For a double header podcast on history you will appreciate Both Sides of the Wire. A WW2 pod about that has a German / Axis perspective on strategy and personalities versus the Allies perspective. Their sister podcast on WW1 is also a double header with different academics and is also very good.
I've had an identical experience as you regarding airpods except I don't love my Shokz. You can't hear the damn things anywhere there's more than half a decibal of background noise and, no, I'm not impressed by the green foam earplugs mine came with (which I immediately lost). No one tell my wife though, it's not worth getting divorced over.
on headphones/ear pieces, recommend Nothing earbuds. i have bought 3 sets of their them (not because i lost any of them). bought the Nothing 1 to try, and then Nothing 2 because i liked v1 so much, then bought my wife another v2 and she loves it as well. the comfort and sound quality is just spot on.
if you worry about losing them, they are about to come out with a new design, the Nothing Open that hooks around the ear. im am sold already.
I'm always down to upgrade the headphone experience. Will take a look at these (been pretty happy with my Shokz but as mentioned in another comment, they aren't the *best* in high-traffic areas).
Apologies for missing the May 24 post on the first pass but captured the Pursuit of Mastery piece the second time around. I have vivid memories of the May 1987 issue of Esquire - as a Phillies fan, I recall being thrilled to see Mike Schmidt on the cover. As would have been my practice, I likely picked up a copy at the Borders just down the road from the Villanova campus. More importantly, the issue was fully consumed, including George Leonard's piece, on a family trip to Virginia over Spring Break. A little over four years later, Leonard's book was purchased - most likely at the same Borders and, while the Esquire issue has long since vanished, the book remains in my collection. Much gratitude for bringing this 37-year story full circle.
That is amazing you read the original mag when it came out. It's interesting to read back on Schmidt's routine and seeing how pedestrian it looks vs. 2020s athletes (unbelievable career either way).
I put my phone aside when watching a tv show or movie.
And I’ve seen 165 movies at the theater this year. Favorite movie? Haven’t laughed as hard this year as with the highly original hundreds of beavers. All made on a budget of 150k. Suck on that, Hollywood sequels.
Also great: the substance, a different man, strange darling, civil war, das lehrerzimmer, poor things and the holdovers. All original movies.
Hollywood movies of the year? I quite enjoyed Furiosa and Dune part 2.
One reason I like going to theatres is I'm forced to turn phone off haha.
Re: films, holy crap. 165! I'll check out 100s of Beavers. I saw Civil War in the theatre and thought it was quite good. +1 on Dune 2 (the memes were so so good).
For a double header podcast on history you will appreciate Both Sides of the Wire. A WW2 pod about that has a German / Axis perspective on strategy and personalities versus the Allies perspective. Their sister podcast on WW1 is also a double header with different academics and is also very good.
Thanks Thomas! I'm adding to podcast player.
Best Things of 2025: This Post!
Thanks for the read, John!
I've had an identical experience as you regarding airpods except I don't love my Shokz. You can't hear the damn things anywhere there's more than half a decibal of background noise and, no, I'm not impressed by the green foam earplugs mine came with (which I immediately lost). No one tell my wife though, it's not worth getting divorced over.
Love that you took mom on the trip!
Thanks for the read, Joseph!
LOL, Wife bought for you also? After you complained about how many times you lost Airpods? Amazing.
Agreed re: listen-ability in high traffic areas. I usually pause (and try to maximize quieter walking/running routes).
on headphones/ear pieces, recommend Nothing earbuds. i have bought 3 sets of their them (not because i lost any of them). bought the Nothing 1 to try, and then Nothing 2 because i liked v1 so much, then bought my wife another v2 and she loves it as well. the comfort and sound quality is just spot on.
if you worry about losing them, they are about to come out with a new design, the Nothing Open that hooks around the ear. im am sold already.
Hey T Li!
I'm always down to upgrade the headphone experience. Will take a look at these (been pretty happy with my Shokz but as mentioned in another comment, they aren't the *best* in high-traffic areas).
Apologies for missing the May 24 post on the first pass but captured the Pursuit of Mastery piece the second time around. I have vivid memories of the May 1987 issue of Esquire - as a Phillies fan, I recall being thrilled to see Mike Schmidt on the cover. As would have been my practice, I likely picked up a copy at the Borders just down the road from the Villanova campus. More importantly, the issue was fully consumed, including George Leonard's piece, on a family trip to Virginia over Spring Break. A little over four years later, Leonard's book was purchased - most likely at the same Borders and, while the Esquire issue has long since vanished, the book remains in my collection. Much gratitude for bringing this 37-year story full circle.
Hey Mark!
That is amazing you read the original mag when it came out. It's interesting to read back on Schmidt's routine and seeing how pedestrian it looks vs. 2020s athletes (unbelievable career either way).
Yet another fantastic post, Trung! Hats off to you for delivering such insightful and entertaining content.
The way you analysed (don't question my 's' vs 'z': I'm an Aussie.) Huang’s quote was spot-on. And that Hawk Thua meme? Absolutely brilliant.
You’ve got an incredible knack for blending depth and wit. Love reading your posts. Keep them coming!
Rajesh! Thank you so much for the read and kind words.
Happy New Year to you and am hoping you have a restful week before we all get into the 2025 grind.
I put my phone aside when watching a tv show or movie.
And I’ve seen 165 movies at the theater this year. Favorite movie? Haven’t laughed as hard this year as with the highly original hundreds of beavers. All made on a budget of 150k. Suck on that, Hollywood sequels.
Also great: the substance, a different man, strange darling, civil war, das lehrerzimmer, poor things and the holdovers. All original movies.
Hollywood movies of the year? I quite enjoyed Furiosa and Dune part 2.
Hey Andy, thanks for the read.
One reason I like going to theatres is I'm forced to turn phone off haha.
Re: films, holy crap. 165! I'll check out 100s of Beavers. I saw Civil War in the theatre and thought it was quite good. +1 on Dune 2 (the memes were so so good).