The Lazy Genius Podcast: Episode #405 - What’s Saving My Life Right Now

Release Date: February 17, 2025
Host: Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius

Introduction

In Episode #405 of The Lazy Genius Podcast, host Kendra Adachi delves into a personal and introspective discussion titled “What’s Saving My Life Right Now.” This episode features Kendra’s curated list of ten life-saving elements that bring joy, ease, and balance to her daily routine. Through her candid reflections, she offers listeners insights into maintaining well-being by focusing on what truly matters and letting go of the rest—a hallmark of the Lazy Genius philosophy.

1. Book Buddy App [03:01]

Kendra begins her list with the Book Buddy app, a pivotal tool in managing her extensive personal library. As an avid reader who previously tracked her books using Trello, Kendra found the app indispensable in overcoming the overwhelm of her growing book collection.

“When I say that this thing has brought me tremendous joy and it has saved my reading life, and I use it every single day, I am so deeply serious.” — Kendra Adachi [04:10]

She emphasizes the app’s visual organization, allowing her to categorize books by genre, status, and personal ratings, making the selection process intuitive and enjoyable. The Book Buddy app has transformed her reading experience, enabling her to prioritize physical books over digital formats, thereby fostering a more analog and fulfilling reading habit.

2. Messy Album by Olivia Dean [06:52]

Music plays a significant role in Kendra’s life, and the album “Messy” by Olivia Dean stands out as a current favorite. She praises the album for its emotional depth and timeless quality, comparing Olivia Dean’s vocals to “Adele vibes” and describing the music as a blend of “moody oranges and teals.”

“I do this every season and it's such a fun practice for me.” — Kendra Adachi [01:48]

Kendra highlights specific tracks like “I Could Be a Florist,” lauding it as one of the prettiest songs she has ever heard. The album not only provides her with personal enjoyment but also serves as a family-friendly soundtrack, suitable for various settings, including family dinners.

3. Cashmere Throw Blanket from Quince [10:10]

In her pursuit of cozy comfort, Kendra introduces her cashmere throw blanket from Quince as a life-saver. She describes it as a lightweight, soft blanket that significantly improved her sleep quality, especially amidst the challenges of perimenopause.

“It keeps me warm. And if I need to adjust the temperature under the covers, all I have to do is just move the blanket.” — Kendra Adachi [11:30]

The blanket’s affordability, compared to traditional cashmere options, and its ethical manufacturing practices make it an essential part of her nightly routine, providing both comfort and peace of mind.

4. Cookish Cookbook by Christopher Kimball [12:00]

Kendra’s culinary adventures are enhanced by the Cookish cookbook, curated by Christopher Kimball. This cookbook aligns perfectly with her family’s preferences for big flavors and minimal effort, offering over 200 accessible recipes that cater to her picky family’s tastes.

“It's like, oh my gosh, what is happening?” — Kendra Adachi [13:56]

She shares her success with dishes like Moroccan-inspired chicken, which perfectly balances familiar and new flavors, earning praise from her family and even her mother. The cookbook has revitalized her meal planning, making dinner time both enjoyable and stress-free.

5. Removing Instagram from Her Phone [15:00]

Addressing digital well-being, Kendra discusses the significant impact of taking Instagram off her phone. Recognizing the platform’s negative influence on her energy and peace, she made the conscious decision to delete the app, thereby reclaiming her time and mental space.

“I cannot tell you how much lighter I feel not having something that refreshes with a million new pieces of things for me to see directly on my phone.” — Kendra Adachi [16:00]

This step, although challenging initially, has allowed her to focus on more fulfilling activities and reduce the addictive pull of social media, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries for personal well-being.

6. Following @macrose on Instagram [19:12]

In a twist, Kendra still engages with Instagram through a specific account, @macrose, a personal stylist whose content aligns with Kendra’s style and confidence goals. Despite her general departure from the platform, this account remains a valuable resource for practical and accessible fashion advice.

“Her advice is practical, so easy to apply, and it makes a difference in my everyday style.” — Kendra Adachi [19:30]

@macrose has transformed how Kendra approaches her wardrobe, encouraging her to experiment with outfits and maximize her existing pieces in new, creative ways.

7. Prioritizing Physical Books [21:41]

Building on her earlier point about the Book Buddy app, Kendra emphasizes the importance of prioritizing physical books. With over 200 books in her collection, the app has enabled her to rediscover and enjoy her physical library, making reading a more organized and pleasurable activity.

“I'm just going more analog on purpose, and it's been really helpful for me.” — Kendra Adachi [22:22]

This shift towards tangible books enhances her reading experience, fostering a deeper connection with her favorite hobby.

8. Daily Bible Reading [22:22]

Spiritual nourishment is another critical component of Kendra’s life. Her commitment to daily Bible reading, facilitated by a structured Bible-in-a-Year plan and a supportive text group with friends, provides her with daily reflection and community.

“It's nice to have. I have really loved having these trusted, beautiful friends that I can text this to like every single day.” — Kendra Adachi [23:32]

This practice not only enriches her spiritual life but also strengthens her connections with friends as they discuss and process the readings together.

9. Golden Stirring Spoons [24:00]

Seemingly trivial yet deeply meaningful, Kendra finds joy in her golden stirring spoons. These long, elegant utensils enhance her daily routines, from stirring coffee to mixing sauces, adding a touch of beauty and mindfulness to mundane tasks.

“Regardless, I love them.” — Kendra Adachi [24:10]

The aesthetic and functional qualities of these spoons make everyday activities more enjoyable, serving as small but significant sources of happiness.

10. January’s End [24:55]

Lastly, Kendra acknowledges the importance of marking the passage of tough times, specifically the end of January. Recognizing and celebrating the end of a challenging period allows her to appreciate resilience and look forward to better days.

“Sometimes a turn of the calendar page is in fact what we need.” — Kendra Adachi [25:30]

This simple yet profound acknowledgment emphasizes the value of recognizing personal growth and overcoming difficult seasons.

Conclusion

Kendra Adachi’s curated list in Episode #405 offers a blend of practical tools, personal habits, and small joys that collectively contribute to her well-being. From digital detoxes and mindful reading practices to cherished music and comforting routines, each element underscores the Lazy Genius ideology of being a genius about what matters and lazy about what doesn’t. Her reflections encourage listeners to identify and embrace their own life-saving components, fostering a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

As Kendra aptly summarizes, “Most of the things that save our lives are pretty small. And that's a beautiful thing. You don't need big sweeps of new ideas or systems to make everything better.”

Notable Quotes:

• Kendra Adachi [04:10]: “When I say that this thing has brought me tremendous joy and it has saved my reading life, and I use it every single day, I am so deeply serious.”

• Kendra Adachi [11:30]: “It keeps me warm. And if I need to adjust the temperature under the covers, all I have to do is just move the blanket.”

• Kendra Adachi [16:00]: “I cannot tell you how much lighter I feel not having something that refreshes with a million new pieces of things for me to see directly on my phone.”

• Kendra Adachi [22:22]: “I'm just going more analog on purpose, and it's been really helpful for me.”

• Kendra Adachi [25:30]: “Sometimes a turn of the calendar page is in fact what we need.”

Kendra Adachi encourages listeners to create their own “saving” lists, embracing small, meaningful changes to enhance their lives. By focusing on what truly matters and letting go of the rest, anyone can become a Lazy Genius about their own well-being.