Crowd Favorite: Rats, Rain Clogs, and Romance
You know, this episode from last year is an all-time classic—a real Bobs smörgåsbord if you will. We welcome your updates on all of this! Especially how you’re footwearing for summer rain.
You know, this episode from last year is an all-time classic—a real Bobs smörgåsbord if you will. We welcome your updates on all of this! Especially how you’re footwearing for summer rain.
the linkage:
Our rain-clog conversation has reached new heights! As in: We have a Calzuro review for you.
Holiday shopping season is starting early because the Staten Island Pizza Rat hats are back in stock.
Now onto romance! For an IRL one, try Julia Allison and Noah Feldman. Fictional romances we love include You, Again by Kate Goldbeck (bonus read: this Vulture story about fanfics-turned-bestsellers by Elizabeth Held), The Art of Scandal by Regina Black, Tessa Bailey’s books including It Happened One Summer, Hook, Line, and Sinker, Fix Her Up, and Chase Me, and Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan. Re: sports romances, see Icebreaker by Hannah Grace, The Deal by Elle Kennedy, Kennedy Ryan in general, and this GQ interview with Phillies player Bryce Harper. Also! Let’s talk about Danielle Steel’s desk—Samantha Leach did a good profile of the icon for Glamour—and Rachel Antonoff’s fall fashion campaign (completely unrelated but we love her email roundups to her vet).
Share the romances you’re into with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or our Geneva!
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Crowd Favorite: Regrettably Worth It and Driving
Consider this episode—one of last year’s favorites!—an ode to your embrace of the term “regrettably worth it” aka RWI aka something we get asked to define as least weekly <3
Consider this episode—one of last year’s favorites!—an ode to your embrace of the term “regrettably worth it” aka RWI aka something we get asked to define as least weekly <3
the linkage:
Some regrettably worth it submissions from IG (and our brains) include Skims (related from The Cut), sleep consultants for toddlers, law school, putting your phone in another room after 8 p.m., professional framing, going to Ikea, getting your shoes repaired at Leather Spa (see also: New York Sneaker Society), peeling chickpeas, and stretching.
Do you love car washes as much as Kris Jenner, who compared the experience to Disneyland?
Car accessories that peak our interest include the car trash can, car tweezers, elevated car air fresheners (featuring DS and Durga, Three Potato Four, L:A Bruket, and Hello Adrienne), and, last but *certainly* not least, CarLashes.
Meghan Palmer’s That's so Interesting Newsletter gave us some great insights into car conversations.
What are your favorite car listens—songs, audiobooks, all of it? Share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva!
the sponsors (and promos!)
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Crowd Favorite: Creativity and Exercise Updates That Feel Weirdly Related
Let this greatest-hits ep be all the proof you need that things are still a mess! Should you need supporting evidence, might we direct you to Leah Chernikoff’s recent article for Harper’s Bazaar on the topic?
If mid-July has you a bit out at sea with your routines—show of hands?!—this might be just the right time to revisit one of last year’s hit eps about creativity and exercise. Let’s do this.
the linkage:
For more on morning pages, we direct you to The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. And, a book that comes up a lot despite our mixed feelings about it: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.
A YouTube vid Erica followed to write a novel, as recommended by Mary HK Choi.
Some workout wardrobe staples include unitards—check out Girlfriend Collective and Héros—and the posture-correcting sports bra from Forme (more from Fast Company).
If you need a work-out pep talk, you can always count on Coach Bennett. (And while we’re here: Thanks for programming this ep, Sarah.)
How do you keep going with exercise? Are you a morning-pages person? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! Grab a Secret Menu membership for more, more recommendations.
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Crowd Favorite: Manicures and Mess
Let this greatest-hits ep be all the proof you need that things are still a mess! Should you need supporting evidence, might we direct you to Leah Chernikoff’s recent article for Harper’s Bazaar on the topic?
Why *wouldn’t* we revisit any entertainment property—this podcast ep included—starring Channing Tatum?! Behold, one of last year’s hits, for your (re-?)listening pleasure.
the linkage:
What do the critics have to say about Magic Mike? Here’s Shirley Li at The Atlantic, Let this greatest-hits ep be all the proof you need that things are still a mess! Should you need supporting evidence, might we direct you to Leah Chernikoff’s recent article for Harper’s Bazaar on the topic?
