Pocket Future

Pocket-Worthy Reads

Stories to fuel your mind

Nautilus

Can a Cat Have an Existential Crisis?

Treating my cat for depression caused me to question the state of anxiety in animals and us.

Narratively

An American Tragedy: The Colorful Life and Shocking Death of Ovid Neal III

On the dark streets of a college town, two teenagers hoisted a rock and ended a man’s life. His loved ones want to know when we’ll finally value the lives of homeless people.

Shondaland

How to Deal With the Chronic Bailer in Your Life

Coping with the other kind of “cancel” culture.

The Kitchn

How To Make Cacio e Pepe

The easiest method for perfect results every time.

BBC Future

Why a Workout Is Good for Your Gut Bacteria

The rich microbiota flourishing inside us may play a far greater role in the way exercise improves our health than previously thought.

Country Living

Here’s Everything You Need to Know About How to Grow Potatoes at Home

It’s easy and fun to grow potatoes at home.

Atlas Obscura

Why Does the U.S. Army Own So Many Fossils?

Turns out massive flood control projects are a great way to find dinosaurs.

Runner’s World

A Shoulder Workout for Upper Body Strength and Stability

Improve your posture and optimize your arm swing with just five exercises.

Inc.

31 Ways to Improve Your Life in Just a Month

Imagine the possibilities of a life filled with these simple acts of joy that can be done in minutes. Here’s a template to get started.

Quartz

The Simple Skincare Routine All Men Should Do, According to a Hollywood Stylist

Three quick but crucial steps to healthier skin.

Outside

How Treadmill Running Differs from Running Outside

Yes, the physiology and biomechanics of treadmill running are a little different. But how you feel about it is probably more important.

Bloomberg Businessweek

Why Everyone’s Obsessed With Meat Sticks and Cottage Cheese

Major food companies went all-in on junk food—but missed the new snacking trend right in front of them.

Popular Collections

Curated guides to the best reads on the web

Pocket Collections

The Art of Navigating Thorny Office Politics

From bad bosses to gossipy colleagues and, of course, office refrigerator drama.

Today’s Pocket Hits

Thursday, June 12

The Week

Why Iranian Cities Are Banning Dog Walking

The country’s four-legged friends are a ‘contentious topic’ in the Islamic Republic.

Men's Health

Nearly three decades after the final episode of his beloved TV show aired, the Science Guy hasn’t lost his way. In fact, in an era when science often feels under siege, he’s doubled down on it. This time, though, it’s personal.

Thrillist

From Ice Cream to Bunnies, Can Anything Become a Museum?

With Instagram rites of passage like the Museum of Ice Cream to hyper-specific enclaves dedicated to dinnerware, defining a museum has never been so complex.

Vanity Fair

James Frey Swears His New Book About Very Rich, Poorly Behaved People Isn’t Based on Anyone Real

If James Frey’s road has been a rocky one, at least the bumps were diamonds.

404 Media

Teachers Are Not OK

AI, ChatGPT, and LLMs “have absolutely blown up what I try to accomplish with my teaching.”

The New York Times

The Quiet Unraveling of the Man Who Almost Killed Trump

Thomas Crooks was a nerdy engineering student on the dean’s list. He stockpiled explosive materials for months before his attack on Donald Trump, as his mental health eroded.

BBC

Is It Better to Neglect Your Garden?

Gardens packed with blooming flowers or adorned with neat insect hotels, are extremely popular. But are these highly curated creations actually helpful – or would it be better to allow nature to take its own course?

Vanity Fair

The “Grief” of Leaving ’Friday Night Lights’

Connie Britton and Taylor Kitsch reveal their fondest memories from the set of ‘FNL’ and whether they’ll show up in the upcoming reboot.

25 Essential Brian Wilson Songs

Listening to Brian Wilson’s music was like growing up with him.

The Hollywood Reporter

‘John Wick’ Spinoffs That Could Come Next

With ‘Ballerina’ in theaters and a Donnie Yen feature on the way, there are still plenty of ways to expand the ‘Wick’ universe.

The Hollywood Reporter

What’s So Funny? the Comedy Actor Roundtable With Seth Rogen, Adam Brody and John Mulaney

Feeling apocalyptic? No worries! TV’s top funnymen — including Ted Danson, Jason Segel and Julio Torres — will keep you laughing till the end.

Los Angeles Times

Avoiding Yosemite’s Summer Crowds? This California Wilderness Is a Spectacular Alternative

The Trinity Alps Wilderness, about three hours north of Sacramento, offers hiking trails, waterfalls, alpine lakes and smaller crowds than at popular national parks.

Big Think

Uranus’s Moons Are Darkened on One Side, Hubble Reveals

Viewing Uranus’s largest moons with Hubble, astronomers hoped to find darkening on the trailing side. They found the exact opposite instead.

These TikTokers Exercised 9 Hours a Day for 3.5 Months — Here’s What Happened

This couple hiked and canoed for over nine hours each day.

Vox

Podcast: Can Pop Music Actually Predict a Recession?

Now that’s what I call economic downturn!

Parents

The Best and Worst States for Working Dads in 2025, According to New Data

WalletHub compared all 50 states plus the District of Columbia according to their friendliness toward working dads.

The New Yorker

A First Kiss From America’s First Woman in Space

Tam O’Shaughnessy came out as Sally Ride’s partner of twenty-seven years when she wrote of the relationship in Ride’s obituary.

Real Simple

5 High-Maintenance Plants That Are a Gardener’s Worst Nightmare

Tired of battling high-maintenance plants? These five popular picks are a gardener’s worst nightmare. Find out why experienced gardeners avoid these plants, plus tips for how to make them work in your yard.