Discover the World - NOVEMBER
A Monthly List of Inspiration
Let's get real—my brain is a fast-pace, research machine constantly looking for input and connecting dots. At one point in my career in media 'researcher' was even part of my job title.
By now my friends probably roll their eyes when they get another podcast, book, … recommendation messages from me. "When do you even have time for all this?" they ask.
The answer is simple: I've designed my life and routines to have the space—and zero kids helps too. That and my headphones are basically glued to my head.
So I thought I'd bundle this into a monthly brain dump - my way of turning the chaos into an overview. It's part sharing, part a selfish act of creating a personal archive. Otherwise these online & offline treasures just end up as endless lists of digital post-it notes never to be looked at again.
Expect not only food-related topics; anything goes when it comes to feeding my creative endeavors. While this will become part of paid subscriptions in the new year, for now this is an open invitation to peek into my world of learning and inspiration. And hey, if something resonates, great. If not, no pressure.
One more thing: I'm always open to suggestions!
Welcome to my November Brain Dump.
Rick Rubin - The Creative Act: A Way of Being
I got the audio version of this book when it came out, but I always found myself picking it up when I saw it lying around a friend’s house or in a bookstore. When I keep going back to something, it’s a sign to dig a bit deeper.
So glad I got the hard copy and read it again with my morning coffee. Oh, and as you can see, I’m also a big fan of offline Post-it notes. It is a great read and a great gift for anyone with a creative mindset.
LEE - A movie about the life of Lee Miller
As some of you may know, I studied Photography at KASk Gent (Belgium). Choosing that school- famous for its documentary style at the time, was a conscious decision because I want to be a documentary/war photographer to change the world.
In a world so divided by politics, stories like this one make you think. I found myself in the cinema mentally alongside Lee Miller, taking photos.
Never before have I experience a cinema so quiet at the end of a movie, with everyone remaining seated during the credits.
Looking Sideways Substack & Podcast
Matt Barr and his works deserve a shout-out because it’s what got me to discover Substack in the first place. Always good conversations and inspirational reads.
The Huw Ricards Show - A Radical Approach to Growing Food with Joshua Sparkes
Gardner Huw Ricard in conversation with Joshua Sparkes on the roll of Natural Farming and Food Forests.
Over Eten Podcast - Episode #119 Pastology
Surprise, Surprise MotherF**ers; a story about Pasta, being a small business, and the roll of social media. This episode it in English, just skip the intro if you don’t speak Dutch.
Kadeau - Insane Nordic Flavors
Talking about culinary inspirations, Nicolai and the team at Kadeau are definitely a big one. Their approach to local cuisine is mind-blowing. This video gives you some idea.
Last year, I visited Gilles Draps when he was working on Bornholm. Like family, the team welcomed me with open arms, taking me along on foraging, field trips on the island, the village sauna and cold dips, and great food—it was the best week of my life. I can't wait to go back.
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
It’s one of those books you see mentioned a lot but never get around to reading. Well, I’m proud to say I finished it today before writing this.
More focus, more routine here we go.
Documentary - Geoff McFetridge: Drawing a Life
Try to watch the full documentary (find out where you can watch it in your region here). It’s a beautiful portrait of creativity, the ripple effect, sticking to what you believe in, and the balance of life.
Sometimes, all I need is to be in a room with others who ask fundamental questions about how we design our lives. So when Louise from Kudvha invited me to join her for an evening of conversation about architecture, design, and the natural world, I was in.
This one certainly compliments the Terrain Talks and Essentialism above.
If you’re ever in Northern California look up Bolinas, such a nice town. Bring cash because for you get to town there’s an honesty farm stand. Oh, and don’t look for road signs, the community keeps taking them down.
Hope you enjoyed that, have a nice week.
An