Slow Stories
Slow Stories is a podcast hosted by Rachel Schwartzmann that features conversations with writers, artists, and innovators about living, working, and creating with more intention. Each episode explores slow stories and big ideas, offering thoughtful perspectives on creativity and a more deliberate life. The show is connected to the Substack publication at slowstories.substack.com, where listeners can subscribe for related writing. It is produced independently and distributed in English.
Episodes
Kate Baer — "People are much more willing to help than we think."
Have you seen the moon? What do you want from this provincial life? How much risk can we allow in this careless, rotten world? These are just a few of the many questions readers will encounter in celebrated poet Kate Baer’s new book, How About Now.
As the bestselling author of What Kind of Woman, And Yet, and I Hope This Finds You Well, Kate’s latest collection continues her thoughtful exploration
Maggie Smith — "You're a human before you're an artist."
What ingredients are necessary to write? Where does a story begin and end? Why is the blank page both endlessly exciting and daunting? For renowned poet, memoirist, and educator Maggie Smith, these questions are the center of her life and work. And in her latest book, Dear Writer, she offers something bigger than answers.
Across ten principles, readers are greeted with a wealth of inspiration that
Pico Iyer — "Words are only as rich as the silence that underlies them."
What moves you—and where? Who are you when everything else falls away? What can you find in stillness? Renowned travel writer and speaker Pico Iyer has pursued these questions throughout his storied career and brings them close to home in his latest book, Aflame.
In 1990, after narrowly escaping a devastating California wildfire—with only his mother’s cat in tow—Pico was ultimately rendered homele
Caleb Femi — "Poetry never leaves you."
Think about the last time you felt connected to night: the moon’s luminous glow, the rhythms of a house party, the pulsing of the music, the heartbeat of a community. Caleb Femi’s modern epic, The Wickedest, offers a way back to those feelings—and asks us to consider what lies beneath the surface.
From 10:45 PM to 4:45 AM, readers attend the longest-running house party in South London’s shoob sce
Gloria Noto — "Awareness is a reflection."
What is the role of beauty in this day and age? For some, it’s an aesthetic pursuit; for others, it’s simply a state of mind. If we’re talking about the global, multibillion-dollar industry, it’s something else entirely. But for Gloria Noto, beauty is more than meets the eye. As the founder of NOTO Botanics, a multi-use, gender-inclusive, clean cosmetic line, Gloria and her team are committed to “
Ayşegül Savaş — "We're always in the midst of it."
What makes a day? Is it the routine of brewing morning coffee or walking through the neighborhood? Is it more meaningful if it's spent in the company of others? And if we do find ourselves alone, what are we able to see in our solitude?
Ayşegül Savaş's affinity for the details brings these questions to the forefront. She has a talent for transforming mundane moments into compelling prose that ling
Lauren Elkin — "To me, it's all interesting."
What does it mean to be faithful?
This question is central to Lauren Elkin's debut novel, Scaffolding, which follows the trials and tribulations of two couples across time and space, occupying the same Paris apartment in 2019 and 1972. It is an incisive study of transformation—physical, emotional, geographical, familial. It is a question and questioning of desire: how we give it, show it, (try to)
Rachel Schwartzmann — "Was it a beginning, or had the story been writing itself all along?"
A note from Slow Stories' own Rachel Schwartzmann regarding her new book, SLOWING!
—
Order SLOWING: https://lnk.to/Slowing/
Subscribe to Slow Stories on Substack: https://slowstories.substack.com/
Read Rachel's essay in Literary Hub: https://lithub.com/against-perfectionism-and-productivity-on-embracing-flaws-as-a-writer/
Follow Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelschwartzmann/
Amy Lin — "Grief is a problem of narrative."
What does it mean to grieve? What does it look and feel like? Why is it still so hard for us to understand? These are just a few questions Amy Lin tackles in her astounding memoir Here After. In a series of crystalline vignettes, Amy recounts the unexpected death of her husband Kurtis, her subsequent medical crisis—and the winding journey to live after inconceivable loss.
