Artist and author Adam J. Kurtz was supposed to turn in the manuscript for his fourth book in April 2020. Instead, he and his husband weathered the worst of the pandemic in Brooklyn, and as most of Adam’s creative work disappeared, he was forced to transform. Host Jillian Anthony (author of the Cruel Summer Book Club newsletter and former Editor of Time Out New York) talks with Adam about his upcoming book of essays and art, You Are Here (For Now), about facing mortality with as much joy and creativity as you can. And Adam discusses leaving New York behind to move in with his in-laws in Honolulu; the importance of having a “F*ck Off Fund”; and the simple fact that we are all artists.

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Author Ashley C. Ford worked on her memoir, Somebody’s Daughter, for ten years before it was released this summer and instantly shot to the New York Times bestseller list. Ashley talks with host Jillian Anthony (author of the Cruel Summer Book Club newsletter and former Editor of Time Out New York) about releasing herself from secrets and shame through writing her family’s story, how therapy helped her finish her book, and the importance of teaching children consent from an early age.

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Francesca Hogi lovingly calls herself the biggest loser in Survivor history—she was the first one voted off the island, twice—but her big losses motivated her to change her entire life. Host Jillian Anthony (author of the Cruel Summer Book Club newsletter and former Editor of Time Out New York) talks to the host of the Dear Franny podcast about dealing with the fallout of Survivor, quitting her job as a lawyer to become a love coach, the importance of vulnerability and self-worth in dating, and how to manifest true love.

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At age 29, Dr. Susie Bannon got her fourth DWI and went to prison for 11 months. The injustices she witnessed there changed the course of her life, inspiring her to earn her Ph.D. in communication and become an activist for prison abolition. Now 12 years sober, Dr. Bannon tells host Jillian Anthony (author of the Cruel Summer Book Club newsletter and former editor of Time Out New York) about growing up with an alcoholic mother, why probation and all the expenses that come along with it sets people up to fail, and the healing that longtime sobriety can bring.

Soren and Mirabai were monogamous for 15 years before they opened up their marriage—and polyamory helped their relationship flourish. Host Jillian Anthony (author of the Cruel Summer Book Club newsletter and former Editor of Time Out New York) talks with the ethically nonmonogamous couple about how they navigated opening up their long-term relationship, the lessons of The Ethical Slut, and why we should all challenge the cultural assumption that monogamy is the only path to a meaningful relationship.

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Instagram: @jillathrilla

Twitter: @jillathrilla

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Life coach Catherine Andrews specializes in helping sensitive women overcome fear and achieve their life, love and career goals. Host Jillian Anthony (author of the Cruel Summer Book Club newsletter and former Editor of Time Out New York) talks about a big lesson she learned from Catherine’s newsletter and podcast, The Sunday Soother: “Lead with your shame.” Plus, the women discuss quitting your job to become an entrepreneur, overcoming codependency, and struggling to find a peaceful balance with alcohol.

Subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts now so you never miss an episode. And don’t forget to give Cruel Summer Book Club a five-star review on Apple Podcasts so we feel the love.

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Instagram: @jillathrilla

Twitter: @jillathrilla

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Website

The Sunday Soother podcast

Instagram: @catherineandrews

Twitter: @candrews

Host Jillian Anthony (author of the Cruel Summer Book Club newsletter and former Editor of Time Out New York) talks to Nylon’s astrology columnist David Odyssey. Years ago, Jillian met David when she hired him at Time Out New York—since then, he left 9-to-5 life behind to be a go-go dancer, host the podcast The Luminaries, and give private astrology readings. And he recently entered a sexual abuse recovery program that renewed his hope for positive change in his life.

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Host Jillian Anthony (author of the Cruel Summer Book Club newsletter and former Editor of Time Out New York) talks to writer Samantha Stallard (PopSugar, Thought Catalog). The best friends discuss supporting each other along parallel paths of grief and healing, centering friendship in their lives, and how antidepressants changed Samantha’s life for the better.

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Host Jillian Anthony (author of the Cruel Summer Book Club newsletter and former Editor of Time Out New York) discusses the massive changes in her life over the last few years, including a breakup, being laid off, and embracing the life of a freelance writer, and recently moving from New York City to Austin, Texas. She shares three of the main lessons she’s learned about mental health and personal growth while writing her newsletter, Cruel Summer Book Club.

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