Fighting Perfectionism and Remembering People’s Names
Has perfectionism jumped the shark? And how do we remember names when we start meeting new people again?! Clearly, we have a lot of questions (and some answers).
Has perfectionism jumped the shark? And how do we remember names when we start meeting new people again?! Clearly, we have a lot of questions (and some answers).
The linkage:
If you like this, you’ll probably really like Secret Menu.
A couple books that made us ponder perfectionism: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi, and Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu.
Related convos: our ambition ep, this episode of Jam Session, and the Wit & Delight posts here and here.
Come and get us at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463!
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Deep-Diving Into Post-Pandemic Dressing and a Kombucha Who’s Who
When we can all go out in the world again, will we be getting dressed up? And what will “dressed up” even mean?! Oh, do we have questions—and some answers—about re-entry fashion...and also about kombucha titan GT Dave.
When we can all go out in the world again, will we be getting dressed up? And what will “dressed up” even mean?! Oh, do we have questions—and some answers—about re-entry fashion...and also about kombucha titan GT Dave.
The linkage:
A hot topic, apparently: GT Dave of GT’s Kombucha.
A few shoe lines that have us ready to set aside our Birkenstocks for a minute: Alepel, Kkerelé, and Emme Parsons.
If you’re ready to dabble in hard pants after some time away, Claire loves these AYR jeans.
The centerpiece of Erica’s spring/summer mood board: this Marni tulip-print matching set.
Let’s gush for a sec about the statement-y jewelry from Lizzie Fortunato’s fall collection.
Are we doing bold eye makeup? Like this Violette liquid shadow and Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner?
How are YOU gonna be dressing? Tell at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463.
For a whole lot more from us, sign up for Secret Menu.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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Tune into the Women Who Travel podcast from Condé Nast Traveler (oh, how we aspire to be women who travel again!).
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Talking Black Buck with Mateo Askaripour & a Gift for the Best Boss You Ever Had
We’ve got Mateo Askaripour, author of the extremely buzzy novel Black Buck, with us today—and, hey, we also showed up with our best going-away gift ideas for a stellar boss who perhaps deserves a travel mug thingy emblazoned with his catchphrase.
We’ve got Mateo Askaripour, author of the extremely buzzy novel Black Buck, with us today—and, hey, we also showed up with our best going-away gift ideas for a stellar boss who perhaps deserves a travel mug thingy emblazoned with his catchphrase.
The linkage:
Gifting Q: Boss going-away gift. Best boss I ever had. Mentor. Mid-fifties. Male. Already gave booze. Our thoughts: Leatherology modern round coaster set, custom Yeti bottle, knives from Opinel or Laguiole, Souda business card holder, or flowers (always).
You gotta read Mateo Askaripour’s debut novel Black Buck! Tell you what!
Sales books that got Mateo started: Jeffrey Gitomer’s The Little Red Book of Selling and Sales Bible.
Books Mateo would say are in conversation with his own: The Spook Who Sat by the Door by Sam Greenlee, The Sellout by Paul Beatty, and Heads of the Colored People by Nafissa Thompson-Spires.
We want your thoughts over at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463. If you want more from us, sign up for Secret Menu.
the sponsors (and promos!):
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After Dark, Useful Tools, Embarrassing Recipes, and Great Breakfastations
You know what’s a grab bag? An episode on nineties screensavers, long breakfasts, box cutters, and recipes we’re embarrassed to share. Join us!
You know what’s a grab bag? An episode on nineties screensavers, long breakfasts, box cutters, and recipes we’re embarrassed to share. Join us!
The linkage:
Just a short film of 281 After Dark modules and a very timely tweet.
The tools we wear by: box cutters, measuring tapes (see also: this ep of Gee Thanks, Just Bought It), kitchen scales (the Joseph Joseph TriScale one specifically), dough scrapers, kitchen spiders, and fish spatulas.
Claire’s (embarrassing) buffalo chicken chowder, her favorite coconut yogurt Cocojune, and the bfast tacos she wants to try.
We welcome—cherish!—your feedback. Send it on over to @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463. Or leave us a review! OOH, and sign up for Secret Menu.
the sponsors (and promos!):
Gobble up Lesser Evil’s A++ snacks. 25% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Shop Ana Luisa for sustainable and v. cool jewelry, and get 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Check out Right Wellness for the latest transformative hemp ingredient, CBN, and take 20% off with the code RIGHTFORYOU.
Try COOLA for sunscreen and organic skincare, both. Get 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.
