Friday Fives, Vol. 237
This week we’re cozying up to a holiday movie marathon, gearing up for the World Cup with our favorite soccer coach, and attempting to understand why influencers keep flocking to LinkedIn. We’re also learning all the helpful TikTok cooking tipsin time for Turkey Day and getting to the bottom of why we might be so tired all the time.
But first: we’re taking a much-needed holiday break (and hope you do too). We’ll be back the first week of December with more Friday Fives.
The World Cup is upon us. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or just joining by way of Ted Lasso, everyone is talking about the much-anticipated competition. And there’s good reason to be excited. For starters, the United States men’s national soccer team is one of the most talented — and youngest — to battle it out on the field. Midfielder Yunus Musah will be representing his birthplace, the USA, despite hailing from 4 different countries. His answer why, and his journey to this moment, are pretty fascinating. And while there’s so much joy surrounding this event, we’d be remiss to not shed light on the tragic toll building a World Cup infrastructure in Qatar has had on hundreds of thousands of migrant workers.
A quirky premise for celebrity interviews has now become one of the most successful internet-launched shows in recent history. That’s all thanks to Sean Evans. The sports journalist-turned-Hot Ones-host has cracked what every host wishes to master: the ability to make guests feel relaxed and talk openly. This article is chalk full of Hot Ones nostalgia as Evans finally reveals how he recovers after each show. We suggest also taking a break to watch this hilarious Key & Peele interview from Season 2.
Some people see LinkedIn as a corporate garbage dump for cringeworthy content churned out by hustle culture acolytes. Others see it as an earning opportunity, but not in the traditional sense of finding a job. There’s a rising generation of LinkedIn influencers who are cashing on a particular brand of lifestyle content that’s all about humanizing career journeys. Justin Welsh is a prime example. His mix of “You can do it!” attitude and legitimate tips help him rake in $2 million annually. But not every creator is as tasteful, like this CEO of a LinkedIn marketing company who posted a crying selfieafter laying off employees. He got 34,908 likes, and at least twice as many severe eye rolls. Don’t be that guy.
Most brands have turned the page on printing and publishing their branded magazines. The reason many of them folded was because magazines, at least in their large scale heavily branded format, aren’t great at converting sales. But for brands like Recess, a limited edition with localized circulation and minimal branding is an effective way to target a customer niche with a positive experience not driven by forceful sales tactics. Oatly poured out a zine of their own aimed at baristas, and even made it available online. Zines are back on the scene, and from what we’ve seen, they’re here to say.
Our Thanksgiving turkeys haven’t even gone into the oven yet, but somehow we’re already eager to rekindle our favorite Christmas traditions. This anticipation to partake in Christmas festivities is actually rooted in psychology. Take Christmas movies for example. After 12 long months of troubling headlines, hard work, and a general feeling of “meh”, everyone is anxious to escape into a cozy 95 minute fairytale that’s all about family, love, and the power of presents. The certainty that each time we watch these movies the outcome will be the same beautiful ending every time warms our hearts. These movies also take us back in time to when the film is set or when we first watched, making us nostalgic for a “simpler time” of innocence. So go ahead and embark on that Christmas movie marathon, it’s #selfcare and you could even get paid for it.
TWA Clients in the News
Hone Health founder Saad Alam sits down with Forbes to discuss how struggles in his own personal wellness journey lead him to create an innovative, science-backed platform that helps men regain their energy, focus, and strength.
Financial stalwart MassMutual already helps people plan for their future, and now they’re also focusing on the future of the planet with a $100 million climate technology fund through MassMutual Ventures.
The skilled sauce makers at Haven’s Kitchen are helping home chefs prepare for Turkey Day with free tips on how to nail every dish and impress your guests, even your super picky in-laws.
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The Working Assembly
NYC branding agency exploring the intersection of art, design, technology and culture. Partnering with emerging and evolving brands.
