Category Archives: Media

Great YouTube Channel for Touring Tiny Homes (creative spaces FTW!)

Brainpower, Media, Simple Living, , , , , , ,

When I share about great YouTube channels here on the blog, it’s usually something I’ve discovered fairly recently. Today I want to share about an old favorite. Kirsten Dirksen has been posting videos about simple living, self-sufficiency, small homes, backyard gardens, alternative transport, DIY, craftsmanship, and philosophies of life on her YouTube channel for over a decade. I’m pretty sure my discovery of her videos pre-dates this blog!

Dirksen’s videos are always calming, fascinating, and beautifully produced. She showcases what ordinary life is like in these extraordinary abodes and asks the inhabitants really insightful questions. Admittedly, I’m a big fan of any content about tiny homes or that offer home tours. But none that I’ve come across really dig into the philosophy behind the living spaces quite like this one.

Here are some great tours, if you’re down to watch —

And this tour of a 90-square-foot apartment in Manhattan was my introduction to this channel. A decade old and honestly…it holds up! 😉

What YouTube channels did you discover years ago and still love? Tell me in the comments below!

P.S. Other posts in my Great YouTube Channels For… series include Practicing Spanish, Travel Inspo, and Lifelong Ballerinas. Check ’em out!

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A Peek at My Podcast Subscriptions

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Hey friends! It’s been a little while since I’ve shared my current podcast subscription list. (Here’s a look at the list from Nov ’17.) Wanna see what’s been in my earholes lately?

Culpable

Culpable  explores unsettled cases where the people who seem deserving of blame somehow eluded justice. On February 26, 2014, Christian Andreacchio was found dead in the upstairs bathroom of his apartment from a single gunshot wound to the head. After a mere 45-minute investigation, local police ruled his death a suicide, despite substantial evidence that points to Christian’s death not only being a homicide, but premeditated murder.

Who? Weekly

A podcast dedicated to deciphering and celebrating pop culture’s greatest (and not-so-greatest) Whos and Thems. Everything you need to know about celebrities you don’t. Hosted by Bobby Finger and Lindsey Weber.

 

Who the Hell is Hamish

He was born Hamish Watson, a surfie dude from Sydney – but he could morph into whatever you wanted him to be. Hamish is due to be sentenced to jail for swindling a handful of victims out of more than $7 million. But these crimes are just the final pages in a resume too think to staple; for decades he’s duped victims in the US, Canada, Britain, Hong Kong and Australia.

Building a StoryBrand with Donald Miller

If you’re frustrated because you struggle to get the word out about your product or service, the Building a StoryBrand podcast will help. Fans of the podcast are ecstatic about the fun and entertaining way Donald Miller brings you practical advice about clarifying your message so customers will listen. Don and the StoryBrand team are the world’s leading experts in harnessing the 2,000 year-old proven power of story formulas to get people talking about your brand.

The Rewatchables

The Rewatchables, a film podcast from the Ringer Podcast network, features HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons and a roundtable of people from The Ringer universe discussing movies they can’t seem to stop watching.

Royally Obsessed

Royally Obsessed is the podcast for all things Royals! Kaitlin Menza and Lisa Ryan both write about The Royals for everyone from Cosmo to NY Mag, and each week they discuss the highs and lows in Buckingham Palace, and everything you need to know for high tea.

Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness

A weekly exploration of all the things Jonathan Van Ness is curious about. Go on a journey with Jonathan and experts in their respective fields as they get curious about anything and everything under the sun.

 

The Freelance Friday Podcast

The Freelance Friday Podcast is all about… you guessed it: freelancing. An inside look at the world of freelancing, featuring tips, tricks, and interviews with people who are doing it right.

 

Call Your Girlfriend

Call Your Girlfriend is a podcast for long-distance besties everywhere co-hosted by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, and produced by Gina Delvac. Every week, Aminatou and Ann call each other to discuss the intricacies of pop culture and the latest in politics.

Household  Name

Surprising stories about how the biggest, household name brands affect our lives and culture — for better or worse. Host Dan Bobkoff finds tales of tragedy, love, strange histories, unintended consequences, and accidental success.

Britney’s Gram

Each week, comedians Tess Barker and Barbara Gray discuss and dissect Britney Spears’s Instagram posts.

