Now Playing: Harry Styles + Moby

And, that "not hockey" show.

NOW PLAYING - Issue #125 - January, 31, 2026

Hey Buds -

I’ve never been as drawn to poetry than I have in this last year. adrienne maree brown always has prose to meet the moment. I suggest you read all three poems she put in this slide deck earlier this week. It’s about ICE, bearing witness, being a first timer to this pain, and just, well all of it.

I also read a quote that is resonating…“May we be gentle on each other and hard on the system.” It is a riff on the late political commentator and host of The Majority Report, Michael Brooks, who often said: "Be ruthless to systems, be kind to people."

Continue to stay steady, tender hearts. We are the ones we are waiting for. ❤️

now listening…

Liner notes up top and then, your mixtape.

🎧 The best IMO of the in new releases from the last two weeks including a haunting revisit to a classic Moby track, a bunch of great covers, new rockin’ Courtney Barnett and a new sound from Arlo Parks, and omg, this new Harry Styles single (no notes!).

now reading…

I heard Erivo talk about her new book on a podcast and was curious to see if her talent extends to the page. The book is written almost like a journal — with each chapter being more of a suggestion, revelation, personal story, or all three. For anyone just doing work on yourself, to heal and to human, this could be a good (and quick) read.

Now watching…

📺 The Pitt (S2) (HBO)

This show is so good, I don’t even need to watch it all before confidently recommending it. I read someone call this “competence content” and how it makes you just feel better to watch someone do something so well, and to be of help, especially in these times.

📺 Heated Rivalry (HBO)

I almost skipped this — too cheesy I said! Shout out to my partner who made me stick with it — but, they kiss (eventually)! Now, I get ALL the memes.

📺 10 Nominees for Best Picture

I’m trying to see all 10 films nominated for the biggest award at the Oscars. It is going to be a push, but let’s try for it. You’ve already seen me give Sinners my best movie of the year nod last year.

I saw Train Dreams at the end of 2025 and just kept thinking mail fragility and loneliness have been an endemic for generations.

My third flick was F1. Why or why was this nominated? Also, in related news, how can folk watch people drive in a circle for like 70 laps. I just don’t get it. So far, Sinners has my vote.

tune in

📻 Now Playing with DJ Llu is on Vermont Public Saturday nights, 8-10pm. Two hours of new music, across the genres, just for you. Click the button for loads of past shows.

now gif-ing…

High fives,

DJ Llu

p.s. Whoever runs the Sesame Street social needs a raise.

Now Playing is a reader-supported bi-weekly dish created by Llu Mulvaney-Stanak aka DJ Llu. Subscribe for free kick in $5 a month or $60 for the year to keep it rolling for all. You can also donate to a community media organization, public library, justice or community organizing group/org, and DM me about it, and I’ll comp you a paid subscription as a thank you for your generosity. Paid or comped spots unlock all the past archives for you, too - 125+ issues! More info at DJLlu.com.