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- [00:08]
A
This is all of it. I'm Alison Stewart live from the WNYC studios in soho. Thank you for sharing your day with us. I am grateful that you're here. On today's show, two curators from the New York Historical join us to talk about an exhibit at the museum titled the Gay Harlem Renaissance. And we will celebrate one of New York's most beloved holiday traditions. The Radio City Rock Rockettes will be joined in studio by the group's director and choreographer along with two current dancers. That's the plan. So let's get this started with how to handle the holidays if you're solo. The holidays are depicted as a time of coming together, but many of us know the holidays can also be a lonely time. And, and not to mention the cold weather and early sunsets that can contribute to a feeling of, well, isolation. It can be a tough time not to have a community. So we want to start off today's show by offering just that, a community. For the next half hour, we're going to be taking your calls and building an on air radio holiday party support group. And with me to put some pep into it is friend of the show and comedian Josh Gondelman. His latest comedy special is called Positive Radio Reinforcement. Hi Josh. Hello.
- [01:31]
B
Thank you so much for having me and happy holidays.
- [01:33]
A
Happy holidays to you listeners. This is a call in segment. We're counting on you to keep us company here. Tell us about be about being on your own during the holidays. Call or text us now at 2124-339692-22433. WNYC. Let me turn the page. One, two, three. Here we go. Okay. And if you're spending the holidays on your own this year, have you done it before? We what are your plans? What places of community have you found? How has it helped you? Or are you perfectly content being on your own? How do you like to spend your time alone during the winter? Call or text us at 2124-3396-9221-2433. WNYC. By the way, we have Josh here and he is the master of the art of the pep talk. If you are feeling like you'd use a little encouragement, there's no shame in that. Call in and tell us whatever you could use, a pep talk for now or into the new year. Our number is 2124-3396-9221-2433. WNYC. While we wait for the calls to come in, let's talk about it. Why do you think the holidays can be a kind of a hard time to feel alone.
- [02:44]
B
I think we. There's such cultural weight right. On the holidays, especially Christmas and Thanksgiving in the US where there's, there's just like all these indelible images of families celebrating and traditions that, that often require a number of people to participate in. And I think, you know, it's one of those things where I do believe that if you are not feeling good, seeing people feeling great on social media while you are in a tough place, it can sometimes hit that feeling.
- [03:13]
A
Yeah, yeah. You know, Corey Floyd wrote this book called the Loneliness Cure and says loneliness and aloneness are not the same thing. How do you think about the difference between being lonely and alone?
- [03:27]
B
Yeah, I think you can really fill solitude with meaning. Right. Like I. I was just on tour, touring with some musician friends for the first half of the month and it was so wonderful and I was so glad to be a part of it. And we were sleeping on a tour bus, which I'd never done before.
- [03:43]
A
Oh, wow.
- [03:44]
B
And that was like constant community, which was so beautiful. And everyone was really like thoughtful and considerate and we had so much fun. And then on the nights when I was in a hotel, like, you know, where we had hotel rooms, I was like, oh, a door. And like I. I can for a moment. And like, I think that is just kind of a microcosm. That's like one example of like, oh, right. Just because you were by yourself doesn't mean it has to be a bad feeling.
- [04:08]
A
It doesn't have to be a bad feeling at all.
- [04:10]
B
And it's much better. That was like good situation. Two different good situation. I think it's so much nicer to be alone and get to be self directed even around the holidays than in a situation that's like not happy or healthy for you.
- [04:24]
A
Yeah. I took a staycation last week and I spent one night in a hotel just by myself.
- [04:29]
B
It's great.
- [04:30]
A
No child, nothing. Not that I don't love my child, but it was just like I had this period of alone time. I could write, I could think about what the show is gonna be. I could think about what I wanted for the world.
