Kathryn and Kate open up about the inner workings of their relationship while Kate wrote her latest book, ALL THE COLORS CAME OUT, and the pair brings on Kate’s mom while the show is rolling. (Oh, oh, and many jokes are had about the size of Kate’s ego!)

Welcome to world of Popisho! Kate and Kathryn muse about magic, and why and when we lose our connection with it, then author Leone Ross (POPISHO) reassures Kathryn to stick to her magical guns. Leone shares what her “cors” (magical ability) would be, how to return to the flow of creativity, permission to understand strangeness, and by the end of the show, has Kathryn and Producer Lindsay in tears. Oh, and get ready to learn about pum pums.

And today … we have the NYT bestselling author of IN FIVE YEARS, Rebecca Serle! Rebecca chats about the difference in writing for the page vs. the silver screen, writing as a means to figure out your life, and why she is focusing on being present for success. Kathryn and Kate open with a comedy of errors on astrological signs.

Kate and Kathryn are shocked to discover they have a blind spot related to ice cream (they ask for listener feedback!), then they welcome Sarah Penner — author of the debut NYT bestseller THE LOST APOTHECARY — a page-turning novel set between modern day London and 1791 about a woman who secretly dispenses poisons to liberate women from the men who have wronged them.

Kate and Kathryn have a mind meld about what their joint pen name would be, then the duo chats with British married author duo Ellery Lloyd (whose debut novel PEOPLE LIKE HER is like Gone Girl with a momstagram account!) about writing with your partner and how they gleaned all their smart insights about social media.

Kathryn quizzes Kate on the mythical origins of some well-known idioms (spill the beans, anyone?), then the duo are joined by BBC host and bestselling author Natalie Haynes (A THOUSAND SHIPS) who shares why the classics are for EVERYONE!

Kate and Kathryn plumb the mysteries of the allure of novels set at boarding schools with Ellie Eaton, debut author of THE DIVINES. The trio also discusses what motivates Ellie to sit down and write, and how, in England, your accent (posh!) reveals a whole lot about you. Oh, plus, K&K discuss their takeaway from the Pixar movie, Soul

Luvvie, goddess of cheekbones, truth and jollof is in the house and she’s here to talk about her newest book, PROFESSIONAL TROUBLE MAKER: THE FEAR-FIGHTER MANUAL. We discuss what it means to fail loudly, speaking truth, being human, the fear of success, and most importantly, why everyone needs their own hype mantra.

THEY’RE BACK for Season ... 4? Kate and KB sit down with debut author Genevieve Gornichec to talk about writing an epic saga, Kathryn and Genevieve’s mutual love for Norse mythology, should YOU watch Vikings, and what it means to be a Nordic Re-enactor, plus Kate hits Kathryn with the list of Free Cookies notes they built up during the off-season.

In this year’s Free Cookies finale (🎉), Kate and Kathryn are joined by Emily M. Danforth — author of PLAIN BAD HEROINES and THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST — to discuss the inspiration for her ambitious new novel and how every creative project has its own timetable.

Kate and Kathryn assess whether the pandemic has caused them to merge into one person, then they each share their top three TV shows — and they agree on the best one! — as well as their top three books of 2020.

Kathryn and Kate talk identity and achievement with two-time Olympic runner Kara Goucher, as well as how to remain focused in an unjust world.

“Do you think a life has any value if one doesn’t leave some mark upon the world?” These words swirl at the center of V.E. Schwab’s magnificent novel, THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE. K + K talk to Victoria about manifesting success vs. rolling with the punches, casual queerness in literature, perseverance and the importance of knowing your story is worth telling.

Kathryn and Kate share quotes that have recently inspired them — “pessimism is a misuse of imagination” — a conversation inspired by the magical bestselling author Stephanie Garber who shares her wisdom about perseverance and the pivotal moment in her writing career that allowed her to keep creating.

K&K discuss their varied reactions to on-screen awkwardness, then welcome actor (and yogi!) Zosia Mamet — part of the hit HBO show GIRLS and upcoming THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT — onto the show to talk about maintaining identity and sense of self in the swirl of Hollywood.

A gift for Cookie Monsters ahead of Tuesday’s election: a breath-and body-focused meditation, from Free Cookies-favorite Gina Caputo, for staying in our bodies when our minds want to spin out into the stress-o-sphere.

In honor of their quirky conversation with brilliant English writer Stuart Turton — of THE DEVIL AND THE DARK WATER — Kate and Kathryn share a list they’ve been building during quarantine about behaviors depicted in movies and on TV that NEVER happen in real life. 

