Summer offers a chance to slow down a little, recharge, and make time for the things we genuinely enjoy; whether that’s a great book, an insightful podcast, or a movie/tv show that stays with us long after it ends.

This month, our team at White Oak Wealth wanted to share a few of our personal summer favorites. From thoughtful reads to entertaining listens and meaningful stories, here are a few recommendations we’re enjoying this season.

Jonathan’s Summer Favourites

Summer Read

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

Into Thin Air is an unforgettable blend of adventure, resilience, and human psychology. Jon Krakauer’s firsthand account of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster reads almost like a thriller, making it incredibly difficult to put down. With this year marking nearly 30 years since the tragic event, the story remains just as gripping and relevant today. What makes it perfect for summer reading is the way it fully immerses you in another world; the intensity, the risk, the ambition, and the raw emotion of survival at extreme altitude. Beyond the adventure itself, it’s also a fascinating reflection on leadership, decision-making under pressure, and the limits of human endurance. A gripping read for long summer weekends, flights, or afternoons by the pool.

Podcast Recommendation

This American Life

This American Life is the kind of podcast that makes long walks, flights, or summer drives feel genuinely meaningful. Each episode tells deeply human stories; sometimes funny, sometimes emotional, sometimes unexpected; all centered around real people and real experiences. What makes it so binge-worthy is the storytelling itself.  The episodes pull you in quickly and leave you thinking long after they end. It’s the perfect summer listen because it feels both relaxing and thought-provoking at the same time, making even ordinary moments feel a little more reflective and connected.

Summer Movie / Series Pick

The Bear

While The Bear is intense and fast-paced, it’s also the perfect summer binge because it feels immersive, energetic, and impossible to stop watching once you begin. Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s restaurant scene, the series blends humor, chaos, emotion, and incredible storytelling in a way that keeps you fully hooked. Beneath the pressure of the kitchen, it’s really a story about family, purpose, ambition, and personal growth; making it both entertaining and surprisingly meaningful. Perfect for a few late summer nights when “just one more episode” somehow turns into three.

Josh’s Summer Favourites

Summer Read

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

This one surprised me. I picked it up expecting a lighter read and got something much more substantive – part life story, part philosophy, part journal. McConaughey’s central idea is that setbacks and detours often turn out to be green lights in disguise, redirecting you somewhere better. It’s the kind of book that makes you reflect on your own decisions, your own turning points, and what you actually want out of the path ahead. The audiobook is also worth considering – McConaughey narrates it himself, and it adds a lot to the experience. I’d recommend it to anyone in a season of transition, or anyone who enjoys thinking about how to live and work with more intention.

Podcast Recommendation

In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen

Nicolai Tangen runs Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, one of the largest pools of capital on the planet – and somehow manages to have conversations that feel genuinely candid. Each episode he sits down with world class CEOs, investors, and thinkers, and asks the questions most interviewers skip. I listen to In Good Company because it sharpens how I think about leadership, capital allocation, and long-term decision making. If you enjoy getting an inside look at the minds of people operating at the top of their respective fields, this podcast consistently delivers.

Summer Movie / Series Pick

Rafa

As a tennis fan, this one was always going to be on my list, but it exceeded my expectations. What makes Rafa worth watching isn’t just the sport – it's the portrait of someone who has built a career on relentless discipline, mental toughness, and a quiet refusal to accept decline. Nadal’s approach to preparation and pressure is genuinely instructive, and the documentary does a great job showing the grind behind what looks effortless on the outside. For anyone drawn to stories about what it takes from an all-time great athlete to sustain excellence at the highest level, this one is well worth your time.

Tanya’s Summer Favourites

Summer Read

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

While not a new release, this historical novel definitely still packs a punch. Inspired by the true story of the Sarajevo Haggadah, It follows the journey of a rare manuscript across different time periods, with each section revealing a new piece of its history. Brooks does masterful job a weaving together fiction and real events in a way that feels like reading an historical mystery. I also found it particularly meaningful as it connects to aspects of my Jewish heritage and culture, offering a powerful reflection on preservation, identity, and resilience across generations.

Podcast Recommendation

Acquired Hosted by Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal

Acquired explores the stories, strategies, and histories behind some of the world’s most successful companies, brands, and industries. It covers a large range of  companies- everything from technology and business to sports, fashion, and  entertainment. The episodes are incredibly informative, and well researched, but still engaging and entertaining. Even when you think you already know a company, Ben & David always add an unexpected detail or insight I hadn’t come across before. It’s a great choice for anyone who enjoys learning something new while hearing fascinating stories about how iconic companies and ideas became so successful.

Summer Movie / Series Pick

North of North

CBC’s North of North is funny, heartfelt, and offers a refreshing look at life in the Canadian North through Indigenous storytelling and culture. The show does a great job of supporting Canadian art and talent while still being entertaining and easy to watch. It’s both informative and genuinely enjoyable. Watching a show set in the Arctic during what’s set to be a 40° summer might not be the most intuitive choice, but it might be the most effective way to stay cool this summer!

Zoe’s Summer Favourites

Summer Read

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

The Midnight Library is a thoughtful imaginative novel that explores all of the different lives a person could have lived if they'd made different choices. It is immersive and the story moves quickly, making it easy to read in a few summer sittings. What stands out is how uplifting it feels - it's a book about regret, possibility, and second chances, but it never becomes heavy or dark. It is a great pick if you want something meaningful that still feels light for the season.

Podcast Recommendation

Pivot

Pivot is a podcast that leaves you feeling instantly more engaged with what is happening in tech, business and culture, without the traditional heaviness of the news. The hosts have big personalities and their discussions are grounded in a conversational tone making complex topics easy to follow. It is a great summer listen because you can put on an episode during a walk or commute, and leave it feeling like you have learned a few new things without feeling like you sat through a lecture. Pivot falls perfectly between smart and entertaining, making it perfect for anyone who likes staying informed but prefers a conversational, fast-moving style.

Summer Movie / Series Pick

The Morning Show

The Morning Show pulls you right into the high-stakes, behind-the-scenes world of live television, where every decision feels like it could make or break someone's career. The show balances glossy drama with real emotional stakes, and the characters feel layered in a way that keeps you invested. While at the same time, The Morning Show touches on themes like reinvention, accountability, and navigating change, which provides more depth than a typical workplace drama. It's the kind of series that feels entertaining at first, but leaves you with something to think about.

A question for reflection

What’s something you’ve read, watched, or listened to recently that genuinely stayed with you afterward?

Rooted in What Matters Most

At White Oak Wealth, we believe true wealth isn’t just measured in numbers; it’s measured in meaning. Through every season of life, we’re here to help you stay grounded, make thoughtful decisions, and build a life and legacy that reflect what matters most to you and the generations that follow.

Stay Connected

Don’t miss future editions: subscribe to this newsletter to receive the latest insights and updates directly to your inbox.

Until next time,

The White Oak Wealth Team