Best Shelf Sisters Podcasts (2025)

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September Bookish: Beginners Reading List & The Summer I Turned Pretty 52:13

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11d ago52:13

52:13

Welcome back to our September bookish episode! Happy one year to us!! We are celebrating by sharing a beginner's reading list for all the major genres (romance, fantasy, thriller, fiction, and nonfiction)! These are all 5/5 in our book (lol) and a guaranteed fun read. If you pick any of these up, we would love to know your thoughts :) Oh and we als…

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More Happier: Introducing “Since You Asked with Gretchen Rubin and Lori Gottlieb” 35:27

21m ago35:27

35:27

Introducing my new podcast: Since You Asked! This is the first episode of my new show with my friend, the therapist and author Lori Gottlieb. Each week, we tackle the daily problems of living—the pet peeve that’s annoyed you for years, the question you’re too embarrassed to ask, or the dilemma you just can’t solve. If you enjoy this episode, follow…

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Volume 7 Introduction 22:20

15h ago22:20

22:20

Shelf Life Volume 7 is here! A volume of magic, murder, and mayhem. Not to mention some pop culture topics that really love incorporating the number 7. We've got serial killers, dragons, zombies, gleep glops, gremlins, wizards, and more serial killers all ready to make their case for the shelf. Listen and enjoy to find out the lineup for Volume 7. …

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The NATO Phonetic Alphabet (Entry 826.RV2213) 1:24:15

23m ago1:24:15

1:24:15

In which post-war science finally develops the perfect system for spelling things over radio and telephones, and John learns he has been misspelling a pretty famous play. Certificate #50168.By Omnibus

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Ep. 553: Ask for Clarification, an Easy Way to Unclutter & a “Use It Up” Epiphany 31:56

3d ago31:56

31:56

We talk about why asking for clarification is so important—yet it’s an easy step to skip. We also mention a listener’s great hack for nudging her kids to unclutter, and we discuss the urge to “use it up.” Resources & links related to this episode: Listen to the new podcast Since You Asked with Lori Gottlieb and Gretchen Rubin Elizabeth is reading: …

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Little Happier: Andy Warhol, Woolworth’s, Air Conditioning, and Roasted Peanuts 3:21

5d ago3:21

3:21

Our five senses constantly make adjustments and compromises—an observation that explains a cryptic comment by Andy Warhol. 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 transcript for this episode on th…

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More Happier: For Travel, Familiarity or Novelty? Plus a Flossing Hack & the Pleasure of Routine 23:56

7d ago23:56

23:56

We explore whether it's better to seek out new experiences or enjoy familiar favorites when traveling. Plus, we share a surprising hack about alternatives to flossing, and how we’re approaching fall routines. Resources & links related to this episode: Learn your Tendency and learn more about the "Four Tendencies" framework "Dentists know you hate f…

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Muzak (Entry 820.1S1616) 1:34:03

6d ago1:34:03

1:34:03

In which a series of engineers, entrepreneurs, and classic TV producers discover that America wants gentle music piped into its public spaces, and Ken likes piña coladas and getting caught in the rain. Certificate #54082.By Omnibus

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Ep. 552: Start Your 100-Day Countdown, Try Substack & the Power of Engaging 32:56

10d ago32:56

32:56

There are about 100 days left in the year, and we discuss why starting your 100-day countdown can make you happier. We also explore a hack that will help you read, learn, and get entertained, and we share interesting responses from listeners about the power of engaging. Resources & links related to this episode: For the Happier Podcast Book Club: A…

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Little Happier: A Surprising and Subtle Way to Change Your Habits: Consider Texas 4:06

12d ago4:06

4:06

Texas’s extremely successful anti-littering campaign illustrates an important principle about habit change: Sometimes changing our habits requires us first to change our identity. 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 th…

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More Happier: Returning to Routine? 7 Strategies to Make it Easier [Revisited] 28:00

14d ago28:00

28:00

Feeling the end-of-summer slump? In this revisited episode, we share 7 practical strategies that can help you rebuild your routine for fall—especially if you're dragging your feet. September is the other January, and this “starter kit” for habit change will help you reset without forcing it. Resources & links related to this episode: Better Than Be…

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We Now Conclude Our Broadcast Day (Entry 1422.PS0305) 1:31:05

13d ago1:31:05

1:31:05

In which television stations spend decades signing off every night after the national anthem, and John likes to keep a stiff upper lip during Mormon TV ads. Certificate #31942.By Omnibus

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Ep. 551: Question Assumptions, College Drop-Off Hacks & Rebelling Against an Unappreciative Family 31:43

