Catherine Krenzer Catherine Krenzer

Rolling Calls and a Round of Guest Thingies with David Cho

You know what we love? When someone makes a thing we’re really desperate to use. Which means we can’t wait for the launch of Postcard, a tool to help us share our travel recommendations in an intuitive and aesthetically pleasing way. We’ll let David Cho tell ya all about it...and share his Thingies. That’s right: a guest Thingies ep. Tell us how you feel about that??

You know what we love? When someone makes a thing we’re really desperate to use. Which means we can’t wait for the launch of Postcard, a tool to help us share our travel recommendations in an intuitive and aesthetically pleasing way. We’ll let David Cho tell ya all about it...and share his Thingies. That’s right: a guest Thingies ep. Tell us how you feel about that??

the linkage:

the sponsors (and promos!):

  • Scoop up Ana Luisa jewelry during their biggest sale of the year. 

  • Keep that coffee and tea at the perfect temp with Ember. It’s 10% off for first-time purchasers with our link.

  • Grab tickets for Redeeming Love and get your romance-movie fix.

  • Snag Printfresh’s perfect-for-gifting sleepwear—and get 15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.

YAY.

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Podcast Episodes Catherine Krenzer Podcast Episodes Catherine Krenzer

Gift Guide Round 3: Siblings, Teens, Co-Workers, Friends, and Grandparents!

Our third gift guide ep already?! We know. There’s so much ahead—and behind if you missed part 1 and part 2—but if you’re still on the present hunt, subscribe to Secret Menu for many more holiday-shopping thoughts ‘n feelings.

Our third gift guide ep already?! We know. There’s so much ahead—and behind if you missed part 1 and part 2—but if you’re still on the present hunt, subscribe to Secret Menu for many more holiday-shopping thoughts ‘n feelings.

the linkage:

Kids and Teens!

Almost 14 year old girl Brooklyn kid

Angsty teenage nephews who already have everything

10 year old niece who is obsessed with Japan (Japan trip isn't in the budget)

Nephews/Godsons who already have so much stuff. They are 6 months (read: only interested in food but not really able to eat it) and 4.  The 4 year old loves trucks, singing, Toy Story, and learning about everything. but he has all of the things! While I think donations are cool, I'm not really interested in that for a four year old who won't understand that i didn't forget to give him a gift. 

Brothers and Brothers-in-Law!

My 35 yo brother who exclusively wears shirts from regattas, has horrible taste in women

Brother who's living #vanlife

Sisters and Sisters-in-Law!

Sister - has main character energy. Runs an apple cider vin business. Into funky style.

My sister: hyper-intellectual, single, gay, social justice dr., autoimmune issues so stuck home.

Sister in law who is mostly great and has very good taste but veryyy self absorbed, always has long term relationships but then doesn't commit because she doesn't believe in compromise, likes good food wine coffee, and also clothes (everlane/& other stories), likes to be luxe but in a slightly (not completely) subdued way.

My fiance's family does a gift exchange with the extended family with the idea that you can get a bigger/better gift for the one person instead of having to buy something smaller for everyone. I got assigned his cool cousin who lives in NYC.  She's in her late 30's, got married 2 years ago, no kids, and she's a really successful lawyer.  We only see her so often and she's usually on her computer keeping up with work when we do see her, so I don't have a great idea of her interests...besides they have a tiny dog that they love.  I always love an experience gift for people, def something there with NYC?  One other possibility is my fiance got her older sister in the gift exchange, so there's a possibility that we could do something that the both of them could enjoy together?  Her sister lives in a Philly suburb and has a family with 2 kids so different point of life.

Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, and Other Adults You Know!

Next door neighbor, 94 year old Italian woman who loves the Pope and New England sports

Older curmudgeonly uncle with lots of stories and jokes. Cooks but scorns fancy equipment. 

My smart feminist ex-social worker grandma who likes G&Ts and is a hoarder

Friends!

29 y/o BFF who just got dumped and fired, she loves Rebecca Solnit, POOG, and yoga

Best friend! loves old furniture and travel and old churches and beauty, less than $100

Co-Workers and Bosses!

