Entertainment
12 Questions for a Grief Therapist
In Cup of Jo’s newly relaunched career column, we ask people to share the big and small lessons they’ve learned on the job.
Grief therapist Natalie Greenberg runs her own practice in Manhattan and works with students at the NYU Counseling Center. She tells us what people don’t realize about grief and how strangers react to her job at dinner parties…
When were you first drawn to therapy?
When I was a kid, my father was an addict, and our family attended Al-Anon, a support group for families and friends of addicts. He’s now been sober for 17 years, but I always understood that therapy was a resource for people during difficult times.
Did you always know you’d become a therapist yourself?
Not at all. After graduating college with a communications degree, I nannied for a family and took a year to figure out what I wanted to do next. During my free time, I set up phone calls with my friends’ parents and interviewed them about their jobs, asking ‘What was your degree? How did you decide to do this? What are the pros and cons of your career?’ And that’s how I learned about social work, and how it has career paths that are similar to psychology, but have more of a social justice lens.
How did you choose to specialize in grief?
At age 22, I lost my mom to suicide. I had no idea how to process her death, and I didn’t know if I was allowed to talk about it with family and friends. Especially because suicide felt like a scary taboo subject. So, when it came to choosing a therapy specialty, I sat down and thought, ‘What is something that I feel especially equipped to help with?’ Grief came to me very quickly.
How do strangers at parties react when they hear you’re a grief therapist?
It’s a funny litmus test! People either ask a million questions or change the subject right away. People also sometimes say, ‘You’re going to psychoanalyze me!’ And, sure, it’s ingrained in me to look out for patterns. But at the same time, psychoanalyzing is work, and I don’t want to work at a party.
What’s the most challenging job you’ve had?
I worked in the Psychiatric ER at Bellevue, the busiest psychiatric hospital in the country. At first, the idea of working there terrified me, but I learned so much. During my second month, Hurricane Sandy flooded the hospital, and I saw firsthand how a hospital operates during a natural disaster. I also learned how to work in an a violent setting, since some patients would come in while intoxicated or psychotic and injure our staff. Going to therapy while working there was key for my own mental health.
You lost your mom at 22. What advice would you give young people who are grieving?
Losing my mother so young was extremely isolating. None of my friends had gone through anything similar; they didn’t know how to show up, and I didn’t know how communicate my needs. I ended up attending a grief group called The Dinner Party, an organization that hosts dinners for young people who have lost family or friends. It also felt so good to be able to talk with people my age about the grieving process without stigma. I’m obsessed with the organization and refer them to many of my clients.
Tell us about a work moment you’ll always remember.
Once during a session, a patient was describing a loss, and I started crying. Afterward I was very insecure and wondered whether I’d acted unprofessionally. My clinical supervisor reassured me, ‘You’re a therapist, but you’re also a human, and you’re responding to something really sad. What more could someone want than for their therapist to be human?’ That moment shifted my idea of how a therapist should show up for their patients, and validate them. In the early days of psychoanalysis, therapists were primarily men who acted like a blank slate. Those types of therapists still exist in some capacity, but that’s not who I am and that’s not the kind of therapist I want to be.
What’s your #1 advice for someone who’s interested in becoming a therapist?
You can be good at therapy but you also need to learn how to run a small business. You need to be organized. You need an accountant and lawyer. You need to know how to hustle.
How can we show up for friends who are grieving loved ones?
Grief lingers and can manifest on random days. So, keep checking in on your friends weeks, months, and even years afterward. For friends and family, I’ll put the death anniversaries of their loved ones in my calendar, so I’ll remember to reach out. Also, come up with your own saying, other than ‘Sorry for your loss’ because it can feel empty. It can be hard to find the right words, but to try to say something a little more genuine — like what you remember about that person, or even acknowledging that you don’t know what to say but you are here for them.
How has your own grief for your mom changed through the years?
My relationship with her has healed a lot since her passing. We didn’t have a close relationship when I was growing up, but now that I’ve experienced the stresses of adulthood and parenthood, I can understand her life a bit better. I can also now see how certain traumas that she experienced affected her parenting. Having that understanding makes it easier to take her off the parent pedestal and see her more as a human who went through hard things.
That’s beautiful.
Since her death, I’ve had dreams where she’s there with me. In those dreams, it doesn’t feel contentious. Instead, it’s always calm and healing, and we talk about unresolved issues. And when I wake up, I feel relieved knowing that my subconscious wasn’t angry or blaming — it’s trying to work things out.
