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The series finale of The Bear featured a simple but beautiful tribute to beloved filmmaker Rob Reiner.

In one of his final roles before his passing, Reiner appeared as a restaurant consultant, Albert, in The Bear season four. While he no longer appeared, his character was referenced often, specifically revolving around his mentorship of line cook Ebra, who was played by Edwin Lee Gibson.

In the finale, Ebra pitches his and Albert’s business plan to Carmy, who is played by Jeremy Allen White. He immediately goes all in because of his trust in Ebra.

“Albert, we are in business,” Ebra says in a phone call to Reiner’s character. “It’s perfect. I will have all the documents; email it to you immediately. Anything else I can do?”

Albert then starts talking, but it's not heard. Ebra then simply responds, "As you wish.”

It was a nod to one of Reiner's most famous films, The Princess Bride, with that being the iconic catchphrase of Westley.

In a past interview with USA Today, White reflected on getting to work with Reiner.

“We all got to spend a little bit of time with him,” the Shameless actor said. "And he was incredibly generous, incredibly kind. Like so, game and curious, committed. He was really happy to be there.

“I’ve been really lucky, I’ve met a lot of people I admire now. And sometimes, you meet those heroes, and it’s disappointing and you wish you hadn’t—and that’s just the opposite case with Rob.”

Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found murdered in their Brentwood home in December 2025. Their son, Nick Reiner, was arrested later that same day for their murders. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a special circumstance of multiple murders and has pleaded not guilty.

Over the last six years, leading man Chase Stokes has portrayed the beloved John B. Routledge on Netflix's hit original series Outer Banks. As the cast gears up for the season 5 premiere on August 20, the actor spoke in an exclusive interview with Parade about what fans can expect from the closing chapter of the series.

John B. was Stokes's breakout role, catapulting him from small television appearances into undeniable mainstream success. Since wrapping up filming in December, the actor has had time to process his departure from the character—the glue holding the treasure-hunting Pogues together.

"I think every character kind of stays with you a little bit, so I don't know if you ever fully get the opportunity to say goodbye," Stokes reflected. "The way that we shoot the show, it's so fast, so it sort of just happens and you're done. I'm just super thankful to be a part of something that has been able to stick around as long as it has, and it's got such a near and dear place in my heart. I always say it's never a full 'goodbye' because he's still sort of deep-rooted within me."

Drew Starkey, Chase Stokes, Madison Bailey, Carlacia Grant, Austin North, Rudy Pankow, Madelyn Cline and Jonathan Daviss attend the 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Charleston World Premiere on October 08, 2024 in Charleston, South Carolina.

Jeff Hahne/Getty Images for Netflix

After the official teaser trailer for season 5 dropped last week, fans are more excited than ever to experience the conclusion of the Pogues' stories. Season 4 left off on a devastating note with the death of central character JJ Maybank. The newest clips share a brief look into the aftermath of the tragedy, featuring revenge, arrests and explosions.

Stokes revealed that many scenes he filmed for the season included help from his stunt double, Alexander Jennings. While it is typical Outer Banks fashion to include high-stakes action scenes, this might be the most action-heavy season yet. The actor admitted the new installment will be an escalation from Season 1's boat-driving stunts, preparing viewers for some pretty "epic shit."

"There's a lot of action sequences this year, and I have become very close with my stunt double over the course of this show—he's worked with me on other things as well," Stokes said. "We got to do some pretty epic shit. Being able to do more of that at a higher level, versus just driving boats in the first season, is pretty cool."

While the teaser looks a bit daunting, Stokes reassured fans that the end of the show will be a satisfying conclusion for longtime viewers.

"It's the ending that everybody is gonna want," Stokes said. "Anybody who's tuned into this show knows that there's a lot of chaos and a lot of high-heart-rate moments. So to land the plane in the ways that we did, I'm very proud of."

Captain Morgan Sliced's new Colada Style Variety Pack photographed for press release. Captain Morgan Sliced Partnership

Stokes recently partnered with Captain Morgan Sliced to spotlight their newest Piña Colada Style Variety Pack. This weekend, the actor will be sailing down to Daytona Beach to help host a launch event at the Coconut Retreat in Florida.

Fans 21+ are welcome to join Stokes for an immersive tropical experience, offering event-goers the chance to pair their relaxing summer getaways with the new flavors. The new launch expands consumer idea of what a colada drink can be, infusing the collection with classic summer flavors like Strawberry, Mango and Passionfruit.

"Summertime is arguably everybody's favorite time of the year. It's where school's out and the weather's good," Stokes said. "My mentality right now, especially after coming off a show that has been going on for so long, is that I'm really trying to relax and reset. Captain Morgan has encapsulated that so well with their brand. It will be a fun event in Daytona Beach, which is kind of in my own backyard, and helping them bring a new product to life is an awesome collaboration. It was a no-brainer."

Fans can RSVP for the June 27 event at this link. Additional information about the celebration and the new collection can be found on Captain Morgan's official Instagram.

Looking Ahead: Stokes's Upcoming Roles & Projects

Beyond the fifth season of Outer Banks, the star is looking ahead to upcoming projects. Stokes was recently cast as Ronnie Whitlock in the AMC NASCAR drama Thunder Road. The show begins filming this summer and is slated for release next year.

After being approached by showrunners Cliff Roberts and Taylor Elmore, Stokes knew this would be the perfect next step. Ronnie's character mirrors some of the qualities the actor looks for when taking on new roles—a conflicted individual on a road to self-discovery in the rapidly changing world of NASCAR.

"I wanted to do something that felt different. It felt like it was in a new world, but a world that people could find a connection and relation to," Stokes explained. "[Ronnie] is a character who's battling a lot of demons and trying to find his place in a huge family dynamic of this dynasty in the NASCAR world, and he's sort of on the sides of it. I always love the people who don't feel like they fit in and don't know where they fit in, watching them go on the journey of self-discovery and finding out what their purpose is."

Chase Stokes attends Netflix Tudum 2025 at The Kia Forum on May 31, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

Nicole/Getty Images for Netflix

As for non-acting endeavors, Stokes revealed he is actively working on his first directorial project. He began brainstorming for the film after moving to L.A. Since then, he has been working behind the scenes to bring the project to life, handling everything from development to financing.

"I'm gonna direct my first film next year. It kind of started as an idea in my brain when I first moved to LA. To go from that to hiring a writer and getting it fully financed, and to just be behind the camera and not acting in it, has always been a dream of mine," he shared. "I'm sort of dabbling in all these different areas of the industry, which feels really satisfying and gratifying to know that the ideas that I've been playing with are those that people are willing and interested in investing in."

It is clear Stokes's career in the film industry is only just beginning. The actor proclaims that his ultimate goal is to bring compelling stories to life from every area of Hollywood. Although his primary experience has been in front of the lens, his aspirations span past acting gigs into every facet of the filmmaking process.

"It's been kind of nice to not just jump into something immediately, especially after doing a show like Outer Banks where everyone is asking, 'What's he gonna do next?'" Stokes said. "I've just taken some time to really dip my toes into different areas of the entertainment industry, encapsulating the idea of being a storyteller—not just in front of the camera, but from every different angle."

Related: Where the 'Off Campus' Crew Would Spend Their Off-Season

After spending nearly a decade playing the found-father-daughter duo on Stranger Things, Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour are officially teaming up again.

Netflix announced that the former co-stars will reunite in an untitled spy drama from Emmy-winning writer Jack Thorne, the creator behind Adolescence. The series comes from A24 and has already received a straight-to-series order.

Brown and Harbour will once again play daughter and father, though under very different circumstances than Eleven and Jim Hopper.

In the new series, Harbour stars as Matt Wolfe, a disgraced former FBI agent turned security expert whose estranged daughter Rebecca, played by Brown, disappears while working as an FBI agent herself. Forced back into a world he thought he'd left behind, Wolfe must navigate an intelligence landscape that has changed dramatically while racing to find his daughter.

"Jack Thorne's ability to find the deeply human story inside a thriller is unmatched," Netflix Head of Scripted Series Jinny Howe said in a statement. "Watching Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour reunite, this time as estranged father and daughter on opposite sides of a crisis, is something audiences are going to love."

The project reunites two of Netflix's biggest stars. Brown became an international breakout as Eleven on Stranger Things, earning two Emmy nominations before going on to headline Netflix hits including Enola Holmes, Damsel and The Electric State. Harbour earned Emmy nominations for his portrayal of police chief Hopper and has since appeared in Marvel films including Black Widow and Thunderbolts.

The announcement also comes just weeks after Harbour publicly addressed reports about tension between the pair during production of the final season of Stranger Things.

Speaking to Variety, Harbour said the situation had been blown out of proportion.

"It was just a simple rupture-and-repair thing that, once we cleared everybody out of the way and talked to each other, we're fine. … We adore each other and always have," said the 51-year-old actor.

Harbour also hinted at future collaborations with Brown, telling the outlet, "You'll see more of me and Millie. Ten years wasn't enough. There is a special bond there. I love her. She loves me."

Brown echoed those sentiments, saying their relationship evolved over the years into a creative partnership and that working alongside Harbour throughout Stranger Things was an experience she will "always remember and value."

For fans who weren't ready to say goodbye to Hopper and Eleven, this reunion offers another chance to watch Brown and Harbour share the screen, this time trading supernatural monsters for an international spy thriller.

Related: 'Stranger Things' Star Is Headlining Netflix's Creepy New Horror Project

Despite finding success in the early '70s, Gallery's 1972 soft-rock tune "Nice to Be With You" wasn't a long-time radio hit. According to American Songwriter, the song, off the band's self-titled album, secured the No. 4 Billboard Hot 100 spot the year it was released, making it Gallery's most commercially popular hit.

The publication recently denoted the song's initial popularity by including "Nice to Be With You" on a list of "3 niche songs from 1972 that every 70s teen seemed to know by heart," which also featured '70s classics like Gilbert O’Sullivan's “Alone Again (Naturally)” and Bill Withers' "Use Me." American Songwriter complimented "Nice to Be With You" for its tender lyrics evoking the feelings of young love.

Jim Gold Said He Doesn't Remember What Inspired Him to Write 'Nice To Be With You'

The vocalist of Gallery, Jim Gold, discussed writing "Nice to Be With You" during an interview with Classic Band.

"To tell you the truth, it was one of them things. It came to me during the day when I was working. My mind was always kind of wandering 'cause my job was really boring. I don't really remember if the melody came first. Maybe it did. Maybe the chorus. I can't say for sure. It was really so long ago," said the musician, now 79.

He clarified that he believes his wife "was probably the inspiration for a lot of things [he] did," including writing the hit.

Gold also told the publication that he penned the song in record speed.

"By the time I home [sic] it was already formulated in my head. I ran in the door, picked up my acoustic guitar, wrote it down and that was it. I'd say fifteen minutes, twenty minutes," said Gold.

In addition, Gold said that his bandmates weren't initially overly impressed with "It's Nice To Be With You."

"When I first played it for them guys, they thought well yeah, it's OK. They kind of brushed over it. When we actually got in to record it and when it was coming together and [producer Mike Theodore] put the bells and different things, we really didn't know what the Gallery sound was going to be," said the vocalist during the Classic Band interview.

Roughly three months after the highly publicized eviction from his Los Angeles residence, passer by caught a brief glimpse at Mickey Rourke walking his dogs in the streets of LA.

According to new photos shared by The New York Post, the 73-year-old actor looked slightly disheveled, dressed in a gray hoodie, faded jeans and a pair of mirrored sunglasses.

Even more noticeably, Rourke was seen missing several prominent teeth in the phots shared by The Post, as well as sporting dark stains around his mouth that has left online observers perplexed.

Per The Post, Rourke's striking physical transformation might largely stem from his earlier career as a boxer, contributing to significant facial trauma that likely has only worsened due to the continued challenges in Rourke's personal life.

“He has had some trauma to his face. And that trauma over the years has definitely affected the dental support structures,” Dr. Jason Auerbach told The Post.

Rourke has shared several stories over the years about his facial injuries and the subsequent surgeries he's been forced to undergo.

Evaluating the severity of Rourke's potential boxing injuries, Auerbach pointed to the lasting damage facial injuries could have years after a punch to the jaw.

“Oftentimes you fracture not just the area where the direct blow was, but you fracture … the other side,” the doctor explained. “You have significant damage to the support structures of the teeth, which of course then affect the teeth.”

Along with the physical wear and tear that comes from healing from such an injury, Auerbach also mentioned that stress might speed up the process known as "bone resorption," causing a decrease in calcium absorption, which in turn leads to bones weakening and potentially leading to teeth falling out.

Auerbach also mentioned, “The more you clench and grind the teeth, the more bone loss around those teeth that you have, the more wear and tear of the teeth you have. You could fracture teeth."

HGTV designer David Bromstad just shared an unexpected update about his future that fans of his makeover shows won't want to hear.

Bromstad, who quickly became a fan favorite, recently revealed that his December 2025 special, My Lottery Dream Home: David's Happy Ending, is "probably the first and last time I'll be designing in front of America," he revealed to Barron Designs.

The special followed Bromstad as he transformed his Florida home into the fairytale retreat of his dreams after a four-year renovation. The project was creatively inspiring, but also exhausting.

"It's been so long since I've done any sort of design in front of America, right?" he shared. "And I'm an artist, you know? I love my job with Lottery but I am a creative through and through. So it was really nice to be able to flex my muscles a little bit."

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Unfortunately, a massive storm destroyed all of Bromstad's progress, putting him and his team back to square one. That's when he revealed in an Instagram Live with Ross Matthews that he turned to some "unhealthy behaviors" where he started "using substances."

“It was a difficult process,” Bromstad shared with Matthews (via People). “The house reflected what was really going on with me personally.” Eventually, he checked himself into a “trauma-based rehab” to “clean up my act.”

Since then, Bromstad says he's worked to create more balance in his life by setting healthier boundaries. “I’ve had to like suck back in and kind of put boundaries up. And so saying ‘no’ to people has been this really unique journey that I’ve taken since getting sober,” he said. “It’s been a necessary journey and it's been such an incredible thing to see people [when] I go, ‘I’m not doing pictures right now, but I would love to have a conversation with you.’ ”

Now, months later, Bromstad says he's focused on moving forward with a new perspective. "[After] working on my mental health, I was like, 'I have nothing to prove to anybody but myself,'" he said. "So, my design is a sneak peek into me as a human. Like, I'm unique. I'm different. I'm relatable, but also, like, completely strange, in the most weird and wonderful way, you know? And that's my house!"

Wrestling star Joe Doering died at the age of 44 following a battle with brain cancer that spanned more than a decade.

The news was shared by Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling on social media.

"At 9:13 a.m. today, June 26, our brother Joe Doering passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family," the statement read. "Though his time on this earth lasted only 44 years, Joe packed a thousand years’ worth of living into every one of them."

"Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Lindsay, his family, and leaves behind countless friends and devoted fans around the world who will forever remember his strength, courage, and spirit," they concluded. "Rest in peace, Joe. You will never be forgotten."

On June 22, an update was posted on Doering's GoFundMe page, sharing the news that he was going into hospice. Then, just four days later, the news of his passing was also posted on the website.

Many paid tribute to Doering following the news.

"AEW and the wrestling world mourn the passing of Joe Doering. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and fans during this difficult time," the All Elite Wrestling page posted.

"We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of JoeDoering. A commanding in-ring performer and a wonderful person, he will never be forgotten. We offer our deepest condolences to his fans, his friends and his family," TNA Wrestling shared.

"Rest easy big man, love ya brother," wrestler Jake Doyle commented.

"Rest in peace, Joe Doering. A absolute monster in the ring 2x AJPW Triple Crown Champion, tag titles with legends like Muta & Suwama. Battled brain cancer for a decade like a true warrior and never stopped fighting. Gone way too soon at 44," a fan expressed.

Doering made his professional wrestling debut in 2004, going on to appear in All Japan Pro Wrestling, where he was a two-time Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion. From 2005 to 2022, he was also a part of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Doering was a two-time Impact World Tag Team Champion.

More than 50 years after introducing listeners to the "regular crowd" at a neighborhood bar, one of Billy Joel's most beloved songs is enjoying another chart moment.

"Piano Man" has climbed to No. 1 on Billboard's Top TV Songs chart (powered by Tunefin, a Songtradr company), after its memorable use in the series finale of Amazon Prime Video's The Boys. The song topped the May 2026 ranking after appearing in the eighth and final episode of the show's fifth season, earning 19.1 million official U.S. streams and 1,000 downloads during the month, according to Luminate.

The achievement is especially remarkable considering "Piano Man" never reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 during its original chart run. Released as a single in 1974 from Joel's breakthrough album of the same name, it peaked at No. 25 before gradually becoming the signature song of his career.

Inspired by Joel's own experiences performing under the alias "Bill Martin" at a Los Angeles piano bar while trying to escape an unfavorable recording contract, the song tells the stories of the regular patrons who gathered each Saturday night. Joel has said the colorful characters, including bartender John, waitress Davy and "real estate novelist" Paul, were all based on real people he met during that period.

Over the decades, "Piano Man" has become one of the defining songs of the singer-songwriter era. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013 and added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry in 2015 for its cultural, historic and artistic significance. Today, it has been certified eight-times platinum in the United States and has surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify.

Billboard's monthly Top TV Songs chart blends music identification data with streaming, sales and other engagement metrics to highlight songs that resonate with viewers after appearing in television shows.

The series finale of The Boys, which concluded the superhero satire's five-season run, gave "Piano Man" a new audience while reminding longtime fans why it has remained a singalong favorite for more than five decades. On the May chart, the classic finished ahead of songs by The Weeknd, Bill Withers, Hozier, Bob Seger and Steely Dan.

Full Billboard Top TV Songs Chart for May 2026

1. "Piano Man" – Billy Joel (The Boys, Prime Video)
2. "Blinding Lights" – The Weeknd (For All Mankind, Apple TV+)
3. "Lovely Day" – Bill Withers (The Boroughs, Netflix)
4. "Take Me to Church" – Hozier (The Boys, Prime Video)
5. "Night Moves" – Bob Seger (The Boroughs, Netflix)
6. "Do It Again" – Steely Dan (Euphoria, HBO)
7. "See U in Hell" – Papa Roach & Hanumankind (Devil May Cry, Netflix)
8. "Starships" – Nicki Minaj (For All Mankind, Apple TV+)
9. "My Immortal" – Evanescence (Devil May Cry, Netflix)
10. "I Played the Fool" – Michael Stipe & Andrew Watt (Rooster, HBO)

Related: 'Stranger Things' Star Is Headlining Netflix's Creepy New Horror Project

It's been over a year since Brennan Elliott last appeared in a new Hallmark movie. After taking time away from acting following the death of his wife, Camilla Row, in March 2025 after an eight-year battle with gastric cancer, the beloved actor returns in A Castle of Our Own alongside Erica Cerra.

In his first film back, Elliott plays a divorcee who values enjoying life over work life. When he meets a divorced single mom who is stressed out over her unfulfilling job, he attempts to get her to see what he sees in this charming return to the small screen.

Read on for more about A Castle of Our Own don't forget to check out the Parade exclusive sneak peek!

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What is A Castle of Our Own about?

When an overworked architect takes an unexpected summer trip, a sandcastle contest and a contractor help her reconnect with her daughter, rediscover joy, and find love she never saw coming.

Related: Hallmark Star Diagnosed With Cancer at 44: ‘I Promise to Persevere’

Who's in the Cast ofA Castle of Our Own? Photo: Brennan Elliott, Erica Cerra. Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

Hallmark Media

Erica Cerra as Marley

Cerra is best known for her role as Deputy Jo Lupo on SyFy’s Eureka, which also starred Hallmark alums, Colin Ferguson, Kavan Smith, and Niall Matter, who played her love interest on the series. She has since guest starred on several shows including Lucifer, Supernatural, and Nancy Drew. She previously starred in Mystery on Mistletoe Lane for Hallmark Media.

Related: The Whole Family Will Enjoy 'Mystery on Mistletoe Lane's Festive Whodunnit

Brennan Elliott as Adam

Elliott has starred in almost two dozen films for Hallmark Media including the Crossword Mysteries, His & Hers, and Christmas in Vienna opposite Sarah Drew. His other credits include Criminal Minds, UnREAL and The Catch.

Related: Hallmark Actor Brennan Elliott Announces Shocking Loss

When does A Castle of Our Own premiere on Hallmark Channel?

A Castle of Our Own premieres on Saturday, June 27 at 8 p.m.ET on Hallmark Channel and is available to stream the next day on Hallmark+.

Related: ‘The Way Home’ Series Finale Ending Leaves Fans Speechless

Does Parade have a sneak peek of A Castle of Our Own?

Yes! In this cute clip, Adam steals Marley's cell phone away from her. Check out this Parade exclusive sneak peek of A Castle of Our Own below:

PARADE Exclusive - A Castle of Our Own - Sneak Peek (1:54) Check out images from A Castle of Our Own

Take a look at some select images from A Castle of Our Own in the gallery below.

A Castle of Our OwnHallmark Media Photo: Sarah Sheehan, Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

Hallmark Media

Emy Aneke, Brennan Elliott Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

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Photo: Erica Cerra, Brennan Elliott, Sarah Sheehan, Sophie Thom Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

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Photo: Barbara Pollard, David James Lewis Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

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Photo: Erica Cerra, Sarah Sheehan Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

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Photo: Erica Cerra, Sophie Thom, Brennan Elliott Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

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Photo: Erica Cerra, Sarah Sheehan, Sophie Thom, Brennan Elliott Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

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Photo: Barbara Pollard Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

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Photo: Emy Aneke Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

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Photo: Brennan Elliott, Erica Cerra, Sarah Sheehan, Sophie Thom Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

Hallmark Media

Photo: Brennan Elliott, Erica Cerra Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

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Photo: Brennan Elliott Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

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Photo: Brennan Elliott, Sophie Thom, Erica Cerra, Sarah Sheehan Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

Hallmark Media

Photo: Sarah Sheehan, Sophie Thom Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

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Photo: Barbara Pollard Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

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Photo: Brennan Elliott, Erica Cerra Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

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Photo: Erica Cerra, Kendra Anderson, Brennan Elliott Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

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Photo: Sarah Sheehan, Erica Cerra Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

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Photo: Brennan Elliott, Lindsay Gibson, Barbara Pollard Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

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Photo: Erica Cerra Credit: ©2026 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Muse Entertainment

Hallmark Media

Despite missing out on one of the biggest music festivals, Joni Mitchellstill released a popular folk-rock track titled "Woodstock." The 1970 song became an anthem of the 1960s counterculture era, and was later reimagined into a rock radio hit that same year.

