Sometimes I feel like my whole life is taken up by social media these days. That’s why I find it ridiculously important to take time to read, listen to podcasts, and watch a few TV shows/movies. Here’s what I’ve been into this month:

BOOKS

On Emotional Intelligence

Sadly, only one actual book is on my list this month. I’ll admit I’ve really fallen behind on reading. Normally I’m a novel kinda girl, but this book, which is a compilation of articles written by experts in leadership and effective management, explores the different ways to identify traits of good leaders and how to bring those out in yourself. As a woman who’s growing her own business, I’m reading this to ensure that as I continue to build, I’m able to lead anyone who works with me in an inspiring, uplifting way.

PODCASTS

Waking Up With Sam Harris 

This is a podcast for when you’re wanting to work your brain’s philosophical side. Neuroscientist and philosopher Sam Harris covers controversial topics about our society, the human mind and current events. His willingness to bring on hosts who challenge his opinions and his quiet, logical and rational demeanor to debating them is a refreshing change from ratings-grubbers like MSNBC & FOX News. I love how he deeply explores topics and makes you see them from different perspectives. His episode on gun control definitely left me questioning some of my beliefs.

Up & Vanished

One of my friends recommended this investigative podcast to me. Host Payne Lindsey, who is a documentary film maker, looks into the local cold case of Tara Grinstead, a local beauty queen who disappeared 11 years ago. His clever sleuthing actually prompts police to reopen the case and you’ll be surprised where things go. Between the pursuit of the unknown and the people you get to know in this season, you’ll be hooked. Can’t wait for the next season!

Anything Ghost

I’m a sucker for a good ghost story, so I’ve actually been listening to this one for a long-ass time. Every two weeks host Lex Wahl puts together a collection of paranormal stories from listeners. All stories are supposedly to true (no fictional stories are allowed), and I like to suspend my disbelief for about 90 minutes each week to scare myself silly. My favorite is when people actually send recordings of themselves telling their stories.

SHOWS

Younger

I always shied away from watching this show because it was on TVLAND, and I thought it would be like Hot In Cleveland or something. NOPE. This series, about Liza, a 40-something mother who pretends to be in her 20s to get a job in publishing, had me racing through episodes. The characters are lovable, especially Hillary Duff’s character Kelsey (and omg, Liza’s friend Maggie!). You’ll laugh a little, learn some stuff about publishing, and probably have a skewed idea of what a NYC publisher’s life is ACTUALLY like, but hey, a little fantasy never hurt anyone.

The Bold Type

Speaking of shows that overly glamorize jobs in the media sector, this one, which follows three millennial best friends working for a fashion magazine, just gets it right for me. Yes, it may be a bit of a NYC-fantasy, but there are a lot of ways this show is truly authentic about being a millennial woman. When TV (especially this channel) is guilty of pushing shows where women tear each other down (I’m looking at you, Pretty Little Liars), this one is about the complexity and uplifting necessity of the female bond. Plus, the chemistry between the three main characters is undeniably amazing.

The Good Wife

I’ve been pining for another legal/crime drama since How To Get Away With Murder wrapped up six months ago (almost to a new season!). This show has filled the void for me, and has been a daily must that fuels my Hulu addiction. It’s about Alicia Florrick, who restarts her law career after her State’s Attorney husband (Mr. Big from SATC) gets caught in a public sex and corruption scandal. The performances are great, especially Juliana Margulies, and each episode is completely digestible.

MOVIES

Detroit 

At a time when the conversation about race is incredibly tense right now in the U.S., I think everyone needs to see this. It’s a depiction of what happened to several guests at the Algiers Hotel in 1967 Detroit when police interrogated them after hearing what they believed to be gunshots coming from the area. My heart hurt for a few days after seeing this, but it was worth it.

Patty Cake$

This movie is my favorite of the summer. The perfect feel-good underdog story about a young woman living in a shitty part of Jersey with her alcoholic mom. She finds an outlet in rap music and bands together with the scrappiest of friends to create something bigger than just an album. Lots of laughs and tears (and also Bridget Everett!).

Ingrid Goes West

This movie’s for anyone who’s into social media and also loves Aubrey Plaza’s sarcastic antics. Aubrey plays Ingrid, who decides to move across the country to befriend/stalk one of her favorite social media stars. What she finds along the way is that life on Instagram isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, meeting quite a few characters, including a dude who’s obsessed with Batman, along the way. It’s as hilarious as it is poignant.

What are you reading, listening to and watching right now? I need some inspiration and ideas for next month!

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