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Hi everybody -

In this episode, we interview Catherine Stewart, former COO of Shippo and Chief Business Officer at Automattic/Wordpress.

Negotiation, she argues, is a practical skill to study. We are constantly negotiating to have better outcomes and get our needs met. A lot of negotiations happen at the beginning of a relationship. By creating value from the get-go, you set yourself up for success as you work together as partners.

I hope you enjoy this episode!

~ Michelle

P.S. Got feedback? Leave a comment. 👇

P.P.S. Notes of the Key Takeaways can be found here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.trylifeschool.com

Hi everybody - 

Hope this email finds you well! Our first episode of the Life School 2.0 podcast features Dana Dunford, CEO & Founder of Hemlane, a technology company that helps manage long-term rental properties. She speaks with us about the future of the rental industry, the benefits of investing in cash flow-generating properties, and how to start investing beyond your backyard. 

I have linked some notes & key takeaways here. Given this is the first episode post-pivot, I’d love to know what you think! Feel free to drop me a line or post a comment. Also, if you have any questions for Dana, her email is here. 

Have a great weekend! 

~ Michelle

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.trylifeschool.com

This note is 237 words, a 56-second read time. 

Hi Everybody -

I hope this email finds you well! Today I am writing to share some news with you. Life School is going to pivot and become an audio-first company. We will now focus on interviewing experts about basic life skills. 

This decision was not an easy one to make. If you are curious to learn more about the rationale, feel free to listen to the recording attached to this email. I am also linking some notes here if you prefer to read the key takeaways. 

I know many of you have been fans of the content we have created so far, and it will continue to be available. But - we want to go deeper and cover more topics faster. Audio will enable us to do this more efficiently. Our mission remains the same - to help motivated, curious learners improve their quality of living, one new skill at a time. 

If, for any reason, you would like a refund on your subscription, please email me.

Additionally, if you are interested in weighing in on this direction, please do speak up! We'd love to know what questions you have and what topics you want us to cover. Feel free to comment below in the Substack, or email me.

See you soon on the airwaves! 

🎙 Michelle

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.trylifeschool.com

This note is 230 words, a 55 sec reading time. Subscribe here.

Hi Everybody -

Welcome to the 8th edition of the Life School Weekly! We hope you find something here that inspires you. ✨

🔦 Featured this week:

Hacks to Prevent Messes: If you prevent the mess in the first place, you’ll waste less time later cleaning up. We scoured the internet for the 15 best tips & tricks to help you keep your kitchen tidy while cooking up a storm. 

How to Roast Vegetables: Served hot or cold, as a side, base, or main, roasted vegetables are a fantastic meal prep staple to master. This guide covers the basics and includes ideas for sprucing up seasonal veggies you like. 

How to Make Applesauce 🎬: Got extra apples? Consider making applesauce! This dish makes for a healthy, easy & tasty side dish or dessert. 

⛱ Sandbox

Slack Group: Do you have questions about cooking, cleaning, personal finance, or other practical life skills? Do you have expertise & advice to share? Come join our community! 

🗝 Members-Only

($10/month or $60/year): Subscribe here for a free 30-day trial.

The Etiquette of Overnight Hosting & Guesting: Are you confident in your manners & skillsets as a houseguest or host? This guide covers some basic etiquette tips and tricks.

Have a great week!

~ Michelle & the Life School Team

Got feedback or ideas? Please email us. 

Want to learn more? Check out the Table of Contents.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.trylifeschool.com

This guide is 1,277 words, a 5 min and 6 second reading time. Subscribe here. 

📍 Introduction: 

An overnight invitation - whether with a friend, family member, or new romantic prospect - is an honor, and responsibility! Both hosting and guesting can lead to awkward or uncomfortable interactions. As Benjamin Franklin famously said, "Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days." Whether hosting or guesting, a little etiquette know-how can go a long way towards receiving that coveted return invite. Let's dive in. 

Part I: Hosting

✅ Instructions:

Invite your guest(s) & set the dates.

Ask about dietary restrictions.

Share your address & relevant instructions (e.g., gate code). 

Prepare the guest room (e.g., wash linens, make the bed).

Stock the kitchen & bathroom (see reference guides below).

Host with style! 

📝 Notes, Tips & Tricks:  

Before & Upon Arrival

If a guest is flying in, ask for arrival & departure information so you can track easily. If your home is in a remote area, offer to help your guests figure out transportation.

Seek to make your guests feel welcome (e.g., ask about any special requirements or needs, show excitement for their visit).

Upon arrival, greet your guests and show them to the room and bathroom they will use. Show them how to adjust the heating or air conditioning and where the light switches are. Give them a moment to relax and get settled. 

