Kate Beck finds wow moments in sober community, blue state bliss, and friends who ask gentle questions

Lily Hulsman finds awe in mysterious sea creatures, brewing beer, and Bhutan's happiness index

Lily Hulsman is an experimental beer brewer in Portland, Oregon, one of a growing number of women in a traditionally bro-y field. She finds mind-blowing moments eyeing octopuses underwater and learning about alcoholic beverages in ancient Mesopotamia.

Uyen Nguyen finds awe in creativity during chaos, sharing a great meal, and releasing regret

Uyen Nguyen ís a founder and owner of the international cuisine hub Nue in Seattle. Uyen believes in the prejudice-destroying power of sharing food and not sweating the road not taken.

Jennifer Slemp's mind is blown by the Pantyhose of Justice (!), live music, and being a public defender

Jennifer Slemp's earliest mind-blowing moment was dancing to the Grateful Dead at an outdoor concert when she was three. Live music still sustains her as she dons the Sensible Shoes of Fairness as a Public Defender.

Kate Beck finds wow moments in sober community, blue state bliss, and friends who ask gentle questions

Kate Beck is a mortgage broker, charitable do-gooder, and midwest transplant to the progressive west coast. She makes friends in convenience stores and (finally) knows she is unconditionally loved.

Melinda Green is blown away by a cold cure for monkey mind, hidden history, and millions of peaches

Melinda Green is a writer and historian living in a small beach town in New England. She is hilarious and wise and has naturally red hair.