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Hannah Berner's Warning to Reality TV Stars: 'If No One Talks to You Before the Scene, You’re the Storyline'
Hannah Berner has one warning for anyone stepping into reality TV.
The former Summer House star appeared on Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, where she spoke candidly about what it can feel like to be part of a reality show while not fully knowing how the story will come together later.
In a clip shared on the podcast's Instagram account, Berner explained that reality stars may not always know what their "storyline" is while filming. According to her, one behind-the-scenes sign can tell a cast member a lot.
Hannah Berner Shared Her Reality TV Rule View this post on Instagram"So this is my advice for people on reality TV," Berner said. "If the producers are coming to you, being like, okay, I want to ask these questions, do this, you're in a good place."
"If no one talks to you before the scene, you are the storyline," she continued.
Berner explained that a cast member can walk into a scene without knowing whether they are about to be defended, confronted or criticized.
"You come in thinking, like, you don't know what's going on," she said, adding that reality stars may not be able to tell whether people are going to act like "they're bullying me" or "I should be yelled at right now."
Reality TV Is "Made in the Edit" SUMMER HOUSE -- Season:5 -- Pictured:(l-r) Ciara Miller, Luke Gulbranson, Paige DeSorbo, Danielle Olivera, Carl Radke, Lindsay Hubbard, Hannah Berner, Kyle Cooke, Amanda Batula -- (Photo by: Jeff Tan/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)Jeff Tan/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Berner also spoke about how much of the story can be shaped after filming.
She added that confessionals play a major role in how viewers understand a scene. In Berner's view, the way a moment is framed depends on who is telling the story.
"I like to say, think of someone who doesn't like you, how they would tell a story," she said. "And then think of someone who does like you and how they tell a story. They decide who's going to tell the story."
Why Her Comments May Hit With Bravo FansBerner's comments are especially interesting because Bravo fans have spent years debating reality TV edits, reunion narratives and whether certain stars were given a fair portrayal.
Berner appeared on Summer House before leaving the Bravo series, and her time on the show remains one of the more debated chapters among fans. Since then, she has built a major post-Bravo career as a comedian and podcast host, including co-hosting Giggly Squad with fellow Summer House alum Paige DeSorbo.
Hannah Berner Has Moved Into a New Career Chapter NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 26: Paige DeSorbo and Hannah Berner attend the US Open Tennis Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 26, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images)John Nacion/Getty Images
Her Hulu comedy special, Hannah Berner: None of My Business, was released in June, giving her another major platform outside the Bravo world. She has also continued to grow her audience through podcasting, stand-up and social media.
For viewers, her warning may make the next reality TV ambush scene look a little different.
Chrishell Stause Isn't the Only Major Star Leaving 'Selling Sunset'
Chrishell Stause is not the only familiar face walking away from Selling Sunset.
The Netflix reality series is heading into Season 10 with one of its biggest cast shakeups yet. While Stause's exit already marked a major turning point for longtime viewers, several other cast members have also confirmed they are not returning, including another original star whose departure suggests where the show may be headed next.
Mary Bonnet, who has been part of Selling Sunset since the beginning, is also stepping away from the series ahead of Season 10. The move is especially notable because Bonnet is not leaving The Oppenheim Group itself.
Mary Bonnet Is Leaving 'Selling Sunset,' but Not The Oppenheim GroupBonnet told People that she is still the vice president of The Oppenheim Group, making it clear that her exit from the show does not mean she was pushed out of the real estate office.
"I'm the vice president of The Oppenheim Group, so yeah, I'm not fired," Bonnet told the outlet.
Her issue, she said, was with the series' direction. Bonnet explained that she originally thought the show would be about women's empowerment and real estate, but felt it had moved away from that.
"At the end of season 9, you can see that I'm not, I'm not okay with the direction that the office is going, that the show is going," she said.
Bonnet also criticized the way Season 9 was edited, telling People that she felt the edit was "extremely unfair" and made her look like she was "just overreacting the whole season."
Chrishell Stause Previously Said the Show Was No Longer Good for Her Mental HealthNetflix
Stause previously revealed in November 2025 that she was leaving Selling Sunset after nine seasons.
According to People, Stause said at the time that being part of the series was "no longer good for my mental health."
Her exit was already a major blow to the Netflix show. Stause had been one of the central figures of Selling Sunset since Season 1, with viewers following her personal life, real estate career and shifting cast relationships for years.
But with Bonnet also leaving, Season 10 now looks less like one star's departure and more like the end of a major era.
Related: Chrishell Stause Celebrates G Flip’s Viral Moment in Prime Video’s ‘Off Campus’
Several Other 'Selling Sunset' Cast Members Are Also OutThe departures do not stop with Stause and Bonnet.
People reported that Nicole Young, Alanna Gold and Sandra Vergara have also said they will not return for Season 10. Young starred on the show from Seasons 6 through 9, while Gold joined in Season 8 and Vergara appeared in Season 9.
Vergara told The TMZ Podcast that she was not "that sad" about leaving and said another opportunity came up that felt more aligned for her. She also described Season 9 as "toxic and chaotic."
Gold announced in a May 19 Instagram video that she decided back in February to leave Selling Sunset before Season 10. She said she wanted to focus on other priorities, including real estate, a new business venture and her mental health.
There are also reported exits that are not as settled publicly. People noted that Emma Hernan and Chelsea Lazkani are also expected to leave, citing a TMZ report, but added that the two had not publicly addressed the reports.
'Selling Sunset' Season 10 Is Bringing Back Two Original StarsThe exits come as Netflix is bringing back two familiar faces.
Netflix confirmed in April that Christine Quinn and Heather Rae El Moussa are returning for Season 10. Both were part of the show's early run, and their returns give the next season a very different kind of hook.
Quinn left after Season 5, while El Moussa stepped away after Season 7. In Netflix's announcement, Quinn described her return as a "reintroduction." El Moussa also said she is coming back as a different version of herself after becoming a mother, a wife, and a business owner.
Why This 'Selling Sunset' Shakeup Feels Bigger Than a Normal Cast ChangePhoto by Kayla Oaddams on Getty Images
Reality shows often rotate cast members, but this shakeup feels bigger because of who is leaving and who is returning.
Stause was one of the show's emotional anchors. Bonnet was one of its longest-running links to The Oppenheim Group's actual office structure. Young, Gold, and Vergara each represented later chapters of the series. If Hernan and Lazkani also do not return, Season 10 will look very different from the show viewers just watched.
The result is a season that may be less about continuing the same drama and more about rebuilding the show around a new balance of personalities.
A 30-Second Search Could Reveal Money You Didn’t Know You Had
If you're looking for an easy way to potentially boost your bank account, there may be a surprisingly simple place to start: searching for unclaimed money that already belongs to you. Every year, forgotten assets are turned over to state governments after banks, employers, insurance companies, utilities, and other organizations lose contact with the rightful owners. According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA), states return billions of dollars in unclaimed property to owners every year — and one of those owners could be you.
