Are you seeking deeper connection at home—and real-life wisdom for the hard parts? I’m David Magee, bestselling author and speaker. Each week I host raw, hopeful conversations with family, friends, and remarkable guests about the things we all face: parenting and marriage, addiction and recovery, mental health, grief, and growth. You’re not the only messy family on the block. Together we’ll explore life’s big questions and small joys—and share practical steps that help you feel less alone an ...
…
continue reading
David Magee Podcasts
David Nichtern, founder of Dharma Moon, is a senior Buddhist teacher who has been practicing and teaching meditation for over 40 years. He was one of the initial American students of renowned meditation master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and studied closely with him soon after his arrival in the United States in 1970. He is also a business consultant with companies creating a variety of offerings integrating meditation in a larger health and well-being context – including Goldman Sachs, Journey ...
…
continue reading
In 2021, two journalists started an investigation to answer what seemed like a simple question: Why does the actor Amy Adams do so many bathing scenes? From the beginning, we suspected a conspiracy — Is Amy, who has never won an Oscar, doing all these bathtub scenes because they offer the opportunity for the kind of dramatic acting that earns the biggest, goldest prizes? This is the story of how Brandon R. Reynolds and Gabby Lombardo opened the tap on the secret history of bathtubs in cinema ...
…
continue reading
The Curators are a staunchly independent group led by Paul Lobosco, a leading advocate for policies that empower the people and highlight the forces that are subjugating the public for the greed and power ambitions of the oligarchs. We seek solutions for a thriving America and a better world. Many of the values we promote have been reflected in the presidential platform of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. We highlight how the Industrial Complex is increasingly undermining the physical, mental, emotion ...
…
continue reading
One night after my son William died, I sat on his couch. I was alone. I was cold. I was afraid. I whispered two words, “Save me,” and something shifted. What I saw, what I felt in that quiet moment, showed me where my life was headed if I didn’t change—and where it could go if I did. That night taught me that prayer isn’t some practiced speech from…
…
continue reading

1
Owning Your Story, Taking Charge of Your Life | Ep 35
20:58
20:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:58By That Sounds Fun Network
…
continue reading

1
Ep. 59 – Strawberry Moons: A New Kind of Media with Debbie Nutley
28:27
28:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:27Discussing their newest project, Strawberry Moons Media, David Nichtern and Debbie Nutley get into how they truly merged creativity with spirituality and ‘making a buck’. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self. This time on the CSM Podcast, Davi…
…
continue reading

1
Essay on Life: A Family's Last Photograph
11:35
11:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:35I share the story of the last photograph our family of five ever took together. What felt like a moment of survival and reunion—a rare weekend of laughter, hope, and grace—would later become a reminder of how fragile and fleeting life really is. Looking back, that picture wasn’t about victory over storms, but about grace in the middle of them. It’s…
…
continue reading

1
Overwhelmed Motherhood Gifts: Life With Four Under Six | Ep 34
40:39
40:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:39I sit down with my daughter, Mary Halley, a mom of four children six-and-under, to talk about the daily hard parts and simple gifts of family life. From bedtime battles and school drop-offs to sweating through chores and learning to let go of perfection, she shares what it’s really like to juggle and celebrate motherhood in the thick of it. We also…
…
continue reading

1
Essay on Life: The Hymn I Didn't Understand
10:41
10:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:41When I was a child, Sundays meant dragging my feet to church, fumbling with my shirt buttons, and mostly daydreaming about what was for lunch. I didn’t understand faith, and honestly, I thought the whole thing seemed a little crazy. Still, the hymns, the pews, even the orange juice and saltines—somehow they stayed with me. Years later, when I strug…
…
continue reading
We all fall for it—the idea that if we can just reach the next milestone, land the job, buy the house, raise the kids, then we’ll finally feel happy. But the truth is, “arrival” never comes. In this episode, Kent and I talk about how it’s easy for couples to get caught up in that myth, what it did to our family, and what we’ve learned now about fin…
…
continue reading

1
Essay on Life: When the Man at the Bar Becomes a Mirror
11:04
11:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:04Grace rarely comes gift-wrapped. Sometimes it comes as a jolt — a voice, a vision, a man at the bar whose scarred face forces you to see your own future. Today, I take you back to the night that set my recovery in motion. David Magee's Newsletter https://davidmagee.substack.com/ Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/davidmageeshow/ Watc…
…
continue reading

