You just can’t copy Mary Norris - because she’s the original comma queen. Norris joined the editorial staff of The New Yorker in 1978 and was a copy editor and proofreader there for more than thirty years. She’s also the wickedly funny New York Times-best selling author of "Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen" (named a best book of the year in 2015 by NPR, The Wall Street Journal, and more), and the upcoming "Greek to Me: Adventures of the Comma Queen". Norris’ vise-grip on grammar, irreverent punctuation protocols, and charming linguistic know-how make the rules of good writing simple: whatever Mary Norris decrees to be good writing, is. You don't argue with the comma queen.

If Jackie Kashian isn’t the hero of this story, she’s doing a damn good impression of one. The comic and podcaster released her newest album, "I Am Not the Hero of This Story", to critical acclaim and #1 ratings on iTunes and Amazon. The politically-tinged album finds Kashian examining our current world with satire, thoughtfulness, and a hilarious chat about the dystopian present. Kashian is heroically in the thirteenth year of hosting her popular podcast, The Dork Forest, where she talks to people about what they love to do, think about, and collect. She also has a podcast with Laurie Kilmartin where they celebrate stand up called The Jackie and Laurie Show. With her hilarity and sheer prolificness, Jackie Kashian is the comedic hero we’ve been promised.

Ryan O’Connell is definitely something special. His new Netflix show "Special" — based on his memoir “I’m Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves” — tracks his experience as a gay, disabled man who confronts the truth about his identity after years of hiding and half-truths. He's also penned scripts for “Awkward,” “Will & Grace,” and the second “90210” reboot on his way to writing, creating, and starring in the autobiographical series. From writing to performing to showcasing his own self-acceptance, it takes a special talent to be in Ryan O’Connell’s league.

The Get Ahead, a band comprised of five friends and two couples, has always been focused on growth – in more ways than one. Following their 2017 release, “Mind is a Mountain,” the band synthesized and deepened their sound in their April 2019 release, “Deepest Light.” They also grew in more literal ways, as the band’s lead singers, Nathan and Juliet, were married on the Oregon Coast and welcomed their new baby into the world. “Deepest Light” is an album that celebrates this exploration and expansion. Featuring American roots music, three-part harmonies, and moving lyricism, it’s a milestone for the identity of this tight-knit group.