Podcasts
I have just started listening to a new podcast called Cover Up: Body Brokers. It’s kind of a shame to find it so early, because there are only two episodes out so far, with the rest being released weekly. It fulfils my need for stories about both true crime and scams, and I’m excited to see where it goes.
Aside from that, I’m just continuing on with my usual favourites, such as:
If Books Could Kill, a deep dive into popular books that are essentially trash. Mostly self help books, such as The Secret, and Rich Dad Poor Dad. Michael Hobbes (Maintenance Phase, You’re Wrong About) hosts it with Peter Shamshiri, and they are so smart and so funny.
Generation Why, a true crime podcast by two American guys. Yes, there are a million true crime podcasts, and some of them really push the boundary between entertainment and information. I think Aaron and Justin do a good job of being sensitive to the victims and critical (when necessary) of law enforcement. They present the cases in a way that is engaging, but without being too jokey and inappropriate.
The Big Flop, a relatively new podcast (the first episode came out in August 2023) that covers failures on a large scale. Episodes feature flops such as the Cats movie, and Fyre Festival. It’s funny, and almost fills the gap that Just the Gist has left in my life (although it is returning soon)! Also, Rachel Dratch was a guest on the last episode!
TV and Movies
I am trying to get around to finally watching series that have been on my list forever, such as Welcome to Chippendales. Kumail Nanjiani is amazing, and I’m loving the series so far. I’m not even up to the craziest part of the story yet (I know roughly what happens because I’ve listened to a podcast about it). Also, I love shows set in the 70s and 80s, when done well.
I wanted to see it at the movies when it came out, but I didn’t want to sell everything I own (why is going to the movies so expensive now?), so luckily Joy Ride didn’t take too long to pop up on streaming. I LOVED this movie! I’m not sure if it’s just me, but it feels like there are less comedies coming out at the moment. Everything is very DRAMA. Which is fine, but I love a good comedy. You know this is going to be funny in the first few minutes, and it did not disappoint. There was also a really sad part, and I truly believe that the best comedies will make you cry, so it’s a winner for me.
Another comedy I enjoyed (I actually watched it last year, but oh well), is The Treasure of Foggy Mountain. Written/featuring the guys from Do Not Destroy, who currently do the digital shorts for SNL, it is silly and fun, and I really enjoyed it. Similar vibes to The Lonely Island, but without the music.
Ted, Seth MacFarlane’s movie about a guy whose teddy bear came to life, is now a series. A prequel of sorts, it takes us back to the early 90s when John was in high school, and Ted gets forced to go with him, to stop him causing mayhem at home during the day. It’s like a mix of a 90s sitcom, high school drama, and Seth MacFarlane’s unique humour.
Books
The third of Samantha Irby’s books that I have read, Quietly Hostile, was first off the block this year. Love her, love her writing, and this one was really fun because she writes a bit about Sex and the City (she wrote for And Just Like That!)
I have started reading The Bureau: The Secret History of the FBI, and I am liking it so far, but it does feel intimidating because it’s about a million pages long.
Aside from that, my husband and I are continuing to read To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, which is also a million pages long, that we started last year. I’m also powering through Freida McFadden books on my Kindle. Her books are so easy to read, and I love a good thriller.
It’s already two weeks into January, but also how is it only two weeks into January? Time is a strange, strange thing.