- [04:40]
B
A few years back, my wife Maris did that just to like work on a writing project she was doing. And she was like, I'm gonna get myself a hotel for one night in. That's like six blocks from where we live. And then if. And I took care of the dog for, you know, for overnight. And then she came back the next day, like late morning, early afternoon, and she had gotten a bunch of stuff done. And just, like, we had both had a little bit of solitude in a way that was, like, really beneficial for her creatively. And I didn't. You know, I obviously, like, love to have my beautiful, wonderful wife to snuggle up with at night, but it was. I was not, like, in despair knowing that she was six blocks away.
- [05:18]
A
Well, when you think about being alone, when can it be? We talked about why it's good to be alone. When is it tough to be alone? When are some times you need to think, you know, maybe I need to find a community.
- [05:28]
B
You were talking about the kind of expectation, or I was talking about the kind of weight of holiday expectation, and that's one thing. But I do think there are times where it is, like, really helpful outside of the big social benchmarks of the year, and times where we expect to be around people. But, like, when you need community, right? When something isn't going well for you and you'd like to. You need comfort and support and love, or even times where things are going well and you go, man, I can't drink this whole bottle of champagne by my. Or I can, but it's gonna be a rough tomorrow.
- [06:04]
A
You know, it's important to remember that loneliness, it can be unavoidable at times when you want it to be. When you don't want it to be. How do you think recognizing feelings of loneliness can be motivating?
- [06:18]
B
It definitely helps to fix a problem when you can diagnose it, right? Like, if you're by yourself and you. You're feeling bad and you kind of can't figure out why, or if you've had a period of protracted isolation that maybe you thought was going to be helpful and good for you or maybe was unexpected, and then you go, oh, I'm lonely. It is truly, like, the first step towards going like, oh, I'm going to reach out to my community or foster a community is knowing that not having that is making you feel bad.
- [06:49]
A
I'm talking to Josh Gondelman. We're taking your calls. Are you spending the holidays on your own this year? Have you done it before? What are your plans? What have you done in the past? What do you recommend to other people who are doing this for the first time? Our phone number is 2124-3396-9221-2433. WNYC. Josh is also here. He's the master of the pep talk. So if you're feeling alone or out of sorts and you could Use a little encouragement. There's no shame in that. Call in and tell us what you could use a pep talk for. Our number is 2124-3396-9221-2433. WNYC. Let's talk to Josh. Another Josh. This one's on Long Island. Hi, Josh.
- [07:30]
C
Hi.
- [07:30]
D
How are you today?
- [07:31]
A
Doing okay.
- [07:34]
D
That's about all I can say as well. Doing the best we can. Which I guess.
- [07:38]
C
The best we can, exactly.
- [07:41]
E
Yeah.
- [07:41]
D
So you know my father. I got a call from the police a little over a month ago. My father was on the side of the road and he had two flat tires. It was like six o' clock in the morning on a Sunday.
- [07:55]
A
Oh.
- [07:56]
D
And he didn't know what year it was. So I spoke to him a little later that day and, you know, he just said he got confused between what year it was and what, what year he was born. But I've been very active in. I'm an attorney and I've been trying to make the world a better place. And people ask me what kind of law I practice, and I say, save the world a lot. I guess I'm not very good at it.
- [08:22]
B
I wouldn't put that all on your shoulders.
- [08:24]
A
Yeah, let's give him a pep talk. Let's give him a pep talk.
- [08:27]
B
I think even the intent of doing sa the world type law is so important and the best you can do for other people. Like you said, all you can do is all you can do. But anyway, I'm sorry to interrupt your story, but I appreciate your effort because a lot of people are practicing ruin the world law or ruin the world business.
- [08:42]
A
Josh, we wish you and your family well. We really appreciate it. You know, there's a psychologist who writes for Forbes. He published an article about, about why people feel alone during the holidays. And one of his reasons was he, you're lonely because your expectations don't match your reality. How do you handle feelings of social comparison and wanting to live up to those expectations?
