JamFam Q&A: Meg Zukin

Meg Zukin is the engagement editor at CalMatters and the founder of the social distance project.

What's your go-to Spotify playlist?

Whatever my friend Katie makes! I trust her implicitly with all playlists.

What's the best new thing you've found streaming recently?

I recently binged both seasons of Couples Therapy on Showtime and am now a staunch believer and follower in the powers of Orna Guralnik.

What's the best older show/movie you've picked up recently and loved?

I've lately been watching a lot of famous franchises for the first time: Fast and Furious, the Bourne series, Scream. And even though I do consider myself ride or die family now, the Oscar for best older movie I've picked up recently has to go to The Fifth Element. It's an absolute riot that would never be made in the year of our lord 2021. Who would shell out for costuming by Jean Paul Gaultier today? Not even Lord Bezos himself!

What's your most watched movie of all time?

I saw Twilight 10 times in theaters when it first came out and probably twice in quarantine. I cannot (read: will not) say how many times I've viewed it between. She's The Man was a foundational text for me and I've seen Ferris Bueller's Day Off more times than I can count. There was also a period in my life where I put on Lady Gaga's documentary, Five Foot Two, almost every night before bed.

What's a purchase you thought would change your life, but absolutely did not?

Anything I've ever gotten from Aritzia, plus the night guard I just got from my dentist (who is also my childhood best friend). I've worn it once! Sorry Shannon.

You've got two hours to kill at home. What do you reach for?

TV remote. Phone. Book maybe, but who am I kidding? I reach for my sheets.

What's been your most played song during the past year, and why?

Spotify says Fetch the Bolt Cutters by Fiona Apple and I agree! Olivia Rodrigo is already in a close second though.

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What's the best TikTok you've seen in the past year?

I wrote a feature on TikTok last year that led to me losing weeks, if not months, of my life to that app. I feel deep into British TikTok and as of late I'm a ho for any of the ones using the Versailles Run filter. Special mention to Eliza Petersen's famed meteor video, of course. My fyp is a chaos agent, generally speaking.

What's been your best purchase in the past year?

My PhoneSoap (as seen on Shark Tank) was a life saver in the early days of the pandemic. I also want to shout out my Manduka yoga mat and West Elm desk I found on Facebook Marketplace.

What's the best thing you've read in the past year?

Milk Fed by Melissa Broder, There There by Tommy Orange, and Keith McNally's Instagram post about Graydon Carter.

Have you developed a new hobby in the past year? If so, what is it and why did you pursue it?

I've started a lot of hobbies, operative word being started. Among them: knitting, calligraphy, puzzles, Animal Crossing, though I haven't seen my animals in awhile.

Are you working out at home? What's your go-to home quarantine workout strategy?

In November I became a class traitor and bought a Peloton. I'm on the 3-year payment plan. It was a risk because I never spin and in fact, hate any and all spin classes I've ever been to, but I was desperate! I'm happy to report that I'm almost in the century club (100 rides). I would follow Tunde, Hannah, Ally, and Emma anywhere.

What's the item of clothing (besides Jambys, of course), you've worn most during quarantine?

Sweats. I don't discriminate. I have crappy college sweats, chic Nike sweats, a single pair of luxurious cashmere sweats. Easy pants have been my go-to.

What's your most-frequently made recipe?

I famously don't cook! So toast!

What's the title of the Spotify playlist you're most ashamed of other people seeing you listen to?

I am not necessarily ashamed, but perhaps a little embarrassed of how many times I've listened to the soundtrack from Shrek 2.

You can re-watch one show for the first time again fresh. What is it and why?

The Americans. I think it is hands-down the best and most flawless show I've ever seen. After I finished it, I just stared at the ceiling and wept.

What's the book you recommend over and over?

Lately it's been Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb. I think there are two copies in my apartment and ever since I read it, it has stayed on the top of my rec list. When it comes to fiction, I don't think anything has blown me away like Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, or Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. I am And, of course, if you're in the market for a celebrity memoir, Jessica Simpson's is that bitch.

What do you drink when you're at home most often?

Water. I have a Hydroflask but I tend to use a new cup every time and have empty glasses scattered around my entire apartment. I know I'm depressed if I have over three on my bedside table.

What's your average screen time during quarantine? What app have you used the most, and why?

8 hours. I work in social media and engagement, so I blame it on my job, but for a thick period of quarantine I was chemically addicted to TikTok. I'm trying to ween myself off the app, but it's so easy to get sucked into.

What's your favorite Reddit thread of all time?

Reddit scares me but I have occasionally looked at the plant discussions. I'm currently trying to revive my monstera and it's not looking good.

What's your recommendation for someone who always re-watches the Office and wants to try something new?

Grow up! Watch New Girl!

What movie has aged the worst for you?

No comment.

What's your personality in your main groupchat?

Samantha Jones with a healthy dose of Little Monster and a dash of Daria.

What did you think when you first heard about Jambys?

I thought, "Soffe shorts, but make it fashion." Needless to say, I love them.

What's the high school English book you think is actually worth re-reading?

Beloved by Toni Morrison.

What's your dream Jambys color?

I would love to see Jambys adorned with strawberries so they can match my Crocs.

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