November lineup

Watch

‘Simone Biles Rising’ on Netflix: The first two episodes were released just before the Paris 2024 Olympics and followed Simone’s prep, while the last two episodes were released this month and focus on her performance at the Olympics. Simone made headlines when she dropped out of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, putting her health and wellbeing above winning. She has since said its probably the most courageous she’s ever been and that walking away was a win. She is one of the greatest gymnasts of all time and one of the greatest Olympians of all time and Paris 2024 was her redemption story (as well as Team USA’s).

This series goes beyond the gymnast and gives us an insight into what Simone is like as a person - humble, fierce, funny, kind, strong and driven - and a look into her family life and upbringing - her parents are kind, humble, incredibly supportive and always have her back (her mum does her hair before every competition!). You also hear from Simone’s coaches who come across has supportive, level-headed and measured.

It’s a worthwhile watch and a lesson to everyone to prioritise your own health and wellbeing - something we don’t usually see, especially in elite sport - and surround yourself with the right people.

Listen

World’s First Podcast: Erin Foster wrote the huge Netflix series Nobody Wants This, her sister Sara produced it and the show filmed while Erin was heavily pregnant with her first child (impressive). Anyone who knows me knows I’m obsessed with the Foster sisters. Do yourself a favour and throw them a follow them both on instagram. Their dad is music royalty, they grew up in Hollywood and they’ve become big deals in their own right. Not only did they make the biggest rom-com series of 2024, they also have a fashion brand, Favorite Daughter - soon to be stocked in David Jones - and host the podcast World’s First Podcast (among other ventures). Following the release of Nobody Wants This, they released podcast episodes with BTS insights, The ‘Nobody Wants This’ Episode! and Everybody Wants This, as well as an interview with heartthrob Adam Brody - Hot Rabbi (with Adam Brody). If you loved the show you will love these episodes, plus Joanne and Morgan are based (loosely) off Erin and Sara and their banter always makes for an enjoyable listen, whether they’re interviewing a guest or doing a solo ep.

Read

‘Did you hear about Kitty Karr’ by Crystal Smith Paul: Spanning multiple generations, the story focuses on White actress and icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Kitty Karr. When she passes away, the world is shocked to find Kitty left her multi-million dollar estate to her neighbours, the St. John sisters - three wealthy, young Black women.

I love a pick from Reese’s Book Club and this was no exception. I think it was one of the most interesting books I’ve read in a while. It explores racism, motherhood, family, fame and money - all big topics - without feeling like it weighs you down with the intensity of these issues.

The book has dual storylines in the past and the present and explores the glamour of Old Hollywood and the hidden network of white-passing Black women that helped fund civil rights causes. I found it an enjoyable, thought-provoking read and found the exploration of racism and segregation the most interesting part of the book.

Trigger warning of sexual assault early on in the novel.