- [09:08]
B
Ooh, it is really tough. And again, I think when expectations are kind of set externally, it makes it double hard. Right. And I think, like, thinking about what I really want from a situation versus, like, what I'm being told is the norm is always helpful to me. Going like, oh, you know, people. I'm seeing people have these big holiday parties sometimes if I'm out of town for work. And I think, you know what? Like, I have, like, a really wonderful life that I'm doing the things that I want to be doing. And when I Want to engage with my community in that way. Like, when I'm back, we can have a party for any reason.
- [09:46]
A
Another thing on that list, that Forbes list, it says you're lonely because you're checked out. The idea that even if you're around people, you may feel lonely because you don't feel connected to. To them.
- [09:57]
B
Yeah.
- [09:57]
A
What kind of pep talk would you give someone in that position?
- [10:00]
B
Oh, you know, I know that feeling well. I feel like in a movie it's almost always like portrayed as person at pool party where everyone is having a good time, dives into the pool by themselves and like, sits at the bottom of the water. But I do think that they're like, reminding yourself to be present is really helpful. Like, ask. I always find, like, mirroring the behavior that I would like to see at an engage in an engagement, like, that is helpful. Like, if I wish more people were asking me questions. If I'm like, oh, nobody's talking to me. It's like, oh, well, you can just talk to someone else. There's no like, law against it. Go over and say, like, how have you been? What's new? I like, really. I love. I really get into grilling people. I did it last night at a friend's birthday and I was like, I'm so sorry if this is uncomfortable for you, but I just like, get curious meeting new people. And I think like, that showing off that you're into that kind of conversation, that you don't want to be left alone. You're not like, waiting for your friends to come back from the bathroom or whatever is really helpful to make new friends.
- [11:00]
A
Was it helpful to you last night at this party?
- [11:03]
B
Yeah, totally. It was really nice because I sometimes get overwhelmed in a big gathering. I love a one on one or like a one on two Canadian doubles type conversation. But I do think that just diving in with the thing you want to be a part of or it's like, same forget conversation. If you're like, no one's out on the dance floor, get out on the dance floor. That's not my mo. That. That is fully. That. That's. I'm a hypocrite in that sense. But I do think other people might benefit from that.
- [11:33]
A
Hi, I love your show. This text says, I'm Kat from Mount Tabor, New Jersey. Our tiny town has its own Facebook group. There are many posts with things happening at the library, like crafts or art shows. When people need help, a post goes up and people always respond to help. Everything is walking distance and we have our Own tree lighting. We also collect K for those in need at our church. It feels like family when you're alone. Oh, and I love Josh.
- [11:59]
B
Oh, thank you. That's really kind. And that's so beautiful to, like, tap in. I think, like, there are so few places where there are people and there isn't community. You know what I mean? And it's just like finding that stream to join in and be carried along by or to paddle along with.
- [12:17]
A
Here's a question. This is a text. Someone said, my young adult kids just lost their grandfather. My daughter's feeling very sad and her instinct is to cancel Christmas or opt out. I feel strongly that Christmas will help cheer us up and come together. And I'd be even more depressed if I don't celebrate the holiday. What advice do you have for us?
- [12:36]
B
Oh, that is really heavy. I think it's always such a. A delicate balance between, like, honoring someone's desire for solitude and doing the kindness in many cases, and certainly the intended kindness. Excuse me. Of drawing them out a little bit.
- [12:56]
F
Do you wanna take some water?
- [12:57]
B
I'm gonna take a little sip real quick.
- [12:59]
A
Sorry.
- [12:59]
F
It looks good with your outfit, by the way.
- [13:01]
B
Thank you very much. Yeah, I tried to color coordinate with my clothes and such, but yeah, I think maybe even asking your daughter. You said young adult children if there is a tradition that would be meaningful for them to continue. Right. Instead of, you don't have to opt. Are all out. It's like how you can deselect some cookies when you're browsing the Internet.
- [13:22]
A
Right.
