Facing cancer or know someone who is? We're here for you. 💛
Start Here
A smiling woman in a leopard-print outfit sits on a lion-armchair next to a Halloween-themed jukebox reading Jenn’s Jukebox. The background is orange with bats, cobwebs, and text: Celebrating the soundtrack of our lives.

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

Hello, friends!

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

Wow, it’s OCTOBER! Last month was a significant milestone, and I find myself reflecting on why I enjoy contributing to our community. I think about this every September, especially because 9/22 is my cancer anniversary. (Some call it their cancerversary, but for some reason, I’ve never used that term.) I’m more introspective this year because this anniversary marked 30 years!

Thirty years since the moment my story changed forever. Thirty years since the ultrasound monitor was mostly dark, resembling a black cloud covering my ovaries and more. Thirty years since I first heard the word “mass,” and thirty years since I lost every hair on my body.  And thirty years since college, love and friendships were interrupted. However, thirty years since NSYNC was born, so, some great things happened that year, too.

Among all the cancer and health advocacy work I do, YA cancer organizations, especially the b-present community, feel most natural to me. I was only eighteen years old when I had cancer. After treatment, by my sophomore year, I returned to college wearing a wig. I once wrote a piece on that very subject, which you can find below under the ‘Read’ section.

Working on this particular playlist, as I celebrate this milestone in survivorship, fills my soul with more gratitude than I can put into words. Sharing my story has been a personal lifesaver, starting with “Butterflies,” a newsletter I worked on from my college apartment and mailed to anyone and everyone I had an address for—whether they wanted it or not. I’ve always wanted to connect. Connection is my best medicine.

Thank you all for your time. I dedicate this big month to you!

Love,

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.

 

 

A small mirror lies in tall, brown grass, reflecting a bright blue sky with white clouds above. A white cloth is draped beside the mirror’s edge.

ESSAY

.Have you read my essay yet about (one part of) my journey as a teen with cancer? If not, please do, and let me know your thoughts! Can you relate? I’d love to hear from you about your experience.


 

 

An article titled Why Are More Young People Getting Cancer? features silhouettes of two people and magnified images of cells, illustrating the rise of cancer cases among those under 50.

ARTICLE

I came across this New York Times article on why more young people are getting cancer and wow, it’s wild. Think: everything from our diets to plastics to sleep habits might be part of the reason. It’s not all doom and gloom, though. Researchers say lifestyle changes can actually lower risk over time. Definitely worth a read.

 

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.

 

Five young people in formal summer clothing pose around a table set for a garden party, with lush blue hydrangeas behind them. Text reads, The Summer I Turned Pretty – Final Season July 16 – Prime Video.

STREAM

Unless you’ve been cmpletely unplugged or visiting Mars, I’m sure you’ve watched The Summer I Turned Pretty. Well, I’m a bit older, and I still loved it. I binged it like a madwoman, and I’m about to read the books next. Kudos to Jenny Han for the creative genius and true escape. I know this recommendation isn’t original, but it would be weirder not to join the thousands of rave reviews. All three seasons are now streaming on Amazon Prime. The best news? They announced a movie is in the works… giving fans what they want most… more!!

 

 

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 woman with curly hair wearing a striped shirt sits on a bench in a garden, resting her head on her hand and smiling with a white flower held in her mouth. Green foliage and a stone wall are in the background.

ARTIST

Have you listened to Olivia Dean yet? She’s a soulful singer with jazz influences, blending R&B and pop beautifully. “Lady, Lady” is still my favorite track, but her album, The Art of Loving, is playing in the background as I compose this for you. I love her.

 

 

A person with long hair stands in front of an open closet filled with clothes. The word WEAR is written in large white letters across the image.

 

Thanks to an Instagram comment by a community member suggesting a fashion category, we heard you and added ‘WEAR!’

 

A woman with long brown hair wears a mauve zip-up hoodie with an open seam on one sleeve, revealing her arm. She is smiling and standing against a plain white background.

BEWELL

Their IV Zip hoodie caught my eye! Staying cozy, warm, and in style would have been something I’d definitely loved during treatment. I heard from a customer they’re terrific quality, too!

Consider getting one for that special person in your life who might appreciate it. Please note, they offer a wide range of adaptive clothing, as you’ll see on their website! I love, love, love their designs and what they bring to different communities.

I hope you like it. I couldn’t think of a more thoughtful gift for a patient. Way to go, BeWell!

 

A person holds a smartphone in one hand and a drink in the other, with a coffee cup and table in the background. The word FOLLOW is displayed in large white letters across the image.

 

A smiling woman in a floral dress sits in a wheelchair next to her artwork, which includes a painting of a person in a wheelchair with STRONG on their jacket and another painting of a runner.

SARAH FREI

When I first heard Sarah’s story, I stopped what I was doing and sent her a message. Following my own car accident in 2019, which resulted in disability, TBI, and a new path, her story has been so important to mine. Then, I shared her with everyone I knew, and still do, to this day.

I won’t give anything else away; you can check her out here and witness one of the most courageous and beautiful soul survivors ever.

 

 

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!

Make A Donation