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If you’re one of those people who unironically still hangs a “but first, coffee” sign in your house, well, you might be onto something (even if that something isn’t on the cutting edge of interior design trends).

“Studies have associated coffee consumption with a lower risk of certain cancers, particularly liver and endometrial cancer,” Dr. Tingting Tan, M.D., Ph.D., medical oncologist and hematologist at City of Hope in Newport Beach, Calif, tells Parade. “Coffee contains a variety of natural compounds that researchers are studying for their potential health effects.”

These compounds include cafestrol, chlorogenic acid, kahweol, N-methylpyridinium and quinic acid.

“Research has shown that regular coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of developing several types of cancers. Some studies even suggest that dark roast coffee can decrease breakage in DNA strands, which, if left unrepaired, could lead to cancer,” Dr. Jamie Koprivnikar, M.D., hematologist and oncologist at John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, adds.

Dr. Koprivnikar explains, “The potential cancer-preventive benefits of coffee can be attributed to a synergistic blend of its bioactive compounds, including chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, kahweol, cafestol, and N-methylpyridinium. Chlorogenic acid, a potent antioxidant, works to neutralize DNA-damaging free radicals and reduce inflammation. Quinic acid has been shown to induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells. The diterpenes kahweol and cafestol exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties that can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, and they also stimulate the production of enzymes that detoxify carcinogens. N-methylpyridinium, a compound formed during the roasting process, enhances the body’s own antioxidant defenses. Collectively, these compounds contribute to coffee’s potential anti-cancer effects through a variety of complementary mechanisms.”

Phew!

All that said, a very important component of what makes coffee good for you is how you drink it. Find out what oncologists say is the best habit you can have when it comes to your beloved cup of job.

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What Is the Healthiest Coffee Habit?

You’ll want to keep your coffee black or just with a splash of milk and to avoid super sweet and creamy options, because all that sugar and fat can easily cancel out any potential health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties of the actual java that they’re supposed to enhance.

“If someone enjoys coffee with a little milk, there’s no reason to think it suddenly loses its potential health benefits,” Dr. Tan explains. “The bigger concern is regularly turning coffee into a high-sugar, high-calorie drink.”

This means your beloved blended fraps should probably be only an occasional treat, not a daily fix.

You’ll also want to be mindful of the temperature of your coffee, as well as when and how much of it you’re chugging throughout the day.

“People respond to caffeine differently,” Dr. Tan notes. “Too much can cause anxiety, a rapid heartbeat, digestive symptoms or difficulty sleeping. Coffee can also worsen acid reflux in some people. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding and those with certain heart rhythm problems or other medical conditions should talk with their healthcare provider. I also recommend letting very hot coffee cool before drinking it, because regularly consuming extremely hot beverages has been associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.”

You can also drink decaffeinated coffee if you’re concerned about sleep disruptions, jitters or cardiovascular impacts.

“Decaffeinated coffee still contains many of the plant compounds found in regular coffee, and some studies have linked decaf consumption with health benefits as well,” Dr. Tan explains. “That suggests caffeine probably isn’t the whole story. Research on decaf and cancer risk is more limited, but decaf can be a good option for people who enjoy coffee but are sensitive to caffeine.”

Related: A Cardiologist Is Begging You to Brew Your Coffee Using This One Thing

Photo by Jocelyn Morales on Unsplash

Can Drinking Coffee Prevent Cancer?

Try not to get too excited, because correlation and causation aren’t the same thing (and because you’re probably going to freak your poor barista out, and they deal with enough nonsense every day as it is).

Research oncologist Dr. Simran Padam, M.D., APMMC, tells Parade, “There is evidence suggesting that people who regularly drink coffee may have a lower risk of certain cancers, particularly liver and endometrial cancer. The key word, however, is ‘associated.’ We cannot conclude that coffee prevents cancer, and I would not advise someone to start drinking it specifically for that purpose. Still, the findings are interesting and have been reasonably consistent for some cancer types.”

“It’s exciting to see positive news about coffee, especially in contrast to the news about other beverages these days,” Dr. Latonya Riddle-Jones, M.D., M.P.H., assistant director of clinical outreach at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, adds. “But moderation is still important with the consumption of all things. Coffee may be beneficial in reducing risk or time of onset for some cancers, yet harmful or increase the risk of others. We are unsure if these effects are causative or purely by association and most studies have been observational.”

The Oncology Brothers (Dr. Rohit Gosain, M.D. and Dr. Rahul Gosain, M.D., M.B.A.), agree that these findings should be taken with a grain of salt. “Meta-analyses show coffee can lower the risk of several cancers, particularly liver and endometrial cancers. We also see an inverse association with mouth, pharyngeal, and GI-related cancers, including colorectal cancer, as well as prostate cancer and melanoma,” they say. “Drinking more than two cups of unsweetened coffee a day has been linked to lower overall cancer incidence. However, it is crucial to understand that these are associations, not proof of causation. There are many potential confounding effects at play in these types of studies.”

Related: Oncologists Are Begging You To Stop Adding This to Your Coffee Every Morning

How Much Coffee Is Safe To Drink Every Day?

Before you run out and start funneling your local cafe’s house blend like there’s no tomorrow, take a beat.

“For most healthy adults, moderate coffee consumption is generally reasonable,” Dr. Padam advises. “In practice, I tend to think of one or two cups per day as a sensible range, although cup size, brewing strength, and individual tolerance all matter. Total caffeine intake is more useful than simply counting cups. The FDA considers up to approximately 400 milligrams of caffeine per day an amount that is not generally associated with adverse effects in most healthy adults.”

Related: Oncologists Are Begging People to Throw Out This Common Laundry Product

Should We Worry About Acrylamide in Coffee?

Acrylamide is a chemical formed during the roasting process that’s been labeled as a “possible carcinogen to humans.” However, experts say that this isn’t anything to lose sleep over, especially when you put it in the appropriate context.

“We simply do not have enough evidence to say that there should be significant concern with average daily coffee consumption,” Dr. Riddle-Jones says. “We see higher levels of these chemicals in average consumption of French fries. A serving of French fries delivers three to 10 times more acrylamide than a cup of brewed coffee.”

Related: ‘I’m an Oncologist—This Is the Cooking Oil I Always Choose’

What’s a Healthy Alternative to Coffee if You Don’t Love the Taste?

Those bitter beans ain’t for everybody (myself included). If you want a healthy dose of energy and antioxidants but can’t stand the taste of coffee, instead of loading it up with syrups and sugars, you have plenty of other options.

Dr. Riddle-Jones says, “Green tea is a great drink! Studies have shown consistent consumption can cause a modest reduction of bad cholesterol (LDL) and mild blood pressure reduction, cognitive support and anti-inflammatory effects. It may also help with weight loss and its fat-oxidation effects reduce risk most consistently for breast, ovarian, liver, colorectal, skin, prostate and oral cancers.”

