+
Joy

Jon Batiste shares a beautiful story about the 'healing properties' of art

During his wife Suleika Jaouad's chemotherapy, Batiste created sweet lullabies to help her feel less alone.

jon batiste

Jon Batiste in 2020.

For Jon Batiste, it could be said that the Grammys this year were the best of times and the worst of times.

On the same day that the artist racked up a total of 11 award nominations and five wins—a pinnacle for any music career—his personal life had also reached a pivotal point, though it wasn't nearly as joyous. His newlywed wife Suleika Jaouad had begun chemotherapy for leukemia, after being diagnosed for a second time.

Batiste told CBS that they received the bad news only eight days before the awards ceremony, also right before his 35th birthday. Lots of big life changes. Some spectacular. Others … not so much.

Despite the fear and uncertainty, one thing has kept their spirits up: the healing power of art.


Jaouad, who wrote a bestselling memoir about her previous cancer diagnosis, described it as “holding the absolutely…gutting, heartbreaking, painful things and the beautiful, soulful things in the same palm of one hand.”

She added, “It's hard to do that, but you have to do that, because otherwise the grief takes over."

And just when grief threatened to take over once again, it was met with love and creativity.

The couple had only been officially married since February (which Batiste recalled as a “beautiful evening,” using bread ties to tie the knot instead of wedding bands) just before Jaouad had been scheduled for a bone marrow transplant.

The thought of a honeymoon being in a hospital room is probably not on anyone’s vision board, but the omicron surge meant that even this wasn’t an option. Jaouad told her husband that not being able to share this harrowing experience together felt like “hollow suffering.”

That’s when Batiste got to writing.

After being hunched over his laptop for half an hour, Batiste presented a sweet, soothing lullaby to his wife from afar, to assure her that she was not alone.

“It felt like he was right there sleeping by my bedside,” she shared. From that point on, every night meant a new lullaby for wifey.

As the Lady With the Lamp herself, Florence Nightingale once observed, “variety of form and brilliancy of colour in the objects presented to patients have a powerful effect and are actual means of recovery.” These effects have been (and continue to be) thoroughly researched and documented. Whether it’s through music, movement, visual arts or writing, art can be a refuge during crisis, providing an outlet to reduce anxiety, express difficult emotions and recover a sense of wholeness.

Scientific studies help validate the notion, but many know this already, at least on some intuitive level. Art is something every culture practices, after all. And as a creative couple, it’s something that Batiste and Jaouad know quite viscerally.

“Fill the room with these healing properties,” Batiste told CBS. “For me, [music is] my way. Everybody will have their way, you know, but seek that. Meditate on that. Focus on those things. Find those things."

In addition to listening to lullabies, Jaouad has spent her time “finding some form of creative expression to express what feels impossible to express, to express the unendurable.”

This includes creating paintings and bedazzling her walker, trading out the dread for a small dose of happiness.

Especially in times of upheaval, every dose matters.

True

We’ve all been hearing urgent warnings from scientists, government, and corporate leaders on the need to limit the planet's global temperature warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid the most devastating impacts of climate change.

Several studies, including research from the National Academy of Sciences indicate if we continue on the path we are on, we will likely hit that pivotal moment of global warming in the early 2030s. It’s clear that more needs to be done —and faster—to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and secure a thriving and sustainable economy for everyone.

Broader research is also showing people care more than ever about what companies are doing to address this challenge. In a 2022 global survey from IBM, 51% of respondents said environmental sustainability is more important to them now than it was the year before. And a 2022 Yale survey found that 51% of U.S. business students would even take lower pay to work for a company with better environmental practices — a signal of the topic's importance.

T-Mobile is an example of a company that has led the wireless industry in these efforts starting with its pledge in 2018 to source 100% of its total electricity usage with renewable energy and being the first in U.S. wireless to set science-based carbon reduction goals and then reach them in 2021. This year, T-Mobile stepped up even more by becoming the first U.S. wireless provider to announce a net-zero target for its entire carbon footprint.

Keep ReadingShow less

Stop what you're doing. There's a dog that looks just like Snoopy.

Soooo, there's this dog and I'm pretty sure it's the actual Snoopy come to life. Seriously all the dog needs is a red dog house out back and a little yellow bird that follows it around. If you think it can't be true, then you're going to have to fight the entire internet about it because nobody can get enough of how much this sweet dog looks like the iconic cartoon character.

Snoopy is Charlie Brown's pet from the comic strip "Peanuts" that eventually spawned several movies and cartoon series, and Bayley is a dead ringer for the black and white animated pup. Since we live in a digital age, people across the country have been falling all over themselves to get to the pooch's Instagram account and admire her cartoonish mug.

Bayley is a 1-year-old mini sheepadoodle, which is a cross between a miniature poodle and an Old English Sheepdog. Her sweet face is something you have to see to believe and even then you may question if she's real.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pop Culture

Family-run business crafts gorgeous heirloom-quality leather bags for the modern world

Kodiak Leather is the perfect blend of style, functionality, and timeless appeal.

