Kelly Corrigan Wonders

This episode features a eulogy beautifully written by my editor at Random House, Andy Ward, to honor his father. (Replay of Thanks For Being Here Episode #1 which originally aired on February 13, 2022.) To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Okay so I went to a thing and I came home with a little case of the envies and then I found a bit of a book that helped me feel and think better about jealousy so I had to share… (Replay of Episode #4 - originally aired 8/20/21) To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Professor, podcaster, stage 4 cancer patient Kate Bowler knows the difference between crappy and happy. This week we review the Crappy Files, which turned out to be an enormously moving and often hilarious conversation. Next week: The Happy Files. Share them both with the women you love. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stephanie Doublestein wrote this letter to honor her parents Chuck and Sue on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary. Stephanie says she observed a marriage and a love not made up of flashy moments, loud declarations of romance, big jewelry surprises or grand gestures but the humble yet impressive accumulation of quiet acts of service, regular little rituals and small moments of thoughtful generosity…and choosing love over and over. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1976, Judy Woodruff began her career in journalism, thanks to sexist manager who explained that he hired her for her legs. 46 years later, she’s still making us think about the world, how it works and how it could work better. In honor of her retirement from the anchor desk at PBS News Hour, Kelly shares this conversation about where the country is right now and why. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First up, a conversation with Katie Couric, who has been in the media business for 40 some years now in a variety of roles, who has a really honed perspective on where we are, how we got here, and where we might try to get to next. After Katie, a discussion with Neal Katyal, a Georgetown law professor who has argued in front of the Supreme Court. Between Neil and Katie, we hope we come to a set of understandings about this moment in American public life and what we might hope for and work towards next. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A stunningly beautiful eulogy comprised of notes written over many years by Paul Paroff to his friend Chris Stokes’ mother Charlotte. Charlotte was like a second mother to Paul - until she became more like his own mother and a grandmother to his son. The simplicity of the notes that are included is a reminder to us all to keep in touch, to reach out more often, to share our love and gratitude with the very special people in our lives. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After much back and forth with you all on Facebook, I came up with my most important go-to items — the things that get me through the day — and, more importantly, the ideas that ground me on the epic journey of motherhood. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave Eggers and Nick Hornby are two of our best novelists, and both happen to be serious do gooders as well. With dozens of books between them, they have keen observations on society, relationships and how to have impact. Kelly sat down with them, first Dave then Nick, on the set of her PBS show Tell Me More, in part to celebrate the release of Nick’s new book on Prince and Dickens. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MJ Murray Vachon eulogizes her daughter-in-law Madhura’s grandfather Rajagopala Sarma (called ThaTha by his family). ThaTha was a brilliant statistician working for the Indian government who placed his deep love of family above all else - even his own opportunity to purse an education at UC Berkeley when he was offered a scholarship in 1960. However, three decades later, when his daughter Raji emigrated to the US for a medical residency, ThaTha decided to join her to be with his beloved grandchildren Madhura and Miel. He found the courage to leave India - not for his career but to guide, love and teach his only granddaughters. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave Eggers and Nick Hornby have thoughts about why and how we create. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Celebrated for her raw, hilarious accounts of stumbling toward her best self, Anne Lamott is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 books. Her special brand of humility, grace and gratitude makes this a must-listen episode for anyone needing a dose of inspiration. Special thanks to the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, our production partner on the Belief series. Please subscribe, rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts! We read and appreciate every review. You can follow the conversation with Kelly on Instagram @kellycorrigan. Replay of Ep 54 which originally aired in Sept 2021. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelly Warm submitted her daughter Emery’s college essay about how much she values her family’s Sunday breakfasts, a tradition which goes back 40 years. Emery outlines all that she’s learned from her large family and what she has taught them. This beautiful essay illustrates the appreciation of connectedness and family traditions that we often think teenagers disdain. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Everyone who knows anything about well being recommends gratitude lists. It’s a way to taste the goodness twice and relishing what is rather than pining for what could, should or might be. So here’s Kelly’s. What’s yours? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Robin Roberts, who has been saying Good Morning America for decades now, has a few hard-earned lessons to share. She was in isolation for 174 days after a bone marrow transplant to save her life. She reported from Katrina only after searching the coast for her own family. She broke every barrier in journalism on her own terms. She personifies grit, which is why we had to bring Angela Duckworth into the conversation, to break down just how we all might nurture and sustain Robin’s perseverance and optimism. To watch this interview, go to PBS.org/kelly. Robin’s new book, Brighter by the Day, is available now. Replay of Episode #89. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What never fails to impress you? Kim Tully was asked this question at a meeting and in under 10 seconds, she came up with her answer: genuine people. People who are 100% themselves, 100% of the time. Kim’s friend Steph embodies this and today’s episode is a toast that Kim wrote to honor her. Kim says: “I respect her I admire her, I love her and I wish I was a little more like her. We can all learn from Steph to live a life that is deeper than an edited social media post or a filtered picture." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s here: the time of year when we mix it up with family. Good to keep a little forgiveness handy. This episode was made to share. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Waded Cruzado was the first person in her family to go to college. She loved it. She went on to get a PhD and move from Puerto Rico to — of all places — Bozeman Montana, where she is regarded in heroic terms. She is determined to show every kid in the state what’s possible around them and within them. Her favorite day of the year is commencement. She is inspired and inspiring in equal measures and we loved our time with her. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete Bidstrup wrote this heartfelt tribute to his dad Lawrence “Larry” Otto Bidstrup. Larry was a husband, father, grandfather, Marine, teacher, coach, mentor, athlete, fisherman and friend. He had a way of laughing at himself, almost never missed a day of work and was always there when he said he would be. He was most definitely the kind of man anyone would want their kid to have as a teacher or coach and after many years spent as a very successful wrestling coach, Larry had no issue at all when his own son Pete decided to play another sport. Larry “fought the good fight” and his currency was of the heart. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a note on how to lift ourselves out of our tiny lives. Please share. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do kids become adults who can give and receive feedback? Who approach problems from multiple angles as a matter of course? Who feel safe sharing failures and asking for help? Maybe one way is by taking a class from Dr. Zach Dodds, a computer science professor at Harvey Mudd College, who is as enthusiastic about education and supporting the next generation as anyone I have ever spent time with. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lily Janas, now a student at Bowdoin College, wrote this stirring college admissions essay called “We Rise”. She sets the scene at 2am and goes on to describe one of the most impactful experiences of her young life. The story unfolds slowly, and Lily gives clues along the way but never fully reveals what she’s a part of - until the very end. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelly asks Dr. Ken Ginsburg, long time pediatrician, what to do about the ultimate fear. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Santa Barbara has one of the best community colleges in the country. Kelly and her producer Tammy spent a day on the campus of Santa Barbara City College sitting in on class and talking about books, poetry, identity and society with Dr. Clara Oropeza. She describes her own intellectual awakenings in a way that helps underline the real point of college. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stephen Gallagher’s college essay takes a look at what could have just been a simple summer job but became so much more. It’s often a tough job, a demanding boss or an uncomfortable experience which shapes a person and changes the course of one’s life for the better. Although this essay recounts a true story, the names of the participants have been changed. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 4th of 5 quick check ins with Dr. Ken Ginsburg about the differences between unconditional love, unconditional like and unconditional acceptance of all behaviors. Made to be shared widely with the people you count on to help you manage — and enjoy — family life. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s easy for academia to become remote, unless you have a professor like Dr. Marcia Chatelain. She teaches history at Georgetown and spends a lot of her classroom minutes creating connections between way back then and right this minute and, as importantly, them and us. She is a Pulitzer Prize winner who isn’t afraid to claim her place as a Den Mother. For those reasons and more that you’ll hear, Marcia is one of our all-time favorite guests on Kelly Corrigan Wonders. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This moving essay was written by a listener as her college admissions essay. She writes about how as a kid she felt a terrific desire to control every facet of her life, which manifested in of all things, mowing the lawn with her dad. She could not help her dads’ drinking but in the mornings when they mowed together, he was sober. A beautiful essay revealing the struggle to let go. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Super interesting note from respected pediatrician and parenting guide Dr. Ken Ginsburg on using elements of our environment to start conversations with our kids. Be the edge of the pool, as they say. Share with all the hard-thinking parents in your circle. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Replay of Episode 73 from February 2022. With tenderness and optimism, Atul Gawande (author of Being Mortal, a must read) and Ai-jen Poo (who supports caregivers across the country) give us all a way to think about love, caregiving and facing mortality. To watch Kelly’s conversations with Atul and Ai-jen, go to www.pbs.org/kelly. If you love our pod, please give us a nice juicy 5 star rating. It takes about 2 seconds and helps lots of other people find us. Thanks. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s submission is introduced in the episode as a eulogy but it’s actually an essay that writer, speaker and advocate Tracy Hargen wrote about her beloved dad Joe, shortly after he died in 2012. Tracy describes her dad as her “cheerleader, biggest fan, bear hugger, tear wiper and supporter of crazy ideas”. He had a big personality that filled every room he walked into and had a memorable, radio-worthy voice that Tracy got to capture and have forever when they did a StoryCorps interview together for NPR. As Tracy says, “May every child have the gift of loving parents who cherish them beyond words and believe in them beyond reason.” To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2nd in a set of 5 mini-pods, Kelly talks to the country’s premiere expert in teenagers, Dr. Ken Ginsburg. This time, they talk about where and when it’s most productive to make rules and go to the mat enforcing them. Turns out, she had a few things wrong. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you haven’t heard of Father Greg Boyle, let us introduce you: a Jesuit priest who has a touch of Santa Claus in his affect, Greg Boyle has collaborated with thousands of former gang members to build thriving businesses and communities of radical acceptance in East LA. He is a man who is sure that love is the answer to every question and has lived a life that offers him daily proof. Following my conversation with Father Boyle, I sat down with a researcher and social scientist named Christian Miller, a philosophy professor from Wake Forest, to talk about his work around ethics and character. Please enjoy this very special conversation. (Replay) To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Margaret Lauhoff submitted this delightful eulogy - it was written by her husband Dave for his mother Adele who he clearly adored. Rather than use colorful adjectives to describe his very special mom, Dave opted to shine a light on her by sharing particular words and phrases she used throughout her life as well as by telling stories of how she interacted with those around her. The result is a warm, humorous, loving remembrance of a very unique lady. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Ken Ginsburg knows a lot about teenagers; he’s been working with them for decades. He made a surprising assertion about peer v parental influence that I just had to follow up on. We’ll be back for the next 4 Fridays with more tidbits from this guy. Please share with your friends. Check out Ken’s new book, “Congrats! You’re Having a Teen! Strengthen Your Family and Raise a Good Person” put out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Exhausting, illuminating, filled with grace—that’s how the Notre Dame students in this episode described their college experience. In addition to talking to the kids, Kelly sat down with two professors who love their work, Dr. Kathy Cummings (winner of the 2021 Sheedy Award for Excellence in Teaching) who teaches history and Dr. Sam Newlands, a philosopher who studios hope, optimism and transformative experiences. This is a conversation for anyone wondering about the benefits of studying history and philosophy in an algorithmic world more automated by the day. Sharing episodes is easy and encouraged. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anne Marie eulogizes her mother Anne Nahn who she says, “was a life force unlike most”. She was the mother of 8 and grandmother of 18, she learned to tap dance at 42 and was a PhD candidate at 55 “just for fun”. Anne loved life and embraced it wholeheartedly, always ready to jump aboard whatever adventure might come her way. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You know the feeling you get when you look at a cool building or clouds from the plane window? When you watch a young person excel in anything — from tennis to American Idol? When you turn a corner and are met by chalk art or a show stopping window display? That’s awe and it’s powerful stuff and today’s GOTO wonders how it works and why. (Replay) To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yale offers a class called Life Worth Living, taught in part by an irresistible religion professor named Miroslav Volf, who has pulled readings from the ages into a curriculum that asks students to reflect on what makes a life “good.” As Miroslav says, “we’ve become experts at means but amateurs at ends.” This is a conversation to share with everyone in your immediate circles. