Welcome to Beth's Weekly Wonderlist, your curated collection of the books, podcasts, TV shows, movies, and random bits of awesomeness that have captured my attention each week.
I’m a voracious reader, podcast listener, and binge-watcher. I'm always on the hunt for the next great story or fascinating show, and I want to share my recommendations with you!
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Now let’s get to the recommendations!
Books
Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships by Nina Totenberg — If you’re a political junkie like me, you’ll absolutely love this book about the decades-long friendship between Nina Totenberg and Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Beautifully written and moving.
Home Baked: My Mom, Marijuana, and the Stoning of San Francisco by Alia Volz — Yes, this is a story about recreational pot brownies in the 70s, but it’s also about how one woman provided helpful edibles to those fighting for their lives during the AIDS crisis. Her long-running business also contributed to the legalization of weed. I couldn’t put it down.
Everything Is Fine: A Memoir by Vince Granata — I’m not going to lie, this is a tough read. The author’s younger brother, driven by unmedicated schizophrenia, committed a crime that devastated their entire family. This memoir is also a critique of the American mental healthcare system. It’s riveting, but be prepared.
Audiobooks
I Didn’t Do the Thing Today: Letting Go of Productivity Guilt by Madeleine Dore. It will surprise absolutely no one that I rushed through this audiobook and mentally dismissed most of the author’s suggestions because I have too much to do. 🤣 Clearly, I need this message. I should listen to it again and keep a more open mind, because there’s good stuff here.
The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert. Yep, the author of Eat, Pray, Love writes novels too. I loved this one.
TV
Blue Lights — This show is a police procedural set in modern-day Northern Ireland. Great writing and relatable characters. It also has surprisingly funny moments. Available on BritBox, and it’s worth getting a free trial for this show!
Bridgerton — Of course, I have to mention that a new season of Bridgerton just came out…this show is a guilty pleasure of mine. Any other Anthony Bridgerton fans out there? Stream it on Netflix.
Movies
Challengers — This movie is more than just the stuff in the salacious trailer. It’s a story about identity, friendship, family, and competition. Come for the sexy stuff but stay for the brilliant script and great acting.
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Podcasts
Revisionist History — I’m a long-time fan of Malcolm Gladwell, and he’s built a podcast and audiobook empire that features ear-candy stories. Revisionist History, which he hosts, is the cornerstone of his Pushkin network of amazing shows. If you’re new to this podcast, listen to it from the first season!
New season of Serial — There’s a new season of this podcast behemoth, and it’s a good one. Host Sarah Koenig explores the history of Guantánamo and interviews the people who were at the heart of the problems there.
The Roller Coaster hits the big stage! This week, be on the lookout for my discussion about AI content creation with John Lee Dumas on the Entrepreneurs on Fire podcast. The interview will air on Tuesday.
Fascinating Flotsam
The best public service announcement you’ll see this summer — I commend the total dedication of the Denver Water team on this one. They’ve put together a PSA that’s actually a joy to watch.
Insatiable: A Life Without Eating — When Crohn's disease robbed Andrew Chapman of the ability to eat, he turned to cooking shows to feel human again. This is a long read, but it’s 100% worth it — it illuminates the complex relationship between food, identity, and the heart of life.
Dinner with Ruth was so good! I’m looking forward to trying some of your other suggestions!