For some people, shorter days and reduced sunlight in the winter can seriously disrupt sleep, mood, and energy levels. A light therapy lamp can help.

In this episode, senior staff writer Nancy Redd explains what seasonal affective disorder (SAD) actually is, how light therapy works, and why not all lamps are created equal. We cover what 10,000 lux means, why timing matters, and why you should talk to a medical professional before trying any.

We also break down the four lamps Wirecutter recommends, and how to choose the right one for your space, budget, and tolerance for clunky design.

This episode covers: 

Products we recommend:

Additional reading:

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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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For the perfect cup of coffee, you need good beans. In this bonus episode, we talk with Sum Ngai, co-founder of Coffee Project New York and certified Q-grader (it’s like a sommelier, but for coffee!), to demystify the art of choosing a bean you’ll love. 

Sum breaks down everything a novice needs to know to shop with confidence, from decoding mysterious tasting notes, to understanding why you should avoid brewing coffee that was roasted too recently.

Plus, learn what to expect from coffee grown in different regions and why buying whole beans is the move for a better morning cup.

Additional reading and listening: 

• Stop Making Bad Coffee
• Our Favorite Coffee Subscriptions
• The 4 Best Pour-Over Coffee Makers of 2026 
• 5 Cheap(ish) Things to Upgrade Your Coffee Experience
• The 4 Best Coffee Grinders of 2026

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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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you want to make great coffee at home, the right gear makes a difference. In this episode, Wirecutter editorial director Marguerite Preston shares how to choose the right setup based on your space, budget, and desired level of effort. 

We discuss why you may want to rethink how you’re grinding your coffee, the reasons that good drip coffee makers tend to be expensive, and when you may want to go for a pour-over setup or French Press. 

Marguerite also shares why she’s not above drinking instant coffee—if it’s the right kind.

This episode covers:

• Why a good coffee grinder matters: If you’ve only ever used a cheap blade grinder, you may want to consider a burr grinder as your first upgrade. This style of grinder crushes the beans into a more uniform grind that helps you make a tastier brew.
• Why weighing grounds is worth the effort: Weighing your coffee might seem fussy to the uninitiated, but it’s the best way to ensure a consistent flavor profile. A simple kitchen scale that measures to the gram is all you need.
• How to choose between a thermal and glass carafe: Most of Wirecutter’s recommended drip coffee makers come with a thermal carafe that keeps coffee hot for hours. But these are harder to clean. Glass carafes, on the other hand, are easier to clean, but if they sit on a hot plate for hours can result in scorched coffee.
• Why you’d want a gooseneck kettle: The long, skinny neck of a gooseneck kettle allows you more precision for pour-over coffee. The kettles Wirecutter recommends heat to specific temperatures for optimal brewing.
• Better pour-over drippers and French presses: These are not all created equal. We walk through the various types and why you might want one over the other.

Products we recommend:

• The best coffee maker: OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker
• Great coffee, no programming: Technivorm Moccamaster KBT
• The best burr grinder: Baratza Encore
• The best kitchen scale: Escali Primo Digital Scale
• The best pour-over dripper: Kalita Wave 185 Dripper
• Pour-over dripper for those with advanced technique: Hario V-60 Coffee Dripper (Size 02)
• A basic pour-over dripper for beginners: Kalita 102 Ceramic Dripper
• Big-batch pour-over: Chemex Six Cup Classic Series
• The best gooseneck kettle: Cuisinart GK-1 Digital Gooseneck Kettle
• The best French press: Espro P3 French Press
• Another solid French press: Bodum Chambord
• A classic moka pot: Bialetti Moka Express
• An instant coffee we love: Swift Coffee Mainstay

Additional reading:

• The 4 Best Coffee Grinders of 2026
• The 9 Best Coffee Makers of 2026
• The 4 Best Kitchen Scales of 2026
• The 4 Best Pour-Over Coffee Makers of 2026 
• The 4 Best Electric Kettles of 2026 
• The 4 Best French Presses of 2026 
• Why We Love the Bialetti Moka Pot for 2026
• The 3 Best Cold-Brew Coffee Makers of 2026
• The Best Instant Coffee, Ranked
• How Often Do I Really Need to Clean My Coffee Maker?
• How to Clean a Coffee Grinder

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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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Buying a vibrator can be tricky without a great recommendation. This week, we’re reairing our episode on why vibrators are still so taboo—and how to pick one you’ll love.