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Our Pre Post-Pandemic Social Anxiety and Erica’s New Beauty Go-Tos
Not to get ahead of ourselves, but, well, we’re totally getting ahead of ourselves: Is anyone else a little clenchy about having social lives again...sometime soon? Another topic of discussion: the beauty products Erica has on rotation—top threes instead of HGs!—from sunscreens to deep conditioners.
Not to get ahead of ourselves, but, well, we’re totally getting ahead of ourselves: Is anyone else a little clenchy about having social lives again...sometime soon? Another topic of discussion: the beauty products Erica has on rotation—top threes instead of HGs!—from sunscreens to deep conditioners.
The linkage:
“Late-Stage Pandemic Is Messing With Your Brain”—or ours, at least.
The energy we’re seeking: John Jannuzzi’s dance compilation videos.
Sunscreens: Coola Sun Silk Drops, EleVen by Venus Unrivaled Sun Serum (related: a must-see trophy room), and Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint.
Body moisturizers: Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil (related: this ep of The Glossy Beauty Podcast), Weleda Skin Food Body Butter, and classic ol’ coconut oil.
Deep conditioners: IGK Offline 3-Minute Hydration Hair Mask (a Harling Ross rec) and Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Strengthening Treatment Oil (while doing the Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask).
Nail things: the Bare Hands kit and Olive & June polishes (EC, CV, and SC) along with the Poppy.
We’re here for your thoughts on socializing, personal-caring, and anything else at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463.
Are you signed up for Secret Menu?
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Weird Coffee Habits & Writing Juicy, Inclusive Romance Novels with Talia Hibbert
Perhaps you’ve noticed that we won’t shut up about romance novels? Well, this week we’re chatting it up with Talia Hibbert, one of our favorite writers of the genre, about telling diverse stories, shaping conversations about consent, and writing good sex. But first: Does Erica have too many coffee devices? You be the judge.
Perhaps you’ve noticed that we won’t shut up about romance novels? Well, this week we’re chatting it up with Talia Hibbert, one of our favorite writers of the genre, about telling diverse stories, shaping conversations about consent, and writing good sex. But first: Does Erica have too many coffee devices? You be the judge.
The linkage:
The coffeemakers in Erica’s rotation: Bodum French press, Nespresso Pixie (with Woken pods—but Nespresso ones are recyclable in NYC now. See also from the NYT on recycling legislation!), Gemini Espresso Maker (or a single-serving alt from GSI), and Copper Cow Coffee pour-overs.
DM, email, or call us!! At @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463.
We’re all about Talia Hibbert’s Brown Sisters trilogy: Get a Life, Chloe Brown (her first traditionally published book), Take a Hint, Dani Brown, and Act Your Age, Eve Brown. Here for more, more, more of her writing.
To dive into the conversation around the lack of representation in the romance-novel world: this NYT article, this initiative and reporting from The Ripped Bodice, and a big blow-up re: Romance Writers of America (who were accused of racism) last year.
Other romance recs from Talia: Nalini Singh’s Psy/Changeling series, Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers, the upcoming Kennedy Ryan release Reel, the work of KJ Charles, A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby by Vanessa Riley and its next installment, and The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri.
One movie romance rec: the latest Emma adaptation—pretty and funny, both!
More recs coming your way over at Secret Menu…
the sponsors (and promos!):
Try all the Lesser Evil snacks—you won’t be disappointed. 25% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Perk up your face with Clarins Total Eye Lift—10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Find clothes you’ll love to wear with Stitch Fix and use our link for 25% off when you keep everything in your Fix.
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More Thingies Award Winners! And Peak Sprinkles Culture.
What bras, tahini, and shaving cream do we swear by? WELL! You’ve come to the right place. Before we get into our Thingies winners: a discussion of the absolute insanity of sprinkles in 2021.
What bras, tahini, and shaving cream do we swear by? WELL! You’ve come to the right place. Before we get into our Thingies winners: a discussion of the absolute insanity of sprinkles in 2021.
The linkage:
We want to hear from you! You can get us at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463.
Some sprinkles context: a 2016 NYT funfetti article and the 2019 The Power of Sprinkles: A Cake Book by the Founder of Flour Shop.
Some sprinkles resources: Sweets Indeed Sprinklefetti (lightning bolts!), Supernatural (Field Day!), Fancy Sprinkles (Hey Jude—lolz!), Williams Sonoma Sprinkles, 1985, and Cakes by Kristi (Chips n' Guac Sprinkle Mix AND Poker Face) and Etsy just in general.
