Best Family Friendly Book Recommendations Podcasts (2025)

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More Happier: Parenting Roundtable with Dr. Becky and Samantha Bee 42:16

1d ago42:16

42:16

The Roundtable Series tackles the subject of parenthood. With parenting expert Dr. Becky Kennedy and comedian Samantha Bee, we discuss the most helpful lessons we’ve learned, big challenges we’ve faced, the anxieties that we sometimes feel as parents, and more. Resources & links related to this episode: Dr. Becky Kennedy Samantha Bee Get in touch: …

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[007] The Village We Forgot: Grief, Gossip & Showing Up When It Matters Most 31:47

24h ago31:47

31:47

When someone close to me passed away tragically, I paused everything—including this episode. But what started as a story about helping a stranger in a strawberry patch became something much deeper: a raw reflection on grief, gossip, community, and what it means to truly show up for each other. This is an invitation to rebuild the village—one moment…

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Moving Through Grief and Change with Grit and Gratitude (with Laura Bratton) 30:34

3d ago30:34

30:34

Feeling overwhelmed by change or stuck in grief? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to stay there. In this inspiring episode, Laura Bratton shares her powerful story of losing her sight as a child and learning to navigate life with grit, purpose, and deep gratitude. If you're struggling to move forward, searching for resilience, or craving meanin…

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Ep. 536: Make a Before-&-After Book, Enter the Library, and How to Deal with a Questioner Spouse 35:27

4d ago35:27

35:27

We discuss how creating before-and-after photo books of renovations or improvements can bring satisfaction and preserve memories. Our happiness hack suggests visiting your local library (or museum) for the first time; that first visit can be surprising to make. We also share listeners’ strategies for handling a spouse who asks too many questions at…

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Little Happier: The Surprising Origin of One of My Favorite Book Titles 4:19

6d ago4:19

4:19

I love book titles, and when I finally tracked down the book attached to one of my favorite titles, I was astonished to learn where I heard about it. Get in touch: [email protected] 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 transc…

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More Happier: Our Longest-Lasting Relationships, a New Way to Think About Our Past & a Fun Quiz 23:50

8d ago23:50

23:50

We discuss why it’s interesting to consider our longest continuous non-family relationships. We spotlight a tool for spring: the Five-Senses Quiz that helps you discover which of our senses might be neglected. Plus, we explore how authors like Stephen King shape their creative landscapes from personal memories, and how viewing the own past through …

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[006] Innovation in Real Life: How We Built QUEST, GUIDE & Rewired Our Lives with Aaron Proietti 1:16:11

11d ago1:16:11

1:16:11

With Aaron Proietti In this episode of Unrule the World, Mandy sits down with longtime collaborator Aaron Proietti to unpack the real story behind the frameworks and tools that changed how they live, work, and lead. From co-creating QUEST and GUIDE to walking away from corporate consulting, this conversation reveals what innovation looks like when …

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Ep. 535: Create Your “Summer of __,” Some Reading Recommendations & Listeners’ Favorite Words 36:39

11d ago36:39

36:39

We discuss a fun summer challenge of focusing on a specific theme or goal. We also include a few helpful, fun hacks, and we share some of listeners’ favorite words—a delightful collection of language. Resources & links related to this episode: Order your copy of Secrets of Adulthood Read 25 in 25 Design Your Summer Reading List in the Happier app E…

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How to Compassionately and Consistently Prioritize Your Health (with Esther Avant) 28:21

12d ago28:21

28:21

Most people struggle to consistently prioritize their health, ending up discouraged over their perceived failures. In this episode, bestselling author and health coach, Esther Avant, teaches listeners how to better focus on their health through self-compassion and small, sustainable steps. She addresses common challenges such as overcoming perfecti…

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Little Happier: Good Smell, Bad Smell? Context Changes Our Experience. 2:47

13d ago2:47

2:47

Our perception of smells depends on context—the same scent is experienced as delightful when labeled "Parmesan cheese" but revolting when called "vomit." Our interpretation of our circumstances often matters just as much as the circumstances themselves. Resources & links related to this episode: Life in Five Senses Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrub…

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More Happier: Gretchen Rubin on NPR's Life Kit 22:01

