In this episode of Cozy Conversations, Michelle gets real about her decision to put down the booze and pick up something a little lighter (shoutout to Athletic Brewing Company and their delicious non-alcoholic beer). Michelle opens up about life without alcohol—sharing the wins and why it’s one of the best choices she’s made for her mind, body, and sleep.
From the health perks (hello, better sleep) to the social curveballs (ever tried explaining “I’m not drinking” at a party?), The Sister Project duo dives into what makes living alcohol-free so empowering. Of course, they sprinkle in cozy tangents about cooking, parenting, family dynamics, and even a little nostalgia.
So pour yourself a bubbly non-alcoholic something, settle in, and let the sisters take you away to a cozy headspace.
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This episode is sponsored by Helping Hands!
On this week’s Cozy Conversations, sisters Lauren and Michelle settle in for the kind of catch-up that feels like a good old-fashioned chat with your best friend. From plenty of laughs to some deeper reflections, it’s cozy chaos at its finest.
At the heart of this episode is a conversation about the decline of reading for pleasure. Why aren’t people picking up books like they used to? The sisters explore how reading shapes empathy, mental health, and personal growth—while keeping it real about ADHD distractions, guilty-pleasure genres, and the joy of stumbling upon that can’t-put-it-down book.
And because no Sister Project chat is ever linear, Lauren and Michelle also dive into the jaw-dropping true crime documentary Unknown Number.
So grab your coffee, curl up, and join the sisters as they make the case for why books are still the coziest companions in a world of endless scrolling.
Hot Topics: Baseball drama, Chicago Field Museum, and narcissists.
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This week, Lauren and Michelle cozy up in the frunchroom to tackle a hot topic that’s been everywhere: Ozempic and the culture of weight loss. From the societal pressures that keep showing up in our feeds to how this new wave of “quick fixes” is reshaping the conversation around body image, the sisters get candid about it all.
But, in true Sister Project fashion, the convo doesn’t stop there. Expect detours into celebrity product launches, tea trends (yes, we’re sipping on that too), social media burnout, and even some makeup tips that Lauren swears by. Michelle brings her bookish side with a powerful trauma lit reading recommendation while Lauren stays true to her book loving genre and leans into some Stephen King.
Sprinkled in are plenty of giggles, honest reflections, and cozy recommendations for your watchlist, bookshelf, and vanity.
Don’t forget: you can watch this conversation unfold in real time on YouTube. Cozy vibes hit different in the frunchroom.
Hot Topics: The Mist (audiobook), Billy Joel: And So It Goes (documentary), and As Ever tea.
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This episode is sponsored by Helping Hand.
This week, Lauren and Michelle are coming to you from their brand-new, in-home studio—aka the frunchroom (if you’re from Chicago, you know). After years of podcasting remotely, the sisters are cozied up on the couch, laughing, chatting, and extra giddy to be back face-to-face.
Inspired by an article Lauren recently read, the sisters dive into the concept of being “pre-annoyed.” You know that little tick of irritation you feel before something even happens? Yeah, that. They explore why we do it, share their own hilariously relatable stories, and chat about ways to combat the habit so it doesn’t take over your mood.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Cozy Conversations without sharing what they’re reading, watching, and listening to this week. Expect a mix of inspiration, giggles, and maybe even a little therapy session disguised as sister banter.
Bonus: This episode is extra cozy on video. Check out the new setup and join The Sister Project on YouTube to hang in the frunchroom with Lauren and Michelle.
Hot Topics: The Sober Gay Guy Podcast with TJ Booth, Wolf Man (film), and The God of the Woods (book)
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This episode is sponsored by Helping Hand.
In this week’s cozy catch-up, Lauren and Michelle dive deep into two topics that had them thinking, laughing, and nodding in agreement: Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated appearance on New Heights and the powerful, perspective-shifting book Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker.
They unpack Taylor’s surprisingly relatable take on caring less and how refreshing it was to hear her talk boundaries and the beauty of not giving a damn.
From there, the convo shifts to Quit Like a Woman—a must-read that examines the sneaky grip alcohol has on women’s lives and how liberation can sometimes come in the form of putting down the wine glass. Lauren and Michelle share personal reflections, “mom wine culture” observations, and why curiosity (not shame) should always lead the way when it comes to reevaluating our relationship with booze.
