Winter is a time for hibernation, getting cozy and soaking up a good book. We asked the Suzi’s Lavender team what books and podcasts are currently on the coffee table or in the earbuds. Here’s what we’re loving right now. What’s on your list?

Books -

The Pocket, Pema Chodron

This collection of 108 brief teachings offers insight, understanding and inspiration for meditation or journaling. It’s the perfect companion for long winter days when you feel stuck, lethargic or just need a little motivation.

Braving the Wilderness, Brene Brown

How do we shift our culture to value connection and brave acts of vulnerability? How do we cultivate belonging in a world that feels detached? Brene Brown answers these questions and encourages us to become more authentic, courageous and kind.

Sapiens, Yuval Noah Harari

Sapiens, a Brief History of Humankind is a historical, scientific, anthropological look at the last hundred thousand years of human existence. This book explores how we’ve evolved, the cultivation and devastation of civilizations, and our interaction with the natural world. It dives into why we think, act and feel the way we do…and if we have the power to change the course of our future.

Cabaret of Plants, Richard Mabey

It’s no secret that we’re a little (OK, maybe a lot) obsessed with plants at Suzi’s. The Cabaret of Plants uncovers stories, anecdotes and vignettes of the world’s most interesting flora. It paints a glorious picture of this world and our connection to it.

Becoming, Michelle Obama

The former First Lady’s account of her life and time in the White House has unsurprisingly earned her the top spot as the best selling book of the year. Pro tip...the audiobook, read by the author, is one of the best we’ve heard.

Podcasts -

Science Vs

We have an insatiable interest in the intersection of science and everyday life. Science Vs satisfies our curiosity and teaches us more about the inner workings of the things around us.

On Being

Krista Tippet explores the subtle, foundational parts of being human. She dives into the hard conversations to get to the core of our stories, emotions and spirit.

Behind the Brilliance

Lisa Nicole Bell gives us an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at the lives of people in art, culture, technology, business, lifestyle and personal development. Her interviews consistently enliven us each week.

The Joy Junkie Show

Amy Smith, with the help of Mr. Smith, share an upbeat, often hilarious, look at personal development. This lighthearted but substantial show has us in stitches and working toward being kinder, stronger humans.

The Minimalists

We constantly look for ways to live out “pure, simple, real.” Minimalism has been a big part of that. Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus teach us how to simplify everything from our belongings, to finances, to relationships and emotions.

She Explores

Being in the natural world is transformative. As the rain and snow here in the Pacific Northwest keeps us curled up with a cup of tea and a blanket, we’re living vicariously through the stories shared by Gale Straub and the women she interviews.