Joy Williams
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Articles by Joy Williams
Peloton Instructor Robin Arzón’s Must Haves — Including a $3 Protein Shake
While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here. No two days look the same for Head Peloton Instructor Robin Arzón.
Experts On Aging Reveal The 5 Major Habits That Will Improve Your Longevity
Remaining healthy and sharp are goals for most people as they age. But one group of people — known as “SuperAgers” — is said to have this all down as they go through life, even into their later years.
6 Signs That You Might Be An Extroverted Introvert
You’ve probably been asked if you’re an extrovert or an introvert. Maybe you even categorize yourself as one or the other. While many people associate extroversion with outgoingness and introversion with shyness, there is more to the personality types than that. “It really depends on where we find our rest.
The $13 Essential That Gets Madisen Skinner Hyped Before a Volleyball Match
While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here. The Expert Edit features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For this installment, we spoke with Madisen Skinner, professional volleyball player, NCAA champion, and Red Bull athlete.
The Secret Behind Kim Kardashian’s Energy Routine Isn’t Coffee
While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here. In This Article: Kim Kardashian spoke exclusively with Popsugar about her new energy drink brand UPDATE. She joined the company as a co-founder alongside CEO Daniel Solomons. The drink features paraxanthine, a caffeine derivative designed for steady energy.
The 1 Thing Therapists Say Harms Eldest Daughters’ Happiness The Most
Are you too responsible for your own good? Are you highly critical of any mistake you make? Are you a perfectionist? You must be an oldest daughter. All jokes aside, while there are certainly youngest children, middle children and only children who also possess these characteristics, these traits are most closely associated with eldest daughters ― a concept known as eldest daughter syndrome.
6 Things People Do Differently In Finland, The Happiest Country In The World
When it comes to happiness, it’s well-known that the Nordic countries regularly score high on surveys of life satisfaction. In fact, Finland has held the top spot in the World Happiness Report’s list of happiest countries for years — even as the country deals with cold weather, long winters and no daylight for part of the year in certain parts of the country.
Is ‘Ozempic Penis’ A Real Thing? We Asked Experts.
Common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, upset stomach ― and a bigger bulge? Science supports the first two claims, but the third, a supposed change in penis size, is the one that’s capturing attention: “Ozempic penis” has become a breakout search term on Google in the past 30 days, surging more than 5,000% compared to the previous period.
Does Your Poop Sink? Here’s What It Could Say About Your Health.
The next time you go number two, you should take a peek in the toilet. (You should actually be doing this after every bowel movement, doctors say.) While certain things such as blood in your poop and frequent diarrhea are known red flags, it turns out that whether your poop floats or sinks in the toilet bowl matters for your health. Generally, stools that sink mean one thing while stools that float can mean a whole host of other things (and most of these things aren’t good).
Are You Flaky — Or Are You Just Suffering From ‘Time Blindness’?
Managing your time — and making sure you’re not late for every appointment or deadline — is extra tricky when you have ADHD. That’s often due to something called “time blindness.” Common among people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ― though anyone can experience it ― time blindness makes it hard to accurately perceive, track or estimate the passage of time.
If You Listen To This Beloved Type Of Music, You Might Be Experiencing A ‘Reminiscence Bump’
There’s a reason you gravitate toward the music you loved during your middle school, high school and college years, even with all of the great, new music that’s out there. The music you listened to as you were growing up and developing your identity actually impacts your brain differently than music you hear now, research shows.
We Asked Experts Whether Drinking Days-Old Water Is Dangerous — And Their Answer Was Surprising
I regularly drink from stray glasses of water I see scattered around my house that were poured the day before. I think I’m being efficient and resourceful, but am I being safe? Experts say there is actually a tipping point at which it is better for your health to dump that glass of water and start afresh. Kristen Smith, a dietitian and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, said that she personally follows a 12-hour rule for a glass of water.
Dentists Say This Might Be The Most Important Ingredient To Look For When Choosing A Toothpaste
If you’ve ever wandered down the toothpaste aisle, you likely know that there are scores of different kinds available, such as whitening toothpastes, fresh-breath formulations, deep clean options, charcoal toothpastes and more. With so many possibilities, it can be hard to know which toothpaste is best for keeping your teeth cavity-free and your gums healthy. Dentists told HuffPost there are a few specific factors to keep in mind when shopping for toothpaste.
This Unexpected Symptom May Be A Sign You Have The Flu
Fever, headache, cough, runny nose — these are all symptoms we typically associate with influenza. However, sometimes, an unexpected and unusual symptom can pop up when infected with flu B: an itchy, red rash. My 8-year-old son was recently diagnosed with flu B after he developed a fever and other typical flu symptoms. But he also had a bumpy rash all over his back and arms, which his doctor revealed is an uncommon side effect of the illness.
