200 newsletters and counting
Oh Messy Life #22
Welcome to Human Pursuits, the column that features need-to-know names and stories in media and other creative spaces. Today, a note on patience, and some updates from Friends of the Newsletter.
A few months ago, was kind enough to ask me how the newsletter is going.
We were at cowdog, maybe the smallest influencer-approved cafe in the whole city. They put orange in a lot of their stuff and pay their staff a living wage. It’s cool.
Anyways, I told Kate what I think is the truth: the newsletter is going well, largely because it’s getting easier to produce.
Why?
A few reasons. First, my systems are better. I use Zoom’s mobile app for every interview because it automatically transcribes my interviews and uploads them to the cloud. I use Google Sheets to track interview requests and handwrite bookings in a journal that Kristyn got me for Christmas.
More important than all of that, though, is the simple fact I’ve kept going. A lot of what I publish is the direct result of tremendous self-delusion, of convincing myself that I can do things that may or may not be possible. Through this, Human Pursuits has become more than a hobby. It’s a daily practice in exploring my own creativity.
In December, I wrote that I’m usually too preoccupied with the present to think about the past. That’s wrong. I spend way more time thinking about the future than the present or the past. I don’t stop to smell the roses very much, which is a shame because I’ve spent most of this decade tending to my walled garden.
Today is my 200th send. Not a major milestone by any means, but I think it’s worth noting. After all, this newsletter started at zero.
Zero posts, zero subs.
If you’re reading this, I assume it’s because we share an interest in the human condition and the ways in which that condition is expressed. Maybe you’re thinking about starting your own newsletter or other creative practice. If you are, you should.
Since 2021, I’ve interviewed 61 people for Human Pursuits. They come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all share an important trait: a willingness to begin.
Oh Messy Life
ICMYI: Last week’s interview was with Kevin Nguyen. I enjoyed hearing his thoughts on the power dynamics in journalism and the Severance season 2 finale. Unclear what he thinks of Netflix’s Adolescence…
Speaking of journalism, I hadn’t considered the seating arrangements in the White House press briefing room before ’s story on Monday.
A pug appears (?): Risking my reputation by reporting that Lindsey Hartman appears to have a new pug named Bonnie.
Oh, and my dog has joined Substack. He’s already funnier than most Notes users (sadly, not a high bar).
Empire of Dirt: subtly announced a new vertical in Adweek. It’s called Clone and is envisioned as “a Drudge Report for technology news.” It will start “as an aggregator and evolve into a broader product suite that includes email.”
made it to Rolling Stone. Someone’s been reading my Substack…!
But seriously, your Substack is not getting plagiarized. Listen to and on this one.
Grass-fed: If you watch closely, you can spot the lads from Bealby Point in A&W Canada’s new ad.
And I finally received my copy of ’s Portable Model. Beautiful!!!
Proper Chune
I debated going with something from the new Skrillex album, but I haven’t spent enough time with it. Great Grandpa is basically the next best thing.
But actually, I really like this song.
My next guest is…
Content creator and sometimes model Matsen. She’s got great taste, and her YouTube videos are so grounding.
Meme machine