By 1969, Mitchell had already made a name for herself when she was scheduled to appear at the Woodstock Music and Art Fair alongside the band Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. There was only one problem: she was also scheduled that same day to appear on The Dick Cavett Show. Reports from Woodstock revealed organizational chaos that led her manager, David Geffen, to make a decision.

“It was a catastrophe,” Mitchell told Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) show The National, "and it was Geffen that decided, ‘Oh, we can’t get Joni in, and we can’t get her out in time’. He took me back to where he lived. We watched it on TV."

In the end, Mitchell was told to prioritize her TV appearance over the music festival and ended up never attending. "Woodstock" was written as a result, with Mitchell having gotten first-hand account stories from her then-boyfriend Graham Nash. She once commented on how the "deprivation" of not going gave her an intense angle for the song, as well as being inspired by “a kind of born-again Christian trip” she was going through.

"Woodstock" was released as the B-side to her single "Big Yellow Taxi" and released on her Ladies of the Canyon album. It didn't enter the Billboard charts as a standalone single, and Mitchell even performed the track one month after Woodstock at the 1969 Bug Sur Folk Festival before it was released.

When it was released in 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young released their own cover of the song, but reimagined with a rock arrangement. They learned about the track from Mitchell herself while dating Nash. Their version introduced major changes in tone and had Jimi Hendrix's involvement early on. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's "Woodstock" would become one of the more well-known versions of the track and a classic radio staple, which peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Matthews Southern Comfort also performed their own version of the song and was well-received. Frontman Ian Matthews worried Mitchell would disapprove of him changing the original melody, but she surprisingly preferred his version. Bassist Andy Leigh recalls taking the song apart and reassembling it, knowing they had "something special."

The band's record label agreed to release their cover as a single, only if Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's version failed to chart in the U.K. When that proved to be the case, the label reluctantly released the track, but didn't make an effort to promote it. It wasn't until their manager hired a PR manager that the song got radio airplay. That same year, Assembled Multitude released their own version that also became a chart hit.

Related: 1977 Rock Classic, Inspired by One of the ‘Best Monster Movies’ of All Time, Became a Pop Culture Anthem

Bob Dylan is as much a permanent fixture of rock mythos as any musician on the planet. There are so many legendary stories and fabled events that line the pages of his story that it's almost impossible to categorize them. It's hard to understand some of the legends of the time when looking back so many years later, but there may be no single release Dylan ever put out that was as fabled as "The Basement Tapes."

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Fifty-one years ago today, the album was finally released, and it's one of Dylan's classics. It features a double album full of his collaborations with The Band, with the majority of the material being recorded during Dylan's self-imposed exile from the public eye following his motorcycle accident. The name comes from the legendary location the album was recorded in -- the basement of "Big Pink," the iconic pink house that served as the recording location for The Band's first studio work after venturing off without Dylan.

So if the material was all recorded in the '60s, why did it release in 1975? The story is one of legends, rumors, and the birth of the modern music bootlegging scene, all of which surrounds Dylan's greatest career collaboration, and an album that stands starkly apart from the rest of his discography.

How Bob Dylan Became the Most Bootlegged Artist in History

Dylan's shelter from the public eye created a demand from the music world to receive some new material from him, which is what spawned the legendary bootleg album "Great White Wonder," the first public release of much of the Basement Tapes material. Dylan composed dozens of new songs in the sessions with The Band that made up this bootleg, which circulated like crazy across the music world.

This started a trend with Dylan's music, causing hundreds of recordings of live shows, demos, and unused material to be released unofficially for years, up until Dylan decided to start officially releasing all that material with his own "bootleg" albums. All of that material is available to listen to now across the "bootleg series," a compilation of basically everything Dylan has ever recorded.

The material on that original "Great White Wonder" bootleg was exciting and fresh, and it caused a demand for an official release of the tapes to come. In 1975, Dylan finally cracked under the pressure and released "The Basement Tapes" as a double album of his material with The Band."

First Dylan Went Electric, Then He Went Domestic

"The Basement Tapes" is really defined by the life Dylan was living at the time. He was away from the public eye, and was a father. He was living up in Woodstock, NY and enjoying a quiet domesticity that was a welcome refuge from the years of touring and backlash from him never being the man that anybody wanted him to be. This homeliness bleeds into the lyrical content, as well as the sound of the album, creating a rootsy, stripped back record that captures a special part of the singer's career.

Songs like "Clothes Line Saga," or "Yea! Heavy And A Bottle Of Bread" capture this rural style of living, while also balancing Dylan's typical wit and introspection in his writing. It's pure rustic Americana, which was a stark difference from the other music of the late '60s, which tended to be very maximalist and psychedelic.

Another part of this album that really stands out is how much fun everyone on the record seems to be having. Despite the wealth of great material Dylan was putting out throughout this period of his career, there's a sense of jadedness that can't really be ignored. That's not really present here. It really feels like listening to a bunch of friends jam and write fun songs together, which is a welcome sound in Dylan's discography, which can be a bit bleak sometimes.

Related: At His Lowest, Bob Dylan Made His Darkest Album — Then It Won Album of the Year

I also want to give a shoutout to The Band. They're such an important part of Dylan's history, and I absolutely love their collaborations with him after they went their separate ways. For the uninformed, The Band used to be called The Hawks and were Dylan's touring band for a number of years. They really are the single best musical collaboration Dylan has in my eyes, (either them or his work with Joan Baez) as they bring out this whole different sound to the folk rock Dylan was pioneering. They sound so special together, and this album really showcases how good they were together. A song like "Million Dollar Bash" really showcases the jubilance and carefree sound that they find together. They clearly love collaborating.

A Bitter-Sweet Time Capsule

Twenty-twenty-six is the first year without The Band. Last year, Garth Hudson passed away, leaving Dylan to be the only performer still alive on this record. The Band were such a unique, important, and honestly overlooked band that completely changed music. Their sound was both classic and folksy, but also so forward thinking and revolutionary. Take The Last Waltz, for example. That concert features the best version ever of Dylan's "Forever Young," and guitarist Robbie Robertson takes a guitar solo on it and starts trem-picking. Who does that?

They were a one of a kind group that always brought the best out of Dylan. Seriously, nothing really makes me feel joy quite like seeing these guys collaborating. There is no understanding of Dylan that is complete without studying The Band, and all of the greatness they brought to music. They were one of the best bands ever, and they don't get nearly enough recognition for all they've done.

"The Basement Tapes" is a special, quaint listen that captures a group of artists having the time of their lives. It's a fantastic record that deserves to stand amongst Dylan's most celebrated works.

Related: One of the Greatest Double Albums Ever Made Just Turned 60 — and It Still Sounds Ahead of Its Time

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Somewhere between finishing a book and starting the next one, Kazuo Ishiguro apparently decided he'd earned the right to have some fun.

