🏆 The Best Stuff of 2022
Hello
Well, here we are. The final bookmark of 2022. And it’s a biggie.
If you keep scrolling you’ll find out all the best stuff I’ve enjoyed wrapping my ears and eyes around this year. There’s podcasts (obvs), albums (probably too many), films and documentaries, tech, and… well, stuff that didn’t fit neatly into other categories.
All of which I’ve been keeping a careful record of throughout the year so I can make sure you don’t miss these good things.
BUT WAIT, WHAT ABOUT THE BEST BOOKS??
Good question my bookish friend. Given I haven’t yet finished reading books this year, I want to make sure they’re all captured. So whilst the podcast and newsletter are now taking a nap until Feb, there will be a special episode hitting your podcast player in early Jan with the full wrap of best books of 2022. I’ll drop a little something in your inbox too. I’ve got your back.
Of course, the bestest best thing is you. I have to say a huge huge HUGE thank you for all the support this year. For all the reads and replies of this newsletter, the chats on various social channels, the book and podcast recommendations, and of course the podcast listens. These stats are all you…
(The last one is pretty special).
I wouldn’t do all of this if you weren’t there at the other end of your screen or headphones. Thank you.
Have a great summer / winter break, and I’ll see you in 2023.
Waving with gratitude,
Steph
What made it into your best stuff of the year? Pop a comment to this post or hit reply.
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 and keep me in books by buying me a coffee as a one off 'thank you', or leaving giving the podcast a (five 😉) star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Thanks!
Things I’ve enjoyed this year…
Podcasts
Schmeitgeist: I would go as far to say that this is my podcast of the year. It covers pretty much all of my favourite things; culture, tech, zeitgeist, the future, and a heavy dose of irreverence. I binged it really quickly and I am holding out for there being a second series. Spotify | Apple
Articles of Interest: A wonderfully produced podcast that on the surface is about fashion trends, but is really about society, power, influence, business, culture, and good ideas. I’m going to be working my way through the back catalogue of this one over the summer. Spotify | Apple
Imposter Syndrome Club: Lovely humans Jessamy Gee and Alice Edy started their new pod this year and it is a delight to listen to and laugh along with. Spotify | Apple
If Books Could Kill: This is a new release, with only four episodes out at the moment, but it is gold. If you read popular non-fiction, this is an essential listen as it fact checks (and takes down) the books that have ‘made us stupider’. Spotify | Apple
Brave New Work: Essential listening if you think most of the ways we work can get right in the bin, and want smart ways to change them. Spotify | Apple
Diary of a CEO: Such good interviews that go way deeper, way quicker than the regular bland conversations. My favourite episodes include Scott Galloway, Craig David, and Rory Sutherland. Spotify | Apple
Things I’ve watched
Netflix - Pepsi, Where’s My Jet?: Hands down the best docu-series I’ve watched this year. The production is brilliant and the story is almost too wild to be true. I loved the examples of friendship and just living of life captured in this unbelievable story.
Netflix - The Andy Warhol Diaries: Ok, this is a *very* close second for my favourite documentaries of the year. It’s sad and fascinating and tragic and beautiful all at once.
This Much I Know to Be True: I know, I know. I’ve mentioned Nick Cave again. This spine-tingling documentary is a wonderful capture of long-term artistic collaboration, and what it means to create. Plus some stunning performances to boot. Watch.
The Beatles, Get Back: Wayyyyy back in January I made it through the 7.5 hours of The Beatles footage, which culminates in their iconic concert on the roof of Apple Studios. Given I love anything set around the 1970s, I very much enjoyed it.
Moonage Daydream: A floaty and upbeat look at the evolution of Bowie, including a peek behind the scenes at how he thought about life and music and art. All set to his music. What more could you want?
Peaky Blinders series 6. Needs no explanation.
Favourite new albums of the year
A Light for Attracting Attention by The Smile
Latest collab between Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood. All five of my top songs in my Spotify Wrapped were from this album. ListenThe Dream by Alt-J
Another awesome album from Alt-J (despite the drinking noises at the start of the first track, which I have to skip over every time) 🤢. ListenRaw Data Feel by Everything Everything
This wasn’t as immediate for me as their previous albums, but I now love it. Can’t wait for them to tour down here again. ListenCool It Down by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
A more chill album from Karen O and the gang, but some of these songs just won’t leave my brain. ListenDance Fever by Florence and the Machine
Personally, I think this is a massive return to Lungs-esq form, so I was very happy with this new release. ListenLife is Yours by The Foals
Another band who’s last few albums I’ve been non-plussed by, so I appreciated my pal Rach telling me this one was a good one. It’s going to be on heavy rotation this summer. Listen
Yay tech!
Oura Ring: I’ve had my Oura ring for a couple of months now and am a total convert. To the extent that it will change my next smart watch purchase away from an Apple Watch as the Oura is much more accurate on the health measures. I was mostly interested in sleep measurements, which are always improving (the latest release is even more accurate). I’ve found the recovery stats really useful whilst getting back to the gym after recovering from covid over the last few weeks. Get yours.
eSims: No more having to keep that stupid sim card tool in your phone case, and desperately hoping that the phone company stand at the airport is open when you arrive. I used Holafly for my recent trip to South Korea and was very pleased. It’s a bit of an expensive option but good for peace of mind when you’re travelling somewhere unfamiliar, or multiple locations. It’s worth checking local carriers for eSim packages you can order in advance. I’ve just ordered one from Spark for my upcoming NZ trip, which turned into a massive pain in the ass from a customer experience perspective, but much cheaper.
Notion: yep, I am *LATE* to this party. But 2022 was the year I finally made Notion work for me. I’m still migrating my brain over to it, but we’re getting on pretty well so far. Who knows what fancy things I’ll do with it in 2023.
Best of the rest
LNDR: As someone who goes through a lot of activewear in a week, I’ve always got my eye out for something I love. LNDR got me on the Instagram ads and kept me with the quality of their clothes. The shorts and tights are insanely soft yet robust for a decent workout, and the tops have outstanding cuts and silhouettes. I love the Huntress tank and Prodigy shorts in particular.
Kin North: The very mention of incense conjures up strong memories of that witchy shop in the Marlands Shopping Centre. At an event I was at recently, we were treated to a wonderful ‘scent-scape’ by Tresna from Kin North and introduced to Japanese incense. I then immediately sent Tresna my money in exchange for my own tin of this aromatic bliss. Inhale relief.
Planner: I treated myself to a Jumbled x Emma Kate Co planner for 2022 and I am sans regrets. I love the layout, the popping colours, and the paper quality. A delight to use everyday. I use mine to write the three best things that happened that day, along with a score out of ten in the day sections, and I capture the best things I’ve read/watched/listened to that week in the dotted paper on the right-hand side. I’ve already got my 2023 version. Get one already.
Hey Tiger: Like a chocolatey phoenix, Hey Tiger was resurrected in 2022 by the team at Soulfresh. And chocolate fans rejoiced. Eat it.
Lifeblood: I am still delighted that as a Brit I can now, FINALLY, give blood and plasma here in Australia as of July 2022. If this has been lingering on your to do list for a while, use this as a strong nudge to book your donation and give the gift of life for Christmas. Wholesome, smug feelings guaranteed.