Up Next:

Related: ‘I’m an Oncologist—the One Question I Wish Every Patient Asked Before Treatment Begins’ 

Sources

• Rahul Gosain, M.D., M.B.A., medical director of Wilmot Cancer Institute at Webster and director of Wilmot Cancer Institute Regional Infusion
• Rohit Gosain, M.D., medical director of hematology and oncology at the Roswell Park Care Network in Southtowns
• Jamie Koprivnikar, M.D., hematologist and oncologist at John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center
• Simran Padam, M.D., A.P.M.M.C., research oncologist and executive director of medical affairs at Worldwide Clinical Trials
• Latonya Riddle-Jones, M.D., M.P.H., assistant director of clinical outreach at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and associate professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at the Wayne State University School of Medicine
• Tingting Tan, M.D., Ph.D., medical oncologist and hematologist at City of Hope in Newport Beach, Calif.

Little People, Big World alum Jacob Roloff and his family are being forced off the family farm at the start of the new year—despite years of tending to the land for little pay.

According to Jacob, he has been “begging” his father, Matt Roloff, for years for access to the farm’s finances in the hopes of working to make the land profitable.

“It’s a wonder that the farm seems to have had no off-ramp to the show ending, and then 4 wasted years of betting on The Name, and nothing else, and now it may be too late for any fix,” Jacob, 29, responded to a comment on TikTok on Friday, September 25. “It’s a wonder that the farm seems to have had no off-ramp to the show ending, and then 4 wasted years of betting on The Name, and nothing else, and now it may be too late for any fix.”

When another follower remarked that she was dumbfounded that Matt would not allow Jacob “access and the ability to grow the farm,” the youngest Roloff son added, “I am entitled to think I could run it, apparently.”

“Naive to think opening more than 12 days would affect anything (???). And it has been denied that the show ‘had anything to do’ with keeping the farm going all these years. (Lol),” Jacob wrote. “I remember half a dozen times saying I wanted to stop filming, and getting told we would lose it all if we stopped. So we continued.”

Matt has been trying to sell a small portion of the family’s land for years. As it stands, 16 acres of the 109-acre Helvetia, Oregon, property—including the 5,825-square-foot home featured throughout the TLC series—is currently listed for $2.6 million.

@jacobroloff

Replying to @Ann I started asking to see the backend and started getting called entitled :/ just want to know what I’m working for and working to pay for — what are the bare minimum bills, what are the revenue opprortunities (surely, more than 12 days/year of pumpkin season), and where we can restructure. But I gotta know the structure to affect it #fyp #rolofffarms

♬ original sound – jacobroloff

Jacob made it clear that he would be willing to continue to work on the property under new ownership if and when Matt sells the land.

He and wife Isabel previously hinted that this could be their last pumpkin season on the farm, with Jacob claiming, “I certainly tried to keep the tradition going.”

“There was nothing too distinguishing about our pumpkin patch beyond the show, so definitely wanted to get back to growing our own pumpkins, growing our own corn, doing a corn maze and things like that,” he said via TikTok on September 15. “Couldn’t really get there with management, so, yeah, other things are happening, and I likely will not be here past January. Tradition [for] one more year! Come pick a pumpkin!”

We all argue about the superior breakfast dish, and whether it’s waffles, pancakes or French toast. But everyone knows pancakes reign supreme. Even restaurants like IHOP have their own National Pancake Day (in March), where they give out free pancakes when you dine in. And although the popular breakfast spot has its own day dedicated to pancakes, National Pancake Day is actually today, September 26. 

To celebrate, many restaurants are running pancake deals all day long! That’s right! All day! Whether you prefer to dine at Cracker Barrel, grab breakfast from Denny’s or live five minutes from a Huddle House, all of the best spots are running National Pancake Day deals. Here are some deals pancake fans can use to stuff their faces before the day ends. 

Cracker Barrel

Calling all Cracker Barrel fans! For today only, select locations are offering $5 all-you-can-eat pancakes. This offer is for dine-in customers only and includes their famous buttermilk pancakes, which are golden brown, buttery and crispy with a hint of sweetness. Your first plate includes three pancakes, followed by refills of two pancakes at a time. It includes syrup and butter, but extra toppings, add-ons and sides are an additional cost. 

Huddle House

For National Pancake Day, Huddle House is offering a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deal. This deal includes their old-fashioned buttermilk pancakes and lasts all day at participating Huddle House locations. 

“Pancakes have always been at the heart of Huddle House, and National Pancake Day gives us a chance to celebrate that tradition with the people who make our restaurants special,” Jenifer Perrett, VP of Marketing for Huddle House, told Yahoo!. “This year, we’re giving guests even more reason to pull up a chair and enjoy a stack together. Bring someone you love, grab a fork and let us handle the pancakes.”

Recently, Huddle House also released its fall menu, which includes peach cobbler crumble French toast and cinnamon apple crumble French toast.

Perkin’s Restaurant and Bakery

Dine-in customers at Perkin’s Restaurant and Bakery can enjoy its Great American Pancake Trio for just $4.99. Choose from flavors: buttermilk, blueberry, chocolate chip and strawberry. This deal is available to customers today and tomorrow (Sept. 26-27).

If you’re feeling festive, the pumpkin pancake platter, maple bacon pumpkin flip platter and potato pancake stacker platter are all available for the fall. 

Denny’s 

While Denny’s doesn’t offer a specific deal for National Pancake Day, you can order the Triple Play Combo Meal for $9.99 and choose pancakes as your entree. This promotion allows you to order a drink, appetizer and entree for $9.99. There are also plenty of breakfast combos to choose from, including the Super Slam, Jr. Grand Slam, Everyday Value Slam or the regular stack of pancakes. 

As for flavors, there are so many to choose from: pumpkin pecan, plant-based pancakes, cinnamon roll, chocobanana, double berry banana and hearty 9-grain. You can also add mix-ins and toppings to your pancakes, including chocolate chips, blueberries, vanilla cream, fresh banana, strawberry compote and fresh strawberries. 

Related: The Cheesecake Factory’s Massive Menu Is Expanding

Romance author Danielle Steel might have written over 180 novels over the course of her six-decade-long career, but her proudest achievements are her children.

The mother of nine took to Instagram to gush about her youngest daughter Zara on her 39th birthday, and reflected on her accomplishments over the past year.

“VERY SPECIAL DAY FOR A VIP: My youngest daughter Zara. She loves music, rock concerts, travel/Hawaii. She is a wonderful friend, sister, and daughter. Her big accomplishment of the past year was losing 93 pounds, which is heroic!!! She looks fabulous,” Steel, 79, wrote.
“She is a deeply caring, compassionate person. We have fun shopping together, she’s a big sneaker expert, and knows every sneaker ever made!!!

She continued, “She had pink hair for about 10 years and is now a glamorous platinum blonde. She is incredibly kind to me and a wonderful daughter, and my best cheering team!! She is the youngest of 9 siblings. I hope you have a FANTASTIC birthday, and have a lot of fun with the people you love to have fun with. Have a great one, and a fabulous year ahead. I hope all your wishes come true!!! I love you so much, Mom.”