Too Many Toots? What Excessive Farting Says About Your Health.
Whether it happens on your postprandial fart walk, right in the middle of yoga class or while you’re sleeping, everyone — even the poshest among us — farts. According to Dr. Satish Rao, professor of Medicine at Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia, the average person farts seven to 24 times a day. “It’s a normal physiological phenomenon,” he said, explaining flatulence as the byproduct of fermentation in the colon.
If You See ‘Banana Poop’ In The Toilet Bowl, Here’s What You Need To Know
Have you ever looked in the toilet after going number two and noticed a banana- or sausage-shaped poop? If your answer is yes, you’re likely doing something right. Doctors say folks should aim for certain stool shapes and consistencies for many reasons, including your colon health, gut health and general nutrition.
The 1 Thing Sleep Doctors Never, Ever Do In The Morning
You’ve likely heard that a good night of sleep starts in the morning, and sleep experts agree with this statement wholeheartedly. This is because of our circadian rhythm, or our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, which is a 24-hour process.
Trump Keeps Using This 1 Phrase — And Psychologists Say It’s More Powerful Than You Think
Donald Trump is known for his hasty (and frequent) posts on social media. But in recent months, select posts have concluded with an oddly formal phrase: “Thank you for your attention to this matter.” “It’s really different than how he typically posts,” said Claire Robertson, an assistant professor of psychology who focuses on political polarization and extremism at Colby College in Maine.
What ‘Otroverts’ Talk About Most In Therapy, According To Therapists
Love taking personality tests, reading about pop psychology and learning more about yourself? You might have heard about “otroverts.” If not, no worries: We’ll catch you up to speed. Psychiatrist Dr. Rami Kaminski coined the term in his 2025 book “The Gift of Not Belonging.” Otroverts are essentially people who look and act like extroverts, but need their “introvert time.” They often feel “othered” (“otro” means “other”).
These 8 Common Signs Of Perimenopause Probably Aren’t What You Think
When most people think about perimenopause and menopause, issues like hot flashes, weight gain and period irregularity likely come to mind. While those symptoms do happen, recent data found that the most commonly reported signs of perimenopause were much different than those we had come to associate with the condition. Instead, think mental health struggles and digestive problems ― just to name a few.
The 1 Thing You're Probably Doing On Walks That Drives Your Dog Nuts
Walks are critically important for dogs ― and their humans. They give your dog opportunities to get plenty of exercise, mental stimulation and socialization. And the same goes for you: It helps you get enough , which is key to preventing chronic diseases and boosts your mental health. Research shows people enjoy seeing their dogs happy on walks; it’s a potent stress reliever. But it’s the 21st century, which means many dog owners don’t solely focus on their pets when they’re out and about.
This Overlooked Type Of Stress May Be Far Worse For Your Physical Health Than You Think
More and more people are feeling stressed and anxious in recent years, according to research published by the American Psychiatric Association. There are many reasons for these heightened levels, from increasing costs to political uncertainty to our reliance on smartphones with near-constant notifications. But experts say the phone-based interconnectedness, in particular, is raising “low-level stress,” which can have major impacts on both our mental health and physical health.
Itchy Ears? It Could Be A Sign You’re Entering This Dreaded Phase.
While hot flashes and night sweats are commonly recognized signs of perimenopause, there’s one lesser-known symptom: itchy ears. Described by many as a deep-seated crawl or tickle in the ear canal that feels impossible to reach, itchy ears are easy to shrug off as a hygiene issue. But experts say it can actually be a natural result of the hormonal ups and downs of perimenopause.
Doctors Are Begging Middle-Aged Women To Make This 1 Lifestyle Change ASAP
Many middle-aged women don’t necessarily “have it easy.” They’re experiencing mental and physical health changes, such as depression and menopause. They’re inaccurately portrayed in the media. They may feel “invisible.” That’s only the beginning of the list. The good news is, many of their concerns can be addressed. Today, doctors want to focus on a major example — declining bone density and muscle mass from menopause — and how middle-aged women can address it to improve their quality of life.
The No. 1 Sign Of High-Functioning Depression People Often Miss
While it’s not an official medical diagnosis, high-functioning depression is more common than most people think. That’s because, as the name suggests, a person with high-functioning depression doesn’t fit the “typical” profile that may come to mind when we think of someone living with depression. People with high-functioning depression don’t sleep all day, and their colleagues or family members might not suspect anything is wrong.
Study Reveals Doing This Highly Enjoyable Activity Every Day Could Lower Your Dementia Risk By Nearly 40%
Turn up that Zeppelin: A recent study found that older adults who regularly listen to or play music have a significantly lower risk of developing dementia. A research team from Monash University in Australia looked at data from more than 10,800 adults over the age of 70 and found that those who listened to music most days experienced a 39% lower likelihood of developing dementia compared with those who sometimes, rarely or never listened to music.