How To Find Unclaimed Money in Your NamePhoto by Grace Cary on Getty Images
The easiest place to search for unclaimed money is through your state's unclaimed property office or the national search database operated by NAUPA. NAUPA recommends using official state databases or MissingMoney.com, a free search tool that lets users search multiple participating states at once. If you've lived, worked, or attended school in more than one state, it's worth checking every location where you may have had financial accounts or received payments — unclaimed property doesn't expire in most states, so old accounts are still worth searching.
The federal government also maintains resources to help locate unclaimed funds. The U.S. government's official website directs consumers to state unclaimed property databases, where the vast majority of unclaimed money is held.
What Happens When You Find Unclaimed Money?Photo by Michael Burrell on Getty Images
If a search returns a match, you'll typically need to submit documentation proving your identity and your connection to the listed address or account. Depending on the amount and the state, this may include a driver's license, proof of address, Social Security information, or other identifying documents.
Many people are surprised by what turns up. Some unclaimed property claims are worth just a few dollars, while others total hundreds or even thousands. According to NAUPA, roughly one in seven Americans has unclaimed property waiting to be claimed — and in 2025 alone, states returned more than $4.2 billion to rightful owners.
How to Avoid Unclaimed Money SCamsOne critical rule when searching for unclaimed money: legitimate searches are always free. State governments do not charge residents to search for or claim their funds. While some third-party "finders" offer to locate unclaimed property for a fee, consumer advocates strongly recommend starting with official state websites or NAUPA-approved databases before paying anyone for help.
Searching for unclaimed money won't guarantee a hidden fortune — but it could reveal funds that are legally and rightfully yours. A few minutes of searching may be one of the easiest financial wins you'll find all year.
Related: Playing the lottery with your found money?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
We Found a ‘Beautiful’ Pair of 18K Gold Hoop Earrings That You’ll Want to Wear on Repeat for 40% Off
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If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, hoop earrings are probably a close second. The right hoop can go with everything, and we love the gold variety, especially in the summer. A splash of gold on a hoop can elevate an ensemble, and we found a knockout pair we think you’ll love. The Toscana Italiana 18K Gold Electroform Choice of Size Octagon Hoop Earrings are the type of hoop you can wear with nearly anything in your closet, and they’re on sale for just $55 at ShopHQ. Plus, you can get it with $5 shipping for a limited time when you use code FREERETURN.
Toscana Italiana 18K Gold Electroform Choice of Size Octagon Hoop Earrings, $55 (was $88) at ShopHQThink of these earrings as your classic hoop with a twist. They have a luxe 18-karat yellow gold plating over bronze that gives them a gorgeous shine similar to traditional hoops, but their octagon shape makes them unique. They’re also made using an electroform process, so even though they look solid, they’re not made with metal all the way through. That helps keep the earrings lightweight, which is so important for an everyday hoop.
Use Code FREERETURN on Shop HQ to unlock $5 off shipping for a limited time.The earrings are made in Italy and measure .75 inches long and less than half an inch wide and tall. They're about the size of a classic everyday hoop. There was a 1.25-inch size, but that has already sold out. So, don’t wait to snag this pair if you’re eyeing them.
Shoppers who bought the earrings gave them five-star reviews, with one writing, “very nice.” Another added, “Beautiful product. I will buy it again.” We love these hoops for summer vacations, and just about anything in between. They’re the type of hoop that will make a statement but won’t take over your outfit.
Shop More Deals- Pinctore Sterling Silver 6mm Round Gemstone Stud Earrings, $25 (was $50) at ShopHQ
- Toscana Italiana 18K Gold Plated Setosa Finish Button Stud Earrings, $36 (was $88) at ShopHQ
- Toscana Italiana 18K Gold Plated Interlocked Hoop Earrings, $10 (was $85) at ShopHQ
Who needs a regular hoop when you can snag one with a little edge. These octagon hoop earrings are the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one. Grab a pair while they’re just $55!
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Two Huge Reality Shows Are Reportedly Filming Side by Side in Fiji, and Fans May Not Realize It
Two of the biggest reality shows on television are reportedly operating closer together than many fans may realize.
Love Island USA and Survivor could not be more different on-screen. One is built around dating, bombshell arrivals, villa drama, and public votes. The other is about castaways, blindsides, immunity challenges, and social strategy. Survivor has been popular for decades, while the Love Island franchise is a bit fresher.
But according to a new report from The U.S. Sun, the two shows are both filming in Fiji's Mamanuca Islands, with their production worlds reportedly running side by side behind the scenes.
How 'Love Island USA' and 'Survivor' Are Reportedly Connected in Fiji Survivor: Blood Vs. Water LogoGetty
The U.S. Sun reported that Love Island USA Season 8 is currently filming in Fiji, while Survivor has also been working in the same broader island chain. The outlet reported that Survivor recently wrapped Season 51, with Season 52 production also underway.
The report claimed that the two productions are kept strictly separate, even though they are operating in the same region.
On TV, the shows feel like completely different universes. Behind the camera, they are reportedly working in the same tropical production ecosystem.
Why the Timing Matters for Reality TV Fans LOVE ISLAND USA -- Pictured: "Love Island USA" Key Art -- (Photo by: Peacock)The overlap comes during a major summer for Love Island USA.
Season 8 premiered June 2 on Peacock, with Ariana Madix returning as host after the show's breakout Peacock run. NBCUniversal described the new season as part of the franchise's growing summer footprint, with new Islanders entering the Fiji villa for another round of romance, drama, and fan voting.
There is also a Bravo connection this season. Summer House star Ciara Miller and Tefi Pessoa were previously announced as the new hosts of Love Island Aftersun, the companion series that breaks down the biggest villa moments.
Related: Ariana Madix Reveals the Bravo Star She Wants to See on 'Love Island USA'
'Survivor' Has Deep Roots in FijiFor Survivor, Fiji is nothing new.
The CBS competition series has used Fiji as its main filming location for years, with the Mamanuca Islands becoming closely associated with the show's modern era. Earlier seasons of Survivor traveled around the world, but Fiji has become the show's long-running base.
That makes the reported overlap with Love Island USA even more striking. Survivor has long used Fiji for rugged competition and isolation, while Love Island USA uses the same country for a glossy villa world centered on dating and social media-ready drama.
The Shows Reportedly Keep the Worlds Separate (L to R) Jonathan Young, Rizo Velovic, Joe Hunter, Tiffany Ervin, Aubry Bracco on 'Survivor 50'Robert Voets/CBS
According to The U.S. Sun, the productions have rules in place to prevent cast members from interacting. The outlet reported that the separation is designed to protect both shows, especially since Survivor has to keep eliminations and outcomes under wraps.
Love Island USA relies heavily on real-time fan engagement, while Survivor relies on secrecy until each season airs on CBS. Any crossover between casts could create problems for spoilers, production logistics or the illusion that each show exists in its own isolated world.
Why Fans May Be Surprised by the Fiji Overlap Bryce Alakai Dettloff, Sean David Reifel, Gabriel Vianna Vasconcelos, Ariana Madix on 'Love Island USA'The reported connection is the kind of behind-the-scenes detail that makes reality TV feel a little smaller.
One show has Islanders lounging by a pool and waiting for the next text. The other has castaways battling through rain, hunger, and tribal council. Yet both are reportedly being built around the same general Fiji production hub.