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michelle Hurst celebrates her husband and their marriage on the occasion of their 20th Anniversary. From 23 year-old newlyweds finding their way in the world to 43 year-old’s who have shared a puppy, kids, a mortgage and decades of meaningful memories - they have navigated it all together. Michelle says: “I knew he was ‘home’ that’s the only word I have ever used to describe him.” To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I moderated a panel of public media professionals recently and scribbled pages of notes as they talked through the pivotal moments in their careers. Absolutely had to share these 5 takeaways for anyone who is wondering what’s next and how am I gonna get there? (Replay) To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the most popular professors at Boston College is a woman named Biz Bracher. She teaches a course that wonders about ethics, society and the individual. She asks her students to think hard about their potential as citizens and contributors. She drills down on the biggest questions we face: What am I good at? Who am I called to become? This is a conversation that serves all of us, whether we’re kids inching toward adulthood or adults craving some productive introspection. Enjoy and share. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jim Doherty eulogized his friend David McCarthy, “number 2”, at the dedication of a baseball field, 30 years after his death. David was one of the good guys, a great friend to many with an incredible aura. The spirit of life within him was evident on the baseball and football field, in the classroom and when he was surrounded by his large group of friends. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ages ago, M Scott Peck (of The Road Less Traveled) studied success (personal and professional) and was surprised to discover that all the people in his study had one thing in common: they all report the exact same “most important” thing. As I sink into the reality of an empty nest, I felt the need to remind myself that it is not my children’s job (nor is it Edward’s) to make me happy. Hope you find it useful and worth sharing and of course, come visit me on Instagram @kellycorrigan to give feedback. (Replay) To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a parent writing a whole lot of tuition checks, Kelly came to the conversation with a long list of questions. What’s the best college can be? What’s a typical experience? Who gets the most out of campus life? What’s the link between education and democracy? What’s fair to expect and why on Earth is it so damn expensive? Andy Delbanco of Columbia has thought, talked and written as much about the value of a liberal arts education as anyone. In addition to his work as a professor at Columbia University, Andrew Delbanco is the President of the Teagle Foundation. He has received the prestigious honor of being named the 2022 Jefferson Lecturer in the Humanities. This episode is the kick off to the Live From College Road Trip series where Kelly and her producer Tammy sit in on classes and talk to kids on 15 college campuses across the country. Hit subscribe to travel with the team from Yale to Harvey Mudd, Notre Dame to Tulane, UCSD to Georgetown. We’ll do 8 over the course of the fall semester and be back in the spring with 7 more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Darin Ishimatsu eulogizes his mother and lifelong teacher Carole. As a shy and reserved boy, Carole’s energy and enthusiasm brought out the very best in her son. She always pursued the finest the world had to offer whether it was food, coffee, museums or symphonies. Carole was a lady who was full of spunk, had strong opinions and gave so much of herself to her beloved students and family. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The final week of a 3-part mini series with Julie Lythcott-Haims where Kelly drops a specific, real life parenting challenge on the table and two moms talk it out. This week: teaching kids how to make, save and spend money. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelly and renowned writer Susan Orlean talk about transitions in family life — including the big one of becoming an empty nester. In this replay of a fan favorite, Kelly shares memories of early days with young children in this very personal episode. Please subscribe, rate and review us wherever you listen to podcasts! We read and appreciate every review. You can follow the conversation with Kelly on Instagram @kellycorrigan. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this heartfelt eulogy which Katie Toungette wrote for her son Eli, she talks about setting a workout plan for life based on Eli’s love of training. Eli loved to laugh, to love, to learn and to race so fast, it seemed like he was flying. So, Katie suggests taking life in 15 minute increments and getting in more “reps” of what’s important: laugh more, hug longer, learn everything possible and find a way to soar. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Looking at micro-moments in family life with Julie Lythcott-Haims who believes good parenting means giving kids a lot of choice — and all the accompanying consequences too. This week: how to deal when a kid wants to quit the team, the after school job, the violin lessons? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices