Cozy Conversations with The Sister Project
Michelle Anderson & Lauren Massarella
Hosted by Michelle Anderson and Lauren Massarella, sisters and wellness, lifestyle bloggers from the midwest, their talk-radio inspired show is a bi-weekly podcast about everyday life experiences, pop culture, current events, and everything in between. Recorded from the comforts of their own home and born out of the desire to have more fulfilling, thought-provoking, and entertaining conversations, welcome to Cozy Conversations with The Sister Project. Support this podcast: <a href="https://anchor.fm/cozy-conversations/support">https://anchor.fm/cozy-conversations/support</a>
- 56 minutes 40 seconds377 | Community, Sobriety & the Beautiful Juggle of It All
Welcome back, WIFs!
In this deeply honest and inspiring episode, Lauren and Michelle are joined by their friend, legal expert, community nerd (her words!), and founder of Posey Law Group, Stephanie Posey. We settle in for a cozy catch-up before diving into a conversation that feels grounded, brave, and beautifully real.
Stephanie shares her journey to five years of sobriety—what led her there, what it’s taught her, and how choosing an alcohol-free life didn’t shrink her world… it expanded it. The sisters talk about what it means to build a life you actually want to be present for, the quiet strength required to change, and how sobriety can be less about restriction and more about freedom.
From there, the conversation opens into the very real season of sandwich parenting—caring for children while supporting aging parents—and the emotional and logistical juggle that comes with it. Stephanie reflects on running a small business, staying deeply involved in her local community, and raising a family without losing herself in the process.
You’ll also hear about Stephanie’s Maven program through Posey Law Group, where she helps women start and structure their businesses the right way—legally protected, empowered, and confident from day one. It’s practical, powerful, and exactly the kind of support more women deserve.
As always, Lauren and Michelle weave in laughter, warmth, and thoughtful reflection on what they’re reading, watching, and listening to—before closing out with their Simple Joys of the week.
This episode is about resilience. It’s about choosing clarity. It’s about community, boundaries, and building a life that feels steady and sustainable.
Press play, get cozy, and join us for a conversation that reminds you: you can rewrite your story at any time
A heartfelt thank you to Posey Law Group and Chicago Private Wealth Group for supporting this episode and our cozy community.
“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 [email protected], 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.”
And if you’re a woman building a business and want to start on solid legal ground, Stephanie’s work at Posey Law Group is a powerful place to begin.
19 February 2026, 7:26 am - 1 hour 5 minutes376 | 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:
Pork Meatballs with Ginger and Fish Sauce
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 [email protected], 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.
12 February 2026, 7:59 am - 1 hour 11 minutes375 | 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:
This episode is sponsored by Posey Law Group.
5 February 2026, 3:15 pm - 1 hour 14 minutes374 | 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.
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This episode is sponsored by Posey Law Group.
29 January 2026, 7:47 am - 1 hour 10 minutes373 | 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.
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This episode is sponsored by Posey Law Group.
22 January 2026, 7:17 am - 1 hour 12 minutes372 | 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:
Why Everyone Is Logging Off in 2026
PLG Maven Use our code Cozy Maven for 10% off.
Thank you to our sponsor Posey Law Group.
15 January 2026, 7:38 am - 1 hour 20 minutes371 | 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
Thank you to our sponsors, Lizzie Selle Studio & Let It Be Us
18 December 2025, 7:50 am - 1 hour 1 minute370 | 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.
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Thank you to our sponsor.
11 December 2025, 7:36 am - 1 hour 7 minutes369 | 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.
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Thank you to our sponsors;
4 December 2025, 7:14 am - 1 hour 6 minutes368 | On Teens Growing Up, Holiday Rage & Staying Grounded
Welcome back, WIFs! In this cozy catch-up, Michelle and Lauren settle in with ginger-molasses cookies, share a big holiday announcement, and dive into the whirlwind of real emotions that come with this season of life. From a beautiful Naples wedding with lifelong friends to navigating holiday prep, mom-grief, and the emotional toll of the world right now, this episode is equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, and human.
The sisters also share what they’re reading, watching, and listening to, plus the simple joys that grounded them this week. If you’re craving warmth, honesty, and a little levity, pour a cup and settle in.
Cozy, mindful, real — just how we like it.
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Thank you to our sponsors;
27 November 2025, 1:36 pm - 1 hour 4 minutes367 | The Power of Speaking Up: Boys and Men’s Mental Health with Jimmy Maley
Welcome back, WIFs!
Grab your coffee and settle in for another cozy chat with Lauren and Michelle. This week, they welcome fellow SJC Wildcat and podcaster Jimmy Maley, from The Maley Way Podcast, for a heartfelt, funny, and refreshingly honest conversation about boys, men, their mental health - and why empathy is actually the most badass trait a man can have.
Together, the trio digs into mental health, Jimmy’s experience with depression, and the tricky space between masculinity and vulnerability. Jimmy opens up about what he’s seeing in young men today and how parents can show up better for their sons. Expect laughter, insight, and a few “huh, that’s so true” moments.
A very cozy thank-you to our sponsor, Let It Be Us, for the beautiful work they’re doing in foster care and adoption across Illinois. And Lizzie Selle Studio for allowing us the opportunity to show off some of her incredible one of a kind creations.
So light a candle, grab your blanket, and press play. This one’s for anyone raising sons, has a man in their life, or just trying to understand them better because the truth is, mental health struggles don’t discriminate.
Resources:
Thank you to our sponsors;
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