Notes from a Hired Pen: Recommendation round up

Readers!

Well I've had a rough go of it. I was just starting to make some personal progress after my dog died, and then got hit with a cold that left me the sickest I've ever been in my life (no, not COVID, surprised me to). So while I continue to work on a marketing blitz, and a newsletter about what I'm doing and the results, here are a few recommendations of just cool stuff I like from other people who do good work.

Journalism Jobs and Photos of My Dog. Title says it all, right? I do not want a full time journalism job, but Mandy Hofmockel always includes relevant freelance links (including to this newsletter sometimes!) Any freelancer would benefit from at least signing up for the free version.

Tom and Lorenzo Pop Style Opinion Fest. Maybe I love them because they live in Philadelphia, OR I appreicate their mix of topics, which include everything from red carpet fashion to museums they visited in London (which lead to a great tip I'm going to use on my upcoming trip!) Their website is great too, of course, but I look forward to listening to them every week.

Criminal Podcast. This podcast is consistently producing episodes that I say "this is the best one yet!" and then tops themselves. Despite the name, it is not a true crime podcast. For example, the latest episode is about Jack Barsky, a KGB spy, and how he built a life in the U.S. They also did an episode this summer about the woman whose face inspired the first CPR doll.

Drinks with Broads. I've been reading Go Fug Yourself for well over a decade now, and signed up for their Substack the minute it launched. It's a great example of independent writers trying new things, and finding success. It allows them to go deeper into topics than they can on their website, so it's complimentary without taking their site over.

Recent Bylines
"My Secret to Seeing America" for Slate
"'No reason not to have it': Why constractors equip jobsites with Narcan" for Construction Dive
"Growing oysters in a garage? Meet the maker of the world's first 3-D printed oyster tank" for Responsible Seafood Advocate
"Are new grads ready? Employers don't think so" for HR Dive
"Modulate building creates fewer jobsite hazards, but isn't without dangers" for Construction Dive
"How HR can make M&As successful" for HR Dive
"How to ensure deskless workers use their mental insurance benefits" for HR Dive
"Beyond steel toes: Modern workbooks offer safety, comfort, support" for Construction Dive
"Arrogant know-it-alls: A talent consultant discusses the 'dark side' of company culture" for HR Dive
"Can dam removal actually restore fish populations in U.S. rivers?" for Responsible Seafood Advocate
"The job hunt is frustrating. How can employers fix it?" for HR Dive
"Where to invest to close the cyberskills gap" for Cybersecurity Dive
"UI sports medicine helps pro runner get back on track" for the University of Iowa
"13 British shows to take you straight across the pond" for Tudum

What I'm Reading
Easy Money by Ben Mackenzie and Jacob Silverman
This One Summer by Jilian Tamaki and Mario Tamaki
The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn
The Guest by Emma Cline
The Mothers by Brit Bennett
The Pet Loss Companion by Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio and Nancy Saxton-Lopez
The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach by Pam Jenoff
Knockout by Sarah MacLean
The Stone Boudoir by Theresa Maggio
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty

What I'm Watching