Connection. We all need it. And whether we acknowledge it or not, without it, our lives feel less than fulfilled.

It’s through connection that we learn who we are, discover what we might want out of life and get to experience a plethora of emotions. Humans fundamentally need it and that’s why we created our new monthly series, Connect the Dots with ML. 

Every month, one member of our team or #GoodPeople Network will answer three questions: what are you reading, watching, and listening to, as well as share a hot take about something they’ve had on their minds. By asking questions, you get to know others better, create new connections, or strengthen old bonds. 

‍Last month, you got to know our VP of Strategy & Operations, Nadia Basil. Now, it’s time to meet our Designer, Kjersti Jorgenson!

What Are You Reading? 📚

I recently read The Cabin at the End of the World in one sitting. It was impossible to put down. My friend and I have been exchanging horror reads, and she recommended it to me. If you like a classic home invasion story with an end-of-days twist, this one's for you.

What Are You Watching? 🎥

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You bet. It's most of what I do with my friends and my partner. I promise I'm a buff for more than just horror, but I need to shout out Barbarian. It's director Zach Cregger's debut feature, and it doesn't pull any punches. It's wry, it's hilarious, it made me screech with disgust and delight. 11/10. I recently heard the term "elevated horror,' which made me chuckle. Lately that's been my preferred genre. There are few things as satisfying as a good movie that happens to be genuinely terrifying.‍

What Are You Listening to? 🎧

I've been listening to a lot of "newer" punk in addition to my old pop punk/emo kid nostalgia bombs. Idles, Amyl and the Sniffers from the newer lot, Taking Back Sunday and My Chemical Romance from way back when. And Bowie forever, of course. I wish I could learn electric guitar the way Keanu learns kung fu in The Matrix. Just plug me in and press go.

Hot Take 🧯

I'd like to shout from the rooftops that dynamic directing duo Daniels is absolutely genius. I feel like so few people saw Swiss Army Man, and it's incredible. Everything Everywhere All At Once is a masterpiece. Best movie of the year. Might also be my new all-time favorite, giving There Will Be Blood a run for its money. Their approach to filmmaking is some of the most creative I've ever seen. And so, so kind. I think maybe that's a common thread to my recent obsessions. Idles sings about killing with kindness. Amyl shouts to her mosh pit to "be good to each other" before she rages. Daniels' movies about unconditional love feel unprecedented. In today's world, kindness is a revolutionary act, and I'm here for it.

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Human connections are fundamental need. So, take the time to get to know those around you. Ask them about the cool things they have been consuming and learn what their recent interests have been. Who knows, you might just end up with a new favorite. 

Stay tuned to next month’s edition to learn more about the #GoodPeople of ML.