For viewers, it adds a fun extra layer to both shows. The next time fans watch Ariana Madix walk into the Love Island USA villa or Jeff Probst call castaways in for a challenge, there may be another reality TV production happening much closer than it seems.
Don't Miss the 'America's Got Talent' Card Illusionists that Had Howie Mandel and Terry Crews Running for the Golden Buzzer
Yu Hojin is a magician who appeared on Season 17 of America's Got Talent, finishing in the Bottom 6 of the Top 11. And now he’s back for Season 21 with an all-new act, that can be seen in this sneak peek from tonight's show.
“Simon Cowell told me that I needed something bigger, do something bigger,” the magician from Seoul, Korea told Mel B, who was the only judge who wasn’t on the panel during his last appearance, so didn’t remember him.
And Simon pointed out, “Sometimes it's good to come back and do it better, so it's cool that you're back. Good for you.”
The previous solo artist was joined on stage by nine other illusionists for a jaw-dropping card act that left the judges stunned and caused a battle between judge Howie Mandel and host Terry Crews, who both wanted Hundred Fingers to be second their Golden Buzzer.
Backstage, Terry said, “Golden Buzzer. I’ve gotta, gotta, gotta get it."
Howie, being the closer of the two, threw his body over the Golden Buzzer and won the battle while Terry struggled to get to the judges table from backstage.
Related: Watch This ‘Brilliant’ America’s Got Talent Magician Who Learned From a Former Winner
Then Howie ran on stage to congratulate his Golden Buzzer winners saying, “That’s the best! That’s the best.”
Meanwhile, Terry was dismayed to learn that Howie beat him to the punch.
Simon called Yu over to tell him, “That was sensational.” And then asked, “When did you think of this?”
Yu explained, “I want to win AGT. I want to make something different than anyone."
Simon added, “One of the best I’ve ever seen.”
Backstage Howie said, “I’ve never seen a better magic act in my life. You guys deserve your own hotel in Las Vegas.”
Then Howie told Terry, who complained about losing the Golden Buzzer, “I wasn’t going to let it get stolen." He had watched Simon steal Lai Noelle from Sofia Vergara in the premiere episode of the season.
America’s Got Talent airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Streams next day on Peacock.
'Dawson's Creek' Alum Joshua Jackson Seen With a New Woman
The Dawson's Creek star got divorced from Jodie Turner-Smith in 2023.Joshua Jackson has had a string of relationships since then, and was seen with a new woman in New York City on June 7. Here is everything to know about her.
Who Is Model Olivia Burgess? View this post on InstagramJackson, 48, was seen walking in downtown Manhattan on Sunday with a model named Olivia Burgess. The pair was photographed holding hands and smiling, according to E! News.
Related: Mariska Hargitay Makes Rare Appearance With Her Look-Alike Son
They were reportedly attending a Tribeca Film Festival screening of Happy Hours starring Katie Holmes, according to Us Weekly. The Wilhelmina model travels often for work. She's also interested in more than posing for photos.
"Out of everything I do I really enjoy video," Burgess told Gainsayer. "I think it’s the dancer in me. Photos can also be a lot of fun but at the end of the day you are capturing a static image. I love being able to move freely in videos. It feels more natural." Burgess was a dancer in Beyoncé Knowles Carter's 2011 VMA performance.
Jackson stars in the romantic comedyHappy Hours with Holmes, 47. She plays a newly divorced photographer named Liz who reunites with her high school boyfriend, Andrew McCloud (Jackson). Holmes wrote and directed the movie with Jackson in mind.
"You wrote this for us. You did the whole thing," he said, according to Page Six. "So it was magical for me to be able to come back. And you waited for me, which I appreciated." The cast also includes Mary-Louise Parker, Joe Tippett and Constance Wu.
Burgess and Jackson haven't addressed the romance rumors publicly. She also hasn't posted the Dawson's Creek actor on her social media.
Related: Sharon Stone Addresses Criticism of ‘Euphoria’ and That Ending
Giada De Laurentiis’ Throwback Photo Has Fans Saying the Same Thing
Italian-American celebrity chef, writer, entrepreneur, and TV personalityGiada De Laurentiis recently shared throwback photos from her family trips to Capri, which have fans commenting on how much she resembles her daughter, Jade Marie De Laurentiis Thompson. Many commenters describe “Jade" as her “mini-me” and call them “twins!”
Related: Giada de Laurentiis Gets Emotional as Daughter Jade Graduates High School
The celebrity chef's culinary philosophy emphasizes quality ingredients, simplicity, and joy. Best known for hosting Food Network's Giada at Home and her YouTube series Everyday Giada, and for regularly appearing on NBC's Today, Giada is also heavily influenced by the glamorous Italian island of Capri in the Bay of Naples.
Giada shared on Instagram some photos of some of her favorite family memories in Capri.
25 years ago in Capri.. The best family memories 🥹🇮🇹
View this post on Instagram
The Emmy Award-winning chef, bestselling cookbook author, and founder of Giadzy has a longstanding deep connection to Capri, where her family has vacationed for decades. The island has influenced her cooking, travel content, and TV work, including her show Giada in Italy.
Jade, Giada’s only child, has often appeared alongside her mother in cooking videos and social media posts. The mother-daughter duo frequently draws attention for their striking resemblance as fans take to social media to compare Jade to photos of Giada, who is close in age. Giada has mentioned that Jade likes to pick Instagram recipes for them to cook together.
“Wow, Jadey Is Your Mini-Me!"“Omg… 1st pic though it was Jade,” one commenter wrote.
“Wow, Jadey is your mini-me! Just like my mom and me,” added another.
So many comments similarly expressed “Did cut/paste Jade. lol beautiful.” Some fans even asked about visiting Capri and the places she recommends there.
The nostalgic post comes during a celebratory milestone for the family, as Jade recently graduated from high school. Giaida shared an emotional message about watching her daughter prepare for college: “Keep shining Jadey, we love you more than you will ever know.”
View this post on InstagramGiada De Laurentiis and her ex-husband, Todd Thompson, share joint custody of their daughter, following the finalization of their divorce in 2015. The former couple successfully co-parented Jade through a highly amicable arrangement and are both very supportive.
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Nordstrom Rack’s 'Comfy and Cute' $25 Striped Linen-Blend Shorts Are Breathable for 'Hot Summer Days'
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Shorts are undoubtedly a summer wardrobe staple. Leaving your skin exposed, they allow your legs to breathe and move around freely. If you’re looking to refresh your closet and get it ready for the warmer months, these Caslon Striped Linen Blend Shorts at Nordstrom Rack are definitely worth checking out.
Right now is the best time to snag these linen-blend shorts because they’re currently on sale for 49% off! Normally retailing for $49, they’re now marked down to just $25. These shorts are available in two patterns, including a pinstriped design with white and blue hues, or a wide-striped style with white and light blue tones. Sizes range from X-Small to XX-Large.
Caslon Striped Linen Blend Shorts, $25 (were $49) at Nordstrom Rack Shop at Nordstrom RackMade of 55% linen and 45% rayon, these shorts are a summer must-have. Both linen and rayon are breathable materials, allowing air to flow through to help keep your body temperature regulated on those scorching days. They’re also great at wicking away moisture, working to draw sweat away from your body to prevent the fabric from clinging to your skin.