- [13:23]
B
If, like, going to a big family dinner is maybe too much, then maybe you want to do presents under the tree with a smaller family group. And I think whatever brings someone comfort at a time like this, it's not always rational and it's not always consistent, but, like, really checking in with each other and doing. And like being there for each other instead of just like, dragging someone along with the experience that you want to have, maybe, or you want them to have is like a really generous and. And in many ways selfless way to behave.
- [13:56]
F
Let's talk to Shimmy, who's calling in from Rockland County.
- [13:59]
A
Hi, Shimmy.
- [14:00]
F
Thanks for making the time to call. All of it.
- [14:02]
C
You're welcome. Indeed. I wanted to add a couple of things. Number one is there was a period of time in my life that I was alone, but I was not lonely. And I think that they ought to be a clear distinction between the two, because loneliness can become sickening. Being alone does not necessarily. The truth is that I got involved in a variety of things that I like to do and I would recommend that to people even if they're not involved currently. Find yourself something that you like to do. I, for one, love singing. So I joined the choir and that kept me busy. And then I joined a congregation and that kept me busy. And then the family and that kept me busy. They were all far away and I was alone, but I was never lonely to the point where I was also in a relationship at that time. And a it was not always clear what I am and I wrote a song about it. I wrote a poet a poem about it and unfortunately I cannot say it because it's all Hebrew. But yeah, being alone does not necessarily mean being lonely.
- [15:29]
F
Thank you so much for calling in Shimmy. We really appreciate your experience. We're talking about being alone this holiday season. Our pal our ride along is Josh Gondelman. We'll have more after the break. This is all of it.
- [15:53]
A
You're listening to all of IT on wnyc. I'm Alison Stewart. My guest in studio is Josh Gondelman and we are taking your calls. We want to know, are you spending the holidays on your own this year? Have you done it before? What are your plans or what have you done in the past? What do you recommend to other people who are on their own this holiday season? 212-433-969-2212, wnyc. That's our phone line or our text line. We also have Josh who is amazing with a pep talk. If you need a pep talk this holiday season, we got that too. 2124-3396-9221-2433, WNYC. We got this text. Josh. Hey, my whole family is sick so we are having a small Christmas this year. I was really looking forward to seeing everyone. What should I do?
- [16:42]
B
Yeah, that's so tough. I like hate looking forward to something and having plans fall through. I know that makes me extremely unique. Nobody else has that issue. But I do think like this is a two pronged effort. One, you don't need it to be the holidays to convene with family. You can reschedule for anytime that people are free or even in smaller groups. I think that that is really helpful to quickly pivot to making another great. And then the other thing is I brought up social media as being kind of a tool of comparison and often disappointment. But I also think that, like the technology that we have to zoom with the whole family or have FaceTimes with individual family Members one at a time if they're not up for like a big, chaotic virtual Christmas, I think is like really nice. And it really is effective when you employ the those tools towards community and family and togetherness as opposed to just like feeling like you're on the outside of the glass watching everybody eat a beautiful Christmas dinner.
- [17:45]
A
This kind of goes to our next text. It says, I need a pep talk for my partner, Jay. While I'm able to travel to see my family, he works retail and rarely has enough time to travel to see his family or my family. Shout out to all the retail workers during the holiday. We need a pep talk for Jay who can't see their family truly.
- [18:06]
B
And shout out to all the people who have to work through holidays that are pulled away from family. Or maybe choosing this because it's a really helpful financial time to work if you're making time and a half or double time or whatever, I think that can be really stressful and difficult. And again, I think that making a plan to see family at a time that's maybe a little less traditional or expected is always really helpful. And figuring out when you're off work, what are ways to meaningfully feel community, whether it's like a work family Christmas, if you have that kind of relationship with coworkers, or like find the other city bound Christmas orphans, which is what my wife and I often do on Christmas Eve is have some friends over just to celebrate that way. So I think there are ways to create meaningful new traditions and see family, you know, outside, outside of this time.
