Why Men Kill Themselves. An interesting article from former AoM podcast guest Will Storr that describes a theory of “social perfectionism” that makes some men more likely to kill themselves. According to researcher Rory O’Connor, at the same time that modernity has increased our expectations of what it means to live a good life, it’s also created “more opportunities for men to feel like failures.”
The Digital Workplace Is Designed to Bring You Down. An interview highlighting the thought and work of another AoM podcast guest, Cal Newport. In it, Cal explains the things that are getting in the way of our productivity, one of which, of course, is our saturation with communication tools. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. I was toting up the number of different apps I use for communicating and collaborating (both personally and professionally) and it’s at seven. Keeping track of all of them is definitely a pain in the rear. For more insights on this subject, check out our podcasts with Cal on email overload and the quest to be a digital minimalist.
Tasty Shreds. There’s a genre of TikTokers and Reel makers that consist of bros showing other bros how to make delicious high-protein, low-calorie meals that are great for those counting macros. Kyle Smith of Tasty Shreds fame is one of these dudes. I haven’t made any of his recipes yet (seems like I need to get me an air fryer first), but it’s just fun to see what healthier twists he comes up with for classic craveable bro food, like the crispy chicken sandwich. I bought his cookbook and hope to try some of the recipes soon.
The Letter, the Witch, and the Ring. Our family reads a book out loud together every night, and we’ve together enjoyed several of John Bellairs’ spooky novels over the years. We read The Letter, the Witch, and the Ring (not to be confused with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe) last fall and it was my favorite family read aloud of 2022.
Quote of the Week
To will and not to do when there is opportunity, is in reality not to will; and to love what is good and not to do it, when it is possible, is in reality not to love it.
—Emanuel Swedenborg
