This week, Martha talks to best-selling author Ann Leary about letting go of the need to be “nice,” a subject Ann explores in the title essay of her new book, “I’ve Tried Being Nice.” Following a passive-aggressive neighborhood squabble, this wry, witty author made the abrupt decision to stop being a people pleaser. She shares with Martha how that came about, plus how she works at her writing and the family stories that have helped shape it. From a nomadic childhood to her marriage to actor Denis Leary, Ann’s observations make for funny, relatable books – and a thoroughly enjoyable conversation with Martha.

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For Clint Misamore and Joe Petrillo, marketing is the intersection of storytelling, hospitality and impact. They co-founded WUF, a platform for uniting pet lovers worldwide. They also have a long history of creating marketing campaigns for Martha. On today’s episode, they talk about creating viral hits for Tito’s Vodka and Liquid Death, and share stories about their Artic Circle expedition with Martha to raise awareness for the Global Seed Vault.

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Jess Damuck spent a decade cooking for Martha Stewart’s magazines and television shows, launching a culinary career that included cooking for Snoop Dogg and publishing the best-selling cookbook Salad Freak.Her latest book, Health Nut, reflects the influences of her California lifestyle and aims to make “hippie health food” appealing for all. She catches up with her former boss Martha in this conversation about light, fresh recipes, the luxury of growing one’s own produce, and making cookbooks in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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