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
348 | Dear Girls, Beware the Patriarchy
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.
Resources:
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
347 | Living in a Hypernormal, Not So Cozy Hellscape
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.
Resources:
Chicago Empower Breakfast Networking Event
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Thanks to our sponsor Lemolade.
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
346| We Took Our Cozy Chaos to the Farmers Market
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.
Resources:
Thank you to our sponsor Lemolade
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
345 | Escaping the Scroll and Digital Burnout for Simple Joys
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.
Resources:
Thank you to our sponsors Lemolade and Crescent Moon Therapy.
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
344 | Small Steps, Big Shifts: How Nature, Travel & Gardening Heal with Jennifer Neubauer
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.
Resources:
Thank you to our sponsors Lemolade and Crescent Moon Therapy
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
343 | Friendship and Connection: Your Brain’s Favorite Supplements
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
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
342 | Mentor, Motherboss, and CEO of Her Own Damn Life with Nicole Lyon
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.
Resources:
Thank you to our sponsors Lemolade and Crescent Moon Therapy
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
341 | Crone Power & Clear Vision: An Expert’s Thoughts on Midlife Branding
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.
Resources:
Holistic Leadership Coach, Lisa Guillot
Thank you to our sponsors Lemolade and Crescent Moon Therapy
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
340 | Post-Zanies Catch Up, Dead Mom Grief, and WTF Headlines
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.
Resources:
Thank you to our sponsors, Crescent Moon Therapy and Lemolade
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
339 | The Sister Project Live at Zanies!
This week’s episode is a special one—it’s our first-ever live recording of Cozy Conversations with The Sister Project®, and let us tell you…it was magic.
Recorded in front of a nearly sold-out crowd at Zanies Comedy Club in Rosemont, we cozied up on stage for a night of laughter, hot topics, real talk, and a whole lot of wheezy laughs. From behind-the-scenes jitters to audience shout-outs and sister confessions, we brought the full Cozy AF experience to the stage.
In this episode, we chat about:
What it’s really like recording a podcast live
What we’re reading, watching, and listening to lately
A Hot Topic that got the crowd buzzing
A few unforgettable moments from our amazing listeners
Our favorite simple joys of the week
A massive thank you to our hilarious opener, Brendan Greeley, for kicking the night off with the perfect dose of comic relief. And of course, big love to everyone who showed up and helped make our first live show unforgettable.
If you missed it, don’t worry, we’ve got more coming. In the meantime, you can still snag some of our **Cozy AF **merch right here.
Cozy up and press play.
Hot Topics: The Goonies, ChatGPT, #onebump, and perimenopause.
Resources:
Thank you to our sponsors; Crescent Moon Therapy and Lemolade
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
338 | Squirrel! Hacks for Finding Focus in a Distracted World
In this episode, Lauren and Michelle attempt to have a focused conversation... despite tech glitches, toddler tales, and the occasional squirrel moment. From spring break shenanigans to big city adventures, they dive into the messy, magical chaos of parenting and the beauty of everyday joys.
The duo gets real about the daily battle against distractions—from binge-worthy TV to disaster documentaries—and shares surprisingly doable hacks for reclaiming your attention (no silent retreat required). You’ll laugh, you’ll relate, and you might even put down your phone for a minute.
Hot Topics: Tsunami - A Race Against Time, Love on the Spectrum, and Singer Island, Florida.
Resources:
Thank you to our sponsors, Lemolade and Crescent Moon Therapy
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
337 | Care Less, Live More: The Joy of Letting Go
In this refreshingly candid episode, Michelle and Lauren share their ups and downs, but with a twist: they explore how caring less can actually help you enjoy life more. From parenting pressures to body image anxieties, they tackle the societal expectations that weigh us down and why embracing imperfection is the ultimate act of self-care.
Discover how shedding the burden of overthinking can lead to stronger relationships, boosted confidence, and a whole lot more laughter.
Plus, they introduce the genius 5-3-1 method for enhancing your social well-being. Spoiler: It's a lot simpler than it sounds. So kick back, relax, and learn how to live a little lighter — because sometimes, caring less is exactly what we need.
Hot Topics: White Lotus - Season 3, social health, and bibliotherapy.
Resources:
This episode is sponsored by Crescent Moon Therapy and Lemolade.
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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