logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2024
33m 10s

Tranquillusionist: Ex-Constellations

HELEN ZALTZMAN
About this episode
This is the Tranquillusionist, in which I, Helen Zaltzman, give your brain a break by temporarily supplanting your interior monologue with words that don't make you feel feelings. Note: this is NOT a normal episode of the Allusionist, where you might learn something about language and your brain might be stimulated. The Tranquillusionist's purpose is to soot ... Show More
Up next
Yesterday
221. Scribe
<p>"I have never felt so naked. That's how exposed I felt at the idea that my handwriting was going to be seen by the world," says Tim Brookes, founder of the Endangered Alphabets Project and author of the new book about handwriting <em>By Hand: Can the Art of Writing Be Saved? < ... Show More
38m 9s
Nov 9
220. Disobedience
<p>“The more we look into social structures, the more many of us realize we don't fit into them," says So Mayer, author of the new book Bad Language, "So each phrase or set of vocabulary is another piece of that dismantlement.” We discuss finding vocabulary for oneself, coming ou ... Show More
40m 49s
Oct 26
219. Making Trouble
<p>A change of scene for one episode: recently the brilliant poet and performer Molly Naylor interviewed me for her podcast Making Trouble, about creativity, and she kindly let me run a version of that episode here for you. We're talking about ideas, but also long-term creative c ... Show More
46m 10s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2024
Finding Power and Purpose: The Unspoken Truth About Life After Kids
<p>In this episode, Caroline dials the brutal wake up call we all need to prepare for the rest of our lives when the kids leave home. Giving voice to women and reminding us that we are important too and that the greatest wealth we could possibly have is a fulfilling second act of ... Show More
48m 28s
Mar 2025
LOSING SOMETHING YOU LOVE
<p>Today, Kristin opens up about the heartbreaking loss of their family dog, Camper. It’s an emotional episode as she reflects on the joy, love, and countless memories he brought into their lives. Jon lightens up the episode as always with a fun game at the end!</p><p>Join our Sp ... Show More
56m 29s
Mar 2025
listen to this when life feels heavy
231: The episode to listen to when you're feeling off, uninspired with life, or point blank, when you're in the trenches (like I currently am). I'm sharing gentle reminders and resources that help me navigate difficult seasons of life (no matter how short or long the season is). ... Show More
24m 20s
Jan 2025
the art of influence, confidence, & not giving a f*ck w/ Emilie Sobel
221: There's nothing I love more than talking to powerful, confident women, and today's episode is exactly that. Emilie is an absolute powerhouse in the influencer industry and gave us so much juice on: what networking truly means, how to work absolutely any room you enter, letti ... Show More
1h 7m
Nov 2024
Take a Deep Breath and a Shot | Episode 59
<p>Hello to our lovely coven, Wednesday. We'd usually say Happy Wednesday but for this episode we are feeling quite poignant due to the current state of events. On the plus side, we would love to embrace you all with discussions about how we like to prepare for Christmas/binging ... Show More
56m 43s
Feb 2025
TIME TO SIP: THE HOUSE TEA YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR
<p>This week, let’s just say Jon and Kristin are feeling a little… unhinged! They chat about Fifi’s first birthday festivities, extravagant million-dollar sushi dates, Jon’s epic victory against Sinjat the Insta hacker, and the much-anticipated update on Kristin’s house.</p><p>JO ... Show More
1h 2m
Mar 2025
solicited advice on: having a different love language than your partner, dealbreakers vs. preferences, jealousy in friendships, & why situationships hurt so much
230: Two bff's *who have no idea what they're doing* giving you solicited advice on (mainly) dating and relationships. Drea came back for another episode & we're answering a few of your Q's this week - everything from: the difference between venting vs. gossiping, when ghosting i ... Show More
59m 8s
Apr 2025
how to mentally glow up & stop self-sabotaging
235: Take a shot every time I say "self-sabotage." In this episode, we're diving into the most powerful lessons from The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest (our March book club pick!)— all about why we self-sabotage, how to recognize when we’re playing small, and what it really mea ... Show More
32m 59s
Aug 2024
Absolute Beginners - Rerun
Slang lexicographer extraordinaire Jonathon Green joins John and Andy in this episode originally recorded in 2016 to discuss Absolute Beginners, the classic novel of London teenage life set around Soho and Notting Hill. *Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE show in London on Wedn ... Show More
1h 6m