Welcome to Kelly Corrigan Wonders, a place for people who like to laugh while they think and find it useful to look... more
Kelly's daughter Claire takes the mic to share her experience with Camp Kesem, an amazing organization that runs free summer... more
Supreme Court lawyer Neal Katyal shares his secrets for maintaining incredible energy while handling landmark cases, teaching, and appearing as... more
Kelly shares a grandson's eulogy that captures the essence of an extraordinary relationship with his grandmother. Through William Wallace's memories,... more
Join Kelly in an engaging conversation with renowned author Margaret Atwood, known for works like "The Handmaid's Tale" and her... more
Join Kelly and meditation expert Dan Harris for a candid conversation about the art of rest in a world that... more
Today we're sharing the eulogy that Kelly wrote for her dear friend Liz Laats, delivered nine years ago but still... more
It’s here: the time of year when we mix it up with family. Good to keep a little forgiveness handy.... more
The Office co-stars and best friends, Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, are doing the ultimate Office-lovers podcast for you. Each... more
Kelly introduces a series on energy management titled 'The Art of Recuperation,' starting with guest Christy Turlington Burns. They explore... more
This week's submission is from one of Kelly's all-time favorite women, Jerry Kinkead, a close friend of Kelly's mom. Jerry... more
Reflections on what we saw and felt on the route of the NYC Marathon. A feel good Go To for... more
From San Quentin inmate to neighborhood safety advocate, Kelly’s guest Sam Vaughn embodies the ideal of “be the change you... more
Amy VerMerris, who refers to herself as an "elementary school book lady", wrote this essay emphasizing the power of books... more
A quick hit on recognizing our greatest single act of agency. Meant to be shared, especially with the younger generations.... more
Talking Heads. American Utopia. Singular creative David Byrne talks with Kelly about how he stays just cheerful enough to keep... more
This week's Thanks for Being Here features a heartfelt message from listener Lissa Soep. Kelly shares an excerpt from Lissa's... more
Kelly had a dream. Over a decade, the dream started to seem stupidly out of reach so she went about... more
This one’s a doozie. Dr. Aliza Pressman goes deep with Kelly on invisible acts of 'interpersonal bravery,' focusing on courage in family... more
Geraldine Williams wrote this loving eulogy for her dear friend Hillary. She highlights Hillary's vibrant spirit, genuine interest in others... more
We are storytelling beings, driven by a need for closure—or what our lit professors called denouement. Today’s Go To talks... more
This is an episode that will set your heart right. We know that the #1 driver of human happiness across... more
A great note from a woman who needed a lot of help from her husband after surgery. The long recuperation... more
This week's Go To features an interview with Kelly on'The One You Feed,' hosted by Eric Zimmer. The conversation delves... more
Michael Lezak is a rabbi who spends most of his time in service, shoulder to shoulder with some of America’s... more
This week's episode features Jenny Rosenstrach's heartfelt eulogy for her father, Ivan, highlighting his unwavering dependability and his profound love... more
Are you good with money? Or are you avoiding taking a close look at what you have and what you need?... more
In our final episode of the Shook By A Book series, Kelly talks with actor, writer and celebrated creative mind,... more
A short but powerful story by Susie DeCarlo about her mother but also about herself. Often, the way our parents... more
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Kelly shares her reaction to the pink ribbon while she was in chemo... more
What book shook you to your core? That’s the question we’re asking some of our favorite American thinkers. This week we’re... more
Lily Janas, now a student at Bowdoin College, wrote this stirring college admissions essay called “We Rise”. She sets the... more
In honor of the late Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Kelly shares some borrowed wisdom from her final book: The Joy of... more
Our 5-part "Shook By A Book" series continues today with US Congresswoman Katie Porter. (You might have seen her on TV;... more
This week's Thanks for Being Here features a letter from singer/songwriter Lisa Redfern to her unborn child, reflecting on her... more
In this special Go To, Kelly and Christy Turlington Burns sit down with Melinda French Gates to talk about the... more
In the second episode of our "Shook by a Book" series, Kelly connects with Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and bestselling author... more
Sherri Coale wrote a deeply-felt “you got this” letter to her son Colton in the days before his wedding. She... more