The Nobel laureate behind Never Let Me Go and The Remains of the Dayannounced on June 16 that his next novel is Miss Lambert Steps Aboard Danger, a spy caper set in London in 1938. It will be published March 9, 2027 by Alfred A. Knopf in North America and Faber in the UK, Ishiguro's first new book since Klara and the Sun in 2021 (a book being tuned into a movie starringJenna Ortega). For readers who came to Ishiguro through stories of clones quietly accepting their fate or butlers quietly suppressing their feelings, the description of the new novel reads like a different author entirely.

The book opens when Richard Hadley, a music hall enthusiast, has an unexpected encounter with the title character after a matinee performance. A connection forms over a shared love of singing, and Hadley follows the mysterious Miss Lambert to a secretive conference at a Devon estate, then onto a Scotland-bound train. Knopf editor in chief Jordan Pavlindescribes the novel as part spy fiction, part 'Wodehousean' comedy of manners (P.G. Wodehouse being the British humorist best known for the Jeeves stories, whose work was defined by cheerful absurdity and impeccably mannered chaos). The combination, with Ishiguro's name attached, produced something close to collective delight among book readers online.

The 1930s England setting is not entirely new terrain for Ishiguro. The Remains of the Day, his 1989 Booker Prize winner, takes place across the same decade, though its emotional texture could not be more different from what Pavlin is describing. The publisher's statement praises the novel's 'light touch' and describes characters 'bursting into song,' which suggests an Ishiguro working in a mode his readers have never encountered. Pavlin called the book 'an enchantment' and praised the 'palpable joy in the exploits of the novel's characters, in their innate goodness and irresistible acts of heroism.'

Related: If You Think Stephen King Is Too Scary for You, These 5 Books Will Change Your Mind

A film adaptation of Klara and the Sun, directed by Taika Waititi and starring Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams, opens in theaters October 23, 2026, meaning two Ishiguro properties will be in front of audiences simultaneously for the first time in his career. The announcement of Miss Lambert arrived just as that film was entering its marketing campaign, making this an unusually active moment for a writer who typically surfaces every four or five years.

Ishiguro was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2017, with the Swedish Academy citing his 'novels of great emotional force.' Emotional force has defined his reputation so completely that the phrase 'spy comedy' attached to his name almost sounds like a joke. Based on early reporting from Book Riot and Kirkus, it's most definitely not. The book is real and preorders are already open. What Ishiguro does with the comedy of manners, and whether he can resist making readers cry anyway, is a question that will be answered on March 9, 2027.

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If you're looking to get your guest room into shape ahead of any Fourth of July weekend hosting plans, or you're just craving a refresh for your own bedroom, Martha Stewart has your back. The culinary and lifestyle mogul has an amazing line of home products, ranging from garden-inspired floral shower curtains to vintage-style glass pitchers. Now, we're spending most of our shopping energy on Stewart's gorgeous bedding options available on Wayfair.

There's no easier way to update your home and make a guest feel especially welcome than by providing cozy bedding, since it pretty much sets the entire tone for the room. That's why we combed through Stewart's highly-rated bedding line at Wayfair and narrowed down the best deals on summer-ready quilt and sheet sets. These collections feature adorable farmhouse-style patterns like gingham checks and florals. Plus, they're made from airy 100% cotton that will keep your summer guests cozy without making them overheat on hot summer nights. Keep scrolling to add our three favorite picks to your online cart ahead of the Fourth of July. 

Martha Stewart Olivia Gingham Cotton Reversible Quilt Set, From $67 (was $200) at Wayfair Shop at Wayfair

Now up to 66% off, this gingham set from Martha Stewart's bedding line is absolutely perfect for summer. The set comes with a quilt made from 100% cotton with a polyester fill, offering lightweight warmth that's ideal for sweltering nights. There are vintage-style checks on one side, while the reverse features a solid color, so you essentially get two looks in one.

Shoppers can choose from either pink or blue hues and twin, queen, or king sizes. The twin sets come with one sham, while the larger sets each feature two. Featuring adorable scalloped edges, the entire collection radiates farmhouse charm, adding subtle personality and a cozy feel to any bedding setup. One reviewer said it's "perfect for our beach cottage," while another raved that it looks "so classic and timeless."

Martha Stewart Sheet Set, From $53 (was $125) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at Wayfair

You won't regret purchasing this 100% "crisp" breathable cotton sheet set, especially at over 50% off. The set includes two pillowcases, one flat sheet, and one fitted sheet. It's machine-washable, and shoppers advise washing them upon arrival — just make sure to follow the instructions provided on the care label for best results. You can currently shop the set in over 20 colors and patterns, ranging from red striped to green plaid. 

Martha Stewart Vine Floral Cotton Reversible Green Quilt Set, From $98 (was $200) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at Wayfair

This floral quilt set is on sale for just $98 in the queen size, but you can also shop for it on sale king size for $112. The 100% cotton set features two standard shams and one quilt. Shoppers love the quilt because it's "beautifully simple," "elegant," "cozy," and reversible. Plus, the bedding is lightweight, so it's ideal for the warmer seasons. 

Related: Wayfair's Top-Rated Rattan Chaise Lounge Gives Patios a 'Resort Feel,' and It's 74% Off Right Now

Martha Stewart would never steer you wrong when it comes to interior decor. Take advantage of these epic Wayfair bedding deals for up to 66% off before they're gone! 

For decades, travelers going up and down highways and byways in the U.S. have had a few dominant brands to choose from when it’s time to fuel up or take a rest. Love’s Travel Stops, Pilot Flying J, and TravelCenters of America are the three dominant chains coast to coast. For most, they’re a place to fill up the tank, grab your favorite roadie soda, take a break in a (hopefully clean!) bathroom, and stretch your legs a bit before you try to catch up to all those cars you passed earlier. 

There are a few truck stops, however, that stand out as more than just rural highway scenery. These travel plazas are destinations in their own right, whether you’re a pro trucker trying to liven up the routes or a road tripper with a little time for the scenic route. From Oregon to Iowa, these seven stopovers range from slick new corporate behemoths with celebrity styling to mom-and-pop mainstays that have been on the map for 70 years. 

World’s Largest Truckstop in Walcott, Iowa

Since 1964, the Iowa 80 has claimed the world title for Largest Truckstop with whole city’s worth of services, with a convenience store, barber shop, embroidery shop, interstate dental practice, chiropractor, pet wash and dog park, drivers’ lounge, laundromat, a gym and a movie theater. There are six restaurants to choose from, from the Iowa 80’s own kitchen to a Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, and a Blimpie. The Iowa 80 even includes a truck showroom in addition to fleet services.

If there’s one time to visit, it’s the Truckers Jamboree, which begins this year on July 9. Started in 1979, the “Best Trucker Party in the Country” is a family-friendly affair featuring a “Super Truck Beauty Contest” for the prettiest rigs, an Iowa Pork Chop Cook-Out, an antique truck show, fireworks, and country bands. Don’t miss the Trucker Olympics, including a tire rolling contest, strap winding speed runs, and a truck pull that pits a strong man and a strong woman against a 12,000-pound antique cement truck. Admission to the Jamboree is free.

Buc-ees in Luling, Texas

What’s the big deal about Buc-ees? Buc-ees was founded in 1982 in Lake Jackson, Texas, and its reputation for scale matches that of the nearby Houston metro area. The first-ever Buc-ees is more of a standard convenience store size, but the biggest is outside of Austin in Luling. Clocking in at 75,000 square feet, the Luling location beat out the previous Buc-ees record-holder in Dolly Parton’s hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee. But Luling won’t hold the title for much longer: a new 76,245 square foot facility will be opening in Fort Pierece, Florida in 2027.