On gel manicures: Uché Blackstock is going to keep getting them, and Claire is too—but now with Maniglovz to protect her hands from those UV lights (and with CND Shellac whenever she can).
For a one-coat at-home mani, Olive & June Cosmic, Pleasing Pearly Tops, and Dior Glow deliver a shimmery, sheer finish. A listener said Dazzle Dry is one of their Thingies, and multiple of y’all have called-out Londontown Kur Nail Concealer (<< the name!). For growth (and nail-biting-prevention), try Nailtiques. For setting yourself up for DIY success, arm yourself with Olive & June dry drops and the brand’s clean up brush.
We have a lot of thoughts about mess, and so do some other people. Dig into For Scale’s “Exquisite Chaos” installment, "Girl Clutter" by Molly Soda, “What If You Just Didn’t Clean That Up?” by Kathryn Jezer-Morton for The Cut, and “This Trend Is a Mess” by Callie Holtermann for NYT. For a listen, check out "How to Keep House While Drowning" on Terrible, Thanks for Asking with guest KC Davis, the author of How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing.
Our convo also reminded us of the books All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenthood by Jennifer Senior and In My Room: Teenagers in Their Bedrooms by Adrienne Salinger (a sampling of some of those pics here).
And a retaliation to the white-box era we’ve been living in can be found on @officialsadbeige.
For a clustercore explainer, we’ve got Better Homes & Gardens. For primo examples, we always think of friend-of-the-pod Rumaan Alam and David Land’s collection of George Washington paintings in their dining room, and dip into Catherine Newman’s home tour on A Cup of Jo.
Two messfluencers to know: Alix Earle and Julia Fox.
On the topic of digital messiness, how many tabs do you have open right now? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or joinour Geneva! For more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.
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Crowd Favorite: Magic Mike and Girl Scouts (Channing, Call Us)
Why *wouldn’t* we revisit any entertainment property—this podcast ep included—starring Channing Tatum?! Behold, one of last year’s hits, for your (re-?)listening pleasure.
Why *wouldn’t* we revisit any entertainment property—this podcast ep included—starring Channing Tatum?! Behold, one of last year’s hits, for your (re-?)listening pleasure.
the linkage:
What do the critics have to say about Magic Mike? Here’s Shirley Li at The Atlantic, Emma Specter at Vogue, A.O. Scott at the NYT, Richard Brody at The New Yorker, Bob Mondello at NPR, and Kyle Smith at the Wall Street Journal.
Channing’s look right now! Specifically this Met Gala pic and this Variety cover! He and Zoë Kravitz share a stylist, Andrew Mukamal (who was featured on Kell on Earth—see also: this Interview interview with Kelly Cutrone).
If you’re into the business side of Magic Mike, check out WSJ’s story “For Magic Mike, Channing Tatum Looked for Strippers Moms Could Love.” As for Channing’s other creative projects: Sparkella, Born & Bred Vodka (more from BonApp), and the much-hyped romance novel he’s writing with Roxane Gay. (Unrelated but also totally related, Tessa Bailey’s reverse-harem romance Happenstance.)
Oh, Girl Scouts, preparing girls to meet the world with courage, confidence, and character since 1912! We love the logo redesign by Collins, and if you need a cookie source, buy them from Troop 6000, a first-of-its-kind program designed to serve families living in temporary housing in the New York City shelter system, or from trans girls around the country.
Another scouting org we love: Radical Monarchs, which creates opportunities for girls and gender-expansive youth of color—this doc is great.
Share your Magic Mike reviews with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or joinour Geneva! And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.
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PIGUE and Paris
We’re back with some new nyms, a report from Paris, housekeeping news, and more!
We’re back with some new nyms, a report from Paris, housekeeping news, and more!
the linkage:
Steve Dolinsky bravely tackles PIGUE (Pizza I Grew Up Eating) Syndrome head-on.
