The Magic Touch

A deeply personal story you can't miss. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( November 4, 2023 If you have lots of questions about military strategy in the Middle East, you're far from alone — and I got answers in [my interview with Gen. David Petraeus](. We're also exploring [the surprising powers of magic mushrooms](, looking back at [Priscilla Presley's memories of her marriage to Elvis](, and unpacking [a contentious trend in restaurant culture](. Cheers to the weekend!   The Magic of Mushrooms [Animated gif of a person's head with mushrooms dropping into it]( KCM/Getty Images Diane spent three decades in the armed forces, but her service lead to an unbearable nightmare — assault by a military colleague. The horrifying memory haunted her for years, to the point that she was prepared to end her own life. Then she tried magic mushrooms. In [a deeply moving (and revealing) personal essay](, Diane recounts how this unconventional treatment changed everything. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fopinion%2Fmushrooms-and-ptsd%2F   More Stories [David Petraeus]( Getty Images Eyes on the Middle East: As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to spiral, I spoke to Gen. David Petraeus to get [a military expert's take on what's next in this war](. We discussed how Hamas can be defeated, why he doesn't support calls for a ceasefire, and much more. Looking ahead: Believe it or not, tomorrow marks exactly one year until the 2024 presidential election. How is the field shaping up? The latest issue of [Richard Haass's thoughtful newsletter Home & Away]( offers fascinating insights on the race (and what's happening in Gaza, too). Proceed with caution: We're still waiting on the toxicology report that will reveal more answers about Matthew Perry's death, but because we do know he was found in his jacuzzi, we looked into [the risks you may not realize come with entering a hot tub](. On the lookout: If you're eager for ways to lower your risk of cancer, you don't want to miss this report about [the most common sources of carcinogens]( — and how to avoid them. Girl power: In search of a new podcast rec? From hosts Brooke Shields to Hillary Clinton, here are [the 5 women-led conversations we’re currently inspired by](.   Saturday Spotlight [Priscilla and Elvis Presley on their wedding day]( Married to the King With a new movie about her life out now, look back at my dishy interview with Priscilla Presley about the ups and downs of living with Elvis. [Read More »]( [Vintage phone next to a collage featuring bagels, sneakers, and North West]( Hot Topics From a controversial bagel order to grimy sneakers known as "bar shoes," here's what's been setting off online debate this week. [Read More »]( [Barbra Streisand]( "I'm Still Kind of Hurt" Barbra Streisand reveals how she really feels about the insults people throw at her in an excerpt from her long-awaited memoir. [Read More »](   Listen Up 🎙️ Why does David Brooks describe himself as a "turtle" at a baseball game? That's one of many hilarious and illuminating stories in my conversation with this wise writer who I've admired for years, which you can hear in [the latest episode of my podcast](. Joining us is Tell Me More host Kelly Corrigan, my plus-one for the week — an exciting part of this revamped new season. ICMYI, I kicked off the new format in [my can't-miss chat with John Stamos](, and there's a whole lot more to come in the weeks ahead! [JOIN THE PARTY](   The Final Stretch [The cast of the Golden Bachelor]( ABC/Craig Sjodin What began with 22 eligible singles is now down to three finalists as The Golden Bachelor nears the finish line. Who will win Gerry's heart? We've got all the details you could want, with [a recap of this week's episode](, a look at [who's got the best chance to win]( (with input from our fellow fans at AARP), and an invitation to tell us [what you think of the contestants](.   Just Trust Us If you spend a pretty penny on high-quality skincare products, it's a major bummer when exposure to light and air makes the active ingredients less effective. That's why we were so thrilled to find [this genius solution for extending their shelf life]( — and we think you'll quickly become a convert, too. [TRY IT FOR YOURSELF](   Find Your Fireworks It's National Sex Toy Day, and if you want to spice things up in your bedroom, you can start with [this saucy advent calendar that's currently 70% off](. It's truly the gift that keeps on giving — for yourself and your partner. [Fireworks]( [SHOP HERE](   One More Thing Could your pots and pans use a pop of color? Give your kitchen an Instagram-worthy upgrade with [this spectacular giveaway that includes $500 in brand-new cookware](. Aside from all the pieces you'd expect, the winner also takes home prizes like a coffee press, a popcorn popper, and even a mini beauty fridge — so you don't want to miss out. [ENTER TO WIN HERE](   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.](   Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you next week! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. 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