Is it just me or did this year fly by? I am a fan of “best of” and “year in review” lists, articles, news programs, and sports shows. Has anyone of my generation watched The George Michael Sports Machine Show? I loved that. I’m nostalgic and I love looking back and reflecting on events in my own life and those events that have helped shape us.
I’m often asked, what are you reading, listening to, watching? So here is what had my attention this year:
Favorite Podcast:
Acquired
The stories of the biggest and most impactful tech IPO’s and acquisitions of all time are expertly recounted in long form in this series. Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal are delightful partners who know how to tell a good story. It’s equal parts history, strategy and execution. I have enjoyed the stories of Costco, Berkshire Hathaway and Starbucks among others. Michael Lewis, a personal favorite of mine, hosted their 10-year anniversary show which I also enjoyed.
Favorite Non-Fiction Book:
Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. by Ron Chernow
I haven’t historically been a big biography reader, but I took a chance on this one and was not disappointed. Ron Chernow is an award-winning author with a reputation for doing these projects well (e.g. Hamilton). The book is more like a novel than a biography.
He expertly tells John Rockefeller’s story. I was particularly drawn to his time in Cleveland. The author describes an afternoon where Rockefeller raced his horse down Euclid Avenue from his home on Millionaires Row to his office. I got a kick out of that.
Favorite Fiction Book:
Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese
An international bestseller which spent over two years on the New York Times list. I didn’t want to finish it. A good book is like a trusted companion that you hate to let go of. It was so beautifully written. It follows the lives of twin brothers, Marion and Shiva, who both become doctors. They were conceived in a secret union between an Indian nun and a brash British surgeon. Their mom died at childbirth and their father abandoned them. It’s a story of great healing for the brothers and their patients. The author is a surgeon himself, and he takes great care in explaining both the technical and human aspects of his craft. The story is filled with rich characters, life lessons and wisdom.
A Quote I Come Back to Often:
Andy Dufresne, The Shawshank Redemption, On Hope
“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”
There is a lot of negativity on the airwaves, in print and on social media. This is an antidote for me. It also explains why I maintain my sanity despite being a devoted Cleveland sports fan.
Favorite Streaming Series:
The Four Seasons
Tina Fey is the creator of the series and one of its stars. The show also features Will Forte and Steve Carell. The series is adapted from a film that Alan Alda wrote, directed and starred in himself (1981). He also makes a brief appearance in this series.
Three suburban couples, all long-time friends, take a vacation together during each season. One of the couples split and the series takes us through the ups and downs of all their relationships. It’s a relatable, fun and funny ride. I’m looking forward to season 2.
Afterlife
Written by and starring Ricky Gervais, this show tells the complete story of Tony Johnson’s journey from devastating grief to finding hope and meaning in kindness and community. Living for others is great medicine. I watched this show in 2019 when it first came out, and I still think about it today. I loved the cast of characters. I was fully invested in them. If you’re a fan of Ricky’s sense of humor, I think you will like this show.
There you have it. My best of list for 2025.
If you have suggestions for new or different categories I’d love to hear them. In fact, I’d love to know what your favorites were!
Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year.
Frank
