Story Stream: 8/22 - 8/28

Hello friends!

I'm a little later than expected on this week's Story Stream, but have no fear! I did watch and listen to some great (and awful) stuff, and I'm here to tell you all about it. Here we go!

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MOVIES

Jungle Cruise (2021)

I married into a family obsessed with Walt Disney World, and I caught the bug from them about a decade ago. If you're not familiar, Jungle Cruise is a long-standing ride at the park. It's sort of a classic, despite not being tied to any particular Disney character or story. Similar to Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney pulled notable moments from the ride and made a really fun movie around it. They did a great job, and this is well worth the theater trip. Streaming on Disney Plus. (8/10 - Strongly Recommended)

Hot Shots! (1991)

I loved this movie so, so, so much as a kid. I full expected to love it still. Because of how surprised I was by The Naked Gun a couple weeks back, I had a feeling this would be much the same. Unfortunately, no such luck. It was fine, I guess, but really just felt like it was trying way too hard. I did like it still for it's nostalgic value. I did not love it though. Available wherever you buy/rent digital movies. (6/10 - Recommended)

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TV

Big Brother (Episodes 15-22)

Lots of catch-up to do after being on vacation for a week. I'm all caught up now though, and it's getting GOOOOD. If you're not watching, you're missing out! Streaming on Paramount Plus. (7/10 - Strongly Recommended)

Love Island (Episodes 19-21)

I'm VERY far behind on this garbage show. Which is honestly fine. It's so bad. (I think I've mentioned that.) You should really, really watch it. Streaming on Paramount Plus. (2/10 - Very Highly Recommended)

Bachelor in Paradise (Episodes 1-3)

Something is wrong with me. I cannot justify this viewing trend. I will not try. Streaming on Hulu. (1/10 - Very Highly Recommended)

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PODCASTS

SmartLess - "Octavia Spencer"

This was a very solid episode. Not the typical guest for this show, but a perfect fit. Octavia was particularly down-to-earth, which was so refreshing. Definitely check this one out. Streaming on the various podcast listening apps. (8/10 - Strongly Recommended)

This Land - "Solomon's Sword"

It was such a treat to get to be back in my weekly listening session group after missing the last 3-4 weeks. And what a fantastic episode to come back to. There were a couple elements here that felt a little risky (not in good ways), but for the most part, this is such masterful storytelling. Streaming on the various podcast listening apps. (9/10 - Very Highly Recommended)

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AUDIOBOOKS

Is This Anything? - by Jerry Seinfeld (2020)

I made it through the next decade in this book this week, the 1980s, and I laughed out loud MANY times. It's so fascinating to see how Seinfeld's comedy was constantly improving the longer he kept creating. It's also been fun to read through bits that wound up making into the opening monologues of his show. One note: I did end up picking up the audiobook for this, expecting it to be better than the hardback. I was mistaken, to my surprise. The delivery in the book doesn't feel like Seinfeld's normal delivery. I feel like I can hear his voice better reading it than listening to it. Available at your local independent book store. (8/10 - Highly Recommended)

What to Remember When Waking: The Disciplines of an Everyday Life - by David Whyte(2010)

I finished the rest of this course this week, and it was SPECTACULAR. It's been so moving, and I find myself now downloading everything I can find with David Whyte's name on it. Streaming on Audible. (10/10 - Most Highly Recommended

Midlife and the Great Unknown - by David Whyte (2008)

This contains many of the same poems, and even some of the same reflections as the other David Whyte books/courses I've shared here, but it was no less incredible. I mean it. I will return to these many, many times in my life. I can tell already. Streaming on Audible. (10/10 - Most Highly Recommended)

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That's it friends! Apologies again for the delay! As always, I really would love to check out any recommendations you may have. What are you enjoying these days? Let me know!