I find myself with so many recommendations for you guys that I cannot possibly cram them all into Monday Rundown posts! I decided to create a Friday collection of my road tested recommendations. This edition is mostly reading and listening but I will review all kinds of things in this space from food and fuel to gear and clothing.
If it’s one thing I have plenty of, it’s opinions. Take ’em or leave ’em.
PODCASTS
Podcasts are my saviors on the indoor bike trainer. It’s hard to stay focused on a movie when you’re heart rate is skyrocketing and you can’t breathe.
Best of the week: Heavyweight with Johnathan Goldstein | Gimlet Media
One of my favorite parts of each episode is the call to his sister to start things off. They have a hilarious relationship and, she’s a mom so she never has time to talk or indulge her brother. The podcast centers around Johnathan helping all kinds of people resolve life issues or troubled relationships. I laughed my ass off listening to “Buzz” and felt a lot better about my life and self esteem listening to “Gregor.”
Worst of the week: Rich Roll episode with Lance Armstrong
I forget who recommended this and why but Lance comes off as a total douche. I’m actually a fan of his, despite everything that has happened, so I eagerly listened wanting it to be amazing. I actually felt sorry for Rich because he is a class act and Lance is a pompous ass. #nolongerafan
TELEVISION
I always make time for television at night. It’s one of the best ways my husband and I know how to unwind. We have a lot of shows we watch together and, when he stays up later than I do (which is always!) I sometimes catch up as I’m pedaling to nowhere on the bike in the basement.
Best of the week: Mindhunter | Netflix
Please stop watching This Is Us already and tune into this! Mindhunter is “inspired by” how the behavioral science unit of the FBI was developed in the 1970s. It’s shocking to watch for so many reasons, especially the candid interviews the agents do with serial killers…before they had a name for them. Plus, the actor who plays the lead agent Holden Ford is adorable and quirky in all the right ways.
Don’t let the above photo scare you, let how little the FBI knew about the minds of murderers do that.
Worst of the week: Today Show
It’s pretty disturbing when you find out the guy you’ve been waking up with for the past 15 years or so is an ignorant slug. It’s weird but, as a family, we were sad to hear the news about Matt Later since the Today Show is usually the background to our mornings. Obviously though I’m beyond thrilled that the trend of outing these bastards continues. Keep it up ladies!
Also, Megyn Kelly is the worst. I didn’t like her to begin with but then NBC was willing to sacrifice Tamron Hall for her. Not cool. I think they should bring Hall back in Lauer’s place as co-host.
Now, the only thing that brings me a little happiness is seeing Megyn Kelly forced to do cooking segments but, not enough to actually watch.
Bye Felicia.
BOOKS
Best of the week: A Fall of Marigolds | by Susan Meissner
It’s a beautifully written story about an unusual place — Ellis Island in 1911. The story actually begins a few years after 9/11 and then expertly weaves a storyline between the two. I mostly listened on dog walks and trips in the car but it kept my attention and, I may have even walked a little further to keep listening so it’s endorsed by StarFire as well.
Worst of the week: The Silent Wife | by Kerry Fisher
If only she stayed silent I wouldn’t have had to suffer though this book. There is almost nothing worse than being promised “a shocking twist” and having it be a super obvious outcome. I kept reading and waiting for “the shocking twist” and was even more upset by being lied to by this not-so-silent wife who made terrible decisions and bad jokes. Whomp whomp.
[Tweet “Road Tested Recommendations from someone who spends way too much time on a bike trainer and #running outside! @heavyweight #train4life”]
Have you heard of any of these? What’s your take?
Have any suggestions for me?
Ohhhh…I need to listen to the Rich Roll episode with Lance. Like you, I was a fan. I’ve watched him in enough interviews to know that he’s an ass. And don’t get me started on Megyn Kelly. I’ve never watched any of her shows but the radio ads for her new show in September were so absolutely painful to listen too. And Matt Lauer…shocked but not too surprised.
I think the worst part about the Lance interview was when he talked about his son’s football career toward the end of the conversation. Just so off the charts pompous. He also was badmouthing other coaches…I mean, dude, have you seen yourself? The worst. Ok, Megan Kelly is the worst but you get it…:-)
Why didn’t she stay silent? LOL! You crack me up. Sometimes I read a book and I think that the premise is so stupid–if the character didn’t do A, then there would be no book. But isn’t that the point? Ay….
Lance a douche? You jest….
I think the same thing!!!
And no, unfortunately I’m not jesting. Listen to the podcast and tell me if you can remain a fan. SO sad.
LOVE heavyweight. LOVE mindhunter! I used to listen to another show that was similar ish to heavyweight, but then they changed the format so I stopped and it isn’t on my podcasts anymore… I can’t remember the name. But if you search podcasts on my blog you will find some of my favorites. But Jonathon is a RIOT.
Invisibilia is another great one, more psychology, but great stories.
And i live for Mindhunter. LIVE I tell you.
I’ll have to search your blog for more good podcasts since I can’t have enough to get me though this winter in my basement!
Mindhunter is the absolute best so I totally feel you!! I think we still have 2-3 left. YAY!!!!
Love the idea of you doing this weekly!! I’m reading Little Fires Everywhere and I LOVE it! Stopped watching this is us 3 episodes ago because #overit …
You have to tell me if you love Little Fires Everywhere by the end. I was in love but I kinda hated the ending. We need to discuss!
I’m reading Little Fires Everywhere as well! Can we have a book club discussion?
I love the idea of you having this as a weekly post! Umm, apparently I’m way behind on culture (since I only watch Netflix and movies) and did not realize Megyn Kelly is on Today. I used to watch that all the time at the gym in the mornings!
I watched the new Punisher series on Netflix recently and holy crap, it is good. It’s not overly superhero-y, the characters have a lot of depth, and they explore some interesting issues, plus the plot is really engaging – almost crime/military drama. I was hesitant about it because of the violence but I was sucked in by the first couple episodes.
She’s on from 9-10 I think – in between the real news and Hoda and Kathy Lee drinking 🙂 It’s like a talk show format and it’s just bizarre.
I’m putting Punisher on my list! Thank you!
I can’t wait to watch Mindhunter, that sounds perfect. We just can’t get into This is Us… it’s too boring to even be considered bad. I guess This is Us is not for Us. LOL
“Picture Perfect” by Jodie Picoult is the current book that is torturing me and sucking my life away, actually I can’t even read it any more, I gave up. The description on the back is nothing like the book so far, and I’m just wondering when the hell it will get better. Thankfully I have ROAR that you recommended, that somehow got cleaned away into a nook but I luckily found it. Now, this book is great. In fact the timing could not be better as I’m going through massive hormone issues and frustration. This book gives me great understanding and hope.
That is such a bummer about the Lance interview..I actually kind of like him as well and that movie about him.. whatchamacallit, it was so good!!!!!!! anyhow, I find Rich Roll’s podcast either really good, or really boring as hell. sometimes i find his recommendations douchey, other times I’m like, yeah. Brilliant. His voice reminds me of a pompous ass I knew in high school mixed with Keanu Reeves in Bill & Ted, mixed with Beevis and Butthead.
Happy Friday! I’ll just end it all right here so you can move on with your day 🙂
Oooh, I love getting new podcast recommendations! Heavyweight sounds great – will have to check it out.
Yeah, it was like I woke up and the world was screaming about Matt Lauer and I was like – Whoa, the men are dropping like flies. Serves them right – finally justice.
So much good stuff here! xo
Let me know if you listen!! Thanks Nat and be careful over there!!