- [19:06]
A
Let's talk to Fidel who's calling in from Jersey City. Hi, Fidel, thanks for taking the time.
- [19:11]
F
To call, all of it. You're on the air.
- [19:14]
G
Hey, Allison, I, you know, I just want to speak to the people that might be alone or experiencing some shift in their holiday plans. I come from a really small family, so the holidays were never that impactful. And also I was in the service industry, so working every single holiday. But as I grew older and had more time and the holidays were free, I sometimes felt like a total outcast because everybody was running around and doing their own thing. And I found so much strength in New York because if you just go out for a walk in New York City and are open to have random conversations which are and can be so combustible in the city, from pleasantries to politics to whatever topic it is.
- [20:25]
C
Just.
- [20:26]
G
Try to embrace that and not look at it like you're being left out. And if that doesn't strike your fancy, I think Maybe the safest and always assured way to go is do something for somebody. Make some cookies for your neighbors. I mean, they would be so happy, and he would be happy at seeing their reaction.
- [20:51]
C
So.
- [20:51]
G
So maybe that's just my little way of feeling part of it.
- [20:58]
F
Thank you so much for calling, Fidel.
- [21:00]
B
That's really wonderful. I think volunteering is such a nice way to spend a holiday when you don't have another tradition or another plan in place. I always recommend Jewish Christmas. Right. Chinese food and going to the movies, which is also lovely to do when you're alone. It's nice to have a routine and a rhythm and still feel a little celebratory. I would be remiss if I didn't bring up my good friend Nate Fridson, years ago, had just moved to New York. We had both just moved to New York City, and this is probably 14 years ago. And he was by himself for Christmas and didn't have a couch yet. So he invented the holiday of whiskey. Basketball day. Watched the entire NBA slate of games, five games in a row, with a bottle of whiskey. But you could also do it with seltzer or eggnog. You know, whatever beverage is healthy and happy for you to celebrate with. And now every year, people post pictures and pictures of themselves sitting on the floor of their apartment having a. Having a beverage and watching some basketball. So I think, like, you can create meaning in whatever venue is meaningful to you, even when it's a little. Starts as a little tongue in cheek, but really helps build that community and fortify relationships.
- [22:13]
F
Let's talk to Caroline from Brooklyn. Hi, Caroline, you're on the air.
- [22:17]
H
Hi. Thanks so much for taking my call.
- [22:20]
F
Sure.
- [22:21]
H
Yeah. So I. A couple. Couple years ago, I had a flight home to see my family for Christmas, and there was a lot of snow. I live in Brooklyn. My flight got canceled. And instead of scrambling to rebook the flight and try and get home and, you know, in time to see my family, I decided to stay put. And I actually developed some great traditions for solo Christmas that I now do, even with my partner, with other people. And the tradition is on Christmas Eve, you roast a chicken, you do a baking project. You're in the kitchen, you just, you know, have a whole project. And then on Christmas Day, you can't go anywhere because everywhere is closed. And so you make chicken broth from the chicken carcass, and you have it on the stove all day. In 2022, I watched an entire season of white lotus that day. You can do whatever you want, but you're just at home, you're cozy, and then in the middle of the day, you go out on a walk. And in Brooklyn on Christmas Day, it's really quiet and it's really peaceful and it's amazing to just walk around the city on that day and just enjoy the peace and quiet. So those are my traditions.
- [23:27]
A
They're very good ones. Thanks so much for calling in. This text says, I'm an immigrant from China. For 20 years, I spent all the holidays away from my family, including Chinese holiday shout out to all the immigrants who are living fulfilling lives while sacrificing the conventional expectations. This text says, my boyfriend and I recently broke up and he told me he's been seeing someone new. I suddenly feel so lonely and I miss him so much. Thinking about how last year we were so cozy around this time, I miss him. Can I have a pep talk to get through this?