17d ago31:43

31:43

We talk about why it can be very valuable to question our assumptions, and we also share hacks for helping a child moving into a college dorm. Plus we discuss a listener’s feelings of Obliger-rebellion due to the unacknowledged work she does for her family. Resources & links related to this episode: Listen to the new podcast Since You Asked with Lo…

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Little Happier: Why Is Making Partner in a Law Firm Like Winning a Pie-Eating Contest? 3:01

19d ago3:01

3:01

A teaching joke from the legal world captures an important lesson: Sometimes the reward for an achievement is simply a bigger helping of the same challenge. 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…

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More Happier: Listen In! Recording from Our Reading Retreat (and Closet Clearing) 35:44

21d ago35:44

35:44

During our recent Reading Retreat 2025, we made voice memos to record our sisterly adventure. We talk about our reading, plus we also report on the evening we spent clearing out a very crowded closet. Listen in and follow along as we report from Los Olivos and Encinco, California. Resources & links related to this episode: Read 25 in '25 Elizabeth'…

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The MGM Auction (Entry 783.JB2813) 1:34:02

20d ago1:34:02

1:34:02

In which wheeler-dealers and Debbie Reynolds pillage a priceless trove of movie treasure for pennies on the dollar, and Ken has never been in his own conference room. Certificate #38661.By Omnibus

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Ep. 550: Very Special Episode: Now Is the Time to Tackle That One, Big, Hard Thing 32:13

24d ago32:13

32:13

Sometimes, to be happier, we need to confront one enormous, daunting goal that we would really prefer to avoid. We discuss what those kinds of intimidating goals might be, offer suggestions for how to approach them, and share many encouraging examples from listeners. Resources & links related to this episode: Are you a marathoner or a sprinter, in …

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Little Happier: Sometimes, Life Feels Like Art. Recently I Felt Like Reciting Poetry to a Crowd 4:29

26d ago4:29

4:29

Sometimes life achieves the formal perfection of art, or a moment can seem so transcendent that only art can allow us to express what we feel. 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 transcript fo…

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More Happier: Get Ready for Fall in Just 30 Minutes [Revisited] 24:24

28d ago24:24

24:24

Clear the Decks! We revisit one of our most popular episodes to help you prepare for the return to routine after summer—or anytime you’re gearing up for a change. Resources & links related to this episode: Sign up for the "5 Things Making Me Happy" newsletter. Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gret…

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Allan Bakke, M.D. (Entry 093.SS0510) 1:31:53

26d ago1:31:53

1:31:53

In which a Marine vet and NASA engineer changes the course of American public policy when he fails to get into medical school, and John has no pith. Certificate #29277.By Omnibus

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28 Summers By Elin Hilderbrand 44:37

30d ago44:37

44:37

Welcome back to our August book club episode! We are finally discussing 28 Summer By Elin Hilderbrand, our last summer-y book of the year! We share our surprising thoughts about one of the most renowned author's books, discuss our Hollywood adaptation suggestions, and of course, give our final rating of the book. We also had to discuss the breaking…

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Shelf Life Fantasy Draft IV 1:21:31

1M ago1:21:31

1:21:31

It's that time of year for the 4th Annual Shelf Life Fantasy Draft! Join Kevin and Rachel as they select a scenario from the Wheel of Fantasy and draft characters from Volumes 5 and 6 of Shelf Life. Which host will have the better team when it's all said and done? Who will get the #1 pick? What will be the biggest steal? Which characters should you…

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Ep. 549: Make a Love List, Back-to-School Hacks & How to Learn Someone’s Real Opinion 29:50

1M ago29:50

29:50

We explore the power of creating a "love list" to help us stay connected with the people who matter most. We share a clever way for getting someone’s honest opinions, plus, we dive into listeners' most practical back-to-school tips. Resources & links related to this episode: Order my new book Secrets of Adulthood Request a signed bookplate here Eli…

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Little Happier: A Happiness Lesson from the Friends’ Central Perk Coffee Shop 2:33

1M ago2:33

2:33

A touch of levity can help us navigate awkward or painful situations by making it easier for people to hear difficult things—as illustrated by a funny moment from the popular TV show Friends. Resources & links related to this episode: The One Where Monica and Richard Are Friends Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to le…

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More Happier: Talking Romance Writing with Stacey Abrams and Lori Gottlieb 36:43

1M ago36:43

36:43

In this Roundtable discussion, we explore the role of romance in fiction and real life. Author and political leader Stacey Abrams explains how she weaves it into her suspense novels by focusing on authentic human connection, while therapist Lori Gottlieb brings her perspective on love off the page. Together, we look at how romance is imagined, expe…