Round two Thingies winners!!! Negative Underwear non-wire bras (specifically in sieve mesh) and Chantelle underwire demi bras (read also: this rave from The Cut), Soom tahini (more on this podcast ep), Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody, RiseWell toothpaste, Gossamer CBD Dusk and Dawn (tune into this pod ep), Cremo shave cream, the prescription delivery service Capsule, Holy Schmitt’s horseradish (try the cocktail sauce and/or horseradish mustard, too), and the Thermapen Mk4.
For the inaugural Thingies recipients, head this way.
If you’re a super-fan of this podcast, Secret Menu is just for you.
the sponsors (and promos!):
Scoop up COOLA’s sunscreen and organic skincare. Get 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Get a quick boost with Clarins Total Eye Lift—10% off with purchase of Total Eye Lift by using code ATHINGORTWO.
Shop Imperfect Foods and get 20% off your first order and free shipping with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Try Function of Beauty for custom, just-for-you haircare and body care. Use our link for 20% off your order.
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Those Uncerty Thirties (with Kayleen Schaefer!) and Fitness Influencer Vibes
Something we’re quite sure of: what makes a good in-app workout instructor. Something we’re quite unsure about: what our thirties are meant to look like in this day ‘n age. Kayleen Schaefer has many, many thoughts on the latter. Tune in and then dig into her new book But You’re Still So Young (yes, incredible title).
Something we’re quite sure of: what makes a good in-app workout instructor. Something we’re quite unsure about: what our thirties are meant to look like in this day ‘n age. Kayleen Schaefer has many, many thoughts on the latter. Tune in and then dig into her new book But You’re Still So Young (yes, incredible title).
The linkage:
The on-demand fitness instructors who leap over the ridiculously high bar we’ve set: Melissa Wood of Melissa Wood Health, Coach Chris Bennett of the Nike Run Club app (a previous podcast guest!), Adriene Mishler of Yoga with Adriene (see also: this NYT Mag profile and this Reductress post about Benji the dog), and Robin Arzon and Matty Maggiacomo of the Peloton app.
Read Kayleen Schaefer’s wonderful But You’re Still So Young! And if you haven’t already gobbled up Text Me When You Get Home, maybe it’s your next book-club pick?
A few of Kayleen’s “You May Also Like” recs: The New Better Off by Courtney E. Martin, Anne Helen Petersen’s Buzzfeed piece on burnout and her book Can’t Even, and Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (also endorsed by Bad on Paper).
Joining Secret Menu is a sure-fire way to make sure you get all our biggest and best finds.
KIT at @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463, ok?
the sponsors (and promos!):
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Download the Caviar app! You’ll get 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO2021.
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Still Not Having Kids and Our Latest Romance-Novel Crush
Breaking news: Erica is still not having kids—but she does have some fresh thoughts on the subject, especially as many of her pals tackle parenthood. And! If you’d like a shot before your chaser, let us tell you all about The Roommate, porny and praise-worthy.
Breaking news: Erica is still not having kids—but she does have some fresh thoughts on the subject, especially as many of her pals tackle parenthood. And! If you’d like a shot before your chaser, let us tell you all about The Roommate, porny and praise-worthy.
The linkage:
Ooh, do we have so much more to share. If you want in on that, perhaps you’re interested in joining Secret Menu.
If you need some STEAM, get yourself a copy of The Roommate by Rosie Dannan (and it’s spinoff The Intimacy Experiment, out in April).
Relevant having-kids eps of this very podcast: Our original “On Choosing—and Not Choosing—Motherhood” convo and Claire’s take on new mom life and motherhood, one year in.
The piece Erica wrote for Refinery29 about deciding not to have kids and the one Grace Atwood wrote for her site The Stripe.
The installment of Anne Helen Petersen’s Culture Study newsletter that we reference (so good in general, this newsletter).
Our DMs, inboxes, and voicemail boxes are open: @athingortwohq, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and 833-632-5463!
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What Healthy Comfort Food Means to Julia Turshen. And a Snack Taste Test!
If you’re not already a devotee of Julia Turshen and her cookbooks—her latest, Simply Julia, is out next week!—well, consider this your initiation into the fan club. We’re talking with her about “healthy” and “comfort”—loaded food words, for certain!—and because we’re geniuses who knew this topic would make us hungry, we’re starting things off with a snack taste test.