If someone’s grief feels overwhelming, what advice would you give?
I like to help clients come up with meaningful rituals that memorialize this person. When it’s my mom’s birthday or death anniversary, I buy the Le Petit Écolier chocolate biscuit cookies that she loved, then light a Yahrzeit candle and listen to Fleetwood Mac. The ritual doesn’t have to be formal, it’s all about honoring the person that you lost.
Thank you so much, Natalie. What other careers would you like to see featured?
P.S. What it’s like to be a baker and how to navigate a career change.
(Photo illustration by Diana Moss.)
Entertainment
The Hello Nancy Lem vibrator is the perfect summer treat
If you’re a Woman on the Internet, you’ve probably seen the Hello Nancy Lem come across your feed in one form or another — either as a “wellness” ad or in a full-on TikTok review by a sex educator/influencer.
It’s the toy of the season (IMO), and it’s everywhere. I honestly haven’t seen a vibrator get this much attention since the Rose (you know the one) came out. And, like the Rose, dupes are now flooding the internet, but we’re interested in testing the real product.
That said, not all toys are as good as a company’s marketing budget (that’s an understatement). If you’re wondering if the Hello Nancy Lem is as good as they say it is, I’ve done the research and hands-on testing to give you an honest review.
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AdultFriendFinder
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readers’ pick for casual connections
Tinder
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top pick for finding hookups
Hinge
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popular choice for regular meetups
Why should you listen to me? I’ve been testing, reviewing, and covering sex tech for years. My office is basically a makeshift sex shop, I have a certificate from Sextech School, and probably most importantly, I have endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and occasional vaginismus spasms — so I am adamant about finding the best toys for people with pelvic pain in addition to my usual service journalism.
What is the Hello Nancy Lem?
If your algorithm hasn’t served you the Lem on a carousel or 15-second hype video yet, let me introduce you.
The Lem is a clitoral massager that looks like a lemon (hence the name). It has 12 intensities and patterns, is made of medical-grade silicone (hallelujah), and has a noise level of Hello Nancy website, the Lem is slightly quieter than a refrigerator’s hum at its lowest setting (~35–40 dB) and just a hair louder than “light rainfall” at max speed (
Credit: Tabitha Britt | Mashable
It’s also IPX7-rated, which means it’s waterproof, and it comes with either a magnetic charger or a Type-C port, depending on when you ordered. I actually have both versions; the one with the “flap” has a C-port charger, and the one without the “flap” has the magnetic charger. (Both are 100 percent waterproof!)
What’s in the box?
You’ll obviously get the Hello Nancy Lem Clitoral Massager, a satiny pink storage pouch, a little packet of helpful cards (a starter guide with a QR code to help you set up your toy, a 10 percent discount code that you can give to a friend, tips for getting in the mood, and a quick care guide), and of course, the charger. Note: You will not get a charging block, which isn’t a dealbreaker but something to consider since the end of both the magnetic charger and the C-charger is a USB.
Your Lem may also come with a packet of lube and some toy cleaner (I believe my first Lem did; that was around the time it became popular).
How does the Hello Nancy Lem work?
The Lem is easy to use, and both versions only have one button. If you have the USB-C version of the toy, the button will actually look like a button; if your toy has a magnetic charger, the “button” will look like an “N.”
Just hold the “N” (or button) down until the toy vibrates once to activate it, then press it to access the first setting. The only downside to having one intuitive control is that it’s impossible to go back to a previous setting; you have to cycle through all of them to get back to the start.
The intensities range from a Level 1, which Hello Nancy describes as “gentle,” and a level 7-8, which is “intense.” Patterns 9-12 are rhythmic, so if you prefer some variety, those might be for you. I personally just like to keep it at a steady pace and slowly work my way towards climaxing.
It really is just a tiny, non-threatening lemon.
Credit: Tabitha Britt | Mashable
Before your solo sesh, go ahead and charge your Lem to 100. It’ll take about 90 minutes (or less, considering it comes with a little bit of juice right out of the box). Once it’s fully charged, experiment! There’s nothing worse than placing a literal sucker on your clitoris and just waiting to see what happens. Get familiar with the controls, cycle through the settings, and feel the suction on a non-sexual body part like your arm or stomach before touching your sweet bits.
You don’t have to use lube, but lube does make everything better (despite the bad rep it gets on the streets; needing/wanting lube isn’t a failure!). If you do decide to use lube, use a water-based one. Oil, silicone, and alcohol-based products will degrade your toy.
