jessa

In this little corner, I’m sharing resources about things I’ve learned from living life—from thoughts I’ve untangled, words I’ve lived through, and lessons that only made sense in hindsight. These are free resources too, tiny gifts from me to you.

What I wrote for you

Things I created with Claude (by Anthropic)

Note: Jessa’s Little World works better on devices with larger screens.

People worth reading (A-Z)

I’ve learned the art of focused reading the slow way: by subscribing to blogs whose posts land directly in my inbox, where I can read them without the noise. Here are the voices I keep coming back to and learn a lot from:

(A note: Claude helped me write each overview below.)

1. Eric Barker

https://bakadesuyo.com/blog/

Overview. Eric digs into behavioral science and psychology research so you don’t have to. His blog, Barking Up the Wrong Tree, distills findings on topics like happiness, productivity, confidence, and persuasion into practical, readable posts. If you’ve ever wondered what the research actually says about living better, Eric is your guy.

How did I come across Eric’s blog? I first read his book Barking Up the Wrong Tree: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success Is (Mostly) Wrong. And when I later learned that he kept a blog, I immediately subscribed because I wanted to read more of his work.

2. Ethan Mollick

https://www.oneusefulthing.org/

Overview. Ethan Mollick is a professor trying to understand the real implications of AI for work, education, and everyday life. His newsletter goes beyond hype to give you grounded, nuanced thinking on how AI is actually changing things. Over 422,000 people subscribe — for good reason.

How did I come across Ethan’s blog? I first read his book Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI before I subscribed to his blog. I actually keep abreast of the latest developments in big AI models through his newsletters.

3. Hugh Howey

https://hughhowey.com/

Overview. Hugh Howey is a bestselling author best known for his Silo series. On his blog, he writes personal essays that range from space and science to AI, creativity, travel, and how the world is changing. Equal parts thoughtful and candid, it reads like a letter from a very curious friend.

How did I come across Hugh’s blog? His blog was referenced in one of Seth Godin’s blog posts. And whatever Seth finds interesting, I find interesting most of the time too. After reading one blog post by Hugh, I knew I wanted to keep coming back for more, so I immediately hit the subscribe button.

4. Joan Westenberg

https://www.joanwestenberg.com/

Overview. Joan calls it “Field Notes on Now” and that’s exactly what it is. Sharp, opinionated writing on technology, culture, entrepreneurship, and the messy realities of working for yourself. Joan doesn’t pull punches, and that’s what makes the newsletter worth reading.

How did I come across Joan’s blog? Actually, I can’t remember how, but I’m really glad I did, because Joan’s writing makes me think deeply about things I wouldn’t if left to my own devices. With Joan’s writing, I see tech and culture in a new way and through a different lens, bringing me into a whole new level of awareness.

5. Seth Godin

https://seths.blog/

Overview. Seth has been publishing a short post every single day for years, and somehow it never gets old. He writes about marketing, leadership, creativity, and the choices we make, often in just a few paragraphs that stick with you all day. Seth is one of the most prolific thinkers on the internet.

How did I come across Seth’s blog? Seth’s blog is the first blog I ever subscribed to. After reading his collection of blog posts in Whatcha Gonna Do with That Duck?: And Other Provocations, 2006-2012, I know I’d like to read more of his work. I became a convert after that book, which led me to read more of his books, in addition to his daily blog. Seth inspired me to show up and write here, even when I don’t feel like it. When he launched his Akimbo podcast during the pandemic, I was quick to subscribe to it because he brings so much wisdom, like having a granddad on demand. Together with the thousands you’ve inspired by showing up every day, I honor you, Seth. Thank you.