In many ways, Here After
Claudia Dey and Heidi Sopinka — "We're very conscious of that aliveness in our relationship."
Shared vision is at the heart of every great partnership—but a good sense of humor helps, too. Claudia Dey and Heidi Sopinka understand this sentiment.
The two creatives met as undergrads at McGill University—and later at a bush camp, cooking for tree planters—and have lived multiple lives since then. In 2012, they co-founded the conscious fashion brand HORSES, which values beauty, utility, wildne
Victoria Chang — "It takes a lot of energy to be slow."
"Point of view has a terrible memory. I've looked at photos scrolling up and over, zooming in and out, and realize it is not love I want, just the ability to zoom back out. A woman loses herself when she can no longer zoom out." This is one of the many resonant passages readers will encounter in Victoria Chang's latest poetry collection, With My Back to the World. Across three parts, Victoria eng
Brandon Stosuy and Rose Lazar — "Crying is a cool thing."
When was the last time you cried? This question is at the heart of Brandon Stosuy and Rose Lazar's illustrated anthology, Sad Happens: A Celebration of Tears. With contributions from a wide range of voices, including Phoebe Bridgers, Zeba Blay, Sloane Crosley, and many more, Sad Happens is a gentle offering that reminds us to get to the heart of our own stories—and our own humanity.
Off the page,
Mason Spector — "I find a lot of value in the sadness."
Authenticity has never been more critical in a world that celebrates fleeting trends. In an industry like fashion, and for entrepreneur Mason Spector, discerning design is just a small part of creating long-term impact and connection. As the co-founder of the Los Angeles-based clothing brand Madhappy, Spector and his team are committed to "using apparel, events, and experimental retail spaces to e
Chelsea Hodson — ”I’m genuinely excited about creating things.”
An essay, Chelsea Hodson tells us, should be an attempt at clarity. That may be true for a writer, but clarity is the last thing that comes to mind when reading Chelsea's words. Instead, we are swept away by her striking prose, repetition, digressions. Chelsea's words pulse with desire, fear, and hope. Readers walk away from the page, not always knowing what to think but feeling something primal j
Katherine May — ”It’s okay to get on with the business of living.”
How do we find and maintain a sense of wonder in a world that's become so unpredictable? Katherine May (author of Wintering and The Electricity of Every Living Thing) tackles this pressing question in her latest book, Enchantment, which is “an invitation to each of us to experience life in all its sensual complexity and to find the beauty waiting for us there.”
Calling upon the natural elements—ea
Tembe Denton-Hurst — ”Growing isn’t always in the big moments.”
The world can learn a lot from Tembe Denton-Hurst—like how to tell a story and, perhaps more importantly, how to tell the truth. She does this and more in her stunning debut novel, Homebodies, which “is a testament to those trying to be heard and loved in a world that refuses to make space.”
In this electric story, readers follow Mickey Hayward, a writer in New York navigating the crossroads of pe
Allie Rowbottom — ”The questions in your writing are the questions in your life.”
Who are you when no one is looking? This question came to mind when reading Allie Rowbottom's incisive debut novel, Aesthetica.
The story follows Anna, a former Instagram celebrity, on her path of reflection and redemption as she seeks to undergo a high-risk elective surgery called Aesthetica™, which is said to “reverse all her past plastic surgery procedures, returning her, she hopes, to a truer
Ross Gay — ”There’s always a gathering inside of us.”
To hold joy in your hand means to honor sadness in your heart, for the two are inextricable. This sentiment is one that many of us will recognize after a prolonged period of chaos and transformation. But for poet and author Ross Gay, studying these modes has paved the way for art that will stand the test of time. Enter Inciting Joy, Ross's latest essay collection, which “considers the joy we incit
Tarajia Morrell — ”We imagine our future, our family, ourselves.”
From Chopped to Top Chef to restaurant dreams, Fatima Ali's star was on the rise. But after a devastating cancer diagnosis upended her plans, the young chef vowed to experience all she could with the time she had left. Yet as her illness suddenly worsened, Fatima pivoted once again, this time turning to the page as a place to reflect on her identity, food, family, and life. The result is Savor, a
Ella Frances Sanders — ”People ask questions differently, and they also answer questions differently.”