Start slow and gradually increase the intensity to see what works best for you. Again, the toy is waterproof, so if you have roommates or just like playing in the bath/shower (I definitely did this during college!), you can take it in there without worrying about breaking it.
Here’s what I think about the Hello Nancy Lem Clitoral Massager
The Hello Nancy Lem is ideal for a few different scenarios: anyone who prefers clitoral stimulation over penetration, anyone who wants a powerful clit sucker that’ll give them a run for their money while using a penetrative toy (dual-stimulation for the win), or anyone who experiences pelvic pain and just can’t handle penetration.
The Lem will give you sweet, sweet butterfly kisses on your vulva until you turn it up, and then it’s like ohhh. You could honestly play with it for hours if you can control yourself, or if you want to have multiple orgasms. It’s also great for foreplay if you have trouble getting wet before sex (I do, thanks to my many pelvic conditions and issues). Plus, if you’ve always wanted to squirt, I think this is a great toy to have in your kit.
In terms of ergonomics, I love how it fits in my hand; it’s not too big or too small. It also fits over the clitoris in a way that isn’t awkward or weird. (Sometimes clitoral suction toys just don’t fit, no matter how you position them.) Because of the easy-to-hold shape, I think it’d also be a good pick for someone with arthritis or carpal tunnel (which I also have, LOL).
Personally, I’ve never not come after using the Lem. It can get me there in just a few minutes sans pelvic pain. That said, I think it’s important to note that not having an orgasm doesn’t mean the experience was a failure. As long as it feels good to you and you’re satisfied, playtime doesn’t always have to end in a climax.
Design-wise, it’s completely unassuming and non-threatening. It’s perfect for beginners, college students, or anyone with roommates who doesn’t want a vibrator sitting out. This one is cute enough that you could totally forget it on a nightstand and leave people none the wiser. It’s also TSA-friendly, has a convenient travel lock (just double-press the power button to unlock it), and the drawstring pouch makes it easy to just throw it into a carry-on and go.
What do the reviews say?
I’m obviously not the be-all and end-all, so here are a few “outside” reviews gathered from the Hello Nancy site itself (there are 15K+ reviews) and Reddit:
“GIRLS!!! 🍋🍋🍋🍋 This is THE best clit stim vibe hands down! I’m obsessed. I think about this little Lem way more than I should, and I am using it at least twice a day! The O’s this little baby gives are incredible! The suck is just insane. This Lem turns me into a puddle 🫠 💦”
“Omfg! I bought this thinking ‘it’s just going to be another generic vibrator and nothing much to write about.’ BOY! How wrong was I!? This little piece of ingenuity is the absolute best purchase I’ve ever made. I have never squirted without penetration before, until this! 🫠 Ladies, make sure you put a towel down first! Protect that mattress 🤭”
“Wow… it was absolutely awesome!! I have not dated for a while and have had some health issues. Furthermore, taking muscle relaxants, it was difficult to attain some pleasure, I mean the big O. I did not have great expectations, but….The Lemon was very successful. I highly recommend, and I’m over 70ish!”
“I bought the Lem about two months ago, and I use it daily, sometimes twice a day. I’ve never been able to give myself a clitoral orgasm. Before the Lem, I had a wand, and it never got me there. Being able to actually give myself an orgasm has been life-changing to say the least! My husband jokingly said great..now you don’t need me anymore.”
So, is the Hello Nancy Lem worth it?
If you’re new to sex toys, struggle with pelvic pain, are perimenopausal or menopausal, have had issues orgasming in the past, or cannot tolerate penetration, the Hello Nancy Lem is definitely worth trying. It’s also really good for foreplay and getting warmed up.
But, if you’re someone who’s used to intense clitoral suction (e.g., you’re an experienced user), you might want to try Satisfyer or Womanizer first. At $89 (that’s with the on-page discount), the Lem’s price point is also higher than the Satisfyer (currently retailing for around $55 on its website) and several versions of the Womanizer, including the new $59 “Peach Toy,” though that’s currently sold out. So keep that in mind when purchasing, too.
The Hello Nancy Lem, although I think it’s intense, might not be strong enough for some power users, according to a few Redditors. But for me? A cute, whisper-quiet little lemon that guarantees an orgasm without triggering my endo is worth every single penny of that $89.
Entertainment
How to pre-order Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8: See preorder deals
Table of Contents
New Samsung phones are here. At Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026, three new phones were announced: the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The new phones are successors to the Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7, so if you’re ready for a new phone, get ready to pre-order these devices.
