Experts share the best way to give pep talks

🧠 The science of pep talks (and what not to say)

When “You got this” doesn’t cut it, here’s what will.

Most of us mean well when we try to lift someone up, but the usual suspects like “You’ll be fine” or “Hang in there” can land like emotional styrofoam: light, well-intentioned, and ultimately disposable.

In this story by Erik Barnes, experts in psychology and communication break down how to give truly effective pep talks that empower rather than patronize. The magic formula? Start with empathy, skip the advice, and gently remind them of their own power. One key question to ask first: “What do you need from me right now?”

Also, pro tip: don’t wait for a crisis. Frequent mini pep talks, sticky notes, surprise texts, and tiny reminders of belief can build a resilience bank for when the storm hits.

🎬 No heroes, all headaches: Seth MacFarlane misses hope on screen

Why are all your favorite TV characters such messes now?

As the lady once asked, where have all the good men gone? Seth MacFarlane is wondering the same thing about the leads in our TV shows. Where are the Captain Picards and the ? We’re drowning in Tony Sopranos and Walter Whites.

As Ryan Reed reports, MacFarlane recently appeared on an episode of Ted Danson’s podcast, where he lamented how Hollywood keeps serving up beautifully made despair. Shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and The White Lotus? Brilliant. But if you find yourself really relating to the characters in those shows, maybe seek help.

As Seth sees it, that shift isn’t just overdue, it might be the only thing TV still has the power to do that actually matters.

And what did we learn?

In the last issue, we shared the story of a hero pit bull and asked you which dog had the most unfair reputation. Our story might have led the witnesses a bit; the overwhelming favorite was the pit bull. Collectively, we seem to love these misunderstood giant-headed sweethearts.

• Pit bulls (obviously) (48.5%)

• Rottweilers (big heads, bigger hearts) (23.5%)

• Dobermans (not just 80's movie villains) (13.2%)

• Chihuahuas (small dogs, big slander) (14.7%) 

🗣️ The hidden history behind the Southern drawl (and why it’s smarter than you think)

Turns out, that “y’all” might be speaking the “Queen’s English” after all.

In this viral video, tour guide and voice actress Judy Whitney-Davis gives a masterclass on Southern linguistics and time-travels through accents. She traces the Southern drawl back to British and French roots, flipping the script on decades of unfair stereotypes. The “Moonlight Magnolia Drawl” isn’t just charming, it’s historic. And that Cajun cadence? It’s practically French with hot sauce.

In this story by Mark Wales, Davis doesn’t just explain it, she performs it. Watching her switch from Southern belle to French aristocrat to Brooklyn bartender is pure delight, and proof that sounding different doesn’t mean sounding dumb.

💬 From the group text…

🎶I believe cats can fly! I believe they can touch the sky! 🎶