If you’re not already a devotee of Julia Turshen and her cookbooks—her latest, Simply Julia, is out next week!—well, consider this your initiation into the fan club. We’re talking with her about “healthy” and “comfort”—loaded food words, for certain!—and because we’re geniuses who knew this topic would make us hungry, we’re starting things off with a snack taste test.
The linkage:
Ready for our chip chat? We’re chomping on Annie Chun’s Seaweed Crisps Go-Chu-Jang (perhaps with this miso dip), Beanfields Vegan Cracklins Chile Limón (not to be confused with Snacklins), and Lesser Evil Power Curls Fiery Hot (see also: its Paleo Puff cousin).
Julia Turshen’s cookbooks—collect ‘em all: Simply Julia (her new hit), Small Victories, Now & Again, and Feed the Resistance. She’s also co-written gems like In Bibi’s Kitchen, with Hawa Hassan, and The Hot Bread Kitchen Cookbook, with Jessamyn Waldman Rodriguez.
Dive into her Equity at the Table database project and her Keep Calm and Cook On podcast, too.
A few of Julia’s favorite people in food: Mavis-Jay Sanders and Sicily Sierra Johnson, who run Food + People, Pati Jinich, who hosts the PBS cooking show Pati’s Mexican Table, and Yewande Komolafe, whose recipes Julia trusts always.
Keep in touch! You can get us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.
the sponsors (and promos!):
Try COOLA for sunscreen and, now, organic skincare. Get 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Design something stand-out with Projector. It’s free to sign up and use!
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Look into Upstart to tackle your credit and see if you can lower your monthly payments.
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Coping Tips from Dr. Ben Michaelis and Perfect Gifts for Your Snake-Sitter
What a pleasure it is to bring you all Dr. Ben Michaelis, who we think of as ⅓ management coach, ⅓ therapist, and ⅓ couples counselor (at least in our case). We’ve been seeing this guy—together!—for five-ish years, and he’s helped us to navigate much in our lives, professional and personal. Speaking of navigating, we’re kicking-off the episode by answering an age-old question: “What sort of thank-you gift do I get my snake-sitter?!”
What a pleasure it is to bring you all Dr. Ben Michaelis, who we think of as ⅓ management coach, ⅓ therapist, and ⅓ couples counselor (at least in our case). We’ve been seeing this guy—together!—for five-ish years, and he’s helped us to navigate much in our lives, professional and personal. Speaking of navigating, we’re kicking-off the episode by answering an age-old question: “What sort of thank-you gift do I get my snake-sitter?!”
The linkage:
Oooh, boy, did we get a good gifting request: “Thank you for your friend who fed your pet snake weekly for 6 weeks. They like Phish.” Here’s where we landed: Fishman Donut Round Jigsaw Puzzle, Island Bamboo spoon sets and salt cellars, Na Nin incense cones, Boy Smells Kush candle, Debbie Carlos Curl Pipe (from Tetra), Edie Parker Flower stash case, Areaware Snake Block, Lorien Stern snake wall-hanging ceramic or plush snake sculpture (or bucket hat or hoodie), Ferm Living Mr. Snake cushion or fruiticana snake, Chen Chen and Kai Williams serpent lighter keychain, and Willa Heart snake prints and placemats.
Here’s that snake opening a door video you were hoping for.
Check out more on Dr. Ben Michaelis and his work and dig into his book Your Next Big Thing: Ten Small Steps to Get Moving and Get Happy.
Thoughts on this or anything really? You can get us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.
the sponsors (and promos!):
Try COOLA, your go-to for sunscreen and organic skincare. Get 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Cut down on food waste with Imperfect Foods and get 20% off your first order and free shipping with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Customize your shampoo, conditioner, and so much more with Function of Beauty. Use our link for 20% off your order.
Download the Caviar app and get $10 off your food order of $20 or more with the code ATHINGORTWO2021.
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Baby-Registry Recs and Craigslist Scams
What an educational ep: Erica teaches Claire about Craigslist scams, and Claire schools Erica on the wild, wild world of baby registries. (Can you want a leopard-print carrier and not an infant??)
What an educational ep: Erica teaches Claire about Craigslist scams, and Claire schools Erica on the wild, wild world of baby registries. (Can you want a leopard-print carrier and not an infant??)
The linkage:
You want more? We got more! It’s called Secret Menu, friends, and signing up will get access to Claire’s baby-registry, er, motherlode.
That cashier’s check Craigslist scam!! Vox has an excellent explainer “Why Cashier’s Checks Are Part of So Many Online Scams," and there’s a WalletHub guide to various cashier’s check scams and where to report them.
