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A woman in a leopard print outfit sits on a decorative stone chair, smiling. Beside her, a colorful jukebox labeled Jennis Jukebox pops on a bright yellow background, highlighting Jennis Pop Culture Picks of the Month.

Jenni’s April Pop Culture Picks of the Month: What to Watch, Read, & Listen to Right Now

Happy End of April, Friend ????

It’s Jenni here—your resident pop culture guide and unapologetic fan of all things movies, music, books, and beyond.

As April winds down, I pulled together a mighty lineup of stories, songs, and shows that hit all the right notes. Whether you’ve had a wild month or a slow one, consider this your perfect little playlist to carry you into May feeling a little lighter, a little more connected, and a whole lot inspired.

And yes, you know …it’s gonna be May… ????

A young man with curly blond hair smiles at the camera. The text above and below reads, ITS GONNA BE MAY, a nod to Pop Culture Picks and a popular internet meme.

Jenni

P.S. What’s something that’s made you smile lately? A book, a song, a simple pleasure? Don’t hold out—send it my way!

 

A person reads a booklet titled supporter roadmap outdoors, with large white text READ overlaid across the image. Pop Culture Picks inspires their journey, while lush greenery forms the backdrop.

Book cover for Pop Culture Picks: The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life by Suleika Jaouad, featuring bold white text over a colorful, marbled abstract background in pink, blue, and green tones.

BOOK

???? NEW BOOK RELEASE ALERT!

I’m the biggest Suleika fan, and this week she released her newest creation: “The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life” by Suleika Jaouad

 

As Goodreads quotes,

In The Book of Alchemy, Suleika explores the art of journaling and shares everything she’s learned about how this life-altering practice can help us tap into that mystical trait that exists in every human: creativity. She has gathered wisdom from one hundred writers, artists, and thinkers in the form of essays and writing prompts. Their insights invite us to inhabit a more inspired life.

I can’t wait to see this book’s success. If it’s anything like the response to her memoir, Between Two Kingdoms, I imagine it will be on all the lists!
Pro-tip: Buy it just for the surprise detail underneath the book’s jacket cover!



 

Black-and-white photo of Suleika Jaouad, sitting with her arms crossed and looking thoughtfully to the side. Text beside her describes her new book, journaling through cancer for the third time, and sharing Pop Culture Picks that inspired hope.

ESSAY

If you’re already a fan of Suleika’s or part of her ever-growing online community (Isolations Journals on Substack), please check out this recent piece in the New York Times. She’s taking April by storm, and I’m here for it. She’s an icon of our community, and this article captures that perfectly.

 

A person holding a video camera points it toward the viewer outdoors, with large white text reading WATCH overlaid on the image. Shrubs and blue sky are visible in the background, capturing that Pop Culture Picks vibe.

Book cover for My Life with the Walter Boys by Ali Novak, a Pop Culture Picks favorite, features three teens—one girl in front, two boys behind her—with a football field background. Netflix series logo appears in the upper right corner.

STREAM

Need a series to escape? I secretly watched (now not so secretly) and enjoyed My Life with the Walter Boys (Netflix).  I recently binged it during a weekend under the weather. It made me nostalgic for my youth, and it is filled with young talent (some cute ones, too).

Bonus: The second season is coming soon, so you won’t have to wait as long as the rest of the fans!

 

Three women sit closely together at a table with drinks and snacks, smiling warmly at each other. The text Sweet Magnolias, Pop Culture Picks, and the Netflix logo appear at the top of the image.

STREAM

For anyone watching with friends, family, or caretakers, check out, Sweet Magnolias! Sure, it’s more age-appropriate for me (if that’s even a thing), but it’s SO darn good that it was just greenlit for a fifth season! It has a serious fanbase, and not just us in the South! Trust me, it’s pure escapism and exquisitely shows the value of true friendship in life.

A person plays acoustic guitar and sings into a microphone while three people sit and listen nearby. The word LISTEN is written in large letters across the image, giving off serious Pop Culture Picks vibes.

A collage of candid and natural photos of Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler surrounds the word MESSY in bold letters, with their names in playful, handwritten style—a true Pop Culture Picks moment.

PODCAST

As described by Pod News:

On this podcast, Christina Applegate and Jamie Lynn Sigler get vulnerable about the curveballs that life can throw…theirs just happens to be MS. Join them each week as they self-reflect, learn, laugh, and grow through their own raw and often-times hilarious conversations with each other, friends, co-stars, and the people that keep them going through the messiness of life.

Trust me, whatever boat we’re in, this podcast is thoroughly relatable, compassionate, and honest as heck! Once you listen to any episode, you’ll share it with friends and your cancer circles. Plus, Jamie is one of my life’s most inspiring souls, so I adore her for bravely sharing her truth with such a huge audience.

 

View through a keyhole reveals two people sitting together on a bed in a warmly lit room, creating an intimate and private atmosphere—like a scene straight out of Pop Culture Picks.

MUSIC

Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco. Enough said. Seriously, though… their love and now their music are a joy to watch and listen to! April has been their month, and the album is fire! (Am I too old to say fire? Never!)
Whether you’re feeling alone, dancing alone, falling in love, or falling out of love, this album hits all the right vibes. Available to stream wherever you enjoy your music.

 

Got a favorite? Share the love!

We’re better together, and I’d love to hear from you! Have a favorite book, essay, show, movie, playlist, or song that helped you through tough times or brought a smile to your face? Share your recommendations with the community—submit them below and let’s keep the inspiration flowing!

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