PODCAST · history
1 Sealed Letter
by Kay Collier (Kathryn Hastings & Co)
The legacy of letter writing and how to bring this beautiful art form into the 21st century
Episodes
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Love Letters Revisited
What makes a love letter truly intimate? In this episode of One Sealed Letter, Kathryn Hastings returns to one of the podcast’s most beloved subjects: how to write a love letter. Inspired by her own wedding anniversary, the extraordinary marriage of Dolly Parton and Carl Dean, and a passage from…
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120. The Letter, Liberated, What Happens to the Letter Now?
We are living through a huge shift in how humans communicate. But I don’t think technology is making the letter obsolete. I think it’s setting it free. In this episode, I talk about what I’ve learned from reading hundreds of years of my family’s letters, why so much old correspondence is...
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119. A conversation for Highly Sensitive People with Alissa Boyer
In this episode of The 1 Sealed Letter Podcast, Kathryn Hastings sits down with Alissa Boyer, mentor for Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) and creator of Life by Alissa, for a conversation about sensitivity, intuition, self-trust, and learning to build a life that honors the way you actually...
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118. The Residue of Attention with Jessica Oreck from the Office of Collecting & Design
What makes an object worth keeping? In this episode, Kathryn sits down with artist, filmmaker, and collector Jessica Oreck, founder of the Office of Collecting & Design, a traveling museum devoted to the diminutive, the forgotten, the misplaced, and the unusual. Together they explore the hidden...
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117. Millennial Inheritance, Nick Fox on the Great Transfer of Clutter
What happens when inheritance is not money, but cabinets, goblets, figurines, yearbooks, mystery boxes, and a thousand emotionally loaded objects no one quite knows what to do with? In this episode, Kathryn sits down with Nick Fox, creator of the wildly resonant Millennial Inheritance series, to...
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116: The Sunday Letter Project with Rebecca McMillan
In this episode, I’m joined by Rebecca McMillan, illustrator, mother, and co-founder of Wildflower Illustration Co., as well as the creator of The Sunday Letter Project. What began as a simple idea, to write one letter each Sunday, has become something much larger. A quiet movement rooted in...
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115: Emma Hamilton: The Life They Dimmed
Who was Lady Emma Hamilton before she was reduced to a scandal? In this episode of One Sealed Letter, I return to the archive to reconstruct a life that has too often been simplified. Emma Hamilton was not merely the companion of Horatio Nelson, but a woman who rose from obscurity to become an...
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114: The Punctuation That Almost Was: Lost Symbols of Tone, Irony, and Emotion
What if English had a punctuation mark for sarcasm? Or a symbol specifically for rhetorical questions? Or even a mark that meant love? For centuries, writers, printers, and philosophers have tried to solve a quiet problem in language: written words struggle to convey tone. In speech we have...
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113. Dicken’s Violated Letter
In 1858, Charles Dickens wrote a private letter explaining the collapse of his marriage. It was meant to be shown, not published. Within months, it appeared in newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic. This episode tells the story of that letter and what followed. The full text is read aloud…
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112. “My Soul, Not Just a Mother” – Paula Modersohn-Becker and the Art of Being Overwhelmed
In this episode, we explore the life and letters of Paula Modersohn-Becker (1876–1907), one of the first women to paint herself nude and a pioneer of early Expressionism. Through her correspondence, Paula offers a rare, unfiltered window into the emotional world of a woman artist caught between...
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111. A New Lease on Life: Dostoevsky’s Letter from the Edge of Death
In this episode of One Sealed Letter, we travel back to December 22, 1849, when the Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky stood blindfolded before a firing squad. Moments before the command to fire, a messenger arrived with a pardon from Tsar Nicholas I. What followed was one of the most…
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110. God Save Benedict Arnold with Jack Kelly
Jack Kelly is an award-winning author and historian. In his newest book God Save Benedict Arnold: The True Story of America’s Most Hated Man, Jack offers a fresh exploration of Arnold’s paradoxical career, shedding new light on this gutsy yet enigmatic figure. In this podcast episode, Jack delves...
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109. Felice Cohen: A Love Letter to Letters
In this episode, I sit down with Felice Cohen, an author and professional organizer whose lifelong love of letter writing has become her newest creative frontier. Felice is in the midst of a yearlong experiment of handwriting one letter every day, which she shares in her Substack, A Love Letter…
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108. Denis Diderot’s Leap into Love & Freedom
In 1743, Denis Diderot, later famed as a co-founder of the Encyclopédie, risked everything for love. After being imprisoned in a monastery by his father to prevent an “unsuitable” marriage, Diderot escaped through a window, trudged miles through rain to Paris, and wrote a desperate letter to his...
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107. Balloonomania: Benjamin Franklin’s Letters from Paris, 1783
In this episode of One Sealed Letter, we take to the skies with Benjamin Franklin as he witnesses the first balloon flights of 1783. From the gardens of Versailles to the Champs de Mars in Paris, Franklin recorded these marvels in letters to his friend Sir Joseph Banks, president of the Royal...
