Sometimes I have an idea to introduce these favorites, other times I just want to hold out a figurative platter and say, “uhh HERE.”
Now that I’m really picturing it, I realize I’m envisioning myself as a caterer, weaving in and out of wedding guests, donning a matching bowtie and vest. But rather than small bites—some mouthwatering, some terrifying—I am handing out recommendations, things I think are worth sharing.
So, you know, here.
Podcasts
30 for 30’s The Betrayal of Shohei takes a deep dive into one of the most shocking sports controversies. No matter which side you land on, I think it highlights the sad truth about gambling addiction and the way it can spiral out of hand fast.
Love Trapped covers the Bachelor nation scandal in which past contestant Clayton Echart got caught up in a paternity lawsuit. When I tell you I was YELLING at my podcast app while listening to this.
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Books
I was keeping as quiet as I could about reading Throne of Glass because I didn’t want my algorithm to know and thus feed me spoilers. And thankfully, I made it through the entire series without a peep. There was a lot of hype around these books and I can now say that it is WARRANTED. I loved it. I’m sad it’s over. So if you’re at all on the fence about starting these books, I say go for it!!
The Sane One by Anna Konkle is one of the best audiobooks I’ve listened to in a while. I always like listening to memoirs read by the author and Anna Konkle (co-creator of Pen15) did a particularly great job, she made me laugh, she made me cry, she felt like a friend telling me a story.
Into the Blue by Emma Brodie follows AJ and Noah, friends who become acting partners in their late teens/early twenties and how their relationship evolves over the next few decades. It was a book that I never knew where it was going next, but that me gripped throughout the entire thing.
And finally Whistler by Ann Patchett, who has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I’ve seen reviews describe this book as “a warm hug” and I would agree! There is such lightness in this story where Daphne runs into her former stepfather 40 years after they’d last seen each other, resurfacing a lot of the past and the ways that it shaped them.
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TV Shows
Sterling Point is another one worth the buzz in my opinion. It follows Annie, who travels to the (fictional) Canadian island of the same name, to learn more about her late mother. I think it’s so rare for a show to nail community, to make you root for and care about all of the characters, but this one did! It was so sweet and raw and real, I loved it! (find it on Prime Video)
I was late to All Her Fault but MY GOSH, from minute one I was hooked and desperate to know what happens. It follows Marissa Irvine, whose five year old son goes missing after a playdate, and the search that ensues to find him. (find it on Peacock)
I also watched 100 Cooks, a fun reminder of why I was once completely addicted to Food Network shows. The challenges were fun and it seemed like every single person’s story made me cry. I’d gladly tune in for season two. (find it on HBO Max)
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Documentaries
Even though most seasons of America’s Sweethearts are essentially the same, I will tune in each year because I’m fascinated by the process and all the hard work that goes into forming the team. I liked that they dug into the online commentary that has begun to follow the show, pushing back, I think, on the keyboard warriors who spew unnecessary hate at the dancers. I can only hope people might find it in themselves to simply not comment. (find it on Netflix)
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Movies
I cannot tell you how wide my eyes got at the twist in The Drama. It follows Charlie and Emma who, in the week before they get married, discover something that spurs everything into disarray. It is divisive and really asks you to think what would you do? Which can be startling and uncomfortable but ultimately made me really like it. (find it on HBO Max)
And I am so so glad to say I saw The Odyssey in theaters which, if possible, is the way to see it! I don’t feel like I’m qualified to call things “masterpieces” but there is really no other word for it. (find it in theaters!)
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Music
God Must Really Love Me by Tori Kelly
Daughter from Hell by Gracie Abrams
Chuck Timely & the Hourglass by Role Model
petal by Ariana Grande
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Artists/Social Media
Maya & Hunter (@mayaandhunter): their videos are always so positive and sweet. I especially like their Reading Vlog series where they intentionally combine their hobbies.
Passenger Princess (@ameliadimoldenberg): Amelia Dimoldenberg, who I love on Chicken Shop Date and her red carpet interviews, asks F1 drivers to teach her how to drive. They all bring different energies and humors and every episode makes me laugh. I particularly loved this one.
Becca Bastos (@beccabastos): there is perhaps no one making me laugh harder on Instagram than Becca. This video is one of my favorites.
Erin Sullivan (@erinoutdoors): an artist that specializes in miniatures! I am in awe of her work!
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Links
Loved this post by Hannah Connolly reminding people what is “normal”
I also love this Odyssey recap by Emma Straub.
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Trader Joe’s Finds
Ranch Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips – the texture and flavor of these are GOOD, I will be buying again.
Stuffed Peppers – having attempted a few stuffed pepper recipes in the past, I expected these to be mediocre but they were actually quite delicious!
Fruits & Greens Smoothie Blend – perfect for these hot summer days, with a handful of recommended add-ins on the back. Yum!
See my previous favorites post here.
Kimberlee K. 
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