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Steel has nine children from her various marriages. She welcomed her first daughter, Beatriz, from her first marriage to French banker Claude-Éric Lazard in 1965. She had her son Nick with her third husband,  William George Toth, and five children — Samantha, Victoria, Vanessa, Maxx, and Zara — with her fourth husband, shipping magnate John Traina. She is also a stepmom to Traina’s sons Trevor and Todd.

Previously, Steel opened up about motherhood and made it very clear her kids have always been her top priority.

“What I care about most: my children. They are my life and always have been. I have always been a full-time, hands-on Mom by day, and wrote by night,” she wrote on her website. “I have nine kids, five daughters and four sons, so they have kept me very busy, and they are the joy in my life.”

Brody Jenner is a proud girl dad… again.

The 43-year-old reality star announced the birth of his second baby with sweet photos of his wife, professional surfer Tia Blanco, 29, and their 3-year-old daughter, Honey, meeting her little sister. The couple also shared the sweet moniker they gave their newborn, seemingly inspired by one major country music legend.

“We welcomed our precious Dolly Jane Jenner on International World Peace Day, 9/21/26. Mama & baby are in perfect health after an intense but quick unmedicated labor,” Jenner wrote on Instagram. “Tia, I’m so proud of you. Watching you become a mom all over again reminded me just how amazing you are. Our family is everything to me, and seeing it grow from 3 to 4 is a feeling I’ll never forget. Officially a girl dad to 2.”

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The couple announced they were expecting baby No. 2 back in March 2026, with a cute beach photoshoot holding the ultrasound photos. “Our little Honey is going to be a big sister this September,” they wrote.

Along with Dolly being born on World Peace Day, she was also born just a few days before National Dolly Parton Day, officially announced on September 25, 2026. Parton passed away in August 2026 at the age of 80.

There is also a family connection to Parton. Jenner’s mom, Linda Thompson, famously wrote Whitney Houston’s hit “I Have Nothing,” which was featured on The Bodyguard soundtrack alongside Parton’s iconic song, “I Will Always Love You.” She paid homage to the country singer-songwriter just one month before her granddaughter’s birth.

“Dolly Parton observed life, nature, animals, people — the big and small things… and then she wrote heartfelt songs about her observations and life experiences,” she wrote. “Dolly was an indomitable, beautiful, contagious light that spread her positivity through the world with her moving lyrics and universally loved music. Oh my goodness, how we will miss her.”

Congrats to the happy family on their new bundle of joy.

Fans of Rush can attest that some of the band’s most memorable songs are their lengthy instrumental tracks. For instance, Rush’s nearly 10-minute tune, “La Villa Strangiato,” off the 1978 album Hemispheres, has remained a favorite among listeners.

The bassist, keyboardist, and vocalist Geddy Lee gave some insight into the recording of the epic song during a fan Q&A panel for his 2023 book, My Effin’ Life. He shared that he and his bandmates, who included Alex Lifeson and the late Neil Peart, had written the track “right at the studio.” He also noted that the song features 12 distinct parts.

“It came together in a really fun way because we had all these individual parts. But we didn’t really have a place for them, so we decided to just stick them all together in an interconnecting way,” explained Lee, now 73.

He also explained that he and his bandmates wanted to record “La Villa Strangiato” in one take, which proved to be quite difficult.

“When we came to record it, it was really a motherf—r. I mean, it was really hard. So we tried for days and days laying that track down live, basically live, and finally we had to say uncle, and we recorded it in three sections and then edited them together, and that’s how the song came together,” recalled Lee during the 2023 panel.

He said, however, that they were able to play the entire song live when it came time to film the music video for “La Villa Strangiato.” He explained that Peart was “going through that period” where he refused to lip-sync or “pretend to play the drums” for the band’s music videos.

“He’s going through that period, which wasn’t the first time he said that. So we said, ‘Well, why don’t we just record it live at, I think it was Massey Hall [in Toronto]. I think Massey Hall was empty that day, and we booked a mobile unit. And we went over there, and we recorded a couple of songs. And “La Villa Strangiato” was one of them. And wouldn’t you know it, one take. And everybody said, ‘What? Why was it so hard?'” quipped Lee.

Lana Del Rey‘s husband, Jeremy Dufrene, is celebrating another year of marriage with his “precious lil wife.”

Dufrene marked the couple’s second wedding anniversary on Saturday, September 26, with a sweet Threads post dedicated to the singer—and he brought along plenty of rare personal photos for the occasion.

“Happy Anniversary to the most Beautiful and Precious lil wife. I love you so much❤️,” Dufrene wrote alongside the pics.

Among the photos was a special throwback to their wedding day, showing the couple saying “I do” as Del Rey wore a lacy dress and a blue bow in her hair. Other snapshots offered a more casual look at their relationship, including the pair posing together with a baby alligator and taking a helicopter ride.

Dufrene also included several selfies of the couple, with Del Rey all smiles alongside her husband.

Fans loved seeing the sweet moments on their feeds.

“Damn I was like ‘ooh she pretty’ just to be like ‘wait hold up is that Lana del Rey?’ lol,” one person replied, which got over 10K likes.

“I love when they break the 4th wall and show us their ‘regular people’ side too,” a second said.

A third commented, “‘Most beautiful and precious lil wife’ 🤭🥰☺️ I’m just happy seeing Lana being loved well.”

When did Lana Del Rey and Jeremy Dufrene get married?

Del Rey and Dufrene tied the knot on September 26, 2024, in Des Allemands, Louisiana, where Dufrene has worked as an alligator tour guide.

The intimate ceremony included members of Del Rey’s family. Her father, Robert Grant, reportedly walked her down the aisle, while her mother, Patricia Ann Hill, sister Caroline Grant, and brother Charlie Hill-Grant were also in attendance.

The singer has largely kept her marriage away from the spotlight, though she occasionally gives fans glimpses of their relationship. In April, Del Rey celebrated Dufrene’s 49th birthday with a collection of personal photos of her own. One showed an appropriately alligator-themed birthday cake featuring the playful message, “Happy birthday Gator! Always standing bayou.”

Winter is still more than two months away, but a new map from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center is offering an early look at which parts of the United States could be in for a snowy season.

NOAA’s latest seasonal outlook covers December 2026 through February 2027, the three months that make up meteorological winter. And with a “Godzilla-level” El Niño strengthening in the Pacific, the precipitation map shows a broad area of wetter-than-normal conditions stretching across the southern United States and up much of the East Coast.

For colder parts of that region, more precipitation could also mean more opportunities for snow.

Where Could It Be Snowiest This Winter? NOAA’s winter weather map for 2026-2027

NOAA

The most important thing to understand about NOAA’s map is that it does not directly forecast snowfall. Instead, it shows where total precipitation is more likely to finish above or below normal during the three-month period.

Still, there are some intriguing signals for snow lovers.

NOAA says wetter-than-normal conditions are favored along the Atlantic Coast all the way into New England during the winter months. That puts parts of the Northeast in an interesting position: If storms moving through the region encounter sufficiently cold air, that additional precipitation could fall as snow.

