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
368 | On Teens Growing Up, Holiday Rage & Staying Grounded
Welcome back, WIFs! In this cozy catch-up, Michelle and Lauren settle in with ginger-molasses cookies, share a big holiday announcement, and dive into the whirlwind of real emotions that come with this season of life. From a beautiful Naples wedding with lifelong friends to navigating holiday prep, mom-grief, and the emotional toll of the world right now, this episode is equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, and human.
The sisters also share what they’re reading, watching, and listening to, plus the simple joys that grounded them this week. If you’re craving warmth, honesty, and a little levity, pour a cup and settle in.
Cozy, mindful, real — just how we like it.
Resources:
Thank you to our sponsors;
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
367 | The Power of Speaking Up: Boys and Men’s Mental Health with Jimmy Maley
Welcome back, WIFs!
Grab your coffee and settle in for another cozy chat with Lauren and Michelle. This week, they welcome fellow SJC Wildcat and podcaster Jimmy Maley, from The Maley Way Podcast, for a heartfelt, funny, and refreshingly honest conversation about boys, men, their mental health - and why empathy is actually the most badass trait a man can have.
Together, the trio digs into mental health, Jimmy’s experience with depression, and the tricky space between masculinity and vulnerability. Jimmy opens up about what he’s seeing in young men today and how parents can show up better for their sons. Expect laughter, insight, and a few “huh, that’s so true” moments.
A very cozy thank-you to our sponsor, Let It Be Us, for the beautiful work they’re doing in foster care and adoption across Illinois. And Lizzie Selle Studio for allowing us the opportunity to show off some of her incredible one of a kind creations.
So light a candle, grab your blanket, and press play. This one’s for anyone raising sons, has a man in their life, or just trying to understand them better because the truth is, mental health struggles don’t discriminate.
Resources:
Thank you to our sponsors;
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
366 | The Cozy Reset: How to Embrace the Darker Season and Actually Love It
Grab your peppermint tea and settle in — Lauren and Michelle are back with another cozy, laughter-filled catch-up that’ll make you want to slow down, care less, and do a little more of nothing.
This week, the sisters dive into Michelle’s Sip & Rip Retreat (a.k.a. the coziest girls’ getaway of the year) — complete with bracelet ceremonies, decoupaged shells, and a surprisingly delightful alcohol-free experience. You’ll also pick up a new holiday mocktail recipe that’s as festive as it is functional: Marcy’s Cherry Ginger Mocktail.
Then, the convo turns inward (and hygge AF) as Lauren and Michelle talk about finding joy in the simple sh*t — leaning into the darker, slower season, decluttering, and realizing that maybe… we already have everything we need. Expect cozy tips galore — from Trader Joe’s candles and simmer pots to early bedtimes and peppermint tea.
They also chat about The War of Art (a creative kick in the pants) and why VO₂ max might just be your key to longevity — plus, a few laughs over the worst movie rewatch of all time.
This one’s for anyone ready to embrace cozy season, simplify life, and find joy in being, not doing.
Resources:
Thank you to our sponsors;
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
365 | How to Care Less (and Enjoy More) This Holiday Season
Lauren and Michelle are back with a cozy reminder to do less and enjoy more this holiday season. From slowing down and caring less to embracing the art of doing absolutely nothing, this episode is your permission slip to simplify the season.
Things kick off with laughter over Kim Kardashian’s latest creation—SKIMS merkins (yes, pubic wigs are a thing again)—before diving into Michelle’s first-ever Artist’s Date at a cozy indie bookstore and Lauren’s tales from the toddler bedtime trenches.
The sisters chat about homemade ornaments, vintage sequins, and June’s famous dill and ranch CRACKers while sharing how to ditch the holiday chaos and focus on connection over perfection. With their signature blend of humor and heart, they offer practical tips for reclaiming calm: set boundaries, rest often, and embrace the cozy sabbath.
They also spotlight their featured partners, Let It Be Us and Helping Hand Signature Homes, and wrap up with what they’re watching, listening to, and their simple joys of the week.
So go on—slow down, care less, do nothing, and get cozy with The Sister Project.
Resources:
Thank you to our sponsors;
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
364 | Haunted in La Grange: Real Ghost Stories & Cozy Chills
This week, we’re getting spooky cozy as Lauren shares true ghost stories from her time living in their family’s historic La Grange home. From eerie footsteps to unexplained sightings, this Halloween episode is packed with real-life chills and nostalgic small-town vibes.
Michelle brings a little magic of her own after attending a witch party (yes, spells were cast—intentionally). She dives into what that experience taught her about energy, ritual, and modern witchcraft.
Meanwhile, Lauren and Anthony find themselves at a Bears game with an oddly aggressive fan — proving that hauntings come in many forms.
And for true crime lovers, Lauren rounds things out with her take on Devil in Disguise, the bone-chilling John Wayne Gacy series that’s as disturbing as it sounds.
Pour yourself a dark roast or a mulled cider, get cozy under your blanket, and join the sisters for a Halloween episode that’s part ghost story, part real-life weirdness, and fully Cozy Conversations.
Thank you to our Sponsors:
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
363 | Celebrity Deep Dives & Cemetery Shenanigans
Lauren and Michelle are back with an episode that has it all—celebrity deep dives, cemetery shenanigans, and a sprinkle of spooky season magic.
The duo kicks things off with Lauren’s experience of getting locked inside a cemetery (as one does), which turns into an unexpectedly beautiful stroll through history. From there, they dish on October birthdays, cozy treats, and a few cult-y curiosities.
Then it’s time to talk icons. First up: Victoria Beckham—from Posh Spice to powerhouse fashion mogul. Lauren and Michelle unpack her glow-up, resilience, and David Beckham’s unwavering hype-man energy. Next: a heartfelt nod to comedy legend John Candy, touching on body image, public perception, and the lasting warmth of his legacy.
Plus, they share favorite spooky podcasts, community shoutouts, and the little traditions that make Halloween season feel extra cozy.
Hit play for a mix of laughs, nostalgia, and just the right amount of witchy vibes. 🕯️✨
Resources:
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Thank you to our sponsors.
- by Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
362 | From Cozy to Keaton and a Zanies Night To Remember
Lauren and Michelle are back — and this time, they’re tipping their hats to the one and only Diane Keaton (because obviously). From her iconic style to her undeniable charm, the gals dive into why she’s the ultimate cozy-meets-quirky queen.
They also spill all the tea on their recent night out at Zanies — the laughter, the preparation, and the story behind Lauren’s look.
Along the way, they chat about hosting hacks, their fall reads, and a review of Netflix’s Monster, Ed Gein (because nothing says cozy quite like a little horror detour).
Tune in for intentional conversations, a fall festivity love fest, and some classic Lauren-and-Michelle banter.
Links
Slewfoot: A Tale Of Bewitchery
Thank you to our sponsors.
- 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:
Lizzie Selle Studio
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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.
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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