š A peek of what's on my reading pile (and last chance for the summer book club)
Hello!
Ok, first things first. Thereās only THREE DAYS left for you to get in on SBBSBC (Stephās Business Bookshelf Summer Book Club). If you want to treat yourself this summer with a lovely box of books, picked for you, by me, and delivered to your door then this is an excellent way (in fact, the only way) to do just that. Itās like a book club, but better. Iām having lots of fun already picking the books for the clever folk who have got in already, so make sure you donāt miss out. Doors close this Friday.
Iām heading overseas again at the end of next week. Even though Iāve been overseas once this year, doing it again feels so frivolous and wild. I feel rather out of practice and nervcited about going somewhere unfamiliar. Iām taking this trip with one of my friends from the UK and Iām extra looking forward to travelling with friends again.
One of my favourite pre-travel rituals is choosing and downloading my podcasts and playlists. Music options always include something upbeat, and a few more relaxing albums for when Iām trying to nod off. With podcasts I want ultra long form, two+ hour monsters that I can just sit and listen to. You wonāt catch me trying to connect to patchy in-flight wifi, or watching the in-flight films. You will find me glued to my seat (always at the back of a section so thereās nobody behind me, and hidden in the corner), with a bag of all my own food ready to eat at meticulously planned jet-lag beating times, absorbing a load of audio content that Iāve been saving for the trip. Bliss.
Things Iāve enjoyed
Hereās some things Iāve enjoyed since we last spoke:
Podcast - Schmeitgeist: Introducing my new podcast obsession. Itās a look at futurism, pop culture, societal trends, fashion, behaviour and all sorts of fascinating things. All packaged up in a funny and very engaging way. Sadly thereās only ten episodes, all of my fingers are crossed for a second series. Apple | Spotify
Podcast - BrenĆ© Brown with Adam Grant and Simon Sinek: I have recommended this podcast so much that I should be on commission. Itās a two-part conversation by these three brains about everything from āquiet quittingā, boundaries, nuance, culture, work design, teams, and a myriad of other topics. If you lead people or work anywhere, itās absolutely worth listening to. Part 1 | Part 2.
Netflix - The Playlist: Over the weekend we got stuck into this dramatisation of the creation of Spotify. It follows Daniel Ekās vision come to life during the tumultuous early 00s of early internet, music piracy, BitTorrent sites, the collapse of physical forms of music, and the struggle of the music industry to keep up.
Snacks - HealthLab x Pana Holy Hazelnut: These are yummy. Eat.
Habit - Deleting Instagram 6 days a week: After my most recent reading week, I started an experiment of deleting the Instagram app from my phone for 6 days a week. I actually really like this habit. I ended up with the app on my phone for a couple of extra days last week as I was messing about, and regretted this a lot.
Documentary - Let There Be Drums: Really looking forward to watching this new documentary, out next week, all about drummers. It also features the last recorded interview with Taylor Hawkins (sob). Watch the trailer.
Music - Delighted by Benjamin Clementine: I adore Benjaminās haunting voice, his 2016 song London makes me feel all the feels (I listened to it rather loud on my headphones whilst landing into Heathrow for the first time in three years back in May). Itās been a while since his last album, so Iām hoping this recent release is a sign of a new album in the works. Listen.
Music - Return of the Dream Canteen by Red Hot Chilli Peppers: This new release crept up on me. I have a love/groan relationship with RHCP. Theyāre one of the most visceral sounds of my teenage years, AND theyāre of the most disappointing bands Iāve (twice) seen live. (Not to the point that I walked out after 25 minutes and went home early, thatās only happened for The Ruebens). After a couple of recent albums that havenāt lit me up, this was quite a pleasant surprise. Itās got Freaky Styley vibes, which is not what I expected. Listen.
What have you been reading/listening/watching/enjoying recently? Pop a comment to this post, hit reply, or just tap the little heart button if you liked something you read.
Neurotically double checking my passport is in my bag,
Steph
PS. To borrow from Austin Kleon (and everyone else who borrows this from Austin Kleon), this newsletter and the podcast are 'free but not cheap'. You can support their ongoing creation by buying me a coffee as a one off 'thank you', or leaving giving the podcast a (five š) star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Thanks!
Whatās on my TBR
I realised the other day that I share a lot about what Iāve read, but not what Iām planning on reading. So hereās a few books Iāve got in my reading queue at the moment that Iām planning to tackle before the end of the yearā¦
Big Feelings by Liz and Mollie
You probably know Liz and Mollieās work from their clever pale-blue illustrations that perfectly capture the experiences of work/life/being a human. Their latest book is all about those pesky big feelings and how to be ok when things are not ok.
Ideaflow by Jeremy Utley, Perry Klebahn
Jeremy Utley is one of my favourite people to follow on LinkedIn. He shares interesting insights about creativity, design, business, and his work at Stanfordās d.school. The book will arrive in my Kindle on Thursday and Iām waiting with bated breath for it as my next read.
The Medici Effect by Frans Johansson
This book has been recommended to me many many times by clever friends. Itās all about how ideas are born at the edges and intersections of ideas, concepts, and cultures.
Humanocracy by Gary Hamel, Michele Zanini
As Iām still riding the wave of my dive into self managed organisations and the complete re-thinking of how work is designed, this book is essential reading.
The Prepared Leader by Erika James and Lynn Perry Wooten
Iāve been following Erika James on LinkedIn since she took over the role of Dean of The Wharton School and really admire her style. So I was keen to read more about her thoughts on leadership resilience and how to come out of a crisis even stronger than before.
andā¦
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
Long time readers will know that this book has been my albatross. I started it pre-pandemic (do you have any idea how long ago that was?!) and even six lockdowns couldnāt get me through it, despite how interesting I find it. Iām taking it to NZ with me over Christmas and I WILL finish it. š¬
Audiobook: Faith, Hope and Carnage by Nick Cave and Sean OāHagĆ”n
Year of the autobiographical audiobook continues. Iām saving this treat for my upcoming long flights.