The Mid-Atlantic could also see an active winter storm track, although whether individual storms produce snow, rain or a wintry mix will depend on temperatures at the time.

Related: Rare September Nor’easter Could Slam East Coast With 70 MPH Winds and 15-Foot Waves; Millions Face Weekend Impacts

California is another area to watch. NOAA currently favors above-normal precipitation across the state, with probabilities reaching 50 to 60% near the coast during the heart of winter. While much of that precipitation would fall as rain at lower elevations, storms could deliver significant snow to the Sierra Nevada and other higher elevations.

Across the southern Plains, NOAA puts the probability of above-normal winter precipitation as high as 40 to 50%. The signal gets even stronger along parts of the Gulf and Southeast coasts, reaching 70 to 80% around southern Georgia and northern Florida.

Those warmer areas aren’t necessarily headed for a snowy winter, of course. The map forecasts precipitation, not the form that precipitation will take.

Related: Atlantic Hurricane Season Breaks 112-Year Record; NOAA Data Shows Not a Single Hurricane Has Formed in 2026

A Powerful El Niño Could Shape the Winter

One reason forecasters are watching the 2026-27 winter so closely is the rapidly strengthening El Niño.

NOAA said in its Sept. 17 outlook that there is a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño during the fall and winter. Forecasters also put the odds of the event reaching historic strength during the October-through-December period at 75%.

Strong El Niño events can shift the jet stream and storm track across the United States, often bringing wetter conditions across the southern part of the country.

That’s reflected in NOAA’s current winter forecast. The agency describes a wet pattern across the southern and central U.S. that extends northward along the Atlantic Coast into New England as the “dominant precipitation signal” for the coming winter.

Not everyone is looking at a wetter season, however. NOAA currently favors somewhat drier-than-normal conditions in parts of the interior Northwest and Great Lakes region.

And none of the outlook means a particular city is guaranteed to get buried in snow.

Seasonal forecasts show the likelihood of broader patterns over several months. They cannot predict individual snowstorms this far in advance, and a wetter-than-normal winter can still include long dry stretches.

But with a potentially historic El Niño developing and NOAA already favoring an active storm track across a huge portion of the country, there could be plenty for snow watchers to keep an eye on as winter gets closer.

Related: ‘Godzilla’ El Niño Has 75% Chance to Become Historic; Here’s What It Could Unleash This Winter

As your child grows into an adult, you may find your job as a parent more challenging. You may not have expected it—weren’t you promised, “It gets easier” within seconds of their birth?

Maybe, but Dr. Crystal Saidi, Psy.D., a California-based licensed psychologist with Thriveworks, says it’s hard to struggle with the psychology of letting go of adult children. It’s especially hard when an adult child won’t take advice you feel is solid.

“Adulthood comes with something childhood didn’t: the right to make your own decisions and mistakes,” Dr. Saidi tells Parade.

That’s the reality, but it can be frustrating and sometimes downright frightening to watch a child of any age make decisions you don’t agree with (or feel are wrong).

“It can be hard because you are watching someone you love potentially struggle, and every parental instinct in you wants to step in and help,” she states. “But the catch is that even well-intentioned advice can sound like criticism, and when people feel their autonomy is threatened, they become more resistant to that advice.”

Psychologists say it’s important to respond intentionally and carefully when you think an adult child is making a mistake. It may mean not intervening and letting them fail and try again on their own terms. One technique can help parents stay in their lane.

Below, psychologists share their top tips for handling an adult child who doesn’t take your advice. They also explain exceptions, including how to deal with an adult child making bad decisions that are also dangerous.

Related: 7 Things Adult Children Wish Their Parents Would Stop Doing, According to a Psychologist

What the Psychologists Say: Stop Giving Unsolicited Advice

Three psychologists agree that parents should stop giving unsolicited advice to adult children because it counteracts the “psychology of autonomy.”

While often well-meaning, this advice can stifle freedom, cross boundaries and make them feel like kids again, triggering defensiveness in adult children.

The Psychology of Autonomy: Why Your Advice Triggers Defensiveness

Dr. Michele Goldman, Ph.D., a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor, says parents’ advice can be solicited or unsolicited. Unsolicited advice to adult children can be particularly fraught. It’s notorious for triggering defensiveness in adult children.

“It is more common that adult children are defensive when the advice is unsolicited,” she says. “This is generally because unsolicited advice implies incompetence or threatens the autonomy of the adult child.”

Dr. Emily Guarnotta, Psy.D., PMH-C, a psychologist and the founder of Phoenix Health, echoes these sentiments. She says that giving unsolicited advice to adult children can trigger a “psychological reactance.”

“When people feel that their freedom is being threatened, they feel compelled to reassert their freedom. In a nutshell, they think, ‘You can’t tell me what to do,'” she notes.

And unlike when they were a toddler who wouldn’t put their shoes on so you could take them to a doctor’s appointment, you really can’t tell an adult child what to do with their life. But you might end up overstepping with adult children, fracturing your relationship in the process.

“It signals that the parent doubts the adult child and is generally perceived as criticism,” Dr. Goldman explains. “Further, it regresses the dynamic between parent and child to a more restrictive interaction, similar to that of when a parent interacts with a child who is a minor. While the parent rarely intends this, unsolicited advice can feel patronizing and undermining.” 

Related: Psychologist Says These Are the 7 Habits To Avoid With Your Adult Child—and Why They Can Damage Your Relationship

The ‘Ask Permission’ Technique

Psychologists agree that the “ask permission” technique is the best way to deal with an adult child making bad decisions. Put simply, “The ask permission technique is essentially asking if they want your feedback before stepping in to give advice or feedback,” Dr. Saidi tells Parade. “Just asking that question before can change the whole dynamic.”

It sounds simple, and it can be transformative, but it’s also challenging. Dr. Goldman suggests trying phrases like, “I have some thoughts. Would you want me to share them?”

“The adult child is then in a position where they can accept the comments from their parents or set a boundary that they do not want any feedback,” she states.

She shares that the “ask permission” technique can demonstrate respect between you and your adult child, encouraging a more collaborative process. It gives the adult child agency and control.

“The advice turns from unsolicited to solicited, reducing the feeling of being criticized or undermined,” Dr. Goldman says.

Practice the Pivot: The Manager vs. Consultant Scripts

Respecting boundaries with adult children is important, even when it comes to doling out “words of wisdom.” One way is to shift from manager to consultant parenting. Dr. Guarnotta explains that managers give direct advice and guidance. Consultants give their thoughts when asked, but ultimately let the person make their own choices.

“The shift from manager to consultant is usually a gradual process that unfolds over time, but generally concludes around age 18,” she explains. “Parents usually begin taking a step back as their children become capable of making their own decisions. By the time a child is an adult, the goal is for parents to take on the role of a consultant, or someone they come to from time to time for advice and support.”

Below, Dr. Guarnotta shares practical scripts to help you learn the difference.

The Scenario

The Manager

The Consultant

They’re dating someone you don’t like.

“You should break up with them.”

