Monthly favourites — November 2024

Jess: This episode (76min) of How I Write is aptly titled, because I genuinely had a few a-ha moments while listening.

Key takeaways:

The Three Rules
Can I visualise it? Can I falsify it? Can nobody else say it?
For example, New Balance sneakers advertise themselves as “Worn by supermodels in London and dads in Ohio” — you can visualise it, it’s factual, and unique (enough) to their brand.

Write in the Final Format
Rather than writing in a text editor, Harry suggests writing directly in the format the text is going to appear.
For example, write newsletter content within MailChimp or blog posts in a visual website editor, as opposed to starting in a Google Doc.

Write it Over and Over
Write the same thing as many ways as you can, then pick the best version.
This process allows you to write “badly” without worrying about it, and is particularly helpful if you want feedback — ask ‘which version do you like best?’ instead of ‘how’s this?’

Jess: Stuff You Should Know has done a two part series on ADHD and as usual it’s a clear, insightful and easy listen.

Part one (45mins) covers:

• The history of ADHD and current understanding of it as a neurological condition (something that can be seen on brain scans as young as four years old)
• Common symptoms including inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity (you might have 1, 2 or 3 of these)
• Diagnosis and treatment options like medication, behavioral therapy and lifestyle adjustments (usually best treated with a combination)

Part two (50mins) goes into:

• The impact on daily life such as relationships and at work due to symptoms like having false memories, or the need for extreme perfectionism
• Types of medication, including slow and fast release options
• ADHD in adults and how symptoms can change over time (eg. kids might be more prone to literally running around, whereas in adults it might be a feeling of restlessness)

Jess: In this episode (90min) of On Purpose, Dr Mindy Pelz offers evidence based health advice, such as:

• Vary your fasting: don’t do the same type of fast every day/week, use feast famine cycling instead
• Reduce your cortisol by exercising, getting out in nature, and surrounding yourself with positive people
• Reduce your toxic load by paying attention to what you’re putting on your body (like skincare!) as well as in your body (like processed food!)
• Eat real food: opt for food that doesn’t come with a label
• Make protein the hero ingredient of every meal
• Women should align fasting with their menstrual cycle: fast for the longest during the middle of your cycle (around ovulation), and avoid fasting at the end of your cycle.