Editor's Note: Upworthy earns a percentage of proceeds from sales of items listed in this article


We live in a disposable culture where products are cheap and abundant but not built to last. And in the short term, that's great. But over the long haul, this wasteful mindset takes its toll, especially on the environment. However, a company called Kodiak Leather is trying to change that. As a family-run business, Kodiak Leather remains dedicated to crafting heirloom-quality bags for the modern world. Driven by a passion for people and leather, the brand offers products that embody the perfect blend of style, functionality, and timeless appeal. Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans from around the world, ensuring that you receive a treasure designed to last a lifetime and worthy of being passed down through generations.

Heirloom-quality leather goods provide a sense of luxury and durability and hold sentimental value as they become an essential part of your life's story. These timeless accessories only improve with age as they witness your experiences and adventures while maintaining elegance and character. Investing in heirloom-quality leather products is not just about owning a fashionable piece; it's about preserving a legacy for future generations.

The Kodiak Leather Difference

At the heart of Kodiak Leather's success is its collaboration with skilled artisans from the US and India, who share the brand's passion for quality and ethics. This global partnership ensures that each product is expertly crafted and adheres to the highest standards of ethical production and material sourcing. By choosing Kodiak Leather, you're investing in a brand that values craftsmanship, sustainability, and the art of leatherworking.

Kodiak Leather's rigorous quality control process sets them apart from the competition. Each product undergoes multiple inspections before it's shipped, guaranteeing that you receive a piece that is both flawless and worthy of being passed down through generations. This dedication to heirloom-quality craftsmanship ensures that your Kodiak Leather products will stand the test of time and become cherished family treasures.

When you purchase a Kodiak Leather product, you're not just buying an accessory – you're joining the Kodiak Family. The personal touch and care that goes into crafting each piece is a testament to the company's passion for people and leather. From the artisans who create the products to the customers who use them, the Kodiak Leather family is bound by a shared love for timeless, heirloom-quality goods that enrich lives and tell stories.

Kodiak Leather has carefully curated a collection that features products designed to cater to the needs of today's discerning consumers. Among their most popular offerings are the versatile Katmai Leather Backpack, the stylish and functional Juneau Leather Tote, and the charming Drifter Leather Journal. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted with attention to detail, ensuring that they look good and serve their purpose efficiently, making them the ideal companions for the modern individual.

The Katmai Leather Backpack

The Katmai Leather Backpack is a standout piece in the Kodiak Leather collection, boasting top-grain cowhide that looks stunning and promises durability. Designed with multiple compartments and pockets, this backpack has ample space for all your essentials. The adjustable straps and carrying handle offer convenience and comfort, making it easy to take your backpack wherever you go.

Perfect for both work and leisure, the Katmai Leather Backpack is designed with versatility in mind. Its unisex aesthetic makes it suitable for everyone, while the padded laptop compartment and organized storage options cater to your busy lifestyle. Whether you're heading to the office or embarking on an adventure, this backpack is your ideal companion.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Katmai Leather Backpack is the leather's aging process. Over time, the top-grain cowhide develops a beautiful patina, which adds character and depth to the backpack. This natural aging process enhances the bag's visual appeal and serves as a testament to its timeless elegance, ensuring that your Katmai Leather Backpack remains a stylish accessory for years to come.

⚡ TAKE16 ⚡
for 16% off sitewide
kodiak katmai leather backpack
Katmai Leather Backpack
$159 NOW AT KODIAK

The Juneau Leather Tote w/ Pocket

Crafted from top grain water buffalo leather, the Juneau Leather Tote is both a stylish and practical addition to your accessory collection. This tote features an exterior easy-access pocket, perfect for stashing items you need on hand and large carry handles that comfortably fit over your shoulder. The rich texture and natural variations in the leather make each tote unique.

When it comes to style and functionality, the Juneau Leather Tote has it all. The spacious interior, complete with pockets for organization, ensures you can easily carry everything you need. The interior zippered pocket and hidden magnetic closure offer added security for your belongings, making this tote perfect for everyday use. Whether you're heading to work, running errands, or enjoying a day out, the Juneau Leather Tote is ready to help you take on the world.

Kodiak Leather is committed to using only the highest quality materials, and the Juneau Leather Tote is no exception. The water buffalo leather is visually stunning and incredibly durable, making this tote a long-lasting investment. With proper care, your Juneau Leather Tote will age gracefully and continue to impress for years to come, proving that it's more than just a fashion statement - it's a testament to the Kodiak Leather legacy.

⚡ TAKE16 ⚡
for 16% off sitewide
kodiak Juneau leather tote bag
Juneau Leather Tote w/ Pocket
$129 NOW AT KODIAK

The Drifter Leather Journal

The Drifter Leather Journal is a true reflection of Kodiak Leather's dedication to craftsmanship and quality. Made from top-grain leather and featuring a snap button closure, this journal is both elegant and secure. Inside, you'll find handmade artisan paper, giving it a unique and personal touch. The refillable design ensures that you can continue using this beautiful journal for years, making it a cherished keepsake.

