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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This week, Martha turns her attention to the business of beauty in a conversation with industry veteran John Demsey. Demsey, who spent 30 years leading brands at Estée Lauder, developed MAC Cosmetics into a global powerhouse and was the force behind Tom Ford’s expansion into fragrance and cosmetics. He loves the legacy brands, he supports the newcomers, and he understands why we can’t get enough of the products. Listen here as he shares his insights about the multi-billion beauty industry and talks about his book, Behind the Blue Door, about the extraordinary home he created in Manhattan.

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Today’s episode continues the conversation about skincare from our first episode this season. Dr. Dhaval Bhansuali is here today to talk about the science of skincare. A board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Bhansuali is renowned for his work healing scars and his passion for formulating skincare compounds. This “doctorpreneur” has developed several businesses and is the expert behind Hailey Beiber’s skin care line, Rhode. Listen as he dissects the ingredients that make the products for skin of all types.

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In honor of Mother’s Day, Martha talks to Donna Kelce, also known as “Mama Kelce.” She is the mother of football stars Jason and Travis Kelce, the first brothers to play against each other as Super Bowl opponents in NFL history. Donna wore split jerseys to represent both of their teams, and became a media star in her own right, with Today Show appearances and national ad campaigns. Today, she shares what it was like to raise future football champions, how she juggled family roles against her career, and her advice for moms everywhere. Don’t miss this special mother’s day episode.

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Just 30 years ago, Manhattan’s west side shoreline was marked by decaying piers and dilapidated buildings left when the shipping industry moved out of the city. Today, the Hudson River Park stretches four miles along New York City and the piers have become playgrounds, paths, concert venues, and places to bike, walk, kayak and play volleyball. Listen to the story of this unique park, and how a partnership between the city and state of New York, along with residents and donors, transformed the prized waterfront space. Martha interviews Connie Fishman, Executive Director of Hudson River Park Friends and Carrie Roble, Vice President Estuary and Education for the Hudson River Park Trust, in this enlightening conversation about preserving our public spaces.

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I had a chance encounter last fall with Half Baked Harvest creator Tieghan Gerard while she was in New York City. Starting in her early 20s, Teighan built a following amongst young social media users attracted to the rich, beautifully photographed comfort-food recipes she posts. She joined me on my podcast to talk about brand authenticity, weathering criticism, who owns a recipe, how to make pierogies and the best turkey method.

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