february + march rewind and news stories you should read this month
as promised, a rewind longer than all rewinds that came before <3
Hello Tamia Talkers, happy happy Sunday! I am truly so thrilled to be back rewinding with you. This February and March recap is packed with two months of thoughts and evaluations of the culture I’ve consumed since our last check in from books to television, film and theater.
I am partially astonished by the number of things on the list. There are even a few watches and reads I didn’t include, because this was getting incredibly long and I didn’t want to bog down my dear readers.
With many paragraphs ahead of you, I’ll leave it at that. I am so grateful that you all have stuck around in my weeks of absence and writer’s block qualms. I also welcome all the new subscribers who somehow found their way onto my page during the slower weeks. It’s so fun over here, and I promise to share some fun and hopefully informative essays and entries in the weeks to come.
Until then, let’s rewind!
in the news
A Wisconsin woman promised to help moms have natural births. They say she put their lives at risk: When Wisconsin state regulators threatened to fine Heather Baker for serving as a midwife without a license, the 49-year-old moved her business to Mexico. Dozens of text messages, voice memos and medical information shared with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel showed that, without anyone to oversee her work, Baker routinely asked her clients to take prescription medications to delay labor, ignored their requests to be transferred to the hospital, and sent cease-and-desist orders to those who spoke out publicly against her. In this investigation, my Milwaukee Journal Sentinel colleagues Jessica Van Egeren and Alyssa Salcedo speak to mothers who say that Baker put their babies’ lives at risk. Read here.
Dangerous Chemicals Were Detected in 100% of the Braiding Hair We Tested: Chrystal Thomas’ hair was braided for only a couple of days before she started to notice the symptoms of the synthetic extensions woven between strands of her hair — a persistent metallic smell, an irritated throat, and sleepless nights. The experience led Thomas, a student at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the City University of New York, to conduct a research study analyzing the chemicals and ingredients that make up the synthetic braiding hair used predominately by Black women seeking to incorporate versatile, protective hairstyles into their beauty regimen. Expanding upon Thomas’ original hypothesis, in this story, Consumer Reports scientists tested 10 popular synthetic braiding hair products for heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and found carcinogenic chemicals with potential adverse health consequences in all 10. Read here.
The Work You Do, the Person You Are: Almost every year on Toni Morrison’s birthday, the New Yorker recirculates this 2017 essay she wrote for the “On the Job” column. In it, she reflects on her earliest experiences of working. She examines how elements of her self-worth were initially defined by how much money she could provide for her family or how many indicators of appreciation she received from her employer. By the end, she lands on a thoughtful evaluation of the divide between work and self and the things that truly make us who we are. It accomplishes much of what “Severance” has made audiences worldwide contemplate in about 750 words (and without the horrors). Read here.
How Climate Change Could Upend the American Dream: This ProPublica story by Abrahm Lustgarten examines new analysis by the First Street Foundation, a research firm that studies climate threats to housing, and its correlation to the erosion of “The American Dream.” In the face of near-constant climate catastrophes, it has become increasingly common for insurance companies across the United States to flee from at-risk states and communities that might face billions of dollars in damages after natural disasters. For many Americans, their largest and most valuable asset is their home. With so many properties facing heightened climate risks, economists and climate change researchers are seeking to understand how the threats could redefine financial security in America. Though generations of people funneled approximately 67% of their savings into their primary residences, losing a home without guaranteed coverage to rebuild could become a new normal. Read here.
The Artist Who Turned Her Studio Into a Family Archive: I adored this story in the New York Times Style Magazine’s February 22 issue. Julia Halperin’s interview with Allison Janae Hamilton offers a glimpse at over 1,000 original documents and photographs that Hamilton collected from her family’s farm in Carroll County, Tennessee and the homes of deceased family members. Hamilton’s decision to begin archiving familial documents began several years ago when she was pregnant with her daughter, and she was “on a mission” to find a photo of her great-great-great grandmother. In rustling through documents at the farm, she uncovered her grandfather’s World War II draft card and an 1860 “slave schedule,” uncovering forgotten details about her family history. Seeing Hamilton seated at her desk surrounded by images of family members brought so much joy and warmth to my reading experience. What a gift it is to know where you come from and the stories and people that have shaped you. It certainly inspired me to do some archiving of my own. Read here.
