Slow Down.
Care Less.
Do Nothing.
Join Midwestern sisters, Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson, for Cozy Conversations with The Sister Project®. Each episode will inspire you to seek out life’s simple joys, find balance in everyday wellness, and lean into the cozy seasons of life. Think of it as your weekly reminder to slow down, embrace the little things, and not take life too seriously.
You’ll no doubt learn a little and laugh a lot.
Escape the chaos, embrace the cozy.
New episodes released every Thursday and streamable everywhere.
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
361 | How to Stay Cozy When the World’s on Fire
When the world feels like a dumpster fire, Lauren and Michelle are here to remind us that cozy isn’t canceled.
Between laughs, they tackle the not-so-cozy realities of social media doomscrolling and talk about how to curate a digital space that won’t fry your nervous system. You’ll hear why community walks, charity events, and even true crime binges can be surprising sources of joy and connection.
This is the perfect listen if you’re craving a reset: part info-tainment, part therapy, and all cozy vibes. Grab your blanket, pour yourself something warm (or strong), and settle in—because Lauren and Michelle know how to find the good stuff when life gets loud and shit feels scary.
Resources:
This episode is sponsored by Helping Hand.
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
360 | The Good Ol' Days: A Nostalgia Episode
Grab your coziest blanket, because in this episode of Cozy Conversations, The Sister Project’s very own Lauren and Michelle are serving up a nostalgia-packed buffet of laughs, memories, and a few deep thoughts (because balance).
From childhood movies and quirky family traditions to turbulence in the skies and the mysteries of Amelia Earhart, these sisters weave their way through stories that remind us why looking back often helps us move forward. Along the way, they dish on Stephen King, the art of cozy home décor, and even how Western fashion made a surprise comeback.
As always, Lauren and Michelle bring their Midwestern humor, candid storytelling, and signature cozy perspective to the mic—proving that nostalgia isn’t just about the past, it’s a tool for connection, resilience, and maybe even a little sanity.
So pour yourself a martini (Lauren’s Friday ritual), light a candle (preferably one of theirs), and press play. This one’s for anyone who loves finding the magic tucked inside old memories and shared laughter.
Resources:
Thank you to our sponsor, Helping Hand.
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
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.
Resources:
This episode is sponsored by Helping Hands!
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
358 | Are We Too Distracted To Read Anymore?
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.
Resources:
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- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
357 | The Sisters Weigh In On Ozempic
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.
Resources:
Shop our seasonal candle line!
This episode is sponsored by Helping Hand.
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
356 | From the Frunchroom: Our New Cozy Podcast Digs
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)
Resources:
This episode is sponsored by Helping Hand.
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
355 | Taylor Swift & Sober Curiosity Walk Into a Bar...
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.
Resources:
This episode is sponsored by Helping Hand.
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
354 | Trying to Keep It Together (and the Power of Consistency)
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.
Resources:
This episode is sponsored by Helping Hand.
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
353 | The Art of Not Losing Yourself
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.
Resources:
This episode was sponsored by Helping Hand.
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
352 | Has Summer Camp Lost Its Damn Mind? Let’s Talk About It
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
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
351 | Just Here for the Produce, Not the Pickup Lines
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.
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
350 | Strong Like Espresso, Slow Like Italian Time
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
Podcast reviews
These ladies feel like my friends! I feel calmer, smarter, and happier every time I listen.
— Kim
Buckle up and enjoy the ride because these two sisters will fill your cup with an endless amount of joy!
— Kathleen
This podcast speaks to my soul. I look forward to Thursdays, it's like must-see TV in the 90's. Every topic is perfection!
— Aiden
This podcast is thought-provoking, hysterical, real, and always cozy.
— Danielle
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