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The Bourne Identity 3:26:12

1M ago3:26:12

3:26:12

In the Main Event of Shelf Life, Kevin and Rachel conclude the first ever Summer of Spies with the thriller action spy movie from 2002, The Bourne Identity. A movie where a spy can't remember who he is and decides to just kill a bunch of people to find out. During the episode, your hosts discuss guest bathroom courtesy, Jason Bourne as a horror sla…

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Radioactive Boy (Entry 1026.JB4132) 1:55:55

1M ago1:55:55

1:55:55

In which a Detroit-area teen overachieves in Boy Scouts by trying to build a nuclear reactor in a potting shed, and Ken only wants capitalized toys. Certificate #50176.By Omnibus

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Ep. 548: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, Surprising Fun & Solving Rebel Resistance to Something Desirable 31:48

1M ago31:48

31:48

We explore how we can signal dedication to an aim by putting our money where our mouth is—though it’s important to note that merely spending money isn’t enough. We also share listeners' delightfully surprising answers about what they do for fun. Plus we tackle a fascinating Rebel dilemma: having a spirit of resistance against something she actually…

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A Little Happier: Mega-Star Taylor Swift Chooses the Right Tool to Suit Her Work 2:18

1M ago2:18

2:18

Super-star musician Taylor Swift has three categories of imaginary pens that she uses to write her songs. Having the right tools helps to make work a joy—and in Taylor Swift’s case, even imaginary tools help to make work a joy. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more …

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More Happier: Gretchen Joins the Podcast “10% Happier with Dan Harris” 1:06:11

1M ago1:06:11

1:06:11

From Dan Harris’s podcast, 10% Happier—a conversation about how to remember and use what truly makes us happier. We talk about why it’s so easy to forget helpful ideas, what to notice when you’re hiding something, and a simple habit that can strengthen your relationships. Resources & links related to this episode: Dan and I talk Secrets of Adulthoo…

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August Bookish: Taylor Swift, Thursday Murder Club, Dubai + Paris Recap 45:11

1M ago45:11

45:11

In our August bookish episode: we give an update on 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand, discuss Taylor Swift going on New Heights with Travis & Jason Kelce (!!!), go over current reads, and recap our summer trip to Dubai and Paris! If you want bookish reader content with some personal chit chat sprinkled in, this ones for you :) Books discussed: -28 Su…

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Mr. & Mrs. Smith 3:22:41

1M ago3:22:41

3:22:41

The Summer of Spies continues on this episode of Shelf Life as Kevin and Rachel discuss the social anxieties and constructs of marriage with Mr. & Mrs. Smith. A spy movie where the studio leaned heavy on Brangelina becoming a thing. During the show your hosts discuss needle drops, homewrecking, boring suburban life, and would other Hollywood couple…

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Dollar Princesses (Entry 370.NU3603) 1:42:34

1M ago1:42:34

1:42:34

In which a generation of English peers and their sons look to fix their leaky castle roofs by marrying wealthy American "buccaneers," and John has never kidnapped anyone in Bulgaria. Certificate #33143.By Omnibus

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Ep. 547: Beware the Impulse to Disengage, Planning Themed Retreats & How to Know Yourself Better. 29:45

2M ago29:45

29:45

We discuss why we should beware of the impulse to disengage when we feel lonely, purposeless, or overwhelmed by bad news. We also share listener responses about creative themed-retreat ideas, such as a heal-the-heartache getaway. Plus we discuss an interesting know-yourself-better question. Resources & links related to this episode: Listen to episo…

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A Little Happier: Keep an Empty shelf—and Also Keep a Junk Drawer. 3:37

2M ago3:37

3:37

Creating an orderly environment can be surprisingly energizing and mood-boosting. And while an empty shelf holds invitation and promise, so does a junk drawer. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: [email protected] Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Pro…

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More Happier: Real Housewives & Bad Apologies, the Empty Nest & Parenting Secrets of Adulthood 25:03

2M ago25:03

25:03

We talk about the joys of summer and of navigating airports and subways. We also discuss how the Real Housewives can set a bad example (surprise!), and we grapple with how parenthood changes during the empty-nest/open-door transition. Resources & links related to this episode: Get a free month of the Happier app Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.…

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Bonus: We Tried a New Tool to Grow Closer—Here’s What Happened 22:15

2M ago22:15

22:15

Strong relationships are essential for happiness—but they can be hard to maintain. In this bonus episode, we try something totally new: a live experiment using LG’s “Radio Optimism” platform. Can a simple creative gesture actually make us feel closer? We wanted to find out. Try it yourself at https://RadioOptimism.LG.com Get in touch: podcast@gretc…

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Teddy Girls (Entry 1283.PR3122) 1:12:37

2M ago1:12:37

1:12:37

In which the dandyish vintage finds of postwar British teens set a blueprint for the rest of 20th-century youth fashion, and Ken keeps getting hit in the head by nose flutes on the bus. Certificate #13953.By Omnibus