Consider donating to organizations like the National Diaper Bank Network or National Birth Equity Collaborative if you have the resources to be very persnickety about your baby registry.
Baby chairs and other places to put little people: BabyBjörn Bouncer (and its design-y comp: Betón Baby Bouncer), Charlie Crane Levo Rocker, Askr & Embla Sleep Pod (a prettier Dock-a-Tot), and Boppy with a custom cover (related: My Brest Friend).
Sleeping solutions: The Snoo (you can rent them!), Moses baskets (like one from Kind Label in a Jolly Jumper stand), cribs like the Ikea Sniglar or the Babyletto Hudson or ones from Nestig or the (very fancy) Kalon Caravan, and pack ‘n plays from Guava Lotus or Graco or BabyBjörn.
Baby carriers: Colugo Carrier, Sakura Bloom Ring Sling (an alt to a Solly Baby Wrap), BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Mini, and the very fashion-y Artipoppe.
Secret Menu members can get access to the full baby-reg rundown over here.
Ok, tell us what you think about everything at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.
the sponsors (and promos!):
Make something design-y with Projector. It’s free to sign up and use!
Try COOLA and its wonderful new Organic Skincare line—10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Consider Upstart to tackle your credit and see if you can lower your monthly payments.
Look to Stitch Fix to find clothes you’ll love to wear. Use our link for 25% off when you keep everything in your Fix.
Up your snacking with Pipcorn. Use the code ATHINGORTWO for 20% off some of our faves.
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Media Right Now with Delia Cai and the Whole30 Whole Thing
The two of us think and talk a lot about ~the state of media~, and we figured it was about time we discussed it with a genuine expert. Enter stage left: the thoughtful and incredibly incisive Delia Cai, who writes the newsletter we always open Deez Links (and is a growth and trends editor at BuzzFeed by day—so clearly she’s on top of all the things.) We also figured it was ‘bout time to discuss Claire’s experience with Whole30, at least as it relates to their insurrection content.
The two of us think and talk a lot about ~the state of media~, and we figured it was about time we discussed it with a genuine expert. Enter stage left: the thoughtful and incredibly incisive Delia Cai, who writes the newsletter we always open Deez Links (and is a growth and trends editor at BuzzFeed by day—so clearly she’s on top of all the things.) We also figured it was ‘bout time to discuss Claire’s experience with Whole30, at least as it relates to their insurrection content.
The linkage:
You can find the Whole30 insurrection statement right over here (the Jan. 7 post).
The BuzzFeed article titled “The Small-Town America I Love Is The One I See At Football Games” that first led Erica to Delia (shout-out Dunlap High School—go eagles!).
You gotta, gotta sign for Delia’s newsletter Deez Links if you care about media (or good TikToks) at all. An adjacent, relevant newsletter: Today in Tabs.
For more on Substack, dive into Clio Chang’s “The Substackerati” piece for CJR (and its discussion of Patrice Peck’s Coronavirus News for Black Folks newsletter) as well as Anna Wiener’s “Is Substack the Media Future We Want?” for The New Yorker.
Writers Delia always reads: Taylor Lorenz, Doreen St. Félix, and Hua Hsu.
Two Deez Links installments we discuss: Delia's piece about a profile of Nick Quah and Hot Pod and a very LOLZy one about fantasy media-men beefs.
You know about Secret Menu, yah? And how to get your feedback to us? That’s 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.
the sponsors (and promos!):
Give COOLA and its excellent new Organic Skincare line a go and take 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.
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Design something cool with Projector. It’s totally free to sign up.
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The Comedic Gifts of R. Eric Thomas...and the Absurdism of Toddlerdom
To answer the question of many a comedy-club promoter in Times Square: Yes, we do love to laugh. And one sure-fire way to get us howling is reading anything written by R. Eric Thomas—or chatting with the man himself, turns out. But up first: some toddler funny business.
To answer the question of many a comedy-club promoter in Times Square: Yes, we do love to laugh. And one sure-fire way to get us howling is reading anything written by R. Eric Thomas—or chatting with the man himself, turns out. But up first: some toddler funny business.
The linkage:
A few toddler-relevant pieces of content: Bunheads by Misty Copeland, PBS’s Remarkable Rabbits, and No-Drama Discipline by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson.