Hot Topics: Yacht Rock Revue, fall candles, and coffee dates.
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This episode is sponsored by Helping Hand.
In this episode of Cozy Conversations with The Sister Project®, Lauren and Michelle dive into Robin Sharma’s The Deep Magic of Consistency—a little book packed with big wisdom and, dare they say... kind of life-changing. They explore how sticking with something (even when it’s wildly unglamorous) is actually one of the most powerful forms of self-respect. Plus, they call out the biggest consistency killer of all: your phone. Yep. That little device stealing your dreams one scroll at a time? Time to set some boundaries.
The conversation gets real as the sisters open up about grief—specifically, how deeply it weaves into motherhood. Being a mom without your mom is a heartbreak all its own, and they share what it’s like to reach for someone who’s no longer there. It’s tender. It’s honest. And it’s a reminder that grief doesn’t go away—it just shows up in new ways (often when you least expect it).
As always, there’s plenty of cozy, a healthy dose of humor, and unfiltered reflections on life, motherhood, distractions, and staying true to what matters most.
Hot Topics: Hurricane Katrina - The Race Against Time (Hulu), Naked Gun, and toddlers.
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This episode is sponsored by Helping Hand.
In this episode of Cozy Conversations, Lauren and Michelle dive into the everyday magic of carving out a life beyond the roles of parent, partner, and professional. From caffeine rituals to lakeside musings at Diamond Lake, they reflect on the quiet joy of doing something just for you - whether it’s a hobby, a passion project, or simply getting lost in a good book without being interrupted by a toddler asking for a snack... again.
With their signature blend of humor, honesty, and sisterly banter, they discuss the importance of maintaining a sense of self - especially in the beautiful chaos of motherhood. You’ll hear reflections on parenting challenges, organization hacks, and how creativity (and a good dose of 'me time') can help you feel more human.
They also spotlight a local artist whose story reminds us that art, passion, and community can be powerful tools for healing and self-expression. And yes, there's a bit of pop culture, a few wheezy laughs, and reminders that cozy doesn't just mean candles, it means living a life that feels like you.
So pour a cup, step outside for a stroll, or hide in your closet for some peace and quiet, and enjoy the convo.
Hot Topics: Perfect Wife (HULU), The Gilded Age (HBO), and Charlie Kirk.
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This episode was sponsored by Helping Hand.
In this episode of Cozy Conversations with The Sister Project, Lauren and Michelle take listeners on a wild ride - starting with some laugh-out-loud (and slightly harrowing) tales from their twenties. From a near-death experience at a foam party to one fleeting "brush with bulimia," it's a reminder that youth is...dramatic.
The conversation then shifts to the modern madness of summer camp culture. The Sister Project dives into the high cost of sending kids to sleep-away camp, the social media circus around visiting day, and the mounting pressure these curated camp experiences can place on both parents and kids. Think: viral videos of moms sprinting to their kids’ bunks, bunk gift bags that rival wedding favors, and a whole lot of comparison energy.
But amidst the chaos, Lauren and Michelle make space for what really matters - gratitude. They explore how grounding yourself in appreciation can be an antidote to the frenzy, helping cut through the noise and reconnect with what counts.
So grab your iced coffee, pop in your earbuds, and join The Sister Project on your daily walk or while you're doing a whole lotta nothing. This one’s a goodie.
Hot Topics: Poop Cruise (Netflix), South Park scorched earth, and ozempic
In this episode, Lauren and Michelle recap a week filled with theme parties, exclusive clubs, and severe garlic breath - yes, all in a day’s work. But things take a turn when the conversation gets real about something far too common: unwanted attention and sexual harassment.
The sisters open up about a recent run-in at a farmers market, share what to do when someone crosses the line, and offer practical advice for handling those “did he really just say that?” moments. It’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, because that’s just how they roll.
They share personal experiences and practical tips on setting boundaries, responding to inappropriate comments, and protecting your peace while still staying engaged in your community.
Whether you’ve ever had to dodge a lingering stare or just want to hear two sisters tackle big topics with humor and heart - this one’s for you.
Hot Topics: Amy Bradley is missing, roasted garlic, and the La Grange Farmers Market.
