Food for Thought – April 2025
AI, Balance, and Spring Reflections
Hi Friends,
Spring is here, and with it, a subtle but powerful shift: longer days, warmer light, and a collective sense of reawakening. Yesterday’s full pink moon felt like a quiet nudge to pause, reflect, and embrace the transition that’s unfolding—within and all around us.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how we move through seasons both externally and internally. This month’s newsletter is a reflection of that shift, featuring music, technology, stories, and questions that are helping me stretch, reset, and grow.
Let’s dive in.
📖 What I’ve Been Reading/Listening To
A haunting, kaleidoscopic portrait of John von Neumann, this poetic novel explores the cost of genius and the eerie undercurrents of technological progress. Labatut blurs the line between fiction and biography, pulling readers into the mind of one of the most brilliant and unsettling figures of the 20th century.
Von Neumann’s work laid the foundation for game theory, computing, nuclear weapons, and more. But Labatut doesn’t just trace his innovations — he probes the personal, philosophical, and ethical consequences of a mind that helped shape modern reality.
Listening to the audiobook adds an atmospheric intensity to Labatut’s already mesmerizing prose, making this not just a story, but an immersive experience. If you’re drawn to the tension between innovation and morality, and the people caught in between, this one’s for you.
🎧 What I’ve Been Listening To
Tadow – FKJ & Masego
Improvised in one take, Tadow is more than just a song. It’s a masterclass in musical chemistry and spontaneous creation. FKJ and Masego met for the first time the day they recorded this track, jamming live and layering sounds in real time. The result is soulful, jazzy, hypnotic, and full of life.
Masego’s silky saxophone and FKJ’s groove-laced piano feel effortless yet intricate. Whether you’re working, walking, or simply looking to elevate your mood, Tadow hits that sweet spot between chill and energizing.
🎬 What I’ve Been Watching
This limited series, based on the hit Wondery podcast, tells the story of Molly, a woman diagnosed with terminal breast cancer who leaves her unfulfilling marriage and embarks on a bold, unexpected journey of sexual exploration. Despite the provocative title, Dying for Sex is far from sensationalist.
It’s a deeply human, often hilarious, and unexpectedly moving exploration of what it means to reclaim agency in the face of mortality. Molly’s story isn’t just about sex. It’s about awakening. About choosing aliveness in every sense of the word. About friendship, playfulness, grief, courage, and the messy, beautiful process of making peace with impermanence.
What stayed with me most is how much joy and humor Molly finds in the most unexpected places. Even as her body changes and her timeline shortens, she leans in. Into connection, honesty, and unapologetic curiosity. It’s a celebration of the fact that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
🤖 Tech Trend Spotlight: Navigating AI’s Impact
AI is rapidly reshaping how we work, live, and think. Its potential is exciting, but it also raises big questions about ethics, privacy, and the pace of change.
This month, I’ve been reflecting on how we can stay grounded and thoughtful while navigating this shift. AI is already influencing the projects I’m working on, from simplifying workflows to unlocking insights I may have missed.
👉 Curious to dig deeper? This conversation between Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin is a must-watch.
🏋🏽♀️ What I’ve Been Practicing
Weight Training for Longevity
I’ve been incorporating more strength training into my weekly rhythm, and it’s made a noticeable difference — especially in my 40s.
We naturally start losing muscle mass after age 30 (a process called sarcopenia), and without resistance training, this can affect balance, metabolism, bone density, and energy. Lifting weights supports longevity, mobility, and mental focus. It’s especially important for women to counteract the effects of aging and hormonal shifts.
What I love most? The sense of grounded strength it brings — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Even short sessions help me feel more capable and clear-headed.
🧠 What I’ve Been Pondering
You Don’t Need to Jump into Every Argument
I recently came across a reflection by Yung Pueblo on emotional maturity, and it stuck with me. He writes:
“Sometimes you need to speak up in self-defense or to reaffirm boundaries, but saying less can make what you stand for much clearer and it will save your energy for moments when you know your words will have a great impact.”
It’s a powerful reminder that we don’t have to engage every time we’re triggered, invited into drama, or feel the urge to be right. Silence can be a stance, too—a signal of strength, clarity, and self-trust.
This has helped me recognize when to conserve energy, when to lean into curiosity instead of defensiveness, and how powerful it is to choose stillness over reaction.
The full piece is worth a read: 4 Ways to Measure Emotional Maturity
📸 Photo Highlight
This is a watercolor drawing gifted to me by a great friend, and it now lives on my wall, beautifully framed. I find myself staring at it often: the swirling lines, the soft intensity of her expression, the way the smoke curls outward like it’s reaching beyond the frame. It feels like a quiet meditation on time, presence, and escape. I’m so grateful to have it in my space and excited to share it with you here.
As always, thank you for reading and being part of this space. I’m so glad you’re here.
Until next time,
Dena 👋🏽