15d ago22:01

22:01

We bring you my interview with NPR's Life Kit where I discuss that the key to happiness is actually to know yourself better and what questions to ask yourself. We also discuss my Four Tendencies framework and one of my favorite "try this at home" hacks: the one minute rule. Resources & links related to this episode: Four Tendencies Quiz One-minute …

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[005] Land Healing & Hidden Stories: How One Family's Tragedy Taught Me to Listen to the Land 33:33

18d ago33:33

33:33

The land holds stories we often overlook—memories of those who came before, and the lessons they left behind. By listening to the land’s quiet witness, we can reclaim lost wisdom about healing, legacy, and our place in the larger story. This episode is an invitation to remember what we were never meant to forget. In this episode: Unexpected Journey…

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Ep. 534: Recognize Your Exceptional Advantage, Don’t Be Fooled by Familiarity & an Empty-Nest Question 30:23

18d ago30:23

30:23

We discuss why it's valuable to identify your "exceptional advantages" in both work and personal life—those unique blessings or abilities you might take for granted but actually set you apart. We also share a hack that can save you time and frustration when going somewhere, and a simple, revealing question that can help you know yourself (and other…

1
Reduce Stress & Unlock Your Creativity in Just 10 Minutes a Day (with Susan Hensley) 27:02

18d ago27:02

27:02

In this episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life, host Anthony Craiker talks with Susan Hensley, a former HR executive and current executive coach, about the transformative and stress-reducing power of art journaling. Susan shares her personal journey of battling burnout during the pandemic and how adopting a creative practice helped her manage …

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Little Happier: Drifting Through Life: When Not Deciding Becomes a Decision 5:15

20d ago5:15

5:15

Drift—the powerful force of making decisions by not deciding—can shape our lives without our conscious participation. Resources & links related to this episode: Secrets of Adulthood If you’re wondering if you’re drifting, I created a checklist Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selli…

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[Makers of Magic] Honoring M.O.M.s Who Carry It All: The mental load, the mess, the magic – A Mother’s Day Episode 17:33

21d ago17:33

17:33

This is your permission slip to pause, breathe, and be seen. Whether you're a new mom, a cycle-breaker, or a daughter still untangling what came before—this Mother’s Day reflection is for you. We’ll honor the mothers who shaped us (without blame), recognize the ones carrying it all right now, and name the truth: mothering isn’t just what we do—it’s…

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More Happier: How Do We Know Ourselves and Our Values? A Short Quiz Reveals So Much 35:01

22d ago35:01

35:01

We talk to the brilliant Suzy Welch about her new book, “Becoming You,” and her Values Bridge quiz which can tells us how we rank fifteen core values—and we explore why knowing our values is such a key element to creating happier lives. Resources & links related to this episode: Becoming You by Suzy Welch (Amazon, Bookshop) "The Summer Day" by Mary…

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[004] How to Curate and Create a Legacy with Your Home Library: Stories that stick. Shelves that speak. 56:02

25d ago56:02

56:02

With Sarah Burkert In a world full of noise and screens, choosing stories isn’t just a hobby—it’s a rebellion. In this deeply personal Out Loud + On Purpose episode, Mandy shares why books have become one of the most powerful anchors in her family’s life—and welcomes Sarah from A Sweet and Simple Home, to explore how curating a home library is abou…

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Ep. 533: Dust It Off or Let Go, the Power of PT & How to Create Compelling TV Characters 26:53

25d ago26:53

26:53

We discuss why it’s useful to dust off unused items--and either start using them or give them away. We also share a happiness hack from a listener who explains why it can be very valuable to give physical therapy another chance. Finally, we explore the Secret of Adulthood about cultivating friendship, and we answer a listener's question about how a…

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How Much Is Your Time Worth? (with Lenny Richardson) 33:25

26d ago33:25

33:25

In this week's episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life, host Anthony Craiker sits down with Lenny Richardson (aka Leviticus Rich). Lenny shares how his experience of getting kicked out of college and being unable to make rent led him to understand what it takes to create a flourishing life. Tapping into ancient wisdom, Lenny realized that one o…

