This blog has been more or less about myself. Because I am “so full of myself”, a phrase which I will never forget.
It could also be true because I will probably not be able to function in the real world if I don’t understand myself and take care of myself.
Trying to be ‘Trendy’?
I have come across the trend where some Substack writers and even podcasters have started recommending stuff to others. So, here’s my shot at recommending some good stuff that I have been gatekeeping for quite some time.
Some of these could be very popular on the internet already but this combination of content that I have been consuming must be really unique. So bear with me.
FYI, my niche music recommendations are already covered in a previous post Music/Modulation. So you can refer this post if you want to check out some cool music.
Podcasts
Though I can slice and dice this collection in various ways, I shall classify it on the basis of accessibility. Free and paid (which is quite weird because why would you pay for content when there’s so much to catch up on?)
Free
The Morgan House Podcast : This one focuses on larger truths which are connected to money or human psychology. A large number of things that happen to us are related to human psychology or money or both. These are short but insightful episodes at the intersection of these two topics.
Daybreak: It’s a regular update about the business and economic developments. It is somewhat focused on startups or large trends in the job market or technological development.
Lenny’s Podcast : This is a podcast mostly on my job domain i.e. Product Management. But very often this does go into areas like technology, interpersonal relationships and other skills that could help people beyond the Product Management domain.
Blume Podcast : VCs are known for bullshitting on podcasts. But this one is a sustained effort to gather valuable lessons in building sustainable businesses. It works like a TV show where every ‘season’ is based on a single theme. The last season’s theme was about ‘compounding’ and I found it very useful beyond the subject matter.
First Principles : These are very long conversations with startup founders about the way they conceived their businesses and evolved during their journey. There are many things that can be learnt from successful entrepreneurs. It might just be a bible for those who want to be successful businessmen/women in the Indian context.
Lex Fridman Podcast : The earliest episodes in this podcast were about AI, the hot potato in this era. I have been exploring these. But Lex Fridman has branched out to so many areas these days. I hope I will start listening to these long episodes once I have my car back.
On Attachment : It is one of the few compassionate, yet useful podcasts about relationships. Unlike those which are too jarring and extreme in their approaches, this one actually helped me heal my heart during a very bad phase. It’s a good listen even if you’re doing well and have found a secure partner.
Paid
Two by Two: This is a paid podcast in the sense that only subscribers of The Ken can access the full episode. It covers eclectic topics in the business world and it might be worth listening if you already have a subscription to The Ken.
Stratechery : I learnt about Aggregation Theory from Ben Thompson who runs Stratechery. He has unique takes on tech, policy and business models in his paid and free episodes. The articles he writes are converted into podcast episodes for those who don’t have the time to read. He has the ears of Silicon Valley CEOs and tech people around the world.
Youtube Channels
I have been mining YouTube for content that can supplement my mental health and understand relationships better. I feel it’s better to discuss books with real people, so I haven’t explored many YouTube channels related to books.
Relationships
Apparently, I didn’t appear for these tests in real life and I don’t want to make more blunders due to lack of knowledge. So here goes my list.
Psychacks: I stumbled on this guy after months of research and I found his advice concise and practical. It looks like all the fiction and cinema I had consumed had fucked up my mind about the practical aspects of a relationship.
Daniel Mackler: This guy comes across as an extremely sad and pessimistic individual. But this is a voice worth listening to. He does make sense in some of his videos.
Books
Unsolicited advice : Finally, a YouTube channel that’s not about psychology or relationships. It is about fiction. The dude impressed me with his unique insights about my favourite books, especially those of Dostoevsky.
If you do find these suggestions interesting and valuable, do share this post with your friends/acquaintances. But don’t text your ex and disrespect yourself. Ciao.