2016 is IN, so listen to my favorite 2016 album while you read this. 

Modern Musings

Takes on what’s happening both big and small

A Sinners Sweep
Awards season is officially underway, and I still haven’t seen a movie this season better than Sinners. (Yes, I’ve seen One Battle After Another. And yes, I said what I said). 

Ryan Coogler’s first original feature film shattered box office expectations and captivated audiences in an era dominated by Marvel and reboots nobody asked for. Sinners taps into our desire to be transported into a world that embraces a variety of cultural backgrounds, invigorates our understanding that music can transport us into higher dimensions and reckons with slavery’s enduring legacy but somehow doesn’t leave us languishing. The Surreal Montage, a music sequence in the juke joint where Sammie conjures the spirit and presence of Black musicians across every genre, should be enough on its own to conjure some Oscar wins. (Special shoutout to the twerkers in the juke joint’s kitchen!). It’s absolutely electric and one of those scenes you feel in your body.

When I saw the film in IMAX, like Ryan told me to, I knew instantly this would be the type of bold, ambitious, visually-stunning movie that sticks with me. And while the film itself is exceptional, what excites me most is its potential ripple effect. When I think about cultural impact, I always ask: What becomes more possible now that this exists? Hopefully, the answer is more original stories. More genre-bending. More risk.  

While we wait for the big ceremony in March (aka my actual Superbowl Sunday), you can catch me manifesting a Sinners sweep on the Wow If True podcast.

Consider This for Comfort

SEASON 4 PREMIERES FEBRUARY 11. 

If you’re new around here, Consider This For Comfort, hosted by yours truly, is a (future) Golden Globe-winning podcast that breaks down our favorite comfort TV shows and what they say about our society and culture. Available wherever you listen to podcasts. 

This season will feature a NEW hotline segment where you tell me your dilemma, and I’ll recommend a TV show that could offer you some perspective. (Dating again? Job searching? Spiraling because the sun sets at 1pm? I got you!). 

Want to be featured? Leave me a 20-30 second voice note with your dilemma. You’ll have to tune in to the podcast to get your recommendation and make sure you’re following the podcast on Instagram for the latest updates. 

Eteng Recommends

Film/TV

• Golden Globes. Some of my favorite moments included Nikki Glaser’s opening monologue, Teyana Taylor winning Best Supporting Actress (she’s come a long way since My Super Sweet 16) and the new podcast category (though the best podcasts aren't hosted by celebrities, Good Hang is a gem!). Moments I hated included Sinners winning Best Score during a commercial break and then getting snubbed for Best Motion Picture - Drama. Thankfully, the Globes don’t dictate what will actually happen at the Oscars.

• Abbott Elementary. Let’s all commit to catching up on Season 5 because it’s amazing and I’m not afraid to admit that even I’ve fallen off a bit. This is the funniest Gregory has ever been and it’s always so current with this season referencing Sinners in IMAX, Zohran and falling in love with AI chatbots.

• Industry. Just checked my watch and it's time for you to jump on the bandwagon. Now in Season 4, the British investment banking drama is a testament to why shows deserve the time and space to find their audience. Not only have they found their audience, in my humble opinion, they are reviving the sacred ritual of HBO Sunday Nights. The show offers sharp commentary on new money vs. old money vs. you just lost all your money.  

• Tell Me Lies. This show is so toxic. Full stop. If you liked Pretty Little Liars (I actually never watched it, but know the discourse), Tell Me Lies is its older cousin that you always admired but didn’t realize they might be a little more messed up than you remembered. Of course, you still love that older cousin regardless, and, of course, I can’t stop watching.

  

Lifestyle

• IN/OUT lists. Just like resolutions, it’s not the start of a new year without IN/OUT lists. Now imagine that IN/OUT list is a bingo card. That’s exactly what I got to create with the good folks at Wow If True. My 2026 pop culture predictions included: a Sinners Sweep (duh!), Beyonce’s Act III, more recession pop, a mass digital detox, the rise of influencers that can help you with that digital detox and AI’s grip on daily life quietly shrinking.   

• 2016 Nostalgia. I believe it’s in my Millennial DNA to be extremely, deeply, and painfully nostalgic at all times. 90% of that year was incredible albums and actual happy hour deals. And we’ll just skip over what happened that November.  

• Millennials In Power. We’re a month into Zohran’s NYC, and it solidifies that we need more 34-year-olds in charge of things. Funding for universal childcare, more public restrooms, and recommending Heated Rivalry as a snow day activity are some of the few things that happened in Month 1 of his administration. 

• House Parties. The perfect combo of nostalgia, digital detoxing, and Millennials in power.  

Sincerely,