The Uplifting Culture Edit
This month we have curated only the most positive cultural highlights to help us get through the home straight of winter. Discover the podcasts to listen to, series to watch and books to read that are guaranteed to elevate spirits.
Listen
The Happiness Lab
Dr Laurie Santos is a cognitive scientist and Professor of Psychology at Yale University (her course, Psychology and the Good Life, became the most popular course in Yale’s 300-year history). In her podcast series she explores the latest scientific research that will change the way you think about what happiness is and how it can be achieved.
Kind World
Hosted by journalists Andrea Asuaje and Yasmin Amer, this series offers little pockets of heart-warming joy. The episodes are short in length (about 10-20mins long) but pack a punch, as people share stories of acts of kindness that made an indelible mark on their lives. If you ever need a short break from work or home-schooling, popping one of these on is a sure-fire way to boost spirits and restore your faith in humanity.
Watch
Call My Agent, Netflix
The fourth and final season of the series that everyone is talking about has just landed on Netflix. Set in a Parisian talent agency, it’s fun, funny and delightfully French, with guest appearances from France’s biggest actors, completely unafraid to send themselves up. Since we won’t be holidaying anywhere anytime soon, this is the perfect way to dash across the Channel for an hour or two.
Soul, Disney+
Nominated for two awards at this month’s Golden Globes, this life-affirming animation explores individuality, fulfilment and happiness and is as relevant for all the adults in the room as it is for the kids.
Headspace Guide To Meditation, Netflix
If we’re going to be binge-watching multiple series, this at least feels like a soothing and productive alternative. With each episode under 30mins long, it looks at the benefits of meditation while offering techniques and guided meditations to jump-start your practice.
Read
Wow, No Thank You, Samantha Irby
This New York Times best-seller was hailed for arriving just in time to rescue readers from lockdown lethargy. A series of essays by American comedian and writer Samantha Irby as she approaches her fortieth birthday, it covers everything from marriage to body image. If you need something guaranteed to make you laugh each time you pick it up, this is the one.
A Gentleman In Moscow, Amor Towles
Another New York Times best-seller, this tale is so astoundingly apt for our current circumstances. Beginning in the 1920s, it tells the story of Count Alexander Rostov, living under house arrest in a Moscow hotel. Without any of the usual luxuries of life, it’s an exploration of what joy there is to be found in life. Read now, ahead of the series due to star Sir Kenneth Brannagh.