Bryk's Bits #1: Weekly Top 5
I loved writing my Year in Review in a Top 5 format (inspired by Normal Sport's numbered structure) that I’m excited to share more, highlighting recent Top 5 random thoughts (bits), reading, listening, watching, and whatever else comes to mind.
Top 5 Bryk’s Bits
Last month, I resubscribed to Weight Watchers. I enjoy their point system as a simple way to keep myself accountable in my attempt to be healthier. I continue to enjoy using it but have been extremely disappointed at the aggressive push to set up an appointment to discuss GLP-1’s. I’ve received 10+ marketing messages urging me to “explore” this option. I understand the need to do this as a business but it has been frustrating to see. I don’t think there’s anything wrong if someone is interested and does pursue that route but I think there is a need for a differentiated experience.
After having our 2nd kid, I’ve decided on a new addition to my eventual political platform. Infant clothes with buttons should be illegal. Ban them. Either a double zipper or magnets only. Whoever decided that a parent should be attempting to button up a baby’s onesie at 2am needs to be examined.
As one of the biggest proponents of Dippin’ Dots, I have always told people that disagreed about it’s status as the GOAT ice cream that they will eventually agree but we are just not in the future yet. With AI in every headline, have we reached the future and is it now Dippin’ Dots’ time to shine? PS: If you’ve never filled your freezer with a bulk bag of Dippin’ Dots, you aren’t living.
Golf courses need daycares. I’d love to grab a tee time and daycare slot at the same time. Let me grab a quick 18 while my sons enjoy rolling on the practice green and playing in some bunkers. Who is working on this?
On that golf note, how has the PGA Tour not bought Data Golf and revamped their digital stats product? This feels like a no-brainer. Instead of selling fans on elevated events that have 0 differentiation from any other event, invest in actually making the product significantly better. Data Golf has everything that can appeal to both a casual fan on the telecast, using your app or visiting your site while also appealing to hardcore golf nerds like myself with the advanced analytics. Time to take Shotlink’s data to the next level.
Bryk’s Random Top 5:
Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time (from an unbiased NY Jets fan)
Peyton Manning
Patrick Mahomes
Joe Montana
Joe Namath
Tom Brady (System Quarterback)
Top 5 Reading
“Why Can’t the Jews Teach Their Children How to Speak Hebrew?”
As someone that went to a Jewish school from kindergarten through high school, this article struck a chord. You’d think 13 years of structured Hebrew classes would allow me to have a fluent conversation in Hebrew but I’m just barely confident enough to use Hebrew as a secret code with my wife when we don’t want our 2.5 year old to understand. My Duolingo streaks may win me virtual trophies, but they’ve done little for my ability to string together a sentence that doesn’t sound like a middle schooler in Morah Shifra’s class.
Sports Analytics: A Guide for Coaches, Managers, and Other Decision Makers
3.5/5 - This book is a solid introduction to the basics of sports analytics. It’s not exactly groundbreaking but if you’re early in your career or looking for a starting point, I highly recommend it.
Woody Johnson's Jets (The Athletic)
After the final game of the Jets’ 2024 season, I found myself re-reading this on the chaos about my favorite team. It’s a masterclass in dysfunction and yet I’m still as optimistic as ever. I truly believe health researchers should study Jets fans for insights into stress and longevity. This team has taken years off my life, but I’m still here, holding out hope for that elusive Super Bowl run. If there are any researchers out there, I volunteer as your first case study.
I can’t remember where I first saw this and saved to my Pocket, but am glad I read this in my weekly Pocket catch up. The line that hit hardest:
“You are your only true benchmark. This is a universal truth. We all come from different places and have different attributes. We are all unique and live nobody’s life but our own. FOMO is the avoidance of this universal truth.”
It’s obviously easier said than done but when I catch myself comparing myself to someone else’s instagram story, it’s helpful to think about this.
Back in October of 2024, I completed the 100 Hole Hike at Old Barnwell, being a part of GSGA raising 102k to improve access to golf. It was one of the highlights of my 2024. Over the holidays, I purchased a metal print of the first hole for my office, and it now serves as a daily reminder of that experience. I re-read the incredible course profile this past week by The Fried Egg from late 2023. Their write-up perfectly captures the magic of the place and makes me want to do it all over again, 25 miles of walking and all.
100 Hole Hike Highlights
Top 5 Watching
I just finished the season of The Penguin and it hooked me from the start. It was much more of a drama/crime show than a typical superhero/villain plot. Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti were truly incredible in their roles. Personally, I don’t think a Season 2 is necessary but will be watching if they make one. It became my go-to Zwift show, and I’m not exaggerating when I say I extended several rides just to finish an episode.
Did We Finally Find the World’s Steepest Street?
I stumbled upon Mitch Boyer’s channel last year and I love his videos, especially the quest to find the world’s steepest street. This most recent video had me questioning his sanity and applauding his commitment. If you’re into cycling, this is for you.
How the 'Jury Duty' Crew Pulled Off Filming at Margaritaville | Making A Scene
Jury Duty was one of my favorite shows in the past few years, a documentary style show following a fake jury trial with one juror who is unaware. There is one absurd scene at a Margaritaville that I was curious how they pulled off and this was a hilarious and fascinating look at the behind the scenes. The detail and planning to film in a working restaurant makes the show even more impressive. I think I’m due for a rewatch.
Heading into TGL’s debut, I was cautiously optimistic, and it delivered more than I expected. The pace was incredible, finishing the first hole in four minutes felt almost revolutionary. The PGA Tour should be taking notes on it. The shot clock was aspirational, with an added benefit of cutting down on the need for awkward banter between golfers. While the first match was a blowout, and for some god-forsaken reason we had DJ Khaled on our screens, this was more entertaining than your average non-major PGA event and I’m looking forward to next week. I think a key to success will be whether fans find allegiances to teams and are invested in the outcomes after the novelty of the format wears off.
TGL Hole Design Contest by Club TFE
Speaking of TGL, I was dying of laughter and impressed by the hole designs from the Club TFE community. Some designs were pure genius, others absolutely absurd, and all of them made me want to fire up PGA 2K just to play them. My personal favorites were the Golden Gate and Island hole. The TGL should use some of these as inspiration.
Top 5 Listening
Stratechery - An Interview with Byrne Hobart About Bubbles and Escaping Stagnation
As mentioned in my year in review, I love Ben Thompson’s Stratechery, especially his interviews. I tend to listen to his updates and interviews and Byrne Hobart discussing his new book Boom was one of my favorites. Byrne and Ben talking makes me feel like the least smart person in the podcast room, which is a feeling I’m always seeking when listening to tech & business podcasts. It also made me buy another book I need to make time to read.
Business Breakdowns: Fastenal: A Nuts & Bolts Success Story
I listen to nearly every episode of Business Breakdowns, but this one on Fastenal stood out. I knew nothing about the business and by the end, I was genuinely fascinated. There’s something fun about diving into a niche industry you don’t know about
I had purchased this audiobook awhile back and finally started and it’s as captivating as I hoped. It pairs well with The Last Kings of Shanghai, which I’m reading simultaneously on the Kindle, exploring Jewish history through several famous families.
Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History: Mania for Subjugation II
Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History is an automatic download for me whenever a new episode is released. The second episode that just dropped on Alexander the Great did not disappoint.
Dan Shipper’s AI & I with Claire Vo
This episode has been sitting in my queue for a while, and I’m glad I finally got to it. Dan Shipper’s conversation with Claire Vo exploring AI, product development, and what she’s built at ChatPRD is top notch. If you’re in tech or curious about AI and product development, this episode is great and you should be running to buy a ChatPRD subscription as well.