Editors Note: based on on feedback, I using bullets for Murphy’s recommendations to reduce length. I also sent this email later than normal (10:30AM ET vs. 6:30AM ET) to test open rates. As always, let me know what you think! - Rob
Why Murphy?
He is a close friend from high school. We now live in the same town where we are both trying to navigate new fatherhood.
Follow Muprhy on Instagram @_Murph
Self-Description
Overconfident optimist, which coincidentally is how my favorite teams should answer as well (Panthers and NC State). I have a hard time sitting still and am a "yes man," usually up for any activity or project. Love finding new deals, credit card hacks, etc.. and am extremely entrepreneurial minded. Currently live in Greensboro, NC with my wife Ally, our daughter Grier, and two dogs Nellie and Tucker.
Murphy’s Recommendations
Written in his own words…
Moccamaster Coffee Maker: I discovered this on vacation at friend's house. Using the exact same coffee I used at home, his coffee tasted 1000 times better. After doing some research, this is apparently the only drip machine to have if you are a true coffee lover. Highly recommend splurging on this, you won't regret it. Add in a coffee grinder from Amazon as well. Between work and a new born at home, we're going through a ton of coffee and have tried to up our game!
Google Flights - Explore Feature: I love that you can put in just your departure airport and then it automatically searches the world with where you can fly and the actual cost. If you're unsure of where to travel to next, this can be a great starting point.
Note: Highly recommend using major hubs as your departure point and then booking an additional connecting flight if need be, but JFK is usually 1/3 of what Greensboro is, so it is easily worth booking the extra $200-$300 flight if flying international to connect through a major hub.
"Rotten" documentaries on Netflix: This docuseries highlights how "rotten" multiple industries have become due to green and opportunity. I had no idea that Avocados had a dark side or just how absurd some of the bottle water industry is/was until I watched these.
"Productive Work" playlist on Spotify: I love working to music and this playlist provides 70+ hours of a lot of songs that you've likely never heard of. I'd classify the genre as casual EDM. Definitely worth a listen.
Travel to Japan: I was fortunate to be able to visit Japan this past year and was blown away. Japan is just different the whole way around and such a cool cultural experience. I’d focus my trip around Kyoto, which had amazing sightseeing (1,000 arches was my favorite), incredible food, nice hotels, and great history. Obviously try the sushi, but the Kobe beef is where it at and was some of the best food I’ve ever had. The bullet train system runs flawlessly, just don’t make the mistake I made of taking a coffee on it as Japan does not have trashcans (seriously) or littler as you don’t eat or drink in public. My bad. Reach out if you want more details, Japan had a ton to do.
Gemini (duplicate photo clean up app): I know this app has been around for a while, but I just recently came across it and it is a game changer for photo management. I’ll be the first to admit, I probably take too many photos of my dogs, kid, random food, etc…Gemini goes through your photos, finds similar photos, and then recommends the best one out of the batch while deleting the others. It is actually really impressive how it almost always selected what I also what have deemed to be the best photo of the batch. You can sign up for the free trial, cancel, and then they’ll offer you a lifetime purchase option for I think $10. It was alarming to see the amount of selfies that had been accumulated over the years that have thankfully now been deleted.
Personal Plug from Murphy
Elliston House: Proud husband shameless plug. My wife and her business partner Morgan have put a ton of work into their new company Elliston House, which launched in February 2023. Their company uses custom designs to create high end textiles and wall paper. Check them out at @elliston_house on Instagram or www.elistonhouse.com.
Thank You, Murphy!