Happy August! “Dawson’s Creek” star James Van Der Beek, 48, is among the growing number of young people being diagnosed with colon cancer. He tells BI the one subtle symptom that made him get tested.
On the agenda:
But first: What’s on your playlist?
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This week’s dispatch
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Let’s talk tracks
I wouldn’t have guessed that Palmer Luckey is into Kelly Clarkson.
Still, a recently-revealed Spotify playlist making the rounds was indeed that of the Oculus VR and Anduril founder. Yes, the man who created a company that makes defense technology apparently loves pop music, with Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles” and Avril Lavigne’s “Sk8er Boi” in his “Best Music Ever” playlist.
“Like most olds, I jam to the music I grew up with,” Luckey wrote in an email to BI’s Henry Chandonnet. “Around my peers and the radio-driven world of shared cultural experience it was ‘Sk8er Boi’ — who doesn’t like reliving the highs and lows of teenage angst?”
In light of this, I asked a few BIers what’s on their Spotify playlist. Here’s what they said:
Michael Domanico, senior managing editor, people: “‘Teenagers’ by My Chemical Romance has been heavy in my rotation. That type of music was ambient noise in the early 2000s for me, so going back to that sound has been really satisfying.”
Jordan Hart, business news reporter: “Faye Webster’s voice on ‘A Dream With a Baseball Player’ is filled with yearning, and the chords in her music are dreamy, especially on this track. When I want to pretend I’m in an indie music video, I put this song on and sing to an imaginary love interest.”
Samantha Rollins, deputy editor, entertainment/real estate: “‘Aquamarine’ by Addison Rae is going platinum in my home. The once-corny TikToker is actually cool now, and this song is an upbeat but dreamy track that wouldn’t feel out of place on Madonna’s ‘Ray of Light.’”
Lisa Ryan, executive editor, audience: “One song that’s made its way onto my ‘On Repeat’ playlist is ‘Silver Springs’ by Fleetwood Mac — clearly I was influenced by all the TikToks and Reels about it. But it’s a great song, so no embarrassment here.”
Cadie Thompson, deputy news chief and executive editor: “‘What I Got’ by Sublime is one of my all-time favorites. It hits just right whether I’m in a good mood or trying to shake off a bad one. What can I say? I’m a ’90s kid.”
Pelvic floor relief
Pelvis NYC
For years, Adam Gvili organized his life around trips to the bathroom. He needed to pee 20 times a day, was often constipated, and had painful bowel movements.
After six years and many appointments with different specialists, Gvili discovered he had a tight pelvic floor, an area in the body usually associated with women.
Twice-weekly therapy eased his symptoms.
Also read:
Are full-body MRIs worth it?
Getty Images
Doctors have been debating the utility of full-body MRIs for decades. These scans, which can cost $2,500 or more, are now used in high-end longevity clinics, with celebs like Kim Kardashian touting them on social media.
Everyday people have also shared success stories, but these scans can also send patients down a time-consuming and expensive spiral. Doctors shared a framework with BI to help assess whether a full-body MRI is a good idea for you or not.
A security camera for your insides.
The swollest speakeasy
Corrie Aune for BI
The definition of luxury fitness in New York City is no longer a high price tag. Instead, studios are leaning into invite-only classes, where you have to know someone to get in.
Two studio founders told BI that it’s all about vibe curation. Smaller classes keep the workouts personal and effective. “It’s not about feeling special because you’re a member,” one regular attendee said.
If you know, you know.
The people-pleasing generation
Getty Images; Alyssa Powell/BI
Healing from her own people-pleasing tendencies is what inspired Meg Josephson to become a therapist. She said her Gen Z clients especially struggle with this, thanks to the online world.
The internet Gen Z grew up in magnifies rejection and makes it so much easier to seek validation, leaving them in a never-ending approval loop, Josephson said. Luckily, people-pleasing isn’t a fixed trait — and even Gen Zers can shed it.
How to ditch the label.
What we’re watching this weekend
saravuth-photohut/Getty, Tyler Le/BI
- “Twisted Metal”: Over on Peacock, season 2 kicks off based on the hit video game set in a postapocalyptic wasteland. Anthony Mackie stars as a man with amnesia on a quest while surrounded by some colorful characters.
- “Chief of War”: Created by and starring Jason Momoa, this new Apple TV+ series is set in the 19th century where four major kingdoms of the Hawaiian Islands are all battling in a bloody war.
- “Eyes of Wakanda”: This animated Disney+ series is a spin-off of the successful “Black Panther” movie franchise that focuses on a group of Wakandan warriors who set out on dangerous missions.
iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI
What to shop
- Budget finds, Prime convenience: Amazon’s new Haul section is packed with ultra-cheap, under-$20 finds — from kitchen tools to trendy clothes. Naturally, we had to order a bunch of stuff and show you what it’s like. Ultimately, shopping on Haul is impulse-buy heaven, but quality can be hit or miss.
- Your feet will thank you: We tested 22 pairs and ranked the most comfortable shoes for standing all day. Each pair is built for support, durability, and long-haul wear, no matter your job, routine, or travel itinerary.
- Best Breville for your brew: Coffee aficionados know Breville is the gold standard for home kitchens, whether you want quality shots with minimal effort or full control over every step. We tested and compared the brand’s top models, from beginner-friendly to barista-level machines.
More of this week’s top reads:
The BI Today team: Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Akin Oyedele, deputy editor, in New York. Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York.