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106. Georgia O’Keeffe’s Early Letters: Becoming an Artist on Her Own Terms
Georgia O’Keeffe’s early letters to Alfred Stieglitz (1916–1917) reveal her fierce independence, her longing for solitude, and her refusal to conform. In this episode of One Sealed Letter, we explore how her words illuminate the artist’s path – and why, as I step into life as a full-time artist...
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105. Gratitude in the Darkness: The Letters of Helen Keller
What does it mean to focus on what you have, even when so much has been taken from you? In this episode of One Sealed Letter, we step into the world of Helen Keller through her personal letters, read aloud in full. From her joyful discovery of language as a child to her awe at Niagara Falls and…
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104. This Way In: The Love Letter That Became a Gallery
In 1913, American cartoonist Alfred Joseph Frueh sent his fiancée, Giuliette Fanciulli, a letter unlike any other. With a few careful cuts and folds, it transformed into a miniature art gallery—complete with tiny framed artworks, a paper doorway labeled “This Way In”, and a humorous sign that…
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103. A Letter Always Feels Like Immortality: Emily Dickinson in June 1869
In this episode, we step into the luminous world of Emily Dickinson through one of her most poignant letters, written in June 1869 to her longtime mentor and correspondent, Thomas Wentworth Higginson. We discuss the letter’s context in 19th-century literary culture, Dickinson’s ambivalence toward...
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102. Kindred Spirits: The Letters of Bessie Rayner Parkes and Barbara Bodichon
In this episode of One Sealed Letter, we travel to 1850s Britain to explore the powerful friendship between Bessie Rayner Parkes and Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon. Through their handwritten letters, we witness how two young women, both artists, both reformers, supported each other’s dreams and...
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101. The Future of Wax Seals: Art, Ritual, and a Living Tradition
In this companion to last week’s episode on the future of letter writing, artist and host Kathryn Hastings turns her attention to the luminous world of wax seals—objects that bridge the sacred and the everyday. From their ancient origins in Mesopotamia to their elevation as fine art in our time,...
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Ep. 100 🎉 — The Future of Letter Writing: Depth in an Age of Immediacy
We’ve reached 100 episodes of One Sealed Letter, and rather than looking back, I’m looking ahead—to the future of letter writing. In this special milestone episode, I explore why letter writing matters now more than ever: as a ritual of leisure, an act of emotional courage, and a refuge in a…
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99. Audrey Hepburn in her own words
In this episode of One Sealed Letter, Kathryn Hastings reads from four deeply personal letters written by Audrey Hepburn—offering a rare glimpse into the woman behind the legend. Spanning from her early days in Monte Carlo to her reflections as a mother and collaborator, these letters reveal...
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98. Steal Away to Freedom: The Letters and Legacy of Robert Smalls
In this episode of One Sealed Letter, we trace the extraordinary life of Robert Smalls through three of his letters—each one a window into a different chapter of his transformation from enslaved pilot to Civil War hero to U.S. Congressman. We begin with his 1862 public letter, written just months...
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97. 🐑🥫✍️🧩💌: Rebus Letters History and Guide
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...
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96. 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...
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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.…
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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,...
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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…
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92. Mental Telegraphy & the Energetics of Letter Writing
Inspired by Mark Twain’s 1891 Harper’s article and a modern podcast on telepathy, we dive into the unseen, deeply felt connections that exist between people—those uncanny moments when a letter crosses paths with one written by the very person you were thinking of. Have you ever thought of someone...
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91. Embrace Your Handwriting: The Power of Pen on Paper
In this episode, we explore the remarkable power of handwriting in a digital age. From enhancing memory and learning to supporting emotional health and expressing personal identity, writing by hand offers surprising benefits we often overlook. Discover why your handwriting matters—scientifically,...
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90. A Fever of Blossoms: Van Gogh’s Letter from Arles
In this episode of 1 Sealed Letter, we travel to the spring of 1888 in sun-drenched Arles, where Vincent van Gogh experiences a profound artistic rebirth. Through one of his most moving letters to his brother Theo, we glimpse Vincent’s passion, vulnerability, and unwavering hope as he paints the...
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89. Temperance Letters & When Reformers Collide
In this episode, we explore the letters that shaped the temperance movement—from early moral appeals to legislative battles. We dive into Frances Willard’s leadership of the WCTU, the rise of prohibition laws, and the tensions that emerged, including her conflict with Ida B. Wells over race and...
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88. Love, Longing, and Letters: Kahlil Gibran’s Correspondence with Mary Haskell and May Ziadah
In this episode of One Sealed Letter, we explore the deeply personal and poetic love letters of Kahlil Gibran, the celebrated author of The Prophet. Through his correspondence with two extraordinary women—Mary Haskell, his closest confidante and literary patron, and May Ziadah, a fellow writer…
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87. Annotations, Footnotes & Endnotes
In this episode of 1 Sealed Letter, we explore the art of annotating letters—how marking up the letters we receive can enhance our reading and response process, and how adding footnotes and endnotes to our own letters can bring a playful, creative depth to our correspondence. I reflect on the...
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86. New Years Manifestation Letter
In this episode of One Sealed Letter, Kathryn Hastings explores the art of manifestation through letter writing. Learn how to craft a heartfelt letter to your future self, reflect on your dreams as if they’ve already come true, and set powerful intentions for the year ahead. Perfect for anyone...