It’s the details that fill all the square footage that have made Buc-ees something of a national phenomenon. Case in point, indie musician Phoebe Bridgers recently posted a photo of herself cradled in the arms of the Buc-ees beaver in Loxley, Alabama (the first location to open outside Texas) as she launches her first tour in several years. 

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Buc-ees boasts its own brand of snacks, including Beaver Nuggets (named for the chain’s mascot) that are big puffed corn pieces glazed in crunchy caramel. For bigger appetites, Buc-ee’s brisket sandwiches, barbecue offerings, and kolaches give visitors a taste of Texas. There’s also a vast assortment of merchandise to be had, from Buc-ees merch to cast iron cookware, outdoor grills, and an entire wall of beef jerky. One thing that makes Buc-ees unique? It’s not a truck stop. The hundreds of gas pumps and record-length car wash at this travel plaza are just that, for cars.

Dolly’s Tennesseean Travel Stop in Cornersville, Tennessee

“When I sit back in my rocker, I want to have done it all,” Dolly Parton told Time magazine in 1977. Nearly fifty years later, she’s stuck to that cup of ambition, adding “truck stop proprietress” to her long and illustrious resume. The country star just cut the ribbon at Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop, halfway between Nashville and Birmingham at Exit 22 off Interstate 65. 

Emblazoned with a cheeky logo that reimagines the classic “mudflap girl” silhouette with Dolly’s famous bouffant and a microphone, Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop is hard to miss. The destination includes all the amenities and Southern hospitality you could expect, including an event space, a fully stocked general store, a dog park, a trucker’s lounge, hot showers, laundry facilities, and the singer’s own coffee brand.

Related: Dolly Parton's Newest Venture Is Aimed at Travelers — Here’s What She’s Building

The full-service restaurant features down-home fare like breakfast biscuits, barbecue sandwiches, and brisket, with the singer’s signature butterfly icon noting which recipes were developed from her Good Lookin’ Cookin’ book with Rachel Parton George. 

Given how often the singer must have driven past the Buc-ees Sevierville, near her Dollywood theme park, it’s not surprising she had a quip for her competitor: “I’m sure some of you want to know why I wanted a truck stop. Well, I couldn’t leave it to beavers.”

Russell’s Travel Center in Glenrio, New Mexico

Route 66 ran from Chicago to Santa Monica through the Texas panhandle up until 1985, when the “Mother Road” made famous by John Steinbeck was replaced by the newer, faster I-40 route. But you can still get your kicks on the Texas / New Mexico border at Russell’s Travel Center in Glenrio. Russel’s is packed to the gills with midcentury kitsch, including a classic car museum worthy of American Graffiti, a mid-century style diner, and more prints of Elvis and Marilyn Monroe than you can shake a stick at. 

Russel’s was founded in 1995 by Mark Russel, a New Mexican entrepreneur who grew up in a family where trucking and diners were a way of life. In addition to the chapel, car wash, convenience store, and gas pumps, Russel showcased a selection of the vintage cars he began collecting in 1977. In 2023, TravelCenters of America purchased Russel’s Truck & Travel, but has maintained the car museum and diner that have made this a throwback favorite for over thirty years.  

Related: The Ultimate Under-the-Radar Summer Road Trip Guide for the 250th Anniversary

Jubitz Truck Stop & Travel Center in Portland, Oregon

Truckers forums and Reddit threads continue to hail Jubitz as one of the best truck stops in the country, with amenities you don’t usually find but feel very Oregonian, like the Jubitz Cinema. No one loves a movie theater quite like Portlanders (there’s also a short-film cinema at the PDX airport), and the 52-seat theater at Jubitz offers $6 tickets that’s hard to beat.

For livelier fare, The Ponderosa Lounge regularly features country bands, line dancing, and events like the Rose City Round Up Car Show. The Portlander Inn offers travelers a clean, convenient place to stay near Portland International Raceway. There are also two restaurants on site, including the Jake Brake Deli and the home-style Cascade Grill, which serves all-day breakfast. It’s been known as “the world’s classiest truck stop” since 1952, and was dubbed “Disneyland for Truckers” by Willamette Week.

The Lincoln Highway Tavern in Evanston, Wyoming

What it lacks in size, scale, or star power, Highway 30 makes up for in history and authenticity. It’s named for the first coast-to-coast highway in the United States, which preceded the more famous Route 66 by about a decade and was later replaced by Highway 30. Founded in 2015 by local Michael Kindler, this is less a travel plaza than a local bar and restaurant in a former gas station, with outstanding bison sloppy joes, tamarind-chile tacos, and spicy wings. That said, the Lincoln Highway Tavern is tucked right next to a Flying J truck stop if you need to get some gas and put some groceries down your neck, as they say in the 1977 trucker classic Smokey and the Bandit. 

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“Good food, real rest, a little music, and people who are genuinely glad you stopped in.… That’s what the road has always deserved,” said Dolly Parton at the June 24 ribbon cutting in Cornersville, Tennessee. Whether you stop at Dolly’s or another travel plaza on this list, there’s some real hospitality to be found coast to coast at travel plazas new and old. 

Nearly 20 years after it became the romantic soundtrack to a generation of weddings, anniversaries, first dances, and countless love stories, the Goo Goo Dolls are celebrating the song's enduring legacy with a new live version of "Stay With You." For millions of listeners, the song remains a reminder of first dances, lifelong promises, and the people who stood beside them through life's biggest moments.

Goo Goo Dolls Release a New Live Version of "Stay With You" @googoodollsofficial

“Stay With You (Live and Intimate)” is dropping tonight at midnight EST on all streaming platforms! #GooGooDolls #StayWithYou #NewMusicFriday #NewMusic #Rock

♬ Stay with You - Goo Goo Dolls

As the Goo Goo Dolls, including original members John Rzeznik and Robby Takac, embark on a massive summer 2026 headlining tour, the band has released a special treat for fans: a live and intimate version of "Stay With You."

For longtime fans, the live version feels like reopening a cherished photo album filled with life's biggest moments.

In a social media post announcing the 2026 live version, one fan wrote, "This song means so much to me! I heard it live this year and was in tears. My husband and I got married at 19, and everyone said we wouldn't make it. We chose this song as a promise to each other that we'd have each other regardless if no one else had us. We are in our 19th year of marriage, and I still come back to this song as a reminder of the promise we made to one another."

"My ringtone all of 2007," added another.

Another shared, "My wedding song."

Related: Gin Blossoms Frontman, 60, 'Sounds Amazing' Singing Iconic Breakup Anthem 30 Years Later

Why "Stay With You" Still Resonates With Fans

For Goo Goo Dolls fans, "Stay With You" isn’t just a song—it’s a personal snapshot of life’s biggest moments.

Originally recorded in 2006, "Stay With You" was the second single from the band’s eighth studio album, Let Love In. Written by Rzeznik and songwriting legend Glen Ballard, the heartfelt ballad became one of the band’s signature songs. Known for some of the most iconic love songs of the '90s and 2000s, including "Iris," "Slide," and "Better Days," the Goo Goo Dolls became one of the most emotionally resonant bands of the early digital music era.

The Enduring Legacy of the Goo Goo Dolls

The enduring themes found in songs like "Stay With You" are a reminder that the Goo Goo Dolls have always had a gift for turning life's biggest moments into unforgettable songs. Nearly two decades later, that emotional connection remains as timeless as ever.