Funny with a touch of Irish melancholy. That's how actor, director, producer Edward Burns described Molly, his mother, to me... more
Welcome to Shook By A Book, a 5 part series where we talk to big time American thinkers about transformative... more
Listener Duncan Keegan submitted this astonishingly beautiful eulogy which he wrote and delivered for his five year-old son Ruairí. We... more
How do people come to change their minds? Hint: it’s not because of some novel argument or just the right... more
Judd Apatow is curious, unassuming and forthcoming in this conversation with Kelly about his mom, his daughters, the business that... more
Tim and Julie Vasquez submitted two lovely essays that Tim wrote when it was time to send their sons off... more
Confessions and thoughts on all the ways our biases mess up how we think and how that locks us into... more
We learned today that one of our favorite guests, Dr. Helen Fisher, passed away recently. I first heard her... more
Though we dream of big overhauls, national change often comes after many states and cities sprinkled across the country come... more
Listener Jocelyn Cohen expresses her gratitude and commemorates National Doctors Day by sharing an essay in honor of Dr. Leon... more
If I don't let myself cry, I risk a migraine, which is to risk several days of living. So when... more
Sometimes, even when things go precisely as you hoped they would, change hurts. Kelly was a guest on a podcast... more
Listener Suleena Kansal Kalra shares her poignant reflections on becoming an empty nester through her beautifully written essay, "The Launch".... more
Here are 4 pretty perfect poems to slow you down and give a dose of serenity to underwrite your day,... more
Meet Daniel Lubetzky, founder of KIND Healthy Snacks and son of a Holocaust survivor. He is irresistible, a force for... more
This episode features a eulogy delivered by Lauren Smith Medina, the goddaughter of her beloved Uncle Den. Lauren reminisces about... more
One of the things you lose when you lose someone essential is the comfort of their presence — and their... more
When veteran BBC journalist Laura Trevelyan discovered her family was involved in slavery in Grenada, she did what journalists do:... more
An anonymous listener shares a letter about her complicated relationship with a still-living, yet emotionally distant parent. The listener reflects... more
With extra thanks to the Aspen Ideas Festival, here are Kelly's notes from a happiness panel featuring Adam Gopnik, Tamar... more
Kelly talks with Chasten Buttigieg, teacher, advocate, and husband of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. The conversation goes deep... more
In this episode, Anne Swayze shares an emotional tribute to her 16-year-old golden retriever, Mac, who touched many lives over... more
Kelly shared the stage with acclaimed author (and personal hero) Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie at this year's Aspen Ideas Festival to... more
Kelly shares an episode of a podcast she loves called A Braver Way which is hosted by friends of Kelly... more
Can memorials transform thinking? Have you ever felt something change inside you looking at a sculpture or walking through an... more
Listener Katie Niemeyer shares a poignant story from her time as a 16-year-old patient in a burn unit, battling a... more
Today, I'm sharing my notes from listening to Indra Nooyi, who had a transformative tenure as CEO of PepsiCo, and... more
Nicholas Kristof is one of America's most experienced, prolific, awarded and grounded journalists. I read him often when I want... more
Kristina Phipps wrote this exquisite, poetic eulogy to honor her mom Ann Emanuels. Ann's love for beauty and her affinity... more
Getting the call, drafting a talk, practicing in the mock studio, dinner at Chris Anderson's with all the other speakers...it's... more
Living in an optimization culture is making parenting much more complicated than it need be. Or so says Dr. Aliza... more
Today’s submission is introduced in the episode as a eulogy but it’s actually an essay that writer, speaker and advocate... more
You and I both have short lists of people we just cannot bring ourselves to understand. But even in those... more
Rainn Wilson (who you might know as Dwight Schrute) is making a serious call for a spiritual revolution based on... more
In honor of 20 years together, Leslie Browning wrote this sweet tribute to her husband Ben. In her early years,... more
I learn a lot from listeners. This GOTO is a lesson in humility for me. And maybe for you too. ... more
Dan Harris is a smart, hungry skeptic looking for ideas you can count on in the worst of times, like... more
Jody Weverka wrote this sweet eulogy for her Auntie Marge - a woman who made everything from crafts to meals... more
A young friend of mine, Sophie G, shared this speech that she had saved from her high school graduation week. ... more
