big juicy recommendations round-up

my favorite tv shows, substacks, books and more!

There is so much good content out there these days. I try to be a mindful consumer and only watch, listen, and read things that make me feel good and are not brain numbing. I’ve quit social media, so I have lots more time to relax into good books, Substack, and tv shows.

TV Series

• Bad Sisters (Apple TV) - This show features four sisters who start joyfully dreaming of killing their brother-in-law because he’s abusive to their oldest sister. Chaos ensues, but somehow the show keeps its optimistic tone. If you loved the song “Goodbye Earl” by the Dixie Chicks, you’ll love this show. Not only did I love the bond these sisters shared, I loved seeing the landscapes of Ireland and dreaming about cold swimming there. I grew to love the Irish actors Sharon Horgan and Daryl McCormack.

• Slow Horses (Apple TV) - If you love spy movies with underdog characters, this ones for you! Kristin Scott Thomas plays the “second desk” villain while keeping her “slow horses” (demoted MI5 agents) on a short leash. Gary Oldman’s character is fantastic, lovable, and so funny.

• The Outlaws (HBO Max) - Another mystery crime show that is also gigglefest. People from all walks of life join together while participating in mandatory community service for committing a crime. When they come across a huge bag of money - they have to decide what to do - together. I have always loved Christopher Walken, and his sweet talking character in this show is so smooth. Bonus: Claes Bang from Bad Sisters is back as another villain!

• One Day (Netflix) - If you loved Normal People, you will love this show. Told over a series of twenty years, it follows two people destined to be together but run into growing pains along the way. Ambika Mod is so relatable - she shines in this show!

• Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Netflix) - A few years ago I fell in love with actress and writer Maya Erskine in her show Pen15 on Hulu. I was wondering where she went, and so happy to see she absolutely slays in the this show opposite Donald Glover. They have such great chemistry together! This show also features a guest appearance from my personal creative muse Michaela Cole (of I May Destroy You fame), a total BABE, as well as Sharon Horgan from Bad Sisters and John Turturro from Severance. Truly stellar list of stars from my favorite ever shows.

The State Archives in Napoli

Substacks - Travel

• Caravanserai by

  Samantha Childress
  - Like me, Samantha is living abroad due to her spouse’s job, but in the Middle East. I loved reading about her time sailing along the Nile in Egypt and look forward for more stories from her new home in Jordan.

• Travel Doorways by

  Clarice Dankers
  - Her series on living in Afghanistan during the 70s was amazing. She adds a bit of history with her personal stories and you end up learning so much!

Substacks - Slow Living

• The Simple Letter by

  Jessica Rose Williams
  - I relate to a lot of what Jessica writes about: living well, self-discovery, embracing hobbies, journaling. She is living her fabulous, mindful life in Paris, one of my favorite cities.

• Slow Scottish Stories by

  Molly Ella
  - reading Molly’s essays feels like we’re speaking with a friend. I admire her values and authenticity. Plus, she created a dreamy world for herself in cozy home in the Scottish highlands.

Fiction Books

• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett - my favorite part of this book is at the beginning, when we see the protagonist, a high school student, observing adults audition for community theater. Patchett’s description of the parent as a “human” is so spot on.

• Hello Beautiful by

  Ann Napolitano
  - Another story with four sisters who grow up together in Chicago. Since I also grew up Catholic with three siblings and a basketball player, if felt like reading about a family I might have known. I devoured this book on a weekend road trip.

What about you? What are you reading, listening to, and watching these days? I’ve got some major travel plans ahead, so I’d love your helpful advice for new content.