How does this work? Each newsletter you’ll see one reader’s answer to the previous week’s question. Then you’ll see the question they have for the list, which you can respond to if you’d like. Or you can just read and enjoy.
Previous ask:
What is a gift you weren't expecting to receive, but really appreciated once you got it?
Lucia answers:
Earlier this year, I helped a new colleague get set up at our company, something that another person did for me when I arrived. It was very easy and simple, answering questions about how to navigate our systems and some basic advice about how to get up to speed — all stuff that I think is probably much tougher when we’re working remotely. I was expecting a “hey, thanks so much” in return — which I did get.
But a week later, in the mail, a small package arrived containing a few packets of seeds. The note read “why send flowers when I can help you grow some of your own.” I’ve never had a green thumb, never even considered it, but I followed the instructions and planted the flowers and, guess what, now they are sprouting. I don’t want to get too cheesy, but after a year of feeling like we were slogging through, day-by-day, to actually grow something and watch it flourish feels like a minor miracle. Now I just have to not kill the plants, I’m not sure I could take that.
[ed note: Somewhat related, but I recently received a gift of a little kit that lets you grow a caterpillar and watch it turn into a butterfly. This was ostensibly for my daughter, but I found myself totally enraptured and staring at it for hours on end.]
Lucia asks:
Would you rather be surrounded by people who brag all the time, or people who complain all the time?
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Bits and Pieces
From time to time, I’ll throw some updates, links, and other notes at the bottom of the newsletter.
It’s been a bit since an update, and in that time I’ve had two big series I worked on come out and wrap up. If you haven’t, I’d love for you to listen to Death at the Wing and The Line. They are both very different, but I’m proud of each of them and found them both very satisfying.
We are in the middle of the spring fundraiser for Radiotopia. Thanks to everyone who listens to This Day and chips in however you can. Means a ton.
Incidentally, I got together with my co-host Nicole Hemmer last weekend. This was only the second time we’d ever met in person. The first was last February when I floated the idea of starting a podcast together. I’ve never met our other co-host Kellie Carter Jackson. Wild. Hoping that will change this summer. And here’s hoping you’re reconnecting as well.
Here is Jonathan Mahler’s masterpiece on where New York City stands today and where it could go if we take advantage of the moment
I’ve been trying to dial back my use of the big monopolistic companies like Amazon, Spotify, etc etc… Amazon, at least for purchasing things, has been pretty easy to ditch. And switching from Audible to Libro.fm was a breeze. Spotify I have fewer problems with, and it is certainly tougher to disentangle from, but I’m trying to do as much of my listening (and more importantly, actual buying of music) on Bandcamp. One useful (obvious) trick has been putting the Bandcamp app on the homepage of my phone and ipad. Anyway, find me over there and say hi, and please recommend music to buy!
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