The most inspiring books, TV and podcasts from 2021!
2021 was jam packed full of inspiration, so we have created a round-up of some of our highlights (so hard to choose!) for you lucky badgers to dive into at your leisure - think of it like a drip feed of fun and uplifting inspo!
Podcasts
Laura adored this conversation between Tim Ferriss and Hugh Jackman - her all time dream man didn’t disappoint - it was beautiful to hear his adoration for his wife and to listen to some of his daily practices - no wonder this guy is epic at everything he does! Listen here.
Katy loved listening to Elizabeth Day interview Jameela Jamil - this is high energy, non-stop, incredibly inspiring stuff from activist Jameela. She is willing to tell the truth and calls the media out for the shameful way that women are treated and especially the impact on how we view ourselves and our bodies. She’s a one-off and a whole generation of young women to come with have a lot to thank her for. Listen here.
James Waltham & Shona Vertue podcast. Katy really enjoyed the conversation between these two as they discuss serious topics such as internalised misogyny, sexual fluidity and porn addiction - with a good dose of humour and a manner which makes it easy to absorb and totally enjoyable. Listen here.
Laura loves Mark Groves and she found this podcast episode with Toko-pa Turner so epic as it speaks to so much of what The Vibrancy Hub’s work is about in terms of ‘remembering ourselves home’. She loved the conversation about how so many of the masks we wear and beliefs systems we have built are to protect ourselves and build a sense of belonging. Listen here.
Laura embraced Glennon Doyle’s new poddie ‘We can do hard things’ and loved it! The episodes are shortish, and they dive deeply into one small and juicy topic and get into the nuance of every conversation and situation. Particular fave episodes are this one on gender roles - how this shows up in the workplace and other areas of life and how we can be more sensitive to avoid mis-gendering people - and this one on feminism and cattiness / competition between women.
As Katy’s obsession with a woman’s monthly cycle continues to grow, she really enjoyed guru Lisa Lister’s appearance on Caggie Dunlop’s podcast Saturn Returns - it is a lighthearted and fun introduction to just how impactful, helpful and frankly life changing it can be to take more notice of your inner cycle - a must listen if this is new to you.
Katy listened to (the queen) Brene Brown interview Aminatou Sow & Ann Friedman on her podcast about their book ‘Big Friendship: how we keep each other close’ and totally agreed with their belief that there is a ‘crisis in the lack of intimate, meaningful, vulnerable friendships between women’. They discuss the key ingredients to this type of ‘big friendship’ and why these friendships are so vital - especially now.
Books - fiction:
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins. Both Katy & Laura’s favourite reads since their (mutual) book of 2020 ‘Girl, Woman Other’. Un-put-downable, devastating and bloody brilliant!
Laura adored Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. This book inspired her with a story of a woman standing in her creative power, stirred up her love for the female intuition and nature, broke her heart, left her sobbing and warmed her cockles with a romance that gave a big f*ck off to society. Stunning.
Katy loved The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare - to her, it is one of those stories which reminds you how important reading is; how we are able to gain insight into the human experience that others might have. Beautifully written, the protagonist Adunni will become your new hero.
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo - Laura enjoyed this story which covered the sexual and emotional lives of three women from different backgrounds. They are true stories and Taddeo spent 8 years interviewing them to understand their deepest needs and desires and the story is detailed, raw, powerful, relatable and totally refreshing as a woman with strong sexual needs!
Sally Rooney’s ‘Beautiful World, Where Are You?’ was a highlight for Katy - it follows the lives of two women and their beautiful friendship, as well as the raw and poignant doubts that every human experiences no matter their situation. Wonderfully, it also paints a picture of two very different love stories...which are both difficult, truthful and touching.
Books - non-fiction:
Laura read the book Witch by Lisa Lister - which talks a lot about the patriarchal wounds we carry as women and how it is time we wake up the ‘inner witch’ within us - the wild woman, the intuitive woman and the woman who connects with herself and nature. She loved the explanations of the seasonal wheel and moon cycles that she could geek out on!
Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey - Katy loved this memoir of his pivotal life lessons and how they shaped the trajectory of his life. He is spiritual, deeply self aware and has a unique way of looking out for opportunities when they present themselves. You'll be scrabbling for a pen to note down his pearls of wisdom…. “the more fulfilled I became, the more sober I got; I liked my company so much I didn't want to interrupt it”. A refreshing, inspiring and thought provoking memoir - highly recommended.
Laura loves Daring Greatly by Brene Brown - it debunks so many beliefs in our society that success equals pushing through our emotions and keeping our head down, Queen Brene talks about vulnerability, feeling our emotions and letting ourselves be seen in business.
Lunar Living by @kirsty_gallagher is a wonderful introduction to becoming more aware of the moon’s cycles and how to align yourself to the magic that it beholds. From setting intentions and taking action, to slowing down, reflecting and letting go, her guidance and insights are so complimentary to the work we do. If you’re keen to learn more this is a brilliant place to start.
Music
Play this beautiful piano cover of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams’ by Lissie to lift your day! Listen here.
This ‘REMEMBRANCE’ playlist is a reminder to continually walk yourself home back to your soul, your body and your inner feminine. Listen here.
Summer feels:
Harvest Moon by Poolside: Listen here.
Swear Like a Sailor by Tep No: Listen here.
Freaky Feedback Blues by Benji Hughes: Listen here.
This playlist by Lisa Lister - when embracing our inner wild woman phase, this brilliant playlist is an absolute treat! Find some outdoor space alone and let your wild spirit run freeeeeeeeeee!!!
Autumn magic:
To fully embrace the magic of Halloween / Samhain dance to this Practical Magic soundtrack - it never gets old!
Watch - TV Series:
Laura on I May Destroy You (BBC). Oooof. I’m not sure where to start with this one. Recommended by Katy months ago and I have only just got round to watching it but I’m so glad I did. It is about an author who is sexually assaulted and is forced to reassess everything. Covers the topic of sexual consent so brilliantly but it is so so much more than that. Michaela Coel stars in it and directed it and she is UNBELIEVABLE!
Katy - as someone who doesn’t watch much TV, something has to come with a massive ‘recommended’ tag! My absolute highlight was ‘It’s a Sin’- an educational insight into the HIV/Aids crisis of the 80’s, and the utter heartbreak that unfolded. Mixed in with the sheer joy of friendships and the heady social scene of a group of 20-somethings, this high octane production was filmed largely in Manchester’s northern quarter, featuring a blinder of a cast.
We would LOVE to hear what inspired you in 2021 so we can catch up on all the juicy goodies and let us know what you’re excited about coming out in 2022!