Please consume all the R. Eric Thomas you can! His memoir Here for It and the book he co-authored with Helena Andrews-Dyer about Maxine Waters, Reclaiming Her Time! His wonderful newsletter! All the past installments of his Elle.com column “Eric Reads the News!” (And stay tuned for much more, obviously.)
Some of Eric’s memorist icons: David Rakoff (Fraud specifically), David Sedaris (see also: this Hugh Hamrick profile), Samantha Irby, and John Paul Brammer and his forthcoming book Hola Papi.
What pop culture Eric’s consumed recently: Umbrella Academy, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw, Broadcast News, When Harry Met Sally (related: The Rewatchables podcast), Bridgerton, Veep, What We Do in the Shadows, The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans, and Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson. Claire and Erica would like to talk about Gremlins and Erin Brockovich also.
It’s no secret that you’d really like Secret Menu. And it’s no secret that we love your feedback: 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.
the sponsors (and promos!):
Give the so-good Sweaty Betty Power Legging go and get 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Try COOLA’s excellent new Organic Skincare line and get 10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Gobble up Sakara’s healthy ‘n delicious meals and feel great. 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Customize your hair, skin, and body products with Function of Beauty. Use our link for 20% off your order.
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Introducing the Thingies, What Your Awards Season Was Missing. Welks!
We are nothing if not (professional) enthusiasts, and we figured it was ‘bout time that we shared some products we think are best in category—from brow pencils to baby bouncers, dental floss to pasta. Join us for the Thingies! In the future, we hope our awards programming includes a red-carpet pre-show.
We are nothing if not (professional) enthusiasts, and we figured it was ‘bout time that we shared some products we think are best in category—from brow pencils to baby bouncers, dental floss to pasta. Join us for the Thingies! In the future, we hope our awards programming includes a red-carpet pre-show.
The linkage:
Give us that feedback—we know you have it. 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.
So many more recs available over at Secret Menu!
Welks!!!!! What Urban Dictionary and Mindy Kaling have to contribute.
The divisive Danny Meyer tweet about Häagen-Dazs vanilla. (Sir did write the book Setting the Table that we like a lot.)
The Grub Street bucatini shortage article by Rachel Handler—the sort of coverage HDVB deserves.
The inaugural Thingies winners!!! Hellman’s, Heinz, HDVB (duh, duh, duh). The Stutterheim raincoat. Dr. Tung’s Smart Floss. BabyBjörn bouncer. Marvy Uchida Le Pen. Uniqlo HeatTech (the regular and ultra-warm leggings, the turtlenecks). Sania’s Brow Bar pencil (and service!). Garofalo gluten-free pasta (casarecce specifically). Feetures running socks. Artifact Uprising (see: the baby board book, the layflat photo album, the baby book). Soapwalla deodorant (original or sensitive skin).
the sponsors (and promos!):
Try both of Hilma’s Immune Support products with 20% off an Immune Sampler pack. Just use the code ATHINGORTWO.
Fight food waste with Imperfect Foods and get 20% off your first order and free shipping with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Treat that skin barrier right with COOLA’s new Organic Skincare line—10% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Download the Caviar app and get $10 off your food order of $20 or more with the code ATHINGORTWO.
YAY.
A Mental-Health Check-In Feels Right Right Now
Let’s talk about depression—how we feel when it comes on and how we deal. Let’s talk resources, from books to therapy platforms to IG follows, for anxiety, grief, bipolar disorder, and postpartum disorders. Let’s just talk about mental health more in general, right?
Let’s talk about depression—how we feel when it comes on and how we deal. Let’s talk resources, from books to therapy platforms to IG follows, for anxiety, grief, bipolar disorder, and postpartum disorders. Let’s just talk about mental health more in general, right?
The linkage:
Secret Menu! It’s fun. See for yourself by subscribing over here.
The things that have warmed our hearts a smidge during all of our time at home: a remote-control light dimmer and a calamansi tree (see also: calamansi seltzer from Sanzo + cocktails from Zuzu).
Podcasts featuring two people talking that feel kinda like having company: Jam Session, Who? Weekly, Home Cooking, Bad on Paper, Still Processing, and Taking Hugh for Granted.
Not-new fiction that’s provided Erica with a genuine escape recently: I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith (1948), Mrs. Bridge by Evan Connell (1955), Kindred by Octavia Butler (1979), and Heartburn by Nora Ephron (1983).
Mental-health resources! Some books: The Mindful Way Through Depression by Jon Kabat-Zinn; Comfortable with Uncertainty, When Things Fall Apart, and The Pocket Pema Chodron by Pema Chodron; and An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison.
