From gut-wrenching memoirs to the cutest and silliest little birds, we’re sharing some of our new discoveries and favorite media that have really left a lasting impact on the ways we work, think, and play.
For Dismantling "Hustle Culture"...
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
The full title of this book is Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. At first, the title was confusing. I started to think, “Obviously, everyone reading this is a mortal, right? The vampires and the other undead creatures of the night are surely not looking to manage their time better?” However, the term “mortal” is actually the most important since we only have, if we’re lucky, four thousand weeks to live out our lives. Burkeman, an ex-productivity hustler, gets right to the point: we will die… maybe much sooner than anticipated!
Our finite time on Earth, as well as our finite number of experiences, is exactly what makes living special; we only get to experience so much. We’ll never be able to “do it all”; we simply do not have the time. Once we can begin to accept that we can’t do everything, we must learn to prioritize what’s most important to us. Some things are going to be left undone, and that’s okay! It’s what we genuinely want that matters. This book is an excellent way to learn how to prioritize, set boundaries, and be mindful.
Finch is a self-care app that guides you through your very own cheep.
How are you doing, cheep? Webkinz meets mental health care with Finch, the self-care app that functions under the guise of your cute pet bird, who teaches us compassion through goal setting and self-love. Not only can you customize your bird, talk to them every day, and go on adventures, but you can also learn self-care tips, tricks, and techniques with soundscapes, breathing exercises, and mental health quizzes. We’re on Finch every day, looking for new micro pets, flying around the world, and discovering something new about the world. The more tasks completed each day, the more rainbow stones your birb can collect for incredible adventures.
Handsome is a silly question-and-answer style comedy podcast.
Handsome’s comedians Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin are asked nonsensical, random questions from their friends. As they deconstruct each question, their conversations explore silly topics through different perspectives, opinions, and would-you-rathers throughout the episode. Each comedian creates a sense of balance– together, they demonstrate good dynamics. Topics range from shaving, what you wear to bed and the everyday mundane. This podcast is a favorite in our office when we are in a giggly mood.
Bubble Bobble is a retro game that fights evil with bubbles.
Now a spectator sport in our studio, Bubble Bobble debuted as an arcade game in 1986, but now we play it together on a flatscreen TV. When two riled-up players need a break, they can team up to attack and destroy their enemies with bubbles. As the levels get progressively harder, we’ve learned that Bubble Bobble requires a combination of planned attacks, skillful bubble-blowing, and a little luck. Although the graphics are (very lovingly, of course) archaic, there’s no lack of suspense. Next time, blow some bubbles with Bubble Bobble instead of blowing off steam.
LIBBY is a free app that connects you to e- and audiobooks through your library
Did you know that your local library has ebooks and audiobooks you can borrow– for free!? Libby is a library app that connects you to your local library’s catalog of thousands of ebooks and audiobooks. With Libby, you can revisit old classics or search the guides for something new. All you need to start listening and reading with Libby is your library card!
If you haven’t heard of Substack, it’s a relatively new platform (it started in 2017) for writers and readers to find new podcasts, essays, reviews, and more. Culture, technology, food & drink, and art are popular topics on the platform, but any writer can find their niche audience.
Some of our favorite Substack-ers include:
You’re Doing Great
This visual column by Sofia Warren combines advice and life’s most relatable experiences through cute comics.
Chasing the Sundog
This biweekly missive dives into culture, design, and life with Michelle Jia.
Link in Bio
This business newsletter from social media expert Rachel Karten features interviews, tools, and tips on successful social media management.
These are only three of thousands of columns on Substack. The internet gives us access to many perspectives and new ways of thinking. With so much happening at any given time, words and phrases stuffed within the vast depths of internet lore can sometimes be incomprehensible. *sigh* If only there were a podcast that explains all this new lingo the kids are using on TikTok. 
Founded in 2012 by Lisa Kribs, TGW Studio is an LGBTQ+/non-binary/women-owned and -operated social impact marketing firm that partners with forward-thinking brands to tell their stories. We’re a full-service marketing firm proudly creating and communicating purposeful experiences for businesses and organizations across sectors and society.
