Kimberlee K.

Hello there, and happy November!

We’ve got lots of favorites to cover so let’s get right into it.

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Podcasts

I was recommended Wiser than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus by a friend and have loved every episode. I’ve always liked interview podcasts but Julia is an especially wonderful host who doesn’t hesitate to be 100% herself. She interviews women who are older and wiser than her, and I’ve found helpful knowledge and advice in every episode.

Hosted by Jake Johnson from New Girl and Gareth Reynolds from The Dollop, We’re Here to Help is predictably hilarious and delightful. Each episode features a series of calls from listeners who need advice, and Jake and Gareth (and often a special guest) give them options for how to solve their particular problem.

Perhaps my favorite new podcast is That’s the Point with Kristin Johns and Jon Volk. In my opinion, there is nothing better than listening to two friends chat in a way that makes you feel like you’re sitting right alongside them, and this podcast is exactly that. They make me laugh and always give me something to bring up to friends, like Fall Bucket Lists, “Ick Pits,” and the like.

And finally, World of Secrets, which investigates the former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch and the ways in which he and his partner allegedly exploited and manipulated the male models on staff. It can be a hard listen, but one that I’m glad is out there, as it brought to light something that has clearly been well hidden for years.

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Books

I did a deep dive on Madison Beer after she released her second album, Silence Between Songs, and came across her book, The Half of It. It follows her sudden rise to fame after being discovered by Justin Bieber on YouTube when she was thirteen years old. I thought it was well written and an interesting look at the world of fame from behind the curtain. I think we all dream of being famous, but we underestimate what that means and the consequences it might have.

I first fell in love with Dolly Alderton at the beginning of this year when I read her memoir Everything I Know About Love, so I was excited to read Dear Dolly, which is a collection of letters she’s received for her advice column of the same name. I love the perspective and wisdom she offers her readers, it’s the perfect balance of gentle and tough.

And finally, My Lost Brothers by Brendan McDonough, which is a memoir written by the hot shot firefighter and lone survivor of the Yarnell Hill fire. It is a great look inside the world of a hot shot, from the brutal training to the incredibly dangerous and selfless work done in the field. My cousin is a hot shot, so I felt like I got a better look at the work he’s done, and it made me even more grateful for the brave men and women continually putting their lives on the line.

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Movies

Historically, I love anything and everything that Zach Braff puts out, and A Good Person is no exception. I started it on a plane and then immediately went home and bought it on Amazon so that I could both finish it and rewatch it. It follows the aftermath of a fatal car accident, the driver of which sinks into a pain killer addiction that she can’t see the other side of until she connects with the father of one of the victims. It is so difficult but so powerful, one that I think captures humanness in a very special way. (find it on Amazon Prime)

So this movie is also sad and hard, but also so good. Sorry in advance, but also you’re welcome. I loved Sitting in Bars with Cake because it is such a beautiful tribute to friendship. It follows two girls who have been friends their whole lives, as they hatch a year long plan to start bringing cakes to bars in order to meet men. Things take a turn when one is diagnosed with cancer, but they don’t let it stop them from completing their quest. (find it on Amazon Prime)

Oh my gosh, I am just now realizing that every movie on this list has made me cry. Apparently that is just the zone I’m in right now. I APOLOGIZE BUT ALSO DON’T because again, this is a fantastic movie. Love at First Sight is charming and different and scratched the rom com (ish) itch that I feel like we’ve been missing for quite some time now. Also, I love Haley Lu Richardson, and she never seems to miss in my book. (find it on Netflix)

And finally, Flora and Son, another plane watch that got me in my feels. It follows Flora, a newly divorced mom who is trying to find her way, as she starts taking online guitar lessons. In doing so, she’s able to reconnect with her teenage son, and yes, I cried.  (find it on Apple TV+)

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TV Shows

My brother recommended me Quarterback with these exact words: “you will love it and you will fall in love with Kirk Cousins.” Both of these things are now true. Quarterback follows three NFL quarterbacks throughout the 2022 season, and dives deep into the brutal work it takes to play that position. I’ll admit, I wasn’t giving quarterbacks enough credit, and now I just want to give (most of) them a hug, and yell at the O-line to DO A BETTER JOB. Or maybe that’s just the Giant’s fan in me. Either way, it’s a great watch. (find it on Netflix)

Lessons in Chemistry is based on a book of the same name that follows chemist Elizabeth Zott as she navigates the male dominated world of science in the 1960’s. After having her research stolen, she pivots and accepts a job as cooking show host, where she uses her skills in chemistry to teach the women of America how to cook. It is so frustrating at times, but SO good. Elizabeth kicks ass. (find it on Apple TV+)

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Music

I came across SO MUCH good music these last two months. So cozy, so good, so fall, so yay!

Silence Between Songs by Madison Beer

GUTS by Olivia Rodrigo

Church Pew by Riley Clemmons

Bigger Houses by Dan + Shay

Little Songs by Colter Wall

BOOTCUT by Bahamas

Twenty Something by Alanna Springsteen

Boys of Faith by Zach Bryan

Along the Way by Colbie Caillat

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New York Times Games App

I’ve recently gotten into both the NYT Mini and NYT Connections. I like to do them in the evenings while I eat dinner, they make me feel accomplished for the day. I downloaded the NYT Games app and also do the Wordle while I’m in there. It checks little boxes in my brain and I love it.

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Have anything you’ve been loving over these last couple months? Let me know!

See my previous favorites post here.