There's a Kitten On the Front Porch
A list of recommendations on everything from 'Babes' to a new memoir on pleasure in middle age
Welcome to Recommendation Roundup! As I scoot around the internet, I keep a running list of podcasts, tv shows and articles that I like, and think you might like, too. Then I share them here.
Thank you for the overwhelming response to my eulogy for Porch Cat. Apparently the universal cat distribution system also subscribes to my newsletter because yesterday a kitten showed up on my front porch. It took about five hours before my husband went out there to befriend it. And it took about another hour before we 1brought it inside. We already have two cats (also gifts from the UCDS) and we’re not in the market for a third. The plan is to take this little critter to the vet on Monday and then re-route it to one of the foster/adoption places in town. In the meantime, it’s quarantined in our downstairs bathroom, where, I am pleased to report, it has already learned how to use the litter box.
Nashville folks, I’m teaching my Social Media for Writers class at The Porch on Saturday, June 8. I only teach this once a year, so if you have a book coming out, want to learn how to promote your newsletter, or just want a refresher on social media in a post-Twitter world, this is the class for you. More info here.
On July 18 I’m interviewing Betsy Phillips about the publishing process for her forthcoming book, Dynamite Nashville! This series, Birthing the Book, is hosted by The Porch and is free to attend.
I saw the new movie Babes starring Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau. It’s being billed as a buddy-baby comedy. I loved it. It’s half grown-up Broad City and half Buteau’s signature brand of comedy. Here’s a great review.
Sorry not sorry I’m still talking about Hanif Abdurraqib. Sorry not sorry I’m still talking about André 3000 (I saw André 3000 this week and have been talking about it nonstop on Instagram). Hanif on André 3000 for Bitter Southerner.
I am eagerly awaiting Glynnis MacNicol’s new memoir I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself, out June 11. In the meantime, here she is in the New York Times talking about enjoying her age and defying expectations. (gift link)
R. Eric Thomas has a new, nationally syndicated advice column called “Asking Eric” that begins on July 1, and he’s taking questions now. Read more in Here for It.
Here are two new/new to me Substacks that you may enjoy. Up first, Big Undies by Corinne Fay from the popular plus-size resale account Sell Trade Plus and Virginia Sole-Smith’s newsletter and podcast Burnt Toast. The other ‘stack is from my friend Jennifer Justus called The Grace Before Dinner. Jennifer is a longtime food writer, storyteller and cookbook author.
Amy’s summer rec list is what’s going to get me through the summer.
Romper did this great package around Mother’s Day called The Aunties Issue. I especially loved the entries from Ashley C. Ford and Glynnis MacNicol.
Burnout? It couldn’t be me. (Reader, it is me.) Glennon did three We Can Do Hard Things episodes about productivity and they were exactly what I needed to hear.
Ep 303: Laziness Does Not Exist with Devon Price
Ep 304: Break Up with Busyness & Let Go of Your To-Do List
Ep 305: How to Self-Regulate, Heal Your Relationships & Accept That You’ll Never Be Finished
Emily Nagoski was a guest on Design Matters with Debbie Millman. They have a fascinating conversation about sex, autism, long covid and so much more. Check out Emily’s new book here.
"They think it's worth killing us to make us thin," Ragen Chastain on Christy Harrison’s podcast Rethinking Wellness.
Roxane Gay shared this in her ‘stack and I forwarded it to a bunch of my friends: Queer fat bodies in middle age.
Amanda Richards on complimenting fat people’s outfits:
Kate Manne on Baby Reindeer:
Lyz on writing comedy:
Sam Irby was a guest on Hello My Mom Is Dead podcast (ep. 12). For obvious reasons, this podcast may not be for you, but if it is, I think you will like it as much as I did.
Julia Turshen has a new cookbook coming out in the fall and you can pre-order it now:
Thanks for being here! I’ll be back soon with a new list of things to watch, read and listen to.
For the sake of brevity, the paragraph about the kitten is missing some details. Please know that I have years of experience doing this, as well as a great local community of folks who help in these situations. At this time, no advice or feedback is needed.
Love the footnote! I, too, cannot wait for Glynnis MacNicol's book!
KITTENNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!