While linen can sometimes feel scratchy and stiff, the incorporation of rayon gives these shorts a soft and flexible feel. With their flowy and loose drape, they'll deliver all-day comfort instead of uncomfortably hugging your body. The linen-rayon blend makes these shorts easy to care for as well. Whenever they need a refresh, you can toss them into the washing machine and tumble dry them afterwards.
“They are very soft and comfortable,” one reviewer raved. “I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for comfort during hot summer days.” Another shopper described these shorts as “very comfy and cute.”
Caslon Striped Linen Blend Shorts, $25 (were $49) at Nordstrom Rack Shop at Nordstrom RackFeaturing a chic striped pattern, these shorts are oozing with coastal charm. The flowy silhouette gives them a breezy and laid-back feel, making them summer-ready. Depending on your height and the size you opt for, the hem should end around the upper or mid-thigh. While these shorts offer ample coverage to keep you from feeling overly exposed, they still reveal a decent amount of skin, letting your legs breathe.
These shorts are high-waisted, offering some support. The waistband is elastic, designed to stretch with you so you can move around without feeling restricted. It’s equipped with an adjustable drawstring so you can tailor the fit to your preference. For convenience, these shorts boast four pockets with two slanted ones in the front, and two welt pockets in the back.
Versatile and relaxed, these shorts have seemingly endless styling possibilities. You can elevate them with a chic summery blouse and some sandals, or wear them casually with an oversized tee and some sneakers. You can throw them on for nearly any summer outing, whether you’re heading to the beach, running some errands, or exploring a new place on vacation.
Shop More Deals- Max Studio Linen-Blend Tie-Back Tank, $25 (was $98) at Nordstrom Rack
- London Times Puff-Sleeve Dress, From $50 (was $130) at Nordstrom Rack
- Max Studio Harem Linen Blend Pants, $30 (was $128) at Nordstrom Rack
If you’re on the hunt for a pair of shorts that are ready to tackle all your summer outings, don’t hesitate to snag the Caslon Striped Linen Blend Shorts at Nordstrom Rack while they’re still on sale for just $25!
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1989 Rock Classic, Originally Written as a Joke, Became a Timeless Road Trip Anthem, Despite Never Reaching No. 1
Tom Petty had a successful career with his band, the Heartbreakers, releasing a string of songs like “Refugee,” “Breakdown,” and “Don’t Do Me Like That.” But, in 1989, the rock icon embarked on a solo career, introducing fans to his debut solo album, Full Moon Fever.
One song on the 12-track collection is the beloved feel-good road-trip anthem “Free Fallin',” once featured in an iconic scene of the film Jerry Maguire, in which actor Tom Cruise sings the lyrics at the top of his lungs while driving. Even today, the tune resonates with listeners far and wide, with its laid-back melody, nostalgic lyrics, and Petty’s signature vocals on the 4-minute, 14-second offering.
Although “Free Fallin’” paints a vivid picture of the L.A. scene, particularly along Ventura Boulevard, to many, it may come as a surprise that Petty, who co-wrote and recorded the song in just two days with collaborator Jeff Lynne, initially started the song as a joke.
“I was playing the keyboard and I just happened to hit on that main riff, the intro of the song, and I think Jeff said something like, ‘That’s a really good riff but there’s one chord too many,’ so I think I cut it back a chord and then, really just to amuse Jeff, honestly, I just sang that first verse,” the late Petty recalled, in an interview with Billboard. “Then he starts laughing. Honestly, I thought I was just amusing Jeff, but then I got to the chorus of the song, and he leaned over to me and said the word, ‘freefalling.’ And I went to sing that, and he said, ‘No, take your voice up and see how that feels.’”
“I took my voice up an octave or two, but I couldn’t get the whole word in. So I sang ‘freeee,’ then ‘free falling.’ And we both knew at that moment that I’d hit on something pretty good,” he continued. “It was that fast. He had to go somewhere, and I wrote the last verse and kind of just polished the rest of the song, and when I saw him the next day, I played him the song, and he was like, ‘Wow, you did that last night?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah.’ And he said. ‘We’ve got to go cut this,’ and we just took off to Mike Campbell’s studio, where we knew we could get in and get it done that day. So we went in and made the record that day.”
“Free Fallin’” has gone on to become Petty’s highest charting Hot 100 single of his career, where it stayed for 21 weeks. Despite that feat, none of Petty’s memorable tracks were No. 1 hits. While “Free Fallin’” did top the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, the song peaked at No. 7 on the Hot 100 chart in 1990.
1991 Signature Grunge Track by Iconic Band Has Re-Entered the Charts 27 Years Later
Alice in Chains is cemented as one of the biggest bands to have been produced during the grunge music era of the early 1990s. One of their hit releases early in their career has regained popularity and re-entered the Billboard charts.
On Billboard's Hard Rock Streaming Chart, "Man in a Box" has quietly made a comeback, landing at No. 24 on the list, and beating out their other known hit "Nutshell." The grunge rock track peaked at No. 18 on the Mainstream Rock chart when it was first released in 1991, and stayed on the chart for 41 weeks.
"Man in a Box" later became certified Platinum by the RIAA, and has been considered by many to be one of Alice in Chains' signature tracks of their career. Critics tagged it as one of the greatest metal songs and one of the best to have been released in the 90s. It was even nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance.
Guitarist Jerry Cantrell said of the song, "That whole beat and grind of that is when we started to find ourselves; it helped Alice become what it was."
First released as a single and then as part of their debut studio album Face Lift, "Man in a Box" was crafted by lead singer Layne Staley and his desire to explore the issue of censorship. According to an interview with Rolling Stone, a dinner with vegetarian staffers from Columbia Records added some more context.
"I started writing about censorship,” explained Staley. “Around the same time, we went out for dinner with some Columbia Records people who were vegetarians. They told me how veal was made from calves raised in these small boxes, and that image stuck in my head. So I went home and wrote about government censorship and eating meat as seen through the eyes of a doomed calf.”
Cantrell would add that "Man in a Box" ties in the idea of censorship and how the government and media control how people perceive events in the world. He detailed how they "build you into a box by feeding it to you in your home." Staley would also admit later on that he was high when having written the song.
Related: 1965 Rock Classic, Originally a Major Flop, Became a No. 1 Hit 61 Years Ago
Travel Feels Scarier Than Ever— These Are the Places Experts Say You Can Still Go and Feel Safe
These days, we keep hearing about travel advisories due to unsafe conditions in various parts of the world. It can make you wonder where you can travel safely. The Institute for Economics & Peace has released its 2026 Global Peace Index, which sheds light on the countries that are the safest to travel in during this time.
Related: U.S. Updates Travel Advisory for Popular Summer Destination— Should You Still Go There?
Top Three Safest Places to TravelIf you’re looking to travel, the top three safest places to visit according to the 2026 Global Peace Index are:
- Iceland
- New Zealand
- Switzerland
This is Iceland’s 19th straight year being at the top of the list. The Index took into account factors such as the level of violence in the area, ongoing conflict, safety and security, and militarization. The list is supposed to serve as a guide to understand a country’s overall stability.
