Luke Ferris

I love the concept that humans are “challenge creatures,” and that we crave the satisfaction of completion. It’s why video games and puzzles are such a popular mediums for hobbyists of all ages and types.

I joined a co-working space that’s really helped cultivate a missing community in my life. Sure there’s more of a “like-minded” tone of the group, but mostly it’s geography specific because of the neighborhood it’s located in.

I’ve always said that co-working in-person is the best type of work because you have the energy, accountability, and creativity that comes with human interaction but none of the pressures of a work building. Plus, we’re able to build friendships outside of 9 to 5 much easier.

Bless you, Elle. This is transformational work and I learned so much!

Late to the game per usual, but I’m absolutely delighted and encouraged by this story.

I loved the quote from him about how the people to people connection and storytelling is his greatest asset in business.

Also, I can’t believe his signed Hobbit and LOTR editions.

Time to go down a very specific TikTok binge...

We all need Allenergy!

Amazing piece, Elle.

In contrast, my wife and I saw Oppenheimer this past weekend. In our post-film discussion, she said that by hour two of three, she was just sick of watching men whine, bicker, and fight.

Also, Emily Blunt’s portrayal of Kitty serves as the true moral voice of the movie, even though she’s tethered to a patriarchal role on the sidelines. Even in a male dominated “utopia” of Los Alamos, where the most brilliant minds are free to push the limits of the known world, they end up creating the most destructive force known to history.

The “Barbenheimer” craze is more than a internet trend, it’s a fascinating double feature to discuss this topic.

[Insert “She’s Making Jewelry” Portlandia sketch]

But in all seriousness, I work for an entrepreneurship company that supports the Etsy store owner demographic, and I’ve seen the impact of the craft economy.

One of the common proclamations I hear is that a side hustle provided someone “freedom” and “autonomy.”

We live in a world where most of us have to work for someone or an entity. A lot of times it’s a business where you’re far removed from the customer or on the frontlines without receiving the full reward of those transactions.

Side hustles provide that slice of freedom where you’re in control of how it goes. And I think as humans (especially growing up in Western society) we strive for that special feeling of independence.

Catching up on my Elysian back catalog.

Wow! What an insightful interview.

My sense is that the production design for ROP was one of the few things Tolkien fans universally loved from the series.

This conversation got me thinking about The Shire as a utopia (or at least Tolkien's ideal utopia). One of the core challenges Frodo faces, especially in the books, is the sorrow of leaving his home while knowing he'd likely never see it again.

I feel like we could start an entire Tolktopia series on The Elysian.