My boss who is a die hard AKA sorority sister (same as Kamala Harris), v much part of the Bey-hive, and wears all of the hats (boss, mentor, counselor, mom, wife).

People I work with - design studio so they all already have access to nice things. Our team is small enough that the vibe is to give everyone something? Under $40

For last year’s gift guides, head here and here.

What are your last-minute gifting go-tos? We wanna know at 833-632-5463 and @athingortwohq!

the sponsors (and promos!)

  • Download the Zocdoc app—it’s free!—and book that doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off.

  • Explore all of our favorite gift picks at MoMA Design Store—so much amazing stuff, and it’s 10% of now through November 24 with the code ATHINGORTWO online or in store.

  • Try professional counseling with BetterHelp—10% off your first month with our link.

  • Gift the coffee- and tea-drinkers in your life Ember. It’s 10% off for first-time purchasers with our link.

YAY.

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Podcast Episodes Catherine Krenzer Podcast Episodes Catherine Krenzer

Gift Guide Round 2: Extra Design-y Edition, with MoMA Design Store!

If you just CAN’T with the gifting stress, drama, and intrigue this year and are looking to do some one-stop shopping, well, welcome to our second gift guide of the season, in partnership with the glorious, aesthetically driven team over at MoMA Design Store. Use the code ATHINGORTWO online or in store for 10% off your purchase now through November 24 (fine print below)—and know that every purchase supports the museum's collection and education programs. Talk about a GWP!

If you just CAN’T with the gifting stress, drama, and intrigue this year and are looking to do some one-stop shopping, well, welcome to our second gift guide of the season, in partnership with the glorious, aesthetically driven team over at MoMA Design Store. Use the code ATHINGORTWO online or in store for 10% off your purchase now through November 24 (fine print below)—and know that every purchase supports the museum's collection and education programs. Talk about a GWP!

the linkage:

Heyo: Dig into all of our MoMA Design Store gifting picks.

the sponsors (and promos!)

  • The code ATHINGORTWO gets you 10% off your purchase online or in store now through November 24, 2021. The fine print: Cannot be combined with membership discount or other offers. Not valid on the purchase of memberships, past purchases, and select products. Redeemable at store.moma.org and at US MoMA Design Store locations.

YAY.

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Podcast Episodes Catherine Krenzer Podcast Episodes Catherine Krenzer

Gift Guide Round 1: Moms, Dads, and Significant (or Formerly Significant) Others

It’s gift-guide season around these parts, and here we are with the first of three—three!—installments to help you along with the hardest-to-shop-for people in your life (hopefully). If you need more ideas, subscribing to Secret Menu might be just the answer.

It’s gift-guide season around these parts, and here we are with the first of three—three!—installments to help you along with the hardest-to-shop-for people in your life (hopefully). If you need more ideas, subscribing to Secret Menu might be just the answer.

the linkage:

Moms and Mothers-in-Law!

Single mom by choice to an amazing little girl. Since it's just the two of us and she's a toddler, I need to help her buy her a gift for me. I realize that buying a gift for one's self shouldn't be difficult but I'm saving to buy us a condo and this will be my one quality and/or impractical spend for the foreseeable future. So I want to make it count and I'd love your help. I am willing to spend up to $400.00. I appreciate smart function in design and I have lost zero baby weight, so anything that involves sizing has the potential to make me cry, which feels like it would defeat the purpose. I work about 75 hours a week and am currently doing so remotely. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

76 yo mom, super practical, can't throw stuff away, just lost her husband of 60+ years.

My new step mom who has very good taste and loves thrifting

Frumpy MIL that you can't stand

My southern mom who thinks NYC made me snobby

Dads and Fathers-in-Law!

My dad! A very intelligent man. Passionate about baseball but has season tickets. Very covid cautious. Has read all books. Doesn't drink. Isn't handy (no tools). Plays scrabble and has all the boards, no other games. Very fashion apathetic and I always get him clothes. Likes to bike but has a very nice bike and all accessories. Has snow shovel service. Really only cares about his grandkids but spends tons of time with them. Still works (lawyer) and tends to buy anything he needs which is very little! Always a conumdrum.

