Cozy Conversations with The Sister Project

Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson
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Cozy Conversations with The Sister Project is hosted by sisters Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson. Michelle hit a breaking point trying to balance full-time work, motherhood, and caring for their mom with dementia. That moment gave birth to a new life philosophy: slow down, care less, do nothing. It’s not just a mantra—it’s a middle finger to burnout. Rooted in Midwestern warmth and wit, their weekly episodes are unfiltered, full of big laughs and cozy inspo.

  1. 6D AGO

    376 | Sometimes You Go Deep. Sometimes You Talk About Farts.

    Welcome back, WIFs!In this cozy and delightfully unfiltered episode, sisters Lauren and Michelle settle in for one of those conversations that reminds you why laughter is sometimes the best medicine. After a sisterly catch-up and reflections on what they’re caring less about lately - the sisters lean into the importance of trusting your instincts and speaking up, even when it’s uncomfortable. Lauren is sharing a cautionary tale from a recent flight and offers insight on how she handled behavior between two people that greatly concerned her. And then… because balance matters and life doesn’t need to be that serious all the time, the Hot Topic takes a turn into much-needed comic relief: farting. Yep. Fart pride vs. fart shame. What starts as pure silliness quickly becomes a surprisingly human (and very funny) look at family dynamics, intimacy, and why sometimes you just need a laugh to reset your nervous system. Along the way, Lauren and Michelle share what they’re reading, watching, and listening to, reflect on the fragility of life, and wrap things up with Simple Joys rooted in survival, good food, and everyday relief. Consider this episode a reminder that caring less doesn’t mean caring nothing—it means knowing when to go deep, when to trust yourself, and when to laugh it off. Press play, snuggle up, and enjoy the exhale. Resources: Fart Shame or Fart Pride Optwell - Find Your Calm Pillars Pork Meatballs with Ginger and Fish Sauce Sip Hightail Subscribe to Our Newsletter Follow Us! Shop Our Seasonal Candles Check Out Our Website This episode is sponsored by Posey Law Group and Chicago Private Wealth Group. Chicago Private Wealth Group is made up of wealth advisors Rick Shanley, Matt Arhontas, and Robert Buoy.  If you’re interested in starting a conversation with their team, you can reach them by phone at 708.247.1700, through email at chicagopwg@lplfinancial.com, or by visiting chicagopwg.com. Just mention that you heard about them from our show.  Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.

    1h 5m

  2. FEB 5

    375 | Redefining Success: A Cozier Way to Measure a Life

    What if success isn’t something you achieve once—but something you renegotiate over and over again? In this episode, Lauren and Michelle invite you into a slower, more honest (and occasionally spicy) conversation about what success actually looks like when you stop measuring your life by job titles, salaries, and nonstop productivity. From inherited expectations to burnout, motherhood, money, and enough-ness, the sisters gently—and sometimes bluntly—unpack how many of us were handed a definition of success that never quite fit. After a cozy catch-up (and a Friday beverage moment), Lauren shares what she’s officially caring less about—from overpriced lipstick to the latest TikTok “posture fix”—before the sisters zoom out and ask the bigger question we rarely stop to examine: Who taught us what success was supposed to be, anyway? Together, they explore the difference between the “taught” version of success and a fuller, more humane way of measuring a life—one that makes room for relationships, health, time, curiosity, impact, and actually liking what you do… not just surviving it. Consider this episode a permission slip to loosen the grip, question the checklist, and redefine success in a way that feels grounded, sustainable, and good in your body—not just impressive on paper. Press play, get cozy, and let this be your reminder: you are already a huge success. Resources: Brez Social Tonic Subscribe To Our Newsletter! Follow Us! Shop Our Seasonal Candles! Check Out Our Website! This episode is sponsored by Posey Law Group.

    1h 12m

  3. JAN 29

    374 | Heated Rivalry: The Show We Didn’t Know We Needed

    Welcome back, WIFs! In this cozy and emotionally rich episode, sisters Lauren and Michelle settle in with oat milk cortados and reflect on what they’re caring less about lately—overcommitting, anxiety-fueled overthinking, and saying yes when the bandwidth just isn’t there. After a comforting catch-up filled with cozy gatherings, board nights with friends, and the joy of simply being together, the conversation turns to the episode’s Hot Topic: Heated Rivalry. Lauren and Michelle unpack why this steamy, deeply emotional story stirred up all the feelings—from themes of love, longing, secrecy, and vulnerability to the unexpected release of crying over something beautiful instead of heavy. They reflect on how art and storytelling can crack us open in the best way, why letting yourself feel deeply can be healing, and how caring less sometimes means allowing yourself to feel more. Along the way, they share what they’re reading, watching, and listening to, and wrap up with Simple Joys rooted in food, family, and tenderness. Press play, snuggle up, and join us for a cozy conversation that feels like a deep exhale. Resources: Subscribe to Our Newsletter! Follow Us! Shop Our Seasonal Candles! Check Out Our Website! This episode is sponsored by Posey Law Group.

    1h 15m

  4. JAN 22

    373 | Winter Survival Part 2: Tips from the Experts

    Welcome back, WIFs! In this cozy winter episode, sisters Lauren and Michelle sip a nutrient-packed shake and chat about what they’re caring less about this season—from the pressure of no-chip manicures to unnecessary judgment and noise. They catch up on wardrobe shifts, the joys of clothing rental and vintage shopping, and then settle into Winter Survival: Part 2, sharing thoughtful, research-backed ways to actually enjoy winter instead of wishing it away. From changing your lighting and embracing slow hobbies to scent memories, invented holidays, and spending more time outdoors, this conversation reframes winter as a season of intention and hope. Plus, cozy reading, watching, and listening recs, a housekeeping note, and Simple Joys of the Week—including first sips of coffee and the magic of creating a cozy café at home. Press play, snuggle up, and let winter feel a little warmer. Resources: Paines Balsam Fir Incense Ka'Chava Protein Shake 9 Ways To Embrace Winter Follow Us! Shop Our Seasonal Candles! Check Out Our Website! This episode is sponsored by Posey Law Group.