Bianca Alba, Wirecutter’s longtime sex toy writer, talks us through the societal double standards around sexuality and how vibrators can help with sexual health. We cover the different types of vibrators you can choose from, how to decide between the options, and why you shouldn’t give up on one if you don’t love it at first. 

We also get to the bottom of whether size really matters, the best lube to use, and whether it’s ever a good idea to buy a vibe for your partner.

This episode covers: 

• Vibrators as essential tools for inclusive pleasure: Vibrators are highly effective at closing the "orgasm gap," as roughly 75% of people with vulvas require clitoral stimulation—which vibrators provide efficiently—to reach orgasm.
• Why investing in quality materials matters: Look for toys made of medical-grade silicone from reputable brands. Cheap "knock-offs" from mass-market retailers often use porous materials that can harbor bacteria or off-gas harmful chemicals.
• How the Hitachi Magic Wand became the “Gold Standard”: This vibrator comes highly recommended for its power and versatility, despite originally being marketed as a back massager.
• Practicing patience and exploration: Don’t dismiss a new device after one try; the body often needs time to acclimate to different sensations. Factors like stress and hormonal cycles can also impact how effective a toy feels on a given day.
• How Wirecutter tests sex toys: Our recommendations are based on diverse testing groups—spanning different ages (20s to 70s) and physical abilities—to ensure the toys work for various sensitivities and life stages.

Products we recommend:

• The Classic Wand style: Magic Wand Rechargeable
• The Classic Wand style, but corded: Magic Wand Plus
• Affordable and Versatile: Satisfyer Purple Pleasure
• For suction and vibration: As of recording, it was the Dame Aer. But we’ve since decided the Satisfyer Pro 2 Generation 3 is a better pick in the same category.
• For precise stimulation: As of recording, it was the Lelo Dot. But we’ve since decided the Nu Sensuelle XLR8 Vibe Baelii is a better pick in the same category.
• Bianca loves the Beast Blender for single serve smoothies

Additional reading:

• The Best Vibrators
• The 6 Best Personal Lubricants of 2024 
• How to Clean Sex Toys
• The Lube Episode 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

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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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re demystifying what separates luxury boxed chocolates from standard supermarket candy. Gabriella Gershenson, Wirecutter’s taste test editor and author of our boxed chocolates guide, explains what ingredients to look for on labels, the textures that separate the great from merely mediocre, and why good chocolates cost so much. 

Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves a classic toffee or an adventurous eater seeking mind-bending flavors, this episode serves as a masterclass in how to choose the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day and beyond.

This episode covers:

• Ingredients to look for: High-quality chocolate should consist of cocoa butter and/or cocoa mass, and sugar. Avoid boxes containing vegetable oils or artificial flavorings, which compromise both texture and taste.
• What makes a great boxed chocolate: The coating should be uniform with a visual sheen and the texture should have a pleasing “snap” (a sign of proper tempering). The filling should accurately match the description in the box's key—if it says "hazelnut," it should taste like an actual hazelnut, not synthetic.
• Why premium boxed chocolates are expensive: Luxury chocolates are expensive ($50–$90+) due to fluctuating global cacao prices, small-batch production, and the use of skilled manual labor rather than factory automation.
• What to get if gifting to people with food restrictions: There are now far more options than ever for vegans and people with nut allergies. Our testers even preferred many vegan chocolates (often nut-based) over traditional dairy versions.
• Gourmet bars make a great budget gift: If you don’t want to spend $50 to $90 on boxed chocolates, high-end artisanal bar chocolates make a great, affordable alternative.