Krista Tippett, informed by decades of inquiry through her super-project, On Being, sits with Kelly to consider what’s in flux,... more
We all have things we do to help us manage grief. Today's episode is a look at one of the... more
A special episode dedicated to Kelly’s dear friend Liz Laats who passed away 8 years ago - and the friends... more
This is one of my favorite groupings of guests ever. Sometimes the chemistry is just so right. For... more
Hi all - this is Tammy writing. This past Tuesday, June 4th, 2024, I had the honor of attending the... more
It was a bad day in a bad week. And then, there he was, The Husband, trying a trick... more
How does spirituality factor into well being? Do people of faith have better mental health? Here’s a warm... more
Lean Macfarlane wrote this exquisite eulogy to honor her husband Brian. It's a beautifully intimate portrait of the man Brian... more
I’ve been asked to give many graduation speeches. This one was a favorite, making a case for one very... more
Is nutrition a legitimate medical intervention for some mental health disorders? Absolutely, says cardiologist Dr. Bret Scher, whose research focuses... more
Pete Bidstrup wrote this heartfelt tribute to his dad Lawrence “Larry” Otto Bidstrup. Larry was a husband, father, grandfather, Marine,... more
From Kelly’s graduation speech at The University of Richmond, 67 legit reasons for optimism even now. (Previously aired) ... more
We need big fat fluffy hippocampi and there’s a really clear way to make this happen: move your body. We... more
Kelly shares an excerpt from Jessica Fein's new book Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes. In Jessica's... more
Things we know about touch and why it is so important, from my own recent experiences and through this conversation... more
Quick afternoon nap? Gummies before bed? Hitting snooze? Here’s a thorough look at how to get our... more
Today is the last of our special 5-part series about moms in honor of Every Mother Counts. Christy and... more
Today is #4 in a special 5-part series about moms in honor of Every Mother Counts. Today we talk to... more
Today is #3 in a special 5-part series about moms in honor of Every Mother Counts. Bono lost his... more
Today is #2 in a special 5-part series about moms in honor of Every Mother Counts. Amy Schumer is... more
Today begins a 5-part series of conversations about moms in honor of Every Mother Counts. Jen G, as we... more
You cannot talk about well-being without talking about our connections. As my guest, the divine Esther Perel, makes gin... more
At this time of year, we are knee-deep in sports: college lacrosse, the NBA play-offs and all the golf majors.... more
I am damn near hopeless with routers and a printer on the skids can take me around the bend. ... more
Doctors Julie Schwartz Gottman and John Gottman are probably the world’s reigning experts on relationships. They are well into... more
Cathy Coleman wrote this eulogy for her mother Shirley. For Mother’s Day the year Cathy was 57, she made... more
After much back and forth with you all on Facebook, I came up with my most important go-to items —... more
Dr. Leanne Williams is determined to spare people the suffering she’s endured. Her partner of many years died by... more
Nancy Brown, a military spouse of 19 years, wrote this loving tribute for her two best deployment buddies. It... more
I’ve done it again. I accidentally saw the world through my own lens and forgot all the other ways... more
How much can we blame DNA for our depression and anxiety? Is something about our mental health pre-written into... more
Writer Courtney Martin wrote this loving, humorous tribute to her mother for her 75th birthday. Along with detailing some... more
When my girls were young, I must have told them a hundred times: you get what you give. I... more
Here’s why I had to sit with Dr. Dima Amso, who teaches and runs a lab that studies developmental cognition... more
Michelle Hurst celebrates her husband and their marriage on the occasion of their 20th Anniversary. From 23 year-old newlyweds finding... more
There is a lot to know about what makes love last. People like John Gottman and Helen Fisher have... more
Is it nature? Is it nurture? Is it daily choices or the contexts we live in? What... more
Kelly recently found an old letter (hidden away in a closet in Bozeman) that she had written to her mom,... more
Observations on what cancer made visible to me. To learn more about listener data... more
Kelly talks with New Yorker staff writer Jia Tolentino about identity, culture and the irresistable manipulation of the internet. Jia... more
Keith Romano wrote and delivered this eulogy for his father Patrick Romano, a lover of sports who believed that teamwork... more
Intuition. Wisdom. Time. These are just some of the assets the Badass Grandmas bring to their bipartisan... more
