Journaling Through Life's Plot Twists with Suleika Jaouad
In this episode, our guest is Suleika Jaouad, author of The Book of Alchemy and creator of The Isolation Journals Substack. We delve into how journaling can help you unlock creative potential and navigate life’s challenges. Suleika shares her personal journey with journaling as a lifeline during her battle with leukemia and a pathway to "creative alchemy" – transforming difficult experiences into meaningful expression. She highlights the benefits of journaling on mental health, and how it has changed her life.The discussion also explores practical aspects of journaling, from overcoming the fear of a blank page to maintaining consistency through accountability and prompts. Suleika shares her preferred tools—a fountain pen and quality paper—and the rituals that help her stay consistent.. Plus, Wirecutter writer Arriana Vasquez tells us about digital notebooks, an innovative way to modernize the writing experience without sacrificing the tactile pleasure of it. Listeners will gain actionable insights into starting and sustaining a journaling practice.Access the full show notes for this episode here. Products we recommend:The best hardcover notebook: Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover Notebook Classic (A5)The best pen: Uni-ball Jetstream RTThe best digital notebook: Supernote A6 X2 NomadBest for replacing your paper notebooks: reMarkable 2Best for reading and annotating ebooks: Kobo Elipsa 2E Suleika’s favorites: Her current journal: Leuchtturm1917A fountain pen: LamyLe Labo Santal No. 26 CandleThe journals of famous writers she keeps on her desk: Susan Sontag, Virginia Woolf, Audre Lorde, Frida Kahlo and Sylvia Plath Additional reading:Journaling Changed Suleika Jaouad's Life. Here Are Her Tips for Getting Started—and Sticking with It.The 3 Best Digital Notebooks of 2025The 11 Best Notebooks and Notepads for 2025The 7 Best Pens of 2025 More from Suleika Jaouad:Instagram:/suleikajaouadFacebook: /SuleikaJaouadPage Website: https://www.suleikajaouad.com/Substack newsletter: https://theisolationjournals.substack.com/aboutThe Book of Alchemy More from Wirecutter: Instagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ Credits:The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Editing by Abigail Keel. Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. This episode was mixed by Rowan Niemisto. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset. Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast
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36:41
Summer Taste Test Extravaganza!
Nothing says summer like ketchup, chips, and ice cream. In this taste test special, we take a field trip to the Wirecutter test kitchen to sample these items alongside staff experts Antara Sinha, Rachel Wharton and Marguerite Preston—sharing top picks and behind-the-scenes testing moments.Check out a video version of this episode on YouTube! Products we tasted:Ketchups: The best classic ketchup: Heinz Tomato KetchupThe best organic ketchup: Trader Joe’s Organic Ketchup (Christine’s favorite)Worth considering: 365 by Whole Foods Market Tomato Ketchup Chips: The best plain potato chip: Amazon Fresh Classic Potato Chips (Caira’s favorite)A thin and crispy classic chip for salt lovers: Clancy’s Original Potato ChipsThe best kettle chip: Deep River Snacks Original Sea Salt Kettle Cooked Potato Chips Ice Cream Sandwiches:Best all-around sandwich: 365 Organic Ice Cream Sandwiches (Rosie’s favorite)An ice cream-heavy sandwich: FatBoy Vanilla Ice Cream SandwichA grown-up sandwich: Alden's Vanilla Bean Round Sammies (Marguerite’s favorite)A delicious dairy-free option: So Delicious Vanilla Bean Sandwiches Additional reading:The 3 Best Ketchups of 2025The 9 Best Potato Chips of 2025The 3 Best Ketchups of 2025
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset. Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast
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31:26
Packable Beach and Picnic Recipes
Tanya Sichynsky, an editor for New York Times Food and Cooking sections, and editor of The Veggie newsletter, shares her ideas for the best hot-weather-friendly foods to pack for the beach, a picnic, or any outdoor adventure. Plus, surprising hacks for keeping them cool. If you missed our prior episode on beach gear, go back and listen for tips on coolers that will keep your lunch cold all day. Recipes we recommend:Easy Chickpea SaladD.I.Y. Vegan MayoHot Dogs With Pico de Gallo Extra Green Pasta Salad (use our top pick immersion blender to make it: Braun MultiQuick 7 Immersion Hand Blender MQ7035)Vegan ‘Cheesy’ PopcornHam and Jam SandwichFresh Ranch DipDill Pickle Tzatziki Additional reading: Check out more of Tanya’s recommendations in her article covering 24 Easy-to-Pack Recipes for Summer Picnics, Beach Days and More.Learn more about Tanya’s gear picks: The Veggie's Editor Dishes on Her Favorite Kitchen Tools The Best Coolers
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset. Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast
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15:10
A Day At The Beach
It’s officially beach season. Staff writer Kit Dillion shares his favorite gear to make any beach day, picnic, or pool adventure better, from shelters to chairs to coolers. It’s all about elevating your day in the sun. Products we recommend:Best versatile weather beach shelter: Sun Ninja Tent 4 PersonBest beach shade shelter for steady wind: Shibumi Shade ClassicBest beach umbrella: BeachBUB All-In-One Beach Umbrella SystemBest beach umbrella with flaps: Sport-Brella Premiere XLBest budget beach umbrella: Coolibar 6 Foot Intego Beach UmbrellaBest cooler: RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light CoolerBest cooler upgrade (with wheels): Yeti Tundra Haul Wheeled CoolerBest soft cooler: RTIC Soft Pack Cooler 20 CanBest (affordable) beach chair: Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach ChairBest beach chair with more height: Shibumi Beach ChairKit’s favorite beach chair: Yeti Hondo Beach ChairBest beach cart: Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding All Terrain Utility CartBest sand sifter: Treasure Digger Sifter Additional reading:The 5 Best Beach Umbrellas of 2025 The Best Beach Chair Is the Tommy Bahama Backpack ChairThe 6 Best Coolers of 2025 The Best Beach and Pool Toys for Kids and Adults25(ish) Wirecutter Picks for a Summer Beach Day
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset. Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast
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28:03
Can You Really Disappear Online?
Is it even possible to disappear from the internet? Wirecutter writer Max Eddy explains how he tried to do it, why it’s so hard, and what steps you can take to take control of the information that’s out there. Plus, some of the surprising sentimental hurdles he had to overcome during this project. Things we recommend:Find websites that have exposed your email in a data breach: Have I Been PwnedFind google results with your personal information in them: Google’s Results About You toolThe best password manager: 1PasswordThe best data removal service: DeleteMeCreate masked emails using Apple’s tool or Google’s toolAutomatically delete X posts using CydOn Facebook, retroactively limit who can see your posts, prevent search engine and image search of your content or pull up a log of your interactions on the platform, which lets you delete comments that have become problematic with age. Additional reading:I Tried, and Failed, to Disappear From the Internet7 Simple Ways to Protect Your Digital PrivacyThe 2 Best Password Managers of 2025The 2 Best Two-Factor Authentication Apps of 2025
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset. Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast
The Wirecutter Show is a podcast offering expert advice on everyday products that will make your life better. Each week, co-hosts Christine Cyr Clisset and Caira Blackwell, alongside producer Rosie Guerin, speak with Wirecutter’s best-in-class journalists and other expert guests for actionable advice, surprising life hacks, and delightful product discoveries. From which stand-mixer will last you a lifetime, to the best way to travel with pets, to figuring out if your smart lock is spying on you, The Wirecutter Show gives you straightforward solutions based on years of rigorous and independent product testing by more than 140 Wirecutter journalists.
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