1
Men and Finding Faith and Purpose; the Fears, Stigma and Ego that Keep Us Away
45:04
45:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:04David and his pastor, Rev. Chris McAlilly, open up about the pressure men feel to “carry it all,” and how ego and stigma can keep us from faith. David shares his own story of doubt, family, and the impact fathers have when they choose honesty and vulnerability. Together, they explore grief, trauma, and the power of community. From answering the har…
…
continue reading

1
Essays on Life: Healing Conversations with Loved Ones We’ve Lost
10:12
10:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:12What does it mean to keep talking with someone dear you’ve lost — to feel their story still shaping yours? For me, it means listening to and writing with William, my son. His absence changed everything, but his presence still guides my words -- and shapes my life. In this essay, I share how loss, memory, and love intertwine — and how conversation, …
…
continue reading
Sometimes the help we need most comes from the most unexpected places—a stranger, a friend, even a pet. For our family, it was a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Lady. After we lost William, there were few reasons to get out of bed in the morning. One of them was Lady, who insisted on her daily walks. Step by step, those early mornings became sm…
…
continue reading
A grandfather and grandson connect through vulnerability—reminding us of the joy and strength found in generational bonds. And how to achieve those bonds. David Magee's Newsletter https://davidmagee.substack.com/ Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/davidmageeshow/ Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@davidmageeshow Learn more about y…
…
continue reading

1
Finding Purpose After Loss: How Yoga Helped Kent Move Forward
50:43
50:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:43What do you do when everything you’ve worked for unravels on the very day your world collapses? In this episode, David’s wife, Kent Magee, shares the heartbreaking story of losing her son, William, just as she was discovering one of her true callings: teaching yoga. Her story is raw, unflinching, and deeply relatable for anyone walking through grie…
…
continue reading
It's time for another season of the podcast, but this time there's a new twist. It's the David Magee Show. I'm David Magee. I'm a bestselling author, a speaker, but I'm also a husband, a father, and a grandfather. 13 years ago, I had lost it all. We had lost it all. But through faith and better connections with one another we found that we can hav…
…
continue reading

1
Ep. 58 – Bringing Depth to Our Lives with Emily Esfahani Smith
52:00
52:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:00Dissecting the process of her book, The Power of Meaning, Emily Esfahani Smith joins David to explore bringing depth to our lives via belonging, purpose, transcendence, and storytelling. Pick up Emily's book, The Power of Meaning, HERE. This time on the CSM Podcast, David and Emily discuss: Positive Psychology: shifting from a focus on what’s wrong…
…
continue reading

1
Ep. 57 – Bhakti & Buddhism: The Heart and Mind of Practice with Krishna Das
53:02
53:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:02Blending together Bhakti and Buddhism, best of friends Krishna Das and David Nichtern discuss the gradual cultivation of practice and finding your ‘niche’ within the dharma. Join the Wisdom & Wellbeing Week 1 Intensive with Krishna Das & Nina Rao | January 3 - 10, 2026 | Click to Learn More This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online …
…
continue reading

1
Ep. 56 – Social Action & Misplaced Faith with Sharon Salzberg
1:05:29
1:05:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:29Old friends Sharon Salzberg and David Nichtern meet to discuss the calamity of misplaced faith and the expansion that can come from individualized social action. Join Sharon's Upcoming Course with Tricycle to uncover your Buddhist Personality Type This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow an…
…
continue reading

1
Ep. 55 – An Intimate Look at the Heart Sutra with Susan Piver
1:09:43
1:09:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:43Meditation teacher, Susan Piver, joins David Nichtern to share her profound and ever-evolving connection to The Heart Sutra. Learn about the heart and mind of practice with David Nichtern and Krishna Das in an upcoming free online talk! Register HERE. In this episode, David Nichtern and Susan Piver explore: The many variations of The Heart Sutra an…
…
continue reading
In which we consider the late-20th-Century romcoms of such as Nora Ephron and Nancy Meyers, a world of dead husbands, new loves, appealing French gynecologists, and of course eating sundaes by the side of the bathtub. From there we’ll get into how Julie & Julia is really a manifesto for the rise of the self-obsessed influencer class … and how it wo…
…
continue reading

