We know—we usually start by diving into the latest news or a recent headline, but this week we took a different approach. After hearing from friends who are actively avoiding the news (and, yes, even avoiding our podcast), we wanted to offer something lighter, warmer, and perhaps more useful for those feeling overwhelmed.
So we started with Passover.
Last weekend, we hosted our annual Passover Seder. Thirteen of us gathered around the table, telling stories, laughing at the same old dad jokes, and singing preschool songs that haven’t left our repertoire—even though the youngest guest was 18. It was a joyful evening. And that joy, we realized, was something we’d intentionally created.
That’s where today’s episode begins: with the idea that joy isn’t just something you stumble upon. It’s something you can make—even when the world feels like too much.
We talk about how authoritarian forces (and just modern life, frankly) can make us feel isolated and helpless. But joy is a kind of resistance. Connection is power. And there are lots of ways to find it.
In this episode, we cover:
* The silliness and sweetness of our Seder traditions
* Why dad jokes still work (sometimes)
* What it means to be news-avoidant and why that’s okay
* The philosophy of imagination, and how to use your mind to write a new story
* The beauty of flower photos, shadow-and-light walks, and impromptu neighborhood art
* Why it’s not selfish to enjoy your life—and how joy can make you stronger for the fights ahead
* A spontaneous product pitch for “shower karaoke” (Ronco, call us)
As always, we’re grateful you’re here. We’re 15 episodes in (!) and still learning, experimenting, and figuring out how to show up with humanity and humor. We hope this episode brings you a moment of lightness—and maybe inspires you to make a little joy of your own this week.
What’s Next?
We welcome your thoughts — feel free to leave comments below. Let's continue the conversation, and join us next week as we explore the next wave of developments in this ever-evolving landscape.