“I have some concerns about your relationship. Can I share them with you? Ultimately, I trust you to make the best choice for you.”

They’re changing careers from what you spent oodles of money on education to support.

“You can’t change careers! Do you have any idea how much money you’ll have wasted?”

“That’s a big decision since you’ve invested so much in your career. Would it be helpful if I shared some of my thoughts?”

They’re using gentle parenting on their kids (your grandkids).

“You’re way too lenient with them. They’re going to walk all over you when they get older.”

“I’m curious about your approach to parenting. Can you share more about it?”

They’re wearing something you don’t love to a job interview.

“There’s no way that you can wear that!”

“Would you like my honest opinion about the outfit, or do you feel comfortable in it?”

You see a social media post that might get them fired.

“You need to take that post down now! What were you thinking?”

“I saw your social media post and was wondering if you thought about how your employer might interpret it. Do you want to talk it through?”

You notice a missed bill payment on their desk during a visit.

“You missed a bill! Do you have any idea what that will do to your credit?”

“I saw an unpaid bill on your desk. I assume you have it handled, but I just wanted to check in to see if you needed any help.”

They gained weight, and chronic illness runs in the family.

“You’ve gained a lot of weight recently! Aren’t you worried about your health?”

“I’ve noticed that you’ve been going through some things recently with your health. I’m here if you ever want to talk through it.”

Related: The One Simple Step To Take for a Better Relationship with Your Adult Kids, According to Psychologists

How To Cope With the Anxiety of Watching Them Fail

Learning how to deal with an adult child making bad decisions is easier said than done. Still, psychologists say it’s often necessary. They share tips for coping with your nerves as you watch an adult child fail.

1. Reframe the notion of failure

Dr. Goldman reminds us that mistakes are learning opportunities, not failures. And learning doesn’t stop when a child turns their tassel for the final time.

“Making mistakes is a wonderful way for [adult] children to learn to do something differently, to make adjustments, to struggle and overcome,” she says. “It teaches them not to give up and to keep working.”

2. Stay in your lane, and adjust how you react

Dr. Goldman often sees parents swoop in to rescue a struggling child to protect them from falling, but she usually advises against it.

“Parents need to let their children fail,” she notes. “Stop trying to intervene and protect them from failing.”

The psychologist suggests stopping and waiting instead.

“It’s difficult to do this, especially when you can see the likelihood of failing is high,” she says. “Allow them to try, see for themselves and adjust the reaction away from disappointment or anxiety into support and love.”

3. Focus on maintaining the relationship, not being ‘right’

For the people in the back: “Adult children don’t want to be criticized or hear ‘I told you so,'” Guarnotta states.

“When parents repeatedly push their advice, adult children stop sharing personal information,” she says. “When you communicate, ‘You can make your own choices and always come to me,’ you create a relationship where the adult child is more likely to come to you. You actually end up having more influence and a closer relationship.”

Related: 8 Habits To Start With Your Adult Kids That Will Transform Your Relationship, According to Psychologists

When To Break the Rule: The Exceptions to the ‘No Advice’ Rule

Sometimes, it’s necessary to give an adult child advice, even if they didn’t ask for it.

“When it comes to situations involving serious danger or harm, a parent needs to be direct, even with their adult child,” Dr. Goldman says.

Dr. Goldman shares that these situations can include:

• Anything related to abuse
• Financial exploitation
• Substance use
• Life-threatening health situations

“In these situations, asking whether your child would like your advice might not be enough,” she notes. “You may have to say, ‘I am genuinely concerned about your safety.’ The goal is to communicate concern, not shame or control.”

Up Next:

Related: 9 Things Adult Children Need From Their Parents and Grandparents—but Won’t Ask For, Psychologists Share

Sources:

• Dr. Crystal Saidi, Psy.D., is a California-based licensed psychologist with Thriveworks.
• Dr. Emily Guarnotta, Psy.D., PMH-C, is a psychologist and founder of Phoenix Health.
• Dr. Michele Goldman, Ph.D., is a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor.
  
  

Mel Tillis’ rockin’ country classic “I Ain’t Never” is marking 54 years since its breakthrough chart run. Released via MGM Records in July 1972, the track became Tillis’ first No. 1 single on the Billboard country charts, reaching the top in September.

Interestingly, the song was recorded years earlier and harbors a fascinating backstory that includes a memorable Nashville link involving Webb Pierce and a pair of cowboy boots.

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The Song That Cost Mel Tillis an ‘$800,000 Pair of Boots’

The connection between Tillis and Pierce is one of classic country music’s most famous and humorous pieces of lore. The story details how an aspiring songwriter haphazardly traded a lifetime of royalties for some of the “prettiest, prettiest” footwear Tillis had ever seen.

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In the late 1950s, when Tillis was a struggling songwriter in Nashville, Pierce was already one of the genre’s biggest stars, with hits including “In the Jailhouse Now,” “Slowly,” “I Don’t Care,” and “More and More.” Already a major hitmaker, Pierce recorded “I Ain’t Never” in 1959 and watched his version reach No. 2 on the country chart and No. 24 on the pop chart.

Pierce was also a key figure at Cedarwood Publishing, where Tillis became a staff songwriter. Tillis had already supplied Pierce with hits including “I’m Tired” and “Honky Tonk Song,” and continued writing songs for him.

When Tillis pitched “I Ain’t Never” to Pierce, Tillis later told Ralph Emery that he agreed to give him half the songwriting credit in exchange for the very boots Pierce was wearing. Pierce took the deal.

Reflecting years later after the song became a hit, Tillis joked, “Them old boots cost me over eight hundred thousand dollars” in royalties.

Mel Tillis Finally Had His No. 1

Pierce’s 1959 recording made “I Ain’t Never” a hit long before Tillis had his own chart-topping version. Tillis recorded the song himself in 1962, but his 1972 version finally took it to No. 1 and gave him his first Billboard country chart-topper as a recording artist.

The 1972 version became a significant turning point in Tillis’ career, helping establish him not only as one of Nashville’s most respected songwriters but also as a successful recording artist in his own right.

Tillis had spent years writing hits for other performers before achieving his biggest success as a singer. Artists including Bobby Bare, Ray Price, Brenda Lee, Webb Pierce, and many others recorded his songs.

The Songwriter Behind the Hits

Long before he became a household name for his singing and comedic stage persona, Tillis was widely respected as one of the most successful songwriters in country music history. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame noted that his songs became part of the country music landscape beginning in the late 1950s and were recorded by a who’s who of performers.

Among those songs were “Detroit City,” co-written with Danny Dill and recorded by Bobby Bare, and “Emotions,” which Tillis co-wrote with Ramsey Kearney for Brenda Lee. “Detroit City” became a Top 10 country hit for Bare in 1963, while Lee’s “Emotions” reached No. 7 on the pop chart in 1961.

Tillis was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1976, recognizing the songwriting career he had built long before his biggest successes as a recording artist.

And Then There Was Susan Anton

Tillis’ career eventually took him far beyond the recording studio. In 1978, the country star was paired with glamorous singer and actress Susan Anton for the ABC summer variety series Mel and Susan Together, produced by the Osmond Brothers.