Pour yourself a coffee (or a Spritz) and settle in. Lauren and Michelle take you on a journey from the cobblestone streets of Italy to the gritty trenches of entrepreneurship, all while reflecting on the power of community, the pleasure of slowing down, and the quiet strength that lives in all of us. They dive into what resilience really looks like - not just powering through, but finding joy in the mess, connection in the chaos, and the magic of self-care done your way. Plus, they’re sharing book recs, Italian moments, and a few cozy truths you won’t want to miss.
This one’s a love letter to Italian Girl Summer: slow living, strong coffee, deep connection, and finding beauty in life’s simplest pleasures.
Hot Topics: Jurassic World, espresso in Italy, and My Mom, Jayne
This episode is a full-bodied pour of pop culture, personal reflection, and practical wellness. Lauren and Michelle unpack their thoughts on high-profile weddings (you know the ones), gush about recent family gatherings, and deep-dive into the unglamorous but essential terrain of perimenopause and brain health.
With their mom’s early passing from dementia, the sisters are on a mission to share what they’re learning—about prevention, lifestyle shifts, and how small daily choices can support long-term brain vitality. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by health info or just need a nudge to prioritize your noggin, this one’s for you.
Because cozy isn’t just candles and comfort food - it’s also taking care of your brain, your people, and your peace.
Hot Topics: Bezos wedding, Portillos, and Bob Dylan
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In this episode, we’re diving into a New York Times article that had our jaws on the floor and our middle fingers in the air. The headline? Less Burnout, More Babies. The message? Young women should avoid burnout by skipping careers, getting married young, and cranking out kids.
We unpack how this shiny new packaging of tradition is just the patriarchy doing what it does best - rebranding control as care. From subtle language shifts to full-blown regressive ideologies wrapped in cottagecore aesthetics, we’re talking about what’s really behind this push and why it’s showing up now.
If you’re a woman feeling tired, lost, or overwhelmed by modern life, this episode is your reminder: the answer isn’t to shrink your life to fit someone else’s mold. It’s to question everything - especially systems that benefit when women stay small, silent, and stuck.
Expect laughs, some “can you believe this?!” moments, and a solid dose of sisterly wisdom. Bonus: a few feel-good content recs to balance out the existential dread.
Hot Topics: Marlee Matlin (actress), Wendy Freedman astronomer), and Pride.
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Lauren and Michelle tackle the big, uncomfortable stuff: how do we keep living our “normal” lives when everything feels like it’s on fire? From grocery store sticker shock to the emotional whiplash of scrolling social media, they unpack the weird disconnect of modern life - aka hypernormalization.
They open up about guilt, anxiety, and the helplessness that creeps in when the world’s problems feel too big to fix. In an effort to survive these times, they talk about the power of small actions, the role of protest and community, and why hope still matters.
Hot Topics: Musk/Trump break up, the LA protests, and mental health.
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This week, we’re recapping our farmers market debut. Yep, your girls popped up on a Thursday with candles, iced coffee, and permission slips to slow down, care less, and do nothing. What we didn’t expect? To walk away totally lit up by the connections we made. Wow.
In this episode, we unpack what it meant to meet our community face-to-face. From heartwarming chats with longtime listeners to surprisingly deep convos with teenagers who were like, “Wait, slowing down is kinda cool?” Spoiler: it sure is.
We also share a moment that stopped us in our tracks: a wise and super cool elder who gave us a TED Talk on living fully.
It was cozy, chaotic, and everything in between. Tune in for a peek behind the booth and a reminder that showing up- on a Thursday, no less- can lead to some seriously unexpected magic.
Hot Topics: And Just Like That, Outstanding Young Women of America (1970), and thrifting.
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Thank you to our sponsor Lemolade
In this cozy and refreshingly real episode, Michelle Anderson and Lauren Massarella unpack the ever-growing weight of social media burnout and the underrated magic of simple pleasures.
From the grounding joy of gardening to the sweet escape of live music, they explore what it means to reconnect with ourselves—and each other—outside the noise of digital life. They swap stories about parenting in the age of endless scrolling, laugh over a darkly funny memoir about the funeral industry, and reminisce about childhood joys.
Whether you're craving more presence, less pressure, or just a good laugh, this conversation serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best moments are the ones that don’t make it to your feed.
Hot Topics: Pee Wee As Himself, The Wedding People, Beyoncé, and Post Malone.
