Kelly Corrigan Wonders

Latest Episodes:

Thanks For Being Here - Shiva Speech for Poppy Mar 23, 2025

Show notes

Today's Thanks for Being Here comes from an anonymous, young college graduate who shared words at her grandfather's shiva. In the midst of the world unfolding at a mad pace around us, she reminds us how one person's presence can transform a family. Her "Poppy" saw her critical eye as rooted in love and justice, encouraged her activism, and promised that nothing she could ever share with him would shock "a Navy man". What struck us most was her realization that the traits she thought made her the "black sheep" were actually the values her grandfather had cultivated in everyone—peace, love, community—manifesting differently across generations. This is exactly what Thanks for Being Here is meant to highlight: how profoundly we affect one another.

Go To on Judging Other Women Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

While forcing ourselves to exercise at the gym, it can be all too easy to look around and judge others. Maybe it makes us feel a bit better in the moment regarding how we look, how in shape we are (or aren’t) and what we’re wearing…maybe it’s time to stop. (Previously aired)

Deep Dive with Edward Burns and Gretchen Mol on Making Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

Filmmaker Edward Burns and actress/designer Gretchen Mol discuss what keeps creative people going through doubt and disappointment. Both share how they discovered their callings, explore the magic of finding flow, whether in acting, writing or filmmaking and talk candidly about resilience in the creative process. Their film "Millers in Marriage" explores relationships after age 50, that golden time when kids are grown and it's finally easier to pursue long-delayed dreams. As Eddie perfectly puts it: "If not now, when?" Whether launching a dress line like Gretchen or making your 14th film like Eddie, they remind us that the joy is found in making itself, not in the outcome. The key to creative longevity? Managing your energy and surrounding yourself with supportive people who believe in your vision.

Check out Kelly and Claire's new children's book Marianne the Maker - you can pre-order HERE.

To celebrate the release of Marianne the Maker, Penguin Young Readers is matching each pre-order with a donation of the book to Save the Children’s early education programs in the U.S. — up to 2,000 books. Pre-order your copy today and help inspire a love of reading in the lives of children who may not otherwise have access to books.

Occasionally hyperlinks don't work on desktop computers, below you'll find the addresses for the links above:

Gretchen M: https://gretchenm.com

Edward Burns: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0122653/?ref_=vp_close

Marianne the Maker website: https://www.mariannethemaker.com

To preorder Marianne the Maker: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/marianne-the-maker-kelly-corrigan/1146247121?ean=9780593206096

Thanks For Being Here - Remembering Trish Mar 16, 2025

Show notes

Shanti Brien's beautiful reflection on her 40-year friendship with Trish, who passed away. Shanti explores the bittersweet reality of their deep connection—filled with shared memories and adventures—yet marked by emotional boundaries they never fully crossed. Through moments from middle school notes to late-night dancing, she reminds us that true friendship isn't about perfection but about bearing witness to each other's lives. It's a gentle nudge for all of us to cherish and perhaps be more open with the companions who walk alongside us. Please share this episode with anyone who has been there with you over the years - or maybe someone you want to reconnect with.

Go To on Getting a Great Night's Sleep Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode, sponsored by Coop Sleep Goods, Kelly explores the five main reasons we wake up at night with insights from Stanford sleep expert Dr. Cheri Mah, an internationally recognized sleep physician & research scientist (who specializes in sleep optimization and maximizing performance for elite athletes and sports organizations). From environmental factors to stress, we cover practical solutions including the effective "sleep reset" technique for those frustrating middle-of-the-night wake-ups.

Visit coopsleepgoods.com and use code KELLY20 for 20% off your order - including their fantastic pillows designed for every type of sleeper.

To learn more about sleep expert Dr. Cheri Mah visit: www.drcherimah.com and IG/X: @drcherimah

Deep Dive with Pixar's Pete Docter on Making Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

A deep dive on "making" with Kelly's daughter Claire and Pete Docter, the creative genius behind Pixar classics. Pete shares how he discovered animation, his journey to Pixar, and the evolution of films like "Up" and "Monsters Inc." Despite his success, he remains refreshingly humble about the creative process. His golden advice for young creators: just make stuff and push beyond your comfort zone. Pete reflects on the film "Inside Out": "I was there for every major decision, but where did this come from?". A reminder that creativity remains wonderfully mysterious, even for the masters.

Check out Kelly and Claire's new children's book Marianne the Maker - you can pre-order HERE.

Occasionally hyperlinks don't work on desktop computers, below you'll find the addresses for the links above:

Marianne the Maker website: https://www.mariannethemaker.com

To preorder Marianne the Maker: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/marianne-the-maker-kelly-corrigan/1146247121?ean=9780593206096

Thanks For Being Here - Gratitude for a Life-Saving Donation Mar 09, 2025

Show notes

Kelly shares Jennifer Cramer-Miller's beautiful story about the life-changing gift of organ donation. Through touching thank-you letters written after her kidney transplant, Jennifer shows us how one act of generosity created a ripple effect of kindness and gratitude. Her story reminds us that heroes walk among us every day, often without recognition.

Portions of this episode are excerpted from Jennifer Cramer-Miller's memoir, Incurable Optimist. To learn more about how organ donation saves lives, visit Donate Life.

Go To on Barbie and Womanhood Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

Food for thought on America Ferrera’s speech at the climax of Barbie, informed by the great Jia Tolentino (a former guest who I found totally fascinating and original) and her book Trick Mirror. Let us never forget that we are a product of our culture. Please share, especially with the younger generation working to figure out who they are. (Previously aired)

Deep Dive with Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross on Making Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

In episode one of our Makers series, Kelly and her daughter Claire speak with neuroscientist Susan Magsamen and Google's Chief Design Officer Ivy Ross about how art and creativity affect our brains and bodies. Their book, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us, reveals that making isn't just a hobby but a fundamental human need that improves wellbeing, helps process trauma, and enhances learning. Susan and Ivy explain how singing to babies releases oxytocin, how arts education closes achievement gaps, and why creative expression matters for everyone from CEOs to doctors to children.

Check out Kelly and Claire's new children's book Marianne the Maker - you can pre-order HERE.

Occasionally hyperlinks don't work on desktop computers so here are the addresses for the links above:

Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0593449231

Marianne the Maker website: https://www.mariannethemaker.com

To preorder Marianne the Maker: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/marianne-the-maker-kelly-corrigan/1146247121?ean=9780593206096

Thanks For Being Here - Small College, Big Influence Mar 02, 2025

Show notes

Today's Thanks For Being Here is a speech KCW producer Tammy Stedman recently delivered at her alma mater, Washington College, about the lasting impact of her college experience. She reflects on how the personal connections, individual attention, and sense of community shaped not just her career in media, but her approach to life and learning. Tammy's story reminds us that education at its best equips us not just with knowledge, but with the curiosity and critical thinking skills needed for thoughtful engagement with our complex world.

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