    1h 10m

  5. JAN 15

    372 | The Year of Analog and Why Presence Is the New Luxury

    Welcome back, WIFs! In this cozy catch-up episode, sisters Lauren and Michelle reflect on the sweetness of the post-holiday pause, sip Costco hot green tea, and talk about what they’re intentionally caring less about—from anxiety-inducing college admissions noise to that pesky whisker. They share why the week between Christmas and New Year is pure magic, unpack a meaningful New Year ritual that led to the word correspondence, and explore what it looks like to go slower and focus on tiny, thoughtful details. The conversation naturally flows into a hot topic close to their hearts: why 2026 feels like the year of analog, from puzzles and snail mail to vinyl, planners, and real phone calls. Plus, there’s sponsor love, cozy media recs, and Simple Joys of the Week—including lingering Christmas lights and heartfelt handwritten notes that prove written words still matter. Press play, snuggle up, and settle into this comforting, intentional, and very cozy conversation. Resources: 2026 Planners Costco Green Tea Why Everyone Is Logging Off in 2026 PLG Maven Use our code Cozy Maven for 10% off. Follow Us! Shop Our Seasonal Candles Check Out Our Website Thank you to our sponsor Posey Law Group.

    1h 13m

  6. 12/18/2025

    371 | The Power of Starting Over: TJ Booth on Sobriety & Self-Discovery

    Welcome back, WIFs! Today, we’re joined by our wonderful friend, creator, and fellow podcaster, TJ Booth, host of the Sober Gay Guy podcast. This cozy conversation is filled with honesty, vulnerability, resilience—and yes—a delicious mocktail. We revisit one of the most important questions we asked TJ last time:“When you’re thinking about quitting drinking, where should you start?”TJ wasn’t thrilled with his original answer, so today he gives us a powerful do-over—one filled with clarity, compassion, and intention. We also dive into TJ’s beloved sober rituals, how he brings coziness into his everyday life, and the recent makeover that has Michelle and Lauren obsessed (hello, handlebar mustache era!). From Trader Joe’s favorites to what he’s reading, watching, and listening to—this is one of the warmest and most open episodes yet. Plus, we share our Simple Joys of the Week, chat about the stunning children’s book Good Night LaGrange, Good Night Western Springs by Taylor D. Tomlison, and gush over the new Frankenstein film that TJ convinced Lauren and Michelle to go see ASAP. Cozy up, pour yourself a mocktail, and enjoy this heart-forward conversation. Resources Good Night, La Grange Follow Us! Shop Our Seasonal Candles Check Out Our Website Thank you to our sponsors, Lizzie Selle Studio & Let It Be Us

    1h 20m

  7. 12/11/2025

    370 | A Very Cozy Holiday Special: Joy, Simple Pleasures & Seasonal Melancholy

    Welcome back, WIFs! In this festive Holiday Special, Michelle and Lauren settle in with cozy drinks, snowy-night stories, and all the magic (and melancholy) that this season brings. From a perfect snow-filled crafting night with Mia to Lauren’s new “traveling drink system,” the sisters share the simple moments that have been filling their cups this December. They dive into the traditions and history behind the Feast of the Seven Fishes, introduce us to Cosmo the Gnome in the Home, and chat about the beautiful chaos of holiday photos, décor wish lists, and the Christkindlmarket drama of 2025. You’ll also hear what they’ve been reading, watching, and listening to—from spicy holiday romances to cozy thrillers and feel-good podcasts. Plus, enjoy festive recommendations, sponsor shoutouts, and their Simple Joy of the Week: snow and glowing Christmas tree windows—arguably the best holiday décor of all. Press play, get cozy, and settle into this warm, funny, and intensely seasonal conversation. Resources: Follow Us! Shop Our Seasonal Candles Check Out Our Website Thank you to our sponsor. Lizzie Selle Studio

    1h 1m

  8. 12/04/2025

    369 | Holiday Nuts, Creative Guts & Cozy Chats with Blake Tamarkin

    Welcome back, WIFs! In this heartfelt episode, sisters Lauren and Michelle sit down with longtime friend and talented filmmaker Blake Tamarkin. From a festive ice breaker (yes, chocolate-covered peppermint almonds!) to the creative journey behind his latest film, Third Wheel, Blake shares the inspiration, challenges, and joys of working vulnerably with family. They dive into creative doubt, Hollywood experiences, and the advice Blake has for anyone hesitant to start their own project. Plus, enjoy Third Wheel thoughts, a cozy holiday movie rec, and the Simple Joy of the Week. Press play, snuggle up, and soak in this funny, inspiring, and cozy conversation. Resources: Third Wheel Full Out Films Follow Us Shop Our Seasonal Candles Check Out Our Website Thank you to our sponsors; Lizzie Selle Studio Let It Be Us

    1h 8m
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Cozy Conversations with The Sister Project is hosted by sisters Lauren Massarella and Michelle Anderson. Michelle hit a breaking point trying to balance full-time work, motherhood, and caring for their mom with dementia. That moment gave birth to a new life philosophy: slow down, care less, do nothing. It’s not just a mantra—it’s a middle finger to burnout. Rooted in Midwestern warmth and wit, their weekly episodes are unfiltered, full of big laughs and cozy inspo.

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