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Thank you to our sponsors Lemolade and Crescent Moon Therapy.
In this heartwarming episode, The Sister Project sits with Jennifer Neubauer of Hook and Garden — gardener, traveler, and all-around soul-led creator. Jennifer’s journey is rooted in trust: trust in the universe, in herself, and in the whispers of life that tell us when to pause, when to leap, and when to plant new seeds (literally and figuratively).
From unforgettable travels to Africa to the meditative magic of working with soil, Jennifer shares what rebuilding a life is like through intention, connection, and curiosity. Whether she’s amongst gorillas in the jungle, cultivating a garden, or launching a new creative endeavor, she leans into the unknown with a quiet confidence that everything will unfold as it should.
Together, we explore the beauty of simplicity, the healing power of nature, and what it means to start over—one small step at a time. We also chat about local living, meaningful provisioning, and how gardening can become both a grounding ritual and a spiritual practice.
This one’s for the wanderers, the wellness seekers, and anyone in the middle of a life pivot.
Hot Topics: Local Provisions, Hook and Garden, and Gorillas in the Midst.
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Thank you to our sponsors Lemolade and Crescent Moon Therapy
Grab your favorite mug and get comfy - Lauren and Michelle are diving the kind of friendship that keeps you grounded, sane, and maybe even laughing through your tears.
In this episode, they explore the magic of authentic connection - why spending time with friends isn’t just fun, it’s necessary for your mental health. From the comfort of community to the freedom of being unapologetically yourself, they reflect on how friendships, good conversations, and time with one another shape who we are.
You’ll hear heartfelt stories, a fresh take on Mary Magdalene (spoiler: she was kind of a big deal), and some honest reflections on their late mother’s influence. Oh—and a few ideas on how they’re trying to get this podcast into more ears.
It’s cozy, candid, and just might make you call your best friend after.
Hot Topics: Mary Magdalene, Meghan - The Duchess of Sussex, and Coffeeology.
Thanks to our sponsors, Crescent Moon Therapy and Lemolade
Ever wonder what it takes to build a business from scratch and keep your sanity intact? In this lively and heartfelt episode, Nicole Lyon opens up about her unconventional journey from modeling to talent management, proving that it’s never too late to chase a new dream (or several).
We talk grit, grace, and growing a business when the odds—and maybe your energy levels—aren’t always in your favor. Nicole shares how she’s mentoring the next generation of fierce young women, why affirmations aren’t just woo-woo fluff, and how self-care is less bubble baths and more boundaries.
From childhood memories to real-world hustle, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughter, and hard-won wisdom. You'll want to hit play if you're into purpose-driven hustle and real talk about resilience. This is a girl power cozy convo!
Hot Topics: The Parisian Agency, GRIT (Girls Re-Imagining Tomorrow), and finding purpose in passion projects.
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Thank you to our sponsors Lemolade and Crescent Moon Therapy
What do personal branding, the inner crone, and Mary Magdalene have in common? In this lively convo with holistic leadership coach and branding expert Lisa Guillot, we dive into the juicy middle of midlife — where clarity, confidence, and speaking your truth all come into play.
We chat about the power of owning your story, the art of self-promotion , and how AI might be clever, but it’ll never replace the wisdom of a woman who’s been through it. From ancestral voices to autism awareness, from the beauty of aging to the importance of showing up as your whole self — this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and a healthy dose of rebellion.
Perfect for anyone navigating midlife, motherhood, or just trying to figure out what the heck a “personal brand” really is.
Hot Topics: Kinder Records, Find Your Clear Vision, and tarot cards.
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Thank you to our sponsors Lemolade and Crescent Moon Therapy
In this episode, Lauren and Michelle get candid about grief and the emotional rollercoaster that was their post-Zanies show high. With the sixth anniversary of their dead mom’s passing, they open up about how loss has shaped them as women.
They also get into the headlines (because why not feel all the emotions at once?), reflect on the wild ride of their latest Zanies show, and debate whether a "new mom bonus" is a real gift or just society’s way of saying “good luck, you're on your own.”
It’s heartfelt, it’s hilarious, and yeah—there might be tears... but also some belly laughs. Because even in the darkest moments, there’s healing in humor.
Hot Topics: Adolescence (Netflix), death anniversary rituals, and An American Beauty.
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