ABC Photo Archives / Getty Images

The pairing was certainly unexpected, and the show lasted only four weeks. Contemporary Cash Box coverage reported that the 30-minute variety pilot was filmed at the Osmond Studios in Orem, Utah, with Donny and Marie Osmond producing.

It was a very different kind of stage for the man behind “I Ain’t Never.” But by then, Tillis had already spent decades proving that his career could take some pretty unexpected turns.

Related: 1996 Hit Anthem, Written at 16, Launched Its Homeless Singer to Stardom

While Kyle MacLachlan initially thought stepping into his character of Trey MacDougal in Sex and the City would be seamless, he soon learned that the role of a seemingly perfect guy didn’t come without his faults.

“I said, ‘Okay, Upper East Side surgeon, doctor. WASP-y. This is totally in my wheelhouse. This could be cool,’” MacLachlan shared in a recent interview with People. “And I started to channel that John Kennedy kind of an energy. I thought it’d be cool. I finally get to play a real guy.”

Kristin Davis and Kyle MacLachlan

KMazur / Getty Images

However, he realized his approach to the role, which he played opposite Kristin Davis‘ character, Charlotte York, needed to be adjusted given MacDougal’s “baggage.”

“They hit me with the impotence, and an extra-close relationship with his mother,” he said, referencing MacDougal and York’s fertility struggles, as well as his mother, played by Frances Sternhagen. “It was a challenging character because he comes with so much baggage, and you have to play that, as well as find the humanity and the reality.”

“It’s not just a joke or a punchline,” he added. “Every script, they were going to ask you to do something, and you never knew what was coming.”

Related: ‘Sex and the City’ Actor Admits Why He Tried to ‘Avoid’ Starring on the Show

However, MacLachlan, who is releasing a memoir entitled Fictional Selves this week, also shared how his character was received by New Yorkers, as the show became synonymous with the city over the years.

“They obviously saw me do something embarrassing and they’re like, ‘Oh, are you okay?’” he shared. “They [would] shout encouragement, which from a perspective now is very funny. People in New York, that was them. That was their show. And this was their New York. They were living in that show as we were doing it, which was pretty cool.”

While MacDougal and York’s marriage was portrayed as picture-perfect despite their difficulties behind closed doors, the characters eventually divorced, and she remarried her divorce lawyer, Harry Goldenblatt, played by Evan Handler.

Sex and the City aired from 1998 to 2004.

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It was the slap heard round the world when Will Smith walked onstage at the 94th Academy Awards and assaulted presenter Chris Rock.

While the audience in the Dolby Theater and at home looked on in shock, there was one person “enjoying” the moment. Parks and Rec star Rob Lowe, 62, recently admitted he was happy about the slap — and for one really good reason.

“When Will Smith slapped Chris Rock, I was the only person happy. Because I was like, ‘Oh, good. So now that’s the worst moment in Oscar history,” he told Andy Cohen on his SiriusXM show. “But it turns out not really. Turns out I still am dragged, dragged every year.”

In case you forgot, Lowe performed at the 61st Academy Awards in 1989 with actress Eileen Bowman, who was dressed as Snow White, and the duo performed a medley of popular tracks with their lyrics adapted for the Oscars.

Let’s just say the musical number was not received well, and Disney even sued over the unauthorized use of their princess character. To this day, Lowe reveals he still gets teased over the performance.

“This year even, I guess some people didn’t love some of the Emmys, and they were like, ‘At least it wasn’t Rob.’ It’s like, guys, there should be a statute of limitations,” he added.

While Lowe might be joking about loving the viral moment, Smith later apologized for his reaction to Rock’s ill-timed G.I. Jane joke directed at Jada Pinkett-Smith.

“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line, and I was wrong. I am embarrassed, and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness,” Smith said in a statement he released in 2022. “I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us. I am a work in progress.”

Smith was ultimately banned for 10 years from all Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences events and programs.

In show business, talk is cheap. People can entice you with compliments, inflate your ego and promise you the world, but it means nothing without a signed contract. That’s the lesson Clueless star Elisa Donovan learned the hard way.

In 1995, Donovan was an up-and-coming actress in New York when she auditioned for the lead role of Nomi Malone in Showgirls. She met director Paul Verhoeven, made it through multiple rounds of auditions and even completed a dance audition. By the end of the process, she was convinced she had landed the role.

“I really felt like, ‘Holy cow, I am getting this movie,'” Donovan recalled on the Still Here Hollywood Podcast. “And then I did not get that movie.”

Donovan was devastated when she learned the role went to Elizabeth Berkley, who was already known for playing Jessie Spano on Saved by the Bell. The disappointment was so intense that she briefly questioned whether she wanted to continue acting.

“I was like, ‘For what?'” Donovan recalled of calling her mother in tears after losing another acting role. Her mom told her to come home, but Donovan ultimately realized she wanted to keep pursuing acting.

Showgirls was one of the roles she wanted most, but the universe had other plans.

That same year, Donovan landed her first movie role as Amber, Cher Horowitz’s nemesis in Clueless. The Amy Heckerling-directed teen comedy starring Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash and Paul Rudd became an immediate hit and remains a beloved ’90s classic.

Showgirls, meanwhile, flopped when it was released two months later, although it eventually developed a devoted cult following. Donovan went on to reprise her role as Amber for the Clueless TV series, which ran for three seasons.

Looking back, Donovan now has “mixed feelings” about the role she once desperately wanted. She may not have gotten to play Nomi Malone, but she ended up with a role that gave audiences some of Amber’s most memorable biting one-liners.

So perhaps the next time the universe doesn’t deliver, Donovan can just respond the way Amber would: with a simple “Whatever.”

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It’s often the smallest details that have the biggest impact on a room. If you’re trying to spruce up your living space but don’t want to commit to a total overhaul, incorporating the elegant Safavieh Martha Stewart Delaney Rug into your layout is an easy solution. The striking yet neutral accent is an excellent deal at Walmart right now, reduced from its usual $102 to only $34 for a limited time.

The rug is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, making it an especially versatile option if you want something that can just as easily dress up your deck as your living room. Because it’s so understated, it’ll effortlessly blend right in with its medley of beige and caramel-brown colors.

Safavieh Martha Stewart Delaney Rug, $34 (was $102) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Bearing a distinctive geometric pattern, the power-loomed polypropylene rug has a minimal pile height of .30 inches. That’s just enough substance to provide a smooth and cozy feeling underfoot. It’s particularly ideal if you’re looking for a rug that looks sleek and clean — and it’s thin enough to slide easily under low-clearing doors and entryways, with little to no risk of bunching up. In rooms with heavy foot traffic, it’ll retain its shape beautifully.

The architectural lattice motif adds a bit of designer flair to the room, too. It’s warm and interesting, with the grounded earth tones adding a nicely tailored feel to the design. Because it’s so simple, you could easily add this rug to any space. It complements rather than competes, so it should work even in rooms that are more decorative.