FYI, You're Probably Walking On Icy Sidewalks All Wrong
An icy sidewalk, driveway or walking trail is a real danger. Roughly 800,000 people who slip and fall each year need medical attention, according to the Mayo Clinic. Even if you don’t end up in the hospital, slipping on ice can still be really painful, resulting in scraped knees, bruised elbows and other ailments.
How I Cozy-fied My Wellness Routine For a Week
At this point, the winter slump is kind of my bestie. As soon as the weather takes a dip, she comes knocking at my door, snatching away any semblance of motivation I once had. There are things I love about her, don’t get me wrong — her cozy vibe, the way everything seems to slow down when she’s around, my sudden affinity for soup. But this year, I’ve decided to draw some firmer boundaries.
How Much Does a Life Time Membership Cost, Exactly?
Life Time (formerly known as Lifetime Fitness) isn’t just designed for one season of your life — it’s built to evolve with you. Whether you’re enrolling your child in swim lessons, training for your first marathon, balancing family life, or prioritizing mobility and longevity, the luxury fitness franchise offers programming for virtually every age and stage.
How I Turned a Music Festival Into a Wellness Excursion
The last time I was at a music festival in April 2025, I spent the entire night sipping on hard seltzers with no real regard for rest or recovery. My dinner was a singular chocolate bunny I had delivered to my hotel room (a new, unexpected low). “This is what people do at festivals,” I told myself. But the next morning, I ended up crashing so hard, I had to leave the second day of the festival early. Not exactly the festival experience of my dreams.
You've Heard Of FOMO, But What Is 'FOBO'? Here's How To Spot This Damaging Issue.
The concept of FOMO is widely known these days. This term for “the fear of missing out” even made it into dictionaries starting in 2013. But fewer people are familiar with a related and similarly potent force: FOBO. If you’re someone who agonizes over every big and small decision (even after the choice has been made), then you’re probably well acquainted with the experience of FOBO. That doesn’t mean it’s a good thing, however.
I'm A Spine Doctor. Here's 1 Thing I'd Never, Ever Do If I Had Back Pain.
An estimated 8% of American adults suffer from persistent or chronic back pain that limits their daily activities. Spine doctors have a very specific message for people walking around with back pain: Don’t push through. This is especially true with one specific combination of movements, according to Dr. Arthur Jenkins, a spine surgeon and neurosurgeon for the New York Jets and the NFL Retired Players Program. Jenkins has an initialism for back pain sufferers: BLT, or bending, lifting and twisting.
Doctors Reveal The Unexpected Cough Remedy That Kicks In ASAP
A lot of us have a cough now, right? Maybe you were sick a couple of weeks ago and are better, but the coughing just won’t go away. You may be popping cough drops like it’s your job, or maybe you’ve just accepted that the symptom is your way of life for now. Maybe you’re googling at-home treatments in the middle of the night, ready to try just about anything. There’s an option you probably haven’t tried or wouldn’t think to: marshmallows.
If You Sleep In The 'Flamingo Position,' We Have News For You
When you wake up in the middle of the night, do you find that you’re sleeping on stomach or your side? Or do you consistently wind up on your back with the sole of one foot tucked against the calf of your other leg? If so, you sleep like a flamingo. And if you’re on TikTok or Instagram, you might come across an influencer claiming this sleep position signals you’re stressed out or carry pain in your hips.
Keke Palmer Is Officially in Her Pilates Girl Era
Keke Palmer doesn’t like to stray too far from her wellness routine. She’s in bed by 10 p.m. (at the absolute latest), does Pilates every morning, enjoys a hot girl walk, and calls sleep a “non-negotiable.” She’s figured out what works for her, and she’s not planning on deviating from that anytime soon. “I really like Pilates, I like hiking, walking on the treadmill, and strength training,” Palmer tells Popsugar.
A dog who likes poetry and James Audubon appear in 'Pelican Child'
The singular, disconcerting uneasiness that is so characteristic of Joy Williams' fiction, yet so hard to pin down, is once again dazzlingly on display in her latest collection, "The Pelican Child." The critically beloved author's first book of full-length stories since 2015's " The Visiting Privilege " contains a dozen works, all of which were published in journals, magazines and anthologies over the past 15 years.
A dog who likes poetry and James Audubon appear in 'Pelican Child'
The singular, disconcerting uneasiness that is so characteristic of Joy Williams' fiction, yet so hard to pin down, is once again dazzlingly on display in her latest collection, "The Pelican Child." The critically beloved author's first book of full-length stories since 2015's " The Visiting Privilege" contains a dozen works, all of which were published in journals, magazines and anthologies over the past 15 years.
Volume XCIII, No 19
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor looks back to her childhood—and forward to her legacy—in her new picture book, Just Shine!