Time for a Paris report! Shoutout to the Moxy hotel in the Marais for its ideal location. Shopping for men’s clothing? Stop by Cuisse de Grenouille, LA panoplie, and Le Mont Saint Michel. For kids, go to Petit Bateau, Monoprix, Bonton, and the top floor of Le Bon Marche. Sabre Paris also has the cutest kids' flatware. We also recommend a visit to The Musée des Arts Décoratifs, specifically for the exhibit "The Birth of Department Stores," La Grande Mosquée de Paris, and Roland-Garros (you know, next year).
A bonus shoutout to When Women Ran Fifth Avenue by Julie Sato.
Thank you to the Dear Media team for a very long run! Extra high fives to our lovely producer Olivia Meade!
Do you have a personal PIGUE? Share it with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or our Geneva! See ya in August!
the sponsors (and promos!)
Take care of your hair with Nutrafol. Take $10 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Ready your wardrobe for summer with Johnny Was and use the code ATHINGORTWO for 20% off your order.
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Memoirist Glynnis MacNicol, Her French-ish Thingies, and the Adolesence of Aging
Listen, spending the summer in Paris isn’t in the cards for us, but spending an episode with Glynnis MacNicol talking about 1) her summer in Paris 2) her book about it, I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself and 3) her Thingies…a surprisingly close second.
Listen, spending the summer in Paris isn’t in the cards for us, but spending an episode with Glynnis MacNicol talking about 1) her summer in Paris 2) her book about it, I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself and 3) her Thingies…a surprisingly close second.
the linkage:
Glynnis MacNicol’s memoir I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself is out this week! We also love her previous book No One Tells You This and her podcast Wilder, about the life and times and lasting impact (for better and/or worse!) of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Glynnis’s Thingies include VIO2 Mouth Tape, not putting moisturizer on after retinol (she likes La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum, ideally purchased in France!), Last Summer directed by Catherine Breillat, and Garnier Ombrelle Face Sun Protection.
The books she mentioned: Speedboat by Renata Adler, Middlemarch by George Eliot, The Guest by Emma Cline, Swimming in Paris by Colombe Schneck, and The Cost of Living by Deborah Levy.
Re: the golden age of podcasts, we’re very excited about A.J. Daulerio’s The Small Bow Podcast, Nice Talk with Nikki Ogunnaike, Lemme Say This with Hunter Harris and Peyton Dix, and Fashion People with Lauren Sherman.
What are your Thingies? Share ‘em with us at with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or our Geneva!
the sponsors (and promos!)
Prepare your wardrobe for summer with Johnny Was and use the code ATHINGORTWO for 20% off your order.
Give your nails polish with Olive & June—20% off your first Mani System when you use our link.
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Estate Sales and Travel RWIs
Some philosophies on dealing with customer service-heavy moments, the benefits of estate sales, and some plane-travel RWIs.
Some philosophies on dealing with customer service-heavy moments, the benefits of estate sales, and some plane-travel RWIs.
the linkage:
Things to shove in your summer-travel carry-on (whether that’s an Alex Mill Perfect Weekday Tote or a Lo & Son O.G. 2): a Dagne Dover Arlo Neoprene Tech Organizer, a foot sling, a Sarisun headrest travel pillow (pair with a Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask or an Alaska Bear), and a packable duffle like Paravel’s.
Estate sale curious? @handledestatesales is a great follow, and we’re sending a special shoutout to Bumble Bee Estate Sales in Charlotte, North Carolina.
What are your tips for visiting estate sales? Please share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or our Geneva!
the sponsors (and promos!)
Revisit the heyday of the department store with the wonderful book When Women Ran Fifth Avenue.
Start reading Line Sheet everything else Puck covers—use our link to sign up for a 14-day free trial.
Get ahead of stress with Stress Relief from Ritual and take 25% off your first month with our link.
Ready your wardrobe for summer with Johnny Was and use the code JWPODCAST for 20% off your order.
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Big Night’s Katherine Lewin Gives Us Her Thingies—and How to Model Having Fun
Oooh, do we have some Thingies of you, ℅ Katherine Lewin, the brains behind one of our top shops Big Night and its wonderful new companion cookbook SLASH hosting guide. Also: a listener’s Olivia Rodrigo concert insight that is really quite moving??