My dad! Buys himself everything he needs, likes rock and roll bios and mushrooming. and wine!

FIL: widower, engineer, spotless home, not into design, kinda into fitness & cooking

Romantic Partners (and Former Ones)!

A NFT-obsessed new dad who wants to be a lumberjack but actually buys Aimee Leon Dore

I need help with my 49-year-old, male, partner. He's a commercial architect, but is super judgey about architect stuff. He constantly scrolls Zillow and vintage car sites. He drinks bourbon, but doesn't want whisky stones and we have an excellent set of glasses. He likes luxury, but won't wear a logo ever. He loves art - folk, sculpture, modern (sometimes the weirder the better) and he created about half the pieces in our house. We live in Atlanta, watch garbage TV and eat/cook good food. Help!

Old soul male significant other who manages to find all the wilderness in nyc (birding in prospect park, surfing in the rockaways) in his 20s.

Girlfriend who is super Catholic but also super woo and into crystals, energy, etc.

My ex husband who doesn't deserve a gift but we share a daughter together 

  • Something for them to do together—tickets to a basketball game or a museum, a video game, etc.

A friend who I had a thing with (years ago) and has a jealous girlfriend

For last year’s gift guides, head here and here.

Keep those VMs and DMs coming at 833-632-5463 and @athingortwohq!

the sponsors (and promos!)

  • Shop all of our favorite gift picks at MoMA Design Store—so much stunning stuff, and it’s 10% of now through November 24 with the code ATHINGORTWO online or in store.

  • Escape with Dipsea’s hot ‘n heavy audio stories—you get a free 30-day trial when you use our link.

  • Get cookin’ with Made In’s professional-grade cookware. 15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.

  • Dabble in CBD with Cure Crate and take 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.

YAY.

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Catherine Krenzer Catherine Krenzer

Mimi O Chun’s Delightful Art and Revisiting the Department Store

What a treat it is to talk to one of our favorite artists, Mimi O Chun, who just mounted her first gallery show! Deeply impressive, we know. Speaking of impressive, there’s one department store that’s doing it for us lately, and we (predictably) have a lot to say about that.

What a treat it is to talk to one of our favorite artists, Mimi O Chun, who just mounted her first gallery show! Deeply impressive, we know. Speaking of impressive, there’s one department store that’s doing it for us lately, and we (predictably) have a lot to say about that.

the linkage:

the sponsors (and promos!):

  • Find a professional counselor with BetterHelp—10% off your first month with our link.

  • Get moving with Girlfriend Collective’s sustainable, ethically made activewear. $25 off your first purchase of $100 or more when you use our link.

  • Grow thicker, healthier hair with Nutrafol. Your first month’s subscription is $15 off with the code ATHINGORTWO.

YAY.

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Catherine Krenzer Catherine Krenzer

A Butter Sculptor Retires and Kicking Off Oven-Season Baking

Today, we bring you love and affection for a renowned butter sculptor, complicated feelings about baking, and some pretty sweet recipes for Q4 2021.

Today, we bring you love and affection for a renowned butter sculptor, complicated feelings about baking, and some pretty sweet recipes for Q4 2021.

the linkage:

the sponsors (and promos!):

  • Find some chill with Calm and take 40% off a premium subscription with our link.

  • Treat your migraines with Cove. Your first month of medication is 50% off with our link.

  • Heat things up with Made In’s professional-grade cookware. 15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.

YAY.

Read More
Catherine Krenzer Catherine Krenzer

Sesame Street’s Social Media and Talking Recovery with A.J. Daulerio

Two content powerhouses we just can’t seem to get enough of these days: The Sesame Street crew on social media (looking at you, Count Von Count) and A.J. Daulerio in his newsletter The Small Bow and podcast Really Good Shares, both of which address recovery in really thoughtful, nuanced ways that speak to us as people who aren’t in recovery.

Two content powerhouses we just can’t seem to get enough of these days: The Sesame Street crew on social media (looking at you, Count Von Count) and A.J. Daulerio in his newsletter The Small Bow and podcast Really Good Shares, both of which address recovery in really thoughtful, nuanced ways that speak to us as people who aren’t in recovery.

the linkage:

the sponsors (and promos!):

  • Download the Zocdoc app (for free!) and schedule a doctor’s appointment already.