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Ep. 546: Embrace Regret, Sticker Hacks for Back-to-School & Is Upholder-Rebellion Real? 32:50

2M ago32:50

32:50

We discuss why embracing regret can help us make our lives happier, by helping point the way to a life that better reflects our values. We also share a listener's hack for using customized stickers to label children's belongings. Plus, we explore whether Upholders can experience Upholder-rebellion. Resources & links related to this episode: Take th…

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Secret War 3:05:22

2M ago3:05:22

3:05:22

In this episode of Shelf Life, Kevin and Rachel head back to the comic shop with the super spy himself Nick Fury leading a group of superheroes on a covert ops mission with Marvel's 2005 comic book Secret War. During this episode your hosts discuss Nick Fury's pet, global policing, D-list villains, and what could MJ and Fury possibly have talked ab…

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A Little Happier: The Fun of Phrases and the Delight of Wordplay 3:31

2M ago3:31

3:31

This humorous collection of phrases, puns, and other kinds of wordplay is a good reminder of the delights of language. Resources & links related to this episode: Secrets of Adulthood 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…

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More Happier: 7 Happiness Myths—and What’s Actually True [Revisited] 25:00

2M ago25:00

25:00

“Money can’t buy happiness.” “It’s selfish to try to be happier.” These familiar ideas seem wise—but they often hold us back. This week, we revisit 7 common happiness myths and share how letting go of them can help us use our time, energy, and attention more effectively. Resources & links related to this episode: The Happiness Project by Gretchen R…

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The Integratron (Entry 650.SS0117) 1:21:43

2M ago1:21:43

1:21:43

In which a 700-year-old Venusian designs a mysterious whitewashed dome in the Mojave Desert, and John would like to change history at the mutiny on the Bounty. Certificate #13181.By Omnibus

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Ep. 545: Consider a Themed Retreat, Stay Safe in Crowds & a Cold-Water Solution 31:16

2M ago31:16

31:16

We discuss why a themed retreat can boost our happiness, and talk about different possible themes. We also share safety tips for staying safe when caught in a crowd, plus we explore a very simple solution for making water activities more enjoyable. Resources & links related to this episode: Neoprene Wet Suit Gretchen Rubin's Secrets of Adulthood ne…

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Introducing: The Deep Dive 1:00:44

2M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Each week, comedians and best friends Jessica St. Clair and June Diane Raphael take a ‘deep dive’ into their real lives and discuss a wide range of topics including how to pursue joy amidst the insanity of motherhood and family, grief and loss, sh*t they put on their faces, and why they refuse to check their voicemails or unpack their suitcases. Th…

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A Little Happier: A True Story About Friendship at the Olympics—and We’re More Free Than We Think 1:55

2M ago1:55

1:55

The extraordinary story of two Olympics-prize-winners Japanese pole vaulters is a testament to the power of friendship—and also a great reminder that if we don't like the decisions being made around us, we may, with our own ingenuity and initiative, be able to find a different outcome. Resources & links related to this episode: Get in touch: podcas…

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More Happier: A New Barbie, Quality Screen Time & the Joy of Working on a Porch 22:54

2M ago22:54

22:54

We discuss the fact that a new Barbie has the gear of a Type 1 diabetic. We also talk about how having an additional monitor makes writing more enjoyable and a new TV show that we’ve both been watching. Plus we talk about Barnaby’s recovery from surgery, and the challenge of helping dogs heal when they don’t understand what’s happening to them. Res…

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Chemtrails (Entry 212.AM0407) 1:30:59

2M ago1:30:59

1:30:59

In which internet-era conspiracy theorists become convinced that jet contrails are weather control masterminded from Fairbanks, Alaska, and Ken thinks John sounds like a Muppet for exactly one syllable. Certificate #52946.By Omnibus

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Ep. 544: ”25 for ’25 List” Mid-Year Check-In—How Are We Doing? 36:04

2M ago36:04

36:04

The year is half over, and we review our “25 for 2025 Lists” to see what progress we’ve made—and to remind ourselves of our unfinished aims for the year. There’s still plenty of time to get a lot done. Resources & links related to this episode: Simon Haissel's Footnotes and Tangents newsletter on Substack Liz Craft and Sarah Fain's Happier in Holly…

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Master of Disguise 2:20:19

2M ago2:20:19

2:20:19

In this episode of Shelf Life, Kevin and Rachel try to keep their sanity discussing the AFI top 100 film from 2002 Master of Disguise. A movie where Dana Carvey plays a spy? And there's lots of fart jokes...and I can't take it anymore. During the discussion your hosts struggle to find meaning and good in the world while talking about fart jokes, te…