Bow Down to Doechii: In December, Danya Issawi, a fashion writer for the Cut met with Doechii at a coffee shop in Hell’s Kitchen to discuss the rapper’s super sonic rise to fame after the release of her most recent album “Alligator Bites Never Heal. Throughout their conversation Doechii discusses the many ways that faith and her Florida upbringing guided her artistic path. She also pushes back against criticism of her gritty and blunt approach to discussing sex, mental health challenges and racism. Read here.
Vivian Jenna Wilson on Being Elon Musk’s Estranged Daughter, Protecting Trans Youth and Taking on the Right Online: In this March Teen Vogue cover story, Ella Yurman interviews Elon Musk’s estranged daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson. The story reminded me of so many of the Teen Vogue pieces I read in my early teenage years, as the magazine made its pivot from mainstream teen fashion magazine to a critical entry point for young people to expose themselves to the intersection of pop culture and politics. In this story, 20-year-old Wilson discusses being doxxed after the publication of a memoir about her father, her relationship with social media and how it aided her in finding friends in the LGBTQ+ community, and her favorite drag queens. Read here.
Tariffs won’t just hit your wallet. They could also increase food waste: In this Grist story by Frida Garza, economists and agriculture experts share insights on the potential consequences of the Trump Administration’s tariff policy on the food supply chain. Garza’s reporting addresses widespread industry concerns that perishable foods like fruits and vegetables will go to waste as businesses try to identify cheaper pathways for purchase. Additionally, as the highly perishable food goes to waste and is placed in landfills to rot, methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, is emitted at a higher rate than usual. Experts say the long-term health and financial consequences will be tremendous and could cause increased strain on consumer spending. Read here.
on my screen
In The Mood for Love (2001): Many moments throughout this film made me laugh because to endure this level of self-inflicted torture is just comedic. Like all viewers do, I longed for these characters to overcome the oppressive conditions of their social environment with a radical action in the name of love! The lack of direct communication and solution-seeking was so tragic, so true, and so stunning. Also, the cheongsam game on Mrs. Chan! Iconic iconic iconic.
Hacks, Season 1 (2021): Hannah Einbinder, the star you are. This is just an incredible ensemble all around. I desperately needed to laugh and did. Also, Mark Indelicato and Rose Abdoo back on my screen! Disney Channel legends, important!
Glee, Season 6 (2013): I’m still fighting for my life through the last season of Glee. In the last episode I watched, Sue Sylvester trapped a broken up Blaine and Kurt in a fake elevator for 24 hours and told them the only way she would let them out was if they kissed. Immediately jail. I genuinely don’t know if I can take any more. Prayers up.
Jon Batiste Hears Chappell Roan For The First Time (2025): Baptiste transforms Chappell Roan’s upbeat and peppy dance anthem “Hot to Go” into a melancholic, wistful plea for love and freedom. In this Pianote interview, he analyzes the minor chord scales of the song’s central melody and guesses that it will be paired with a high synth upbeat backtrack that might trick a listener into believing the relationship conveyed in the song is more casual and nonchalant when in reality, the lyrics convey a deeper sadness and longing for to be seen, appreciated and loved. So cool, so smart. I loved this and practiced piano for a little bit afterward.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001): This movie was SO goofy, but I enjoyed it. I would occasionally get butterflies and at other times would be like “what? why did we just…” because a lot was going on. Also, are you telling me that I have to watch three more movies, and she doesn’t end up with Colin Firth? I don’t particularly care who she ends up with because these two main options honestly seem like insecure flop losers, but whatever, Bridge, do your thing. My favorite part about movies with a journalist as a protagonist is that 95% of the time, their shining career moment includes asking the most basic, inconsequential questions in dire situations and then being applauded for it.
Before Sunset (2004): All I can say is wOOOOOOF, this is my worst nightmare!! I think that the sequel of this series kind of outsold the first. My heart hurts!! I was so captivated by the execution of this masterfully written script and stunning examination of regret, the pressures of traditional marriage structures, and the life interruptions that alter the trajectory of our lives. I am incredibly pumped for film three but also scared. I’ve been told to be scared.
Amélie (2001): I was in a real “I’m going to Paris, so I need to watch films with a French vibe” moment here. A friend also insisted that I watch Amélie before I set foot on the plane, so I rented it and immediately regretted that decision when I saw (of course) that Air France had Amélie available on the plane. But this was such a wholesome and whimsical movie, a darling love story about a peculiar woman who finds a way to bring joy and hope to everyone in her community and finds love along the way. That’s such a generic description, but that is the vibe! When the cat rustled through the beaded curtain, I almost burst into tears. Loved it and her cute little bob.
