Looking for a diversion from the news (Seth Godin recommends just 5 minutes of news a day!) or just something new to dive into? Me too. Here’s a few things I’ve enjoyed lately:
2 Podcasts
I listened to this podcast occasionally before the COVID-19 pandemic shut things down, but now I devour it. I’m sure it’s because actors Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey (who played Pam and Angela on the show) are so friendly, funny and approachable, they’re like surrogate girlfriends to me! I was a fan of The Office when it originally aired, but hadn’t watched it since the series ended in 2013. Now, I watch each episode after listening to the ladies dish about everything that happened behind the scenes. It’s a double-win!
I was so happy to find new episodes of The Happiness Lab in my podcast player (I use Overcast) between the regularly scheduled seasons. Host Laurie Santos, a Yale professor, shares practical, actionable ways we can boost our happiness and explains the underlying research. From March 15th through April 20th, bonus episodes were posted that cover topics relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic such as Calm Can Be Contagious, Beat Your Isolation and Loneliness, Helping the Helpers and Good Screens and Bad Screens. (I wrote about this podcast last October – it’s interesting to compare my thoughts then to the situation most of us know now.)
An Audiobook
Bird by Bird Audiobook on Libby
Do you know about the Libby app for borrowing e-books and audiobooks online for free? I found out about it from a friend but it turns out it was listed on a big “resources” list from my local library as well. Between Libby, Axis 360 and Hoopla, I’ve been able to find a lot of free reading/listening material while my library is closed. I was reminded of this book in a writing webinar last month. It’s great when you’re stuck or doubtful and need reminding that writing is a slog and we do ourselves a favor when we celebrate our “shitty first drafts” and keep going.
A TV Series
Picard on CBS All Access 1-Month Free Trial
I haven’t even finished watching the first season of Picard on CBS All Access, but I’m loving it! I guess this recommendation is pretty specific to sci-fi fans generally and lovers of “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” (I’m also a huge fan of Sir Patrick Stewart in real life — have you been listening to him read a sonnet a day?) I love escaping into sci-fi universes, and it’s a huge bonus to have the feeling of being reunited with an old friend in this show.
I hope you’re doing well! Feel free to comment with your own recommendations!
What I’m reading: Little: A Novel by Edward Carey. I’m reading the e-book format for free on Axis 360.
What my 10-year old is reading: Music is my Life by Myles Tanzer.