picks of the week
morgan wallen, cardamom buns, & crossfit drama
TGIF. We made it.
I am excited to share some things I read, listened to, watched and ate, as well as a fun workout for y’all to do.
Video: Inside Copenhagen’s New Bakery That Everyone’s Obsessed With
I’ve built my algorithm brick by brick—and I have to say, I’m pretty proud of the taste it’s developed. Case in point: this delightful biographical video on Jesper Gøtz and his new bakery and lunch spot in Denmark.
Watching this will make you want to book the next flight to Copenhagen for one of Gøtz’s sourdough cardamom buns, made with locally milled flour.
The video itself? An absolute treat.
Book: Wired for Music by Adriana Barton
Without music, I’d probably be in prison or something. So naturally, I’m very thankful for my parents and incredible teachers (shout-out to Jennifer) for giving me the gift of music.
Not to sound all artsy and sentimentalist, but there’s something metaphysical about music. Logically, it doesn’t make any sense.
Why—and how—the heck does a melody, just a combination of different frequencies and rhythms, make us feel? Like, explain to me in scientific terms why Rachmaninoff’s third movement of his second symphony makes a person’s heart shatter. (And if you aren’t moved by it—do you even have one?)
In Wired for Music, Barton gives a fascinating account of the history and science of music, drawing on compelling research that shows how playing and listening to music makes us smarter, happier, and healthier.
Is this the book that captures the otherworldliness of music? No. But I’m not sure that on this side of heaven we’ll ever be able to fully explain its mystery.
Speaking of music…
Album: I’m The Problem by Morgan Wallen
Very few artists have a grip on culture quite like Morgan Wallen. And after listening to his new album, I’m the Problem, I think I’ve figured out why.
He serves as a bridge between two unlikely worlds: rugged country guys who hunt and fish, and emotionally volatile city girls who read Colleen Hoover and romanticize red flags. His artist image gives former high school quarterback who now runs his dad’s construction business. But his lyrics? Very much sad girl energy.
It’s an unforeseen coalition—the tough guys and sad girls—but somehow, Morgan Wallen orchestrated it.
I also realized that Morgan Wallen is, well, misguided. His songs often center on heartbreak—on losing something meaningful and searching for that feeling again. But instead of taking responsibility or doing the hard work of self-growth, he turns—bitterly—to the bottle and transactional trysts.
Liquor-fueled escapism and one-night stands aren’t how men grow. This kind of messaging reinforces the very dysfunctions that are fragmenting our culture, our relationships, and our families.
Do I judge Morgan Wallen? Not really. Do I judge his listeners? Maybe.
Just kidding. His talent is undeniable and I like a lot of his songs. But I do agree with his own self-assessment on this album: he is the problem.
Podcast: The Downfall Of CrossFit & The Future Of Fitness - Will Ahmed
Came for the drama, stayed for the fascinating backstory of Whoop—the biometric wristband company that’s basically Spy Kids watches for athletes.
Meal: Beef Bolognese with Mascarpone & Basil
Never not in my Italian era.
Workout of the Week:
3 Sets
12 air squats
12 push-ups (knee push-ups are acceptable—for the ladies and the betas)
Once you crush this very doable workout, drop a comment and let me know how you feel. I’m betting it’ll kickstart a great day.
Now put down your phone and start moving.