In the beginning of the grooming process, there is sweetness and light. The groomer wants you, acts like you’re the only one in the room, showers you with adulation, folds you into the embrace of... Read More

"Throughout human history, creating social bonds across large groups has been one of our most persistent challenges. Emerging research suggests that group singing may be one of our most powerful tools for doing so." —... Read More

Sooner or later, the question arises for every atheist, humanist and freethinker: Where’s OUR gospel music? Until heathen gospel rates a Grammy category, we listen-hunt for one-off songs that inspire us, tell our stories, express... Read More

Let’s be honest: American Santa Claus is unsettling. It’s not just the sight of an overly-jolly old man breaking and entering; it’s the entire Santa Industrial Complex that feels…icky. We recently had a discussion during... Read More

I gave “The White Lotus” another chance. Two more episodes. Once again I switched it off with the same feeling in my body: not uplifted, not enlightened – just dirty. As if I’d been rolling... Read More

I watched BoJack Horseman for the first time this year. Even though I had known about the show for years, I could never bring myself to start it. Not because of the animation style or... Read More

Wallace swallowed a bland, oversized bite of boiled chicken breast, and the air snapped off. He was choking. He tried to wash it down with the tumbler of vodka he’d allowed himself for lunch, but... Read More