I didn’t post a newsletter last week, so you’re getting a two-week roundup here but it has all been for a very good reason. I’ve had an absolutely insane week or two with my new project - a company of my own! I’ve been running it since October 2020 and have kept it very quiet for the most part - I didn’t want to talk about it until I had verified the idea a bit and made some traction. But you’ll be hearing a lot more about it in the weeks to come as I begin to launch it more seriously. Watch this space.
I also spent this past weekend out in the bush, which was much needed. I got some space to refresh and reset my intentions for the year to come. It’s crazy how quickly January is flying past us and we need to jump on the horse quickly before we miss it completely! The time away has filled me with energy again to jump into fourth gear and get stuck into all that 2021 has promised.
The world still seems to be in a strange limbo period as we wait for vaccines to make their way through our populations. Hopefully, that will begin to slay the giant of this pandemic and allow us to move forward with a little more certainty and comfort. But if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we should not count our chickens before they hatch.
Anyway, let me stop rambling. There are two new podcasts for you below as well as some links to some internet goodness. Choose your own adventure and I’ll see you again next week - same time, same place.
New Podcast: Monkey Ransom, Ultraspeaking and Digital Minimalism
On this episode of the podcast we discuss a wonderful new series called ‘Little Voice’, the monkey criminals in Bali holding humans to ransom, our experience from an Ultraspeaking workshop, and Chad’s thoughts on ‘Digital Minimalism’ - a book by Cal Newport.
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
New Podcast: Turning Creativity into a Career (with Mitch Lally)
On this episode of the podcast, we do a deep dive on what it takes to make your creative passions into a career with YouTuber, photographer, and videographer Mitch Lally. We then discuss the recent storming of the US Capitol, WhatsApp’s new privacy policy, and have a frank discussion about depression - inspired by Johann Hari’s book ‘Lost Connections’.
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
Links:
I found this a wonderful articulation of what it takes to put yourself out there outside of your comfort zone - the fear, anxiety, and relief when you realise that it actually went ok. (Link)
We all know that staying present and in the moment is one of the key components of living a good life. This is a short reminder to do what you're doing, and nothing else. (Link)
One of my all-time favourite bloggers Scott Alexander is finally back after a harrowing doxxing by the New York Times. His comeback post is a rumination on the perils of fame and notoriety - and it’s brilliant. (Link)
Einstein on the Political Power of Art. (Link)
I went down a YouTube rabbit hole with a YouTuber named Coffeezilla who dedicates his time to exposing scams and fake gurus who prey on desperate people to make a quick buck. I’m not sure I can recommend it for everyone, but I found his stuff fascinating and a good primer on basic human psychology if you choose to see it that way. (Link)
Another YouTube video I really enjoyed (well, more of a documentary really) was episode 2 of ‘The Rebuild’ from True Geordie. It’s a very emotional and vulnerable journey from a typical strongman - and that’s what makes it so compelling. (Link)
That’s all for this week! I hope you have a wonderful week ahead and remember - be kind to yourself!
Barry