How do you define beauty? Where does beauty come from? Why is beauty important? For Ella Frances Sanders, these questions take center stage in her latest book, Everything, Beautiful, an artful guide that encourages readers to “find hidden beauty in the world.”
With elegant prose and calming illustrations, Everything, Beautiful provokes deeper inquiry into how we've come to understand beauty and ou
Naj Austin — ”What does it mean to put ourselves on a platform that requires less of us?”
Think about the places you frequent most. What’s the experience like? How does it make you feel? How are you connecting? And who are you connecting with? Whether online or offline, Naj Austin has been exploring these questions through her visionary endeavors, which include Ethel’s Club and, most recently, Somewhere Good, an “audio platform for intimate community conversations.”
With its distinct,
Kayla Maiuri — ”Fiction teaches us so much about reality.”
What we leave behind can still shape what moves us forward. This idea is at the core of Kayla Maiuri's poignant debut novel, Mother in the Dark.
In this quietly captivating story, readers follow Anna, a young woman who finds herself at a crossroads as her complicated past converges with the present. As Anna's family life unfurls, we meet various characters who inspire deeper reflection about what
Lisa Taddeo — ”I’ve been there, and you’re not alone.”
Let's start with a simple truth: Lisa Taddeo's work is anything but slow. Time and time again, her readers are pulled into honest—devastating—examinations of rage, grief, and what it means to be a person in the world. From her acclaimed work of nonfiction, Three Women, to her unforgettable debut novel Animal, Lisa's writing is not merely an invitation into a story but a rallying cry to recognize t
Ashley Merrill — ”Design is in service of your rest.”
As hours pass, pay attention to the way the light shifts. Notice how the afternoon sun fades into dusk. Another night has arrived: How was your day? How do you feel? And perhaps more importantly, how will you rest and replenish?
These questions drive the work of creative entrepreneur Ashley Merrill. Over the years, her company, Lunya, has grown into a category-defining sleepwear brand at the inter
Coco Mellors — ”If you create something and no one sees it, does it count? Yes.”
“When the darkest part of you meets the darkest part of me, it creates light.” This is one of the many incredible lines readers will find in Coco Mellors' luminous debut novel Cleopatra and Frankenstein.
In this riveting story, readers meet Cleo and Frank, two disparate characters whose chance encounter brings them closer in ways they couldn't have expected. Throughout the book, readers also meet
Hannah Traore — ”The context is always important.”
Slow down and look around. Observe the art on the walls. Take in the colors, textures, and scents. What memories come to mind? How does it make you feel? And, perhaps more importantly, why?
Ask Hannah Traore, and she'll tell you that these questions are integral to how we collectively engage with art. The New York-based gallerist originally got her start in the industry at renowned institutions l
Laura Cramer and Starr Hout — ”We’re so capable of realizing dreams.”
Picture this: a vast expanse of Texas road and sky, two best friends, and a world of possibility. It was here that Laura Cramer and Starr Hout came together and conceived Apiece Apart—a brand revered for design-forward staples that, in their words, “act as witnesses to our lives... and never go out of style.”
While the duo's shared love for beauty has culminated in timeless clothing, style is just
Katie Kitamura — ”There’s also incredible power in grief.”
What does it mean to belong? And what responsibilities come with belonging? These questions were top of mind while reading Katie Kitamura's stunning novel, Intimacies.
In Intimacies, readers are presented with a rich examination of language, power, and identity seen through the lens of an unnamed narrator who has arrived in The Hague to interpret at the international court. As the narrator's stor
Grace Miceli — ”Slowing down is about trusting myself more.”
The art of life requires empathy, resilience, and a laugh or two—especially now. But after all that we've been through over the last few years, one question endures: How do we deal? This idea is at the core of artist Grace Miceli's book, How to Deal.
