Sunday Held: Stories Behind the Stories

Sunday Held
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Sunday Held: Stories Behind the Stories is a weekly podcast from Nicole Lang. Each Wednesday, Nicole revisits a Sunday Held essay, sharing the story behind what inspired it, what was happening in her life at the time, and how its meaning has continued to unfold. Through reflections on love, grief, healing, friendship, travel, second chances, and the moments that quietly shape us, Sunday Held offers a gentle pause in a noisy world. Whether you're walking the dog, commuting to work, or sitting with a cup of tea, these conversations are an invitation to slow down, reflect, and stay open to whatever may be unfolding in your own life. New reflections are published every Sunday, with new podcast episodes every Wednesday. Pour a cup of tea and stay awhile. sundayheld.substack.com

Episodes

  1. I Found My Way In

    3d ago

    I Found My Way In

    🎙️ Episode 4: I Found My Way In In this episode of Sunday Held: Stories Behind the Stories, I share the story behind one of my favorite travel memories—and one of life’s most meaningful lessons. While planning a mother-daughter trip to Shanghai, there was one experience I knew I couldn’t miss: practicing Tai Chi in People’s Park with the locals. Drawn to its grace, flow, and meditative nature, I wanted to experience it where it all began, even though I was far from an expert. What happened that morning became about so much more than Tai Chi. I share the story behind the essay I Found My Way In, read it in its entirety, and reflect on how stepping outside our comfort zones often leads to our greatest joys—and how the simple kindness of people who welcome us can inspire us to become that welcoming presence for others. 🎙️ Press play, settle in, and stay awhile. Quiet reflections, every Sunday and Wednesday. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sundayheld.substack.com

    14 min
  2. She Was Still There

    Jul 1

    She Was Still There

    In this episode of Sunday Held: Stories Behind the Stories, I share the story behind one of the most personal essays I have written. Years ago, in the middle of a divorce, I found myself at the Golden Door. I arrived feeling broken, lost, and unsure of who I was becoming. What I expected was a week of rest. What I found was something much more unexpected. A gentle reminder that beneath the grief, the fear, and all the ways life had changed… the truest part of me had never left. I talk about that season of my life, the healing that began there, and why this story still feels so meaningful today. Then I read the essay, She Was Still There, and reflect on what has unfolded since. ☕ Pour a cup of tea and stay awhile. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sundayheld.substack.com

    10 min
  3. The Day I Looked Up

    Jun 24

    The Day I Looked Up

    In this episode of Sunday Held: Stories Behind the Stories, I revisit a moment that took place in 2020 but stayed with me long enough to become one of the earliest seeds of Sunday Held. At the time, I was moving quickly through life—focused on work, responsibilities, and what came next. Standing still was not something I did often. But one day, for reasons I still cannot fully explain, I stopped long enough to witness a moment that would stay with me for years. What I thought was a story about a stranger has become something much deeper: a reminder of the importance of paying attention, listening to our inner voice, and staying present for the moments that might otherwise pass us by. Years later, after writing about the experience, I discovered that the memory had not only stayed with me. It had stayed with others, too. In this episode, I share the story behind The Day I Looked Up and reflect on how its meaning continues to unfold. ☕ Pour a cup of tea and stay awhile. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sundayheld.substack.com

    11 min
  4. The Story That Started It All

    Jun 17

    The Story That Started It All

    Before we begin revisiting the Sunday Held archive, I want to share the story behind Sunday Held itself. What started as a personal search for a quiet place to reflect—during a stressful season at work and on the eve of the tenth anniversary of my father’s death—became something I never expected. A weekly practice. A source of healing. A way to reconnect with old friends, connect with new ones, and discover that many of us are carrying more than we realize. In this first episode, I share how Sunday Held came to be, why Sunday mornings have always been sacred to me, and how a simple desire to create a place to return to became a community of readers and listeners. Then we will revisit the very first Sunday Held essay and explore how its meaning has continued to unfold. Thank you for being here. Pour a cup of tea and stay awhile. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sundayheld.substack.com

    7 min
  • 4 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Sunday Held: Stories Behind the Stories is a weekly podcast from Nicole Lang. Each Wednesday, Nicole revisits a Sunday Held essay, sharing the story behind what inspired it, what was happening in her life at the time, and how its meaning has continued to unfold. Through reflections on love, grief, healing, friendship, travel, second chances, and the moments that quietly shape us, Sunday Held offers a gentle pause in a noisy world. Whether you're walking the dog, commuting to work, or sitting with a cup of tea, these conversations are an invitation to slow down, reflect, and stay open to whatever may be unfolding in your own life. New reflections are published every Sunday, with new podcast episodes every Wednesday. Pour a cup of tea and stay awhile. sundayheld.substack.com

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