There's always a weird part of the library, where they keep Justin Timberlake c.d.'s and other oddities you didn't know libraries had. This part of my blog will resemble that part of the library. Not because it's out of the ordinary, but because it's simply not about books. Below you will find other content that I find interesting: podcasts, Netflix documentaries, and more. If you like my book recommendations, there's a good chance you will find this interesting as well. If not... then mosey back to the part of the library that houses the books.
Podcasts:
Daily News Podcasts
Financial Times: FT News Briefing - quick recap of what's going on in the world, focusing on financial implications as well.
WSJ: What’s News - quick recap of what's going on in the world, focusing on business implications as well.
NPR: Up First - quick recap of what's going on in the world - I personally enjoy their calm, mellow tone while telling me Rome is burning during the quarantine.
Weekly/Occasional Podcasts
Pod Save the World/Pod Save America - Though they are two separate podcasts, it's the same thing just slightly different topics (US vs. Global topics). Led by former Obama staffers (policy people and writers), it's informative and interesting to listen to the weeks news through their eyes and how those in the Whitehouse might be handling things.
Here’s the Thing with Alec Baldwin - His voice is like butter (reminds me of Alan Almond from Detroit radio back in the early 2000s), and pairs great with a glass of red wine and a bubble bath at the end of a long day. He interviews a wide variety of people on topics you wouldn't think he would (like the person who runs the sanitation system in NYC).
NPR: How I Built This with Guy Raz - a fun and laidback interview with founders from a wide range of companies - both newer startups and more established enterprises. I love Guy's excitement in conversations and specifically the podcasts featuring Crate and Barrel and TOMS.
New Heights - I'm a bandwagon Chiefs fan, but I will say, I found this Podcast before Jason Kelce was dating TSwift. It's just fun to listen to two brothers have off-the-cuff conversations about their lives and football. It's a nice, wholesome listen.
Pivot - I was not originally a fan of this podcast, but Kara and Scott have grown on me as they talk about business (mostly tech) in our ever-changing economy. Tackling issues like student debt, business acquisitions, government regulations, etc, there's always plenty for them to debate when they're not being sidetracked by quick-witted or snarky comments thrown at each other.
Newsletters:
Morning Brew - started by a Michigan grad, I can't help but suggest this. A daily newsletter that sums up the news in an easy-to-read, easy-to-skim, kind of way that always has linked information should you want to read more.
Newsette - a women-focused newsletter that covers everything from major Supreme Court decisions, the newest fashion trends, and interviews with women business owners.
Girls' Night In - usually a once-weekly newsletter on Friday mornings that highlights the newest skin trends, up-and-coming books, and other wellness tips, tricks, and products.
MasterClass:
Martha Stewart: Think Like a Boss
George Stephanopoulos: Purposeful Communication
Jocko Willink: Critical Leadership
Rob Finley: Gardening
Madeleine Albright & Condoleezza Rice: Diplomacy
Kris Jenner: Personal Branding
Amy Poehler: Prepare to be Unprepared
Hillary Clinton: The Power of Resilience
George W. Bush: Authentic Leadership
Netflix:
Fear City: New York vs The Mafia: Limited Series - a mini-series that follows the FBI's investigation into The Mafia in NYC during the 80s and 90s, told by the investigators and prosecutors who took the 5 families down.
David Foster: Off the Record - the life story of one of Hollywood's most prolific producers, composers, and artists told by him and his closest family and friends. He helped artists like Josh Groban and Celine Dion find fame, along with helping stars like Whitney Houston and Barbara Streisand shine brighter.
Athlete A - the brave story of the survivors of abuse at the hands of Larry Nassar and the cover-up from USA Gymnastics. Told by the reporters, the parents, and survivors, this documentary is disturbing
Disclosure - a look into the lives of transgender Americans through the years, with struggles, triumphs, the impact from Hollywood, and the road ahead to true equality in society and in law.
Walt: The Man Behind the Myth - All about Walt and his life, whether you're a Mickey fan or not, it's a great watch.
Inequality for All - former labor secretary Robert Reich outlines some of our most pressing economic challenges in the US.
The Mayo Clinic - the history behind the men and nuns who started the first major hospital, medical school, and free clinic in the US. Lengthy but good.
Saving Capitalism - former labor secretary Robert Reich once again addresses economic challenges in the US and how to fix them in his opinion.
Brene Brown: The Call to Courage - what vulnerability can look like and how we lean into the uncomfortableness for better communication and connection.
Betty White: The First Lady of Television - an ode to Betty White and her history in Hollywood. A great and easy watch - you'll learn a lot about this funny lady!
the Goop lab, Episode 2: Cold Comfort + 4: The Health-Span Plan - Ep. 2: discussing the benefits of cold water in short increments to increase your body's ability to fight illness + Ep. 4: how different diets and health fads can add, decrease, or increase years in your lifespan.
The White Helmets - following volunteers in Syria who are running into troubled areas to help out their neighbors and fellow countrymen.
Disney+:
Hamilton - I can not recommend this enough. It was entertaining, I couldn't stop singing along, and it was a fabulous performance. The only thing to consider before you hit 'play', is how much time you have, because this is not a short film... it's quite long, so grab the whole bag of popcorn.
The Imagineering Story - looking at the creative side that makes Disney, Disney, this docu-series is fantastic whether you are interested in the business side of the company or focused on the fantasy. This series takes a deep dive into the decision-making process and unique minds that built parks, cruises, movies, and more for the Disney empire.
From Paris to Pittsburgh - if you want a condensed version of Al Gore's second book on climate change, or a quick refresher of the fallout from President Trump pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord and a reminder of American ingenuity, this is an easy watch.
HBO:
The Battle of amfAR - Following several amazing philanthropists and doctors, leading the charge to help fight the AIDS epidemic.
Nothing Left Unsaid - Anderson Cooper and his mother Gloria Vanderbilt in a documentary version of their books, chronicling her life and their relationship.
Into the Arms of Strangers - An insightful look into how Jewish children were saved during WWII via mass transit out of German-occupied territories.