At 4 feet wide by 5 feet,7 inches long, it’ll look right at home set in any room that could use a little something extra to feel more pulled together. Inside, you could add it to your living room, kitchen, or a bedroom, while outdoors, it’d work well on a patio or deck.

Looking to spruce up other areas? This same rug is offered in neutral shades of gray in a generous 5.3-foot by 7.7-foot size, as well as a 2.7-foot by 5-foot size in beige with either black or terracotta accents.

Shop More Deals

• Martha Stewart Adrian 3-Piece Duvet Set, $40 (was $55) at Walmart
• Martha Stewart 6-Piece Bath Towels, $61 (was $68) at Walmart
• Martha Stewart Upholstered Office Chair, $123 (was $199) at Walmart

Related: Dolly Parton’s ‘Colorful’ Garden-Inspired Mosaic Plate Set Is Great for Gifting

What’s especially nice about the color palette of this area rug is how well it blends with other hues. Brown-tinged notes like these complement richer shades nicely, so you don’t have to do too much planning to make this work for you. Snag the Safavieh Martha Stewart Delaney Rug while it’s on sale for 66% off at Walmart!

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Mornings often feel like a dizzying race against the clock. Between answering early emails, getting kids out the door and attempting to find matching socks, eating a nutritious morning meal can quickly slide to the bottom of your priority list.

When you do manage to sit down for breakfast, your default choice might be a quick plate of scrambled eggs or a buttery pastry grabbed on the run. While eggs have earned a permanent spot at the American breakfast table for their reliable protein punch, top health experts reveal that there’s another staple you should be reaching for if you want to safeguard your body against long-term disease.

Related: People Are Walking Backward for Better Knee Health—a Physical Therapist Explains Whether It Actually Helps

The daily choices we make at the kitchen table carry far more weight than simply satisfying a rumbling stomach. Chronic inflammation and cellular damage build up over decades, often influenced by the subtle, daily patterns of our diet. That reality can feel heavy, but it also carries an empowering message: your breakfast bowl offers a fresh opportunity to nourish your body’s natural defense systems every single day. You don’t need complicated superfood powders or drastic lifestyle overhauls to make a meaningful difference; you just need to rethink your base ingredients.

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The Fiber-Rich Breakfast That’s a Cancer Prevention ‘Powerhouse’

When it comes to building a morning meal that actively reduces disease risk, simple whole-grain oats take center stage. Dr. Andre Goy, MD, the physician-in-chief for oncology at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center, previously told Parade that opting for fiber-rich oats provides a “[powerhouse] of dietary fiber” from the oats that protects cells against damage.

Unlike refined grains that spike blood sugar and leave you crashing by mid-morning, oats deliver a steady stream of complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber. This continuous fiber intake feeds the good bacteria in your gut microbiome, creating short-chain fatty acids that actively lower systemic inflammation throughout the body. When your gut environment thrives, your immune system stays sharp, enabling it to detect and repair damaged cells long before they turn into serious health threats.

Related: I’m a Nephrologist—This Is the First Sign of Kidney Trouble Most People Ignore

How To Build the Ultimate Preventive Breakfast Bowl

Making oats a daily habit doesn’t mean you’re stuck eating bland, boring porridge every single day. In fact, combining your fiber base with other protective, plant-derived foods amplifies the health benefits exponentially. Dr. Goy noted that adding thoughtfully chosen toppings turns a standard bowl of whole grains into a comprehensive nutrient delivery system that actively fights disease.

Related: ‘I’m a Neurologist—Here’s My Sunday Habit for Better Brain Health’

To turn your morning bowl into an unbeatable preventive meal, consider these expert-backed additions recommended by Dr. Goy:

• Antioxidant-rich berries: Toss in a handful of fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries or blackberries. Dr. Goy emphasized that “the berries are packed with antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.”
• Nutrient-dense nuts and seeds: Top your bowl with walnuts, chia seeds or sliced almonds. Dr. Goy told Parade that the fatty acids and compounds in nuts may help lower the risk of hormone-related cancers, such as breast cancer.
• Plant-based protein alternatives: If you prefer a savory morning start over sweet oats, Dr. Goy suggested swapping out processed breakfast meats for plant proteins like a tofu scramble. He explained that “the tofu provides high-quality protein and contains isoflavones, which are plant estrogens that may help protect against hormone-related cancers,” while adding leafy greens like spinach provides DNA-repairing folate.

By stocking your pantry with oats, fresh fruit and nuts, you’re setting yourself up for an effortless morning routine that feels comforting, keeps you full for hours and offers peace of mind with every bite.

Adapted from Parade’s “We Asked 3 Oncologists About the Best Breakfast for Cancer Prevention and They All Said the Same Thing” by Beth Ann Mayer.

Up next:

Source:

• Dr. Andre Goy, MD, the physician-in-chief for oncology at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center

If your idea of a dream home involves a cottage tucked behind a garden overflowing with roses, you might already be halfway to the English garden look. This decorating style is all about bringing that slightly wild, beautifully imperfect feeling indoors: florals, leafy prints, vintage-looking pieces, soft colors and little details that make a room feel like you had this vision years ago and have been collecting everything in your space over time.

And, no, you don’t need to actually live in an English cottage—or completely redecorate your home—to get the look. Start small with a floral pillow, botanical print or pretty vase filled with grocery-store flowers. A patterned tablecloth makes a dining area feel more romantic, while a floral lampshade or wallpaper-inspired accent brings that garden feeling to a bedroom or reading nook. Look for pieces with their own character rather than everything matching perfectly.

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WRG Home Floral Garden Machine Washable Indoor Area Rug, $33.27 – $236.70 at Kohl’s WRG Home Floral Garden Machine Washable Indoor Area Rug

Kohl's

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Personally, I don’t think anything makes a statement more than a great area rug, and Kohl’s’ WRG Home Floral Garden Machine Washable Indoor Area Rug totally fits the bill for English garden decor. It features a stunning motif of floral sprays and garlands against a blue backdrop and comes in 10 different sizes. So you’ve got options as small as 2′ x 3′ and as large as 9′ x 12′. And for anyone hesitant to take the plunge on an area rug for fear of it attracting dirt, this option is machine washable and super easy to spot clean.

Related: Tupperware’s Cheerful 4-Piece 80th Anniversary Canister Set Is a Space-Saving Wonder

You might be wondering what you would do with a rug as small as a 2′ x 3′ size; the answer is a lot. Try one in an entryway for an instant infusion of personality, beside the bed for a soft landing when you wake up or underneath a small reading chair to create a cozy little nook. You could even tuck it beneath a petite accent table or plant stand for a sweet decorative moment. The smaller size makes it especially easy to experiment with a bold floral or botanical pattern—you get that romantic, garden-inspired feel without making the whole room feel like it’s wearing florals.

Related: Aldi’s Cheerful 2-Piece Kitchen Set Is All You Need to Bring Fall Energy to Mealtime

While filming Season 2 of Heated Rivalry is underway, one of its newest cast members, Shaheen Jafargholi, recently shared his experience of working on set.