 

Reply All

Reply All is hosted by PJ Vogt and Alex Goldman, who launched the show in 2014. “A podcast about the internet’ that is actually an unfailingly original exploration of modern life and how to survive it.” – The Guardian

 

And before you ask, NO — I am not able to keep up with all of these. There are some that I’m still listening to episodes that came out years ago…but these are all the shows that are in my current rotation and that I would whole-heartedly recommend. 😉

P.S. I asked 9 friends, “What’s your favorite podcast?” and here’s what they had to say.

Kicking off SEASON TWO of Uncovered the Podcast

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uncovered the podcast

Guess what, guys?! Season 2 of Uncovered the Podcast is hitting the airwaves this Sunday!

My co-host Katie and I started Season 1 last September and put out 17 episodes all about celebrity mysteries! You can catch up on those HERE. (We’re also on Castbox, iTunes, & Spotify.) During our hiatus we did a bonus episode for the Oscars and a LIVE episode.

Haven’t listened to us yet? If you love celebrity gossip, conspiracy theories, unsolved mysteries, or just listening in on a fun chat between two besties… This might be the podcast for you! Starting Sunday, we’re back with weekly uploads. Each week, we research the most curious situations involving famous folk…

  • Recent pop culture conundrums,
  • Solutions to the puzzles time (and fame) forgot. (We NEVER forget!), and
  • Celebrity conspiracy theories ranging from completely impossible to totally plausible.

…and then present our mystery to each other (and YOU!) along with theories, rumors, fun facts, and weird tidbits.

If that sounds like something you’d be into, then we’ll see you on Sunday!!! And pretty-please-with-a-cherry-on-top consider subscribing and leaving a review on iTunes. It would mean the world to Katie and I.

To kick off Season 2, Katie will be discussing the meaning behind a popular Phil Collins jam and I’ll be exploring the death of Natalie Wood. We hope you’ll tune in! 

P.S. As you might imagine, pictorial evidence is part of the fun when you’re covering celebrity mysteries. So we have an INSTAGRAM for all that jazz! Would love if you’d follow us there!!

We saw My Favorite Murder LIVE!!!

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Do you guys listen to the podcast My Favorite Murder? It seems like everywhere I turn I meet new murderinos!

Well, a couple weeks ago (St. Patrick’s Day, to be exact!), I was in Indianapolis visiting my BFF Katie and we attended the MFM live show. It was a really cool experience. I would have never guessed a decade or so ago that a comedy podcast about murder would be selling out venues typically reserved for big-time bands. Yet, here we are! What a time to be alive, amirite?!

Since Katie and I have recently dipped our toes into the world of podcasting, it was also super inspiring to see 2 ladies who are straight up KILLING IT in this medium. They were, of course, hilarious and the crowd was lapping up every minute of it.

If you’re not already subscribed, you can listen to the episode from that night HERE. We had a blast, the hometown murder at the end was perfection, and Karen donned a green cape in honor of the holiday (see above! lol).

10/10 , would definitely recommend attending live podcast experiences!!!

Do you listen to My Favorite Murder? Have you ever been to one of their live shows? What podcasts are you loving these days? xoxo

P.S. Speaking of podcasts, I binged this one over the weekend and it is SO GOOD!

Podcast Recommendation: Getting Curious

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getting curious podcast recommendation

If you, like pretty much everyone in the world EVER, greedily binge watched Queer Eye in a manner of days (or a singular day…no judgement here), then you’re already acquainted with Jonathan Van Ness in all his quirky glory…

YAS HENNY! 

…But did you know he has a podcast?

Getting Curious is a weekly exploration of all the things Jonathan is curious about. He invites experts in their respective fields to come on the show and give him a crash course in whatever it is they know best. I love that premise, don’t you? Life-long learning, baby! From scientists to CEOs, actresses and authors to his QE cast-mates…the questions are many and the answers are entertaining and educational.

Definitely check this one out if you haven’t already. I listened to a bunch of epis on my recent drive back from Lexington and was so grateful for the binge-worthy, thought provoking material that just kept comin’!

Have you listened to Getting Curious? What are your go-to podcasts these days?

