The following are a series of podcasts that Mary Mitchell and Letitia Baldrige recorded on a diversity of subjects. They refer to them as, “Tish and Mary Talk Manners”. These charming dialogues are filled with insights into some of the thornier aspects of etiquette: (to listen to the audio file, simply click the play arrow to the left of the audio bar)

• The cocktail party – among the issues discussed are why to host one, why bother to go to one, “RSVP’ing” , achieving clarity in the invitation, and how to handle uninvited guests.
  
• Declining invitations – the trickier aspects of “just saying no” are dealt with here –little white lies and why it’s best to avoid them.
  
• The Toast – many helpful suggestions are offered both to the toaster and to the rest of the assembled gathering; “to clink or not to clink, that is the question.”
  
• Charity donations – how to politely avoid making a cash contribution in difficult financial times, while still contributing in significant ways.
  
• Conversing in depressing times – how best to change the topic, how to insinuate yourself into the conversation politely, and how to help shy people feel more relaxed.
  
• Condolence notes – so difficult to write and yet so meaningful to the bereaved; suggestions for what to say and how to say it, with an emphasis on timeliness.
  
• Keeping political differences polite – how to disagree without being disagreeable, willingness to apologize, and learning when to hold your tongue.