Dear readers,
Spring is here. In the northern hemisphere. Woo hoo.
No time for pleasantries or small talk here, let’s jump right in.
The latest issue starts now.
Podium Life
Podium Life is about two months old now and I have been blown away by the feedback and the amount of motorsports gear, stuff, books, art, etc, out there. There are some people and brands doing some really cool stuff out there. So, I’m gonna share some of my faves.
Cobra Corsa. Their goal is to make motorsport more fashionable and I love the gear they are producing. One of my favorite brands so far.
I love this story on Zandara Kennedy a drift and stunt driver. I got to meet her a couple of months ago and she is not only really nice but also a bad ass.
Immortalize your pet as an F1 legend. Yep, this is worth the click.
These REC Watches are super cool. They are constructed from iconic vehicles. Keanu Reeves voice: Whoa.
And if want any Podium Life gear, please let me know. 👀
Creative Visionaries Syndicate
“Surrealism is destructive, but it destroys only what it considers to be shackles limiting our vision.” - Dali.
Surrealism has featured since day one of this newsletter and I’m excited to say that I am joining up with friend and former colleague/collaborator Lindsay Schmidt. In the past, we have brought you the Beats by Dre Umbrella Speaker and the Flava Flav Apple Watch Edition (below).
Lindsay and I have utilized ChatGTP to kick off this endeavor. Step 1: we had it come up with a name for us - Creative Visionaries Syndicate. And here is the logo Lindsay came up with. Hoping we don’t get sued by CVS or Walgreens, but that would also make great content for this newsletter.
Stay tuned for what comes next - ridiculous, surreal and potentially thought provoking works for art.
Health Kick
I’ve alluded to this in past issues. Turning 50 was a meaningful moment for me that prompted a lot of philosophical thought. How can I use my experience on this planet - the innumerable mistakes, travels, relationships created and lost, lessons learned, the laughter, the books, you name it, - all things that have ideally led to some level of wisdom. How do I use experience and a focus on health to make whatever remaining time left, the best yet.
None of that can happen if my health or body fails, so I have finally awoken. In my 20’s, 30’s and part of my 40s, I played a lot of soccer and ran - including an actual marathon. Often, this exercise was offset with a bad diet and hydration via gallons of alcohol.
Now, as a sober old man on the wrong side of 50, I’m lifting weights, being more thoughtful on what I eat and easing back into cardio. Where does this journey go? Hopefully for you, it is a photo of me shirtless or I finally get the call to be an extra in Zoolander 2 or 3. Or even better, John Wick 6.
More realistically, I can get an endorphin high and know that I am putting myself in the best position to live a full life and be around for those I love. Suns out, guns out.
If you’re doing something similar or have advice, I’d love to hear from you.
Dear Dave
The De La Soul music collection was finally made available for streaming earlier this month. This had been legally stalled for decades, so this was an incredible but bittersweet victory. Bittersweet because Plug 2, Dave, Trugoy the Dove, one of the founding members, passed away on February 12.
De La is my all-time fave hip-hop group. 3 Feet High and Rising is still the best hip hop album of all time (IMHO) and I had the opportunity to see them perform several times. It is a weird thing to have such a strong connection to a group of people I did not know, but I am so thankful they brought their art to the world. But I am still sad.
De La published this letter titled Dear Dave. RIP and thank you.
Consumption
Books
Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World
Links
Why is the Chief Marketing Officer tenure so low?
How the women of Surrealism defied a male-dominated world to ‘carve out their own space’
Whoa: Check Out All 162 Injuries Sustained by John Wick in His First Three Films
Portugal Says No More Golden Visas and No More Airbnbs
7Up’s first “major” brand overhaul in over seven years is punchy, but simple
Pele, Maradona and the Changing Iconography of Footballers in Death
Jeni’s × Ted Lasso Biscuits with the Boss Ice Cream
Personal stuff
I am in love with this Secret Aardvark Hot Sauce.
My fave deodorant is Native.
TV and Movies
Horton hears a Who. I have 3 kids man.
Paw Patrol the Movie. I surprisingly got sucked in.
Drive to Survive, Season 5. F1 propaganda.
Ted Lasso, Season 3. Wholesome.
The Mandalorian, Season 3. Sci-fi emptiness, but I will keep watching.
The Last of Us. Resisting the urge to stay up all night to binge.
Triangle of Sadness. Excuse me, what in the world did I just watch?
Well everyone. That’s a wrap. I wish you good health, good luck and a good time. Thank you as always for reading.
Much love, Daniel