  • Take a break with Dipsea’s hot ‘n heavy audio stories—you get a free 30-day trial when you use our link.

  • Access professional counseling with BetterHelp—10% off your first month with our link!

  • Move around in Girlfriend Collective’s sustainable, ethically made activewear. $25 off your first purchase of $100 or more when you use our link.

YAY.

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Catherine Krenzer Catherine Krenzer

Getting All of Our Graphic-Design Questions Answered (Thanks, Projector!)

Wowowowow, are we grateful to our pals over at Projector, the free web-based software for collaborative design, for partnering with us on this ep to bring you—and us!—the scoop on colors, fonts, trends, and even some loose rules, ℅ a couple of our favorite designers to work with and one we aspire to work with someday. Obviously you’ll need to deep-dive into everything Colin Smight, Rachel Herzig, and Andrew Kuo after listening…

Wowowowow, are we grateful to our pals over at Projector, the free web-based software for collaborative design, for partnering with us on this ep to bring you—and us!—the scoop on colors, fonts, trends, and even some loose rules, ℅ a couple of our favorite designers to work with and one we aspire to work with someday. Obviously you’ll need to deep-dive into everything Colin Smight, Rachel Herzig, and Andrew Kuo after listening…

the linkage:

the sponsors (and promos!):

  • Get ready to fall as hard for Projector as we have. It’s basically like Google Drive for design projects, and we use it daily. You don’t need any design experience to use it, and free—to sign up, to use, all of it.

YAY.

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Catherine Krenzer Catherine Krenzer

Cow Potty-Training and the Beauty Products of Our Youth

The perfection of the packaging of Clinique’s 3-Step System. The joy of convincing a dad at a drugstore that lipgloss is just a balm. The best possible name for a cow toilet, the MooLoo. Oh, what an ep we have in store for you.


The perfection of the packaging of Clinique’s 3-Step System. The joy of convincing a dad at a drugstore that lipgloss is just a balm. The best possible name for a cow toilet, the MooLoo. Oh, what an ep we have in store for you.

the linkage:

the sponsors (and promos!):

  • Get professional counseling with BetterHelp—10% off your first month with our link!

  • Try Nutrafol for thicker, healthier hair. Your first month’s subscription is $15 off with the code ATHINGORTWO.

  • Download the Zocdoc app (for free!) and schedule a doctor’s appointment already.

YAY.

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Catherine Krenzer Catherine Krenzer

Michigan Star Restaurants, Patient Advocacy, Covid Weddings, and A+ Apps

You know what we have a lot to say about today? A lot of things, from high praise for neighborhood restaurants and actually useful apps to sharing weddings FAQs and advocating for yourself at the doctor’s office.


You know what we have a lot to say about today? A lot of things, from high praise for neighborhood restaurants and actually useful apps to sharing weddings FAQs and advocating for yourself at the doctor’s office. 

the linkage:

  • Behold, the Covid wedding template of our dreams:

    Our beloved friends & family,

    It's only 30 days until our wedding! We're so glad that you are coming and celebrating this special day with us. 

    A few announcements regarding the wedding: 

    Serious stuff

    • You must be fully vaccinated to attend the event. Please send your proof of vaccination to EMAIL ADDRESS.

    • For children and adults with underlying medical conditions preventing them from getting vaccinated, we ask that you obtain a negative PCR Covid-19 test result within 48 hours prior to the event.

    • Your health is of utmost importance to us, and we have therefore decided to cancel ANY CHANGES TO EVENT SCHEDULE.

    Fun stuff

    • X, Y, Z!

  • Apps worth your limited phone storage space: Weather Strip, Libby, and PictureThis (related-ish: Merlin Bird ID). 

the sponsors (and promos!):

YAY.

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Catherine Krenzer Catherine Krenzer

Thingies! And Getting Our Crossword/Spelling Bee Fix.

More all-time fave products, coming your way in today’s Thingies episode! If you want to catch up on past installments, dive right in. To kick us off, though: a word about word games.


