JustCo Australia’s Community Team Go-To’s for Escaping Isolation
COVID-19, a phrase that encapsulates so many different emotions, and one that seems almost inescapable in these unprecedented times. It has embedded itself into our lives so quickly that many of us feel there’s no escape. We recently asked our Community Team what they’ve been watching, reading and listening during isolation. Here are their top entertainment go-to’s outside of meditation bibles and financial freedom fighters.
Sex Education
Recommended by Jacynta Haigh, Flinders St
Awkward, cringey and very cheeky, Sex Education is a Netflix series that is sure to take you on a journey of giggles and gasps, as you follow the overly public sexual maturation of High Schooler Otis Milburn.
Growing up as an only child to single mother Jean (an old school sex therapist), the series explores the real life struggles and emotion that teenagers face whilst establishing themselves in a fast paced and ever changing world.
Eye popping from the very first scene, screen writer Laurie Nunn wonderfully highlights real life issues such as homophobia, bullying, anxiety and complex relationships, whilst maintaining a relatable sense of humor.
Powerful, inspiring and informative, Sex Education takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, making it a must watch.
Lion
Recommended by Riley Laven, Pitt St
If you are someone who simply cannot resist the temptation of a true story, look no further than the gripping 2016 film ‘Lion’.
An immensely raw and powerful biography, Lion shares the journey of Saroo Brierley, a 5-year-old Indian boy who finds himself lost in Kolkata, a completely foreign land. Without the ability to speak Bengali, and no recollection of how to return home, Saroo is left to the streets, fending off dangers as he struggles to survive the harsh unknown.
Through sheer luck, and some fortunate encounters, Saroo is adopted out to a loving Australian couple, whom reside in Tasmania.
Following his adoption and subsequent upbringing, the film shares the extraordinary lengths Saroo goes to in order to re-connect with his birth mum and siblings. Exploring themes of lost identity, lack of belonging and social isolation, viewers find themselves riding a tidal wave of emotions.
If there has ever been a movie that epitomizes life being turned upside down, you have found it. As you sit and revel in this Garth Davis directed masterpiece, you are reminded that over 80,000 children go missing in India each year. This chilling message underlines a stark reality and makes for a deeply emotional film.
Joe Rogan Podcast
Recommended by Lucy Morris, William St
If you are over pointed mainstream media outlets directing traffic down pandemic lane, perhaps it is time you open your mind to the world of The Joe Rogan Podcast. Free thinking, educational and at times unorthodox, Rogan explores life, controversies and achievements with some of the biggest and most influential names in the world today, including Elon Musk, Lance Armstrong, Gary Vaynerchuk, Kevin Hart and Bernie Sanders.
Leaving all bias at the front door, the Joe Rogan podcasts will often drag you out of your comfort zone and allow you to conceptualise your own ideas on many provocative and untouched topics.
With over 1400 episodes and more than 600 guests to choose from, this multiple award winning podcast is sure to provide an escape from the daily COVID-19 grind.
TED Talks
Recommended by Marie Eon, Flinders St
Do you often feel the need for a mental holiday, but get struck down with a guilty feeling that you are wasting your time? Then look no further than the TED Talks Podcast.
Unlike flicking on the TV, or listening to music, TED Talks are the perfect way to engage your brain in meaningful and thought-provoking concepts.
Delivered by experts and derived through data driven facts, these concepts are presented in a concise and easy to digest manner, covering an expansive range of topics, and certainly not limited to your mundane high school-esque subjects.
Prepare to be enlightened, shocked, and even emotionally moved as you dive into the expansive world of TED.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Recommended by Lucy Morris, William Street
If you are like me and struggle to initiate engagement with a novel, or maybe even someone who resides at the opposite end of the scale, reading The Tattooist of Auschwitz should be high on your isolation to do list.
Recounting the true story of Lale Sokolov, a Jewish man held captive in a German concentration camp, is truly breath taking. Utilised by the Nazi’s to tattoo identification numbers on their prisoners, the novel showcases the harrowing series of events that were endured by Sokolov and millions of others.
Uncovering extreme elements of heartbreak and horror, The Tattooist of Auschwitz leaves you with a stark reminder of the darker times in human history.
Author Heather Morris incredibly ties these unshakably distressing acts in with moments of love and compassion to create a story that will not be forgotten.