This week on The Spark File, we’re cultivating delight with an episode we’re calling “Words We Love.” Susan went spelunking through her massive digital spark file and emerged with a glittering haul: words that crack us up, words that soothe, words that make you feel—dare we say—carbonated. We talk effervescent, herkle-durkle, mudita (the joy we feel for someone else’s good news), glugaveder (window weather), mangata (moon street), and the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows—aka proof that language can be poetry and permission at the same time. Along the way, we remember that the right word can name what’s true, soften what’s hard, and reconnect us to one another—especially in intense times. Your mission: drop your favorite word in the comments (or email us) and let it spark something new. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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