Hot Takes: Trailblazers, Iliza, Emma Louise and The High Low

Trailblazers is streaming now on nzherald.co.nz

WATCH

What's the point in having a column if you can't shamelessly self-promote your own content? This week, the Herald launched Trailblazers, an inspirational look at Kiwi women who changed the world. It just so happens, I was the person that created the series – along with a kick-ass team of other boss ladies (and a couple of blokes, who were equally important). The series celebrates the stories of some of New Zealand's most inspiring women – including some you've probably never heard of. Check it out now on nzherald.co.nz/trailblazers.

LAUGH

Iliza Shlesinger's new comedy special Elder Millenial is on Netflix now.

As an elder millennial myself, it's only natural I was drawn to Iliza Shlesinger's latest Netflix comedy special,

Elder Millennial

. It is excellent – and brutally on point. But even better is her back catalogue, which Netflix helpfully served up afterward, including her 2016 special,

Confirmed Kills

. I honestly can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. She is caustic, biting and eye-wateringly funny. And for the record, even non-millennials will relate to her comedy.

LOVE

Emma Louise's third album Lilac Everything is out now. Photo / Getty

Given my job, it's not often I stumble across a new artist that I've never heard of before. Usually a flurry of press releases reach my inbox long before an album drops. But somehow Aussie artist Emma Louise flew completely under my radar until she popped up on Spotify's new release page last week. Lilac Everything is her third album and after just two listens, I'm in love. Her rich, soulful voice will transport you to another world, a more sumptuous realm where time moves more slowly and your heart feels more deeply. If you love Aldous Harding, Marlon Williams or Janis Joplin, you will really enjoy this.

LISTEN

Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes host The High Low podcast.

I've mentioned it before but if you haven't subscribed to The High Low yet, you're missing out. British journalists Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes host this weekly podcast, dissecting all the media they've consumed over the past week. Jam-packed with the latest recommendations for what to watch and read, it is essential listening.