Bonus Post! Bonus Post! “Fellow Traveler” Newsletter Vol. 3 – March, 2020

Welcome Fellow Travelers. Below are my March picks. Thanks in advance for reading. I look forward to your feedback and your own picks!

Here goes…

FILMS

1. Honey Boy. How did Shia LaBeouf not get award recognition for this film? Easily the performance of his career. Absolutely magnetic. He wrote this super-personal story and it shows in every frame. (Thank you Ron for urging me to watch.)
2. The Big Lebowski. I re-watched this Coen Brothers masterpiece with my wife Amy who’d never seen it. She loved it! It was so much fun to hear her laughing throughout.
3. Happy Gilmore. We had to put our beloved Bernese Mountain Dog, Wilson, down because of cancer in March. This was the first film we watched to lift our spirits and I’m grateful to Adam Sandler for making it. It’s silly of course, but man is it fun. Shooter McGavin! One of the best villains of all time. (Bill Simmons did a great “Rewatchables” podcast episode on this film too. Check it out HERE.)

BOOKS

1. Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen. I’m a huge Springsteen fan, but even if you’re not, this is a phenomenal read. Really well written and compelling. Just like his music, the Boss puts it all out there, warts and all. An inside glimpse into an artist’s struggle. You root for his success…Springsteen came from nothing, had no connections; he just worked his ass off to achieve his rock and roll dreams.

ARTICLES

1. “Why Americans Are Dying From Despair” by Atul Gawande. It’s probably the article I’ve recommended the most in 2020. It’s more of a review of the recently published book “Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism” by Anne Case and Angus Heaton. Regardless of your political persuasion, you come away with a deep understanding of just how impactful jobs are. Work is more than just money. It’s identity.
2. “Coronavirus Is Serious, But Panic Is Optional” by Margo Aaron. Take back your time and attention from the media. It’s the most important asset you have. Don’t give it away freely.

PLAYS

1. King James by Rajiv Joseph. I admit I’m a sucker for any story about basketball. This one is about Lebron James and his impact on the city of Cleveland. But Rajiv brilliantly centers the story on two friends–one black, one white. Their friendship, falling out, and eventual healing perfectly mirrors Lebron’s relationship with Cleveland. The play isn’t published yet but when it does come out, get it. Also, CTG and Steppenwolf were supposed to produce it this year, but it’s been indefinitely postponed. If/when it comes back to LA, I’ll be sure to organize a Vs. outing to go see it!…Pair this play with the awesome “30 for 30” episode “Believeland.”

PODCASTS

1. “Seth Godin” on The Moment with Brian Koppelman. Stop day-trading your emotions.

MUSIC

1. I listened to tons of Springsteen while reading his book. It was fun to listen to entire albums after reading what went into making each one. Darkness On The Edge Of Town and Nebraska remain my two favorites. But I’ll tell you what, The Ghost Of Tom Joad is giving them a run for their money.

P.S. – Why the name “Fellow Traveler”?…We’re all traveling on our own artistic journey. The journey to find and manifest the art we’re passionate about. Let’s travel together.

January Picks HERE

February Picks HERE