Welcome to the Monthly R.E.P.O.R.T. → August

It’s officially state fair and back-to-school szn!! Also the weather is starting to cool down in the Midwest! Can’t wait for the Starbucks fall menu and new Trader Joe’s seasonal releases.

What are your favorite fall pick ups?

or are you not ready for summer to be over (womp womp)

RESOURCES

Funding 💰

Podcasts, readings, and other fun things on the VC funding landscape

Good Reads 📚

A few of our favorite essays, short stories, and writings that we read this month

Everything is rage bait!
The rise of an emerging VC community in Minnesota (written by our friend Elise Riniker!!)
Social media and the shortening of your life
Sam Altman’s Manifest Destiny

Your Career in VC 👩🏽‍💻

Check out these links on helpful tools, tips, and resources for starting or advancing your career in VC

The Monthly R.E.P.O.R.T

What We’re Reading, Eating, Playing, Obsessing, Recommending, & Treating

READING 📚

Emily’s Reading: Die with Zero by Bill Perkins

Just started reading this book, only a few chapters in, but I’m REALLY loving it.

Die With Zero argues that the goal of money isn’t endless accumulation of wealth but maximizing life experiences—spending your resources (time, energy, and money) intentionally so you live, give, and enjoy before you die.

Shoutout to Ellie and Justina for the recommendation ❤

Maria’s Reading: as seen on

I've still been cranking through Obama’s memoir (that thing is 400 pages, lol), but in the meantime, I’m diversifying my media! I’ve been chewing on as seen by Ochuko Akpovbovbo this month, and I love her writing so much. She was one of Substack's featured publications in 2024 and an all-around media genius, trendsetter, and observer. She’s got a handful of free pieces but her paid content truly is worth it. Maybe ditch the $7.99 Peacock subscription for as seen on? Shout out to Georgie for putting me on 🫡

Emily’s Eating: Minnesota State Fair food!

I ate my way through the MN state fair on opening day - so much fun!!

Food highlights:

Pickle pizza
Fried cream cheese pickles
Flautas dippers
Elote on a stick and Churro cream ale
Deep fried Reece’s peanut butter cups
Sweet Martha’s Cookies ofc

Doma Cafe

Kasama

Maria’s Eating: Breakfast Sandwiches

I’ve been in a major breakfast sammy era this month. Pictured above are two ICONIC Chicago establishments I had the pleasure of trying this month. Thank you, Jeremy Allen White, for putting me on!

PLAYING 🎲

Emily’s Playing: Tarot readings

Love a good tarot reading every so often. I have my own decks and like to pull these out when I need guidance or clarity on life. 🌙🌠

the pitchfork review

Maria’s Playing: Who’s the Clown?

Audrey Hobert’s debut album has been on repeat nonstop since it dropped earlier this month. As a solo writer, it’s a silly, raw, goofy stream of consciousness type of album that I cannot get enough of.

OBSESSING 🤩

Emily’s Obsessing: Sierra Ferrell

I recently saw Sierra Ferrell live with a friend. Sierra is an INCREDIBLE artist and she is amazing live. Definitely one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. Highly recommend checking out her music 🙂

Maria’s Obsessing: Owala

I am NOT one to fall for the annual water bottle propaganda, but the Owala, wow… I am a changed woman. She comes with me everywhere like a child would if I had one. I love the straw component. The bottle is easy to clean, and my water stays icy chilly all day long.