- [23:57]
B
Yeah, for sure. That is so hard. And it's like a real, a real kick in the stomach, I think, you know, metaphorically, to hear that even though it doesn't have anything to do with your life and your potential for happiness. And I think this is a, you know, not to say like, oh, actually it's a good thing because I, you know, forget a silver lining. But there is, this is an opportunity to create new, durable traditions for yourself. Like our last caller said that you could, can share with a partner in the future, right? Like things that make you happy that you can keep and hold onto in your life. Partnered, single, around friends, around family. And I think that, like, this pain isn't going to be forever. And you do have. There are other people in your community and in your life who would love to have a cozy holiday or help make your holiday more cozy.
- [24:51]
A
This one says, I'm an only child, married to a big family. For 45 years, we've done his family. So now my little family, four adult kids, have no rituals. I decided to go to his family's Christmas this year and spend it alone. Wait. Yeah, something like that. Well, anyway, the person says she's looking forward to a hot bath.
- [25:08]
B
Hot bath is real nice. This is really good. And I should say, if you're doing, if you're solo, like I love, we got whiskey basketball day. We've got White Lotus chicken stock day. If you're doing hot bath and ordering in, make sure that for the people who are working service industry, retail delivery, you're tipping generously, you're treating people who are working well, I think it is like a hard time for them. Oftentimes working through the holidays. And so, like, if you have a couple extra bucks to spare generously, I think it really makes a difference. And that's another way to care for each other.
- [25:40]
F
Let's talk to Maggie from Sleepy Hollow, New York. Hi, you're on the air.
- [25:46]
I
Hi, guys. I just wanted to share some ideas because I think of this time, if you're spending the holidays alone, as a moment for like self care, what I kind of call like self care hibernation, like doing all of the things that you kind of didn't get to do during the year. Now it's like a moment to hit pause and for someone to reboot a little bit. So the way that I like to do that. And I recommend taking like nature walks and exploring your local nature preserve. I live in Sleepy Hollow, and there's one right here called the Rockefeller Nature Preserve that is super, super beautiful, especially right now with the snow falling down. And then I love like gathering things from nature to make like little dried flower bouquets. You can even still gather flowers and twigs and things in the wintertime and save them over the season. Trying new things like painting, new hobbies that you've just never done before, moving your body and just kind of really exploring, as you guys were saying, new traditions, but things that you just didn't get to explore the rest of the year.
- [26:56]
F
Thanks so much for that call. Yeah, we got a text like that that says, when I find myself alone, I give myself a full special day of going somewhere. I really love the Met Museum, New York Botanical Gardens. It's sometimes better solo because I can go at my own pace and have a full, direct, unmediated experience.
- [27:13]
B
Yeah, I mean, that's such a good point. And I feel like everybody I know has things that they would like to do. Sometimes it's chores. And maybe you don't want to have an all chores holiday. But it's also like, oh, here's the book that's been sitting on my night table for months. And I, I keep saying I don't have time to read it. It's like, well, now you do. You know what I mean? And it's like the difference between loneliness and solitude can sometimes just be the intent of how you're using that time.
- [27:43]
A
Someone texted in, can Josh come back every week? His positive outlook is needed therapy. And it's interesting because your comedy special was titled Positive Reinforcement. You're known for sort of this upbeat.
- [27:56]
B
Yeah, I have a pretty gentle affect, I think.
- [27:59]
A
When did you realize this about yourself?
- [28:01]
B
You know, when I Stand up. I, like, hadn't quite figured out that that's, like, a thing about me that is kind of steady and productive rather than just, like, a thing that is a challenge to be overcome, that I'm kind of like, oh, okay, not bad. And I do think that, like, I really love art that explores darkness as well as, like, joy. But I do think that something. I've kind of fallen on my face trying to have, like, a harder edge at times in my standup and gone like, oh, you know what? This thing that is kind of a property of my personality. It can actually be an asset rather than just an annoyance.
- [28:40]
A
Is there room in comedy for upbeat behavior?