Products we recommend:

• Recchiuti Confections Black Box 16: With perfectly executed flavors and an eye-popping array of shapes and textures, the Recchiuti Black Box chocolates were our tasters’ all-around top choice.
• Valerie Confections Baby Grand Assortment: The toffees, caramels, and truffles from Valerie Confections are deceptively simple, combining classic fillings with beautiful technique—and some unexpected flavor combinations.
• Stick With Me Sweets 12 pc Bonbon Box: This New York–based chocolatier harnesses flavors in full force within delicate hand-painted shells. A vegan box and a nut-free box are also available.
• Ragged Coast Milk & Dark Chocolate Truffles: The Maine-based chocolatier woos with sophisticated fillings, single-origin chocolate, and a focus on local and organic ingredients.
• Melissa Coppel Bonbons: Melissa Coppel’s marbled bonbons and hand-dipped chocolates are impressively well crafted, with layered fillings that reminded us of a plated dessert.
• Melissa Coppel Vegan Bonbons 12 Piece: Melissa Coppel’s vegan chocolates are as impressively crafted as the originals, with memorable and dynamic flavor combinations.
• Richart Initiation: The two-tiered Richart Initiation box offers a chocolate experience that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is palate-teasing.
• Dandelion Chocolate Single-Origin Truffle Collection: Dandelion Chocolate’s truffles, crafted by the San Francisco bean-to-bar chocolate maker, demonstrate the subtlety and distinct terroir of excellent single-origin chocolate.
• Chocolat Moderne Vegan Victory: The selection of filled chocolates from Chocolat Moderne features cordials, marzipans, jellies, caramels, and other festive fillings in dark and vegan milk chocolate shells.
• La Maison du Chocolat Fruit Naturally Gift Box: The French chocolatier La Maison du Chocolat infuses smooth vegan ganache with vivid fruit flavors in this elegant selection.
• Amore di Mona Assorted Mignardise Red Gift Box: The Amori di Mona chocolates are elegantly executed, with subtle flavors and complex texture. Vegan and free of common allergens, these are a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Additional reading:

• 13 Best Boxed Chocolates of 2026
• The 36 Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him
• 41 Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her of 2026 
• 39 Best Cheap Valentine’s Day Gifts (Mostly) Under $25 of 2026

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

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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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re working on an episode about the worst household smells and we want to hear from you! What smells are you plagued by? What odors have you tried and failed to remove? Tell us about them and our experts will offer their best advice. 

Record a voice memo on your smart phone telling us about your smell scenario and email it to us at [email protected]. Don’t forget to tell us your name and where you’re calling from. We may answer your question on the show!

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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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Your workout shouldn’t stop after you’ve finished your cardio or weightlifting session. What you do right afterward can make the difference between feeling good for the rest of the day or dragging with soreness and fatigue. 

We brought in two experts to break down what recovery really means, why it matters, and how to approach it without overcomplicating things. First, Dr. Leada Malek, a licensed physical therapist, explains what’s happening in your body after a workout, why your nervous system needs time to calm down, and which recovery habits actually help you feel better between sessions. 

Next, Seth Berkman, Wirecutter’s fitness gear expert, walks us through the tools he’s tested that can support recovery at home: what’s worth using, what’s optional, and where you can save your money.

By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to recover in a way that supports your workouts, fits into your routine, and helps you feel better—not just immediately after exercise, but in the days that follow.

This episode covers: 

• What “recovery” actually means—and why it’s not just stretching. Recovery is about giving your body time to come down from the stress of exercise. Dr. Malek explains that after a workout, your heart rate, nervous system, and muscles are still in overdrive. Recovery helps dial all of that back so you feel less sore, less fatigued, and more prepared for your next workout—not just physically, but neurologically too.
• Why cooling down helps you feel better, even if it doesn’t “prevent” injury. A proper cool down won’t magically stop injuries, but it can make your muscles feel more comfortable after exercise and plays a big role in how you feel 24 to 48 hours later.
• Static vs. dynamic stretching—and when each one makes sense. Dynamic stretching works better before workouts because it helps warm you up, increase coordination, and boost blood flow. Static stretching—holding a stretch for 30 seconds or more—can be useful after workouts to reduce stiffness and help you feel less sore in the days that follow.
• How to build a simple recovery toolkit. Seth walks through recovery tools that can help—like mats, foam rollers, massage sticks, and optional gadgets—and explains which ones are actually useful, which are optional, and how to think about cost versus benefit.
• The truth about massage guns. Tools like the Therabody Theragun have grown in popularity, and they’re not cheap. But research shows the benefits of massage guns may be mostly psychological.

