Best of 2020
The good things that came out of a bad year.
Books:
Non-fiction: No Filter by Sara Frier
It’s impossible to understand our modern era without being familiar with the people and algorithms that shape our reality. Frier’s book is about the founding and ongoing impact of Instagram. Written in her distinct journalistic voice, the book is fun to read. Ashton Kutcher, Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian, Ivanka Trump, Mitch McConnell, and the Pope all make appearances. It’s wild.
Fiction: The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel
The pre-financial crisis mania of ’06-’07 is on display before a Ponzi scheme unravels. Through a series of characters, we see the devastating impacts of greed.
Cooking: Eating Out Loud by Eden Grinshpan
Middle Eastern food at its best with tons of vegetables and bold flavors. All of the recipes I’ve made so far have been delicious and relatively simple.
Workout Gear:
Weights: Alchemy Torpedo
This is a combination of a barbell, kettlebell, and dumbbell. You can do pretty much everything with this equipment.
Cardio and Yoga: Peloton
Even if you don’t have the tread or bike, they have great bootcamps, outdoor runs, and yoga classes.
Podcasts:
Making Sense with Sam Harris
Harris, a neuroscientist, interviews fascinating guests to discuss a variety of topics including: science, race, politics, technology, and consciousness. I don’t agree with everything he says, but I leave each episode thinking differently.
Almost Famous Turns 20 by Origins
If you’re going on a road trip, making dinner, or folding laundry, throw this podcast on. It’s a wonderful piece of escapism. There is also an entire season about Curb Your Enthusiasm, if that's your kind of thing.
Music:
Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa
There was a surprising amount of good music this year but this particular album brought me so much joy.
TV:
8:46 by Dave Chapelle
Two weeks after George Floyd was killed, Dave Chapelle performed one of the first outdoor stand up comedy shows. This piece of performance art encapsulates a lot of 2020...masks, confusion, anger, and an overwhelming sadness. Imagine more sermon, less stand up. Heads up in case you've never watched Chapelle...there is swearing and political commentary in the video.
Ted Lasso on Apple TV
I don't know why this works, but it does. Just an "oh shucks" kind of guy who you end up rooting for.
What did I miss? What were your favorites?
Operations + Communication
4 年I had no idea about that Almost Famous pod---so excited to listen!
Managing Director
4 年Exactly!
Hi, Kim! Hope all is well with you. Thanks for your best of 2020 list. Very cool! By the way, Ted Lasso is excellent! Really enjoying it. I would add: Book (nonfiction): The Truth About Us by Brant Hansen - addresses our self-bias and desire to be right which hinders relationships and our ability to think. The book makes the case for why a "humble life is truly your best one." Podcast: Cooper & Cary Have Words - Two Brits, one in England and one in Florida, discuss culture, philosophy, media, books, TV, movies, comedy, etc... Often funny and always insightful. TV: The Last Dance on Netflix - The Chicago Bulls and their quest for their sixth NBA title. Keep up the great work, Kim! Marc