Oooh, do we have some Thingies of you, ℅ Katherine Lewin, the brains behind one of our top shops Big Night and its wonderful new companion cookbook SLASH hosting guide. Also: a listener’s Olivia Rodrigo concert insight that is really quite moving??
the linkage:
Related to FUN + Olivia, this Romper essay by Glynnis MacNichol “My Job As An Auntie Is To Tell Parents They’re Doing Great.”
Katherine’s Thingies include B Sides Lasso jeans and Nelle Atelier denim, carrying a lady bag along with her Extra Large L.L. Bean Boat Tote, brown mascara (perhaps Covergirl's Eye Enhancer 3D Mascara in Berry Brown?), and Gap High Rise Boyfriend Joggers.
We loving shopping at Big Night, and we’re about to love cooking/having-people-overing from the Big Night book, which has 80+ recipes for 6+ people and just all kinds of tips and tricks.
Do you have any Thingies or dream Thingies guests? (Oprah included!) Share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or our Geneva!
the sponsors (and promos!)
Hire with Indeed and get a $75 sponsored job credit when you use our link.
Care for your hair with Nutrafol. Take $10 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Give your nails polish with Olive & June—20% off your first Mani System when you use our link.
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Emerging Lingo, Cool Customizables, Anya, and Miuccia
Lots of discoveries this week! Including amber wine, UHNWs, Mike’s Bites, people as fonts, customizables, and MORE.
Lots of discoveries this week! Including amber wine, UHNWs, Mike’s Bites, people as fonts, customizables, and MORE.
the linkage:
Mike’s Bites probably deserve a whole documentary, honestly.
Some great customizable things: a whole lot of stuff in Ralph Lauren’s Polo Create Your Own Shop (including a perfect plain baseball cap), Artifact monogrammable canvas bags from Omaha. Monica Vinader’s Nura Tiny Fine Chain Bracelet and Signature Signet Rings, and Anya Hindmarch’s The Bespoke Collection (also: her T mag profile about decluttering).
If you haven’t read Miuccia Prada Vogue cover story yet, do it!
Some basics we’re loving: Donni’s pointelle tee, Favorite Daughter’s The Mischa jeans and The Jordie jeans, and Richer Poorer’s perfect gray sweatshirt. Worth the resale-site stalking: Wardrobe.NYC’s denim jacket (via Poshmark) and Proenza Schouler long-sleeve tissue jersey tees (via The RealReal).
LIU, DMB, and Three Romances
New nyms! Thoughtful follow-ups on previous episodes! Romances we’re loving right now! All that and more in your ears right this second.
New nyms! Thoughtful follow-ups on previous episodes! Romances we’re loving right now! All that and more in your ears right this second.
the linkage:
Our previous episode about grief led us to the GQ profile "The Dave Matthews Guide to Living and Dying" by Alex Pappademas and “The Jewelry I Wear to Help Me Grieve” by Leah Chernikoff for Harper’s Bazaar and spurred some thoughtful conversations in our Geneva.
More on the perimenopause discourse: Miranda July’s new novel All Fours and The World’s First Podcast’s interview with the endocrinologist Dr. Jordan Geller.
Three romances we read and loved: Yulin Kuang’s How to End a Love Story, Abby Jimenez’s Just For the Summer, and Rainbow Rowell’s Slow Dance.
What are you excited about right now? Share all your thoughts via 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or our Geneva!
the sponsors (and promos!)
Give your hair a boost with Nutrafol. Take $10 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Do your own nails (well!!) with Olive & June—20% off your first Mani System when you use our link.
Peyton Dix’s Grade A Thingies and an Iconic Workplace Conundrum
Prepare to be charmed! We have writer, social strategist, and gal about the internet Peyton Dix hand-delivering her Thingies. Also: This Ask a Manager post demanded discussion.
Prepare to be charmed! We have writer, social strategist, and gal about the internet Peyton Dix hand-deliveringher Thingies. Also: This Ask a Manager post demanded discussion.
the linkage:
Peyton’s Thingies include Aesop Post-Poo Drops (available in Europe, pals), being bi, Kellyoke, Noihsaf Bazaar, having less screentime, and sharing your location. Peyton’s bonus-round Thingies: wired headphones, SLT, Todaytix, The Situation and the Story: The Art of Personal Narrative by Vivian Gornick, game nights, “Karma” by JoJo Siwa, and Ouai Curl Cream.
