'The Rest is Entertainment' - My Unmissable Podcast

I listen to a lot of podcasts. Dog walking, on the bus, making dinner. Over the years they’ve got better and better. There’s a lot of choice, from the cerebral through to the comedic. However, there’s only one that I never miss. A recent launch - ‘The Rest is Entertainment’, hosted by Marina Hyde and Richard Osman. Essentially, it’s all about popular culture - aka, showbiz. Film, music, tv, theatre, books, celebrity.

It ticks all the boxes for me.

It keeps me up to date on popular culture

I don’t watch that much tv, so it helps me understand what people are imto nowadays. This is how I learnt about ‘The Traitors’, the re-launch of ‘Gladiators’, and who ‘Mr. Beast’ is. I feel I’m more up-to-date on what’s new and interesting. It’s easy to live and work in your own little bubble. I know I do. This helps me escape from it. Also, as someone who works in marketing, it’s a good way for me to keep in touch with what’s popular nowadays.

And it gives me something to talk about.

It’s Intelligent

Marina and Richard not only explain what’s going on in the world of entertainment, but they explain why. Marina is a brilliant and funny journalist. Richard is a successful novelist, tv host and producer. They know how entertainment works. They’re part of it and they understand its machinations.

Recently, they explained why Channel 4 is in trouble and what the future might hold for it. They explained how shows get commissioned and the risks behind it. They dissected how book publishing works. They explored why music magazines are folding and what this means for us.

I learn so much.

It’s entertaining

Given the title of the podcast, you’d expect it to be an engaging listen. And it really is. They’re both witty and charming. They have a great chemistry and share the limelight. They’re enthusiastic and genuinely enjoy the shows they talk about. They were obsessed with ‘The Traitors’. They laugh at themselves and the absurdities of celebrity culture. Jeff Bezos and his fiancee get a hard time.

The shows only last 30-40 minutes and time flies by. They’re not promoting a book or talking about themselves.

Their job is to entertain and they do.

It makes recommendations

I never know what new shows to watch or books to read and they’re always making suggestions. They’re particularly good at new films and new streaming series. Even when they don’t make explicit recommendations, by simply talking about shows / books / tv series, I’m encouraged to check them out.

I trust their opinions.

Summary

The news is so depressing that I tend to give political or current affairs shows a miss nowadays. I also find the guests on podcasts a little less interesting than they used to be. The same people seem to pop up everywhere.

So I heartily recommend ‘The Rest is Entertainment’. Always an enjoyable and enriching experience. It comes from ‘Goalhanger Podcasts’, owned by Gary Lineker. Looks like he’s got another hit on his hands. Which will no doubt irk a few people in the world of entertainment and politics.

Getting Going is the Tough Part

Self-improvement is on everyone’s mind at the moment. We’re inundated with articles on how to get fitter, how to achieve our goals, and how to make this year your best year ever. We’re certainly not short of advice and inspiration. It’s all around us.

I’ve only got one suggestion to make - to simply get going. No matter what your ambition is, just start small.

If you want to get fitter, go to the gym, do one exercise, and then leave. If you want to learn a new language, spend 1 minute on Duolingo and then put the phone down. If you want to publish more articles. Write the headline, then save it.

Once you’ve made the first step, the second step is so much easier. You’re not starting from zero. You’re no longer procrastinating, you’re on your way. It’s like a weight has been lifted off you. You will have shifted from planning to doing.

After this, you can begin to create the routines and habits that help you move forward. The second step is easier than the first, the third step is easier than the second and in no time at all, it becomes second nature. You’re on your way.

Summary

Getting going is always the difficult bit. It’s hard to snap out of your inertia, particularly in January, when you’re feeling jaded and it’s dark and cold outside. Therefore, don’t be overambitious. Don’t set scary resolutions. Decide what kind of person you want to be in 2024, then just make a simple start. Keep moving forward slowly. If you keep this going, then I’m sure that this could be your best year ever!

The Embodiment of a Flow State

I’m a bit obsessed with the notion of flow. Earlier this year, I’d written about creating a state of flow in a workshop and how you could go about achieving it. Click here. I observed it last week when watching a documentary about the extraordinary snooker player, called ‘Ronnie O’Sullivan: The Edge of Everything.’ Click here for the trailer.

On several occasions, I marveled at his ability. Not only is he a brilliant player, he plays with panache. Both right and left-handed. Amongst his many achievements is holding the record for the fastest maximum 147 break. It was set in 1997 and took only 5 minutes and 8 seconds.

He plays in a perfect state of flow. His mind and body are in perfect sync. He’s focused. He’s consistent. He makes something very difficult appear easy.

It’s a great documentary for those with an interest in mental health. At times it’s dark and gritty, but I was gripped by the way he overcomes his demons and keeps performing. Despite his success, he’s a troubled soul and you can’t help but be moved by the final scenes. No spoilers, but I would recommend you watch it, even if you have no interest at all in snooker.