FMG Newsletter: The Most Crush-Worthy Olympians + a Podcast Episode feat. a Neuroscientist
Because I've got range, baby!
Happy Friday! I’ve been positively immersed in all things Olympics and am in a state of denial that they’re ending this weekend. While I did enjoy this article, in which members of the Vogue staff shared some of their Olympic crushes, I did feel that it left out the most glaringly crushable crush of them all, aka the entirety of the US Men’s Volleyball Team. Wouldn’t it be nice if, on the screen, where they put each Olympian’s name and hometown, they also put their relationship status??? It would certainly save some Instagram searching time.
Given my Olympic obsession, I haven’t been consuming much else — but here goes!
Podcasts: This episode of the Mel Robbins podcast perfectly sums up something that’s been tickling my brain lately, and that’s the constant dichotomy of wanting to have ~ a routine ~ and also wanting to live a fun, spontaneous life. I’ve been feeling like my TikTok and IG feeds are inundated with content about early bedtimes, a strict workout routine, eating the same foods, etc. etc. etc. Frankly, I’m sick of it! I have certain routines, of course — every morning when I wake up, I immediately brush my teeth, wash my face, and make my bed. Of course! And sure, maybe I would’ve woken up with a slightly more snatched face if I went to bed last Wednesday night at 9 — but you’re going to tell me that it would’ve been ~ better for me ~ to spend that evening in bed rather than drinking wine with my dear friend Ruby until 1 a.m.? You can’t! You simply can’t! In the episode, Mel chats with neuroscientist Dr. Tali Sharot about the ways spontaneity can energize you and infuse new meaning into your life. Thank you, Mel and Dr. Sharot!!!!!
Books: In my last newsletter, I listed a few books that feel like books™️ — then on Instagram, I asked for recommendations for more. I was instantly intrigued when someone suggested The God of the Woods, and I’ve since seen it just about everywhere. There are few settings I love as much as a summer camp, so that sold me immediately — but I’m excited to dive into what I’ve been told is a lot of suspense and insane character development. As of this moment, I’m exactly five pages (1%) into the book, so stay tuned.
Restaurants: I’ve recently begun to admit that my genuine favorite hobby/pastime is to sit at dinner with my friends, and last week was one of those magical weeks in which I did just that multiple times. In order of enjoyment (of the food, not the company, lol), the restaurants I visited last week were as follows: Duck Duck Goat (West Loop; Chinese-American food; the Duck Fried Rice was amazing and I’ve thought about it every day since), Lonesome Rose (Logan Square; Tex-Mex food; the queso is my favorite I’ve had outside of Texas), and Gemini (Lincoln Park; American food; the burger was lit).
Movies: Yes, if you haven’t yet, you should go see Twisters. Movies don’t have to be perfect to be fun.
Have the best weekend — eat some delicious food, get some fresh air, and tell someone some things you love about them. Cheers!
XO, Gail
And as a reminder:
It’s an election year (and it’s feeling… hopeful?!), and it is my duty to remind you that while newsletters like this are crucial for maintaining sanity and levity, I am not a news source and am in no way a replacement for staying informed. For every newsletter you read that makes you smile, I hope you also read an informed take on politics, world events, and social issues (then fact check it!) — and for every heavy piece of news you take in, I hope you also consume and/or create a piece of art that promotes light, laughter, and joy.