Related: 1993 Love Song Called 'The Dreamiest Single of the '90s' Is Finding New Fans Thanks to a 20-Year-Old Music Phenomenon

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Keeping up with everything on Netflix is almost like fighting the mythical Hydra. Every time you finish a show, three more seem to pop up in its place. But it's that seemingly unlimited well of content that has made it the most popular streamer today, even amidst the numerous amount of competition. And so, at the end of every week, we kick up our feet, grab the remote, and listen for that classic "tudum" sound as we dive into Netflix's voluminous library.

Luckily for you, Parade has flagged three new shows coming to Netflix this week that can become your new binge obsession! Here's what you need to check out this weekend (June 26-28, 2026).

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New on Netflix (June 26-28, 2026)The Last Ship Eric Dane in 'The Last Ship'

Courtesy of Netflix

Let's start with a series that's not necessarily new, but new to Netflix. Running from 2014 to 2018, The Last Ship takes place in a world ravaged by a pandemic (perhaps wouldn't have made the best binge watch in 2020). With 80% of the world's population wiped out, a 218-person crew aboard a U.S. Navy vessel is one of the last bastions left. The military men and women are suddenly protectors of humanity at large, searching in desperation for a cure to the mysterious virus. Despite airing a decade ago, the first three seasons of the TNT series arrive with fortuitous timing, as it stars the late Eric Dane in arguably the biggest role of his career.

Related: Who Was Eric Dane’s Wife? Inside His Decades-Long Relationship With Rebecca Gayheart

The American Experiment Mike Pence in 'The American Experiment'

Courtesy of Netflix

In case you somehow haven't heard, 2026 marks 250 years of American independence. When it comes to the holiday weekend proper, you have your pick of the litter when it comes to fireworks and other televised specials. But Netflix is getting an early jump on the celebration with the five-episode docuseries The American Experiment. The show takes a page out of Ken Burns' book, telling the story of how the thirteen colonies united against the British, overthrew the Redcoats, and emerged on the other side with both independence and their own system of government.

To tell the story of the past, though, The American Experiment uses the voices of the present. The series features numerous talking heads from prominent political figures, from Hillary Clinton to Mike Pence to Ted Cruz. But Netflix also highlights numerous notable individuals, from a NASA astronaut to a TikTok educator to the youngest woman mayor in American history. It's an effort to show how the values fostered by the Founding Fathers still resonate a quarter of a millennium later — and what needs to be done to ensure the experiment continues for another 250 years.

Related: Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper's CNN July 4 Special Will Feature a Historic Times Square Ball Drop

Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 (L to R) Kiawentiio Tarbell as Katara, Gordon Cormier as Aang in 'Avatar: The Last Airbender'

Katie Yu/Netflix

In 2024, Netflix brought together its own form of elements to create their version of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The series is not to be confused with the hit James Cameron mythical film franchise, nor the critically-panned movie adaptation from M. Night Shyamalan. Instead, the show takes the acclaimed Nickelodeon series and brings it into the third dimension, bringing us a brand-new version of the characters we know and love.

In the wake of its debut, Netflix renewed Avatar for both Seasons 2 and 3, which are set to end the series. So, with an endpoint already in mind, what's in store for Aang (Gordon Cormier), Katara (Kiawentiio) and Sokka (Ian Ousley) this time around? After staving away the Fire Nation and protecting the Water Tribe, the motley trio is off to the Earth Kingdom, in the hopes of convincing its ruler to aid in the battle against Fire Lord Ozai (Daniel Dae Kim). And fans of the original series know that a visit there comes with the introduction of a fan-favorite character: Toph. Played by Miyako, our heroes will attempt to get the blind warrior to teach Aang earthbending, in the hopes of adding more powers to his repertoire. While there is no war in Ba Sing Se, hopefully there isn't one over the remote to make sure you binge all seven episodes this weekend!

Related: Troph's Earthbending Abilities Are in Full Swing in 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Season 2 Teaser

During retirement, staying mentally active should be on a retiree's priority list. But experts say keeping your brain engaged doesn't have to involve complicated memory exercises or expensive programs. According to mental health professionals, classic word games like Scrabble and crossword puzzles can be an entertaining way for older adults to exercise important cognitive skills.

What the Research Actually Says About Word Games and Brain Health

A Columbia University and Duke University study found that older adults with mild cognitive impairment who regularly completed crossword puzzles experienced slower memory decline and less brain shrinkage over 18 months than those who played computer-based cognitive training games.

Photo by SimpleImages on Getty Images

"Scrabble and crosswords stimulate language-based networks within the brain, including retrieving words and processing speed," Dr. Lauren Grawert, MD, FASAM, Clinical Advisor at The Garden Recovery & Wellness, told Parade. "I like that these types of activities provide mental stimulation without being perceived as 'cognitive training.'"

Rather than committing to structured programs that engage multiple systems in the brain, taking on these hobbies makes it easier for many retirees to do something they already enjoy.

It's About More Than Memory

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Word games also offer benefits beyond mental exercise, problem-solving, and increased processing speed. Retirees who regularly participate in mentally engaging activities can reinforce a sense of accomplishment. Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Nina Bakoyiannis, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist at SelfWorks, told Parade games like Scrabble do much more than test vocabulary.

Photo by Rena-Marie on Getty Images

"Because one of the most challenging parts of old age is noticing your body and your mind change, functioning is changing, and having regularly structured activities where you are able to accomplish these sorts of tasks, explore what it is like to challenge ourselves cognitively, helps maintain the confidence in ourselves that's so important," she explains.

Related: Retirees Who Shop at Costco Are Missing the Best Part — and It Has Nothing to Do With Food

The Social Benefits Matter, Too

Experts say one of the biggest—and often overlooked—benefits of word games is the opportunity for connection. Whether you're competing with a spouse over a Scrabble board or tackling the Sunday crossword with friends, these activities can help reduce feelings of isolation.

"Being able to keep that play is not only important for our emotional well-being," Dr. Bakoyiannis says, "but I think keeps alive a core part of ourselves and our youth that's meaningful to tap into."

While experts agree that there's no single game or activity that guarantees better brain health, the greatest benefits come from regularly participating in activities you genuinely enjoy and will stick with. That's why timeless favorites like Scrabble and crossword puzzles remain two of the best ways to exercise your brain muscles.

Related: Next up:

Sources

• Dr. Nina Bakoyiannis, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist at SelfWorks
• Devanand, D.P., Goldberg, T.E., Qian, M., Rushia, S.N., Sneed, J.R., Andrews, H.F., et al. (2022). Computerized Games versus Crosswords Training in Mild Cognitive Impairment. NEJM Evidence, 1(12), EVIDoa2200121. https://doi.org/10.1056/EVIDoa2200121
• Dr. Lauren Grawert, MD, FASAM, Clinical Advisor at The Garden Recovery & Wellness

Recreating childhood meals can serve as a powerful way for retirees to connect, not just with others, but with long-dormant parts of themselves. That's because some people can lose their sense of belonging when they leave the workforce, and finding ways to recreate that feeling can help them regain that sense of belonging.

According to the experts we spoke with, making those childhood meals can do more than just restore those feelings. Apparently, it can also unlock some other common childhood sensations, like creativity, forgotten memories, and more.

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Why Therapists Say This Simple Act Can Ease Loneliness in Retirement

When it comes to mealtime, food can do more than just sustain your body, according to Danielle Fokshner, Founder of Emote Psychotherapy.

"When people leave the workforce, they often lose a significant source of belonging," she says. "Recreating childhood meals can evoke this feeling of belonging for retirees, reassuring them that they are still part of something bigger."

