Issue 12: Slow Horses

Currently on failed spies, future islands, fixing friction, and photo books.

📝 Reviewing: Slow Horses

‘Slow Horses’ is a gripping British television series based on a collection of award-winning novels by Mick Herron. Set in the shadowy world of British intelligence, the series follows a group of MI5 misfits relegated to a dingy office known as Slough House, where they are tasked with menial assignments due to past failures revealed to the audience as the series progresses.

Led by Gary Oldman (Harry Potter, The Dark Knight) as the gruff but charming Jackson Lamb, the leader of the Slough House team who looks like he smells, the team finds themselves dumped into high-stakes situations where they must use unconventional methods to tackle threats to national security. The writing is sharp and witty, striking a balance between suspense and humor. Intricate plot twists unravel as the team navigates through their assignments while dealing with internal politics and personal demons, all while striving to get back into the good graces of MI5. ‘Slow Horses’ is smart, funny, tense, complex and I don’t think enough people are talking about it. Three seasons are available to stream on Apple TV+.

🎧 Listening To: Future Islands

I recently discovered the breakthrough and viral performance by Future Islands on The David Letterman Show, which had just made its rounds on the internet after celebrating its 10-year anniversary. In an interview with Stereogum, singer Sam Herring describes the performance:

Some people think it’s pure comedy. Some people think it’s pure trash. Some people think it’s great art, but it doesn’t matter if 100 people say that it’s great art if 100 people say that you are an idiot, a weirdo, or a cokehead, which was probably the most hurtful thing I heard: “This guy’s on drugs!” I had a drug problem, and I’m not on drugs. I’m clean, and now you’re accusing me of a thing that actually hurts me personally because that’s not really something to joke about.

Knowing the context above before watching the video made it hit me in an unexpected way. It's emotional, passionate, and mesmerizing. I've watched the performance another dozen times and have been obsessed with the band since. Their 7th studio album, 'People Who Aren't There Anymore,' was released on January 26th, and they are about to embark on a worldwide tour.

📣 Recommending: How to become a “friction-fixer”

Argue like you're right, listen like you're wrong.

Organizational psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant believes that great minds challenge each other to think differently. In his recent podcast episode, he speaks with Bob Sutton about strategies for overcoming workplace friction. They explore techniques for leaders to enhance their listening skills, uncover the unexpected benefits of inconvenience, and highlight key differences between specialists and generalists. This episode of ‘ReThinking’ is available to stream on Spotify.

🧱 Building: Public Displays of Affection

This project arose during the lockdown in 2020. Unable to go out and take photos as I normally would, I began collecting old 35mm film slides from secondhand stores. Since physical contact was a prominent topic of conversation during that time, I became interested in exploring how people expressed touch in the past, particularly outside the privacy of their own homes. From nearly 1,000 slides, I selected a few for the photo book titled “Public Displays of Affection.” Through this project, I aim to present a visual narrative that encourages viewers to explore the power of physical touch in their relationships with friends, family, and lovers.

If you’re in Denver, please join us for the release party at Earnest Paper on February 17th from 3-5pm. If you’re not in Denver, you can order a copy here.

Thanks for being here.
— Justin

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