November Favorites

Matt Hoffman

In the spirit of being determined to write more on here, I figured I'd share some things I have been loving this past month. From delving into podcasts to my favorite new TV show, here are a few things that made my November exciting:

​Podcasts:

I was hesitant to start listening to this one I'm not going to lie. I've always tried to get into podcasts. I have some favorite YouTuber's that have started delving into the podcast territory, but I often found myself not being interested in the content and being irritated by the amount of ads they place in the middle of each episode. However, I saw a lot of positive reviews surrounding this particular podcast and I was determined to finally hop on the bandwagon. Well, it was the absolute best decision I made this month. These two and their friendship are the absolute cutest, plus I'm a sucker for behind the scenes info. I love finding out more about cast members ,and hearing what goes on when they're not filming, and even how certain lines or scenes were created or came about. It's fascinating to me, and these ladies loved making the show as much as we love watching it so it makes the listening experience that much more enjoyable.

I don't know why it took me so long to listen to Grace Helbig and Mamrie Hart's YouTube channel turned podcast: This Might Get Weird. I'm a season behind so I've been playing catch up by binge listening every chance I get and it's my favorite part of the day. It's become a part of my routine. Hearing them tell stories about their weekends and everyday lives, listening to their rants and laughing out loud about the situations they end up in never fails to entertain me. Every time I press play I feel as if I'm sitting down to coffee or a cocktail with two of my closest friends. They've done a few live shows and I'm hoping they come back to New York soon. 

TV 

This show dropped November 1st on AppleTV+, and when I heard Hailee Steinfeld was the lead I knew I had to watch. I'm a big fan of her work in Pitch Perfect, and the Edge of Seventeen as well as her talent as an artist. I was also incredibly intrigued by the concept being that I am a former English major. To be quite honest I don't remember learning much about Emily Dickinson (I'm so sorry if any former Professors read this), so as I delved into her world I became curious. I started reading articles and doing some research. The show garnered a lot of positive reviews, and the authenticity of certain facets of the Dickinson family intertwined in the plot and characters make it more appealing to me as a viewer. The way in which Emily's words are displayed through the show, as if floating the air around her adds to the beauty of her artistic intelligence. The modern twist in language usage gives the show a more casual, comfortable feel making it relatable to the young 20th century viewers today. I think it makes it less stiff and rather approachable while still maintaining some historical accuracy in the costuming, design and overall aesthetic of the mid 19th century. The young cast is also incredibly talented. Besides Steinfeld, I quite enjoyed Emily's sister Lavinia portrayed by  Anna Baryshikov. She's quite odd, but in no way ashamed of who she is or what she likes. She's bold in her weirdness and I almost envy her sense of self. The first season is only 10 episodes and you will be begging for a second season by the end.

​Music

I've been a fan of Selena's since her days on Disney Channel, so I was eager for this new release, and she did not disappoint. Written by Gomez, Julia Michaels and Justin Tranter this deep cut, emotional pop ballad speaks volumes to the work it takes to fully embrace oneself. Listeners don't have to know exactly what Gomez went through to relate to let go of someone or something in order to find a way back to themselves. It's a beautiful, painful, and sometimes necessary journey, and this songwriting trio captured it perfectly in these lyrics.

Kelsea Ballerini's second single, "Club," off her upcoming third album effortlessly describes the feeling of being in your mid to late 20's. The same old party routine has lost its appeal and the best part of having fun is the people you're with, and you don't have to go to the "club" to do so. As a homebody myself, I feel seen in my distaste for the party scene. Sometimes I do feel like I'm missing out on being young because I'm not doing what most people my age do every weekend. Once again though, music and one of my favorite artists reminds me I am not alone.

Harry Styles returns!!! "Watermelon Sugar" is the second pre-release off of his upcoming second album, "Fine Line." It sounds like summer in November and makes me wish I wish listening to it somewhere on a beach drinking a cocktail. He dropped the song the night he hosted and performed on SNL and hearing it performed live made the release even more exciting.