1
Season 1 Finale! Let's Discuss What's Next for David and Phoebe and the Show! | E29
54:20
54:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:20In the season finale of A Little Crazy with David Magee, David and Phoebe talk about how much they have changed since the first episode. David explains some upcoming changes to the show, and the irony in the saying “Never say never.” He also shares insights into his writing career, and gives a few hints about new projects coming up. Phoebe talks ab…
…
continue reading
Hey Tub Gang! If you tuned in to Episode 2, you got a taste of our interview with David Magee, the screenwriter for the 2008 film Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, aka Amy's first bathtub performance. Here's our longer chat with David. He explains, among other things, how to write a scene in which kids are pulled into a magical realm through the bath…
…
continue reading

1
Eating Disorder Recovery and Smashing the Stigma with McCall Dempsey | E28
55:16
55:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:16Phoebe is joined by McCall Dempsey. McCall saved David’s daughter Mary Halley from her battle with an eating disorder, as she’s saved many young men and women throughout the country. She’s a strong-voiced national expert, and she’s on the board of the William Magee Center at Ole Miss named after David’s late son and a dear friend in this journey to…
…
continue reading
Our investigation culminates with us settling once more into the bathtub, which has the best view of the end of the world. We finally talk to an actress who’s done a tub scene: Autumn Reeser, whose experience in a time-loop movie woke her up to the time loop she was living in her real life. Then, a quick shower over a sea of fog and we’re ready at …
…
continue reading

1
The #1 Thing Parents Should Know: Talking w/ Your Child About Anxiety, Depression, Drinking & Drugs | E27
20:34
20:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:34Today, David and Phoebe discuss how parents can best talk to teens and college students about sensitive topics such as anxiety, depression, drinking, and drugs. From asking open-ended questions to creating a comfortable space for conversation, this episode emphasizes the importance of listening over lecturing. Learn how to let go of control and giv…
…
continue reading

1
6: Episode 6: The 2025 Oscars Are All Wet
54:39
54:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:39The whole reason we put out Why Is Amy in the Bath? now is that we thought Amy Adams might get her Oscar at long last — for Nightbitch. We suspected this year would be important. (We were right.) And, at long last, we now know how the 2025 Academy Awards turned out. But so does everybody, so who cares, right? Ah, but we’re the only ones who know wh…
…
continue reading

1
Are You a SmartPhone Addict? Battling smartphone & social media addiction with Phoebe | E26
45:31
45:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:31Phoebe opens up about her journey to disconnect from social media and smartphone addiction. From the epiphany she had in January to the first few days of withdrawal, Phoebe shares her experience and the mental clarity she gained. The discussion dives into the impact of phones on attention spans, self-identity, and how constant connection has affect…
…
continue reading

1
5: Episode 5: Irish Spring for the Drowning Girl
49:23
49:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:23In which Gabby reveals that her own bathing saga is much, much older than this one investigative series. In which Brandon embraces the mystical power of Holistic Journalism. In which the both of them try to figure out why this is the Century of Bathing by looking into wellness, and Goop, and home improvement shows. In which a chance meeting on a ro…
…
continue reading

1
The Youth Mental Health Crisis and What Parents and Teens Can Do About It: How Social Media, Sleep, and Substances Are Affecting Our Teens | E25
55:19
55:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:19From my years of work with students, parents and in schools and communities throughout the country, this is a deep look into what students face today and what can be done about it. From the overwhelming impact of social media to the alarming rise in substance misuse, we’re taking a hard look at how things have changed for the younger generation and…
…
continue reading

1
4: Episode 4: Heartbreak Feels Good in a Place Like This
41:49
41:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:49In which Gabby & Brandon find themselves embroiled in an imitation game. Following Amy Adams’ career through the Century of Tubs, we find ourselves face to face with the bathing scenes of the modern traumatized woman of the psychological thriller, and one of the authors responsible for rejuvenating the genre: Gillian Flynn, she of Gone Girl and Sha…
…
continue reading