Billed as “a weird but honest roadmap from a friend who wants to make it just that much easier for us to navigate our own journey,” How to Deal prov
Matthew Herman — ”I hope we’re all realizing that we can live by our own rules.”
Rituals transform how we live, work, and create—but closer to home, they can do something much greater: encourage self-love. For conscious creators like Matthew Herman, this idea is especially prevalent. Enter Boy Smells.
Co-founded in late 2015 with his partner David Kien, Matthew and the team have worked diligently to create a gender-inclusive lifestyle brand that, in their words, encourages peo
Meredith Westgate — ”Being a writer can often be empathy overload.”
What do we remember about our stories? In her stunning debut novel, The Shimmering State, Meredith Westgate explores the convergence of memory, art, and grief through the lens of two artists: Lucien, a grieving photographer who moves to Los Angeles to care for his grandmother, and Sophie, a dancer with the Los Angeles Ballet Company who has landed a coveted lead role in an upcoming production. On
Larissa Pham — ”I think everyone woke up to just how impossible it is to survive.”
Art creates space for understanding, introspection, and intimacy. These themes are especially at play in the work of artist and writer Larissa Pham. You may recognize Larissa’s work from her bylines in esteemed publications, including The Paris Review Daily, or in the case of this episode, from her brilliant work of creative nonfiction, Pop Song, which is described as “a book about distances, near
Jen Spyra — ”How much doubt attends every stage of your writing?”
While some stories remain in your heart, others simply make you laugh out loud. Jen Spyra's storytelling oscillates between the two. You may recognize Jen's work from her roles at revered comedic havens like The Onion and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert or from her bylines in publications like The New Yorker and McSweeney's. Most recently, Jen has channeled her editorial expertise into her debu
Melissa Febos and Forsyth Harmon — ”Writing is the very solitary room where I practice articulating things that feel unspeakable.”
“A lasting, conscientious change in the self is similar to one in society: it requires consistent tending. It is sometimes painful and often tedious. We must choose it over and over.” This is one of the many resonant passages readers will come across from writer Melissa Febos in her latest book, Girlhood.
In this stunning essay collection, Melissa deftly examines (and interrogates) the stories we'
Jen Batchelor — ”I take it very seriously when a word gets hijacked out of our vocabulary.”
Conscious connection with others has taken on a whole new level of importance after a year of isolation and recalibration. But if you ask changemakers like Jen Batchelor, lasting connection comes from within—and begins with fueling the body and mind, the heart and soul. Enter Kin, co-founded in 2018 by Jen as “the first packaged Euphoric beverage—a non-alcoholic spirit made of adaptogens, nootropi
Suzanne Koven — ”Literature opens the conversation.”
“Tell me the whole story from the beginning.” This line has impacted Dr. Suzanne Koven in more ways than one. The revered doctor and writer in residence at Massachusetts General Hospital has cultivated a career that uniquely rests at the intersection of medicine and storytelling. She recently illuminated these experiences in her debut essay collection, Letter to a Young Female Physician.
In Letter
Courtney Marie Andrews — ”Poetry is asking you to get beneath the surface.”
What is poetry asking of us? This question was top of mind when speaking with artist Courtney Marie Andrews.
The critically acclaimed musician (and self-proclaimed “student of experience”) has translated her wisdom and storytelling prowess into her debut poetry collection, Old Monarch, which “centers around themes of longing and a desire to belong while excavating scenes from her childhood in the
Lesley Thornton — ”My self-care is preparation for community care.”
Industry luminaries like Lesley Thornton prove that with a little extra care, beauty can offer something much greater than aesthetics—it can leave an imprint on someone's heart.
Lesley's work in the cosmetics industry is far-reaching, and her past roles have ranged from [retired] esthetician to makeup for The Estée Lauder Companies to on-air beauty and skincare expert for Discovery Networks. But m
Dina Nur Satti — ”Art is really asking people to listen to the process.”
Design impacts every aspect of modern life, but it can also serve as a vessel for us to reconnect with time-honored traditions and stories. This duality is often at play in the work of ceramic artist Dina Nur Satti.