Articles: "The Hardest Two Months of My Life" from A Cup of Jo, "How to Help Someone With Depression" from New York mag, and "How Not to Say the Wrong Thing" from LA Times.
Podcasts: Hey, Cool Life! with Mary H.K. Choi, Unlocking Us with Brené Brown, The Hilarious World of Depression, and Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations episode with Jon Kabat-Zinn.
Instagram follows: Jessica Clemons, MD, Emily McDowell, Crystal Anderson, Sad Girls Club, Brown Girl Therapy, The Loveland Foundation, and The Nap Ministry.
Meditation: the Insight Timer app, which is a marketplace of sorts, and UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center Guided Meditations.
For therapy, check out Talkspace and BetterHelp for digital/telemedicine options and Alma and Real, which are about streamlining the process of finding a therapist you connect with.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255.
the sponsors (and promos!):
Try out the five-star-rated Sweaty Betty Power Legging and get 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Tackle your credit and see if you can lower your monthly payments with Upstart.
Download Best Fiends free today on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
YAY.
Rice, Hospital Go Bags, and, Uh, What Exactly We Do for Work These Days
Let’s kick off 2021 with a true grab bag of an episode! Because who else will tell you allllll the things they’re making/eating with rice, why they’re fascinated by hospital go bag content, and how exactly they’ve been making money over the last year, all in one go??
Let’s kick off 2021 with a true grab bag of an episode! Because who else will tell you allllll the things they’re making/eating with rice, why they’re fascinated by hospital go bag content, and how exactly they’ve been making money over the last year, all in one go??
The linkage:
New year, new thoughts to share? Hit us up at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.
Rice—it’s nice! Right now, we’re feeling sushi rice for everything, Chrissy Tiegen’s coconut rice, Vigo saffron yellow rice, and Samin Nosrat’s Persian-ish rice.
And 2020’s awards for most fascinating and entertaining hospital go bag reveals go to…@nelliediamond and @hannahbronfman!! Also: Here’s the vid that inspired Claire’s, which even has a sequel.
This Eberjey PJ jumpsuit (which we both love in just, like, regular life) is actually a worthy hospital go bag inclusion.
The affiliate networks we use (you know, if you run a business that’s thinking about these things!): ShopStyle Collective, RewardStyle, ShareASale, and Bookshop.org.
A few other newsletter / micro media businesses we take inspiration from: The Ann Friedman Weekly, Why Is This Interesting?, and Courtney E. Martin.
the sponsors (and promos!):
Feel just great with Sakara’s healthy ‘n delicious meals. 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Personalize your haircare (and skin- and bodycare, too!) with Function of Beauty. Take their quiz and get 20% off your first order.
Explore your creativity with Skillshare and get a free trial of their Premium Membership.
YAY.
Dumplings as an Aesthetic and Alisha Ramos on Staying In
We’ve been following the career of Alisha Ramos since she was in college—so, um before she technically had a career. If you haven’t spotted her two businesses Girls’ Night In, a newsletter ‘n community for women who love to stay in, and Whiled, a line of cheery, artsy puzzles, everywhere you turn recently, then your pandemic experience has been very different from ours. But before we get into it all with her: Let us discuss how dumplings (the sweatpants of food?) became such a vibe.
We’ve been following the career of Alisha Ramos since she was in college—so, um before she technically had a career. If you haven’t spotted her two businesses Girls’ Night In, a newsletter ‘n community for women who love to stay in, and Whiled, a line of cheery, artsy puzzles, everywhere you turn recently, then your pandemic experience has been very different from ours. But before we get into it all with her: Let us discuss how dumplings (the sweatpants of food?) became such a vibe.
The linkage:
DUMPLINGS. In handbag form from Simon Miller, Elleme, and Emily Levine. In cartoon form thanks to Wonton in a Million. As sculpture in porcelain by Stephanie H. Shih and felt by Dumpling Mart. As a light, an ornament, and, hey, a potsticker pipe.
Alisha Ramos is up to so very much—she’s the founder of Girls’ Night In and Whiled, and she’s a very committed Swiftie and gardener on IG.
Speaking of Swifties: a conspiracy rabbithole for you—feel free to search Swiftgron on Tumblr.
The still-very-relevant Stay Home, Take Care resource the GNI team put together at the beginning of quarantine.
For some TikTok ~curation~, follow Aminatou Sow and Zara Rahim...on Instagram.
“Our Shared Unsharing” by Stella Bugbee for The Cut.
