2021: what a year it has been! Personally, it was huge. Not only did I grow and birth a baby, but I became a mother of two. Professionally, I was able to do something that, unfortunately, not many business women can do: going on maternity leave for a full three months before starting to slowly ease back into it. Listen for more on how this year has further affirmed two fundamental truths for me + two big things we've got in store for 2022.

And here are some of my top recommended films, books, and podcasts that I loved reading, watching, listening to in 2021 that I wanted to share with you:

Watch

• Scenes From A Marriage — Gosh, this series is done really, really well (and I don’t say this very often). It shows reverse polarity at play and is almost excruciating to watch. Heartbreaking but so good. See my review of polarity here.
• Big Little Lies — when I first watched the pilot episode two years ago I was quite disappointed and didn’t want to continue as I thought this is all going to be about white rich women bitching about their sad lives. But Khara mentioned it was quite good (and I trust her) so I decided to give it a go and loved it. Especially the unhealthy dynamic between Celeste and Perry. And everything else: the sisterhood, the shame, the trauma. All the stuff that we, women, have to deal with. I even came to love the bitching! ;-)
• The Line — a documentary that tells the story of U.S. Navy Seals and the allegations against Eddie Gallagher for war crimes. Watch to see masculinity in action as well as the toxic portrayal of it in ugly ways.
• Promising Young Woman — this movie… Oh god. Grab something strong and alcoholic and enjoy some really good displays of toxic femininity.

Read

On Feminism & Women:

• Free Women, Free Men: Sex, Gender, Feminism, by Camille Paglia — a collection of essays from a brilliant mind, a woman who’s been called a “feminist that other feminists love to hate,” this is such an intellectually provoking read I would recommend anyone who wants to know more about where modern feminism has gone wrong.

For fun:

• City of Girls: A Novel, by Elizabeth Gilbert — everyone loves a good Liz Gilbert book. This one doesn’t disappoint.
• In the Name of Gucci, by Patricia Gucci — as my interest in fashion is growing and expanding, I absolutely loved this story about Aldo Gucci’s life and love told by his only daughter, Patricia. (The House of Gucci, a movie that came out starring Lady Gaga looks quite promising as well.)

Listen

Here are my top favorite Claimed Podcast episodes from 2021 (and some of the most downloaded ones):

• Becoming Selfish, Experiencing Great Men and Getting Unstuck from “Little Girl” Energy with Samantha, Angie and Michelle
• What is Feminine Embodiment and What Does It Have To Do With Attracting Committed Masculine Men?
• “Where Have All the Good Men Gone?” — My Interview With Elephant Journal About Dating and Relationships With Waylon Lewis

In January we will be re-releasing our top 10 most downloaded episodes from 2021 so watch out for that on the Claimed podcast!

And here are some of my favorite episodes on other podcasts:

• Bessel van der Kolk — Trauma, the Body, and 2021 (On Being with Krista Tippett)
• Esther Perel — The Erotic Is an Antidote to Death (On Being with Krista Tippett)
• Seasons as Map and Compass (What is Leadership Podcast with Chela Davison)

Quotes

“A woman simply is, but a man must become. Masculinity is risky and elusive. It is achieved by a revolt from women, and it is confirmed only by other men.”
~ Camille Paglia

Links

• If you prefer reading, you can find the full article/email this podcast episode is based on here
• If you prefer watching, you can find the YouTube version of this podcast episode here
• Want to stay in touch with Anna and the Claimed Team in 2022? Subscribe to get our emails here