Friday's Five ✋ #458
A bit of Greece in Austria
Happy Friday! ☀️
Hello from Vienna. After a great week in Bad Gastein and a birthday weekend with friends, we spent a few additional days at Wolfgangsee with friends who moved to the Bay Area last year. First time seeing them since they left. A few days, meals, hikes, and long conversations by a lake that at moments feels like the sea in Greece. Good to be back home. All three of us were ready for it.
What I’m reading 📖
After working through Don Winslow's back catalogue, still looking for something at the same level. Daniel Silva's Ransom comes closest so far. A billionaire's wife is kidnapped on Ibiza and what starts as a straightforward K&R slowly unfolds into a larger conspiracy across Europe. Captivating, fast-paced, but still chasing that Winslow level of thrill. More about the book.
What I’m listening to 🎧
Through a newsletter by former SoundCloud colleague Neil, I came across a new podcast called Tales from the Edge. Turns out Neil hosts it alongside Chris, another former colleague, and their first guest is Sylvain, who joined SoundCloud in 2013 at a critical moment to develop a creator-led product into a sustainable business. If you've ever wondered why SoundCloud became such a cultural force but struggled economically, Sylvain explains it candidly and realistically. Hearing their three voices after so many years was nostalgic and a reminder of the remarkably talented people I got to work with.
What I’m watching 📺
Speaking of nostalgia, I stumbled across this live set by Jimmy Eat World expecting a regular recent appearance. Turns out they are playing Bleed American in its entirety to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the album that broke them through. A time capsule in the best sense.
What I’m thinking about 🧠
"We do not remember days, we remember moments." — Cesare Pavese
What else?! 💯
Adrien Roose is someone I have worked with since the early days of his previous company Cowboy, the Belgian ebike brand. A few years ago he moved to Lisbon and recently co-founded Amble and became its CEO. Was lucky enough to be in the room with the founding team before Adrien even joined. They just announced what they are building: think Apple's answer to a golf cart, starting in hospitality and heading toward the consumer market. Monocle has a great write-up with photos and video. Check it out.
Thanks for reading, have a great weekend!
David
450+ Fridays. 61 countries. 400k+ views.
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