RWL w me May
A month of some of the best content I've read, watched, and listened to
What I’m listening to…
Therapuss with Jake Shane: Jay Shetty (session 73) & Ride x Therapuss (session 74) episodes (Spotify) — Listen to the Jay Shetty (author & podcast host of On Purpose) episode for a vulnerable Jake speaking about taking care of and being kind to oneself. On the other hand, the latest episode with Benito (Benny) Skinner and Mary Beth Barone, who host a podcast called Ride, features the trio speaking about Benny’s debut show, Overcompensating (more to come below on this one), and pop culture.
I Am Digital, I Am Divine by Erin LeCount (Spotify) — I discovered Erin LeCount’s music on TikTok as she was beginning to release her latest EP, I Am Digital, I Am Divine. Her angelic voice, the epic echoing background music, and her heart-wrenching lyrics about love and mental illness remind me of Florence & the Machine. All five of the songs on this album are hits. The next big thing, mark my words.
Jessie Murph (Spotify) — We’re pivoting here to a very different vibe when it comes to Jessie Murph, another artist I found on TikTok. Her gravelly vocals and Priscilla Presley look reflect her unique genre, a combination of country, rock, and pop. Her big hit, Blue Strips, is the best example of her sound. I’m sure we’ll be hearing more from her soon.
Rachel Chinouriri (Spotify) — Once again, another TikTok find. The app truly is the new primary way of discovering talent. I’m very excited to see her in concert on Sunday of All Things Go in DC. Her sound is more of a soft, indie pop.
Good Hang with Amy Poehler: “Philly Justice” (Spotify) — If you’ve listened to any of the earlier episodes with Parks & Rec guests, you’ve heard about the show Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Adam Scott, and Kathryn Hahn created as a joke while on set of Parks & Rec. Poehler brought together the actors and Parks & Rec creator Mike Schur to dive into the creation of the comedic, legal procedural, Philly Justice, and watch the unreleased trailer they filmed over 10 years ago.
What I’m watching…
Overcompensating (Prime Video) — A new show based on creator Benito Skinner’s college experience and coming-out story is a hilarious, spot-on portrayal of finding yourself in college and the absurdities of Greek-life culture. The cast is an iconic combination of Benny’s BFFs/big names in pop culture and comedy, including Mary Beth Barone, Adam DiMarco, Owen Thiele, Connie Britton, Caleb Hearon, Lukas Gage, Kaia Gerber, and Charlie XCX. I can’t forget co-lead Wally Baram, who I’m sure you’ll start seeing a lot more of. Season 2 couldn’t come fast enough.
Below Deck Down Under Season 1 (Peacock) — “The easiest reality show to get into” - Jack Berson. The show follows the captain, deckhands, & stewards on a luxury yacht in Australia as they cater to their charters throughout a season.
The Four Seasons (Netflix) — A remake of 1the 981 film of the same name, which follows a group of long-time friends (Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Colman Domingo, Will Forte) & their partners throughout four seasons/trips after one friend, Steve Carell, divorces his wife, Kerri Kenney-Silver, and starts dating a 30-something year old.
Sinners (currently still in theaters) — The best movie I’ve seen this year. Director Ryan Coogler killed it, no pun intended. A young, burgeoning blues musician, Sammie, and his twin cousins, Smoke & Stack, bring their community together for a night of music and dancing in 1930s Missouri when a supernatural evil unexpectedly arrives. Coogler balanced the violence and dark history with lovable characters and comedy. 11/10, highly recommend.
What I’m reading…
The Devil’s Flute Murders by Seishi Yokomizo, Jim Rion (translator) (Detective Kosuke Kindaichi #8) — A former Count goes missing, and Detective Kosuke Kindaichi is called in to figure out if the Count truly is dead and who in the house is involved. This is the second book I’ve read in the series. I chose it because, although the writing style and structure are predictable, the plot is far from it.
Jesus & John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation by Kristin Kobes Du Mez — The latest book club book. I don’t think I need to explain it; the title says enough. I’m not very far into this one and am unsure if I’ll finish it. My current thoughts: I’m not learning anything new besides the names of a bunch of hyper-masculine white men who shaped modern-day Evangelicalism.
The Will of the Many (Hierarchy #1) by James Islington — The best fantasy book I’ve read since Harry Potter. I’m eagerly anticipating the second book, The Strength of the Few (release date: November 2025). The book is about an orphan, Vis, navigating life under the Hierarchy, a society/government centered around citizens ceding their will to the elite (a clever nod to capitalism). When Vis finds himself attending The Academy, where the next leaders in Military, Governance, and Religion are selected, he is tasked with unveiling a mystery that could change the world.
See you next month!