SCREENSHOTS #12 - Essentialism, Scamfluencers, newsletter recs and more!
Movies, series, books and more: everything I've watched, listened to, read, and tried in March.
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Wow, I think I haven't watched a single movie in March - it was time to catch up with some seasons from some shows I loved (who else is excited for the White Lotus finale?). On the other hand, I have a lot of podcasts and reading recs!
TV Shows
Severance
I mentioned the first season of Severance in one of my previous SCREENSHOTS editions - and after the finale, I wanted to check season 2. I must be honest, though: I had a lot of mixed feelings about this season. I found some episodes really boring, lol, but I kept watching and I really liked the finale. But I don't think everyone will like Severance - it's such a complicated plot (there are so many fun theories on TikTok!). Either way, I recommend giving it a chance. It was, at least, entertaining.
AvailaBle on Apple TV.
Shrinking
Another show I mentioned before - and the second season didn't disappoint AT ALL! I can't wait for season 3. In case you missed my post about it, Shrinking is a dramedy series hat follows Jimmy Laird, a therapist who, after his wife's death, begins to tell his clients exactly what he thinks, leading to significant changes in their lives and his own.
In Season 2, the episodes dive deeper into the lives of supporting characters as well, exploring themes of forgiveness and personal growth - with a lot of vulnerability. It's so touching and emotional, but, at the same time, it's not heavy, you know? Plus, Harrison Ford is just… incredible!
AvailaBle on Apple TV.
Book
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
After hearing so many great things about this book, I finally decided to check it - I listened to the audiobook version and it was very easy to follow. Now, I understand the hype.
The whole argument is around doing fewer things—but better - while it challenges the idea that we must do everything, urging us to focus only on what is truly essential.
The author shows rea-life examples and shares practical strategies and mindset shifts, to help readers eliminate noise and reclaim control of their time and energy.
The most interesting thing is that we can apply that in so many areas of our lives - including, of course, work. I found a lot of common things with other two books I read recently - Digital Minimalism and Everything that remains.
Podcasts
I listened to a lot of podcasts in March - more than I'm used to, lol - and it's such a great way to learn and/or entertain yourself while doing things like cooking or walking the dog!
Here are some of my highlights:
Scamfluencers is a show dedicated to "the stories of the world's most insidious Scamfluencers" - but I guess you can argue with the "influencer" part. I listened to the episode about Priscila Barbosa - I saw the title and figured that it was about a Brazilian, and I was not wrong. I'm really curious to listen to more stories!
My first episode from the famous Call her Daddy was this one with Ellen Pompeo. Since I've watched a lot of Grey's Anatomy seasons (I stopped on the one about COVID and never got back, lol), it was super interesting to learn more about her journey.
I don't know about you, but I always get obsessed with TV series and movies inspired by true events, and, of course, after watching Apple Cider Vinegar, I did my research about Belle Gibson, and I listened to the three-episode series on Scandal! about the Australian con woman.
"I highly recommend you this podcast, Laura. Even though it's at an intermediate level, I think you'll be able to understand it" - that's what my French teacher texted me when she sent me this recommendation. She was not wrong - I've already listened to 4 episodes and although I don't understand 100% - I get the context and the whole idea of the conversations.
InnerFrench podcast is about "learning French naturally through topics that matter". The host speaks slightly slower than most real-life conversations in order to "effectively improve your oral comprehension and easily expand your vocabulary in an enjoyable way." And they also offer free episodes' transcripts and translations on their website!
Newsletters
Ok, since I'm a huge believer in long-form content - and I absolutely love Substack and all the interesting people and topics I find on this platform- I thought, why not spread the word about some publications I enjoy?
Fuel Up - I met during some event in NYC, she is not only nice, sweet - and Brazilian - but I absolutely love her content and her approach to wellness. Her recipes are easy and inspiring, and now she has brought her content to Substack!
The Carboholic - shares delicious pastries, sweets, and restaurant recs on her IG page - and I was so happy when she launched her Substack! I still think blogs and newsletters are the best way to organize and save content - and I love that she shares rankings and food crawl suggestions.
curates private tours and experiences in Westchester & the Hudson Valley - and she shares amazing tips on things to do in the area on her Substack (which was one of the first Substack I subscribed to!).
Interesting readings
I'm quitting social media & content creation is dead to me - I related so much to this article from
that I felt I could had written it, the feelings are so mutual.A decade of entrepreneurship ruined my mental health. Now I work at a restaurant - also love
vulnerability and openness on this post.I Hate Buying Shit - this article from
has incredible advice on being as eco-friendly and spend-conscious.What Does It Take to Quit Shopping? Mute, Delete and Unsubscribe - from the NY Times: Marketers followed consumers to social media and their phones. “Low Buy 2025” influencers are sharing tips for how to resist them.
How Rebeca Andrade Learned to Fly - inspiring interview by
with Brazil’s beloved gymnast.
Youtube
I've been wanting to get back to Pilates and because I don't think now it's the moment to commit to a studio membership, I decided to give online classes a chance. I discovered Move with Nicole Youtube channel and I'm obsessed with her! She is a certified Pilates instructor and she has TONS of videos - and it's all free!
Also discovered Mike G Youtube channel and he shares incredible tips, tricks and recipes. Such a great resource for home cooks!
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And last, but not least, I discovered Kelley Daring on TikTok and I admire what she's doing: she shares - mostly - women's experiences as parents, through anonymously messages from mothers and what they miss about their lives before having children.
That's a wrap! What have you been reading and watching lately?
ahh thank you for the inclusion shoutout, and love this roundup! also that severance finale has me still spinning from over a week ago lol