You can’t have a government that represents the people when the people don’t vote for them.” A little taste of the incisive insight from guest Stephanie Young, the managing director for culture, communications and media for When We All Vote. Want to vote but don’t know if you should do it early, by mail, or in person? Ready to make a difference but don’t know where to start? Stephanie breaks it all down. Tune in and vote: this episode is for you.

Kate and Kathryn breakdown a line from writer Susan Sontag — “Impossible to feel sincere while having one’s photograph taken” — and how it applies to the current world we find ourselves in. 

The low-fat 90s, the high-protein aughts ... ever wonder when scientists would finally discover what foods best fuel the human body? Kate and Kathryn sit down — in person, from 10 West Edge in downtown Charleston! — with the New York Times bestselling author of FIBER FUELED, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, to breakdown his sexy research on what foods will make our bodies go vroom vroom. Enjoying the show and want occasional bonus content? Please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/freecookies

A conversation that includes “cosmic nihilism” has always gotten someplace good, and Kate & Kathryn go there and dive deep with Vikram Paralkar, author of NIGHT THEATER and oncologist at the University of Pennsylvania, whose novel imagines the afterlife as a bureaucracy and touches upon themes of morality and “mattering.”Enjoying the show and want occasional bonus content? Please consider becoming a patron at www.patreon.com/freecookies

Kate and Kathryn discuss the concept of food tethering the soul to the body, and how far away some of us have gotten from that idea, then they are joined by the inimitable Kristen Kish, author of Kristen Kish Cooking and Top Chef, who talks about the small lessons that stick with her and, most importantly, her fierce backward hat game. 

Kate and Kathryn bring on producer Lindsay Collins to talk about her sketch comedy creation, an espresso-guzzling zebra — a conversation in keeping with the flavor of the show’s main guest, Jean Kyoung Frazier, author of the book PIZZA GIRL, which includes one of Kathryn’s favorite snippets of dialogue ever written and has inspired her pizza-topping game. 

Kathryn and Kate deconstruct the #challengeaccepted campaign on Instagram, why they didn’t do it, and what “women supporting women” in action looks like — it looks exactly like what the WNBA has done this season, which is why K&K are joined by WNBA all-star Layshia Clarendon for an inside look at social justice in action and the league’s #sayhername campaign. 

Before chatting with debut — and New York Times bestselling! — novelist Megha Majumdar, Kate and Kathryn discuss a fascinating new quirk in one of their dogs (will any listeners relate?) as well as the brand-new women’s soccer league franchise in Los Angeles. 

Kathryn and Kate discuss their thoughts on ... making a baby! ... (should they? Is it the right time?) all in honor of their guest, Latham Thomas, doula, founder of Mama Glow, and author of Own Your Glow. 

Kate and Kathryn talk with internationally bestselling author Anthony Horowitz (19 million copies sold!) about the origin and fruition of ideas, the anatomy of writing a murder mystery, how writing saved his life,  and whether or not Clue is his favorite movie. 

In honor of the last day of Pride Month, Kate and Kathryn discuss their favorite LGBTQ+ movies and TV shows (Kathryn impressively manages to butcher every title) before bringing on award-winning author of THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA, TJ Klune. TJ walks us through his magical cast of characters, the importance of queer representation in literature, how writing calms the storm in his head, and why J.K. Rowling is breaking our hearts.

Kate and Kathryn talk about decolonizing their bookshelves then talk with guest, Quentin Vennie, author of the memoir Strong in the Broken Places. Quentin discusses his thoughts on racial equity, growing up Black in Baltimore, his battle with anxiety, and holding members of the wellness world accountable.

Nicole Cardoza, yoga teacher and founder of Yoga Foster and Reclamation Ventures, joins Kate and Kathryn to discuss her controversial experience with Yoga Journal, inclusivity in the wellness world, and her Anti-Racist Daily Newsletter. Find and support her work on Patreon.

“Writing is an act of courage.” These words are stenciled in the home of today’s inimitable guest, Sue Monk Kidd, and her newest NYT bestselling novel THE BOOK OF LONGINGS is proof of that conviction. Sue eloquently explains both her evolution as a writer, discovering she was homesick for herself, and the emotional impetus for one of the loveliest prayers ever written. This episode is EVERYTHING.

Kate and Kathryn talk with George M. Johnson, author of the new YA memoir/manifesto, ALL BOYS AREN’T BLUE, about the importance of queer stories for kids, as well as the almost criminal lack of sex education in schools — especially for LGBTQ kids. 