There’s so many people who claim to be experts about family life. Dr. Lisa Damour is the real deal. This... more
Heather Clay submitted her magical, beautifully written essay “Elephants”, after a two-week trip to Africa. Part travelogue, part reflective journal... more
Here’s a word that everyone is saying these days: mindfulness. I don’t totally know what it means, officially, but... more
Though we dream of big overhauls, national change often comes after many states and cities sprinkled across the country come... more
A letter from Kelly to honor the many special nurses who have provided care to her and the people she... more
Here’s something I know for sure, as Oprah would say…the more specifically you can communicate, the more deeply you can... more
Every so often, Kelly Corrigan Wonders will make space in our feed for someone else’s podcast. In this case,... more
Renowned educator Wanda Holland Greene joins Kelly to dig into finding common ground with absolutely anyone, even people we think... more
Three decades after graduating, Martha Zeeman wrote this letter of gratitude to Marsie, her randomly-selected college suite-mate at the University... more
This is a counter intuitive idea that might not land for everyone but deserved to be shared for group... more
Forgiveness may be the most advanced intellectual and emotional move we make as humans. It is a complete override of... more
Quite often, it’s hard to know how to properly show up for a friend who’s going through a tough time... more
Breaking down the principles, practices and tactics of conflict resolution to be shared with anyone who is struggling to reach... more
For the closing episode of our Rupture + Repair series, we are offering a most unusual conversation between two women... more
Tamar Gendler, a former guest on Kelly Corrigan Wonders, wrote this exquisite eulogy for her father Everett. Everett was... more
As you’ll hear in this short letter from me to you, I am a little nervous about next week’s episode.... more
Every so often, Kelly Corrigan Wonders will make space in our feed for someone else’s podcast. In this case,... more
Is it really possible to talk lovingly and openly, face to face, with someone who thinks you’re going to hell?... more
Carter paints a vivid picture of her popular Baltimore mom Sally who always gave back and had plenty of love... more
I spent about an hour with Matthew McConaughey in Bentonville AR at The Heartland Summit. We talked about acting,... more
Manu Meel is helping college kids talk to each other — inside and outside of classes, individually and in groups,... more
Today’s Thanks For Being Here is a eulogy written by Kelly’s dear friend Tracy Tuttle McGowan for her mother Michele... more
Life is more often in between than high and low. We are also usually somewhere between our very best... more
Doctors Julie Schwartz Gottman and John Gottman are probably the world’s reigning experts on relationships. They are well into... more
Kirsten’s dad Tom was beloved by his kids and grandkids (one of whom couldn’t pronounce the letter “T”, resulting in... more
What happens in the first 180 seconds of a fight determine its outcome at least 90% of the time. ... more
Moni Guzman came to the US from Mexico with her family many decades ago. In the past two presidential... more
Meghan Jarvis’ beautiful story of what happened as she holed herself up in a friend’s home to write her mother’s... more
Does someone you love vote for someone you really do not love? This is a short piece about getting... more
Every so often, Kelly Corrigan Wonders will make space in our feed for someone else’s podcast. In this case,... more
Reflecting on the persistence and challenge of change as a way of life and a few deep dives into very... more
Today’s Thanks For Being Here features an excerpt from the book Normal Broken: The Grief Companion for When It's Time... more
It can be really hard to interpret the signals our bodies send us. Does stress mean we should run?... more
The word is EVERYWHERE. Happiness. I don’t even always believe that it’s a worthy goal honestly, but that... more
Alisha Goldblatt submitted her short, beautifully written poem, “Parenting 101”, which likens parenting to a class - one which is... more
What’s the point of slowing down, noticing, directing your attention to small wonders? Kelly celebrates the work of Dacher... more
Living in an optimization culture is making parenting much more complicated than it need be. Or so says Dr. Aliza... more
In honor of our 100th Thanks for Being Here episode, I wrote a love letter to Tammy, whose name you... more
A lovely story about a neighborhood in Baltimore has been circulating this week. Like so many people, I was... more
“He may die but he’s alive now and we are going to enjoy this moment together.” This is theology... more