Products we recommend: 

• A bargain mat that holds up: Yoga Accessories 1/4″ Extra Thick Deluxe Yoga Mat
• The best mat for more flexible usage: Lululemon The Mat 5mm
• The best softer foam roller: Gaiam Restore Total Body Foam Roller
• The best portable foam roller: Tiger Tail Original
• A smaller portable massager: Therabody Theragun Mini 3rd Generation
• A more powerful, multi-grip handle massager: Therabody Theragun Prime 4th Generation
• A less intense massage gun with lots of attachments: Mebak 3 Massage Gun
• The best mini-band set: Synergee Mini Loop Bands
• Seth loves: Nintendo Switch 2

Additional reading:

• The 3 Best Yoga Mats of 2026
• The 5 Best Foam Rollers of 2026
• The 4 Best Massage Guns of 2026
• Massage Balls Are Better Than Foam Rollers, Actually
• Strength Training Is for Everyone 

More from Dr. Leada Malek here.

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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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Winter is brutal on skin and most moisturizer advice online is either oversimplified, wildly inconsistent, or driven by marketing.

So we brought in Jenn Sullivan, senior editor of Wirecutter’s beauty team, to explain what moisturizers actually do, and how to use them in a way that makes a real difference. Jenn breaks down the ingredients that matter, the mistakes that leave skin feeling drier, and why timing and consistency matter more than price tags or hype. 

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer sense of how to choose a moisturizer—and how to make the one you already own work better for you.

This episode covers: 

• What moisturizer actually does. Jenn explains that moisturizers aren’t adding water into your skin so much as helping your skin hold onto the water it already has. Their main job is to support and protect the skin barrier, which naturally loses moisture throughout the day—especially in cold, dry weather or after washing.
• Why timing matters more than quantity when you apply moisturizer. Moisturizer works best when skin still has some water on it. Jenn explains why applying it shortly after washing—when skin is slightly damp, not dripping—helps lock in hydration more effectively.
• The real difference between face moisturizer and body lotion. Jenn breaks down how much of the distinction comes down to texture, sensitivity, and marketing. In many cases, a well-formulated body moisturizer can work just fine on the face. But it depends on your skin.
• Why oils and petroleum jelly don’t hydrate on their own. Jenn explains that oils and petrolatum don’t add moisture—they prevent water loss. Used correctly, they can be helpful; but used alone on dry skin won’t fix the problem.
• When an expensive moisturizer might make sense—and when it won’t. Higher price tags can reflect formulation, texture, or packaging, but Jenn explains why cost alone doesn’t determine effectiveness—and why many affordable options work just as well.

Products we recommend:

• Our favorite luxe moisturizer: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
• Our favorite reliable moisturizer: The Outset Nourishing Squalane Daily Moisturizer
• Our favorite simple drugstore moisturizer: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
• Our favorite body moisturizer for all around hydration: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
• Jenn Loves: FitFlops F-MODE Leather Flatform Chelsea Boots

Additional reading:

• The 7 Best Moisturizers of 2026
• The 8 Best Body Lotions of 2026
• CeraVe’s Moisturizer Is Under $20. Augustinus Bader’s Costs 10 Times as Much. We Love Both.
• Repeat After Me: Aquaphor Is Not a Moisturizer. 
• The 6 Best Humidifiers of 2026

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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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

January is peak return season. Maybe you got holiday gifts that weren’t quite right, or you’re just clearing out the things you over-ordered. But where does all that stuff actually go?