Conclave (2024): This was a riveting watch that I devoured! As my dear friend said upon hearing my review, “It gave me heart papaltations.”
Dune: Part Two (2024): Though I adored the first Dune film, it took me an impractical amount of time to watch this movie. Instead of seeing it in theaters, I opted for an airplane viewing on the tiniest screen you ever could see and with the poorest sound quality of all time while en route to (let me say it again) Paris, France for vacation. I must say, it still slayed. The movie ended as the plane was landing, and, in my head, I was going, “GET HIM CHANI, GET HIM!” Rebecca Ferguson also toreeeee being evil and serving face. It was a 10/10, but at this point, I’m not rooting for Paul at all. I will be reading the book because I need to know if there’s a redemption arc or if this is just pillaging of land and colonization plus worms narrative.
Juno (2007): This was so cute and fun to watch! Jason Bateman, your character will be hearing from my lawyers. Iconic parent casting also!
My Old Ass (2024): My Old Ass was so sweet and touching and not at all what I expected upon pressing play. I adored the Justin Bieber trip more than words can express.
Running Point (2025): I am obsessed. Brenda Song renaissance among others.
The Sound of Music (1965): This is the perfect movie. I cannot believe I went 24 years of life without seeing it. To say I needed this sooooooo badly right now would be an understatement. The tale brings so much hope, so much to sing along to, and so many people to root for (and against). It was truly the perfect way to end my month. As has always been true, Julie Andrews is Queen Mother, always been that girl, will forever be that girl. Gonna go watch Princess Diaries 1 and 2!
Traitors (2025): Is it bad that I kind of wanted Danielle to win just because she was so bad at the game? Gabby Windey nation though!
in my ears
music
February and March were magical months for me musically. All of my girls dropped new music: Sabrina, Ariana, Doechii, Banks, and Tate! The list goes on and on. I am gearing up for a lot of concerts this summer, so here is a taste of my February and March playlists.
No I am not in love, Tate McRae (2025): I love songs about being in denial and frustrated that a lover can’t read your mind. This and “Signs” are among my favorites on the album.
Meddle in the Mold, Banks (2025): Masterful! This album is full of BANGERS. You must listen if you haven’t. My faves are “Make It Up,” “Best Friends,” “Delulu,” “Move,” and most of the rest. This is MY GIRL! :)
High my name is, Jae Stephens (2024)
peekaboo, Kendrick Lamar (2024): The Super Bowl performance brought me back here, and I am so grateful.
CUUUUuuuuuute, Rosalia (2022)
Faster and Faster to Nowhere, Donna Summer (1977)
California Dreamin, The Mamas and The Papas (2001): At the moment, it is 34 degrees in Wisconsin, and I am, in fact, California Dreamin.
Breaking Isn’t What A Heart Is For, Hope Tala (2025): Yes.
Shake It, Charli xcx, ft. Big Freedia, cupcakKe, Brooke Candy, Pabllo Vittar (2019): Underrated banger. Revisiting this album for the first time in a minute, but it reminds me of my sophomore year of college pre-COVID (sigh, with joy).
Orlando in Love, Japanese Breakfast (2025)
Bad Reviews, Sabrina Carpenter (2025): We (the girls and the collective) need to stop acting like this. Do not trust these people who stomp on your heart! I cried.
Dandelion, Ariana Grande (2025): R&Bana, you’re everything to me. The deluxe, as a whole, is magic.
Say It Right, Nelly Furtado (2005)
Relationships, Haim (2025): This song and Drew Starkey with a buzzcut. Yes, exactly.
Phresh Out the Runway, Rihanna (2011): Something about me and this song and February into March. It hits every time.
Strawberry Letter 23, The Brothers Johnson (1977)
HOTBOX, Lil Nas X (2025): Needed this real bad.
podcasts
Alternate Realities, NPR: This three-part NPR Embedded series is hosted by Zach Mack, a podcaster whose father has fallen down a “conspiracy theory rabbit hole.” Mack’s father bets him $10,000 on a series of political predictions he believed would occur in 2024. Each episode follows Mack as he tries to guide his father away from the rabbit hole to mend the wounds that his conspiratorial behavior have left on their family. Listen here.
“I CRY IN SITUATIONS” with Jensen McRae, The Comment Section with Drew Afualo: Jensen McRae, beautiful singer and funny girl! I loved this episode unpacking her music, astrology and continued rise in music. Listen here.