Have any new Thingies? Share ‘em with us via 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or our Geneva!
the sponsors (and promos!)
Hire with Indeed and get a $75 sponsored job credit when you use our link.
Source the good writing tools with JetPens—free JetPens marker and washi tape with any $50 order when you use our link until 6/30/24.
Amp up your garden with Fast Growing Trees—get an additional 15% off your first purchase with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Do your own nails (well!!) with Olive & June—20% off your first Mani System when you use our link.
Our Many Thoughts on an Olivia Rodrigo Concert and The Idea of You Movie
We are here to report on our experiences at TWO Major Cultural Events: an Olivia Rodrigo concert at MSG (incredible and moving!) and a screening of The Idea of You (really fun—lots of laughter!).
We are here to report on our experiences at TWO Major Cultural Events: an Olivia Rodrigo concert at MSG (incredible and moving!) and a screening of The Idea of You (really fun—lots of laughter!).
the linkage:
The Idea of You lands on Prime Video on May 2, and you better believe we’re watching it again.
If you, like most we know, consider Lauren Sherman’s newsletter Line Sheet required reading, tune into her new podcast Fashion People on Tuesdays and Fridays, too.
When you watch The Idea of You, PLEASE share your thoughts with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or chat with other Bobs in our Geneva. We probably need to air some reactions, right?!
the sponsors (and promos!)
Score the good writing tools with JetPens—free JetPens marker and washi tape with any $50 order when you use our link until 6/30/24.
Impress yourself and your nails with Olive & June—20% off your first Mani System when you use our link.
Interior Designer Extraordinaire Billy Cotton’s Thingies—and Mascara as Underpants
You want more Thingies? We’ve got more Thingies! This time with one of the most charming interior designers around, Billy Cotton, who has a stellar new collaboration with West Elm and a book we love, love, love.
You want more Thingies? We’ve got more Thingies! This time with one of the most charming interior designers around, Billy Cotton, who has a stellar new collaboration with West Elm and a book we love, love, love.
the linkage:
Billy’s Thingies include a Lorezi Milano toothpaste squeezer (paired with Marvis Toothpaste at the moment), Cowboy Carter (but of course), Hillstone (specifically the Bal Harbour location) Elephant and Castle (Michigan Star!), the city of Houston, and, of course, Fruit Loops.
A few of our favorites from his West Elm collection are this checkered rug, this pepper mill, this etched glassware, and this shell bowl for cereal or anything you please.
Didn’t know we had to announce it, but we’re #teammascara. See: Kevyn Aucoin'The Volume Mascara and Lily Lolo Mascara…and let us know your faves at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or chat with other Bobs in our Geneva.
the sponsors (and promos!)
Give your hair a boost with Nutrafol. Take $10 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Get the good writing tools with JetPens—free JetPens marker and washi tape with any $50 order when you use our link until 6/30/24.
Go green with Fast Growing Trees—get an additional 15% off your first purchase with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Closing Shift and Marie Claire EIC Nikki Ogunnaike’s Thingies
We brought back Nikki Ogunnaike, editor-in-chief of Marie Claire and writer of the very good shopping newsletter Self Checkout, to share her Thingies. Also: Closing shift, to the tune of “Closing Time.”
We brought back Nikki Ogunnaike, editor-in-chief of Marie Claire and writer of the very good shopping newsletter Self Checkout, to share her Thingies. Also: Closing shift, to the tune of “Closing Time.”
the linkage:
Ready for Nikki’s Thingies? Great. Try Uniqlo U white T-shirts, Vegamour GRO Biotin Gummies, Uzo liquid eyeliner and pencil eyeliner, and three resources for the good watches: Fashionphile, The RealReal, and Bob’s Watches.
A whole sub-category of running Thingies! Like Coach Bennett’s guided runs on the Nike Run Club App (also: our past episode with Coach Bennett that we still think about), Fabletics Define PowerHold High-Waisted 9” Short, Panache Wired Sports Bras, and LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix (also a bonus shoutout to Pocari Sweat).
The idea of the closing shift came to our attention via The Everygirl newsletter, and it lead us to think about Mike Bise’s Gap Store Playlists.
Dip into our 2020 convo with Nikki, too!
