media consumption: articles, video essays, podcasts to make you smarter (vol. 12)
hello.
i started a youtube channel. it’s thrilling and terrifying all at once—something i’ve dreamed about for years, but never quite had the courage to pull the trigger and do it. i naively underestimated the learning curve and it’s much steeper than i’d imagined, but alas, we did it. we’re live- a small, quiet video diary floating in the endless expanse of the youtube universe.
every sunday, i write a media consumption round up that consists of articles, video essays, pocasts to make you smarter. these letters are usually for paid subscribers, but it’s been a couple of weeks since i’ve shared one of these and i have handful of new readers here, so i decided to remove the paywall. i’m hoping that this will make your day a little brighter.
today’s media consists of: the pain of unrequited love, the emotional time machine of scent and memory, learning to be a loser, being a math person, kierkegaard on faith, the devaluation of motherhood, the paradox of self awareness, and so much more. enjoy.
weekly report:
reading:
abigail by magda szabó: a poignant and suspenseful coming-of-age story about a rebellious girl sent to a strict boarding school during wartime hungary, where she uncovers mystery and strength.
the idiot by fyodor dostoevsky: just finished this one! a tragic story of innocence in a corrupt world, dostoevsky’s novel follows prince myshkin, whose purity and honesty lead to both admiration and destruction. it’s a deeply philosophical and emotional journey into the complexities of human nature. i’m making a full review on my next youtube video.
anna karenina by leo tolstoy: a novel about love, morality, and society in imperial russia. it follows anna, a married woman who begins a passionate affair with count vronsky, which leads to her ostracism and tragic downfall. intertwined are parallel stories of family, faith, and personal fulfillment, contrasting anna’s path with the search for meaning and stability in an uncertain world.
água viva by clarice lispector: also finished this one recently and highly recommend it. a poetic, fragmentary book about existence and time, written as an intimate monologue addressed to a lover. it defies traditional narrative, instead capturing fleeting moments and raw emotions, reflecting on art, consciousness, and the fluid, ever-changing nature of life itself. it’s less a story and more an experience of being.
the lover by marguerite duras: a hauntingly poetic and autobiographical tale of an illicit romance in french colonial vietnam, steeped in longing and introspection.
eating: black coffee and morning buns, porridge!! sumo oranges, hearty stews on cold evenings, tiramisu- also milk and warm cookies before bed as a little treat.
playing:
lots of youtube and getting myself familiarized with the platform and falling in love with creators one video at a time. let me recommend a few of my favorites… lauren louise, dakota warren, soggyrice3, mina le, olisunvia, shanspeare, unsolicited advice, daisy pyo, moya mawhinney, etc.
lots of jazz: tender jazz and bossa nova
for films: ratatouille (2007), chungking express (1994), let’s get lost (1988) ~ chet baker, my beloved… and lastly, xo kitty on netflix for comfort
obsessing:
olehenrickson lip balm!! the strawberry and creme brulee are my favorite- i was new to jump on this bandwagon, but i truly understand the hype. it’s nourishing without feeling sticky like a lip gloss, but it gives the same look and it tastes good. the flavors are also so delicious!
amande diptyque candle: the perfect winter gourmand candle - reminiscent of marzipan. another candle i recommend is amber oriental by mizensir - this is one of my favorite candles.
recommending: true lemon packets (if you hate water and want to stay hydrated these are perfect), edmund fallot mustard (the best mustard of all time), annie apple sauce pouches (this is niche- but i love apple sauce and recently discovered these at whole foods. the best apple sauce ever and it makes me feel like a child).
valentine’s day treats from trader joes or target: i love valentines day so much ~ will be writing a love letter to you soon about this holiday filled with books, films, and other things to consume to either celebrate or commiserate on this day <3
treating:
double soul orion carloto well read socks
doen henri top: i just bought this ~ it’s been on my wishlist for almost two years <3
rode microphone: i’ve heard good things about this microphone! everything i’ve done for social media and photography has always been on my phone, but now since i’m officially on youtube, i want to start investing in some decent equipment. i wish it wasn’t so expensive…
moving into this week’s media consumption…
i’ll complied quite the list for you to sift through this weekend. hopefully you will find some gems that speak to you.
media consumption:
articles:
a harper’s deep dive into how spotify’s algorithms shape the careers and creative choices of musicians, raising questions about autonomy in the age of streaming.
harper’s magazine
an emotional time machine: scent and memory
this piece examines the powerful connection between scent and memory, showing how certain smells can transport us back to vivid childhood experiences and evoke deep emotional responses.
lithub
this article explores the unique heartbreak of unrequited love, examining why we develop these one-sided feelings and how they can shape our emotional growth and resilience.
the atlantic
this article explores the philosophy of vengeance, asking whether revenge can ever be morally justified. drawing from historical and literary examples, it examines the balance between justice and retribution.
philosophy now
this article investigates the neuroscience behind decision-making and free will, questioning how much of our thoughts and actions are truly our own. it discusses how external forces and unconscious processes shape our choices.
nautilus
this article delves into the debate surrounding tiktok’s role in free speech, exploring its impact on culture, censorship, and the platform’s global influence.
the new york review of books
why did we start drinking milk?
this lithub article traces the ancient history of dairy consumption and its influence on human evolution, agriculture, and cultural practices.
lit hub
the politics of american loneliness
an atlantic feature unpacking the intersection of personality traits, political affiliations, and the growing epidemic of loneliness in american society.
the atlantic
this conversation piece delves into the cultural and psychological roots of the midlife crisis, offering fresh perspectives on an enduring phenomenon.
the conversation
should teens be banned from social media?
vox investigates the global debate around banning social media for teens, exploring the balance between safety, mental health, and freedom of expression.
vox
a psyche philosopher’s take on the value of embracing loss and doing nothing, challenging productivity and perfectionist mindsets.
psyche
a nautilus essay exploring how scent shapes our perception of places, memories, and emotions, weaving science with sensory storytelling.
nautilus
if you think you’re just not a math person, think again
this psyche piece busts the myth that math skills are innate, arguing for a growth mindset approach to learning and mastering mathematics.
psyche
video essays:
podcasts:
okay, that’s all for today.
if you’re not ready to become a paid subscriber and you have the capacity to leave a tip, that would be so appreciated.
i love you.
bye.
(follow ig, tiktok, youtube, pinterest and spotify for more)
This is wonderful and full of so much value! Thank you, Caitlyn. And I commend you for your bravery for starting your YouTube channel. I’ve been fantasizing about it for years, but you did the thing! You should be proud of yourself :)
please never stop these thanks i love you