In her practice, Fokshner says she directs clients to this kind of cooking when they want to channel strength—either from their ancestry or inner child, as these nostalgic meals can enhance connection to family memories, cultural heritage, and lineage through recipes passed down generationally. Hung up on which recipe to make? Consider calling a friend or family member who was around during that time to get inspiration or details about some of your favorite meals.

The Surprising Way Taste and Smell Can Transport You Back in Time

When Suzanne Wylde, a leadership coach and author at Suzanne Wylde Coaching, used to work with the elderly, she said that she was struck by how much people clung to their memories of the past. But, talking about the good old days wasn't enough for them, and instead, Wylde said she found a new approach that helped them to connect.

"I believe that by revisiting their childhood meals, they could have a more tangible experience of the past," she says. "Taste, like smell, is very evocative of emotions and memories. Perhaps, by enjoying something they loved as a child, old memories will surface."

To get the best results, Wylde says retirees should share the meal, allowing them to connect with others and perhaps spark memories.

Why Familiar Foods Feel Like an Anchor During Major Life Changes

It's no secret that retirement is a time of great change for many. Joseph DeVasto, therapist with The Oasis Rehab in California, says that recreating these childhood meals can serve as a touchstone during a time when it may feel like everything is different.

"Our childhood meals are closely tied to identity and memory," he says. "The smell and taste of certain foods can bring us back to childhood. It may remind a person of a time when they felt safe and secure."

For most retirees, DeVasto says retirement is marked by significant changes. "A number of things change at once, including work routines and social circles," he continues. "Enjoying familiar foods from childhood can create a natural progression between the past and present. This can potentially foster emotional well-being, especially for retirees who are feeling lonely."

Related: The Retirement Habit Doctors Wish More People Knew About

Sources:

• Danielle Fokshner, Founder of Emote Psychotherapy
• Suzanne Wylde, a leadership coach and author at Suzanne Wylde Coaching
• Joseph DeVasto, therapist with The Oasis Rehab

Many people call retirement their "next chapter." That's because retirement really is a whole new phase of your life, and it comes along with both financial and emotional changes.

However, one expert we spoke with says that retirement is more than just a single part of your story. Instead, he says it's made up of four distinct phases, each with its own pros and cons.

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Phase 1: The Honeymoon Phase

When it comes to retirement, Moti Gamburd, CEO of Raya's Paradise, an Orange County luxury assisted living community, says the first phase is when people are happy to let go of their productivity.

"For many people, that’s the honeymoon phase," he says. "For decades, your life was dictated by either a boss, deadlines, schedules, or the need to produce more. For some, it was customers, patients, employees, even family."

Gamburd says that this phase brings about a certain relief as well. "For the first time in decades, you could go a day, a week, or a year solely directing your time and attention where you want," he continues, adding that most people don't feel guilty about it.

Phase 2: The Blur Sets In

If the first phase is full of relief over being free of the shackles of busy calendars, long days, and to-do lists, Gamburd says phase two is when all of that catches up with you.

"The second phase is when you stop thinking about your week as a series of appointments and deadlines," he says, noting that this is when people typically begin to struggle.

"When you are working, Friday feels different from Monday, and January feels distinct from June," he explains. "Once that structure is gone, time can begin to blur together. I've had retirees tell me they were shocked by how quickly weeks and months seemed to pass. What they thought was boredom was often related to a lack of rhythm."

Phase 3: The Quiet Sets In

In this phase, Gamburd says that many people start to notice a real social decline. "I’ve seen this with business owners, nurses, teachers, executives, contractors, and just about every other job out there," he says. "For decades, someone wanted their opinion, their judgment, they needed a decision or solution to a complex or thorny problem. Then one day…the phone stops ringing."

Gamburd says the hardest part of this phase is that many retirees realize just how much of their identity came from being useful to others. "I’ve seen retirees struggle more with that than with the loss of a paycheck."

Phase 4: Finding Peace

While the first three phases may involve big adjustments to your schedule and your social calendar, Gamburd says it all comes together in the final phase.

"The fourth phase is honestly where everyone should strive to be, but it’s not something you can rush toward," he says, adding that some people never get there at all. "It’s a stage where you forget the idea of being important and start thinking about living in the present moment."

The retirees who seem happiest aren’t always trying to relive their corporate glory years or fill their days with new and different productivity targets, according to Gamburd, who says they are just "at peace" with just enjoying relationships, experiences, family, hobbies, learning, or appreciating a good day without any success goal.

What to Do If You're Stuck in One of These Phases

Retirement is a huge life transition, so it's normal to struggle a bit with the change. However, Gamburd says that some people may have a harder time than others. "If someone is having a hard time during one of these transitions, I'd tell them not to freak out," he says. "Usually, whatever is troubling you isn’t a sign that something is bad. It just means that something old is gone, and you’re waiting for something new to fill its place."

Whether that means taking up a new hobby, reconnecting with friends, or simply working through your feelings until you can transition into the next phase of retirement will vary depending on which part of retirement you're struggling with. If you're struggling with these phases, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist or counselor to get help. Retirement should be a reward for all of those years of hard work, and you deserve to enjoy your time.

Related: The Retirement Habit Doctors Wish More People Knew About

Sources:

• Moti Gamburd, CEO of Raya's Paradise, an Orange County luxury assisted living community

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Trying to get your indoor and outdoor space together can rack up quite the bill. That's why we turn to retailers like Walmart and Amazon for home furniture options that won't break the bank. Walmart's Summer Deals Event is underway until June 28, and we're taking full advantage of the backyard deals. The Serwall Outdoor Small Folding Side Table is next on our shopping list, while it's 55% off. 

The table initially cost $100, but has been reduced to as low as $45 in the black colorway. The rest of the seven colors — including everything from bright blue to a deep red — range in sale price from $46 to $51. You can shop the table as a single or as a two-pack. The two-pack of tables is being sold for as low as $89, also in the black hue, but only has five total colors currently in stock, so you'll want to act quickly! 

Serwall Outdoor Small Folding Side Table, From $45 (was $100) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The side table is 17.91 inches long, 16.73 inches wide, and 14.37 inches tall. Therefore, it's the perfect size for small patios and tight balcony spaces. The design features a slatted tabletop that's convenient for drainage and rounded edges (so if you bump into it, it won't hurt like scratch edges would). The side table is foldable so that you can maneuver it easily throughout the seasons.

The beautiful part of this side table is that it requires no assembly, so you can begin using it straight out of the box. The piece is made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene), which is widely used for its durability and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. The furniture is described to be weather-, water-, and UV-resistant. It's actually made from recycled materials, making this a sustainable purchase as well. 

Related: Walmart Has a 'Lightweight' 2-Piece Lounge Set That's 'Great for Summer' for Just $14

The table can hold up to 110 pounds. Shoppers described the bestseller as "excellent quality," "stable," "extremely well-made," "durable," "very functional" and "sturdy." One reviewer noted that it's "just the right size" for a chaise lounge or Adirondack chairs, making it the perfect add-on during a poolside afternoon. 

Shop More Deals

• Easy Spirit Easygo Knit Slip-On Sneaker, $31 (was $99) at Walmart
• Extra Large Stackable Storage Bins, $180 (was $260) at Walmart
• Phopollo Outdoor String Lights, $27 (was $50) at Walmart

With a price this low, it's easy to transform your backyard. Now you'll have somewhere to place your food and beverages during a warm summer day. Shop this convenient small folding side table at Walmart while it's 55% off!