P.S. JVN’s podcast is doubly inspiring to me because I have a tiny baby podcast (she’s only 6 epis old!) that I co-host with my bff Katie. CLICK HERE to check it out. xoxo

4 Creepy Movies to Get You Ready for Halloween

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As soon as the weather starts to cool off, I LOVE watching scary movies on Friday nights. I don’t know what it is! Maybe purposefully lookin’ to get spooked is more fun when you’re curled up in a blanky (the easier to cover your face during the stressful parts!). Or maybe it’s that Halloween is fast approaching! If you wanna get in the mood and have your own private scarefest, here are a few creepy movies Chet and I have watched recently that I would recommend…

1. I Think We’re Alone Now

Del is alone in the world. After the human race is wiped out, he lives in his small, empty town, content in his solitude and the utopia he’s methodically created for himself — until he is discovered by Grace, an interloper whose history and motives are obscure. And to make matters worse, she wants to stay.

I love any post-apocalyptic film that showcases a realistic look at survival tactics. As soon as the film began with Peter Dinklage in a house scavenging for batteries…I was in. But there’s a looming sense throughout the movie that something isn’t as it seems–even as the quiet scenes and calming natural light settle you in to this simpler way of life.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE. 

2. Hereditary

When the matriarch of the Graham family passes away, her daughter and grandchildren begin to unravel cryptic and increasingly terrifying secrets about their ancestry, trying to outrun the sinister fate they have inherited.

This movie will make you think but also provide all the jumps and gasps of a truly frightening horror film. The creepiness is in the details though…so you’ll wanna play close attention during this one. Don’t let all the “Hereditary Explained” articles and YouTube videos discourage you. Just watch and come to your OWN conclusions.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE. 

3. Like Me

A reckless loner, desperate for human connection, sets out on a crime spree that she broadcasts on social media. Her reality quickly splinters into a surreal nightmare as her exploits spiral out of control.

I didn’t know much about this movie going in–I just saw the words “indie thriller” and “commentary on YouTube” and was down to press play. This one was aesthetically very creepy, but also stomach churning. If you’re tuning in for Shane Dawson’s Jake Paul series, I have a feeling this might serve as a good complimentary film.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE. 

4. Mother!

A couple’s relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. From filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream), this riveting psychological thriller is about love, devotion and sacrifice.

I had heard mostly bad things about this film but was willing to give it a shot because I love Black Swan (and JLaw!) so much. And I’m glad I did! It had everything I want in a psychological thriller. Similar to Hereditary, if you go into this film worried less about what things are supposed to  mean and instead draw your own conclusions, you’ll have a creepier more satisfying viewing experience!

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE. 

Have you watched any creepy movies lately that you would recommend? Do you watch more scary films in the Autumn?

P.S. Need more movie recommendations? RIGHT THIS WAY!
P.P.S. If you enjoyed this content and would like to support my sweet blog (thank you!)–click HERE.

Do you watch reality TV?

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do you watch reality tv? SURVIVOR

This weekend, I was clicking around in Hulu (modern day channel surfing?) when I discovered…

34 seasons of Survivor and 29 seasons of The Amazing Race. WHAT?!? Honestly, I don’t know how I’ve gone this long without stumbling upon this treasure trove.

My introduction to reality tv began in the late 90’s with Road Rules…and I’ve loved it ever since. I would say it’s one of my top guilty pleasures…but I honestly don’t feel that guilty about it. What about YOU? Do you watch reality tv?

A few of my recent favorites include:
The Challenge (I’ve seen every season. #NoShame)
Rupaul’s Drag Race
Sister Wives
Keeping Up With the Kardashians (I know, I know)
American Grit
Hell’s Kitchen (really any cooking competition…I’m not picky)

do you watch reality TV? ROAD RULES

and I used to love:
Real World and Road Rules (of course)
America’s Next Top Model
So You Think You Can Dance
Jersey Shore
The Hills
Naked and Afraid
Teen Mom

and, weirdly enough, one of my favorite things about living in Ireland in the early aughts was the DOPE reality tv. *shrugs* What can I say? I like what I like!

What about you? What reality tv shows do you like? Do you remember the first one you got really into? (Road Rules Northern Trail for me…I was also pretty obsessed with Survivor season 2, lol *ages self*) I’d love to hear your faves! Oh, and if you’re not from America, tell us what reality tv is like in YOUR country…

Great YouTube Channel for Practicing Spanish (lifelong learning FTW!)

Brainpower, Media, , , , , ,

You KNOW I’m a huge proponent of lifelong learning. Well, living in Miami these last few years offered an amazing perk in that department. I got to practice Spanish pretty much every day! Now that we’ve moved to Alabama, these daily conversations in my non-native tongue are one of the things I miss most!

