Somewhere between the chaos of deadlines, the printing of our biggest issue EVER (soon to be released...), international travel, birthdays and keeping you abreast of all the latest happenings in global culture – the RUSSH Editors have found time to consume their quote of cultural capital.

Whether it was the latest hot TV show (hello, Sterling Point), dumb podcasts, acerbic Substacks, local musos, NYT bestselling books or classic films – these were the notable hits from the month of August...

Cassandra Dimitroff

Features and Production Editor

Watch … Practical Magic. I’ll admit I’m about three decades late to this one and it was not at all what I expected (I also know there's a sequel incoming). Nicole Kidman might have convinced me to re-cut some bangs though...

Listen … On repeat: Phoebe Bridgers’ new album Lost Weekend; Jungle’s new album Sunshine (who are touring next year); Slayyyter’s Brand New Chanel$ (I also got to catch her live at the Enmore). Rediscovering an old favourite: Courtney Barnett’s 2018 masterpiece Tell Me How You Really Feel.

Read … People Who Lunch by Sally Olds cracked my brain open in the best way. Now onto the final book in Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Quartet…

Koby Dulac-Daley

Fashion Assistant

Watch … I'm trying to watch more films as I really struggle to sit down for over an hour or even find the time. I did manage to watch a few, however, in 30-minute segments while cooking or eating dinner. The first film I watched was mid 90s. Overall, it was beautifully shot with a backdrop of Los Angeles, and though the film didn't have much plot, I still enjoyed. I then watched Sofia Coppola’s The Bling Ring, which is based on this group of L.A. teens who are so fascinating, however the execution of the film felt dull for the grandeur of the story. I started watching Luca Guadagnino’s Queer. Some more beautiful cinematography and of course costume design by Jonathan Anderson means well dressed men.

Listen … I last minute got a ticket to see Slayyyter at Enmore Theatre with 2charm opening. Seeing an artist on the brink of stardom always has this special energy. I've also been listening to Troye Sivan’s She's the best, and been channeling Adela’s Ain't in LA, as I was supposed to be there but ain't. Slightly leaning country with some Oriville Peck and Kacey Musgraves. Don’t Be Ugly by Caroline & Philip Ricke is a truly a dumb podcast but I love it.

Read … Finding the time and concentration for reading is always something I struggle with. This month with having 15 shoots for RUSSH there was definitely lots of reading of emails with loan agreements for the hundreds of pieces of clothing and accessories for shoots.

Stacey Gaskin

Consumer Revenue Manager

Watch … My Brilliant Career on Netflix – loved it. I also watched The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare.

Listen … With the 6th and 7th ACOTAR books announced, it’s time I refresh my mind of all things Prythian, so I’m a couple chapters into listening to A Court of Thorns and Roses (10th Anniversary Recording) on audible. A couple songs I’ve been loving are (There’s Gotta Be) More To Life by Stacie Orrico, Edge of the Earth by The Beaches and Snake Eyes by Aries.

Read … I purchased the Lightworker Tarot deck from Dreamy Moons, so have been playing around with some readings. I also have Whistler by Ann Patchett on my TBR.

Magdalene Shapter

Designer and Producer

Watch … Pride and Prejudice – the 1995 BBC TV Mini Series version. Colin Firth really is the best Mr Darcy. But the person that lingered in my mind after the final credits was Anna Chancellor’s Mrs Darcy. Her jewel-hued dresses, dark brows and wine coloured lips converge in a brooding type of beauty that makes sense to me.

Listen … The Hackers soundtrack. Also from 1995. What a great year for the creative arts. This might be the most perfect movie soundtrack ever made. It’s best consumed as intended with a full viewing of the movie.

Read … I’ve been reading lots of our upcoming September issue ahead of sending it to the printer. It’s going to be a really special one. I also read *the* Giallobrutalism essay and I’m working through a backlog of unread Sam Kriss Substack essays, slowly, when I find time to really absorb them.

Sophia Serafin

Implementation Manager

Watch … I’ve been moving between a few shows lately – Lucky (featuring the dreamy Drew Starkey), Sterling Point, (privileged twins inherit a mysterious island), and Desperate Housewives (cannot believe I had never watched). I also watched the coming-of-age film Thirteen, which for some reason cinematically felt like Twilight. And Charli xcx’s full Fashion Music Film YouTube – a heavenly b&w montage. Bring back music videos.

Listen … Sydney artists Kate Moth and Maia Toakley have been on rotation, alongside lots of Effy who is coming to Sydney in October.

Read … My Kindle has been sitting flat this month, which says a lot about my current reading habits. I’m thinking about getting back into it with I’ll Take The Fire by Leïla Slimani – about a young Arab woman’s quest for sexual and political freedom – or The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage, for a little guilty royal read.

Mia Steiber

Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher

Watch … I am neck deep in Furious. It’s probably one of the best things I’ve watched all year – TV or movie. The female characters are extremely well-written, and I say that as a harsh critic who is sick of the Madonna-whore on TV. I also finally got to see Everyone is Lying to You For Money. It was fantastic and so digestible.

Listen … Slayyyter’s recent Like A Version cover of Hole’s Violet is something I’ve had on repeat. I really loved it. I’ve also recently gotten into Bad Omens and would definitely recommend if you like heavier music.

Read … I am powering my way through Crescent City ahead of the new ACOTAR books. Like most Maas novels, it’s both long and dense (not a bad thing) but it is taking me more time than I imagined. Stand by.

Samantha Corry

Social Media Coordinator and Writer

Watch … I watched 2001: A Space Odyssey this month and loved it. The pacing was a little slow, but like all of Kubrick’s films it ends on a bang. But the biggest thing in my life I have started is watching The O.C., and it is as good as I have heard. I’m only season two but why is Marissa Cooper so self-destructive? It kills me. But I love Seth’s character (of course).

Listen … Re-listening to Olivia Rodrigo’s new album and a bit of David Bowie too actually. Oh and of course, Phoebe Bridgers.

Read … Fruit Fly by Josh Silver! Obsessed. Such a fast and fun read (even though there are dark themes). I even got the chance to interview Silver for our RUSH Book Club this month.