What are your Thingies? Share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or chat with other Bobs in our Geneva.
the sponsors (and promos!)
Give your closet a spring refresh with Nuuly and take $20 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO20.
Make some new plant friends with Fast Growing Trees—get an addition 15% off your first purchase with the code ATHINGORTWO.
British Kids’ Programming, Brow-Dyeing, and Many More of Your Thingies
We’re giving some children’s programming rave reviews, digging into your trending Thingies, and reading a lot into an interesting story about Manhattan’s history.
We’re giving some children’s programming rave reviews, digging into your trending Thingies, and reading a lot into an interesting story about Manhattan’s history.
the linkage:
Endorsed by Claire (and Cam!) Cosmic Kids Yoga (+ guided meditation!) and Numberblocks.
People love granola! Now more than ever, according to Global Newswire! If you’re in NYC, seek out the greenmaket seller Baker’s Bounty; if you’re anywhere else, make Bon Appétit's Vanilla-Scented Granola. Also, something that makes us giggle: this 2016 headline from The Cut: “Americans Still Believe Granola is Good for Them.”
People are dyeing their brows at home! Specifically using henna or Just for Men, but Harper’s Bazaar recommends getting brow-specific products or going to a professional.
After one of y’all shared menstrual discs as a Thingie, we received several votes for Flex —they have disposable and reusable versions.
Lots of discussion about making natural deodorant actually work. Erica is using Megababe’s Soapy Pits plus Space Bar Underarm Soap. People like Nuud, which is its own ~vibe~. There’s also a lot of discussion about using CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser for its 4% benzoyl peroxide—and LOL at the "How to Clean Armpits with Cerave" TikTok page.
Thoughts on deodorant? Vaginal discs vs. cups? Share with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or chat with other Bobs in our Geneva.
the sponsors (and promos!)
Hire with Indeed and get a $75 sponsored job credit when you use our link.
Updates and Grief
This week, we’re issuing some micro updates and corrections before we dive into the meat of this episode: grief. (A content warning, if you will.)
This week, we’re issuing some micro updates and corrections before we dive into the meat of this episode: grief. (A content warning, if you will.)
the linkage:
Some corrections: The Stanley cups are WEARING the backpacks (find a visual aid here), BonBon Swedish candy is having a nightlife moment, and the Pineberry also goes by Berry de Blanc.
On loss: The LA Times story "How Not to Say the Wrong Thing" by Susan Silk and Barry Goldman delves into the ring theory of grief, and All There Is with Anderson Cooper explores anticipatory grief.
If you care about a person (any person), give Being Mortal by Atul Gawande a read—it offers much good guidance and framing for tough conversations.
A couple planning resources: Policygenius for life insurance and Trust & Will for, you guessed it, trusts and wills.
Share all of your thoughts with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or chat with other Bobs in our Geneva.
the sponsors (and promos!)
Refresh your wardrobe with Nuuly and take $20 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO20.
Unscheduled Calls and the Prolific Jo Piazza’s Thingies
This week, we’re talking Thingies with Jo Piazza, author of The Sicilian Inheritance—exactly the escapist, immersive book we want at this very moment—and its companion true-crime podcast…because this woman is one of the most ambitious storytellers you’ve ever encountered, ok? Also: We raise a case for cold-calling your friends, expectations free.
This week, we’re talking Thingies with Jo Piazza, author of The Sicilian Inheritance—exactly the escapist, immersive book we want at this very moment—and its companion true-crime podcast…because this woman is one of the most ambitious storytellers you’ve ever encountered, ok? Also: We raise a case for cold-calling your friends, expectations free.
the linkage:
Jo’s thingies include trad wives (or maybe that’s a Claire Thingie?), Oak Essentials moisture rich balm (s/o to the cleansing balm also!), Freda Salvador shoes and the Jada ballet flats in particular, The Other Two on Max (see also: The State, Party Down, and Girls 5Eva), the podcast Time Capsule: The Silver Chain.
There was a lot of food talk, naturally: Jo raves about Norah Ephron’s pasta alla cecca recipe, and some Philly restaurants she loves include Friday Saturday Sunday, Trattoria Carina, and Zahav.
Jo’s Italian heritage liaison: Laura Lee of Digging Up Roots in the Boot.
