Our team talks a lot about playing screens and digital media with a big purpose (in fact, we have a variety of screen time challenges, which you can join whenever you want or feel like you need a reset).
But that doesn’t mean we don’t actually watch TV, play video games or avoid media altogether. No. Instead, we choose the entertainment we consume – what we watch, play or listen to – carefully.
What are our terms, you ask? We follow shows, books and podcasts that make us laugh, cry, feel every emotion; games that make us think and move and have the power to bring people together; books that teach us or help us escape the mundane (and the pile of cleaning clothes waiting for us in the next room).
Below is a selection of entertainment media – both new releases and oldies but goodies – we’re loving right now. We hope you find something you and your family enjoy!
TV shows
Parentage ~ Hulu or Peacock
Don’t laugh, but I hadn’t watched Parenthood until I caught COVID over the holidays, and not only did it save me from the isolation, it made me very anxious! I watched all 6 seasons in 2 weeks (24 episodes per season… yes, I’m bragging). Parenthood is the OG of “This Is Us” — a heartfelt depiction of parenthood and family in all its beauty and complexity. It was also ahead of its time in showing what having a child on the spectrum can look and feel like. ~ Charlene
It’s shrinking ~ Apple TV+
If you like Ted Lasso, you’ll like Shrink. The show, which explores what it means to deal with grief with a mixture of pain and humor, can be a great place to heal…. But it definitely gave me a few cathartic cries. Jason Segel and Harrison Ford make a great duo. ~ Charlene
Firefly Lane ~ Netflix
Back in January when I was recovering from surgery, I came across this show on Netflix. A heartwarming story that follows a group of best friends, Kate and Tully, from their early teenage years when they first meet, through to their adulthood. Heartwarming, fun and everything in between, Firefly Lane made my recovery time fly by. Now if I were friends with these two in real life… ~ Marissa
The Oath ~ HBO
The Vow is a two-season HBO documentary chronicling the lives and experiences of several former members of the cult, NXIVM. If you are a true crime fan like me, you will find this series interesting. I was very surprised at how the leader Keith Raniere gained total control (physical, sexual, mental and emotional) over his followers, eventually resulting in several female members having his name written on them. Eye-opening and exciting, The Vow helped me gain insight into cult culture, and the psychology behind how cult victims and leaders come to exist. ~ Marisa
Podcasts
Baptiste Power Yoga Podcast
I’ve recently started doing yoga regularly and I’m obsessed with this podcast – it’s the perfect mix of challenges, athleticism, and mindfulness at the right time. Since the classes are “real” studio classes, you get the full experience at home. ~ Brit
The Mel Robbins Podcast
Words cannot describe how much this podcast has impacted my life. He covers hard-hitting, big-picture topics that help you understand your past and how it affects the person you’ve become. Start here, with “Why Adult Friendships Are So Difficult”. ~ Meg
The Chalene Show
The Chalene Show is a mixed bag of lifestyle, self-help, fitness and really, everything. It’s what I turn to when I’m in the mood for something simple, but interesting.
Start here, with “Becoming Epic with Aprille Franks”. All I can say is I listened to this ep 3 times. ~ Meg
Games
Mario Kart
Honestly, I love playing Mario Kart with my kids. It’s great fun for everyone; you can adjust the difficulty settings to suit the age of your children; it’s a great opportunity to introduce some friendly (and healthy) competition; and if you were a gamer back in the day (in the words of Taylor Swift, “hey, it’s me, the problem is me”), it’s a fun dose of nostalgia. You can even play online, remotely, with others — allowing you to connect and have fun long distance with cousins, grandparents and friends who live far away. ~ Charlene
NYT Daily Mini
The Daily Mini has become part of my morning routine. My alarm goes off; I hit snooze; I open the NYT Games App; solve the Daily Mini Crossword puzzle; check the Leaderboard to see how my friends have done; and kicking myself for not wearing my glasses before to solve the said puzzle. The Mini keeps me sharp (or at least makes me feel sharp) and is a great way to keep in touch with friends. Oh, and it’s actually more fun to tie than to win… ~ Charlene
Books
Attention Span, by Gloria Mark
I listened to this book while participating in our group’s 10-day screen time reset, and it was incredibly eye-opening. A deep dive into how the digital information economy has become and affects our attention everywhere, this book is for anyone interested in finding some “personal space”. FYI, if you’re not interested in all the science (it’s fascinating!), Part 3 of the book is a tricks section with tips to improve your attention span (without asking you to move to the woods, drown your smartphone, or live in the 19th century). ~ Brit
Four Thousand Weeks: The Time Management of Mortals, by Oliver Burkeman
Wisely described by one reviewer as “a much-needed reality check of our culture’s counterintuitive assumptions about work, productivity, and living a meaningful life,” this book is a refreshing, provocative, and highly intelligent addition to the plethora of books that purport to help us “get it all done.” I will 100% revisit this book, it’s a keeper. ~ Brit
Raising Kids Against Racism – A Practical Guide for Parents, by Britt Hawthorne
As a white mother raising two white boys, I want to start having serious conversations about race, racism and inclusivity. In this practical book, Britt Hawthorne has put together an impressive collection of resources – full of anecdotes, tips, tools and interactive activities – for everyone (especially parents and educators) who wants to help build a just and sustainable world for future generations. ~ Charlene
The Body Keeps Score, by Bessel van Der Kolk
This book was a game changer for me. I now understand that the body and mind are COMPLETELY connected – not what we are taught in Western culture/medicine. It’s great that you finally understand how the trauma you’ve been through has damaged your body and your health, and how you can move on from it. The author uses the latest scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes the body and mind, compromising the sufferer’s ability to enjoy, engage, control, and trust. ~ Meg
Fellowship Pointby Alice Elliot Dark
This is one of those books where you’re really sad when it’s over. An epic story of friendship, feminism, art, aging, society, and nature (among other things…), there’s a good reason critics have called this brick of a book “a fascinating, astonishing masterpiece.” I honestly can’t wait to read it again. ~ Brit
Bookshop.org
I’m late to the party here, but Bookshop.org allows you to buy books online and support your local bookstore – a great option for anyone looking to switch from Amazon. ~ Brit
We hope you find something in this love list to help you get through the tough winter times. Brighter days are on the way!
Hello!
