Kokoro Newsletter
30th September 2026
Autumn From Anywhere Edition : Konfidant
HARTBEAT
Something for every autumn mood
As the Playbook reveals, Autumn Bustle is in full swing, with Snug Life around the corner. Routines are back, evenings are drawing in, and a little something to look forward to goes a long way. As one of our most spread out teams, we've picked things you can enjoy from anywhere, from telly and podcasts to books and even a soupy favourite. Whether you're feeling motivated, comforted or playful, here are our picks for the season.
Motivating mix
How to Fail – Podcast - Elizabeth Day offers a reminder that even very successful people have made a mess of things along the way, and they are often the lightbulb moments – LG
Only poems daily – A Substack you can subscribe to and get a poem in your inbox every day. A very broad selection but provides a small dose of inspiration– Harry N
In the Grey (Film) Brand new on Prime. In The Grey follows a covert team of elite operatives – expect lots of automatic weapons and high explosives. What begins as an impossible heist spirals into an all-out war of strategy. It’s very easy watching and entertaining, with some great names in it... Jake Gyllenhaal is particularly ‘motivating’ in it 😉- Yeti
Pressure – Film - The weather forecast before D-Day sounds like a tough sell. But watching a meteorologist stand by his data when the stakes could hardly be higher was oddly gripping – LG endorsed by Tom
Carts of Darkness – Documentary (Free on Youtube) - A group of homeless men in Vancouver who collect bottles for cash and race shopping trolleys down steep hills for the thrill of it. A real eye-opener about finding freedom and purpose when life's knocked you down. This extends behind the camera too, as after a car accident left the director paralysed, this was his comeback to doing what he loves. - Harry E
Purity & Danger – Podcast – Unique and thought provoking, two friends discussing thematically aligned cultural artefacts. At 2-hours long they’re especially great for a long train journey. Would recommend 'Sylvie & Dora' and 'The Dunhamesque'! - Charlotte
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The Big Lebowski - Film - Maybe the world would be a happier place if we all were more like the 'dude' - Jacob
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The Bear - TV - Carmy is forced to deal with his brother’s death while taking over the restaurant he left behind. As he finds a new sense of family at work, he’s also trying to figure out who he is and what he wants, making it emotional and messy in a way that feels very real. - Emma
Ted Lasso – Apple TV – You don’t see many all-out good characters who ooze optimism on TV, life would be better if everyone took a leaf from Ted’s book! - Laura and also endorsed by Gab
Comforting corner
Ludwig – BBC – An easy going Sunday night mystery, no idea why it’s so alluring, but its gentle and cuddly (despite the murders) – LG endorsed by Tom
The name of the wind, Patrick Rothfuss (book) – 8 years later, I still haven’t found a fantasy book to top this one as my all-time favourite. Trilogy remains unfinished (likely forever) so read at your own risk – Iulia
Detectorists - (TV) - Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones play two mates who spend their weekends metal detecting, hoping for Saxon gold and mostly finding ring pulls. Nice feel-good watch and a nice theme tune – Harry E
Soup season! Not something to watch or read or listen to, but I’m looking forward to getting this back on the menu in the evenings. Cauliflower cheese soup a particular favourite… - Tom
Perfect days – film – A beautiful film about a toilet cleaner in Tokyo. Reflections on finding beauty and joy in slow living, quiet rituals and nature. It’s on Mubi which always runs a free 7 day trial – Harry N
​How I met your Mother - TV Show - I first watched this in first year Uni and it quickly became one of my favourite shows. I must of rewatched it a solid 6 or 7 times now (I am sure that's a sign of a mental illness). Then when I met my girlfriend I found out it was one of her favourite shows as well. Would highly recommend to anyone who hasn't seen it and yes it is better then friends - Lewis
Playful picks
Taskmaster – new series is out and, 2 episodes in, I think it’s bound to be a pretty hilarious one – Iulia
Forever Howlong – Black Country, New Road (album) - One of my favourite albums from last year and one I keep going back to. It’s theatrical and full of warmth, great for lighting up a room or soundtracking a wander around with a coffee – Harry N
Nathan For You (TV) - Nathan Fielder tries to help struggling small businesses with the most ridiculous ideas imaginable, and the real business owners go along with it. Deadpan, awkward and very funny – Harry E
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime – a family-friendly, co-op spaceship game we’re currently playing through with the boys. Everyone gets a job (gunner, driver, shield operator) and it’s a lot of fun to try and get through all the chaos for an hour! Available on PC, Xbox, PS and Switch – Tom
Hello from the Magic Tavern (Podcast) A man falls through a portal behind a Burger King into a fantasy world and hosts a podcast from the local tavern, interviewing its strange inhabitants. That says already enough about 'playful'. Improvised nonsense with fun characters and stories. - Gab
Ghosts – BBC - Odd premise, weird characters, but 3 episodes in and I think you’ll be in love, perfect excuse to revisit Button House before the film arrives in October – LG
Ann Droid - BBC - very sweet and funny, Diane Morgan and Sue Johnston are great and very moving in parts - Pete
Fantasy Football update
​5 gameweeks in and the table is beginning to take shape. Stu currently leads the way on 357 points, with a trio of Leeds lads hot on his heels to complete the top 4.
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Last year's winner Harry N finds himself with some ground to make up if he wants to repeat the feat. There's plenty of time yet, but there are already whispers of "a new Harry in town".
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Birthdays this month
Happy belated birthday to:
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Jessica Persaud: 4th Sept
Claire Tanner-Stacey: 5th Sept
Richard Fenton: 10th Sept
Upcoming birthdays:​
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Jasmine Beer: 2nd Oct
Jacob Fraser: 26th Oct
Elise Penny: 27th Oct
Rebecca Smith: 28th Oct
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