Always eager for a new show or bio-pic, I decided to take on Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich. I thought I should know the back story. This mini-series released on Netflix in 2020, offered testimonies from survivors—revealing the manipulation, abuse and emotional scars suffered at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The stories expose a sex trafficking ring of powerful enablers leading up to his 2019 arrest. I started to watch the first episode: Hunting Grounds and I felt supremely uncomfortable. The longer I watched the sadder and angrier I felt. I asked myself how much more I could stomach. And then I asked: Should I? It's important not to be naive; I believe it's good to know how and why evil works, but I couldn't bare to spend three hours and 47 minutes focusing on the anti-hero. And I wasn't able to change my mind.
They say "we are what we eat." Fruits, vegetables, a diet high in fiber and rich in nutrients are good for our comprehensive health and well-being. Our intake of media just isn't that different. While some might find it hard to turn away from Epstein's story—in the sense it's just so bad it's good...even though it's not good. I said "enough." I wasn't going to waste my time. I haven't looked back.
If there were any doubt about this decision however, here's a counterpoint: The podcast Smartless featuring Stephen Curry. Shared with me on Thanksgiving Day by my dear friend Jimmy—a long time Celtics fan, recent Nuggets fan and certifiable Steph fan, I have listened to it three times. Not once, not twice...yes, thrice. It's that good
For those not familiar with its format, "SmartLess," hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, it "is a podcast that connects and unites people from all walks of life to learn about shared experiences through thoughtful dialogue and organic hilarity. A nice surprise: in each episode of SmartLess, one of the hosts reveals his mystery guest to the other two. What ensues is a genuinely improvised and authentic conversation filled with laughter and newfound knowledge to feed the SmartLess mind." Securing Stephen Curry was a big get. The session description said, "It’s all-net this week: sleep secrets, tall guys, and maybe even a BLT on white bread. You need not worry… we’ve got Stephen Curry." Indeed: Nothing But Net.
I found myself eager to talk to anyone I could about the show and about Steph. The two words I used to describe him are: endlessly fascinating—in the best way possible.
The into says it all: He is equally successful in personal accomplishments as he is in teamwork. He is as rich as he is philanthropic. He is as famous as he is soft-spoken. This man was the first to have been voted MVP unanimously in NBA history. He has nine NBA All-Star selections. He had four NBA championships. He is the first player to hit 100 3-pointers in the NBA finals. He is widely regarded as the best shooter in NBA history and he's not a bad golfer, either. Wardell Stephen Curry
What a life! If it's not plays to a +2 in golf, it's winning the American Century Classic Celebrity Tourney in Tahoe on the same day he had a hole in one. Who does that??! When asked if there's a sport he is not good at, Steph admits, "maybe lacrosse. I picked up a stick once." His tennis game however is solid. Pickle ball? He's even stronger. He believes he is playing better basketball now, at the age of 35, than he ever has. Listening to his stories, learning more about his family, career and approach to athletics is supremely up lifting. He laughs a lot—at himself and with others. No wonder he led the Dubs' Silly Fines Kitty.
Stephen Curry should be the subject of a podcast. He has a healthy perspective about his upbringing, is honest about the demands of his career and that he gets the best sleep on the road. Thanks to Steph, I found an appreciation for the NBA in-season tournament that started this year. He loves it—I had no idea! While I regret looking up the worst fight he ever got into (shown on YouTube....it's just so much better to leave it to your imagination), I appreciate the swing thought/what he seeks to maintain for the perfect shot...in basketball and in golf: balance!
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