Listen Up!

Can't-miss convos with big names. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( December 26, 2023 This week we're looking back at the biggest stories of 2023, from the heavy headlines that kept us up at night (including [the complexities of the Israel-Hamas war]( and a [mystifying illness]() to the lighter fare that helped distract us (like [the new rules of using emojis](). We've also got a year-end recap from [two people I deeply admire](. Let's dig in.   Listen Up! [Cover art for ''Next Question with Katie Couric'']( iHeart Podcasts [My podcast Next Question]( came back better than ever for its new season this fall, and I'm loving our reinvented format. I've been welcoming a weekly plus-one to help with interviewing our fascinating guests, and the conversations have been stellar. Here are just a few highlights... - For the season opener with [John Stamos](, my pal Kelly Rizzo (who was married to John's late Full House co-star Bob Saget) joined us for a candid chat I won't soon forget. - Tell Me More host Kelly Corrigan dropped by for a hilarious and insightful talk with [David Brooks](, who wrote one of my favorite books of the year, How to Know a Person. - For a look at how America can overcome our deep political divide, I picked the brain of former Congressman [Adam Kinzinger](, along with the always interesting Mary Trump. [LET'S DIVE IN](   More Stories [Israeli army soldiers taking position in southern Israel near the border with the Gaza Strip on a hill overlooking northern Gaza]( Getty Images Going deep: Hamas's horrific Oct. 7 attack on Israel kicked off a complicated war in the region that continues to spiral today. The fraught debates surrounding the conflict have been both controversial and illuminating, and we've worked hard to follow every development. [Our complete analysis of what's happening]( includes input from experts, conversations with affected families, and much more. "It felt like my blood was sinking": Research has found that between 2% and 14% of people who get Covid-19 will develop [this mysterious, debilitating condition that primarily affects women](. We spoke to patients who experienced it and doctors who are researching it. Sweet dreams: New research has outlined [a 4-step strategy for better sleep]( that has the power to add nearly five years to a man’s life expectancy and 2.5 years to a woman’s. Let's talk about it: Sharing details about one's health is a deeply personal choice, but [this impactful story about a breast cancer patient]( is a great reminder of how openness can be healing.   Ripple Effect [Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier]( SeaLegacy Our friends Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen — the renowned nature photographers and environmental activists — are sharing the highs and lows of their year at sea. Here's the latest on [promising developments in the quest to protect our oceans]( and the major goal they'll continue to pursue in 2024. [READ MORE](   Furry Friends Cats and dogs have so much love to give, but finding their forever home isn't always easy. [We visited an amazing rescue group]( that's changing that one animal at a time — and the results are as adorable as you would expect. [LEARN MORE]( [Sponsored by Mars](   Extra Credit [Illustration of the skull emoji and the crying laughing emoji]( Illustration by Sébastien Thibault Say what? The text you just sent may not mean exactly what you think it does. We explain why in this primer on [emoji etiquette you might not be following](. Move your boogie body: We all remember it as the craze of the '70s and '80s, but [the surprising rebirth of Jazzercise]( is bringing the dance-based workout into the modern era. Future faking: A trauma and narcissistic abuse expert explains [a subtle (and all too common) manipulation tactic]( — and what you can do to avoid it.   Can't-Miss Specials [Clothes from lululemon]( KCM There's only one day left to take advantage of [lululemon's end-of-year scores](, and the finds on men's and women's lifestyle clothing and activewear are just too good to pass up. We're eyeing [supportive sports bras]( and [versatile sweatshirts](, as well as [sporty-chic accessories]( to tie your 'fit together. [DON'T DELAY](   Curated by You After finding gifts for everyone on your holiday list, it's time to treat yourself for once. Grab a well-earned delight with these brand-new markdowns from some of [Wake-Up Callers' favorite brands](: - [Nordstrom]( never disappoints, and the stellar deals available now are no exception. - From sweaters to denim and beyond, [Madewell]( is offering savings on classics you'll want to wear everywhere. - Score designer duds at a discount from [Coach Outlet]( (and no one will have any idea you didn't pay full price). - We couldn't forget about footwear: [Zappos]( has eye-popping prices on sneakers, heels, boots, and more. - And for your skin, take an extra 20% off (applied automatically at checkout) when you snatch up [this trusted night cream](.   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.]( Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you've got questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! 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