Missing Hearts, will be published in October 2022. Lavery and Ng tackle two letters. First, someone who is trying to find care for her friend’s paranoid mother. Another letter writer is upset that his friend group has befriended his stalker. Plus, a great deal on Sir Micheal Caine’s desk.Resources for caring for the elderlyhttps://www.eldercaredirectory.org/state-resources.htmhttps://www.agingcare.com/articles/free-services-for-seniors-or-caregivers-156443.htmIf 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 workNeed advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Kate Beaton, author of the new graphic memoir Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands, which recounts the time she spent working and living in Canada’s oil industry man camps.Lavery and Beaton take on two letters. First, someone who wants to break-up with a partner who spent the entire relationship expecting this to happen. Another letter writer wants to set boundaries with her sister after a long period of estrangement. Plus, a deep dive into Beaton’s new graphic memoir, Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands.If 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 workNeed advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Niko Stratis, a freelance culture writer whose work has appeared in outlets like SPIN, Autostraddle and more. Lavery and Stratis tackle two letters. First, from someone whose partner’s request for alone time has them feeling single. Another letter asks what is one's parental obligation if your son commits a violent crime. Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Austin Channing Brown, a media producer and author of the New York Times bestseller I’m Still Here: black dignity in a world made for whiteness. Lavery and Channing Brown take on two letters. First, from someone in college wondering if they should date someone in high school. Another letter writer is wondering how to mend a friendship they didin’t realize they may have been neglecting. Plus, a listener update!Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Carey O’Donnell, a writer and comedian, who also co-hosts Sexy Unique Podcast. Lavery and O’Donnell tackle two letters. First, from someone who’s worried that his boyfriend’s family of origin is trying to re-enter his life. Another letter writer is wondering how to be patient with an old friend who keeps crossing the line. Plus, a listener update!Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] 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 who has worked as a therapist and clinical supervisor in a variety of settings, including shelters, residential group homes, and outpatient clinics. Lavery and Duffy take on two letters. First, from someone who needs their bestie to stop giving them advice. Another letter writer is wondering how to confront her brother about past childhood sibling abuse. Plus, a listener update!Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Ty Mitchell, a writer and former gay porn performer based in Brooklyn, New York. He has written for The New Inquiry and Buzzfeed, and you can read his current newsletter, the First Openly Gay Book Club, at firstopenlygay.substack.com.Lavery and Mitchell tackle two letters. First, from someone who’s upset that his friends continue to associate with someone who is considered toxic. Another letter writer is wondering if he should ask to open up his relationship, or simply break-up. Finally, someone writes in wondering if there is a way around correcting people about their gender.Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Jules Gill-Peterson, author of Histories of the Transgender Child and a co-host of Outward on Slate.Lavery and Gill-Peterson take on two letters. First, from someone who is feeling pressured to commit to a relationship from their entire friend group. Another letter writer is worried that they are going to drive their partner away by relying on them too much.Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Bridget Todd, the host of the iHeart Radio podcast, There Are No Girls On The Internet, and the founder of Unbossed Creative, a media company that makes podcasts and other digital content to push the needle on social change. Lavery and Todd tackle two letters. First, from someone who doesn’t know how to live a life beyond working. Another letter writer has a partner who cannot remember when he says hurtful things.Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Helen Rosner, a staff writer at the New Yorker, where she covers all things culture, though most of it is about food. Lavery and Rosner take on two letters. First, from someone who’s upset that their friend is going to college with the goal of finding a husband. Another letter writer is struggling with a new perspective on how her husband courted her. Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Luisa Beck, a writer, reporter, and producer based out of Berlin, Germany. She’s the creator and host of the Audible Original Dear Poetry.Lavery and Beck tackle two letters. First, from someone who’s attracted to someone, except when they tell stories. Another letter writer is wondering how to become estranged from one single relative. Plus, behind the scenes of Beck’s podcast, Dear Poetry.Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes R.O. Kwon, the nationally bestselling author of The Incendiaries and the co-editor of Kink.Lavery and Kwon take on three letters. First, from someone who’s missing a former bestie. Another letter writer is wondering if they should bring her ailing mother Buddist swastika symbols for comfort. Finally, a letter from someone who is wondering if they should stop doing particular thing they do to make cis people more comfortable.Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Noah Zazanis, an epidemiologist, writer, and prison abolitionist living in Queens, NY. His writing can be found in The New Inquiry, Pluto Press' Transgender Marxism anthology, and Obstetrics & Gynecology ("The Green Journal").Lavery and Zazanis tackle two letters. First, from someone hesitating on coming out for fear of never being called the correct pronouns. Another letter writer is wondering if they should walk away from a relationship that they can sense is slipping away. Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Kashana Cauley, writer for The Great North and the author of the forthcoming novel, The Survivalists.Lavery and Cauley take on two letters. First, from someone who is witnessing their coworkers play a potentially dangerous prank on their supervisor. Another letter writer is uncomfortable with the subject matter of their friend’s novel. Plus, a sneak peek at Cauley’s forthcoming novel, The Survivalists.Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Sasha Geffen, author of the book Glitter Up the Dark: How Pop Music Broke the Binary.Lavery and Geffen tackle two letters. First, from someone who is tired of being the only person holding that her friend came out to in their friend group. Another letter writer is trying to make sense of a hurtful breakup.Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Miles Klee, a senior staff writer for MEL magazine, and the author of the novel Ivyland.Lavery and Klee take on three letters. First, from someone who wants to tell her friend to stop paying for everything when they hang out. Another letter writer has upset their partner due to her tendency to offer unsolicited pet advice. Finally, Lavery responds to a letter writer who is wondering if they are a trans man.Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Jackie Keliiaa, a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor based in Oakland, California. She currently produces Good Medicine, a live comedy show featuring all Native comedians.Lavery and Keliiaa tackle two letters. First, from someone wondering about polyamorous etiquette, relative to his partner’s partner’s partner. Another letter writer is wondering if he should cut his losses with his employer, or stick with them through a potentially profitable transition. Plus, an update on the letter, “Which Friends? What Benefits?”Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Lindsay Kyle and Robyn O’Donnell, hosts of the podcast, Maladapted, in which they discuss books that have been adapted into movies. Lavery, Kyle, and O’Donnell tackle two letters. First, from a letter writer being asked to delay their transition because their wife wants to have a baby. Another letter writer wants her mom to stop insulting her ailing dad. Plus, behind the scenes of the podcast, Maladapted. Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Jane Rice, a civil servant, and Edward Szekely, a radiographer, who live in Edinburgh, Scotland with their 3 year old daughter and 6 year old cat. Lavery, Rice, and Szekely take on two letters. First, from a young adult who wants to know why he can’t help lying to his parents. Another letter writer is trying to break their habit of using their dead name at work. Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes writer, comedian Dani Faith Leonard, who recently produced the film, Coast.Lavery and Faith Leonard tackle two letters. First, from a letter writer whose name change is ruffling feathers in her family. Another letter writer is worried about making small talk at their brother's wedding. Faith Leonard shares about producing the films Coast, Lez Bomb, and her live comedy show, Adult Sex Ed. Plus, a listener update!Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Dylan Marron, author of the book Conversations with People Who Hate Me, and the host and creator of the critically acclaimed podcast by the same name. Marron recently joined the writing staff of the Emmy-winning hit television series Ted Lasso.Lavery and Marron take on two letters. First, from a letter writer who doesn’t want to give up on his once supportive dad. Another letter writer wants to stop bickering with her husband over house chores. Plus, the story behind Marron’s book and podcast, Conversations with People Who Hate Me.Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Maud Newton, author of Ancestor Trouble: A Reckoning and a Reconciliation.Lavery and Newton tackle two letters. First, from a letter writer who doesn’t want to tell her new boyfriend about her cancer diagnosis. Another letter writer is worried that her favorite aunt can’t stop talking about her political organization. Plus, a deep dive into Newton’s new book, Ancestor Trouble: A Reckoning and a Reconciliation.Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Jessica Nordell, a science journalist and the author of the book The End of Bias: A Beginning.Lavery and Nordell take on two letters. First, from a letter writer who’s at her wits end with her friend’s racist comments. Another letter writer has caught her friend faking the symptoms of autism. Plus a deep dive into Nordell’s book, The End of Bias: A Beginning.Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes June Thomas, co-host of the Slate podcast “Working”, which explores the creative process.Lavery and Thomas take on two letters. First, from a letter writer who is wondering how to be comfortable in their own body when their sense of self is constantly changing. Another letter writer is wondering if they should tell their friend that they saw their date committing domestic abuse. Plus, Lavery asks Thomas about the inspiration for her forthcoming book about lesbian spaces.Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Marissa Gouverne, a documentary and commercial editor living in New York City.Lavery and Gouverne tackle two letters. First, from a letter writer who’s wondering how to avoid the same mistakes when dating. Another letter writer is asking how to maintain extended family relationships after cutting off their parents. Plus, Lavery and Gouverne talk about Steve Allen, Fred Astaire, and low grade ailments.Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Daniel Shannon, a senior software engineer and technical lead at Vox Media, where he works on digital editorial content.Lavery and Shannon take on two letters. First, from a letter writer who’s wondering if her cousin is “love bombing” their girlfriend, and if she should say something about it. Another letter writer is asking what to do now that they realize they don’t respect a friend that they’ve been supporting for years.Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Esther Jaffee, a marine microbiologist who specializes in algal biochemistry.Lavery and Jaffee tackle two letters. First, from a letter writer who caught her boyfriend lying about his plans to move away with her. Another letter writer is wondering if it’s time to tell off their boss. Plus, Jaffee shares the latest and greatest from the world of algae.Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes author Heather Havrilesky, who recently published the book, Foreverland: On the Divine Tedium of Marriage. She also writes the Ask Polly advice column.Lavery and Havrilesky take on two letters. First, from someone who feels resentment over a former lover’s new relationship. Another letter writer is wondering whether sharing an old family memory will be helpful or harmful. Plus, a deep dive into Havrilesky’s new book.Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Kyle Turner, a queer freelance writer based in Brooklyn, NY. Turner is a contributor to Paste Magazine, and his writing on film and culture has been featured in The Village Voice, GQ, Slate, Vanity Fair, and the New York Times.Lavery and Turner tackle two letters. First, from someone who's not sure if they should identify as a lesbian give their history. Another letter writer is wondering how to support a close friend who is moving far, and also not get in her way. Plus, Turner shares about his Stephen Sondheim’s Follies themed birthday extravaganza. Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Laura Leigh Abby, a writer and star and subject of a new documentary podcast series from Paradiso Media called Seventeen: Conversations with My Teenage Self. Lavery and Abby take on two letters. First, from someone who's worried that her wife will discover her bullying past. Another letter writer is wondering how to get her husband to stop suggesting that she tries polyamory. Plus a look into what inspired Abby’s new documentary podcast. Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes comedian, author and host of the Emmy® Award-winning docu-series United Shades of America, W. Kamau Bell. Bell is also the director of the new Showtime docu-series called We Need To Talk About Cosby, which wrestles with the conversations of the #MeToo movement. Lavery and Bell tackle two letters. First, from someone who was taken aback to find out that their team considers them a “toxic boss”. Another letter writer is wondering if they should make more of an effort to connect to a trans community. Plus, a deep dive into Bell’s w Showtime docu-series, We Need To Talk About Cosby.Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Lavery welcomes Sarah Marshall, and a writer, media critic, and host of the modern history podcast, You’re Wrong About. She is also the co-host of the “feelings podcast about movies” You Are Good with Alex Steed. Lavery and Marshall take on two letters. First, from someone wanting to approach their neighbor about their barking dogs. Another letter writer is concerned about scaring off a romantic relationship because of their non-traditional chosen family. Plus, Marshall takes us behind the scenes of her two podcasts..Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!Need advice? Send Danny a question here.Email: [email protected] by Phil Surkis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.