After the Haiku Period by Joy Williams
The twins were strolling around the lake with their sage, Jimmy. This was a little joke they shared, for he was not their sage. He was the son of their croquet coach from long ago and had been with them now for many years as friend and indispensable companion. The twins were Camilla and Candida.
After the Haiku Period by Joy Williams
The twins were strolling around the lake with their sage, Jimmy. This was a little joke they shared, for he was not their sage. He was the son of their croquet coach from long ago and had been with them now for many years as friend and indispensable companion. The twins were Camilla and Candida.
Daily Drama Creates Trauma By Joy Williams.
It’s hard to catch your breath these days. You can be sitting on your couch, eating lunch, minding your business, and then boom. A news alert, a tweet, a video you didn’t ask to see. Suddenly you’re face-to-face with a tragedy happening across the world, or even down the street. That’s the reality of living in a world where social media and constant news updates are part of our everyday lives. It’s not just information anymore, it’s an emotional flood, and it’s happening all the time.
Daily Drama Creates Trauma By Joy Williams
It’s hard to catch your breath these days. You can be sitting on your couch, eating lunch, minding your business, and then boom. A news alert, a tweet, a video you didn’t ask to see. Suddenly you’re face-to-face with a tragedy happening across the world, or even down the street. That’s the reality of living in a world where social media and constant news updates are part of our everyday lives. It’s not just information anymore, it’s an emotional flood, and it’s happening all the time.
Climate Crisis as Divine Comedy
As the writer Joy Williams strolls the beef barn at the county fair, she notes mournfully the lovely eyelashes of the future filets mignons. “There’s such a disconnect here,” she says. While charmed by the farm animals of southern Michigan, she knows where this story ends: the dinner table. The knife.
Eli Williamson: From South Shore to Service and Beyond By Joy Williams
Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Eli Williamson’s life reflects the complexities, challenges, and triumphs of navigating the city’s streets, pursuing higher education, and serving on the global stage. Growing up on 76th and Phillips, Eli split his childhood between Avalon Park and South Shore, neighborhoods rich in community yet shaped by systemic struggles. “I loved South Shore,” Eli recalls.
The Azrael World
LET US START at the end, though it might feel strange at first: “Dugong.” That is the entirety of a one-word story by Joy Williams, also titled “Dugong,” which closes her new book, Concerning the Future of Souls. A dugong is a marine mammal of impenetrable placidity; also called the “sea cow,” they spend most of their time grazing meadows of seagrass, returning to the surface every few minutes before descending back into the shaggy, twinkling heaths that brush up against the surface of the sea.
"The Killing Game" by Joy Williams
This article originally appeared in the October 1990 issue of Esquire. It may contain attitudes and sensibilities about politics and hunting that are potentially triggering. To read every Esquire story ever published, upgrade to All Access. Death and suffering are a big part of hunting. A big part. Not that you’d ever know it by hearing hunters talk. They tend to downplay the killing part. To kill is to put to death, extinguish, nullify, cancel, destroy.
Joy Williams on the Wild, Lyrical Stories of Brad Watson
Brad was Brad Watson’s middle name. The name he was supposed to go by was Wilton. Wilton Watson. What a mouthful. What could such a name portend for a white Mississippian born in the summer of 1955? Well, anything could happen and some things even did. Article continues below He didn’t dream of becoming a writer, certainly. A presence on stage or screen perhaps. He was good-looking, a bit roguish. He had charm, that Southern charm.
Concerning the Future of Souls
(Author) FORMAT Buy new or used from an indie through our partner Biblio: Price Condition Seller Bookshop.org has the highest-rated customer service of any bookstore in the world Description Returning to her legendary short stories, Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award finalist Joy Williams offers a much-anticipated follow-up to Ninety-Nine Stories of God, which The New York Times Book Review called a "treasure trove of bafflements and tiny masterpieces." Concerning the Future of Souls...
Blessing Offor Releases New Collaboration with Dolly Parton
Two-time GRAMMY Award nominee and DOVE Award winner Blessing Offor (who gave us hits like "Brighter Days" and "The Goodness" along with TobyMac) has recently released a brand-new track, “Somebody’s Child,” featuring a collaboration with global music icon Dolly Parton. Blessing’s poignant vocal and masterful piano playing introduces “Somebody’s Child,” before Dolly joins in along with vocal choir to bring it all home. “We’re all ‘somebody’s child,’ Blessing explains.
CONCERNING THE FUTURE OF SOULS
Elegantly poetic—and often archly funny—meditations on death by a superb writer. The angel of death, Washoe the chimp, and T.S. Eliot share the stage in Williams’ enchanting collection of 99 short-short stories. “The older dog’s death”: This is one complete entry in Williams’ lyrical set of 99 stories about death, its number nicely echoing Dante’s Divine Comedy. Dante turns up, to be sure.
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