Friday Five: April 26, 2025

A day late and a dollar short!

Apr 26, 2025

Consumers, I may have girlbossed too close to the sun with the amount of work I’ve taken on and that’s why your Friday Five has come a day late. Let’s get straight into your weekly roundup of joy, catharsis, and what I’m consuming:

First off, let’s start with a film: Sinners.

The above text was from my dear friend Jason about the movie. I saw it on Tuesday and I think you should see it, preferably in IMAX (still trying to finesse if I can do this for a second viewing) given the way the movie was filmed. The movie is a genre-bender, and for good reason — I loved this interview with Ryan Coogler on how the concept of genres came from a place of racism and the need to distinguish the works of Black artists and white artists. I don’t want to give much away but the breadth and depth of layers in the movie, the acting chops of Michael B. Jordan, the force that is Delroy Lindo, the devil in all the details… you just need to see it, preferably so we can discuss it.

democracynow

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Song: We’re taking it back to 2012. Where were you when you first heard this song and how does it make you feel when you hear it now?

Santigold felt ahead of her time back then, but this song was just as brilliant when it came out as it is all these years later, so maybe she created something that transcends time (and genre for that matter). I hope she gets the flowers she deserves and for the American consumers, she’s on tour all summer. Anyway, this is going to sound corny, but this song is the epitome of the joy and catharsis I try to bring into this newsletter.

Speaking of newsletters, here’s a cathartic read I enjoyed: My friend

Layla Shaikley

started a Substack and I continue to be in awe of her. We first got connected in 2020 when I read an LA Times article about giving birth at the start of the pandemic. She brought Glossier blush in her go-bag with her — I reached out to send her some goodies from the brand and then, a friendship formed. Her newsletter features some tough love when it comes to careers and professional growth, and this recent issue struck a chord. She goes into what it takes to have an authoritative presence at work and why habitual apologizing can get you stuck in a rut, then goes into a few professional archetypes that hit a little too close to home! I have a hard time relating to a lot of career content online but Layla’s resonates and is worth checking out!

Things you'll learn the hard way (but wish you didn't)

Your apologies are costing you credibility

The moment you apologize for using someone's time, you've already lost their respect…

2 months ago · 26 likes · 18 comments · Layla Shaikley

Unhinged Reality TV Moment: This clip from TLC home renovation show ‘Trading Spaces’ has me giggling and feeling seen. I really felt this woman’s reaction in my bones and get the sense I’d react similarly in this scenario. I’m genuinely curious if some of the team thought she wanted a ‘Prints’ room instead of a ‘Prince room’ because a purple coat of paint and some moodiness could’ve gotten the job done instead of a toy little red corvette. The “hm” + little smirk combo at 1:14 has been my go-to when viewing apartments that are just… not the one for me.

Joyful Internet Content: This week we’re keeping this section to one very silly TikTok trend that is making me chuckle. There’s no use in me explaining it, just watch.