More all-time fave products, coming your way in today’s Thingies episode! If you want to catch up on past installments, dive right in. To kick us off, though: a word about word games.

the linkage:

the sponsors (and promos!):

  • Destress with Calm and take 40% off a premium subscription with our link.

  • Slip into Girlfriend Collective’s sustainable, ethically made activewear. $25 off your first purchase of $100 or more when you use our link.

  • Try professional counseling with BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month with our link.

  • Tackle migraines with Cove and take 50% off your first month of medication and get free two-day shipping with our link.

  • Pare down your packing with the hard-working pieces from Delyx. Take 15% off your first order with the code ATOTP15, too!

YAY.

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Catherine Krenzer Catherine Krenzer

Cereal, Periods, and Some Strong Middle-School Energy

Why is it that talking about cereal and periods brings on waves of nostalgia? If you feel the same, well, please do share: 833-632-5463 or @athingortwohq.


Why is it that talking about cereal and periods brings on waves of nostalgia? If you feel the same, well, please do share: 833-632-5463 or @athingortwohq.

the linkage:

the sponsors (and promos!):

  • Listen to How To Do the Pot for solid advice about weed for women by women. Find it wherever you get your podcasts!

  • Access professional counseling with BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month with our link.

  • Use the free online graphic-design platform Projector to spiff up all kinds of stuff.

  • Try Nutrafol for thicker, healthier hair. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.

YAY.

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Catherine Krenzer Catherine Krenzer

How Photographer Gillian Laub Worked through Family Political Tension (Also: Vegan Hot-Dog Racing)

Gillian Laub’s photography makes us cry. And laugh! What we’re saying is, it’s magical, and just wait until you hear about her latest project Family Matters, a book and an exhibit exploring family (hers, specifically) in a politically divided America. Something we need to address first, though: racing hot dogs (vegan ones, specifically).

Gillian Laub’s photography makes us cry. And laugh! What we’re saying is, it’s magical, and just wait until you hear about her latest project Family Matters, a book and an exhibit exploring family (hers, specifically) in a politically divided America. Something we need to address first, though: racing hot dogs (vegan ones, specifically).

the linkage:

the sponsors (and promos!):

  • Give Nutrafol a try for thicker, healthier hair. Your first month’s subscription is $15 off with the code ATHINGORTWO.

  • Tune into Dipsea’s sexy audio stories—a free 30-day trial is yours when you use our link.

  • Download the Zocdoc app (for free!) and schedule a doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off.

  • Use Modern Fertility’s finger-prick test to get a handle on your fertility. It’s $20 off when you use our link.

YAY.

Read More
Catherine Krenzer Catherine Krenzer

A Friendship Classified Ad, Intergenerational Friendships, and Group Chats (with All the Friends)

Pals, it’s a friendship grab bag! We’re chatting with Katie Seaver, a deep-thinker looking for a deep friendship who placed a classified ad in our newsletter seeking one, and then we’re diving into friendship age gaps and group chat dynamics (a whole thing!).

Pals, it’s a friendship grab bag! We’re chatting with Katie Seaver, a deep-thinker looking for a deep friendship who placed a classified ad in our newsletter seeking one, and then we’re diving into friendship age gaps and group chat dynamics (a whole thing!).

the linkage:

the sponsors (and promos!):

YAY.

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Catherine Krenzer Catherine Krenzer

Hair Length, Produce Refrigeration, and the Internet’s Best Product Descriptions

That’s right That’s right: today’s ep is a real grab bag, and we imagine you have thoughts? Share them! At @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463! If this is exactly the kind of content you’re in the market for, Secret Menu will be up your alley, too.

That’s right: today’s ep is a real grab bag, and we imagine you have thoughts? Share them! At @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463! If this is exactly the kind of content you’re in the market for, Secret Menu will be up your alley, too.

the linkage:

the sponsors (and promos!):

  • Give BetterHelp a go for professional counseling and get 10% off your first month with our link.

  • Use Modern Fertility’s finger-prick test to get a handle on your fertility. It’s $20 off when you use our link.

  • Clear your head with Calm and take 40% off a premium subscription with our link.

  • Tackle migraines with Cove. Your first month of medication is 50% off with our link.