New Zealand advanced one spot on the rankings because it has one of the lowest ongoing conflict scores. Switzerland has always been one of the most reliable destinations anywhere.
The Best Things to Do in the Safest CountriesKnowing that these three destinations are the safest is great, but what is there to do?
Exploring geothermal spas in Iceland is one of the safest activities there and one of the most relaxing. There are several to add to your list, including the Blue Lagoon near Keflavik Airport. The Sky Lagoon is also cool with its infinity-edge that looks out to the Atlantic.
In New Zealand, scenic boat tours rank high among safe activities. These guided tours offer a different perspective on the area while you learn about New Zealand in a safe space. They also allow you to get to places you may have never reached on your own. Destinations include the Dart River and the Bay of Islands.
Switzerland has plenty of safe trains for exploring the area. Taking a ride on The Bernina Express is a great way to cross the Alps. The scenery here is amazing, as it is the highest railway across the Alps. Think Instagram-worthy photos here! The Bernina Express climbs glaciers before descending into Italy.
Related: This Underrated European Destination Just Beat Out the Alps and Iceland for Natural Beauty
Least Peaceful Areas to TravelJust as it is important to know where the most peaceful areas are to travel, it’s important to know what areas are considered the least peaceful. According to the Index, the top three are:
- Russia
- Sudan
- Democratic Republic of Congo
Russia’s war on Ukraine and Sudan's civil war and humanitarian crisis are among the reasons why it made the list.
Best-Selling Crime Novelist Behind a Hit TV Series Turns 70 Today
In 1956, a future bestselling author who would help transform crime fiction was born in Miami, Florida.
Patricia Cornwell turns 70 on June 9, more than three decades after introducing readers to Dr. Kay Scarpetta, the brilliant medical examiner who became one of the most recognizable characters in modern mystery fiction.
Cornwell's path to literary success was far from easy. After graduating from Davidson College, she worked as a reporter for The Charlotte Observer before taking a position in the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. There, she worked as a technical writer and computer analyst while learning firsthand about forensic investigations and medical examinations.
Those experiences would ultimately shape her fiction.
After several unpublished manuscripts and multiple rejections from publishers, Cornwell finally broke through in 1990 with "Postmortem," the first novel in the Kay Scarpetta series. Inspired in part by real-life Virginia medical examiner Dr. Marcella Farinelli Fierro, Scarpetta used forensic science to solve crimes at a time when the subject was rarely featured in popular fiction.
The novel became an immediate success, winning the Edgar Award, the John Creasey Award and several other major honors. It launched a publishing phenomenon that would eventually sell more than 120 million books worldwide.
As the series grew, so did its influence. Cornwell's meticulous attention to forensic detail helped popularize scientific crime-solving with readers and is frequently credited with paving the way for the explosion of forensic-focused television dramas that followed, including shows such as CSI.
More than 35 years after "Postmortem," Scarpetta remains a cultural force. In March 2026, the character finally made the leap to television with the Prime Video series Scarpetta.
The adaptation stars Nicole Kidman as Dr. Kay Scarpetta, with Jamie Lee Curtis, Bobby Cannavale, Ariana DeBose and Simon Baker also appearing in leading roles. Cornwell serves as an executive producer on the series and even makes a brief cameo appearance in the premiere episode.
The show's debut marked the culmination of decades of efforts to bring Scarpetta to the screen. Earlier attempts involving major Hollywood stars never materialized, making the Prime Video adaptation a long-awaited milestone for fans of the books.
Today, Cornwell remains one of the most successful crime writers of all time. Her novels continue to attract readers around the world, while the character she created more than three decades ago has found a new audience through streaming television.
Not bad for a writer whose first breakthrough came only after years of rejection.
Related: Stephen King Says This Twisty Mystery Could Be the Best of 2026
The Surprising Reason Retirement Is Keeping You Up at Night
A 2025 survey from AMFM Healthcare found that 87 percent of Americans admitted to feeling financial anxiety. That stress can show up in many ways—especially for retirees who find their money woes keeping them up at night.
The good news is that those retirement anxieties don't have to wreck your sleep. Experts say that there are a few simple things you can do during the day to help you get a bit more shut-eye, even when you're worried about how your savings will fare in retirement.
The Real Reason Retirement Stress Messes With Your SleepRetirement stress can affect your body in different ways. "The brain's response to being financially secure becomes less about how much money they have, and more about how safe they feel, which can create states of high perceived threat," according to Dr. Lauren Grawert, MD, FASAM, and Clinical Advisor of The Garden Recovery & Wellness, who says that it doesn't really matter how solid your portfolio is, you can still feel threatened due to the loss of your regular income.
Another thing Dr. Grawert says can come into play at night? Your health. She says that retirees can also start to think about the other ways they are vulnerable while lying awake at night, feeling anxious about their physical health and independence, which the brain can sometimes misinterpret as additional concerns about financial stability.
Related: Retirement Shock Is Real—Psychologists Say Most People Never See It Coming
What Experts Say Can Actually Help You Sleep BetterSo how do you silence those stressors so you can get some shuteye? Cynthia Kirkpatrick, Senior Advisor and CFP with Moneta, says it's all about finding a way to restore your sense of safety.
"Safety is created from building a clear plan you can trust and learning to let go of what you can’t control," she says. According to Kirkpatrick, your plans should include a:
- Clear picture of your net worth
- List of your income sources
- Long-term cash flow analysis
After that, she says you should simplify and consolidate accounts where appropriate, and build an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses to handle unexpected costs. Some additional steps include reviewing your debt, optimizing repayment plans for those accounts, and establishing an investment policy to meet short- and long-term needs.
"Revisit your plan regularly, but not constantly," Kirkpatrick continues. "Do not be afraid to enlist help and guidance from a financial planner. Winning the long game is often more about managing emotions than anything else. If hiring an expert will help you win and ease stress, do it."
If you're still struggling, Wendy Molyneux, MSW, CFEI, and Founder of Whole Person Finance, says you may want to use mindfulness techniques to quiet your mind. "Deferred worries can bubble up before sleep, so scheduling a dedicated time earlier in the day to write down worries and tiny corresponding action steps may help," she says. "Breathing methods, guided imagery, white noise, and meditation apps are other techniques people find useful before bed. Practicing sleep hygiene in a cool, dark, quiet room is important too."
And while she says that these steps can add up and allow you to sleep more easily, sometimes you may need to reach out to a mental health professional for a bit more help.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
‘80s Legend Christopher Atkins Announces Plans To Reunite With Beloved Star Kristi McNichol
Christopher Atkins is set to reunite with his Pirate Movie co-star, Kristy McNichol.
Atkins, a former teen heartthrob, 65, is best known for his role alongside Brooke Shields in The Blue Lagoon, the 1980 movie about two teens who were marooned on a tropical island as children, and then grew up and fell in love. Atkins went on to appear on the popular ’80s TV show, Dallas, and even reunited with Shields many years later on her hit NBCsitcom, Suddenly Susan. But in a new Instagram video shared while he's driving in his car, Atkins revealed that he's set to reunite with another fan favorite from back in the '80s: Kristy McNichol. McNichol, 63, rose to stardom in films like Little Darlings and the TV series Family. While she doesn't do much acting these days, she starred alongside Atkins in the cult-favorite film The Pirate Movie. Now, the duo will get together at the upcoming Fanboy Expo in Knoxville, Tennessee, which is taking place from July 10 to 12.
