26 Comments
User's avatar
DivaOnWheels's avatar

My husband thinks anything with science fiction attached to it is stupid. I locked his wheelchair wheels and made him watch Boroughs, he likes it. Go figure.

Sari Botton's avatar

Hilarious.

Barbara D's avatar

A half-hour well spent is one listening to the podcast "ill-advised by Bill Nighy." He redefines 'droll.' Answers listeners' questions on everything from dressing up to fly (he's in favor of it) to how to ask someone out. Each edition includes an eclectic playlist and 'Words that Should be Banned.' Fun.

Beth Peyton's avatar

My favorite podcast! His playlist from the podcast is terrific, as is his playlist Soundtrack of My Life. Turn that motherfu**er up!

Sari Botton's avatar

Sounds great! Thanks for the rec.

Elaine Frazel's avatar

I just finished Elizabeth Strout’s new novel “the things we never say”. Her best yet, and one of my favorite books ever. Her writing has reached a new high

Sari Botton's avatar

Yes, I included that one last time. I’m hearing good things. Thanks!

Susanna Donato's avatar

I’m excited to read a bunch of these, but meanwhile, I loved The Christophers too! When I saw that it was Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel together, I ran, not walked, to see it, and it did not disappoint.

Sari Botton's avatar

Sooooo good, right?

sam baker's avatar

Thanks for including that depressing but not remotely surprising poll…

Gregg Kaloust's avatar

Please pardon the self promotion, but I recommend our podcast Oldish: Conversations on Aging in the 21st Century. Co-host Dr. Janet Price and I have been having interesting conversations with the Oldish, including our popular Oldish Book Club, for four years. We’ve spoken with several oldish substackers, including Blue, Mike Bryskier, Paula Prober, and others. We’d love to have you and other Oldsters join us. Https://oldish.me. Thanks.

Sari Botton's avatar

Oooh. I’ll check it out. Thanks!

Trust Dust's avatar

Toto more influential than Clash among today's kids? Probably need to expand your listening sources -- and meet some other kids. Toto is definitely not more influential than the Clash among kids, smart or cool or both, who care about music -- or the current state of the world.

Will Hermes's avatar

Cheers, neighbor! Thanks for the Hudson Valley link repost :)

Sari Botton's avatar

Thanks for writing it!

Mikala Jamison's avatar

Thank you for the link, Sari! And you're next ;)

Sari Botton's avatar

My pleasure! What a great essay. Excited about mine…

Staci Greason's avatar

Daniel Lavery’s Getting In and Out of Cars was such an enjoyable read. Thank you, Sari!

Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

Another great round up. Thanks again!

Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Aw, Sari! Thanks for the shout out. What a lovely way to begin the day. And in such good company! Joan Baez! Grantchester!

Sari Botton's avatar

My pleasure! Good stuff, Jane. <3

Beth Peyton's avatar

This poem by a Carlow University alum, Fred Shaw, appeared yesterday in Vox Populi, a wonderful newsletter produced daily by my friend Michael Simms. These guys are wonderful oldsters, too. It seems to me that this poem may have been “caught” by Fred. It’s a wonderful and timely tribute to Sonny Rollins, and I think any fan will love it. Please share, with attribution, and check out Vox Populi.

https://voxpopulisphere.wordpress.com/2026/05/27/fred-shaw-you-cant-be-in-heaven-and-on-earth-at-the-same-time/

Sari Botton's avatar

Wonderful. Thank you for sharing with the Oldster crowd.

Beth Peyton's avatar

Thanks for all you do! Check out Michael’s site - he deserves some kudos, too. Like you, he is out there promoting great work and ideas tirelessly…

Sari Botton's avatar

Will do! And thank you or the kind words.