YAY.

Read More
Catherine Krenzer Catherine Krenzer

Oysters and Fast Food (Talk About Well-Rounded)

In which we reveal that our ideal meal might involve grilled oysters, McDonald’s fries, and a Dairy Queen Blizzard. Hey, they’re all tastes of summer, ok?

In which we reveal that our ideal meal might involve grilled oysters, McDonald’s fries, and a Dairy Queen Blizzard. Hey, they’re all tastes of summer, ok?

the linkage:

the sponsors (and promos!):

YAY.

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Catherine Krenzer Catherine Krenzer

Nora McInerny on Supporting People Through the Hard Stuff (and a Gift Idea Too)

How do you show up for your people when they're grieving, dealing with loss, and/or just generally going through a really shitty time? What a genuine joy it was to talk about this with Nora McInerny, whose podcast Terrible, Thanks for Asking you obviously know (right?). And first: some JIC gifts.

How do you show up for your people when they’re grieving, dealing with loss, and/or just generally going through a really shitty time? What a genuine joy it was to talk about this with Nora McInerny, whose podcast Terrible, Thanks for Asking you obviously know (right?). And first: some JIC gifts.

the linkage:

the sponsors (and promos!):

  • Download the *free* Zocdoc app and schedule a doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off.

  • Try Nutrafol for thicker, healthier hair. Your first month’s subscription is $15 off with the code ATHINGORTWO.

  • Get professional counseling with BetterHelp take 10% off your first month with our link.

YAY.

Read More
Catherine Krenzer Catherine Krenzer

Curious Home Items and That New New York Vibe

Introducing the chair and half! And reintroducing the greatest city in the world, New York! We’ve brought our enthusiasm, friends, and we’re hoping you’ll join us.

Introducing the chair and half! And reintroducing the greatest city in the world, New York! We’ve brought our enthusiasm, friends, and we’re hoping you’ll join us.

the linkage:

the sponsors (and promos!):

  • Get excited to cook again with Made In’s professional-grade cookware—15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.

  • Tune into How To Do the Pot for practical advice about weed for women by women. Wherever you get your podcasts!

  • Find out where to get your COVID-19 vaccine near you at vaccines.gov.

  • Look to American Giant’s Premium Slub Tees for T-shirts that last ‘n last and get 15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Find out where to get your COVID-19 vaccine near you at vaccines.gov.

YAY.

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Podcast Episodes Claire Mazur Podcast Episodes Claire Mazur

Online Shopping Tricks ‘n Tips...and Ending Vacation Early

How do we wrap up vacation? How do we shop for clothes on the internet? Well!

How do we wrap up vacation? How do we shop for clothes on the internet? Well!

The linkage:

the sponsors (and promos!):

  • Find out where to get your COVID-19 vaccine near you at vaccines.gov.

  • Learn about your body with Base and take 20% off of your first month of membership with the code ATHINGORTWO.

  • Get good at doing your nails with Olive & June's tremendous Mani System and take 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.

  • Try BetterHelp for professional counseling and get 10% off your first month with our link.

YAY.

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Podcast Episodes Claire Mazur Podcast Episodes Claire Mazur

The Idea of You Casting Drama and a Friendship Deep-Dive

If you’ve ever had questions about our (19 years of!) friendship, wade on into this episode, which was sparked by the heartwarmingly genius Summer of Friendship series from Call Your Girlfriend. And if you’ve ever wondered about our thoughts on making The Idea of You book into a movie...well, that too!

If you’ve ever had questions about our (19 years of!) friendship, wade on into this episode, which was sparked by the heartwarmingly genius Summer of Friendship series from Call Your Girlfriend. And if you’ve ever wondered about our thoughts on making The Idea of You book into a movie...well, that too!

The linkage:

the sponsors (and promos!):

  • Try Modern Fertility’s finger-prick test to get a handle on your fertility. It’s $20 off when you use our link.

  • Heat things up with Made In’s professional-grade cookware—15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.

  • Turn to BetterHelp for professional counseling and get 10% off your first month with our link.

  • Find out where to get your COVID-19 vaccine near you at vaccines.gov.

YAY.

Read More