Want more Jo? You are in LUCK! Her new release The Sicilian Inheritance has an Elena Ferrante meets Gabrielle Hamilton meets Liane Moriarty vibe, and it pairs perfectly with this non-fiction podcast where Jo, NBD, works to solve a family murder. And dig into her other books We Are Not Like Them, You Were Always Mine, Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win, The Knockoff, and How to Be Married. Want something to listen to? Dive into Under the Influence, Wilder, Committed, Fierce, She Wants More, and Too Much Money.
What are *your* Thingies? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or chat with other Bobs in our Geneva.
the sponsors (and promos!)
Change your clothes with Nuuly and take $20 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO20."
Hire with Indeed and get a $75 sponsored job credit when you use our link.
See your garden thrive with Fast Growing Trees—get an addition 15% off your first purchase with the code ATHINGORTWO.
Cropped Pants, the Tokyo Report, and Many Micro Updates
Greetings, Thingiemabobs! We have some wee updates, a Tokyo tour, and an important (to us) conversation about whether or not cropped pants are allowed.
Greetings, Thingiemabobs! We have some wee updates, a Tokyo tour, and an important (to us) conversation about whether or not cropped pants are allowed.
the linkage:
People are loving the idea of a shower as a room (on of Emily Sundberg’s Thingies!) and were intrigued by this IG reel where @mrsmckennabarry installs a little shelf in her shower for a lamp and a speaker. In more offputting bathing news, Jessica Biel eats cereal in the shower.
Speaking of cereal! Jacqueline Tse of Mad Brooklyn makes compelling Lucky Charms sculptures.
More tiny things!! LOL at this mini backpack you can put on your Stanley Cup; a case for mini soda cans.
Erica just went to Tokyo and has thoughts on the Muji Hotel and Miffy’s dominance (see: a florist called Flower Miffy: Dick Bruna’s Atelier with Flowers, where the classic arrangement uses a mum for Miffy’s head). We also surfaced an important piece of lore about Miffy and Hello Kitty’s relationship via The Guardian.
While Erica was in Japan, Claire was reading Bride by Ali Hazelwood (NSFW discourse warning!). For those who don’t know what TF the omegaverse is, this episode of Fated Mates breaks it all down (and the show notes include lots of reading recs).
Grappling with everchanging pant trends after a meeting with Katie Anderson of Mend Tailoring and reading Jonah Weiner’s New York Times Magazine piece about pants. TY to High Sport for continuing to make a strong case for the crop.
Do you eat or drink in the shower? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or get into it in our Geneva.
Marshmallow Innovation, Fruit Branding, and the Sausage Race of Life
Take a stroll through the grocery aisles with us as we talk about some culinary updates featuring (metaphorical) sausage races and (literal) marshmallow innovations.
Take a stroll through the grocery aisles with us as we talk about some culinary updates featuring (metaphorical) sausage races and (literal) marshmallow innovations.
the linkage:
The Milwaukee Brewers Famous Racing Sausages show us that we never know how any race will end.
So many marshmallow innovations popping off these days, including but not limited to Stackers, Lucky Charms-shaped jet-puffed marshmallows, Just Magical Marshmallows, Jet-Puffed Bits, Hello Kitty marshmallows, and, in a rare case of timeliness on our part, Lucky Charms™ Limited Edition St. Patrick’s Day Just Magical Marshmallows. We also can’t help but mention the MMX Marshmallow Crossbow we included in last year’s gift guide.
Peeps have also been up to some things. Our concerns include Dr. Pepper flavors, dog ropes, "Hanging with my Peeps" merch, and Pepsi’s Peep-flavored soda. For enthusiasts, check out Racine Art Museum’s Annual International Peeps Art Exhibition, and we have to admit we’re kind of charmed by Peepshi.
Fruit innovation! We’re talking pineberries (great in a Marcella Hazan recipe for macerated strawberries with balsamic vinegar!), sumo oranges, raspberry oranges, cotton candy grapes,and pink lemons.
According to the NYT, chocolate chip ice cream is falling out of favor—very upsetting to us.
What do you think we should name the fruit marketing revolution? Share your ideas with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, @athingortwohq, or our Geneva.