Rituals: How I consume content and maintain a healthy media diet
Plus: My Substack, IG, and YouTube notables
Whether you’re left or right, you’re not wrong in your perception that there is a culture of news disinformation permeating society.
This, unfortunately, is amplified by political fervor and, some may even say, government agendas.
That’s why I’m doing my best to maintain a global perspective, not relying on just one media outlet from one (our) country, but on many news sources from around the world.
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In his book, “The Art of Thinking Clearly, Rolf Dobelli says to always question the source.
His intent isn’t for you to become a paranoid conspiracy theorist, but more to encourage curiosity, and go that little bit further when presented with only one angle.
Two sides, if you will.
In my effort to be a global citizen, it better suits my compassionate consciousness when I choose not to rely on mainstream news like CNN, Fox, and so on.
I’m happy to say I’ve mostly eradicated tabloid and smut journalism from my daily content consumption; the New York Post and the Daily Mail are now only guilty pleasures.
If it’s important, you’ll hear about it
I’ve written previously about my roster of favorite news sources, and how I also go on news fasts, where I consume no news for a certain period of time.
During these periods, I’ve found that what’s important always eventually finds its way to my eyes and ears.
It’s without fail and uncanny, the accuracy and speed of “friends and family news reporting.”
At first, my media diets were a productivity and creativity exercise, because I didn't want to look at screens upon waking up, nor did I want to fill my brain first thing with bad news, or any news rather, that would influence my thinking.
Reading books is exempt from this; it’s one of my favorite forms of relaxation.
George Mack shared a similar sentiment in a recent “My First Million” podcast.
And in his recent newsletter, Ryan Holiday shared how swimming is his way to detach from screens, news, and the world, so he can be alone with his thoughts.
He recounts how many of his books are in fact written while he’s swimming laps in the pool.
This is not too dissimilar from when I’ve “silent walked” with my dog, when I deliberately walk with no phone (in safe, familiar greenways or other areas), and also when I’m paddleboarding in the ocean, aka, my “happy place” because no one can get to me.
I suppose we’ve all become so fed up with trying to suss out A.I. deepfakes that it’s okay to just shut everything off once in a while so we can think for ourselves.
And the moment we’re ready to open ourselves back up to news consumption, we want to see something real and valuable.
Which is why I’m sharing what news and other media I’m spending time with lately:
News notables
My roster of news sources varies day-to-day, but I think I’ve done a good job of self-curating outside of what Apple News and other algorithms believe will interest me:
Asharq Al-Awsat: This Saudi-backed news agency does a good job of covering what I believe to be “everything else” not covered by Western news. Its known for its light green color (similar to the FT’s notable salmon color). No paywall
The Financial Times (the FT): A longtime favorite, this UK-centric paper not only presents excellent financial markets coverage but also I pretty much rely on HTSI (“How to Spend it”) for all of my travel inspo and taste points for a discerning lifestyle.
Most stories require a subscriptionThe Wall Street Journal (the WSJ): A longtime favorite not just for markets and financial news but also everyday domestic news coverage.
Most stories require a subscriptionThe New York Times: This paper has become a feel-good distraction; it leans left but every now and then I’ll see something insightful. I’m more impressed lately by their interactive visual investigatory pieces, like this one about the Surfside condo collapse.
Most stories require a subscription
Again, you may wish to consult my previous newsletter for a more comprehensive list of other non-paywall news sources and unbiased newsletter services I subscribe to:
Instagram notables
I follow many people from a vast intersection of art, pop culture, design, wellness, marketing mavens, actors, models, founders, and friends.
And you can follow me here @shindychen if you aren’t already, but here are a couple of like-minded go-tos that sum up my attitude toward a culture of mass media and consumption:
The Quiet Rich, by Jade Bonacolta
Gstaad Guy, played by old money Constance and his Gen-Z upstart, Colton (with fascinating coverage by the FT here:
They’re different but also same; the first describes true wealth as being in control of your time and rich in freedom.
The latter discusses traditional rules for wealth etiquette; an alter ego discusses faux pas and what’s gauche.
Substack notables
Again, I follow and subscribe to many talented Substack writers, but here are some consistent writers who continuously make me reflect on news and culture today:
Sparks from Culture: Stories from self-aware, retired private equity funder David Roberts, who writes on family dynamics, privilege and growing up affluent
Feed Me: Substack “It Girl” Emily Sundberg writes a highly New York-centric newsletter about business and culture. She almost makes me want to live there again
Floss: Refined travel tips and curated fashion finds from style writer Zoe Suen
The Hard Fork: Written by a friend and one of the smartest people I know, Marvin Liao is always dispensing thoughtful wisdom and commentary on business, life, and the world we live in
(You can check out everyone else I recommend here.)
YouTube notables
On YouTube, I follow fun interior designers, fitness gurus, guitar and line dance teachers, a Honda restoration enthusiast, and an influencer debunker.
I’ve followed Ramit Sethi for some time now and his books are always practical and well-written.
But Ramit’s YouTube channel is seriously addicting reality TV, based on the very serious emotions and discussions that take place between real human beings when they talk about their money.
You’ll be in awe at how couples discuss their non-rational attitudes and behaviors toward money.
How about you? What content are you consuming (or addicted to) daily, or regularly?
I’d love to know! Simply reply or comment below.
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Until next time,
Shindy
On Instagram + TikTok
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Rituals is a section where on the first week of every month, I’ll cover a regular daily, weekly, or monthly personal habit that has become ritual. It may be a lifestyle, wellness, or work practice that has become a valuable and beneficial part of my life. Enjoy!
I’m absolutely going to consume less after reading this fabulous post!!! Thank you so much, Shindy!👏