Check out Atkins as he makes the big announcement while driving in his car below:
View this post on Instagram What Is Kristy McNichol Up to These Days?Photo by Albert L. Ortega on Getty Images
After starring on Empty Nest for several seasons, McNichol had her fill of TV life. While McNichol officially retired from acting in 2001, she still makes occasional appearances, and previously reunited with Atkins in 2014. As for her career, Women's World shared that she took up teaching, helping young people develop their own love of acting.
What Is Christopher Atkins Up to These Days?Atkins is an avid outdoorsman who loves to head out on the trails for a hike. Back in November, he shared a fun photo on his Instagram page that showed he’s still got those rugged good looks that made him famous.
“Had a great hike today. Started snowing at the start then some blue skies and sleet as I got to the car. Got a good sweat and was a beautiful hike. Got fresh beef at Laurel Ridge grass fed beef and fresh milk and chocolates from Thorncrest Farms,” the actor wrote.
View this post on Instagram Atkins Appeared in PlaygirlAtkins isn’t one to shy away from the camera these days either. He was featured in Playgirl‘s July 2025 issue, Parade previously reported.
View this post on InstagramYour Perfect Late-Night Snack, Based on Your Birth Date
Having a late-night snack before bed is the perfect way to end your day. If only you could figure out what to eat. Choosing something that satiates your craving isn’t always easy. Salty, savory, or sweet barely scratches the surface since no two snacks are created equally. Each kind of snack requires a different level of preparation and dedication. Not to mention that your effort and energy plays a significant role in what you might choose. Despite all the factors that go into snacking, it’s pretty easy to find the perfect late-night snack for you, based on your birth date.
All birth dates can be reduced to and grouped by a single-digit number between 1 to 9. Each group will feel called to a different late-night snack based on their shared attributes. Certain groups will put the effort into creating a tasty dish. Other groups will settle for a simpler bite to eat. Read on to discover your perfect late-night snack for birth dates 1 to 31.
Your Late-Night Snack, Based on Your Birth DateCheck if your date of birth is listed. Disregard birth months.
Born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, and 28th: Rice Krispies TreatA crunchy yet sweet snack aligns with those who have birthdays on the 1st, 10th, 19th, or 28th. All of these birth dates are ready to risk it all, thanks to aligning with 1’s courageous and adventurous attitude. They won’t hesitate to make their perfect late-night snack, which is why they’re paired with Rice Krispies treats. Sure, they could settle for store bought, but why would they? These birth dates enjoy making then enjoying their very own Rice Krispies treats regardless of how late it is.
Born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, and 29th: Chocolate Chip CookiesComfort food is the best kind of late-night snack for individuals born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, and 29th. These birth dates are influenced by astrology’s moon and numerology’s 2, so they’re sensitive. People born on these dates will gravitate toward a nostalgic snack that reminds them of simpler days. Nothing will hit the spot like a chocolate chip cookie. Having a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie right before bed will help these birth dates unwind and relax.
Born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, and 30th: Tortilla Chips & SalsaSnappy personalities are born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, and 30th. People with these birth dates are influenced by explorative Jupiter and curious 3, so they have big appetites. Almost nothing satiates them, so they will be drawn to tortilla chips and salsa. These birth dates cannot resist salsa’s peppery kick and a crunchy chip. Not to mention that this snack goes down easy. If they’re not careful, people born on these dates could easily crush a whole bag of chips and a jar of salsa.
Born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, and 31st: Ice CreamSimple, effortless, and indulgent are the only late-night snack criteria for someone who celebrates their birthday on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, or 31st. Numerologists say that these birth dates align with 4’s tenacity and consistency. They’ll want a late-night snack they can always count on. Ice cream will never disappoint these individuals. It doesn’t matter if it’s a scoop of simple vanilla ice cream or a rich pint loaded with mix-ins. People born on these dates are just happy to have a frosty treat.
Born on the 5th, 14th, and 23rd: PopcornQuick and easy snacks appeal to those born on the 5th, 14th, or 23rd. Individuals with these birth dates embody the changeable and erratic energy of 5. They tend to move quickly in search of something new to capture their attention. People born on these dates want a versatile snack that doesn’t require a lot of time or energy. Popcorn is just what they’re looking for. This light, crunchy snack takes no prep time at all. Plus, they can customize their popcorn to be sweet, salty, or savory depending on their mood.
Born on the 6th, 15th, and 24th: Sour Patch KidsSour, sweet, gone is one way to describe those born on the 6th, 15th, and 24th. Numerology’s loving and relationship-oriented 6 governs these birth dates. Individuals born on these dates will give their all, but only as long as their love and care is reciprocated. They don’t think twice about sharing unless you ask them for some Sour Patch Kids. These fruity and tangy gummy candies are totally off the table, so don’t be surprised if these birth dates hide while snacking on their Sour Patch Kids.
Born on the 7th, 16th, and 25th: Chex MixThoughtful individuals have birthdays on the 7th, 16th, and 25th because they align with the profound energy of numerology’s 7. Numerology says these birth dates are highly reflective, so they often see how everything is interconnected. Their late-night snack represents their insightfulness and wisdom, which is why they’re paired with Chex Mix. People born on these dates love picking through the various crackers, pretzels, and more as they mull over their midnight musings.
Born on the 8th, 17th, and 26th: RamenPeople born on the 8th, 17th, and 26th need more than chips or cookies. These birth dates align with 8, so they have a more luxurious, complex taste than others. Luckily, they don’t have to scour their pantry for long, because ramen will always hit the spot. People born on these dates can keep it simple or dress up their dish to have a more satisfying meal. No matter how they make their ramen, the warm, umami-rich broth will always hit the spot.
Born on the 9th, 18th, and 27th: Cheese & CrackersKind people celebrate their birthdays on the 9th, 18th, and 27th. They’re ruled by the thoughtful and inclusive energies of 9 in numerology. Most wouldn’t share their snack, but these birth dates will. Cheese and crackers are their go-to late-night bite. Not only is this easy to throw together, but cheese and crackers are also the perfect snack to bond over. Having a deep, late-night talk over a few cheese and crackers will fill these birth dates’ hearts.
UP NEXT:
Jack Schlossberg Weighs in on ‘80s Music Icon’s JFK Jr. Story
Jack Schlossberg awkwardly had to answer questions about his late uncle's private life when he appeared on an episode of SiriusXM's Andy Cohen Live
The New York congressional candidate sat down with the host and John Hill when he was asked about Madonna's recent comments about John F. Kennedy Jr.
"When you hear someone like Madonna say, 'JFK Jr. was the best sex I ever had.' Do you chuckle at that?" Andy asked the 33-year-old. The young Kennedy didn't know how to respond. "He's running for office, so he's trying to figure out what to say," Cohen added
"All I can say is that, um, I bet she was right!" Jack Schlossberg quipped,
To which Cohen replied, "Yeah, right! There you go. That's a good answer. That's a really good answer!"
