What to Watch: Paddleton, starring Mark Duplass and Ray Romano is a small movie with a pretty depressing plot right from the outset. But those aren’t the only reasons I’m recommending it. It’s also a really thoughtful look at friendship. Check out Paddleton on Netflix.

+ What to Read: “What we need is not to disagree less, but to disagree better. And that starts when you turn away the rhetorical dope peddlers — the powerful people on your own side who are profiting from the culture of contempt. As satisfying as it can feel to hear that your foes are irredeemable, stupid and deviant, remember: When you find yourself hating something, someone is making money or winning elections or getting more famous and powerful.” Arthur C. Brooks in the NYT: Our Culture of Contempt.

+ What to Hear: There’s a good chance you’ve heard Maren Morris’s biggest hit, The Middle, or heard her vocals on a pop or hip hop track. And that’s a testament to how versatile she is. Her just-released album probably fits most snugly into the country genre, but, really, who cares about genres? It’s good.