Welcome to Human Pursuits, the column that features need-to-know names and stories in media and other creative spaces. Today, a glorious return, and some more updates from Friends of the Newsletter.
Hi everyone,
I had hoped to maintain my publishing schedule despite being abroad in Paris, but the wine was cheap, the cheese was smelly, and the art was life-affirming, and well… c’est la vie.
I feel somewhat like a neglectful father, especially as I’m sensing renewed interest in Substack and newsletters from the public-at-large. Just this week the platform was mentioned in The New York Times (How Much Are We Paying for Newsletters?) and The New Yorker (Is the Next Great American Novel Being Published on Substack?). Anecdotally, some people I know IRL have also signed up. It also makes me feel like I left the continent for a week, and suddenly the secret’s out. It’s probably just the internet-induced cortisol talking after a week mostly offline.
I don’t feel too bad because I know Human Pursuits’ pace in 2025 has been rapide. It’s a lot of work for me to produce, but also a lot of work for you to keep up with. I understand if you were secretly delighted not to hear from me. I was secretly delighted to have a break.
Unfortunately, all vacations end.
Don’t worry, though, I’m mostly here to say “Ça va?” and share some updates from Friends of the Newsletter, who continue to inspire and impress me. I plan to post my interview with Colin Miller on Friday. It’s fun and I think you’ll enjoy it.
Until then, here are some more Substack exclusive photos from Paris. C’est bon.
Oh Messy Life
ICYMI: I saw stuff in Paris.
This week’s reading included discussing their new album in ourculture, and Mark Hoppus’ memoir Fahrenheit-182, co-written by , which I finished on our flight back to Vancouver and found extremely entertaining.
“You Need Some Chutzpah”: was interviewed by Parlor Social Club on her creative life and career. She’s always so insightful!
I had a chance to hear LP2 and, wow, is it something special. No spoilers, but I can tell you it strikes a perfect balance between Eliza’s pop, folk, and rock sensibilities. also did a great job behind the boards.
It’s been a slice: rang in nine years of Deez Links. Isabel Pless rang in 25 years of being alive. Happy birthday, both!
Cheyenne Roundtree is the only source you need for Diddy’s sex trafficking and racketeering criminal trial. She broke down the opening statements for Rolling Stone.
Proper Chune
A few days ago, I watched a TikTok about The Click Five’s song “Just The Girl”. I’ve since lost the video, but the creator mentioned it was written by Adam Schlesinger from Fountains of Wayne. I had no idea. RIP to the god.
My next guest is…
Musician Colin Miller. We discussed chess, touring with MJ Lenderman, his album Losin’, and more.
Meme machine
Madness being croissants and a full eight hours of sleep
