Tha Good Good, Week of 3.24.19

1. A throwback pod – "Switched at Birth" - from NPR's This American Life
I've been thoroughly enjoying going back and listening to classic This American Lifeepisodes again. About an hour long, each episode features stories centered around that week's theme. Host Ira Glass and reporters like Sarah Koenig (the woman behind Serial) gracefully walk listeners through surprising, compelling, and interesting tales. 
Get started here. 

2. A thought-provoking episode – "Public Shaming" - the newest episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
In his most recent episode, my hero Johnny O examines public shaming. The most memorable part of the episode was his interview with Monica Lewinsky, a woman who has faced decades of punishment, pain, and humiliation for a stupid mistake she made when she was about the same age I am now. Perhaps we should think twice before we vilify. 
Watch it here. 

3. A humbling read – "A Battle for My Life" - Emilia Clarke writing for The New Yorker 
It's so easy to put celebrities on a pedestal, believing they're immune to the common symptoms of being human. But in her recent article actress Emilia Clarke - better known as "Mother of Dragons" to all you fellow Game of Thrones nerds - candidly recounts two brain aneurysms she didn't expect to survive. Clarke notes she is far from alone in having experienced such trauma and how grateful she is to have access to top-notch care. Her writing reminded me to be immensely grateful for all I have and never to assume someone has it made. 
Read about her courageous journey.