The writer shares her thoughts on talent versus luck, her vendetta against hiking, and how she’s made and kept friendships over the years, including with the late Toni Morrison.

Calling it quits in our closest relationships.

“Some conversations I’m just not willing to engage in anymore.”

"Friendship is our only social relationship that is purely voluntary. Someone can just walk away at any time." 

Emma was a single mom and supported her family with the income she made from sex work. The money was good. But she struggled with the secrecy, and the shame.

Sandra Cisneros has picked “some real doozies” as lovers. But at 67, she says she’d rather write a new book of poetry than waste her time with men who aren’t on her level.

Musician and “Song Exploder” host, Hrishikesh Hirway, remembers his mother, Kanta, who died in 2020, and the music that’s helped him move through grief.

Rachel Matlow’s mother refused to get the surgery that could have saved her. That often left her and Rachel trying to love each other while bitterly at odds.

It can be hard to unlearn the things you were taught growing up—especially the things you learned about sex.