8 bitesize accomplishments to master

Words: Lydia Fried

If you’re anything like us, the lockdown ennui has set in. We started out raring to go. We were going to paint that masterpiece, learn French, refresh our skincare routines and properly think through our wardrobes with Kaia Gerber as our inspiration. Seriously, that woman never puts a foot wrong. In earnest, we tried. But alas, here we are: still to paint that masterpiece and emerge, butterfly-like, as fully bilingual. So rather than making ourselves feel guilty, we decided to hunt down the best and most manageable ways to learn something new. Because who needs to look like Kaia when you’ve got these under your belt?    

Creative Conversations with Suzy Menkes

Suzy Menkes, the eminent International Vogue Editor (with the equally famous quiff), goes deep on fashion in her new podcast. Talking to Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s first female Creative Director, and a host of influential fashion voices, she brings her usual brand of insightful thought and critique to every episode. We’re hooked.

Attenborough Story of Life

Say hello to the entirety of Sir David Attenborough’s back catalogue of footage, broken up into easily searchable, three-minute chunks. From polar bear cubs to stunning flocks of snow geese, what’s not to love?

How to Fold with Marie Kondo

We’ve never spent more time in our houses – in the cruelly unforgiving spring light no less – so tidiness (and dusting) has never been more important. Let Marie teach you how to fold and watch your wardrobe transform from chaos to calm.

Indoor Plants Course

For another one that will help you beautify your house, Patch, the OG houseplant company, has a course that will teach you everything you need for creating your own urban jungle. All in a slick 18 minutes.

Houston, We Have a Podcast

This whimsically named podcast will give you a lot of niche knowledge about human space flight that you didn’t realise you needed to know. It’s perfect for all the virtual pub quizzes you’re now religiously attending.

Overcoming Obstacles by Maya Jama

Who doesn’t love a good TED talk? And this one is a cracker – Maya Jama tells her mad life story with emotional honesty and humour. You will leave with new determination to go hard for your biggest vision.

Calligraphy for Beginners

If ever there’s a time for meditative, beautiful writing, it’s now. Invest ten minutes in learning how, then swirl your way into beautiful homemade cards, Insta-ready quotes and maybe even a side hustle doing wedding place settings.

99% Invisible Design

99% Invisible is about all the thought that goes into the things we don’t think about. If you want to know the history of fold-down furniture or vending machines or how we came to predict the weather, this is the podcast for you. It will set you up with many a fact for when dinner parties resume – which, let’s be fair, will be far more useful than that Claude Monet you were planning on whipping up. We hope.