Brain Food: Stories We Need in November
Well… where do I begin?
I want this edition to feel relevant and refreshing—a shift from the noise, but still meaningful—sharing stories we need in November. If you are curious about exploring topics highlighting underrepresented voices and critical issues, from disability rights to the championing of women founders–this issue of Brian Food is for you.
Each one reflects my belief in the importance of storytelling—whether through documentary, music, or literature—as a means to inspire change and foster understanding.
Have a topic you’d like us to cover for the next edition? We’re all ears! Drop your ideas, and let’s keep the conversation flowing.
A Fight for Love and Disability Rights
I can’t recommend this documentary enough!
Meet Patrice, a disabled New Jersey school crossing guard known for her optimism, creativity, and passion for figure skating, model trains, and art. The film celebrates the life and activism of Patrice, showing her fight to marry her partner, Garry, despite a system that cuts financial support for disabled couples on Social Security or Medicaid. The film combines observational storytelling with playful theatrical reenactments, balancing systemic critique with Patrice’s joyful spirit and serving as a heartfelt call for disability rights. Watch it on Hulu.
Patrice Jetter. PHOTO: ABC/Hulu
Your New ‘On Repeat’
Denver all-women and non-binary trio Barbara merges indie rock and dream pop, drawing inspiration from psychedelic rock and their classical backgrounds. Formed during the pandemic, the band rediscovered their passion for music as three University of Denver students. Their new single, “For Good Measure,” is part of Project Traction, aimed at supporting female and nonbinary musicians.
Game On: The Podcast Redefining the Playbook
Well Played is a podcast from theSkimm that explores sports through an engaging and entertaining lens, much like reality TV. It offers insights and analyses on trending sports stories and controversies, catering to both die-hard fans and newcomers. The podcast breaks down games and player dynamics while featuring guests with unique perspectives, creating a captivating dialogue around the sports you love.
Author R.F. Kuang. PHOTO: Kobi C. Felton
Art, Identity and Ethics
This book is far too underrated and deserves a larger audience! Yellowface by R.F. Kuang confronts the issues of cultural appropriation, identity and the ethics of authorship in the literary world. The novel follows June, a white writer who steals the manuscript of her deceased Asian friend, Athena, and publishes it as her own. This sets the stage for a thrilling story that both critiques the publishing industry as well as addresses broader societal conversations about race and representation.
Championing Women Founders
Kay Koplovitz has spent over 20 years supporting women entrepreneurs. As the first woman to lead a television network in 1977, she later co-founded Springboard Enterprises to support women-led startups, helping nearly 1,000 companies achieve significant success, with 3% going public—triple the industry average. Kay argues that women’s contributions are often underestimated due to misconceptions about their fundraising capabilities. She advocates for greater support for women entrepreneurs in emerging sectors (like AI) to foster innovation in a competitive marketplace.
Blu Air Ceramics. PHOTO: Peter Morrison
Watch Your Cheeky Mug!
Alice, the creator of Blue Air Ceramics, handcrafts unique—but NSFW—ceramics that embrace ‘playful profanity’. Inspired by her friendship with Natalie, who she met in Dubai and who battled mouth cancer, Alice wished she could have given her a special mug adorned with their favorite swear word. After Natalie’s passing in 2015, Alice enrolled in a ceramics course, launching Blue Air Ceramics as a tribute to their bond. Each piece is made with love, fun, and positivity, crafted in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
