logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2025
31m 12s

Ep. 524 Use a Messy Closet, a 3-Hour Rul...

Gretchen Rubin / The Onward Project
About this episode

We explore a helpful approach for handling important tasks that can’t be dealt with at present, by stashing them in the metaphorical "messy closet" without guilt. Our happiness hack offers expert advice for managing social situations with difficult people. We also feature a special interview with legendary author Judy Blume about fostering a love of reading, her experiences with book banning, and insights from owning an indie bookstore. 

Resources & Links Related to this episode:

Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com

Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.

Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Yesterday
Ep. 555: Invest in Tools, an Orange Theory Hack & a Sobering Fact about Books
We discuss why investing in the right tools can boost both happiness and productivity—when it's worth spending money, and when it’s not. We share an easy happiness hack for finding accountability and community to keep up a good habit, and talk about a startling calculation that m ... Show More
30m 7s
Oct 6
Little Happier: A Happiness Lesson from Author Kurt Vonnegut’s Uncle
Gratitude is a key to happiness, and while gratitude journals work for some, alternative practices also work—such as one simple approach suggested by author Kurt Vonnegut's uncle. Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best ... Show More
4m 4s
Oct 4
More Happier: The Joy of Giving Away Toys, the Pleasure of Parasocial Relationships & TV Tourism
We talk about the energy (and space) gained from giving away items that others will appreciate, and we explore the surprisingly positive aspects of parasocial relationships with podcast hosts and TV personalities. Plus, we dive into the phenomenon of TV tourism. Resources & links ... Show More
26m 1s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2024
Part 1 Dreamy Sunday Series: The Cozy Bedtime Story of Anne of Green Gables (Chapter 19)
IMPORTANT UPDATE: I want to share that Part 1 of this special series will wrap up on November 24, with Part 2 returning in the New Year. Right now, I’m navigating a serious and unexpected family health crisis involving my daughter Emily, which has made it challenging to keep up w ... Show More
25m 50s
Nov 2024
Part 1 Dreamy Sunday Series: The Cozy Bedtime Story of Anne of Green Gables (Chapter 18)
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: I wanted to let you know that Part 1 of this special series will conclude on November 24, and we'll resume Part 2 at some point in the New Year. Unfortunately, I’m currently facing a sudden and serious family health crisis involving my daughter Emily, ... Show More
25m 37s
Aug 14
The Truth About Your 20s & 30s: Life Lessons On Mindset, Money, Relationships, & Growth With Michael Bosstick & Mimi Evarts
#876: Join Michael Bosstick for an exclusive conversation with Mimi Evarts – The Skinny Confidential's powerhouse Director of Branding, the driving force behind every chapter, & most importantly, Michael’s Sister-in-Law. Having been a key mentor throughout Mimi’s stages of life, ... Show More
1h 31m
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
Jan 2025
Breaking Down the Psychology of Your 20's with Jemma Sbeg (finding your calling, embracing the courage to be disliked, training your brain & podcasting)
Hello! Welcome, or welcome back to For You From Eve; your safe space for all girl talk! In this show we talk all about becoming the best version of yourself in the most realistic way possible.In today's episode we have on a guest who I am SO excited to talk to today. I have been ... Show More
52m 43s
Aug 27
A Girl-Chat Special: The Summer I Turned Pretty
In this week’s episode, Tay is joined by Keaton Milburn, Natasha Bure, and Sheila Mohebpour for a girl-chat special all about The Summer I Turned Pretty! They dive into the ultimate debate of Team Jeremiah vs. Team Conrad, share their favorite and least favorite moments from the ... Show More
1h 16m
Jun 2024
Gaining Ground by Joan Barfoot
Author Rose Ruane (This Is Yesterday, Birding) picks Gaining Ground AKA Abra (1978) by Canadian feminist writer Joan Barfoot. One day, seemingly on a whim, a woman walks out of her home and her marriage, forsaking her family for a life of near-solitude and self-sufficiency. Many ... Show More
1h 5m
Jan 2025
Episode 510 || Unsung Books of 2024
Happy New Year! This week on From the Front Porch, Annie chats about the unsung books that may have flown under your radar and deserve more airtime. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 510”) or ... Show More
33m 8s
Nov 2024
Episode 504 || Annie Recommends: Nonfiction November
This week on From the Front Porch, it’s an episode of Annie Recommends! In this series, Annie curates a stack of books in a certain genre or theme for you – just as if you walked into our brick-and-mortar store, The Bookshelf. Sometimes, you just want a good book list. This month ... Show More
50m 43s
Sep 2021
S16 Ep25: NoSleep Podcast S16E25
It’s Episode 25 of Season 16. Our correspondence releases us through time and dimensions. “Fusion Dreams” written by Olivia White (Story starts around 00:05:50) Produced by: Phil Michalski Cast: Narrator – David Ault “They Have Suffered” written by LP Hernandez (Story starts arou ... Show More
3h 7m