“It’s been a joy from start to finish,” Jafargholi told People in an interview published Saturday. “I’m still currently doing it as we speak. Everyone there cares so much about making it the best show it could possibly be for the fans, and to be a part of that world and get to kind of step into it has been surreal, but very, very exciting.”

Jafargholi, 29, who starred in the BBC’s Lost Boys and Fairies as well as the UK network’s EastEnders, went on to share that filming Heated Rivalry — which became known for its steamy love scenes between characters Shane Hollander, played by Hudson Williams, and Ilya Rozanov, played by Connor Storrie — was a “safe” space.

Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams

Harold Feng / Getty Images

“Every single person on that set cares so much about what they’re doing,” the Welsh actor said. “I don’t wanna say it was surprising, but because of how big the show is, I just couldn’t believe how small and intimate and sort of, I don’t know, safe the whole experience has felt.”

The show, based on a book of the same name by Rachel Reid, premiered in November of 2025 on HBO Max. It reached an average of 10.6 million viewers per episode in the U.S., according to Warner Bros. Discovery, per Variety.

Related: ‘Heated Rivalry’ Makes Major Casting Announcement Ahead of Season 2

And the popularity of the show, which even led to a boost in visitors to the Canadian town where Hollander’s cottage was, isn’t lost on Jafargholi.

“I was honestly in disbelief that I was even going to tape for the part, and I had no expectation that I would end up getting it,” he said.

Season 2 is slated to premiere in Spring of 2027 and will also welcome Schitt’s Creek star Emily Hampshire, as well as Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie as additional newcomers to the cast.

Jafargholi is also starring in HBO Max’s War, which premieres on Oct. 1.

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47 years after daytime audiences were left on a cliffhanger, the former CBS soap opera Love of Life is returning, and now fans have their first glimpse into what the opening storylines for the beloved soap opera will be.

Soap Opera Network revealed details and confirmed that original cast member Deborah Courtney Pollack will be reprising her role as recently widowed Cal Aleata.

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The soap is expected to open with two major events. First, a gala marking the opening of a charity organization, the “Dale/Sterling Foundation,” named after Vanessa Dale (Days of Our Lives star Peggy McCay) and Bruce Sterling (Ron Tomme).

The second event taking place on the soap opera is the wedding of two exciting new characters: Nate Winsor (Matthew Preston), named after the original creator of Love of Life, Roy Winsor, and Renee Latimer.  The event is expected to be filled with twists and turns, raising the question of whether they will make it down the aisle.

The original series began on September 24, 1951, as a 15-minute daily drama. The series expanded to 30 minutes in 1958. Eventually, CBS canceled the soap opera with the final episode airing on February 1, 1980.

As Parade previously reported, the upcoming Love of Life revival will be an audio reimagining of the beloved CBS soap opera, serving as a continuation of the series; it will revisit former storylines while introducing brand-new ones for listeners to fall in love with all over again.

It is currently unknown where the podcast will be available, but it is expected to be available on all major podcasting platforms.

The upcoming podcast revival will be penned by Erik Andrus and Casey Hutchison, with consulting from Paul Sladkus, who served as an associate producer on the television series.

According to Daytime Confidential, production on the series is expected to begin in March of next year, with the series set to air later in 2027.

Related: 47 Years After Its Finale, a Classic CBS Soap Is Getting a Digital Reboot

’80s pop music icon Belinda Carlisle is going green as she lies in the grass.

Carlisle, 68, smashed onto the music scene with The Go-Go’s with hits like “We Got the Beat” and “Vacation.” She later had a successful solo career with hits like “Heaven Is a Place on Earth” and “Mad About You,” and is still touring. Carlisle released her new album, “Once Upon a Time in California,” last August. But in a new photo shared on her Instagram page, Carlisle showed off her ageless looks as she reclined in the grass. Sporting head-to-toe mossy green that helped her blend into the scene, the redheaded beauty looked as zen as could be.

“#grounding in Cuernavaca 💚💚💚💚 #whippedcream,” Carlisle captioned the photo.

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Struggling With Addiction

While Carlisle is doing great these days, it wasn’t always the case. In addition to struggling with imposter syndrome as a young singer, Carlisle struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. Looking back, the singer told Rolling Stone Australia this fall that she’s grateful there was no social media during the time she was struggling so prominently.

“I would’ve been the Lindsay Lohan of my time!” she said. “Oh my God, yeah. And even when everybody had a cell phone, they didn’t have a camera yet. So that would’ve been the end of me, that’s for sure. Jesus! We were really lucky. None of that was around, so you could behave badly and chances were that no one ever heard about it.” 

Finding Peace in Sobriety

After years of relapse, Carlisle ultimately found sobriety. She opened up in a recent interview with The Sunday Times about her lengthy journey.

“I thought, I’ll just drink wine, and I won’t do coke. I realized that in order to continue with my career — which was in the toilet — the most important thing was to get sober. I remember playing this little club in Northampton at the end of my drinking and using. There were 12 people in the audience, and my 

dressing room was a closet for cleaning materials, mops, and brooms. I thought, Wow. I was able to turn things around, but I wouldn’t have been able to if I had been behaving in the way I was before I got sober,” she recalled.

These days, things look a lot different for Carlisle.

“I get up at 3:30 am. Then I chant for 40 minutes. I love chanting. It’s not airy-fairy; it’s scientific,” she explained.

No matter whether she’s chanting or singing, Carlisle still knows how to rock. Here’s a throwback from one of her most legendary tunes:

Related: The Go-Go’s Icon Belinda Carlisle, 67, Looks Radiant During Paris Getaway

Top Gun was the biggest movie in America in 1986. Fighter jets, Tom Cruise, a soundtrack that would not quit.

The film that finished behind it cost $8.8 million and was Australian.

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It Opened Here 40 Years Ago Today

Crocodile Dundee reached US theaters on Sept. 26, 1986. Australia had already had it since the end of April.

Paul Hogan played a bushman from the Northern Territory who gets talked into a trip to New York. He’d co-written it, too. Nobody in America knew who he was. He was a television comic at home.

The Numbers Got Silly

It made $174.8 million in the United States over its run. Worldwide it finished at $328.2 million, which is about 37 times what it cost to make.

Hogan won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a musical or comedy. The screenplay, which he wrote with Ken Shadie and John Cornell, got an Academy Award nomination. He lost that one to Hannah and Her Sisters.

One Film Beat It That Year

In 1986, Top Gun made $171.8 million at the US box office and Crocodile Dundee made $129.6 million.

Top Gun had been in theaters since May. Crocodile Dundee had been out about three months. On that same chart The Karate Kid, Part II was third at $115.1 million, Rodney Dangerfield’s Back to School fourth at $91.3 million and Aliens fifth at $85.2 million.

Hogan Married His Co-Star

Linda Kozlowski played the reporter who brings him to New York. She’d trained at Juilliard and come up on Broadway. She’s 68 now and living quietly.

She and Hogan met on that set in 1985 and married in 1990. They divorced in 2014.