Madonna made the comments about JFK JR. during a video for the gay dating app Grindr. To celebrate her Confessions II album, the Queen of Pop shared her own confessions, including asking fellow LGBTQ+ icons racy questions. When she asked about the best sexual encounter she ever had, she responded: "I'm going to only name dead people," she said, before whispering: "John Kennedy Jr."
Makeup artist Marcelo Gutierrez responded that he had also heard similar positive reviews about the late president's son. "So you know it's true," the "Vogue" singer said.
Madonna and Kennedy had a brief romance in the late '80s, according to An Intimate Oral Biography, via People and asked her to pose as her mother, Jackie, on the cover.
She sent him a fax declaring, “Dear Johnny boy, Thanks for asking me to be your mother, but I’m afraid I could never do her justice. My eyebrows aren’t thick enough for one.”
There has been renewed interest in his late uncle's life, following the release of the Ryan Murphy-produced TV series Love Story. The drama starred Sarah Pigeon and Paul Anthony Kelly and followed JFK Jr.'s romance with Carolyn Bessette before both passed away in a tragic 1999 plane crash.
Jack called out the show for being a "grotesque display" of the lives of his late uncle and aunt. “If you want to know someone who’s never met anyone in my family, knows nothing about us, talk to Ryan Murphy,” Jack said, during an interview with CBS Sunday Morning on March 1. “The guy knows nothing about what he’s talking about, and he’s making a ton of money on a grotesque display of someone else’s life.”
Related: Brooke Shields Shares Rare Memories of Whirlwind Romance With John F. Kennedy Jr.
Best-Selling Author Dave Eggers Discusses New Novel 'Contrapposto' That Critics Are Already Calling 'One of the Best Books of the Year' (Exclusive)
Since his career began at the prodigiously young age of 30, Dave Eggers has quickly managed to become one of the most talented, prolific writers of his generation.
Seamlessly transitioning between a variety of genres, Eggers has deftly managed to explore everything from science fiction and fantasy to literary drama and children's books. Earning acclaim among mainstream readers and critics alike, his various novels have managed to win consistent praise for their playful tone, pointed emotion and attention-grabbing plot lines, as evidenced by his work on The Circle, A Hologram for the King and A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, among many others.
Roughly five years after his last adult-oriented work, the 56-year-old Eggers has officially returned back to the literary forefront with his well-regarded new novel, Contrapposto. A brilliant and ambitious study of Cricket and Olympia, two lifelong friends/sometimes lovers navigating the high-brow world of professional art over the court of 70 years, the novel has been described as an "earthy, warm return to form and norm" for Eggers by The New York Times, who complimented the author for Contrapposto's weight, maturity and meditative premise.
In anticipation of the novel's release, we spoke to Eggers by phone to discuss his latest work, the transformative power of the arts and humanities and his overall hopes for our cultural preservation looking ahead to the future.
You've handled a number of different subjects over the years, but the arts world seems like an entirely new endeavor for you. Where exactly did the idea for Contrapposto come from?
Well, I grew up drawing and painting and went to art school for a time. And so, I think it was something I always wanted to write about and the idea of this friendship between Cricket and Olympia was sort of the foundation of it all. I started taking notes for this maybe 15 years, maybe 20 – I tend to take notes for books sometimes 20 years before I actually get down to writing or finishing it.
So I just kept accumulating thoughts and scenes and character sketches. But [Contrapposto] talks about so many aspects of the art world that I have seen and thought about and debated about for so long, and the nature of why we draw and paint and try to recreate the world on a canvas. It's a very particular universe, the art world. But mostly [the book] is about the relationship between Cricket and Olympia and their very different approaches to creating and living as an artist. Obviously, Olympia is more comfortable with the professionalization of art, and Cricket struggles with it pretty much all of his life.
Hearing that you'd been planning this for close to 20 years, what made you decide now was finally the time to actually get to work writing the book?
I don't ever remember what that exact moment is, but there usually is this moment where you feel like you know the story, you know generally the beginning, middle and end – and the form. For me, if I don't solve the form, it stays as a bunch of notes. And in this case, the form that needed to be solved was, 'How do you depict 70 years in the lives of these two friends without it being an 1,100 page book?'
As simple as it sounds, the idea to sort of jump ahead and have [the chapters] be different, discreet sections that lead up ahead maybe eight or 10 years, that occurred to me embarrassingly late, let's say. It should have been an intuitive, obvious choice. But until I solve that formal challenge, I really can't get going.
You mentioned that Contrapposto was at least partially inspired by your background in fine arts, but I'm also guessing you had to do a fair amount research into the arts industry and art history for this book?
A little bit. I wrote about art for various publications in the '90s. I have always stayed pretty close to the art world. I still draw and paint and make prints and sell them through galleries, so it's never been something I really left and had to come back. But I did want it to be not so insular you had to have an MFA to understand the book, because that is one of the great challenges of the art world, which I think is uniquely excluding. I think especially in the middle of the last century, it became very exclusionary – the terminology and the theory behind the different forms of visual art were meant to alienate the average person. The art-speak became so incomprehensible.
Visual art, you don't need any preparation or tools to enjoy it. You don't even have to do any real work. You just sit in front of a picture and you either enjoy it or you don't. It really should be that simple. But we had gotten to a point where a very small group of people decided the art world should be an elitist place where the enjoyment of any picture had to be accompanied by a few hundred pages of theory. And I felt that was such a profound mistake.
I think we're back to a more pluralistic, welcoming place for most of the art world. All forms are welcome now and the hope is that museums, galleries, other venues that display visual art don't create a moat in front of themselves where you have to swim through theory-infested waters to get to the simple enjoyment of color and line and shape.
Two of the biggest themes in the book is time and art, and also how age impacts our view of art and beauty and vice versa.How has your view of art and writing changes in the years that you've been pursuing a career in the arts?
It definitely gets demystified. When you first undertake writing a novel, you have no idea of whether you'll finish or if it'll make any sense when you do. I had no idea whether I would get there. I came up through journalism, and before writing a book, I think the longest thing I had ever written was maybe a thousand words. So it's a chasmic difference between writing a magazine profile or an investigative piece and trying to get to the finish line with novel.
But over time, you get a sort of familiarity. You do know how to finish something, you do know how to begin. I usually know after how many years of taking notes on something that I have the materials to write a novel. It doesn't mean you'll write a good one [laughs]. It doesn't mean it'll work. I have friends my age that are always throwing away novels. You never know if it'll be right, good or if it'll work, but at least you do know basically the path to get there.
But at this point, there is always an alchemy you can't predict. And that alchemy is whatever you put on the page and how it connects with the reader, and that, to me, is eternally mysterious. I will write something that I think is really working and it works for me, and it doesn't work at all for anybody else [laughs]. And that's never changed. That happened when I was in high school and it happens now. And then something else I write which I think is perfectly good will really resonate with readers. And that you can't engineer really. You can't really predict. And I find it eternally mysterious in a nice way, but you never get any closer to knowing what will resonate with other people because your own interests and my own interests are very specific.
With the completion of Contrapposto, have you found your view of art has changed at all since you first set out to write this novel?
