Shoutouts
Friday February 8, 2025
Monday’s post, Careers, got the most views of any post to date. Even cooler, though, it made people talk to me. I’ve been swamped this week, so today’s an appreciation letter.
Other posts have gotten more likes or comments on the Substack, but Careers was something special. Multiple people texted or emailed me their opinions about freelancing vs. full-time, and I gained a few subscribers. I really appreciate this unforeseen benefit of writing this thing. People reach out to me to catch up or reflect on whatever I’m babbling about on a given day. It’s really nice. Keep doing it.
But like I said, this week’s been hectic and I’m feeling appreciative so just a few shoutouts this Friday.
Bartlet: Okay, first and foremost, Bartlet needs his recognition after being cruelly left out of Goose’s love story. I forgot they’d met before, so when he called me and told me he was so hurt he would never lick the sweat from my knees again, it was gut-wrenching. Here’s your shoutout, buddy. Sorry I forgot your late-night chats with Goose.
Brandon Boyd: AHN’s all-time leading sharer (non-wife division), Brandon has shared this newsletter with 11 people, all at once, when he dropped it in the group chat from his bachelor party. Several of the guys kindly read whatever the letter was that day, and one actually subscribed:
Matt Gebert: I’ve spent a grand total of 72 hours in Matt’s presence in his life — mostly drunk in Pennsylvania with Brandon — and yet he not only subscribed to this thing, but he sent me a really thoughtful note and book recommendation after Careers. Praise is great from anyone, of course, but praise from new friends hits different.
Grandpa John: I’m notoriously terrible at staying in touch, something that has plagued friendships all my life. Fortunately, family doesn’t give up, so it was lovely to get a call from my Grandpa last week to steer me towards Italian cinema, Call My Agent! (Dix pour cent in the original French), and suggest I write a show about Hollywood assistants.
Mom: My mom replies to almost every new edition with a long email sharing her thoughts and offering suggestions. It’s always appreciated, Mom, even if I don’t reply right away. I keep meaning to call but, well, you know.
Fourth Wing Book Club: Ali Fishbein (Bartlet’s mom), Ally Vittorio, and Matt Vittorio were bothered that I did not name them in Doom, so here you go.
Lindsay: Monkey princess, you always get a shoutout. Love you.