1
Overcoming Family Trauma and Loss with Lauren Sisler, ESPN reporter | E24
43:14
43:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:14In today’s episode of A Little Crazy, David Magee is joined by ESPN reporter and friend Lauren Sisler. Lauren opens up about losing both of her parents to overdose only hours apart from each other when she was just 18. She shares the deep shame, anger, and grief she faced, and how faith, patience, and vulnerability played a key role in her healing …
…
continue reading

1
3: Episode 3: Into the Shabby Heart of Prestige
44:56
44:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:56We wanted a mission. And for our sins, they sent us to Hollywood. In this episode, Gabby & Brandon finally confront the very nature of prestige by taking a tour of duty to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and by tackling the bathing data for every single film nominated for a Best Actress Oscar. Will Brandon’s “Prestige Bathtub Theory” (PBT) hold? How do…
…
continue reading

1
Stressed About Money? From Broke to Financial Flourishing | E23
48:10
48:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:10This week, David and Phoebe discuss the impact of money on mental health. David shares his personal journey from being broke 14 years ago to achieving financial stability, and they explore how financial stress can affect our well-being. They talk about taking responsibility, ditching shame, and shifting the way we view money to protect our mental h…
…
continue reading

1
2: Episode 2: One Hundred Years of Wet Hollywood
43:06
43:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:06In which we discover a secret history of cinema, a history that created American pop culture one terrifying shower and screwball bathtub scene at a time. One in which the hot tub plays a major role in the war on drugs and the battle of the sexes, and in which sci-fi visions imagine bathtubs of the future as places for healing, transformation, and g…
…
continue reading

1
I Love ADHD: Learning to Embrace Your True Self | E22
39:46
39:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:46Welcome back to another episode of A Little Crazy Podcast with me, David Magee! Today Phoebe and I are discussing the wonders of ADHD, and why I love it. We’re diving into how ADHD has helped us become who we are today, the stigma around it, and how to embrace and love ADHD characteristics. Tell everyone you know with ADHD to listen because I promi…
…
continue reading
It began, like so many stupid journeys, with a stupid question: Why does the actor Amy Adams do so many bathing scenes? From the beginning, we suspected a conspiracy — Is Amy, who has never won an Oscar, doing all these bathtub scenes because they offer the opportunity for the kind of dramatic acting that earns the biggest, goldenest prizes? So in …
…
continue reading
In this episode, David gets real about his nightmare journey with Adderall and Vyvanse, sharing how what started as a way to boost productivity quickly spiraled into addiction. He dives deep into conversation about the hidden dangers of prescription stimulants, the illusion of control, and the price you pay when you go looking for a quick fix. This…
…
continue reading
In 2021, two journalists started an investigation to answer what seemed like a simple question: Why does the actor Amy Adams do so many bathing scenes? From the beginning, we suspected a conspiracy — Is Amy, who has never won an Oscar, doing all these bathtub scenes because they offer the opportunity for the kind of dramatic acting that earns the b…
…
continue reading

1
My Story of Losing a Child: My Dear William | E20
43:51
43:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:51All of us have lost someone close, or we will. This months marks the birthday of my late son, William, who we lost far too soon. In this video, I reflect on how I live with loss and even grow from it, sharing how grief, while painful, has shaped me and helped me find strength and resilience. Losing William was my greatest tragedy, but it also becam…
…
continue reading

1
Healing, Escaping Death and Paralysis with Ruthie Lindsey | E19
53:57
53:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:57Today we’re joined with my new found sister Ruthie Lindsey, who has an amazing story of healing from near death and excruciating pain. Ruthie dives even deeper on this episode, sharing all the details of her accident where she died, came back to life, and everything she went through in the healing process. It is a miracle she’s here with us today a…
…
continue reading

1
Happy, Free, Confused, and Lonely at 22: Phoebe’s Navigating Life After College | E18
39:28
39:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:28Taylor Swift wrote her song 22 about being happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time. On this episode, Phoebe, 22, shares her happy, free, lonely and confused at the same time journey. Adulthood can be incredibly challenging, and the transition from college to post-graduation life is one of the hardest transitions there is. We’re diving int…
…
continue reading

