Add to list - #55
Strangers on a Bench, Mojo Dojo politics, and Haggis
Hello, thank you, and welcome. I love you for being here!
Add to List is my Sunday round-up. It’s the small things that brought me joy, evoked an emotional reaction or became some short-lived stability in the past seven days.
Obsession
Strangers on a Bench.
I find the selection of podcasts available overwhelming; there’s so much to choose from but it often all feels a bit samey? We see the same guests, the big names, the household human ‘brands’ flutter from established pod to pod, until their soundbites find a way to trickle down, butterfly-effect style to your chosen form of social media.
“Did you know: bananas…[insert fun fact], Yeah! mad isn’t it? I heard it on a podcast.”
Was it Joe Rogan!? [If they are male and over the age of 25, the answer is always yes]. Did they actually listen to the whole episode? No. They probably just saw the highlights clip on the now brotopia-owned, X.
But doesn’t have to be Joe Rogan. It could be Steven Bartlett, Elizabeth Day, Jay Shetty, Jamie Laing or [insert podcaster of your choice]. Look, nothing against those guys and their interview styles but this isn’t really conversation, it’s press with some extra added bonus bits. Do we need more PR-approved discussion to learn about real humanity? No. We need real human stories.
And so, enter what I think is one of the most beautiful bits of podcast production I’ve seen in years: Strangers on a Bench. Tom Rosenthal approaches total unknowns sitting on benches in London parks. He talks to ordinary folk about their, often extraordinary, lives. You can’t fact-check, google, or online stalk. You have no idea what they look like. You don’t even know their names. He starts every episode with the same ice-breaker: “What is your favourite day of the week?” And such, you become a temporary fly on the wall to their routines, rituals and life outlooks. Each episode is short, but incredibly, incredibly sweet. Go, (weep) and listen. For anyone who’s ever looked at a stranger and wanted to piece together their story from just the corner you have in front of you, this is for you.
Huge thank you to my best mate, Hannah for forcing me to listen to ep 1. The podcast did the rest for me.
Confession
I love January?
Not the weather, nor the grey dismal constant washing machine of misery. But, the lack of pressure? The ability to say no with ease? They acceptance (a.k.a joyous relief) if you do. The sudden joy in small things? Intimate conversation round a dinner table? Comfortable clothes? Hinge actually resulting in dates for once!?
Shook
The Traitors finale.
Did you think ‘The Seer’ was a blessing or a curse?
I do have to admit, it was nice to see good triumph over deceit.
Should I enter to go on next season?
Cook
Haggis, Neeps ‘n’ Tatties.
As a half-scot myself, it was only fair to devour some nectar of the Caledonian gods (i.e. Haggis) for Rabbie’s birthday yesterday.
I nestled in with my old housemates from my time at Scottish University in South London. It was a ‘coorie in’ of an evening. Seeing the people who helped you grew up while sharing a supper steeped in nostalgia was more warming to the soul than any triple-aged distilled whiskey I’ve ever tasted.
The friend of man, the friend of truth;
The friend of age, and guide of youth:
— Robert Burns, Epitaph on my own Friend
Look
(This is a new one for 2025 — intended to force me into being more fashionable.)
This denim dress from H&M. My mind is styling it in a multitude of ways throughout the seasons.
Book
How Do I Tell You? by Nicola May
Nicola May is a rom-com super-star and best-selling author. I was lucky enough in my previous job to get to work with Nicola and chat to her across many events and interviews about her work. She describes her style of writing as ‘chick-lit with a kick’ — this novel is exactly that.
The latest in her impressive catalog sees her take on a very important, conversation-starting story with a heart and soul. As empathetic and compassionate as the author herself, this book depicts a loveable, insightful heroine, and reminds us that there are always glimmers of hope to be found within life’s darkest moments.
Can’t Stop Scanning
Women’s anger.
I have read this unbelievably sharp Guardian article by Rebecca Shaw at least four times this week. I agree. Why are the most embarrassing of men the ones who have made it in to power? What happens to uncool, intelligent women? (Mostly, they are underpaid writers, I think?)
Ryan Gosling for president, pls. And in case you need more convincing on that, the intelligent and articulate
wrote something brilliant along those lines…
Forward Planning
New jobs, new words (hopefully), and more snuggles with my new buddy, Roy.
I’m starting to get into a bit of a routine again for 2025 and last week was a good week for word count. Long may that reign!
I’ve entered that strange freelance stage of life where I am splitting my time between creativity and (some quite frankly mad) things that earn me money. I know it’s only temporary. When I question what the HELL I’m doing, the famous words of Ephron tinkle in my brain: “Everything is copy.”
Yes to Traitors finale, yes to loving January and yes to new podcast recommendations!!!
Yes, you should absolutely apply for Traitors series 4!
Would you want to play as a faithful or as a traitor? (Asking for… Claudia.)