In nature, fall is a time of hibernation. Plants, animals, and the rhythms of the Earth shift into a place of rest and renewal. Here at Center for Health Progress, we’d like to be able to say that we’re also winding down and catching our breath after a very busy year, but the movement for health equity marches on and is gaining momentum each day.
However, with a long weekend on the horizon, we’re looking forward to catching up on some reading, watching, listening, and absorbing of the wealth of knowledge, art, and culture that has made it onto our browser tabs and Netflix queues. And, because the best books and podcasts are the ones you can’t wait to tell your friends and family about, we wanted to share with you what we’ve loved so far this year, in case you need some inspiration for your own lists. So without further ado…
Books We Love
- Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
This story follows two families, one of which becomes enslaved, while the other remains in Africa, through eight generations from the 1700s through present day, showing the legacy of slavery through people's lives, hopes, and struggles in a powerful way. - Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
A true story about the author’s work to defend those most desperate and in need: the poor, the wrongly condemned, and women and children trapped in the farthest reaches of our criminal justice system where conspiracy, political machination, and legal brinksmanship transform his understanding of mercy and justice forever. - How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Ethics, history, law, and science woven together with the author’s own personal story of awakening to antiracism.
Podcasts We Stan
- 1619 by The New York Times
Four hundred years ago, a ship carrying enslaved Africans arrived in the English colony of Virginia. This podcast examines the long shadow of that fateful moment. - This Land by Crooked Media
An 1839 assassination of a Cherokee leader and a 1999 murder case provide the backbone to an upcoming 2019 Supreme Court decision that will determine the fate of five tribes and nearly half the land in Oklahoma. - The Hilarious World of Depression by American Public Media
What’s funnier than a disease that hampers the health of millions worldwide? Host John Moe expertly uses humor to destigmatize one of the most common mental disorders in the country. - COAuthored by History Colorado
An oral history podcast featuring community-recorded oral histories from around Colorado and born out of the Museum of Memory at El Pueblo History Museum. - #GoodAncestor by Layla Saad
Interviews with change-makers and culture-shifters that explores how we can create a legacy of healing and liberation for those who are here in this lifetime, and those who will come after we are gone.
Shows We Binge
- When They See Us on Netflix
Five teens from Harlem become trapped in a nightmare when they're falsely accused of a brutal attack in Central Park. Based on the true story. - De mi Rancho a Tu Cocina on YouTube
Doña Angela, 69, captivates audiences with her cooking videos. The charming abuela from Michoacan makes everything from mole de rancho to bistec con nopales and in just over two months has garnered nearly two million subscribers. - Sex Education on Netflix
Insecure Otis has all the answers when it comes to sex advice, thanks to his therapist mom. So rebel Maeve proposes a school sex-therapy clinic. - Ctrl Alt Delete on Vimeo
A workplace comedy set at an independent abortion clinic. Inspired by real stories from clinics and women all over the country.
Which of your favorites did we miss? Tweet us at @chprogress and share your recommendations!
