culture porn 6/2
our weekly playlist
screenshot me:
the ultimatum: queer love (netflix)
oh, how eager i was to dive into yet another NETFLIX dating show - if you read this regularly you know i can't help myself. this season of the ULTIMATUM is NETFLIX's foray into LGBTQ+ relationships (featuring mostly cis women) and it does not disappoint! there's marriage ultimatums, spouse swapping, and lots of emotions (i genuinely cannot fathom proactively putting oneself through this torturous premise with the hope of improving your relationship) - i binged the first four episodes quickly and can't wait for the rest to drop.
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but here we are: foo fighters
the FOO FIGHTER’s epic TIMES LIKE THESE helped me deal with the aftermath of 9/11, and i still crank it up whenever i’m having an existential moment. no stranger to the death of a bandmate (RIP kurt cobain) dave grohl once again eloquently expresses his grief - this time over the tragic 2022 loss of beloved drummer taylor hawkins - in the group’s new album. expect to be moved.
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the highwaymen (apple music/spotify)
thanks to my fiancé, i've been listening to this country supergroup nonstop (the band consists of johnny cash, willie nelson, waylon jennings, and kris kristofferson). the songs transport me thanks to the gravely, perfect vocals and melodies: my favorite two are AMERICAN REMAINS and HIGHWAYMAN. also perfect for long motorcycle rides!
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alone: kim petras
since her #1 hit UNHOLY with sam smith and their provocative SNL appearance, german trans artist kim petras is finally getting her due in the states. her upcoming album (dropping june 23rd) includes ALONE, a collab with nicki minaj - anointing her as pop’s new diva, “kim petty.“ WOO-AH!
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life of pi (broadway)
having loved both yann martell’s imaginative, haunting novel and ang lee’s stirring film adaptation, seeing the bengal tiger named richard parker come to life onstage is a thrill. in an era when humane treatment of animals is increasingly valued in entertainment, the production’s impressive animal puppetry and inventive staging provide plenty of enter value. the humans are great too!
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the witches of new york (audible)
after seeing this recommended by our client kaley, i downloaded it on audible. it was the perfect listen for a memorial day weekend motorcycle trip - late 1800s NYC and witches? say no more, i'm so there.
insights & inspo
why teens say location sharing is the greatest-and the worst
fear of missing out is real and adding to the growing list of ways that social media is causing mental health issues among youth. location sharing raises obvious safety issues, but tracking each other has quickly transformed into a whole new form of social anxiety.
more insights here
empty ice cube trays and shrieks: cold therapy comes to the family bathtub
the results are in: freezing your tush off is good for your health. from ancient egypt to modern-day malibu, from cleopatra to gwyneth, ice baths are apparently a secret to good health-if you can handle it.
more insights here
#LOokforward🌅 with linda ong
sadly, my fave show SUCCESSION finally wound up to its wambsgans, spurring a cottage industry of think pieces, deconstructions, and projections. i especially loved the takes on what the show's success says about the state of our politics, business, and culture – proving that every era gets the damning satire it deserves.
i got turned on to (RIP) tina turner in 1975 by her mesmerizing performance as the acid queen in THE WHO'S TOMMY (one of my all-time fave movies). she was erotic and scary in all the right ways, and the excitable 12-year old me felt all the feels without exactly knowing why. throughout her career, i was impressed by the evolution of her artistry – and her story – as she lived her life on her own fierce terms.
speaking of passing: contemplating your mortality is actually good for your mental health while you're alive. many people fear death, but i have been vividly envisioning my eventual last days – sort of like planning for a special trip. i find it oddly soothing and optimistic in these times. maybe give it a shot yourself and let me know how it goes?
for linda’s full debrief, head here