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
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
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
349 | When Your Mom Dies of Dementia, You Take Care of Your Brain
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
Resources:
- 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:
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- 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
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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