1
Is Dry January Right for You? The Truth About Alcohol and Resetting Your Habits | E17
42:54
42:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:54In this New Year 2025 episode, we dive into Dry January tips and discussion—and spoiler alert: it’s not for everyone. Whether you’re thinking about giving it a shot or you’ve tried it before, we’re digging into what it’s really about, and what works, and what doesn't. From the mental and physical effects of cutting out alcohol to how it can reshape…
…
continue reading

1
The Three Keys to Joy: How to Make the Biggest Impact in the New Year | E16
42:23
42:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:23Today Phoebe and I are talking all about New Year's resolutions. Are they effective? Should you make one? Let’s find out! We’re diving into the most common New Year’s resolutions, the three keys to joy, and how YOU can make the biggest impact going into this new year. You don’t want to miss it! PLUS: New Years plans How to create goals that align w…
…
continue reading

1
Holiday Depression: How to Combat Your Child's Depression, Anxiety, and Substance Misuse Around the Holidays | E15
39:25
39:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:25Welcome back to another episode of A Little Crazy, with me, David Magee! Today Phoebe and I are diving into the ever so relevant topic of holiday depression and substance misuse, particularly in students and young adults. This can be a challenging time of year for many people, and we’re going to dive into why that may be, and cover some practical t…
…
continue reading

1
Overcoming The Odds: Battling Trauma, Addiction, and Finding Authenticity with Kristy Bridgers | E14
1:05:57
1:05:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:57Today we’re joined by Kristy Bridgers as she shares her inspirational story of sobriety and overcoming trauma from college. Kristy felt shame which she self-medicated for years. Now, sober, dealing with her trauma, she's helping herself, and others. PLUS: Dealing with judgment from others Socializing through sobriety Learning to be honest Learning …
…
continue reading

1
If You Dream It Do It: Artist Debra Hewitt on How It's Never Too Late to Pursue Your Dreams | E13
53:36
53:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:36We're talking with artist Debra Hewitt about the importance of pursuing your dreams at any phase in life, overcoming feelings of inadequacy, and vulnerability. Debra and David also talk about their nearly 50 years of friendship. PLUS: The value of creating throughout our entire lives Finding inspiration in the world Debra’s journey to becoming a fu…
…
continue reading

1
Building Dreams from Ashes: The Gatlinburg Fires Comeback Story | E12
45:04
45:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:04Today we are sitting down with Phoebe’s father, Tom Goodwin, as he shares how he and his company, Mountain Laurel Chalets, handled and overcame the devastation of the 2016 Gatlinburg fires. He talks about all the steps they took before, during and after the fires, and how they helped their community during those tough times. The way he led faithful…
…
continue reading

1
Coach Yo, Ole Miss: No Ceilings, Resiliency, Winning, and Playing with Joy | E11
47:59
47:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:59She's known as Coach Yo, a rising star among college women's basketball elite coaches. Our guest, Ole Miss Women's Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin talks about resilience during an 0-16 record her second season that helped develop her program as one of the most feared nationally, and how she's making mental health a priority for herself, her players and …
…
continue reading

1
How To Help Students Manage Mental Health And Substance Misuse Challenges With Dr. Nick McAfee, Director Of The William Magee Center At Ole Miss | Ep 10
1:11:09
1:11:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:09Students today face substance misuse and mental health challenges unlike what we faced before, but the good news is we know how to help. We're joined on this episode by Dr. Nick McAfee, the director of William Magee Center for AOD and Wellness Education at Ole Miss, named after David's late son William who died of an accidental overdose not long af…
…
continue reading

1
Be the Coach Not the Boss with Patrick Mulloy | Ep 9
57:09
57:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:09Students and our children need mentors today like never before, and Patrick Mulloy, head of the Upper School at St. Paul's School for Boys in the greater Baltimore area shares what he's learning works with students and his sons, and how they grow together. We discuss the importance of prioritizing the mental health of young people, utilizing time o…
…
continue reading

1
Called To Create with Artist Blair Hobbs | Ep 8
56:50
56:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:50Artist Blair Hobbs loves to find weird surprises in the mundane world with her works. She discusses that creativity, and how she's making a mid-life change to fully explore her artistic passion and what led her to pursue that mission. The Oxford, Mississippi-based creator who grew up in another small college town discusses her inspirations, managin…
…
continue reading