In this delightfully puzzling episode, I dive into the whimsical, artful world of rebus letters—those clever messages made from pictures and symbols rather than words. From ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs to 18th-century valentines, rebuses have long offered a way to say something meaningful without spelling it out. You’ll hear stories of love notes disguised as riddles, flirtations hidden in etchings, and how rebuses helped children (and adults) learn to read. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to write your own rebus letter, and tell you where to find my free Rebus Letter Guide, filled with 300+ ideas to get you started.You can download the rebus guide here:https://tremendous-founder-4461.kit.com/68a83f40ea
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A Princess in Her Own Words: Diana’s Letters, Revealed
In this special episode of One Sealed Letter, we step into the private world of Princess Diana through the letters she wrote to friends, strangers, and loved ones. Read aloud in full and placed in historical context, these intimate notes reveal Diana’s deep compassion, fierce vulnerability, and remarkable grace under pressure. From the turmoil of her divorce to the tenderness of her final summer, each letter offers a glimpse of the woman behind the public persona.This episode is both a tribute and an investigation—into who Diana was, how she endured, and what her own words can teach us today.
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95. The Ritual Effect: How Meaning Is Made, with Dr. Michael Norton
What transforms an everyday action into something sacred? In this episode of 1 Sealed Letter, I’m joined by Dr. Michael Norton—Harvard Business School professor and author of The Ritual Effect—for a fascinating conversation on how rituals shape our emotions, relationships, and sense of meaning.We explore the subtle yet powerful differences between habits and rituals, the psychology behind why effort increases value, and how letter writing—with its deliberate slowness, candlelit wax, and quiet reverence—beautifully embodies the ritual instinct.Michael shares insights from his research on everything from cake mix and IKEA furniture to grief, bedtime routines, and the unexpected ways ritual brings order to chaos and depth to the everyday.To learn more about Michael’s work, visit: michaelnorton.com
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94. Return to Sender: Rethinking happy mail
In this episode, I unravel the deeper questions behind “happy mail”—from consumerism and toxic positivity to the quiet devaluation of women’s creative work. What happens when joy becomes performative, or art is dismissed as trivial? A thoughtful look at the materials we use, the messages we send, and the meaning we assign to what seems small.
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93. Finding Your Creative Voice with Cat London
Cat London’s creative life defies categories—and that’s exactly why this conversation is such a joy. In this episode, we explore how humor, music, poetry, and handwritten letters all point to something deeper: the courage to create without apology.From the influence of her grandmother’s nurturing letters to her reflections on improvisation and self-expression, Cat shares how she navigates the world as an artist who refuses to be boxed in. Together, we reflect on the beauty of imperfection, the gift of non-transactional connection, and how staying playful can keep your creative spirit alive.If you’ve ever found yourself torn between too many creative paths—or felt unsure of how to begin—this episode is a warm, encouraging place to start.Follow Cat London:Explore more of Cat’s work, including her music, poetry, comedy, and upcoming projects: • Linktree • Instagram @catlondonmusic
Ireland