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Little Happier: When to Listen to Criticism and When to Ignore It 3:55

27d ago3:55

3:55

Distinguishing helpful from unhelpful criticism is a challenge that every creative person faces. No formula exists for knowing which criticism to heed; we must each develop our own discernment. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Coll…

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More Happier: How Regret Can Make You Happier [Revisited] 33:28

29d ago33:28

33:28

We discuss how regret and reflection can help us make better decisions in the future, and increase our happiness. Regret can be a hard thing to talk about. Many people who actually prefer to avoid using the word. By anticipating future regret, we can make better choices in the present, and by reflecting on past regret, we can think about how to do …

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[🔥] Bringing Back the 90s: Why Pizza + Presence Is Our Favorite Weekly Ritual 14:37

30d ago14:37

14:37

Remember TGIF? The pizza, the shows, the anticipation of a night the whole family looked forward to? In this Wildfire Roundtable, Mandy shares how her family brought back the joy of Friday night rhythms—with homemade pizza, a screen that lives in the closet, and nostalgic 90s shows like Home Improvement and Full House. In this episode: Welcome to W…

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[003] Bloodlines & Storylines: Lessons from Our Family Histories and Ancestral Wisdom 1:13:43

1M ago1:13:43

1:13:43

With Fred Meyer What if the stories of your ancestors could guide how you live today? In this powerful conversation with Fred Meyer—mentor, land steward, and keeper of generational wisdom—we explore what our family histories still have to teach us. From handwritten ledgers to oral traditions, this episode dives deep into the soul of legacy, lineage…

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[001] You’re Not Broken—The System Is: Unlearning the Life You Were Told to Want 31:29

1M ago31:29

31:29

You’re not broken—the system is. In this first full episode of Unrule the World, Mandy unpacks what happens when the life you built doesn’t fit anymore. From burnout and restlessness to homeschool, homestead, and home birth—this is the raw story of questioning everything and choosing something wildly different. In this episode: Welcome to Wildly In…

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[002] The WOLFPACK Way: How We Created Family Values That Raise Resilient Kids 1:01:42

1M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

With Tom Webber Every family has a culture. The question is—are you building yours on purpose… or by default? In this personal Out Loud + On Purpose episode, Mandy is joined by her husband Tom to share the honest, sometimes chaotic story behind how they created their WOLFPACK family values—a compass that now shapes how they live, love, and raise th…

1
Ep. 532: Favorite Words, a Simple Packing Hack, and Managing Obliger-Rebellion at Work 33:55

1M ago33:55

33:55

We explore why making a list of your favorite words ("whimsy," "crackle," "latibulate") and using them can boost happiness. We share a simple hack that makes packing easier, and we reflect on a dog-related Secret of Adulthood. We also tackle a listener question about how to manage Obliger-rebellion when facing increased workload after coworker layo…

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Accelerate Your Career by Leveraging the Power of Networking (with Michael Morgan) 28:48

1M ago28:48

28:48

In today's episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony Craiker, we're diving deep into the art and science of career networking with professional speaker and author Michael Morgan. Michael has built a thriving career across multiple Fortune 100 companies — including J.P. Morgan, Chevron, Amazon, and Netskope — thanks to the strategic u…

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Little Happier: When the Words of Ritual Give Me My “America Feeling” 2:34

1M ago2:34

2:34

Certain moments inspire my "America feeling"—a profound connection to the ideals of the United States. For instance, the formal words of the opening ritual for a session of the United States Supreme Court reminds me of the value of justice. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling …

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More Happier: Puppy! Taffy Has Arrived 25:37

1M ago25:37

25:37

We talk about the happiness, rewards, and challenges of having a new dog. Resources & links related to this episode: Support your favorite indie booksellers and enjoy a fun perk from Bookshop Follow me on Instagram for photos and videos of Taffy Read Secrets of Adulthood Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more…

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[🔥 Wildfire Roundtable] When Your Kids Call You Out (and They're Right) 7:58

1M ago7:58

7:58

Sometimes the most honest reflection comes from the smallest voices. This week, mine came from my kids. In this Wildfire Roundtable episode, I’m sharing what happened when my children called me out—gently but clearly—for not being as present lately. And you know what? They were right. I’ve been nose-to-the-ground working on this podcast, and even t…

