Two TV Shows I Gotta Talk About
Plus, my latest baking adventure & a book club tip
Listen to me read the post above. ⬆️
Notes from a Kindred Spirit is a bi-weekly newsletter about embracing curiosity, exploring hobbies, living with chronic illness, and finding contentment in the everyday.
Hi friends,
Alright, I have to talk about two TV shows that have really captured my attention lately.
First, did you watch the Apple Cider Vinegar miniseries? It’s a wild and heartbreaking story based on a real-life Australian woman who faked having cancer and set herself up as a wellness influencer. I recommend checking trigger warnings before watching.
The Everygirl shared a great review of the series, highlighting the way it exposes just how dangerous the wellness industry can be.
And Jackie, who writes the Disability & Determination newsletter, wrote a thoughtful piece about the show reflecting on how ingrained ableism is in our society and the effects that stigma can have on people who are born “healthy” but diagnosed with a chronic illness or disability later in life.
Okay, the second show I can’t stop thinking about is Mo. This show blew me and my husband away! It’s a comedy with only 2 seasons, but it is well worth your time.
Per Netflix:
In Texas, Mo straddles the line between two cultures, three languages and a pending asylum request while hustling to support his Palestinian family.
Mo is funny, heartbreaking, eye-opening, poignant, and timely.
The creators, Mohammed Amer (who also stars) and Ramy Youssef, do not shy away from addressing complex topics such as the United States’ asylum process, ICE facilities at the Mexico/US border, and what it means to be a stateless person.
But don’t let all of that scare you off! These topics are handled with grace and good humour, and I’m still thinking about this show weeks after we finished it.
What show have you been obsessing over lately?
A MUST for any book club (and reader)—seek out books with diverse representation. Read books written by and featuring people of colour, of various genders and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
Reading diversely is immensely important. It can teach us so much while expanding our empathy. And who doesn’t want that?
Leave a comment or reply to this email if you need some recommendations to get started!
Lately, I’ve been on a real coconut kick! So, when I was leafing through my Sally’s Baking Addiction cookbook, looking for a cookie recipe to try, I immediately zeroed in on these Glazed Coconut Lime Cookies.
And let me tell you, they did not disappoint! I was worried they would be on the bland side, but they are so flavourful! Don’t skip the glaze and toasted coconut to sprinkle on the top—they’re worth the little extra effort!
😠 “How to Throw a Tasteful Adult Tantrum” – I can get on board with this.
🐶 Dog parents already know this, but in case you need convincing that dogs are good for your mental health, read this.
🗣️ Have you ever tried audio journaling?
Over to you! Is there a show you can’t stop thinking about? Hit reply to this email and let me know, or leave a comment and share your recommendation with all of us!
P.S. I have 3 digital products available in the Notion Marketplace!
📚 BOOK CLUB HUB for the book club host who wants to organize their club with ease so they can focus on the fun part—reading good books and chatting about them with friends! It’s perfect for small to medium virtual or in-person clubs.
📖 CURATED BOOK LISTS for the book club host or bookworm who doesn’t know what to read next.
🎁 GIFT PLANNER & TRACKER to help you organize birthday and holiday shopping and stay on budget.
Mo was amazing. Funny, poignant, sweet, sad, ridiculous! I hope they make a third season. I couldn’t get enough. Apple cider vinegar…….so many layers….
Although I’m a bit late to the party, I LOVED this newsletter! Thank you for all the recommendations!