The books and podcasts that have got me through lockdown 2.0

When Auckland went into lockdown for the second time this year, I felt more prepared with what to expect and what kind of expectations to have of myself. In lockdown 1.0 I had a big long list of things to do and books to read, but at the end of the day we were in the middle of a global pandemic and if you want to sit around and do nothing that’s okay. I read a little less than I did in lockdown 1.0 but started listening to more podcasts, which was nice, it was nice to listen to someone else’s voice. These were the books and podcasts I really enjoyed during lockdown 2.0

How do we know we’re doing it right? By Pandora Sykes

I enjoyed these essays, they left me thinking. Mostly about how no one knows how to do it right. I do wish Pandora left more of herself on the page. But nonetheless they are such beautifully written essays and I enjoyed them.

Women don’t owe you pretty by Florence Given

I’m only part way through this, but honestly every young woman and girl needs to read this. Florence is unapologetic style is almost confronting but also when you read what she is writing and get passed the style the message is on point.

More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth

I loved reading about Elaine’s story from her childhood, college and then her foray into the journalism world and climbing the ladder and becoming the first black editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue. Her vision for Teen Vogue was one of the main reasons I started engaging with the platform and still do. So to read her story was an absolute privilege.

Shameless podcast from Michelle Andrews and Zara McDonald

My Mondays are so much better once I’ve listened to Mich and Zara from Shameless. I love their podcast they talk about everything pop culture and have the best recommendations. The In Conversation with episodes are also super interesting, the recent one with Julia Gillard is fantastic. I have their new debut book on preorder and am so excited to read it.

What we call love from Madeline Walker

This is a new podcast from The Twenties Club and Bumble and tackles love and relationships in Aotearoa. There are only three episodes so far but all have been really interesting. I’m looking forward to more episodes dropping.

Read like a girl from Brooke Saward

I love Brookes writing, her instagram captions are amazing. She is currently in the middle of writing a memoir and started this podcast as well. The first episode Brooke takes us through her favourite memoirs and the second is about her love for big little lies. Brooke also has some amazing life advice and there is some absolute nuggets of wisdom thrown in.

After Work Drinks from Grace O’Neil and Isabelle Truman

I’m going to recommend a specific episode of After Work Drinks here, and it is the episode with Florence Given. I’m currently reading Florence’s book Women Don’t Owe You Pretty and is a book I think every young woman and girl should read. But the talk she has with Grace and Isabelle is really interesting and kind of goes hand-in-hand with her book.