- [28:44]
B
I think there's so much great comedy that is made from a place of love and generosity. Like Atsuko. Her comedy specials are really wonderful. She has one on.
- [28:54]
A
Oh, they're good. Yes.
- [28:55]
B
One on Hulu, one on HBO Max that are really positive and warm and loving. I think, like, Joe Perez work. There are just so many Ian Carmel's special that came out this year. I think it's really wonderful that that is a tone that is emergent. I think there's a lot of kind of conventional wisdom that comedy comes from, like, telling hard truths or whatever. And I think being mean comes from hard truths. And sometimes that can be funny. And sometimes it's just like, oh, you just want to say the mean thing and have people clap.
- [29:26]
A
All right, we've got time for one more call.
- [29:27]
B
Let's do it.
- [29:28]
A
Rachel in Ridgewood, New Jersey, who is pulled over in a school line to call.
- [29:33]
B
Oh, my gosh. Hello, Rachel.
- [29:34]
A
Hi, Rachel.
- [29:36]
I
Hi.
- [29:36]
J
It's okay. They're not getting out for a few minutes. Yeah. So this is my question. My question is, how does the one who cares for those who are alone. And I have a friend who she's opting to be alone. She's choosing this. She has family who. Who wanted her to join them.
- [30:00]
H
And.
- [30:00]
J
Yet she chose not to do that. I'm helping see this friend through a very serious illness, and yet she cries to me about, this is so unfair. I didn't choose any of this. Now, like, this. This is all unfair. Don't get me wrong. I'm not a heartless person. I. A very close friend and helping this person a lot. But how do those of us who help others through the loneliness, you know, on Christmas, I don't want to have to be the person to say, but you chose this, like, or.
- [30:45]
A
I'm gonna dive right in, Rachel. Because this feeds into another text that talks about first Responders, people have to respond and also have to be on the end of taking care of other people during the holidays. Can we get a pep talk for people who have to take care of other people?
- [31:02]
B
Yeah, I mean, I think what you're doing at this time of year, people who have friends, relatives, professional obligations towards care. Right. Professional responsibilities, what you're doing is really meaningful and special to people. And I think it is, again, always a balance between making sure that you're not giving so much that you're depleted yourself. But it is really special and important. The, your presence and your care is going to be something that your friends, loved ones, you know, if you're a nurse, my sister is a physical therapist who often works through the holidays and like that care really means something to people, even when it feels onerous to take on, you know, And I think like, figuring out a way for you to recharge and receive care as well is really special and deserved. And I think like figuring out how to, to bring happiness into someone's life. And I, and to Rachel, I think offering something to your friend, maybe blocking out time to talk with them on Christmas or to visit with them or, or asking would it help if, if you had someone else visit? You know, I think like making sure that you're okay while you're making sure that they're okay is the best way to go about this because it doesn't do any good if you're helping someone else and then you're becoming sick and miserable and depleted as well.
- [32:27]
A
And a shout out to the first responders.
- [32:29]
B
Shout out to the huge shout out to the first responders who are, who are so necessary. We've all seen those videos of exploding fried turkeys and stuff. And so this is a hard time. Everybody's at home. There's a lot of fire and knives around. So thank you to our first responders and ambulance drivers and EMTs, fire department.
- [32:49]
A
Thank you, Josh Gondelman.
- [32:50]
F
We really appreciate all your good spirits.
- [32:52]
B
Thank you so much, Alison. This has been such a joy.
- [32:56]
E
This is Ira Flato, host of Science Friday. For over 30 years, the science Friday team has been reporting high quality science and technology news, making science fun for curious people by covering everything from the outer reaches of space to the rapidly changing world of AI to the tiniest microbes in our bodies. Audiences trust our show because they know we're driven by a mission to inform and serve listeners first and foremost with important news they won't get anywhere else. And our sponsors benefit from that halo effect. For more information on becoming a sponsor. Visit sponsorship.wnyc.org.