For those days where you can’t decide between Steel Magnolias or Dracula, look no further: Grady Hendrix, NYT bestselling author of The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires, joins K + K to entertain you with his dazzling wit, southern hospitality, and affinity for everything that goes bump in the night. K + K are also joined by producer Lindsay to discuss the recent Alison Roman and Chrissy Teigen drama and their collective thoughts on cancel culture

Kate and Kathryn, inspired by the haunting protagonist of MY DARK VANESSA, discuss how the brain works to make the broken parts of life fit our story. They’re then joined by NYT bestselling author, Kate Elizabeth Russell, to further explore the concepts or obsession, dedication and how to let your character speak for herself. 

Calling all lovers of myth, story and rosy-fingered dawns ... Kate and Kathryn geek out with Madeline Miller, the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of CIRCE and SONG OF ACHILLES. The trio discuss history’s unwritten characters and why the classics will keep you humble. 

K + K chat with Melissa Albert, the New York Times Bestselling author of The Hazel Wood and The Night Country. Trust us: These aren’t your Disney fairytales. Melissa divulges her attraction to darkness, what it’s like to create original fairytales, and the greatest of all mysteries ... what is in her stew? Bonus: Kathryn puts on her best storyteller voice and reads from one of her favorite tales, The Snow Queen.

Emily St John Mandel, author of Station Eleven and the newly released The Glass Hotel, chats with Kate and Kathryn about her most recent book, the idea of counter lives, money as its own country, and Kate’s proclivity toward disasters. If you haven’t read her National Book Award nominated Station Eleven, yes — the time is now! 

Calling all storytellers! Kate and Kathryn talk with Will Storr, the best-selling author of The Science of Storytelling, about how our brain tells stories, cause and effect, what makes elevated storytelling and how Odysseus most definitely was the OG hustler.

Kate and Kathryn wanted to understand how this pandemic is effecting small businesses, so they spoke with a yoga entrepreneur (Gina Caputo of Colorado School of Yoga), boutique owner (Stacy Smallwood of Hampden Clothing), cafe owner (Jon Echeverry of Paper Plane Coffee) and restauranteurs (Melody and Michael Shemtov of Butcher & Bee). Also, from now on: we dunk at 8pm.

Kate and Kathryn, live from Blue Bicycle Books in Charleston, chat with Alison Roman, NYT Cooking columnist, bestselling author of Nothing Fancy, and Mother of Stews. Oh, and K + K kick it off with dinosaur erotica.

Kate and Kathryn are back and they are CHEETAHS! And they’ve brought with them the funny and brilliant Glennon Doyle, author of UNTAMED, her brand new #1 NYT memoir/manifesto filled with insights. 

K&K are joined by Victoria and Tamal Dodge, whose new book, The Yoga Plate, has hit shelves. The group talks about judgement-free veganism, “doing the least harm”, and everything from the wolves in Yellowstone to Gandhi.

K + K drop an emoji bombshell: 🤯😢🙅🏼‍♀️. Then the pair are joined by Osmia Organics founder Sarah Villafranco, a former physician, to talk clean beauty.

Kate and Kathryn pull back the curtain on Season 3 and what the game-plan is going forward.

Kate and Kathryn chat about Kathryn’s newest creation, then Kathryn (🎶Ridin’ Solo🎶) brings on the Goop Fellas — Seamus Mullen and Will Cole — to get real about the wellness world.

Kathryn and Kate host a live event with Jennifer Pastiloff, author of the brand-new memoir, On Being Human. The duo talk to Jen about, well, being human: depression and death and truth and dorking out.

Kate and Kathryn dive into their relationship with eating animals and how the book, Eating Animals, has shaped Kathryn’s (and by extension Kate’s) thinking. Then they are joined by the executive director of Farm Forward, a non-profit trying to end factory farming. 

Kate and Kathryn channel their inner “How I Built This” and sit down with Charleston entrepreneur Stacy Smallwood, owner of three fashion boutiques, to peel back the curtain on the fashion industry. 

Kate and Kathryn sit down with Kate’s best friend, Shawna Hawes, to talk about loss, grief, raising kids solo, the friendship origin story and ... oatmeal raisin cookies.

In celebration of Charleston Wine & Food Festival, Kathryn and Kate talk wellness world (the good and the ... trendy) with Healthier Together author Liz Moody.

Kate and Kathryn are back with Season Three of Free Cookies, and they’re coming in hot (or is it cold?) with spiritual leader and candidate for the Democratic nomination Marianne Williamson. 

In the final episode of Season 2, K&K breakdown their excitement (and concerns) over their upcoming nuptials. Plus, Kate tries to explain why she called their dog, Ashi, an asshole. 