“Tina Fey,” Good Hang with Amy Poehler: I just love to hear besties hang. In this episode, Poehler, Seth Meyers, Fred Armisen Zarna Garg, and Rachel Dratch pose questions to Fey about her upbringing, career journey, and what makes her laugh. Listen here.
“Zadie Smith lives more in the world than on the page,” Wild Card with Rachel Martin: Wild Card is my essential listening every week, and this episode with Zadie Smith was such a treat. In the episode, Smith details how, in the decades since the publication of her debut novel White Teeth, she has become more appreciative of a life steeped in human interaction and connection rather than the writerly reclusion that consumed her twenties and thirties. Listen here.
on stage
The Devil Wears Prada Musical: The driving force behind my late winter Euro trip was my mom’s fervent desire to see the “Devil Wears Prada” musical, starring Vanessa Williams, in London. As a musical theater lover, I enthusiastically agreed to the trip across the pond! DWP is perfectly suited for a musical adaptation. The mid-20s coming of age for Andy Sachs, an aspiring young journalist fresh out of Northwestern hoping to make her mark in New York’s hyper-competitive media landscape, is full of power ballads, flashy dance breaks, and catchy enough songs to stick in your head as you walk back home from the show. The shining star of the musical, though, is Amy Di Bartolomeo as Emily. In every way, Miranda’s overzealous first assistant steals almost all the scenes she’s on stage for and has a MUCH happier ending than I recall her having in the movie.
Every Brilliant Thing: I had the pleasure of attending a Milwaukee Chamber Theatre production of “Every Brilliant Thing” in March alongside some of my Journal Sentinel colleagues for our annual theatre outing. This was my first time attending an immersive theatre production, which was so exciting. I had one line that was exactly one word, but I was grateful to be engaged, even in the smallest capacity, with this beautiful show about the strenuous toll that mental health challenges impose on the central character and their family. When I saw the production, James Carrington took on the main role. In a talk back after the show, he discussed how each production offers a unique opportunity for the actor portraying the character to meld and reshape elements of the script to better reflect their lived experience and upbringing. This aspect of the production heightened the authenticity and gravity of the main character’s evolution. Such a cool show. I’d love to see it in another iteration.
on my shelf
This is the Honey, Kwame Alexander (2024): I purchased Kwame Alexander’s Black poetry anthology This is the Honey at the beginning of February. I committed to reading one poem for each day of Black History Month, and I’ve kept up the habit in March and have greatly appreciated the exposure it has offered me to new poets from every generation. Nikki Giovanni’s poem “What should we do if we go to Mars?” opens the book. The poem makes the argument that Black Americans are the group of people best able to answer the question of what humans should do if we go to Mars. Giovanni argues that the descendants of slaves and those who crossed the middle passage understand best the experience of going to an unknown land without any understanding of why you have arrived there, adapting to potentially hostile or unfamiliar environments and being treated as other. She writes that Black Americans, in the face of enslavement, had to actively decide and maintain their humanity by clinging and claiming the things that have always been known and their own — the sky, the endless ocean, a structure mimicking a home. Through tumult and challenge, she says, Black people were able to claim their space in American life while simultaneously creating spaces for community and fellowship. The book has been a fantastic addition to my daily reading and has a poem inspired by my favorite Issa Rae meme.
The City We Became (2020): I started The City We Became at the beginning of February and have been reading it in spurts between book club reads and all of the movie watching. It takes a second to get into the world-building of this New York City fantasy, which follows five New Yorkers tasked with defending the city from a destructive invader. It is a super fun though and finds interesting ways to tackle topics like gentrification, racism, and other social issues through its characters. I’d recommend it if you’ve got the time to take on a heftier read.
I Who Have Never Known Men (1995): I read I Who Have Never Known Men again after suggesting it for book club. It was all the more intriguing upon the second read, as I’ve since gotten pulled into heaps of Reddit lore in which readers speculate that this book takes place on another planet (I disagree) and that the women trapped inside of the bunkers are part of a population preservation project (potentially). I still highly recommend giving it a read!
Upcoming April Reads:
The Appeal, Janice Hallet
Good Dirt, Charmaine Wilkerson
Oathbound, Tracy Deonn
i need your letterboxd immediately
What a wonderful compilation of articles, books, music, movies, and interviews! Tamia the tastemaker