Welcome to The Ick.

I’m Emily, a journalist and essayist, and I’m the author here.

The Ick is a publication organized into themed seasons. Start anywhere you like. Here are the contents so far:

Season 3: Social Survival Guide

This season we’re decoding the hidden rules of human connection. What makes people click? What makes them ick? With help from psychologists, linguists, and social scientists, season 3 is creating a field guide to post-pandemic etiquette.

Newest in season 3

Season 2: The 5 Senses

Instead of filtering out what makes us feel weird, out of control, or icked out—we’re turning up the volume. A season of essays and interviews dedicated to delighting in the qualia and surprising interwovenness of the senses.

Season 1: Embarrassing Stories

A series covering my most embarrassing moments from compulsive lying to almost drowning.

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