We’ve been anticipating the new models for weeks, vetting rumors of what’s to come with the latest foldables. Now that we’re here, we can finally confirm exactly which models are available and just how much each will cost.
Galaxy Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8, and Z Fold 8 Ultra pricing breakdown
Here’s the pricing breakdown:
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Galaxy Z Flip 8 (pink, graphite, cream, mint) — starting at $1,199
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Galaxy Z Fold 8 (lavender, graphite, cream, pistachio) — starting at $1,899.99
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Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (violet shadow, graphite, cream, green shadow) — starting at $2,099.99
Both the Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra are $100 more than last year’s models; no surprise in the face of the global memory crisis. All of the new models are up for pre-order as of July 22 and will be available Aug. 7.
If you’ve previously owned the Z Flip and Fold series, the successive models are slightly different. So here’s what you need to know about the new Samsung smartphones.
Mashable Light Speed
About the Galaxy Z Flip 8
The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is the successor to the Z Flip 7.
Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group
The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is the successor to the Z Flip 7. It folds down into a pocket-sized square, flipping open to a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED display. The display is phenomenal and extremely impressive; the crease of the phone is indistinguishable when flipped open. It comes with a dual-lens camera with up to 10x zoom and 4K video at 60 fps. It has 12GB of RAM (more than some computers) and either 256GB or 512GB of storage space.
The Z Flip 8 comes in four different colors: pink, graphite, cream, and mint (online only). It starts at $1,199.99.
About the Galaxy Z Fold 8
The dimensions of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 are suspiciously close to the leaked foldable iPhone.
Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group
Apple has yet to release a foldable iPhone, but Samsung has already come out with a phone destined to compete. Rumors were floating about this model, with some thinking it would be called the Galaxy Z Fold Wide. Now we know it’s actually the Galaxy Z Fold 8, a new model with a fullscreen ratio of 4:3.
It’s a midrange option between the Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, with a 5.5-inch folded screen and a 7.6-inch full-size screen. Like the Flip, it has a dual lens camera, but is able to film in up to 8K at 30 fps. You can go for models with 12GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage, or a model with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.
The Z Fold 8 starts at $1,899.99. It comes in lavender, graphite, cream, and pistachio (online only).
About the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra
The successor to the Z Fold 7 is the Z Fold 8 Ultra.
Credit: Joseph Maldonado / CNET Group
If you’ve previously seen or used the Z Fold 7, its successor is the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. It’s the largest phone among all of Samsung’s foldables with a 6.5-inch cover screen and an 8-inch full screen. It’s the only foldable with a three-lens camera, letting you film in up to 8K with 3x optical and 30x space zoom.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra comes in violet shadow, graphite, cream, and green shadow (online only). It starts at $2,099.99.
Entertainment
Midjourney announces surprise purchase of popular horoscope app Co-Star
One of the world’s leading generative AI companies, with products licensed by tech powerhouses like Meta, has just announced its acquisition of one of the most popular astrology apps — and we didn’t have that on our Bingo cards in 2026.
Banu Guler, founder and CEO of Co-Star Astrology, took to X recently to announce her company’s acquisition by AI lab Midjourney, best known for making the generative AI tools used by popular services like Discord and Facebook. And because, on its surface, this is an odd acquisition to say the least, Guler went into some detail about the shared origins of these two companies:
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In a nod to the general public’s fear of artificial intelligence (a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 71% of Americans worry that their job will be replaced by AI), Guler took pains to distinguish the Co-Star/Midjourney partnership by pointing to the shared interests she has with Midjourney founder David Holz as well as his lab’s commitment to “beauty, imagination, and supporting human thriving with technology.”
Mashable Light Speed
And to further reassure Guler’s users, most of whom are young and therefore no strangers to tech-induced anxiety, Midjourney used its announcement to reiterate that Guler would retain “complete control” of Co-Star.
But what does a generative AI company want with an astrology app?
Because of the company’s forays into health, including the development of a full-body ultrasonic scanner, as well as Midjourney Medical, a novel concept that would see the AI company create a series of spas focused around combining older technology (saunas, hot tubs and cold plunges) with the aforementioned ultrasonic scanning technology, it’s possible that this is just another step towards a more holistic approach to healthcare, a kind of mind-body-spirit gambit that would cover all our bases.
As a result of the partnership, Banu Guler will also become Midjourney’s new Chief Design Officer, so we should expect to see some of the seamless design touches that made Co-Star such a standout success incorporated into the Midjourney ecosystem.
The Hello Nancy Lem vibrator is the perfect summer treat
How to pre-order Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8: See preorder deals
