Author: Jenni Dawn Muro

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

Posted on by Jenni Dawn Muro

Happy New Year, Friends! 🥳

It’s Jenni here—your resident pop culture guide and unapologetic fan of all things movies, music, books, and beyond. As we step into 2025, I’m bringing you a fresh batch of pop culture gems to inspire, connect, and offer comfort through the art that moves us.

This month, I’ve curated a lineup of soulful tunes, binge-worthy shows, and thought-provoking reads that have been lighting up my world. Together, let’s shake off the post-holiday blues and kick off the year with a dose of creativity. Grab your coffee, tea, or whatever fuels your soul, and let’s explore the stories, sounds, and moments that remind us of the power of connection.

Cheers to a brighter year ahead,
Jenni

P.S. Got a recommendation that you love? Don’t hold out, send it my way!

ESSAY

This Washington Post story shares powerful firsthand accounts of living – and thriving – with metastatic cancer. These stories remind us that a cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to define your life. It’s a must-read for anyone touched by cancer or seeking to understand the resilience of the human spirit.



 

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BOOK

If you’re like me, the holidays hit the refresh button on my grief from losing my father and best friend. Gina Moffa’s, Moving On Doesn’t Mean Letting Go, was the first book to truly resonate with me. Since discovering this read, Gina Moffa has become my grief-guru. Follow her on Instagram: @ginamoffalcsw

 

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JOURNAL

If you don’t know Houston Kraft, you must. I’ve been following Houston’s impact on millions for a long time. He created this journal, which I offered my entire friend circle last New Year’s! I’m into gifting post-holidays, and there’s no better way to start a fresh year than practicing kindness. Check it out!

 

 

STREAM

Alexa & Katie (which you probably have binged by now). Why watch? Alexa is a high schooler suffering from cancer. Her best friend, Katie, helps her every step of the way.

 

STREAM

Not in the mood for a cancer plot and prefer a sweet romance? Then try Heartstopper (I love these two actors)!

 

 

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BAND

I discovered The Marías on a Spotify daily mix and immediately fell in love with “Sienna” from their album, Submarine. Whether you’re chilling, cleaning, driving, or working, their sound has become your life soundtrack.

 

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ARTIST

Ever heard of artist Werner Bronkhorst? Well, now you have. Follow him for frequent inspiration. His collection(s) can be found at wernerbronkhorst.com.

 

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!

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

Posted on by Jenni Dawn Muro

Happy Holidays, friends! I’m Jenni Dawn Muro—a cancer survivor, storyteller, and unapologetic pop culture enthusiast. Starting January 2025, I’ll be your guide on a monthly journey through the pop culture moments that have shaped our lives—the movies, songs, books, and shows that connect us, move us, and sometimes even heal us. Each month, I’ll spotlight a different gem, dig into its impact, and reflect on how it’s mirrored my own experiences (and maybe yours too). Until then, I couldn’t wait to get started! Here are some of my favorite things to watch, read, and listen to right now. Grab a cozy spot, hit play, and let’s get inspired together.

Stay tuned,
Jenni

 

ESSAY

Yes, you read that right, essays have reached new heights. I expect peak popularity in 2025. Substitute some social media minutes by reading one essay a day! Sometimes, it’s easier to read short-form than committing to a book. This recent essay in the New York Times is the perfect example. It’s a free gift for you (and I recommend a monthly subscription that costs less than a large latte).



 

BOOK

This one is self-explanatory, and makes a great gift to yourself, someone you’re supporting, or anybody going through just about anything. So, tis’ the season! This gem was released in 2023 but is recently having a resurgence.

 

SUBSTACK

Want to find endless content and not on Substack yet? Consider joining, even solely as a reader. Or, already a member? Isolation Journals is a must-follow! Truth: I read everything Suleika writes! More to come about her.

 

 

STREAM

Speaking of Suleika, have you watched “American Symphony” on Netflix yet? It’s a must-watch film and we’re reminded of its beauty since it just received two Grammy nominations. One nomination is for Best Music Film and the other is for Best Song Written for Visual Media for “It Never Went Away.”

 

 

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PODCAST

Everything Happens with Kate Bowler. Any episode, trust me. But check out episode breakdowns and see what speaks to you. Her voice and messaging brings me comfort, I hope for you too.

 

MUSIC

If you don’t know Michael Kiwanuka’s music, now is the time! His new album was just released and he hits all the right moods.

 

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!