In this episode, Deputy Editor Annemarie Conte walks us through her investigation into the hidden world of returns. For her reporting, she bought a 450-pound, six-foot-tall pallet of returned goods to see what really happens to the items people send back. She explains how the secondary market works, why so many returned goods never make it back on shelves, and the pure chaos she found inside her return pallet.

This episode covers: 

• Why returns don’t always go back on shelves. Items may be reshelved, sent to clearance, or liquidated for pennies on the dollar. Annemarie describes what actually happens inside return centers, including Amazon’s claim that all returns are inspected—something her pallet contents cast doubt on. 
• The size and growth of the secondary market. Nearly 16% of retail sales were returned in 2025—about $849.9 billion worth of goods. Annemarie walks through how these items trickle down into liquidation warehouses, bin stores, flea markets, and discount shops. 
• What a pallet of returned goods actually looks like. Annemarie explains how she bought a 450-pound pallet of returns containing 430 packages and 582 individual items, including 68 pounds of pure trash. She breaks down the categories of what ends up on pallets—unclaimed mail, overstock, returned goods—and why so much of it is “excess” that never gets resold. 
• How fraud shows up in the returns pipeline. From boxes filled with rocks to pallets layered  with junk on the bottom, Annemarie explains how both retailers and resellers get scammed—and why the whole ecosystem is vulnerable to bad actors.
• How to be a more thoughtful online shopper. Annemarie shares simple ways to reduce unnecessary returns like reading product descriptions closely, checking one-star reviews, and pausing before buying multiples just to try them on. She also emphasizes that some categories (like plus-size clothing) still require online shopping, and returns aren’t a moral failure.

Additional reading:

• We Bought a 450-Pound Mystery Pallet Packed With Returned Goods From Amazon and Beyond. Here’s What We Found Inside.
• We Sent Ralph Nader Some of Our Favorite Pens. He Dismissed Them All.
• Ralph Nader Has a Pencil Eraser Problem. We Investigated.

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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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the final installment of this series, we examine the longer-term costs–the time, the money, and the emotional toll–that finding your feet after a natural disaster can take. 

Mike and his family are still displaced. The possibility of a future natural disaster looms over them, on top of the financial predicament of being stuck in the “insurance gap”--where their insurance payout isn’t enough to rebuild their home. 

Gregory has moved back into his house, but he’s still dealing with insurance claims, survivor’s guilt, and the existential question of whether he and his wife should stay in Altadena. 

The past year has taught Mike and Gregory that they have to advocate for themselves in ways that they never would have imagined before the fires. 

If you haven’t listened to parts one and two of this series, we recommend doing that before listening to part three. 

Actionable steps you can take from this episode:

• Make sure you have enough insurance. Estimates show that as high as almost two out of three homeowners across the country are underinsured. Check with your insurance agent annually to make sure you have enough coverage.
• Take extensive notes. After a disaster, keep careful records of conversations, emails, and other communication with insurance adjusters, government agencies, banks, and other entities. This will help you verify information.
• Meet in person if you can. It can be more effective to meet with insurance adjusters and aid organizations in person, rather than conducting meetings over the phone or video call.
• Get ready for negotiation. After an emergency, you may need to negotiate with your insurance company, and ask the same questions and make the same claims repeatedly.
• Be forceful but kind. Even when negotiating, remember that you want to stay on good terms with the people you’re dealing with, if you can.

You can find out more about Gregory Han on his website and on Instagram @typefiend

Additional reading:

• The True Cost of Recovering from the LA Wildfires, Part 1
• The True Cost of Recovering from the LA Wildfires, Part 2
• The LA Wildfires Devastated the Homes of Two Wirecutter Writers. Here’s What They Learned While Recovering.
• Build Your Own Disaster-Prep Kit 
• How to Prepare Your Pantry for an Emergency 
• 9 Extreme Weather Survivors Share the Tools That Helped Them Get Through Disaster 

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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.

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