The Long and The Short Of It 378. Favo(u)rite Things: 2025
Dec 23, 2025
Jen and Pete dive into their favorite things of 2025, exploring fiction and non-fiction gems. Pete shares why he loves rereading classics like The Great Gatsby with his daughter, while Jen raves about the emotional depth of Beartown. They highlight must-listen podcasts, with Jen calling out Las Culturistas. The duo discusses impactful episodes from their own show, along with transformative plays and heartwarming moments from Bluey. New mantras emerge as they reflect on personal growth, revealing newfound insights about themselves.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Rereading Classics With Family
- Jen reread classics with her daughter and enjoyed returning to The Great Gatsby and Pride and Prejudice.
- She rediscovered tone, viewpoint, and the joys of classic romance and narration.
Beartown's Emotional Grip
- Pete reread several Fredrik Backman novels and singled out Beartown for its gripping, emotional plot.
- He found the book shocking, compelling, and emotionally immersive.
Two Nonfiction Standouts
- Jen recommended In the Heart of the Sea for its nail-biting survival story and historical link to Moby Dick.
- She also praised You Have More Influence Than You Think for reframing influence as inherent responsibility.