Kelly Corrigan Wonders

Latest Episodes:

Go To on Books As Relief Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

Hey friends, in a world that feels like it's constantly throwing storms, floods, and fires our way (both literal and metaphorical), I want to share something that's been a true refuge for me – reading. Today I'm highlighting two books that have been a balm for my soul: Daniel Mason's "Northwoods," a beautiful story spanning centuries on a plot of Massachusetts land, and Kazuo Ishiguro's "Clara and the Sun," a fascinating exploration of artificial friends and human connection. For my complete reading list, drop me a note at hello@kellycorrigan.com.

Deep Dive with Sisters Amy and Meg on Hard Conversations Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

Sisters Amy and Meg's story reveals how even the closest family bonds can fracture – and heal. Growing up with a widowed mother in the 1960s, their relationship became strained by years of unbalanced dynamics and taken-for-granted love. When Meg finally stepped away, it led to painful years of separation that affected both sisters and their families. Through persistence, humility and grace, they found their way back to each other, rebuilding their relationship one Sunday hike at a time. Their path from estrangement to reconciliation demonstrates how healing begins with showing up, asking questions, and making the other person a priority – proving that sometimes the hardest conversations lead to the most meaningful transformations.

(Note: for anyone unfamiliar with the "Go Birds!' comment at the end of the pod - Kelly, Amy and Meg all share having grown up in the Philadelphia area and at the time of this recording, the Philadelphia Eagles are on their way to the 2025 Super Bowl. "Go Birds!" is a shortened form of "Go Eagles!" but has become a widely used way to share Philly pride and is now a stand-in for, "Hi", "Bye", "Thanks", "Have a nice day" or just about anything else.)

This episode was made possible by a grant from Templeton Religion Trust. To learn more, go to templetonreligiontrust.org.

Thanks For Being Here - Audrey's Eulogy for her Grandpop Herb Feb 02, 2025

Show notes

Today'sThanks For Being Here features a beautiful eulogy written by Audrey Bowler for her grandfather Herbert Reichlin, a World War II veteran who lived to be 99. From young soldier to beloved family man, "Grandpop Herb", always believed in miracles and the power of love.

Go To on Aging Parents: Smart Planning for Finances and Final Wishes Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

Steve and Jill Marshall from Silver Path Consulting are back to tackle two of the biggest challenges families face when helping aging parents: getting finances in order and planning final arrangements. They dive into why having a solid financial plan isn't just about numbers – it's about peace of mind and protection. From practical tips on finances to protecting against exploitation, they share wisdom that might just save your family some headaches. Then, they break down how to handle those tough-but-necessary conversations about final arrangements, boiling it down to three key decisions everyone needs to make. Whether you're just starting to think about these issues or already in the thick of it, this episode offers a road map for handling delicate topics with grace and clarity.

Deep Dive with Simon Greer and Saad Soliman on Hard Conversations Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

In this third episode of our Hard Conversations series, Simon Greer, a Jewish organizer whose uncles fought for Israel in 1967, and Saad Soliman, a social justice consultant whose uncles died fighting for Egypt in that same war, met at a professional gathering between corrections officers and formerly incarcerated individuals. They made a pivotal choice: create connection rather than perpetuate division. Their remarkable friendship, which deepened even during recent Middle East conflicts, demonstrates how curiosity and openness can bridge seemingly insurmountable divides, leading them to travel together to Israel in 2024 - and proving there's no expiration date on healing.

This episode was made possible by a grant from Templeton Religion Trust. For more information, visit templetonreligiontrust.org.

Thanks For Being Here - Things That My Mother Supposes Jan 26, 2025

Show notes

Christine Wenzel shares her essay "Things That My Mother Supposes", telling the story of how she and her mother moved from tense exchanges to finding real understanding before her mom's passing in 2020. Through funny and touching memories – from her mom's dodging goodnight kisses to planning her own funeral – Christine captures how complicated parent-child relationships can transform over time.

If you have a complicated relationship or family story you'd like to share, email us at hello@kellycorrigan.com.

Go To on Aging Parents, Essential Documents and Peace of Mind Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

In this 3rd installment of our 4-part series on helping aging parents, Kelly's old friends Steve and Jill Marshall share their expertise on tackling the paperwork no one wants to think about but everyone needs to understand. The founders of Silver Path Consulting break down essential legal and financial documents, share surprising insights about estate planning, and discuss the delicate conversations around housing decisions for aging parents.

Deep Dive with Isaac Slade and Gregg Latterman on Hard Conversations Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

In 2006, the multi platinum selling band The Fray was everywhere - their songs, Over My Head (Cable Car) and How to Save a Life dominated radio waves and television soundtracks. Behind the scenes, lead singer Isaac Slade and manager Gregg Latterman had built more than just a business partnership - they had forged a deep friendship born of mutual respect and shared artistic dreams. But by 2009, that relationship was in ruins. Today's conversation, the 2nd episode in our Hard Conversations series, reveals how they found their way back. It's a master class in conflict resolution and reminds us that sometimes the bravest thing we can possibly do is pick up the phone.

This episode has been made possible by a grant from Templeton Religion Trust. To learn more, go to templetonreligiontrust.org.

Thanks For Being Here - How to Help When it Matters Most Jan 19, 2025

Show notes

Kelly and therapist friend Dr. Aliza Pressman explore how we can best support those affected by the LA fires. After witnessing the devastation firsthand, they share wisdom about the power of simple connection – how a thoughtful check-in or just being present can make a real difference, and remind us that there's no "right" way to respond to crisis. The episode wraps up with Kelly reading Ellen Bass' moving poem "The Thing Is," offering comfort and hope. For those seeking ways to help or needing support, messages are welcome at hello@kellycorrigan.com.

Go To on Having "The Talk" with Aging Parents Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

Wondering how to have "the talk" with your aging parents (or any elderly family member who may need help)? In this episode, Kelly sits down with her good friends Steve and Jill Marshall of Silver Path Consulting for Part 2 of their open discussion about caring for aging parents. They explore how to build effective sibling teams where each person contributes based on their strengths, share tips for starting difficult conversations with genuine empathy, and offer advice for moving forward when parents resist change.

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