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Introducing: Confessions of a Female Founder with Meghan 43:01

1M ago43:01

43:01

We’re excited to introduce you to Confessions of a Female Founder with Meghan, a new show from Lemonada Media. As Meghan, Duchess of Sussex builds out a business of her own, she’s getting advice and insights from a handful of amazing women who have scaled small ideas into successful companies. These fly-on-the-wall conversations will no doubt inspi…

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Why I Almost Didn’t Launch This Podcast (But Did It Anyway) 13:22

1M ago13:22

13:22

In this bonus pre-launch episode, I share the real reason I almost didn’t start this podcast—and why I decided to do it anyway. Not because it’s perfect. But because it’s honest. Because I want to raise kids who speak up. Because I believe in conversations that build bridges, not more islands. 🎧 This bonus episode covers: • Imposter syndrome & fear…

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Ep. 531: Arrive Right on Time, Benefits of Pill Organizers & the Strongest Way to Make Friends 27:53

1M ago27:53

27:53

We discuss why arriving right on time for events makes it easier to have fun and to network (especially for introverts or newcomers). We also share the benefits of using an ordinary weekly pill organizer, and explore research supporting the Secret of Adulthood: “One of the best ways to find friends is to make friends with the friends of our friends…

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Little Happier: Easy Answers or Hard Truths: Whom Do You Trust? 9:01

1M ago9:01

9:01

When we’re trying to make a point, it’s often more effective to tell a story than to deliver a lecture. Example: an episode from the popular TV show “Better Call Saul” memorably illustrates the important truth that we’re probably better off assigning a complex problem to the person who acknowledges the difficulties rather than to the person who off…

1
More Happier: Gretchen’s & Elizabeth’s Dog Decisions 27:58

1M ago27:58

27:58

In honor of the arrival of a new dog, we take a flashback to previous discussions of our lives with Barnaby, Daisy, and Nacho. We each decided to “Choose the bigger life,” and we’re very happy we did. Bonus: One of the all-time best episode of “A Little Happier,” all about Barnaby. Resources & links related to this episode: A Little Happier: We’ve …

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Ep. 530: Very Special Episode: Hacks, Products, and Tips for Spring Clearing & Organizing 30:57

2M ago30:57

30:57

To get ready for spring, we share some of our favorite habits, hacks, and resources for clearing clutter and getting organized. Resources & Links Related to this episode: Order your copy of Secrets of Adulthood Join me on book tour starting April 1, 2025 Tools for getting organized this spring Outer Order, Inner Calm 3-Tier Organizing Cart Magic Er…

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Overcome Fear, Start Your Second Act Career, & Build a Business You Love (with Shannon Russell) 26:41

2M ago26:41

26:41

In this episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life, host Anthony Craiker chats with Shannon Russell, former TV producer turned successful entrepreneur and career coach. Shannon shares her journey from the high-paced entertainment industry to establishing her own franchise and coaching business, Second Act Success Coaching. The conversation delves …

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Little Happier: When One Proverb Sparks Dozens: the Inspiration of “No Receiver, No Thief” 5:37

2M ago5:37

5:37

While writing my book "Secrets of Adulthood," I discovered how the structure of a single traditional proverb could spark dozens of new insights. The elegant formula "No X, no Y" began with the traditional wisdom "No receiver, no thief," but soon expanded into observations ranging from the paradoxical ("No expectations, no disappointment") to the hi…

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[Trailer] What It Means to Live Wildly Intentional: Start Here to Reclaim Your Rhythm, Rethink Legacy + Live on Purpose 7:57

2M ago7:57

7:57

Welcome to Wildly Intentional—a podcast about rethinking how we live, how we raise our kids (if we have them), and what kind of legacy we’re leaving behind. Hosted by Mandy, a maverick mom of three, homesteader, former innovation consultant, and intentional living sidekick, this show is part storytelling, part soulwork, and part rebellion against t…

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More Happier: Listen In! Recordings from a Visit in Los Angeles 26:41