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85. The Postman’s Knock with Lindsey Bugbee
In this episode, we sit down with Lindsey Bugbee, the creative force behind The Postman’s Knock, to explore the world of modern calligraphy, lettering, and the timeless art of letter writing. Lindsey shares her journey from starting a small creative blog to becoming a leading resource for…
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84. Handwritten Democracy: How 31 Million Letters Are Shaping Democracy
In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Nia Bentall from the Mobilization Team at Vote Forward. Vote Forward has played a significant role in encouraging voter turnout through handwritten letters, with over 250,000 volunteers sending more than 31 million letters nationwide. Backed by over 20...
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83. Vintage Postage with Gracie Cote of Enfield Post
In this podcast episode, I’m joined by Gracie Cote, the founder of Enfield Press, a delightful small business that has carved out a niche in curating vintage postage. Gracie’s expertise lies in sourcing unique and charming stamps that can be used to add a touch of history and elegance to your...
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82. Letters to Our Bodies
In this soothing episode of the *1 Sealed Letter Podcast*, we invite you on a journey of self-reflection and healing through the art of letter writing. Begin with a guided meditation designed to help you connect deeply with your body, grounding you in the present moment. Then, explore the...
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81. Wax Seal Series - How do you spot a fake?
Big thank you to Irina (@LetterAndPressCo) for today’s question. In this episode, I give advice on how to spot a fake antique wax seal, and avoid sellers who sell replicas. As this is a very hot topic in the community, I haven’t included any names, but I did share about the defunct business who...
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80. Napoleon’s passionate love letter to Joséphine
In this episode of the "1 Sealed Letter Podcast," we delve into the passionate romance between Napoleon Bonaparte and Joséphine de Beauharnais through one of their most intimate correspondences: a love letter from December 1795. This letter, written during the early stages of their courtship,...
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79. Wax Seal Series - How I got started
In this episode of the ‘1 Sealed Letter Podcast,’ join Kay Collier, founder of Kathryn Hastings, as she takes you on an inspiring journey through the art of wax seal collecting. Discover how Kay’s passion for history and artistry led her to build a museum-quality wax seal collection that has...
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78. Sarah Winnemucca – A Voice for Justice
In this episode of the “1 Sealed Letter Podcast,” we delve into the powerful words of Sarah Winnemucca, a pioneering Native American activist and educator. We explore her letter from 1870, where she passionately advocates for the rights and dignity of her people amidst the turbulent backdrop of...
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77. Kurt Gerron: Letters from the Shadows
In this compelling episode of the “1 Sealed Letter Podcast,” we delve into the life and letters of Kurt Gerron, a multi-talented German-Jewish actor, director, and cabaret star. Best known for his role in Bertolt Brecht’s “The Threepenny Opera” and his contributions to early German cinema…
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76. The Letters of Marlene Dietrich: A Star’s Unseen Correspondence
In this week’s episode of the 1 Sealed Letter Podcast, we journey through the life of the legendary Marlene Dietrich, guided by her personal letters. Known for her iconic roles and glamorous persona, Dietrich’s correspondence reveals a deeply personal side of the star. Through letters to friends,...
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76. The Sparrow’s Letters: Edith Piaf Unveiled
In this episode, we explore the personal correspondence between Piaf and three pivotal figures in her life: Dimitri Horn, Marcel Cerdan, and Louis Gerardin. Through these letters, we uncover themes of love, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of happiness amidst personal tumult and tragedy....
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75. Dürer’s Letters: Tales from a Renaissance Master
This week on the 1 Sealed Letter Podcast, we delve into Albrecht Dürer’s journey to Venice in 1506 through a series of letters to his close friend Willibald Pirckheimer. Dürer’s voyage was a quest for artistic and personal validation, navigating the vibrant yet challenging artistic scene of…
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74. Creative Conversation: Martha Clarke & Kathryn Hastings
In this episode, we talk about the creative process with writer and astrologer, Martha Clarke, and artist, writer and podcast host, Kathryn Hastings. Join us for a luxury art and writing retreat in Inchydoney, Ireland this fall. Retreat starts Monday, September 23rd at 9am and ends Saturday...
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73. Letters and Journals of the Last Romanovs: A Love in Turmoil
We delve into the intimate world of the last Emperor and Empress of Russia, Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna. Through their letters and personal journals, we explore the depths of their relationship against the backdrop of a crumbling empire and turbulent historical events. As we navigate...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The legacy of letter writing and how to bring this beautiful art form into the 21st century
HOSTED BY
Kay Collier (Kathryn Hastings & Co)
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does 1 Sealed Letter have?
1 Sealed Letter currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is 1 Sealed Letter about?
The legacy of letter writing and how to bring this beautiful art form into the 21st century
How often does 1 Sealed Letter release new episodes?
1 Sealed Letter has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to 1 Sealed Letter?
You can listen to 1 Sealed Letter on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts 1 Sealed Letter?
1 Sealed Letter is created and hosted by Kay Collier (Kathryn Hastings & Co).
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