Dina's practice rests at the intersection of academia, artistry, and aesthetics, and these elements have informed her namesake brand, Nur Ceramics, which in Dina's words, has helped he
Jessica Manning — ”Your vision for your future changes.”
Time and time again, we've witnessed how storytelling can transcend barriers and ignite our senses. The latter has become especially important in our interconnected age. Artists like Jessica Manning are living proof of how the digital landscape can be a powerful vehicle for people to create—and tell stories—that remain in our hearts.
For Jessica, this has notably come to life through music. The si
Zak Williams — ”You need to be engaged with your environment and the people around you.”
We can't always prepare for the unexpected, but we can pace ourselves when navigating tough moments. This is a lesson that Zak Williams has slowly learned through the years and is now translating to the masses as the co-founder of well-being brand, PYM, short for Prepare Your Mind. While PYM offers an invitation to those looking to take better care of their mental health, the brand's origins stem
Deja Foxx — ”We should be making statements about who we are.”
Certain moments in life leave an indelible mark on our stories. While it can sometimes be uncomfortable to navigate these moments of uncertainty, individuals like Deja Foxx remind us that moving with intention will always be a step in the right direction.
At just twenty years old, Deja has already risen to prominence as a community builder who is seamlessly bridging the gap between social justice
Becky Cooper — ”What is the story that I should be the one to write?”
Some stories stay with us, and the ones that do often shape our lives in ways that we never thought were possible. This is the case for Becky Cooper, whose chance encounter with a harrowing collegiate tale ignited her ten-year exploration into the unsolved murder of Jane Britton—an archaeology graduate student at Harvard who takes center stage in Becky's sophomore book, We Keep the Dead Close: A M
Nicole Caputo — ”I really see design as a lifestyle.”
Don’t judge a book by its cover—instead, look closely and let it take you deeper into the story. Nicole Caputo understands how to make this sentiment a reality. She is translating her dual passion for art and writing into her roles as Creative Director at Catapult and Counterpoint Press and Co-Founder of She Designs Books.
While the relationship between design and storytelling becomes increasingly
Mélanie Masarin — ”You never remember the time you spent on the internet.”
What does it mean to gather? This is a question that
Ghia—a new non-alcoholic aperitif brand founded by Mélanie that “inspires new ways to drink, gather, and think.”
While Ghia's roots are inspired by the Mediterranean, closer to home, Mélanie has grappled with building a company rooted in connection in a time of increased isolation. For Mélanie, a shift in perspective—and pace—has become a guidin
Lindsay Adams — ”Slow storytelling means giving yourself the grace and the space to evolve.”
Art imitates life; it also inspires new ways of looking at the world. The advent of the digital age has created a new palette for artists to make their mark on a scale unlike ever before. Lindsay Adams is among these boundary-pushing creatives, and she has captivated the digital landscape with her work—and her story.
For Lindsay, art is both a respite and a runway to inspire introspection and conv
Orion Carloto — ”Slowing down is the most beautiful thing you can do for yourself.”
We look to the past to inform our futures, but as we continue writing the chapters of our stories, we often forget to bask in the events unfolding in real time. Creative people have a unique ability to capture the nuances of these particular experiences. Poet and tastemaker Orion Carloto is one of these individuals.
As she's grown in her creative practice, Orion learned how to look for—and celebr
Makenna Goodman — ”I do think that we want to escape, but I don’t think we want to flee.”
“What if you could change your life? Would you do it? How would you do it?” These introductory questions invite readers into the world of The Shame—Makenna Goodman’s debut novel that follows the yearning and ultimate unraveling of a woman named Alma.
While the book itself is short in length, readers become immersed in a slow buildup to a critical decision that Alma makes revolving around Celeste,
Taylor Sterling — ”I want to be more empathetic to how I can help versus how people can help me.”
The creative process is exciting, messy, and in some cases, uncertain. But it illuminates the depths of our subconscious and creates a runway to tell stories that inspire a shift in pace, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the worlds conjured by some of the most creative minds. Taylor Sterling is one of them, and her multifaceted approach to creativity has come to life most notably in the f
Jordan Taylor — ”The most meaningful learning comes from deeper experiences.”