2M ago26:41

26:41

During the book tour for “Secrets of Adulthood,” we had the chance to spend the day together in Los Angeles. Listen in and follow along as we hush the Corgis, clear office clutter, and learn some happy book-related news. Resources & links related to this episode: Secrets of Adulthood Organization hub Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gr…

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Ep. 529: Cutting Back on Cussing, Easier Traveling & Do Possessions Have Feelings? 33:41

2M ago33:41

33:41

We explore the surprising benefits of swearing—from pain tolerance to social bonding—while also discussing why cutting back on cussing might still improve conversation quality and emotional climate. We share a listener hack for making a long, frequent car trip easier. We also consider a Know-Yourself- Better question about possessions, and we tackl…

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Worried About Your Legacy? Here's the Surprising Solution (with Deborah Heiser, Ph.D.) 33:08

2M ago33:08

33:08

In this powerful episode, Anthony Craiker talks to Dr. Deborah Heiser—psychologist, aging specialist, and author of The Mentorship Edge—to explore how becoming a mentor can unlock purpose, deepen meaning, and help you leave a lasting legacy. Discover the surprising psychological benefits of mentoring, why it's essential during midlife, and how even…

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Little Happier: When Zero Isn't Nothing: The Fresh Eyes of a Basketball Beginner 3:51

2M ago3:51

3:51

Through my "Operation Knicks Knowledge" experiment, I was astonished to learn that some professional basketball players have the number zero for their jersey number. Sometimes, a newcomer notices things that people with more knowledge take for granted. Resources & links related to this episode: Secrets of Adulthood Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrub…

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More Happier: Reading Hacks [Revisited] 32:13

2M ago32:13

32:13

In honor of #read25in25, we're revisiting one of our Very Special Episodes about how to get more reading done. We share hacks, strategies, and tools from listeners—and our own experience. Resources & Links Related to this episode: Join our annual challenge: #read25in25 #read25in25 PDF tracker Don’t Break the Chain Resolution Chart Get in touch: pod…

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Jay Shetty on Pursuing What You Love, from IMO 43:09

2M ago43:09

43:09

Sharing a new show from my friends at Higher Ground, called IMO. You know on Happier, Gretchen gives practical advice meant to uplift you, help you reach goals, and leave you feeling fulfilled. Similarly on IMO, Michelle Obama and her big brother Craig Robinson tackle real questions from real folks just like you offering practical advice, personal …

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How to Overcome Fear of Success and Fear of Failure (with Kevin Palmieri) 36:29

2M ago36:29

36:29

What’s the real secret to living a meaningful life? In this powerful conversation, Kevin Palmieri—founder and host of Next Level University—joins Anthony Craiker to unpack the number one key to achieving health, wealth, and love in every area of life. Kevin shares his journey from career burnout and deep mental health struggles to discovering true …

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Ep. 528: Improve Your Hedonic Forecasting, Hacks for Reading More, and Mystery Revealed (Name of New Dog) 33:00

2M ago33:00

33:00

We explore the science of "hedonic forecasting"—our often-flawed ability to predict future happiness—and share strategies to make better life decisions. We debate the right approach to a “task cascade.” Plus, as part of #Read25in25, we discuss hacks for doing more reading. Finally, an answer to the burning question: What will my family name our new…

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Little Happier: A Secret Kept for Thousands of Years Inspires My Owns Secrets (of Adulthood) 3:58

2M ago3:58

3:58

During my daily Metropolitan Museum visits, an ancient marble sculpture connected to the Eleusinian Mysteries—one of history's best-kept secrets—inspired me to start a major creative project, “Secrets of Adulthood.” Resources & links related to this episode: Life in Five Senses Outer Order, Inner Calm Secrets of Adulthood Get in touch: podcast@gret…

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More Happier: Behind-the-Scenes Book Making, Secret Eating Habits, and Sisterly Memories 25:29

2M ago25:29

25:29

We dive behind-the-scenes about the making of Gretchen’s new book, “Secrets of Adulthood,” discussing everything from cover design to audiobook creation. Plus we raise a new question in our continuing discussions about quirky eating. Resources & Links Related to this episode: Pre-order my new book Secrets of Adulthood Tools for getting organized th…

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Family Friendly Book Recommendations Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen