📝 Editor’s Note
A favorite magazine is Our State. The magazine was founded in 1933 and celebrates the cultural history of my hometown state, North Carolina.
Anyone who has sat in a doctor’s waiting room in North Carolina has likely thumbed through this magazine. It always has interesting stories and recommendations for new restuarants, hotels, and areas to explore.
This past month, I’m proud to share that my wife’s family business, If It’s Paper, was profiled. My understanding is the editors do not typically profile for-profit businesses unless they are in the hospitality industry or part of a paid promotion. Therefore, I think its extra impressive they decided to profile the Stewart family and If It’s Paper. My favorite line in the article is, “so while this little shop may be all about paper, it’s also about family and community.”
If you are in North Carolina I encourage you to check out the February issue.
Without further ado….
Why Ant?
Ant was highly recommended by Amber Parkin, who described him as having “worked with bands like Queen, Coldplay, and Blur…immigrated from the UK to the US…directed a cult animated TV series described as the British South Park…almost died in Alaska.” Wow!
Follow Ant on Linkedin.
Self-Description
A music-obsessed business builder who loves saying yes to any idea that might lead to more fun and silliness.
Ant’s 6 Recommendations
Written in his own words…
1. Bablonstoren Hotel in South Africa
My fav hotel in the world is still Babylonstoren in South Africa. A truly magical place that balances every sensory experience to perfection. The food and wine are incredible and the natural surroundings make you feel so, so relaxed.
2. Walk or Run to Start Your Day
We all know the power of movement but I can't reiterate enough the difference it makes to your wellbeing and productivity. Especially if you have a long walk or run pre-starting your day. I’ve run 26 marathons, so I have pounded a lot of early morning streets. Every time I still dread the moment I go out, only to return a re-energized human.... my counter vice on non-running days however is a cup of English breakfast tea and a quick killer combo of Wordle + Connections.
3. The Napa Valley Reserve
I love wine and especially seeing endless bottles stacked up, all with a different story to tell and taste to sample. Just writing that makes me both giddy and thirsty. The pinnacle of this giddiness for me was enjoying a few glasses The Napa Valley Reserve, a truly magical place and if you want to carry on the fun then head for a crazy good lunch at Charter Oak too ...a perfect day.
4. Siblings Candles
One of my favorite gifts to both receive and give are candles. You can't beat the wonderful sustainable candle brand Siblings for both. Amazing seasonable smells, sustainable and fun to make. They are also set at a price where you don't feel like you are literally burning money, which I know you obviously are...
5. Buck Mason Cardigans
I have always been a bit boring and safe with trying new clothes shops until I walked into a little shop called Buck Mason in LA a few years ago. Now I'm obsessed. I know they are growing fast but for me it is a perfect combo of fashion, comfort, price, and cozy cozy cardigans.
6. Radiohead Live
If you haven't ever seen Radiohead live and they do that farewell tour, buy buy buy that ticket, its spiritual, also for another spiritual performance Hozier live is just killer. Current playlist favs include Lake Street Drive & Geese....favourite morning WAKE ME UP song however is always Mr Joe Cocker - Feelin' Alright....what more do you need to get going?
Plug | PepTalk
Working with our wonderful team at PepTalk we have now built an amazing network of over 3,000 of the world’s smartest experts who go into businesses daily to help motivate, educate, and inspire 1000's of people, if you ever need an amazing expert for your business, team or event then please give me a shout as I'd love to help and chat wine.
Want to get in touch with Ant? Reach out through email: ant@getapeptalk.com
P.S. from Rambull — My friend Tom Ellington manages Cirrus Vodka. This weekend Tom was serving up great dirty martinis. His secret? Cirrus (of course) but also Filthy Olive Brine. Don’t forget the bleu cheese olives…
