All Of It: Maris Kreizman and Josh Gondelman Talk Partnership, Hope, and Life Together

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Release Date: June 25, 2025
• Guests: Maris Kreizman (Author of I Want to Burn This Place Down) and Josh Gondelman (Comedian with special Positive Reinforcement)
• Description: ALL OF IT explores culture and its consumers, engaging thinkers, doers, and creators to delve into the "what and why" of their work. Hosted by Alison Stewart, the show fosters a community that values diverse perspectives, reflecting the vibrancy of New York City.

**1. Introduction to the Guests

Alison Stewart welcomes listeners back to All Of It, introducing the episode's guests, Maris Kreizman and Josh Gondelman. Maris has recently published her book, I Want to Burn This Place Down, while Josh has released a comedy special titled Positive Reinforcement. Both are acclaimed writers based in Brooklyn, bringing their creative endeavors to the forefront of the conversation.

Alison Stewart (00:29): "They are two well-known writers living in Brooklyn and they both have creative work for you to enjoy coming out at the same time."

2. Collaboration and Feedback in Writing

The conversation begins with Josh discussing his collaborative process with Maris. He describes Maris as his first reader for jokes, highlighting the importance of honest feedback in his comedic work.

Josh Gondelman (01:10): "Maris is my first reader for jokes and by that I talk her ear off all the time and she's extremely gracious about it."

Maris adds that while Josh is generally kind, he also has a playful side that emerges among friends and within their marriage.

Maris Kreizman (02:14): "He's kind. And that's a big difference, because my favorite Josh is talking smack Josh."

3. Relationship Dynamics and Humor

Exploring the dynamics of their relationship, Josh emphasizes the value of Maris's feedback and her role in refining his jokes without diminishing his creative spirit.

Josh Gondelman (01:23): "If I ask her, it's because I want to know what she thinks. And often it'll be like an idea that I think is popping out doesn't come across quite as vividly as I thought."

Maris reflects on Josh's ability to balance kindness with humor, fostering a supportive and joyful partnership.

4. Meeting and Dating Journey

Maris shares her past cynicism about love and societal expectations that one must "work on yourself" before being worthy of love—a notion that was transformed upon meeting Josh.

Maris Kreizman (02:59): "I met Josh one day and everything changed, and I didn't do anything to myself. And that is an amazing lesson."

They recount their first meeting at a blog's third birthday party hosted by Maris, highlighting the serendipitous nature of their relationship.

Maris Kreizman (03:35): "This is the most 2015 thing ever, which is that I was hosting an after party for my blog's third birthday party."

Josh Gondelman (04:02): "We knew of each other, but didn't know each other, and we just got along immediately. It was like, really special and wonderful, and I'm glad."

5. Navigating Together as Writers

Addressing potential challenges of being a writing couple, they discuss managing egos and ensuring mutual support without letting professional identities interfere with their personal relationship.

Maris Kreizman (04:45): "I can see in other relationships that maybe the egos get in the way. Two writers in the house. But I think we do a really good job."

6. Mutual Support and Pep Talks

Pep talks play a significant role in their relationship. While Josh is known for offering encouragement, Maris also provides the same support, creating a balanced and nurturing environment.

Josh Gondelman (05:47): "I try to be encouraging of Maris...I think Joshua's skill is I give him pep talks because he is the person I love, and he spreads joy to other people."

Maris Kreizman (06:07): "It's often an outfit. But I think Joshua's skill is I give him pep talks because he is the person I love, and he spreads joy to other people."

7. Overcoming Health Challenges Together

A poignant moment in the conversation revolves around an incident during their wedding anniversary dinner in Miami, where Maris experienced a spike in blood sugar levels. Maris emphasizes the importance of Josh's support during health crises.

Maris Kreizman (09:15): "I could tell Josh what was happening and he would support me, and then I could try to look up from my phone and engage in dinner."

Josh Gondelman (10:05): "The first priority is always like, are you okay? And what can we do to help you feel okay and that, you know..."

This exchange underscores the depth of their partnership and the unwavering support they offer each other during challenging times.

8. Embracing New York City

Both Maris and Josh discuss their identities as New Yorkers, reflecting on their gradual immersion into the city's culture and community. For Josh, adopting a local sports team was a significant step in feeling truly part of New York.

Josh Gondelman (11:30): "I think adopting a sports team was like, oh, I, like, am really."

Maris shares her realization that many suburban myths about New York City are false, leading her to embrace the city's social and cultural landscape more fully.

Maris Kreizman (12:37): "I started to realize that a lot of the suburban myths about New York City are just not true."

9. Affordable Date Ideas in New York

Recognizing the high costs associated with dating in New York City, Maris and Josh offer creative and budget-friendly date suggestions:

• Josh: Recommends exploring new parks and enjoying activities like walking with coffee or visiting The Met, which offers a "pay what you want" option.

  Josh Gondelman (13:08): "We would go to parks we haven't been to and just like, have a nice park, walk with coffee and that's really fun."

• Maris: Prefers simple, intimate outings such as walking to Brooklyn Bridge Park's pier for cocktails and enjoying the river view.

  Maris Kreizman (13:44): "We would often walk to the pier at Brooklyn Bridge Park and get to go cocktails and sit on the bench and look out at the river and enjoy them together."

These suggestions highlight the couple's ability to find joy in simple, meaningful experiences without the pressure of high expenses.

**10. Highlights and Insights

Throughout the episode, Maris and Josh offer valuable insights into maintaining a healthy, supportive, and creatively stimulating relationship. Their discussions emphasize:

• Communication: Open and honest feedback is crucial, especially in creative partnerships.
• Support: Mutual encouragement and understanding strengthen their bond.
• Adaptability: Embracing each other's differences and navigating challenges together fosters resilience.
• Community Engagement: Immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of New York City enhances their personal and professional lives.

Josh Gondelman (07:31): "What I did was so beautiful with it, so."

Maris Kreizman (08:29): "Lucky in that I don't think there's anything that I could have done to change what had happened."

Their journey serves as an inspiring model for couples balancing personal relationships with creative careers, all while thriving in the dynamic environment of New York City.

Discover More:

• Maris Kreizman: I Want to Burn This Place Down
• Josh Gondelman: Positive Reinforcement

Thank you, Maris and Josh, for sharing your heartfelt and humorous insights on All Of It. Your stories illustrate the beauty of partnership, creativity, and the vibrant culture that defines New York City.