In our new monthly feature, Vehr team members share the things they’re loving — from apps to playlists, games to movies and more. This month, Account Executive Jackie Koopman shares the podcast, books and, yes, the cheesy reality dating TV shows she can’t get enough of:
Badass women: As it did for many women, the pandemic felt like a tug-of-war between my professional and personal lives. I’m still stumbling my way through finding a rhythm or routine. But disruptions are part of life, and I have decided to embrace the chaos. My time over the past year has been spent cultivating a community of badass podcast hosts, authors, friends and colleagues I turn to when I need some motivation and accountability or to just feel less alone.
I’ve loved supporting my two friends who started the Working Mom Hour podcast. The idea is that moms tend to get more done in an hour than the average human yet are often misunderstood and underappreciated in the workplace. Episode topics range from the future of work to “mom brain” to showing up authentically.
The podcast also introduced me to Eve Rodsky, author of New York Times-bestselling book and Reese’s Book Club Pick “Fair Play,” and her follow-up, “Find Your Unicorn Space: Reclaim Your Creative Life in a Too-Busy World.” Both books inspire me to think about the equity of time and the mental load women shoulder. There’s also a new “Fair Play” documentary on Apple TV+ and Prime that I can’t wait to watch.
Reading (again): I love to read. But kids, busy schedules and, let’s be honest, scrolling and binging TV have been major distractions lately. I recently committed to reading 10 pages before bedtime. It’s a loose commitment that will hopefully lead to finishing a book a month. Right now I’m reading “The Last Thing He Told Me,” by Laura Dave. A miniseries will be released next year — an additional incentive to finish the book.
Bad reality dating shows: I’ll say it up front: These shows go from bad to worse. You must go into the experience with a certain level of tolerance. The plots thrive on strange concepts, all the couples share the same disappointing fate and there’s always a villain to stir the pot. The best, most ridiculous shows I’ve watched this summer are “Love is Blind,” Seasons 1 and 2, and “The Ultimatum” on Netflix. “The One That Got Away” on Prime is equally cringeworthy. Family, friends and colleagues: Don’t think less of me.