K&K talk with Funny or Die’s Brad Jenkins, who worked in the White House for former President Obama and, most importantly, co-starred with Kathryn in Romeo & Juliet, circa 1999. The pair also talks food with MindBodyGreen’s Liz Moody and bring back a recurring segment: Idioms for Idiots. 

A little hello note from K&K, who are away on vacay. (Hey -- that rhymes!)

A bite-size-cookie pod! Snack size! Ritualist Tiffany Maloney creates a New Moon mediation for the upcoming new moon (September 9th!) for Kate, which Kate tries and reports back on her effort. The trio also riffs on energy, "Mercury in retrograde", and why things feels so crazy right now.

 K&K stumble upon Kathryn’s rapper name, discuss Kate’s lisp, and answer another Proust Question. Then the duo is joined by Ava Taylor to discuss the business of yoga and what it’s like living in Germany. Finally, the self-anointed Jurassic Park Mixologist (Kate) offers a secret ingredient for the cosmo.

The episode you didn't know you needed: K&K talk to Dana Childs, an intuitive and medium who shares what it's like to be in tune with the universe. Plus, Kate attempts to talk about how she's "intuitive", but it ends up becoming a therapy session about an icy trip to Whole Foods that the duo experienced that morning.

Kate surprises Kathryn by picking random idioms and asking for definition and origin. Then the pair is joined by One Part Plant author (and podcaster) Jessica Murnane, who gets real about endometriosis and ... LIFE. Then K&K share a recipe Kate makes, oh, five times a week.

K&K are joined by newbie Londoner (and former ESPN-er) Jane McManus to discuss our human reactions to stereotypes and labels. Plus, Kate and Kathryn ask the question: What things DON’T get better the bougier you make them? (Also, remember the song Lightning Crashes ...? Well, it makes an appearance.)

The episode you’ve all been waiting for: Sex! Infidelity! Marriage! Kathryn and Kate welcome Esther Perel, renowned sex and relationship therapist, who offers awesome insight into the evolution of monogamy, as well as the paralyzation that comes with too many choices. Plus, K&K TRY to have an open discussion about sex and some listeners share their relationship with sex.

In the wake of Nia Wilson’s murder, and spurred by conversations K&K have had off-line, the pair reach out to Melanie Klein, professor of sociology and women’s studies, for insight into how to engage in an impactful and thoughtful manner.

 K&K are joined by Kira Stokes, founder of The Stoked Method, and Kira reveals that she obsesses over transitions (just like Kate in writing! Just like Kathryn when she teaches yoga!) and once weighed and measured her stuffed animals. Plus, it’s Full Moon this Friday, so KB talks moon rituals with Tiffany Maloney, and, much to Kathryn’s dismay, Kate reveals that she doesn’t feel pressured to accept food when someone offers.

Kate and Kathryn are back from the World Cup (in Russia!) and they’re chock-full of observations: about travel, bartering, love and ... French fries! Plus, the pair discuss what about today’s innovations would blow their minds in 1995. Kate also has a very strong opinion — shocker! — about putting ketchup on hot dogs.

Kate and Kathryn tackle an incredibly hot topic: If you were stuck in Jurassic Park, would you be Team Budig or Team Fagan (and why Kathryn has strong feelings about this). Then things get spicy as they patch in Gina Caputo, the Yogini on the Loose, to lift the curtain on the yoga scene. Is it ‘yogic’ to be judgmental? How passive-agressive is the yoga world? Is it healthy to be competitive, how has yoga affected our psyche, and why you should NEVER talk smack about Gina’s beloved avocados.

Happy 4th of July from K&K - they'll be back in full force after the holiday.

Kathryn calls out Kate’s obsession with numbers, and the pair discuss the ramifications  our number, data-driven society might be having on all of us. Plus, a few witty reader emails and our rabbit hole segment: THE MULTIVERSE! (Warning: You don’t want to run into Kathryn there.)

Kathryn and Kate share the most important books they've ever read -- broken down, of course, by a categorization that Kate has ruthlessly implemented. Then the pair, who are about to travel to Russia for World Cup 2018, deconstruct a list of "travel rules" that Kate claims she lives by. Kathryn calls out Kate's b.s. Lastly, an emotional snippet from Kate's mom, in honor of Pride Month.

Misty Copeland, the first African American Female Principle Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, joins Free Cookies. She shatters the archaic ideals of what ballet should look like, talks about the mental and physical struggles of being an elite performer, and shares the ultimate secret: is ballet really like Black Swan?! Kathryn and Kate tackle a few revealing questions from the Proust Questionnaire and finish up with Kate reading some pretty epic pages from Kathryn’s childhood diary.

Kathryn blends her love of mythology with Kate’s love of lists to produce the ultimate Mythological Monsters Quiz. Then, in keeping with Pride month, the pair tackles an issue that hits very close to home. Finally, K + K welcome a dear friend, Ash Cebulka, a life coach who drops wisdom on “core values.” 

Season Two premiere! Platinum recording artist Rachel Platten beat-boxes as Kathryn sings a cookie-related ditty. The "Fight Song" star then opens up about expectations, how success affects art, and what kept her up at night before a TODAY SHOW appearance. Also -- what do S'mores, lobster and denim all have in common? Kate and Kathryn break it down for you!  

Kathryn and Kate get you hyped for Season 2, which includes conversations with Misty Copeland, Rachel Platten, Esther Perel, Kira Stokes and...Kate's mom!  Plus, the pair have had a cookie-related revelation.

Surprise! It's a bonus episode - who says no to Sue Bird? First, K&K grapple over who's responsible for a recent failed idiom (things escalate quickly). Then, WNBA superstar Sue Bird joins to discuss why people tear down women's sports, how stopping comparisons to the NBA might help, and her power couple status with USWNT star Megan Rapinoe.

K&K head to Mexico, but not before a hopeful sit-down with Jamie Tworkowski on the importance of honesty and asking for help. Kathryn then interviews Kate on her upcoming book, "What Made Maddy Run," discussing suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Finally, a thank you to Cookie Monsters for an incredible first season.

K&K talk NFL franchise tags and share times when they took a chance on themselves. Then mind-body fitness founder of "The Class by Taryn Toomey" brings her no BS approach to wellness and crushing your inner critic. Finally, K&K share something that may be better than lattes.

K&K talk NBA free agency. Then, things get naked as they go sans guest to answer Cookie Monster (read: listener) emails while tackling gender and sexuality stereotypes.

K&K get scientific about which sport is best suited for their body types, and no, you wouldn't have guessed them. The OG of yoga, Seane Corn, discusses the importance of giving back, living with vertigo, and her amazing hair (ok, ok, Kathryn talks about that part).

K&K discuss their career game-changers and consider an International Cookie List. Plus, they are joined by the plant-based duo behind Thug Kitchen and Candice Kumai, the Queen of Wellness, gets real over a literal plate of free cookies.

After adding another cookie to the SCL (Standard Cookie List), K&K share about why a particular sports story hurt their heart. The duo is then joined by actor Eric Balfour, who opens up about fame, whether he wants more or less of it, and how yoga has helped him deal with Hollywood. Plus, celebrity fitness and nutrition coach, Adam Rosante, stops by to offer some tricks of the trade.

K&K talk NBA Finals and their Top 3 sporting event memories. Jessamyn Stanley explains her body positive approach to teaching yoga, current book tour and the complexities of being queer and polyamorous. Actor Mousa Kraish stops by for a delicious Pop Cookie discussing his groundbreaking sex scene in American Gods. Finally, Kate reacts to suggestions from a listener (aka a Cookie Monster!) and agrees to consider a new cookie for The List.

K&K return from London with a new (semi-failed) idiom and Kathryn offers some tips for traveling, a.k.a. "Healthy Cookies." NYT bestselling author, lifestyle entrepreneur and former pro athlete, Lewis Howes, shares how after being bullied and raped as a child he worked tirelessly to find his value and now teaches others how to find theirs.

Emily Nolan talks diets, deprivation, eating disorders, plastic surgery, liposuction and her journey through 16 different sizes as a model to becoming a self-care, body-positive blogger. Kate gets called out for her non-adulting ways while Kathryn breaks a cardinal cookie rule.

Alexandra Ansanelli, a prodigy and principal ballerina discusses bowing out at the peak of her prestigious career after realizing there was more to life. Then, Kate and Kathryn rank some seriously failed idioms involving guppies, yuppies and ducks.

espnW's Kate Fagan delivered this commencement speech to the University of Colorado Class of 2017 on May 12th, 2017 with Free Cookie in Crime, Kathryn Budig, cheering her on from the audience.

Kate Fagan's obsession with lists continues as she permits one new cookie add to her "Standard Cookie List." Also, Kathryn Budig makes a startling admission. Plus, Around the Horn host Tony Reali opens up about his family, life and more.

In the pilot episode of "Free Cookies," Kate Fagan and Kathryn Budig chat with Abby Wambach, discuss Kate's obsessions with lists and much more.

Kate Fagan and Kathryn Budig talk about what you should expect from Free Cookies.