Compact and beautifully designed, the Drifter Leather Journal is the perfect travel companion. Its convenient size makes it easy to slip into your bag or backpack, so you can capture memories and jot down ideas wherever you go. Choose between Antique Brown or Dark Walnut color options to suit your style, and let this journal accompany you on all your adventures.

Owning a timeless artifact like the Drifter Leather Journal goes beyond simply having a stylish accessory. It represents an opportunity for personal reflection, growth, and connection to your experiences. As you fill its pages with your thoughts, dreams, and memories, it becomes a treasured part of your life story – one that can be passed down through generations, enriching the lives of those who come after you.

⚡ TAKE16 ⚡
for 16% off sitewide
kodiak drifter leather journal
Drifter Leather Journal
$45 NOW AT KODIAK

Experience Kodiak Leather For Yourself

Kodiak Leather offers a stunning range of products that blend style, functionality, and timeless appeal. The Katmai Leather Backpack, Juneau Leather Tote w/ Pocket, and Drifter Leather Journal each possess unique features and benefits, catering to the diverse needs of the modern world. These versatile and stylish accessories are designed to support your busy lifestyle while making a lasting impression.

Investing in heirloom-quality leather goods from Kodiak Leather means more than just owning a beautiful accessory. It's about embracing the lasting impact of these products as they become an integral part of your life story and, eventually, the stories of future generations. By choosing Kodiak Leather, you're investing in a legacy of craftsmanship, durability, and timeless elegance.

So, why not explore the exceptional Kodiak Leather collection and discover the perfect piece that resonates with your personal style? Become part of the Kodiak Family today and experience the difference that heirloom-quality leather goods can make in your life.

Finally, someone explains why we all need subtitles

It seems everyone needs subtitles nowadays in order to "hear" the television. This is something that has become more common over the past decade and it's caused people to question if their hearing is going bad or if perhaps actors have gotten lazy with enunciation.

So if you've been wondering if it's just you who needs subtitles in order to watch the latest marathon-worthy show, worry no more. Vox video producer Edward Vega interviewed dialogue editor Austin Olivia Kendrick to get to the bottom of why we can't seem to make out what the actors are saying anymore. It turns out it's technology's fault, and to get to how we got here, Vega and Kendrick took us back in time.

They first explained that way back when movies were first moving from silent film to spoken dialogue, actors had to enunciate and project loudly while speaking directly into a large microphone. If they spoke and moved like actors do today, it would sound almost as if someone were giving a drive-by soliloquy while circling the block. You'd only hear every other sentence or two.

Keep ReadingShow less
Health

Her refusal to be silent about her son’s autism led her to create a 'Hero Squad' for action

“Right then and there, I stopped crying, and my first experience with the ‘momma bear’ attitude kicked in.”

Photo by Leonard Donjuan, used with permission

Jen Coats and family at the Local Hearts Foundation 2nd Annual Baskets & Pancakes event.

Autism is a disorder that is surrounded by stigma. Some families feel an unnecessary sense of shame for having an autistic child. People living with autism may feel socially ostracized because they relate to people in a different way. Children with autism are often bullied and have a difficult time making friends in school.

The stigma can also prevent people from being diagnosed with the disorder and getting the therapy they need.

Jen Coats of Long Beach, California, is well aware of the stigma surrounding autism, and that inspired her to make the world more accepting of children with the disorder. When her first son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age two, she was pregnant with her second child and dealing with strong, challenging emotions. She cried when she heard the news, but her tears didn’t last long.

Keep ReadingShow less

They've blinded us with science.

Stock photos of any job are usually delightful cringey. Sure, sometimes they sort of get the essence of a job, but a lot of the time the interpretation is downright cartoonish. One glance and it becomes abundantly clear that for some careers, we have no freakin’ clue what it is that people do.

Dr. Kit Chapman, an award-winning science journalist and academic at Falmouth University in the U.K., recently held an impromptu contest on Twitter where viewers could vote on which photos were the best of the worst when it came to jobs in scientific fields.

According to Chapman’s entries, a day in the life of a scientist includes poking syringes into chickens, wearing a lab coat (unless you’re a “sexy” scientist, then you wear lingerie) and holding vials of colored liquid. Lots and lots of vials.

Of course, where each image is 100% inaccurate, they are 100% giggle inducing. Take a look below at some of the contenders.

Keep ReadingShow less

Jack Black does impression of The Rock.

I don't know what it is about impersonations that are so fascinating to people but they're often hilarious, and Jack Black impersonating The Rock does not disappoint. From the 2018 clip you can't tell what prompted the impersonation but "Screen Junkies" interviewer looks to Black and asks him about his workout routine as if he's Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

The comedian adjusts himself in his seat and doesn't break character the entire time and somehow the interviewer is able to maintain a serious face throughout the process. Kevin Hart and the actual Dwayne Johnson cannot keep it together while Black does his impression of his co-star.

Keep ReadingShow less