In every monthly post, I like to share the articles I’m reading, the shows I’m watching, and the podcasts I’m listening to. They’ll remain free to read but there will continue to be affiliate links to recommended products to support site upkeep.
If you’re looking for a way to support my work, buy my book, read my articles, or sign up for my courses. Thanks again for following along! Be sure to share what you’re loving this month below!
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Reading
My friend mailed me a copy of Broken Horses by Brandi Carlile, one of my favorite musicians. It’s been a really fascinating look into her life, growing up poor in Oregon to coming out and dealing with fame.
After following some of the posts on the Instagram account Deux Moi, it was interesting to see a resulting article on BuzzFeed News about the people that date celebrities and their experiences with non-disclosure agreements.
As a fan of the podcast The Dream, this Refinery29 story on MLMs and mom entrepreneur culture is right up my alley.
I grew up watching Johnny Knoxville and Jackass (not to mention watching guys try and reenact events from the show) so I enjoyed reading about how he has changed over the years in GQ.
This story on body autonomy and the recent news about the Britney Spears conservatorship hearing in Esquire is a tough read but very important.
My friend Jim wrote about the Lynyrd Skynyrd crash site in Delta Magazine. Every story from this Eater package about gas station food and this one from Vice on the food of the suburbs was perfection.
To see what else I’m reading, check out my Goodreads Profile here (which is also my author page!).
Listening
There are new seasons of both Swindled and To Live And Die in LA, which I’ve been enjoying. I was also on an upcoming episode of Amuse Bouche, a food podcast hosted by my friend Kae Lani. I’ve also started No Place Like Home, which documents the museum theft of the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.
Watching
After hearing a lot about it, I watched the highly anticipated Netflix documentary The Sons of Sam. It was definitely troubling and hard to watch at times.
For a pick me up, I watched both seasons of Special, which tackles issues like disability, sexuality, ableism, sexism, and family dynamics. I also finished Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23, which became a favorite.
I watched the first season of Feel Good, about a gay comedian dating a straight woman while struggling with sobriety. My current favorite is You’re the Worst.
Loving
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Cancer season! Or, rather, summer. This is when my favorite days happen, July 4 and my birthday. The garden is thriving, with our blackberries, squash, and tomatoes ready to harvest. The backyard is ready with chairs and lawn games. And the river is calling!
I also took advantage of Prime Day to get some much-needed items like new running shoes, a new ring light for the endless Zoom calls (no, we’re not done yet), and instant coffee. I upped my work-from-home game with an ergonomic footrest and got an ice roller for my eczema flare-ups.
Causes
In light of the forced birth control of people like Spears and countless other reasons, I’m supporting Planned Parenthood this month. Beyond the organization’s reproductive health programs, it remains a provider of healthcare for countless uninsured individuals, not just cis women. It’s especially under threat in states like my own.
And while I believe that every month is Pride Month, now is a great time to support the work of organizations like the Human Rights Commission. They actually support the LGBTQIA+ community, not like the many brands who are adding rainbows to their products without actually putting their money where their mouths are. Read more about “rainbow-washing” on Eater.
I’m also doing a fundraiser for The Trevor Project, a group that supports the mental health of young LGBTQIA+ individuals. If you want to donate, use this link.
Working
This month, I’ve been commissioned to do some sponsored content stories for a handful of destinations, along with the usual types of stories I write. I’m working on one about cool hotels and another about a maker from Tennessee.
For 10Best, I wrote about the Natchitoches meat pie and a Natchez chef educating people on the foodways of the past. For Eagle Creek, I wrote about how to arrange the perfect day of river-tubing. For The Daily Beast, I wrote about the place where the famous Roosevelt bear hunt led to the creation of the Teddy bear.
For Explore Georgia, I wrote about where to see the locations from your favorite tv binges. For AAA, I wrote about Arizona’s Turquoise Trail. My story on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail is now out in the latest issue of Fifty Grande magazine. The story will be online in the coming weeks.
If you’d like to see more of my work, visit my professional website, CarolineEubanks.com, for more information. If you got a copy of my book, review it on Amazon or Goodreads. Or you can sign up for one of my online writing classes.
Traveling
In mid-June, I visited Highlands, North Carolina for a story I’m working on. I stayed at a gorgeous boutique hotel and spent a few days exploring the area. The next week, I drove to Tallahassee, Florida for a work trip. I’m excited to write about the blues club and funky arts neighborhood I visited there.
In July, I’ll be heading to a town south of Atlanta for a few days for a work-cation. After that, I’m driving to Savannah to write about a new hotel and generally eat at all the incredible restaurants.
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