This essay has never before been shared outside of Julia Ogden’s family but fortunately for us, she has decided to... more
It’s here: the time of year when we mix it up with family. Good to keep a little forgiveness... more
Mary Louise Kelly (host of NPR’s All Things Considered) has been doing some reflecting. What choices did she make... more
Natalie Silverstein honors the relationship she shared with her mother, who passed away in October of 2021 at the age... more
Confessions and thoughts on all the ways our biases mess up how we think and how that locks us into... more
Well, if you need something to help you believe in people’s ability to affect outcomes, if you need a reason... more
Anyone who has lost a parent knows that in addition to deep sadness, quite often the loss can bring up... more
With a special nod to every high school senior hearing back from colleges right about now, here are a few... more
This is an episode that will set your heart right. We know that the #1 driver of human happiness across... more
The thing about being the neighbor across the street is that you are always looking out at the home you... more
Ron Shaich, the son of a man who died with a few regrets, started two super successful restaurant chains: Panera... more
Arianna Huffington loves her mom, reading, America, adventure and getting to the bottom of things. She has spent a... more
As families gather in homes across the country for Thanksgiving, we thought it would be nice to share this heartfelt... more
Every Friday, we share something good and true about the world, something to get your head right as you finish... more
I have had migraines so bad that I ended up in the ER, so my interest in this episode was... more
Kelly shares an excerpt from her friend Alix Strauss’ book, The Joy of Funerals: A Novel in Stories, which... more
Here’s my case for celebrating the litany of accomplishments that a completed college application represents. A special episode to... more
He’s good. He’s really good. In particular, Pete Buttigieg is good at making connections between pragmatic stuff like... more
A stunningly beautiful eulogy comprised of notes written over many years by Paul Paroff to his friend Chris Stokes’ mother... more
It often takes the perspective of another to help us see things in a new way. This GOTO includes... more
It’s not that common for someone to retain her optimism even as she studies all the ways that health outcomes... more
Kelly shares a lovely letter written by George Saunders (author of books such as Lincoln in the Bardo and A... more
Thoughts on the once-ness of life. With thanks to a woman I talked to at a party in Portland... more
Everyone is thinking about war and service. Here’s a conversation with someone who has known many battlefields and paid dearly... more
Kelly’s friend Alec Guettel wrote this fabulous love letter to his wife Christy when they were forced to be apart... more
I had this crazy thing happen one morning trying to get to LAX that I keep reflecting on. Meant... more
I loved being with Ginni Rometty. She is full of insight and clearly oriented toward world-positive work. I... more
Rabbi Noa Kushner wrote this poignant essay after having welcomed a visiting group of Israeli students, thousands of miles from... more
A quick hit on recognizing our greatest single act of agency. Meant to be shared, especially with the younger... more
When my daughter was in high school, she read a Pulitzer prize winning book called Evicted and was blown away... more
A great note from a woman who needed a lot of help from her husband after surgery. The long... more
You and I both have short lists of people we just cannot bring ourselves to understand. But even in... more
I’ve known a few 17 year-olds in my day, I bet you have too. I hadn’t yet met someone... more
Mary Claire Sorensen created this moving poem to honor her son Joe who was a Philadelphia sports fan, a volleyball... more
The story of how a TV show began…for anyone who is trying to do something hard. (Replay of Ep 37 which... more
Kelly finds herself between two Annas -- Anna Quindlen, the Pulitzer Prize winning writer, and Anna Sale, the host of WNYC's... more
Karen McKinney shared her beautiful essay “An Unmodern Love” with us and we’re so grateful that she did. It’s a... more
It can be really hard to interpret the signals our bodies send us. Does stress mean we should run?... more
Starting in college and not stopping until long after law school, Rich Roll regularly, deliberately, got black out drunk. He... more
Sherri Coale wrote a deeply-felt “you got this” letter to her son Colton in the days before his wedding. ... more
A bit of insight on word choice and climate conversations, culled from a piece by John Marshall at Potential Energy... more
Mary Louise Kelly (host of NPR’s All Things Considered) has been doing some reflecting. What choices did she make... more
