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
Apr 27
226. Suburbia
"The word ‘suburbia’ sort of evokes a very fixed idea of a place that is identikit, that all suburbs are the same, that within the suburb everything is the same, that all people are the same, all experiences are the same," says social historian and author John Grindrod, "I think ... Show More
44m 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
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
Sep 2024
Self-Awareness, Genuine Connections and Intentional Moments (OPINIONATED AF)
Ep 191: Opinionated AF is a new monthly segment where we share our opinions on the internet’s opinions. For added entertainment, we select videos that have gone viral, are hot takes, and / or are a little controversial. (As a reminder, it’s not that serious, we’re just here to la ... Show More
42m 26s
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