No, in this case, I'd had been thinking about it for so long. If you're writing a book and finding your way as you're writing it and developing the ideas as you go, sometimes you're answering a question in your mind as you're writing the book. In this case, I didn't really have a lot of open-ended questions about the art world. I'd been thinking all of these things since I was an eight-year-old art student and certainly in high school and college and beyond. So this was more trying to explore all those ideas and themes through a book really about two people.
For me, the fun and maybe surprise in writing were the top-spin you get to create when you're writing two people who have known each other all their lives. I love dialogue that really crackles, and you hear the history between them in every exchange. They don't have to be polite with each other, but they also don't want to assume they know everything about one another.
There's this tension between longtime friends or relatives where there's such great comfort in knowing each other for so long, you can just have a shorthand, but at the same time, you don't want them to assume your every feeling and thought. So that was the core of their relationship. They're in inextricably tied. I don't think there's as close to anyone else they're as they are to each other, but there's this crackling tension always where it's a little unclear every time they get to together where it's going to go, which is my hope. Each section they come together like atoms exploding, and then we leap ahead again, and the outcome each time is a little uncertain.
We've talked a little about the mass enjoyment that can come about from looking at artistic piece, but what do you see as the purpose of art on a more individual basis?Is it about learning to look at the world through a new lens?
Sure, that's one very key reason to undertake [art] at all. I think that in Cricket's case, he's happiest when he's painting or drawing, but he's unhappiest when he has to translate that into a professional environment. I think what Cricket is trying to accomplish, he gets so much joy out of creating or painting a figure, but the idea of then trying to sell it or adhere to market forces or have a gallerist tell him he has to create this many paintings by this date, that takes so much joy out of it for him.
I think the creation out of art itself should be pure pleasure. There's a great Tolstoy essay in What Is Art? where he goes through this long anecdote about going backstage at a huge ballet or opera company in St. Petersburg, and in great Tolstoyesque detail, he describes hundreds of people rushing around, banging into each other, screaming at each other backstage trying to get this opera on... and nobody having any joy whatsoever at any moment of the process [laughs]. And they're supposed to be presenting this work of art to a public that is supposed to be moved and transformed by it, but Tolstoy sort of asked the question, 'What's the point in all of this if everybody in this production is loathing every moment of it?'
It's an open-ended question in the book, but I think he's trying to get at the fact that we should find a way to make the process a pleasurable one, both for the creation and whatever happens next.
Eggers' latest novel, Contrapposto, is now available wherever books are sold.
Walmart's $20 Weekender Bag Is Great for Summer Travel and Comes in 27 'Pretty' Colors
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If your summer vacation is already on the books, now's the time to make sure your travel gear is still in good shape — starting with a quality duffel bag. Whether you're using it as a carry-on on your next flight, taking it on a road trip, or just using it for the gym, a cute weekender bag is always handy to have while on the go. The Sycnb Travel Duffel Bag at Walmart is a roomy option that's perfect for quick trips, and it's now on sale for as low as $20 in select styles.
Right now, you can snag the top-rated bag for just $20 in the beige brown, khaki, and light blue shades. There are also over a dozen other beautiful colors available at $22 to $26, and the options include a mix of classic neutrals, soft pastels, and rich jewel tones, making it easy to find a hue that best suits your style.
Sycnb Travel Duffel Bag, $20 (was $23) at Walmart Shop at WalmartMeasuring 8.6 inches long, 16.1 inches wide, and 10.2 inches high, the duffel offers ample room to hold your belongings, and is still compact enough to stash in overhead bins, under airplane seats, or in the trunk of cars. It has multiple compartments to keep your items organized, including three internal pockets and four external pockets. A high-density waterproof pocket helps keep any wet clothes or towels away from dry items.
Constructed of high-quality polyester fabric, the duffel is durable, waterproof, tear-resistant, and built for long-term use. You can carry it by the top handles, or use the longer adjustable strap to wear it on your shoulder when you need to go hands-free. It also has a bottom compartment to separate your shoes and a built-in trolley sleeve that attaches easily to rolling suitcases.
Related: Walmart's 'Cute' $19 Pajama Set Is 'Soft,' 'Comfy,' and Comes in 11 'Whimsical' Prints
The bestselling duffel has earned over 300 five-star ratings from Walmart shoppers, who called it "spacious" and "sturdy." Several complimented its roomy interior, with one reviewer noting that it's "pretty and holds a lot." Another said the size and durable construction makes it the "perfect weekender bag."
Shop More Deals- Dakimoe Travel Duffel Bag, From $20 (was $33) at Walmart
- Joyway 2-Piece Expandable Foldable Duffel Bag Set, $21 (was $40) at Walmart
- Gynky Travel Weekender Bag, $20 (was $33) at Walmart
If you've been looking for a lightweight yet spacious weekender bag to bring with you on your summer getaways, the Sycnb duffel is an excellent travel companion. It's durable, holds a lot, and comes in dozens of versatile colors. Snag it for as low as $20 before this flash deal ends at Walmart.
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Two Bright 'Kissing Planets' Are Aligning in Tonight's Sky and You Can See the Rare Event Without a Telescope
Skywatchers are in for a treat tonight as two of the brightest objects visible from Earth appear to share an exceptionally close encounter in the night sky.
On the evening of June 9, Venus and Jupiter will meet in a stunning planetary conjunction, appearing so close together that astronomy enthusiasts have nicknamed the event the "kissing planets." While the planets remain hundreds of millions of miles apart in space, they will look nearly side by side from Earth's perspective — making this one of the most impressive skywatching events of 2026. Best of all, no telescope, binoculars or special equipment is required to enjoy the show.
What Is the Venus-Jupiter Conjunction?Photo by Kerrin / 500px on Getty Images
A planetary conjunction occurs when two celestial objects appear unusually close together in the sky when viewed from Earth. The Venus-Jupiter conjunction tonight is purely a trick of perspective — the planets remain separated by vast distances in space — but the visual effect is genuinely striking. Venus is currently the brightest planet visible in the evening sky, and Jupiter ranks among the brightest objects visible to the naked eye. Seeing them share the same small patch of sky creates a memorable and rare celestial display.
Related: Skywatchers Are Clamoring to Experience a Rare Daytime Meteor Shower You Can See and Hear
When and Where To See the Venus-Jupiter Conjunction TonightTo catch the Venus-Jupiter conjunction on June 9, 2026, head outside about 45 minutes after sunset and look toward the western horizon. Both planets will shine brightly enough to be spotted from most suburban locations without any equipment.
Venus — sometimes called the "Evening Star" — will appear as the brighter of the two, with Jupiter shining close by. At their closest approach, the pair will appear just 1.5 degrees apart — roughly the width of a pinky finger held at arm's length. For the best viewing experience, find a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the western horizon and as little light pollution as possible.
More Skywatching Events Coming in June 2026Photo by LaserLens on Getty Images
Tonight's conjunction is just the start of an active month for skywatching. According to NASA, Mercury will join Venus and Jupiter from June 11 through June 15, creating a mini planet parade low in the western sky after sunset. Later in the month, observers across parts of North and South America may witness the Moon briefly pass in front of Venus in a rare occultation event.
But tonight belongs to Venus and Jupiter. If skies are clear, step outside after sunset and look west — the Venus-Jupiter conjunction may be one of the easiest and most beautiful astronomical events you'll witness all year.