Share your routine with your guests and give them a heads up on any absences. (e.g., "Monday evening I have a work dinner, but let's plan on getting dinner together on Tuesday.”)

The more comfortable the bedding, the happier your guest will be. While it's tempting to skimp on guest pillows & sheets, provide bedding you would be excited to sleep in. 

Want to provide next-level sleeping arrangements? Provide a couple of different types of pillows (e.g., soft, medium). 

During the Stay:

Aim to make your guests feel as comfortable as possible by being attuned to their needs. 

Instruct your guests to help themselves to the kitchen or bar. If there is anything you don't want to share, tuck it away. 

Have some activities in mind to do with your guests, but also leave them time to relax or explore independently. 

Share with them some of your favorite restaurants, hikes, local museums, or other activities in the area. 

After the Stay: 

Assist your guests with their departure. (e.g., help them figure out transportation, see them to the door).

Thank them for any gifts or contributions and for the time together.

Take a moment to relax! 

📓 Kitchen Stocking Reference Guide 

Morning Beverage (highly recommended): Coffee or black tea; milk (or dairy-free alternative), sugar/honey

Breakfast (recommended): Bread & butter/jam, granola, yogurt, fruit (e.g., bananas, berries, apples); eggs

Snacks (optional): fruit, crackers, cheese, nuts, olives, chocolate

Afternoon/evening beverage (recommended): wine, beer, sparkling water, juice, herbal tea

Information (highly recommended): Wifi login (ideally written or printed)

📓 Bedroom Stocking Reference Guide 

Bedding (recommended): comfortable pillows, extra blanket, fresh sheets  

Closet (recommended): Hangers and space, 1-2 empty drawers 

Other (optional): a carafe of water and drinking glasses, reading material (a newspaper or magazine), extra phone charger, a snack. 

📓 Bathroom Stocking Reference Guide  

Shower (recommended): shampoo, conditioner, soap (e.g., liquid, wrapped/fresh bar) 

Sink (optional): toothpaste, extra toothbrush, sunscreen, body lotion

Misc (recommended): hairdryer, feminine supplies, toilet paper, plunger, toilet brush 

Part II: Guesting 

✅ Instructions:

Receive invitation graciously (e.g., "thank you so much!") 

Accept or politely decline.

Schedule transportation & other relevant logistics (e.g., cat sitter). 

Procure host(ess) gift.

Pack. 

Travel.

Arrive & enjoy! 

📝 Notes, Tips & Tricks:

This note is 361 words, a 1 min 26 sec read time. 

Hi Everybody -

Welcome to the 7th edition of the Life School Weekly! We have a variety of content to share with you this week - lessons, videos, deep dives, and even a spreadsheet! Hope you find something that helps elevate your quality of living. 

🔦 Featured this week:

Roasted Turkey Breast ⚡️🎬 (2 min 36 sec): Roasted turkey breast is lean, packed with protein, easy to prepare, and delicious. Requiring just 15 minutes of active work and costing ~$2/lb, it is also economical & high leverage. The best thing about this MaxF dish? There are many ways to use it up (e.g., grain bowls, soups, sandwiches). You can even freeze it for later.

Sponges Deep Dive (55 sec): Curious to learn more about sponges? Check out this quick lesson that covers the three main types of sponges, methods for disinfecting, and purchasing recommendations. 

How to Butcher a Chicken 🌟🎬 (22 min): Chef Dennis Mabasa is a knife skills pro. Here’s a video showing how to break down a whole chicken into parts you can use for cooking, freezing, or meal prep.

⛱ Sandbox

Cleaning Time Analysis 📊: Looking to clean more strategically? Check out this doc. It includes an analysis of “call-friendly chores”, as well as a sample WFH cleaning schedule.

Personal Finance Workshop 🌟: We are considering launching the Personal Finance category. To gauge interest, we’d like to start with a 1-hour zoom workshop. We will likely cover Investing for Beginners. Eryn Schultz, a financial educator & founder of HerPersonalFinance will be leading the session. If interested, please fill out this form. 

🗝 Premium/Members-Only

($10/month or $60/year): Subscribe here for a free 30-day trial.

Cooking Continuously 🎬⚡️ (1 min 46 sec): Cooking Continuously is one of our absolute favorite meal prep hacks. The term refers to preparing a series of ingredients, one after the next while using the same pot of seasoned water. The method can produce a tremendous amount of food in one big push, making it quite high leverage. 

Slack Group: If you haven’t joined us yet, come on in! We’re talking cooking, car maintenance, personal finance, & MaxF wins. 

Have a great weekend!

~ Michelle & the Life School Team

Want to learn more? Check out the Table of Contents. 

Symbol guide: 🎬 = video | 📓 = reference guide |⚡️ = maxF/hack | 📊 = analytics | 🌟 = guest star

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.trylifeschool.com