While I’d love to explore other options, I know that YouTube is an amazing (and FREE) resource for language learning. I recently stumbled upon the Spanish language channel Superholly (and the accompanying Superholly English).

If you’re interested in working on your Spanish skills, I HIGHLY recommend checking out Holly’s videos.

I especially love this recent video about her upbringing across countries and languages…

(Here it is in English…)

…because my childhood also included learning foreign languages and living in foreign countries. 🙂 And I have my parents to thank for that, too.

I also really enjoyed binge watching this series about Nahuatl…

How do you practice foreign languages as an adult? Do you ever use YouTube for immersion purposes? I’d love to hear!

P.S. YouTube channels for travel inspo and lifelong ballerinas!

I have a podcast!!!

Media, Personal, , , ,

uncovered the podcast

Exciting news!!! My friend Katie and I have been talking about starting a podcast together FOR YEARS. And guess what? We finally did it! Our very first episode of Uncovered the Podcast went live yesterday.

So what is our podcast about? CELEBRITY MYSTERIES! Each week, we research the most curious situations involving famous folk…

  • Recent pop culture conundrums,
  • Solutions to the puzzles time (and fame) forgot. (We NEVER forget!), and
  • Celebrity conspiracy theories ranging from completely impossible to totally plausible.

…and then present our mystery to each other (and YOU!) along with theories, rumors, fun facts, and weird tidbits.

We’re not saying everything is true, we’re simply uncovering the possibilities.

In episode 1, Katie deep dove into the mysterious world of Dave J. to find out if Jon Benet Ramsey is alive and well and living as a pop music superstar and I explored the possibility that Jamie Lynn Spears’ teen pregnancy spawned a massive cover up by Nickelodeon executives.

Love celebrity gossip, conspiracy theories, unsolved mysteries, or just listening in on a fun chat between two besties? This might be the podcast for you!

It would mean the world to me if you gave our first epi a listen. (& let me know what you think!!)

We are available on iTunes, PodBean, and Castbox. Katie and I will be putting out new episodes every Sunday.

If you, like me, spend your Sundays knockin’ out chores and implementing self-care, then you know podcasts can be an integral part of that process! So, SUBSCRIBE to Uncovered and you’ll have something new waitin’ for you every Sunday! xoxo

P.S. As you might imagine, pictorial evidence is part of the fun when you’re covering celebrity mysteries. So we have an INSTAGRAM for all that jazz! Would love if you’d follow us there!!

What are some of your favorite podcasts? Do you love weird celebrity conspiracy theories as much as me and my co-host Katie? Let me know! 

Great YouTube Channel for Travel Inspo (totally binge-worthy!)

Media, Travel, , , , , ,

Today I’d like to introduce you to one of my favorite YouTube channels in my subscription feed. Kara and Nate are a husband and wife travel team exploring 100 countries before 2019, and they share their adventures through daily vlogs.

In pre-YouTube times I used to be obsessed with shows like “Globe Trekker” and Samantha Brown‘s “Passport to [fill in the blank].” They totally filled the hole in my heart carved out by a deep sense of wanderlust. Finding Kara and Nate’s channel left me feeling similarly. While I’ve watched other YouTubers who focus on travel, none have felt so relatable or, honestly, are as fun to watch!

If you’re looking for something travel-related to binge watch this weekend, I would HIGHLY recommend checking out this channel. They have videos from all over the world but I especially love their two week trek in the Himalayas —

and their train journey on the Tran-Siberian Railroad —

If you’ve been following this blog long enough these two adventures should come as no surprise as my OBVIOUS favorites. [Check out this post and this one.] I really dig trains and I REALLY dig Himalayan mountaineering.

And speaking of Himalayan mountaineering, in honor of reaching 100k subscribers, Kara and Nate partnered with iTrek Nepal to give away an adventure like the one they took to Everest Base Camp!!! Which, if you watched the playlist I linked above, you’ll probably want to win. You can enter HERE. (But remember – the trip is for 2 so you should probs take me as your +1, k? I’ll happily share all my random Everest knowledge with ya!!)

Here’s a video about the giveaway —

GO ENTER! 

Do you have any favorite YouTube channels that I should binge-watch this weekend? How do you cure your wanderlust? Share below! 

P.S. Wanna exercise this weekend instead of binge-watching travel vids on the couch? Here’s a Great YouTube Channel for Lifelong Ballerinas.