Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things
Small Ways to Live Well is a podcast from The Simple Things, a monthly magazine about slowing down, remembering what’s important and making the most of where you live.
Hosted by the Editor, Lisa Sykes, in this season, DAWN: spring mornings and new life, she’ll be seeking out glimpses of spring, shrugging off winter and embracing some self-care, alongside co-hosts wellbeing editor Rebecca Frank and regular contributor and slow traveller Jo Tinsley.
To subscribe or order a copy of The Simple Things visit thesimplethings.com
This can be one of the hardest months in which to thrive, when the dog end of winter seems to go on forever, but there are glimpses of spring to see us through. It’s this glimmer our DAWN podcast season will explore. We’ll find ways to make our own sunshine, borrow from celebrations, carnivals and festivals to help us see off winter and find time to start acting on those new year hopes, plans and dreams.
The first days of spring bring new life, and with it the urge to grow, sort, clean and refresh. It’s a good time to take stock of you too; with it can come a dawning of understanding, a chance to try fresh approaches and new ways of looking at things. Spring mornings bring a daily clean slate and tempt us to larks and adventures as we come out of hibernation. And by the time the equinox holds light and dark in balance we’re ready to rise ‘n’ shine, step into spring proper and embrace the extra hour of daylight we’re offered.
Join us for the most uplifting time of the year in these six episodes, released weekly from Valentines Day to the Spring Equinox. Season 9: DAWN is supported by Friends of Glass
Small Ways To Live Well from The Simple Things
Merry Midwinter - Episode 6 - STAR
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In the STAR episode The Simple Things’ Editor Lisa Sykes and author of The Slow Traveller and regular contributor Jo Tinsley celebrate Twelfth Night and look for other reasons to cheer up what feels like the longest month of January.
If you are in the UK, you can try an immediate start subscription to the The Simple Things and receive the current issue straight away. Or buy current and back issues here
Editing & music by Arthur Cosslett.
On the blog
Tangerine and nutmeg hot chocolate
In the January issue (163) on sale now
The appeal of ice skating
A winter of care and repair
In our In our A Year of Celebrations Anthology
Gathering: Twelfth Night with the La Fête des Rois
Candle holders
In previous issues, available to buy at picsandink.com
Life lessons from the north: the value of age-old customs and community in enduring the long, dark winters. (Issue 151)
Looking back why we are fascinated by the stars (issue 152)
Snow lanterns (issue 138)
Learn more
Candles: A modern guide to making candles by Ebi Sinter and Emmanuel Sinteh
Watch out for the Quadrantid meteor shower between 28 December-12 January, peeking around 3-4 January 2026
Slow Down And Be Here Now by Laura Brand and Freya Hartas
A Winter Dictionary: A Collection of Words for the Festive Season by Paul Anthony Jones
Thanks to our partner for the Merry Midwinter season, the Marine Stewardship Council, which sets certification standards for sustainable fisheries and awards the blue ecolabel on fish and fish products. Find out more about the best fish to choose at msc.org and follow them on instagram @mscintheuk