Lately I’ve been making a conscious effort to be selective with the books, media, ideas, music, etc. that I consume. I’ve found that what I take in, tends to have a profound effect on my mood, and in turn, how I show up in the world - with my friends, family, strangers, etc.

Take a peek into the archives of my brain below:

books i’ve finished this year

Talking to Strangers by Malcom Gladwell

made me really think about how all people present emotions very differently
How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell

got me wanting to be a bird watcher and to appreciate public art more
Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown

our emotions vocabulary is way too limited. No wonder relationships (all types) are difficult for us humans
The Heart of Compassion 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva

I’m constantly returning to this book, and I try to start my mornings with this book every day.
Bartleby the Scrivener

wanted to revisit this after reading it back in 8th grade. Fascinating look into the depressed mind of a wall-street worker.
Moral Letters to Lucilius

I turned to stoicism to help me get through a breakup earlier this year.

movies I liked this year

Stutz
Lost in Translation
Drive My Car

favorite movie of the year
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Nothing to Hide

podcasts i love

The Tim Ferriss Show

honestly Tim Ferriss just makes me feel less alone. I love that he is so open to exposing the complexity of his being - from the things he struggles with to his varying interests.
How I Built This with Guy Raz (NPR)

this was my favorite podcast for a while. if you’re into stories about entrepreneurs, and you want to get inspired, this show is your guy.
The Psychology Podcast by Scott Barry Kaufman

if you are a psychology nerd like me, you need to listen to this pod. Scott is also adorably eccentric.
No Stupid Questions (Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher)

I love this podcast. It is so entertaining, and full of fascinating research. Stephen and Angela are a great duo.