Favorites

I get asked a lot about the tools and software I use, the books I read, and other things that I recommend. This page keeps track of my favorites. Everything here is something I think is high-quality, useful, enjoyable, or otherwise worth recommending.

My absolute top picks in each category are denoted with a star (⭐️).

Software

  • ⭐️

    Claude

    A large language model that's more direct and opinionated than alternatives like ChatGPT.

  • ⭐️

    1Password

    A password manager that syncs across all of my devices.

  • Signal

    A messaging app that's both highly secure and easy to use.

  • Firefox

    A web browser with great extensions for privacy and security.

  • Cursor

    It's my old favorite code editor—VS Code—with actually useful AI integration.

  • Affinity Suite

    A suite of powerful design tools that are a great alternative to Adobe.

  • Things

    A task manager with a super-clean interface and cross-device sync.

  • Obsidian

    A note-taking app that helps you think and write more effectively.

  • iTerm2

    A terminal emulator for macOS with helpful features like tabs and split panes.

  • Raycast

    A Spotlight alternative with extensions, custom scripts, and more.

  • Little Snitch

    A firewall that lets you control which apps can access the internet.

Blogs

  • ⭐️

    Dynomight

    Covers a variety of topics in statistics, philosophy, technology, and current events.

  • ⭐️

    Bits About Money

    A blog about the hidden financial infrastructure that the world depends upon.

  • Every

    This writers' collective focuses on business, productivity, and technology.

  • mango.pdf

    All about Australia's only hacker, and their (almost always comedic) exploits.

Books

  • ⭐️

    Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

    A fascinating look at the irrational psychology of human behavior.

  • ⭐️

    Nudge by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein

    A book about how small changes can make a big difference.

  • Atomic Habits by James Clear

  • Exhalation by Ted Chiang

  • Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

  • The Martian by Andy Weir

Short Reads

(<10 minutes)

Long Reads

(>10 minutes)

TV Shows

  • ⭐️

    Severance

    Every episode of this sci-fi psychological thriller is a masterpiece.

  • ⭐️

    Mr. Robot

    Wild plot twists, a fantastic soundtrack, and gorgeous cinematography.

  • Black Mirror

  • Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Movies

  • Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

  • The Social Network

  • Bo Burnham: Inside

Video Games

  • ⭐️

    Beat Saber

    A rhythm game that's a blast to play, and a great workout.

  • ⭐️

    Celeste

    Difficult but forgiving platforming and a touching story set this platformer apart.