It’s been a while, so here’s another post about some of my favorite things I’ve watched, listened to, or read recently.
If you’re not interested in checking out my fantastic content recommendations but are yearning for something strictly finance-related, here’s a link to the main blog page where you can read past articles.
NOTE: The content is linked in the green titles.
The 26 Most Important Ideas For 2026 by Derek Thompson
Of all the alarming data and trends found in this article, one stood out to me above the rest:
“10. The only currency is currency (Or: Have you noticed that the only remaining global virtue in the world is money?)
Americans, and particularly young Americans, don’t really care about patriotism, or marriage, or family, the way they once did. A 2023 Wall Street Journal poll found that a shrinking share of Americans agreed that practically any of these virtues were “very important.” There was one exception: money.

You see across several studies that young people care much less than their parents or grandparents about getting married or having children. What they do say they care about is finding a job and getting rich.
What binds the modern world is our collective reverence for money.”
The Rewatchables – Star Wars: A New Hope
It’s hard to say because I listen to so many podcasts. Frankly, too many. But The Rewatchables might be my favorite. Every episode has a rotating cast of people from The Ringer discussing movies they’ve watched over and over. After hundreds of episodes, they finally did Star Wars, and I’m not sure I’ve ever enjoyed an episode of a podcast more. Yes, it’s nearly three and a half hours long.
Star Wars: A New Hope | The Rewatchables (complete episode w/ BS, CR, Van + Sean)
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Based on other books by George R.R. Martin, this show is a prequel to the events in Game of Thrones. The story follows an unlikely knight who is simply trying to win a jousting tournament. Even if you’ve never watched Game of Thrones or know nothing about the surrounding lore, I still think you’d have a great time watching it. It’s a small-stakes show with some endearing characters.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms | Official Final Trailer | HBO Max
David Fincher has directed a lot of good movies (Se7en, Fight Club, The Social Network, Gone Girl), but Zodiac might be his best. Set in San Francisco in the late 1960s and 1970s, the movie tells the true story of the serial killer called Zodiac.
As much as it’s about the Zodiac killer, the movie is equally interested in how the case completely consumed the lives of the detectives and journalists who tried to solve it. And despite its dark subject matter, it’s a surprisingly good hang.
Zodiac (2007) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers
I had no clue this show existed until I stumbled upon it over Christmas break. I watched all three seasons in probably two weeks. And I think it’s one of the best series I’ve ever watched.
The Leftovers first aired in 2014 and is about the aftermath of an unexplained phenomenon where 2% of the world’s population vanishes instantly. The first season can be pretty grim at times. Season two is amazing. If you’re interested in a mystery thriller with science vs. religion themes and like pondering on really big questions, you’ll love this show.
The Leftovers Season 1: Trailer #2 (HBO)
If you have any other content recommendations, feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an email. I’d love to hear them!
Thanks for reading!

Jake Elm, CFP® is a financial advisor at Dentist Advisors. Jake a graduate of Utah Valley University’s nationally ranked Personal Financial Planning program. As a financial advisor at Dentist Advisors, he provides dentists with fiduciary guidance related to investments, debt, savings, taxes, and insurance. Learn more about Jake.