Distractions of the Week - 3

Podcast - Oprah’s Super Soul Podcast

Her intelligence is unparalleled, her wisdom is much-needed, and, most importantly, her voice is like a warm hug given to you by your favorite aunt. Oprah needs no introduction and her podcast Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations is another perfectly executed project. Oprah hosts conversations with incredible individuals from the late Maya Angelou to comedian Trevor Noah. She invites her guests to share their stories and wisdom on topics like failure, love, success, and spirituality. Every episode I learn something new or think about a topic in a different way. Recently, I listened to Oprah’s interview with drag icon RuPaul during which they discussed individuality and spirituality. Oprah commented that she views spirituality as the fact that “we are all spiritual beings having a human experience”. Her comment resonated with me because it reminded me that despite what the world is going through and the differences that we all have, we have one thing in common: the human experience. Oprah’s podcast has been a great distraction for me because it has led me to reflect on various aspects of my life and beliefs. I hope it serves the same purpose for you.

Netflix Series - Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj

“Patriot Act” is an unapologetically truthful and hilarious Netflix series that aims to educate its viewers on a variety of topics. Hasan Minhaj, like Trevor Noah or John Oliver, perfectly pairs education and comedy to get his point across. He discusses an array of topics from student loans to the global impact of the NRA. My favorite episode has been his take on fast fashion. Yes I felt called out for being an avid buyer at H&M and Zara, but he made some valid points. The new season covers the topic that we can’t seem to escape: COVID_19. However, in his unique style, Minhaj will shed some light on different aspects of the pandemic and make us think about it in a different way. If you want another reason to get angry with America or are bored, consider watching an episode or two of “Patriot Act.”

Book - It All Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

At first glance Colleen Hoover’s It All Ends with Us is another sappy romance novel with a female lead whose character has not been well developed. However, as you read further and begin reading between the lines, everything changes. Lily Bloom is a small town girl who moves to Boston with the hope of starting her own business: a flower shop. She meets an arrogant and extremely attractive neurosurgeon who sweeps her off her feet, but during their whirlwind romance she learns that there’s more to him than she realized. I will, obviously, not give away what that is but I will say that I read the book in one day. Whether you like romance novels or not, the book conveys numerous lessons that I think resonates with any woman. Plus, it can be your guilty pleasure. Who will know?

Magazine - Vogue June/July 2020 issue

One of the ultimate distractions of this week has been Vogue’s June/July 2020 issue. The magazine, for the first time in several years, has not featured a celebrity or breathtaking model on its cover but rather a photograph by Irving Penn. A single red rose takes up the cover of the next two months’ issue. Like with everything in fashion, there’s more than what meets the eye. According to Condé Nast’s head creative director, Raul Martinez, the red rose represents “beauty, hope, and reawakening” and at the core of the magazine’s message is “our common thread.” It is no secret that the retail industry has been exponentially affected by the pandemic, but this issue of Vogue celebrates the unity and solidarity amongst members of the fashion community. The issue features photographs of celebrities, photographers, and designers taken at home during quarantine. This distraction serves to remind us that, now more than ever, we have more in common than we think. Also, Vogue is offering a one year subscription for just $10. Thank me later ;).