Cereal 🗞️ Slow News Day #9

Hey,

Gentle waves lap in the background. Taoist thrums and pulses intersperse the news, review, and AOB sections. Two dudes get together to chat, laugh, and earnestly explore the milky depths of cereal culture.

When I first learned that there exists ‘a meditative podcast about cereal’ (via Jez Burrows’ wonderful newsletter, The Department of Enthusiasm), I was immediately hooked. It sounded like a perfect dose of silliness in my steadily steady life.

I started on episode one. All the way back — pre-‘rona — listening to stories of cereals that have since been discontinued and that I wouldn’t have been able to access at the time, anyway, given the US situation of the hosts.

But it simply doesn’t matter. When I listen to two people so earnestly and enthusiastically talk about anything, it’s a joy.

They snigger and giggle off mic when it gets too much, they do the hard research into patents and supermarket listings. They take it seriously, without ever taking themselves seriously. Something I wish we all did more often.

And, truthfully, I think my favourite part is that I can perfectly picture them taking a giant bong rip before pressing record. It might just be that this show speaks to my inner stoner.

If you’re after a stupid way to spend half an hour — in honour of enthusiasm and irreverent irrelevance — I can think of no better venture than The Empty Bowl.

Slow down guide

Need a little help moving slower?

Ease your way out of Friday afternoon with this newsletter, a nice cup of something, and a little background music. Steal my setup if you aren't sure where to start.

After I press send, I’ll treat myself to one of the last coffees I’ll drink at Château Coliving. If I’m honest, I’ve no idea what the beans are. We brew using a DeLonghi Magnifica S — it produces a pretty tasty cup of something akin to an americano. I’ve happily settled into the easy routine of pressing a button and promptly sipping a decent coffee, but I’m kind of excited to get back to the UK and my usual routine of Wilfa Svart grinder and filter brews.

See if you can break from your usual brew routine for the day, even if it only makes you appreciate your usual cup a little more.

To see out the last few days of France, I’m going to shuffle the playlist I’ve been adding to since (just before) arriving here — France-ish.

Take it easy,