Shana Moore’s eulogy is a love letter to her very special mom Marcia Livesay McLean, AKA “Marshy”. Getting to... more
Talk about a Go To thought…here is a clip from an on stage conversation with Rainn Wilson about living and... more
Rainn Wilson (who you might know as Dwight Schrute) is making a serious call for a spiritual revolution based on... more
When her daughter Zoe was departing for college, Shelley Russell wrote her this gorgeous, poetic (and funny) letter. It honors... more
My friend Jennie just lost her friend Katie, which of course makes me think about my friend Liz, who died... more
Dan Harris is a smart, hungry skeptic looking for ideas you can count on in the worst of times, like... more
Today’s episode features an anonymous essay submitted by a teacher who works in New York City. This is for... more
How do people come to change their minds? Hint: it’s not because of some novel argument or just the... more
Krista Tippett, informed by decades of inquiry through her super-project, On Being, sits with Kelly to consider what’s in flux,... more
Jennifer Wallace, who was recently a guest on Kelly Corrigan Wonders, shared this lovely eulogy she wrote for her dear... more
Things we know about touch and why it is so important, from my own recent experiences and through this conversation... more
In large and small ways, mattering is essential. Self esteem depends on our ability to contribute to the lives... more
Nancy Brown, a military spouse of 19 years, wrote this loving tribute for her two best deployment buddies. It... more
Food for thought on America Ferrera’s speech at the climax of Barbie, informed by the great Jia Tolentino (a former... more
First up, a conversation with Katie Couric, who has been in the media business for 40 some years now in... more
It’s often the little things in life that help us to get through the day: a cup of tea in... more
Play this one on repeat. Share widely. Michelle Icard tells me that kids have rights (okay) and these... more
Based on her invaluable playbook for anxious parents everywhere, Michelle Icard thinks with Kelly about mistakes and making sure that... more
Lauren Pauls wrote this tribute to honor her beloved grandmother Gigi. It’s a meditation on her grandma’s hands -... more
Another installment of Kelly’s “Existential Game Show - This is Your Life, What Are You Doing With It?” , recorded... more
When one of her therapy patients said to Dr. Samantha Boardman, “All we ever do is talk about stuff that's... more
This essay has never before been shared outside of Julia Ogden’s family but fortunately for us, she has decided to... more
Kelly continues her “Existential Game Show” recorded live at the Aspen Ideas Festival and puts Braver Angels’ Monica Guzman in... more
We all agree there is work to be done, smart solution-oriented moves to be made for the benefit of all.... more
Every town needs someone like Peter Samson - the person who gives his or her all so that kids in... more
Kelly moderated a live panel event at the Aspen Ideas Festival with fantastic guests including Miroslav Volf, Monica Guzman, James... more
Timothy Goodman has made a great life for himself doing large format art projects like, say, making a basketball court... more
Moira O’Connor submitted this 2-part eulogy written and originally read by her nephews Jonathan and Jamie to honor her dad/their... more
Thanks to a brilliant TED talk by Baratunde Thurston, I’m thinking about how people tell the story of what’s happened.... more
With the demand for excellent mental health care at its all-time peak, it’s a good thing people like Tracy Defina... more
High school junior Clare Murphy wrote this touching, personal and evocative essay for a school assignment. It conveys incredible... more
With our hearts in Ukraine, here’s a story to love about a group of caring people in San Francisco in... more
Let’s say this: the number one driver of happiness across time and culture is meaningful connection to others. So how... more
A touching eulogy for Walter Barry, written by his son Stewart (“Bear Bear"). This is a beautiful tale of... more
Sometimes, the only way to figure out what truly makes a life worthwhile is to get out there and “do... more
In this final episode of our Life Worth Living series, Kelly reflects on some of her favorite book club moments... more
Today’s Thanks For Being Here was submitted by Heather Hoskeer. It’s a poignant, beautifully-written essay called, “My Mom and... more
Today’s For the Good of the Order is a speech that Kelly gave at Camp Kesem, a very special place... more
Sadly, this is the last conversation with Claire Danes and Kate Bowler about what makes life worth all the trouble,... more
Amy Zuckerman shares a remembrance of her late father Harry “Wes” Westlund. Wes was a special man whose dream... more
Let’s say this: the number one driver of happiness across time and culture is meaningful connection to others. So how do you... more