A few of Alisha’s head-clearing recs: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, Floret, Monty Don, and The Gardens of Bunny Mellon. Plus one gardening-related one from Erica: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver.
All of our inboxes are open! Contact us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.
For more of everything, get that Secret Menu—subscribe (or even give a gift).
the sponsors (and promos!):
Slip into our new favorite workout gear, the Sweaty Betty Power Legging, for 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Try out Hilma for everyday aches and pains (headaches included!!). For 20% off the starter set and a free gift, use the code ATHINGORTWO.
YAY.
Reading Reckless, Thanking Stacey Abrams, and Talking Grown-Up Books for Kids
We’ve dedicated a helluva lot of our 2020 brain space to 1) the election and 2) romance novels. Who sits at the intersection of those two realms? American hero Stacey Abrams, who has written eight—eight!—of the latter under the name Selena Montgomery. We’re talking about one of them, Reckless, today. Another thing we’re getting into: books that aren’t technically for kids but that kids can take a lot from. A real page-turner of an ep!
We’ve dedicated a helluva lot of our 2020 brain space to 1) the election and 2) romance novels. Who sits at the intersection of those two realms? American hero Stacey Abrams, who has written eight—eight!—of the latter under the name Selena Montgomery. We’re talking about one of them, Reckless, today. Another thing we’re getting into: books that aren’t technically for kids but that kids can take a lot from. A real page-turner of an ep!
The linkage:
Three adult books that influenced us growing up: Our Bodies, Ourselves, Life’s 100 Photographs That Changed the World, and The Cake Bible.
Books we endorse having around the house for kids to have access to: Black Futures, Every Person in New York, The Macmillan Visual Dictionary, The Times Comprehensive Atlas of the World, Map: Exploring the World, The Man Behind the Maps, In the Company of Women, D C-T!, and Do It Yourself.
Do you need some Stacey Abrams / Selena Montgomery romance in your life? SURE YA DO. Read Reckless, its sequel Deception, and this very good recent Glamour article by Jenny Singer that explores her novel-writing and its reception over time.
Secret Menu—subscribe, gift a 6- or 12-month gift sub to Secret Menu, etc.?!
Share 2021 episode topics you’d love to hear at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq.
the sponsors (and promos!):
Give Hilma a go to treat those everyday aches and pains (headaches included!!). For 20% off the starter set and a free gift, use the code ATHINGORTWO.
Dig into this season of Wondery’s Even the Rich podcast for the very captivating and compelling #FreeBritney eps.
YAY.
Black Futures with Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham—Plus BIG Gifts
If, like us, you’ve been following Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham’s work for years ‘n years, you’re going to really relish digging into Black Futures, the sweeping anthology they created together. This week, we’re chatting with the duo about celebrating Blackness, developing a friendship over the course of a creative collaboration, and, um, mispronouncing words. Oh, and before they join us, we’re discussing why really big versions of things make good gifts.
If, like us, you’ve been following Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham’s work for years ‘n years, you’re going to really relish digging into Black Futures, the sweeping anthology they created together. This week, we’re chatting with the duo about celebrating Blackness, developing a friendship over the course of a creative collaboration, and, um, mispronouncing words. Oh, and before they join us, we’re discussing why really big versions of things make good gifts.
The linkage:
You thought we were done with gift ideas? Heck no. 1) a 6- or 12-month gift sub to Secret Menu. 2) DONATIONS! 3) lots of something you know someone already loves. For us, we’re talking jumbo takes on Luxardo cherries, Maldon salt, Fruit Roll-Ups, Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner, Ghirardelli brownie mix, Tate’s cookies, sriracha, that Kacey Musgraves x Boy Smells candle, and Red Boat fish sauce and salt.
Grab your copy of Black Futures (which, by the way: great gift). To keep up on Jenna and Kimberly’s book tour—and to feel very in-the-know in general—follow both of them on IG: @jennydeluxe and @museummammy respectively.
Black Futures inspirations: The Black Book edited by Toni Morrison, Black Women Writers at Work by Claudia Tate, Losing Ground directed by Kathleen Collins (and just the scope and scale of Kathleen Collins's work broadly), the F series at The Studio Museum in Harlem, and adrienne maree brown (and her book introductions specifically).
Of the SO MANY moments, undertakings, and talents Black Futures delves into, a few this episode touches on: Martine Rose, Black Mama’s Bail Out, and the birth of Black Lives Matter in the Facebook posts of Alicia Garza and Patrisse Cullors.