Finding strength in numbers has taken on a whole new meaning as it’s shaped how we navigate a tumultuous time—one that’s called much of how we live and work into question. However, if you ask Jordan Taylor, the question of what comes next ultimately ignites us to look inward and seek to learn things about ourselves—and others. This is the root of what Jordan is exploring with her new company, Medl
Jenn Tardif — ”You get to define what success looks like and how it feels.”
“When you move half as fast, you notice twice as much.” These words make up the foundation that Jenn Tardif has built for her life and work. With the latter in mind, this sentiment is also one of the pillars that makes up 3rd Ritual—a collective founded by Jenn that, in her words, “creates mindful objects, botanical blends, and esoteric content that make meaning from the ordinary.”
In those ordina
Sophia Amoruso — ”The only way to know is to see the results that come of people’s lives.”
Business is more creative than we give it credit for. Sophia Amoruso understands this sentiment—and while many of us have witnessed the intimate details that have gone into building her past ventures, Sophia is looking forward as she launches her latest endeavor to help fellow entrepreneurs take flight. Enter Business Class, a newly launched course, which is “a one-way ticket for entrepreneurs tha
Sanaë Lemoine — ”There’s something that’s almost unlocked when I begin writing on paper.”
“The best stories are created when you surrender to uncertainty.” This is a quote from Sanaë Lemoine's debut novel, The Margot Affair. While the context is a work of fiction, these words embody the fact of what it means to live, work, and create in this day and age. If recent months have shown us anything, it’s that uncertainty is in abundance. However, if you ask Sanaë, uncertainty is something t
Suleika Jaouad — ”Focus on cultivating a practice.”
Our perspectives are shaped by the experiences we collect while writing the many chapters of our lives. However, as we go through life, we brace for the plot twists that have the power to rewrite our stories in ways we could have never expected. Suleika Jaouad understands this sentiment—and has created an extraordinary story of her own rooted in strength and transcendence.
When she was just 22 yea
Ali Kriegsman — ”It’s on us to take that pause.”
Sometimes, to affect real change, it comes down to starting over and building anew. Ali Kriegsman understands this idea in more ways than one.
As an inherently curious and creative person, Ali has been building a life and career that encompasses her varied interests, ranging from writing to music to community-building. These passions eventually culminated in her role as the co-founder and COO of B
Dianna Cohen — ”Everything is so much better when it’s low and slow.”
Storytelling has always been inherent to Dianna Cohen, and now more than ever before, she’s breathing new life into the narrative around what it means to build a brand with intention.
From her varied in-house experiences at global start-ups to servicing emerging players across fashion and lifestyle through her consultancy, Levitate, Dianna eventually found herself seeking refuge in self-care ritua
Vanessa Barboni Hallik — ”We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”
The catalyst for change often arises when you recognize that your days don’t feel complete. For Vanessa Barboni Hallik, this realization was two-fold.
When the former finance executive turned fashion founder made the entrepreneurial leap, she refocused her ambitions to not only reshape her individual career but to recalibrate the future of an industry that is overdue for change. Enter Another Tomo
Eryn Danielle — ”Whose voices are going to be highlighted and amplified?”
The intersection of creativity and problem-solving has proven to be a vital combination as we collectively endure global crises. Perhaps no one understands this better than Eryn Danielle, a New York-based creative professional, movement artist, and founder.
From her enduring love of dance to spearheading social and brand initiatives for some of the most admired companies in the world, Eryn underst
Stephanie Danler — ”Compassion depends on being able to pay attention and feel.”
Novelist, memoirist, screenwriter, reader, mother, daughter: Stephanie Danler’s title isn’t singular, and perhaps that is what makes her such a compelling storyteller.
If you’ve read Stephanie’s work, you might already be aware of her gift for writing about the human experience in a way that captures your heart—and sometimes breaks it. Her breakout novel-turned-television show, Sweetbitter, is the
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