How does a hugely successful entrepreneur and parent find the energy, creativity and time to write a novel? Zoë Foster Blake tells Bridie Jabour how she makes the most of 90 minutes and where she starts You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

It’s obvious there are many benefits to open water swimming, but knowing how to prepare and where to begin can feel overwhelming. Founder of the Coogee Bay Cuttlefish swim club Alice Marklew takes Matilda Boseley through practical tips to jumping (safely) into the big blue You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

For more than 20 years Dr Melissa Kang helped Australian teenagers navigate puberty with her much-loved column Dolly Doctor. Kang speaks to Reged Ahmad about why it’s more important than ever to have that conversation You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Do you find yourself replaying an important conversation in your head and thinking - ‘why did I say that?’ Journalist and Pulitzer prize-winning author Charles Duhigg found himself at a similar impasse when he had to manage a project and struggled to connect with members of his team. So he learned everything he could about communication. Duhigg tells Reged Ahmad about the simple things anyone can do to improve their communication skills and why being a good listener is key You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Whether we like it or not, some of us will have to host friends and family at home this holiday season. Karima Hazim, co-author of cookbook Sofra: Lebanese Recipes to Share, takes Reged Ahmad through her essential hacks for putting on a spread to impress – without the stress You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Whether you’ve been passed over for promotion or dumped by the love of your life, moving on from ‘no’ can be tough. Actor and writer Miranda Tapsell tells Reged Ahmad how she’s dealt with rejection throughout her career and how setbacks have made her stronger You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Fashion editor and consultant Zara Wong was attracted to the world of fashion from a young age. After successful stints at Harpers Bazaar, Vogue and Aje Collective she now works as a consultant and also produces her own fashion substack newsletter – Screenshot This. The fashion expert tells Matilda Boseley why you should ignore the rules and not try too hard You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Thinking of breaking up with the booze? Addiction specialist and psychiatrist Xavier Mulenga tells Bridie Jabour the common reasons people think they can’t quit and the steps you can take to reduce your alcohol intake You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

The yes campaigner and author has had a hard year. After a heartbreaking voice to parliament referendum result and sustained attacks from the media, Thomas Mayo had to pick up the pieces and find a way forward. He tells Reged Ahmad how he found light in a dark time You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

How do you tell a story that makes people laugh and what do you do when the joke lands flat? James Colley, a comedian and writer on ABC’s Gruen, tells Reged Ahmad why comics love a whinge and how he turns his life into laughs You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport