The "Ins and Outs" of 2026

Happy “Knew” Year 📺

2025 was a heck of a time.

A baby, a redundancy, two friends passing, a lot of incomplete projects, and too little time for me to properly process. What I know is that I’m grateful for the life I have and the people in it.

Now, in what has become a famed tradition (this is the second year), I’ve spent some time thinking about what’s IN and OUT for the coming twelve months. It’s a hot list filled with mild takes, so boil the kettle, get a biscuit to dip, then sit back and enjoy.

2026 “Ins” and “Outs” 🎆

In: Supporting Independents

See an indie film, go to a local gig and sling a subscribe to your favourite Substack. These things can all go away if people don’t support and appreciate struggling artists.

This year’s about showing up for them.

Out: Streaming Platforms

They’ve killed cinema. There are too many. It’s impossible to settle on something to watch. Plus, there’s enough good stuff on ABC iview and SBS on Demand anyway.

And, having had a movie on one, I know how badly they pay film / TV makers.

In: Rest

Reframe what you think you know about this word. It can be the most productive thing a person can do.

These are not rest: scrolling, educational podcasts, watching the news, taking a work call on a walk, commuting, hosting.

These are: sleep, doing nothing (guilt-free), alone time, being in nature, daydreaming, getting a massage.

Out: Fitness Challenges

A guy running a lap around the world, wearing high heels, and dragging a sedan… where does it end?

Many of these raise awareness, which is fantastic. Still, some seem to be masking an individual’s mental health emergency. I fear for them when the feat is complete.

Move. Do it consistently. Be better than yesterday. And make it sustainable.

In: Mid-strength

I might be showing my age, but a light buzz without wanting to leap from a bridge is in everyone’s best interest.

There’s more variety, and less of an argument for a session on the heavies than ever.

Out: Vaping

If you’re under 25, the moment has passed. If you’re over 25, sucking fairy floss flavoured batteries is kinda embarrassing.

UPDATE: hours after I drafted this some clown breathed his lame vapey gas breath in my face which has me really doubling down on how completely uncool they are.

In: Books

Read for knowledge, an escape or stillness. If you’re a listener, your local library can set you up with free access to a range of audiobooks.

Those who can concentrate the longest will win in this world of constant micro-distractions and context shifting. Books are an antidote.

On that note…

In: Libraries

The perfect climate all year-round. Quiet. Clean toilets. The thoughts and creations of the world’s best minds. They’re evergreen.

Out: Podcasts

I am an avid podcast listener, but many are brain-bluntingly bad. So, I guess what I’m saying is be discerning and ask, “how long since I tuned into my thoughts?”

If your thoughts are so scary you have to drown them out, why not try a calming piece of classical music.

But ideas, inspiration and action are in your mind, more so than through the mic of someone else.

In: Collecting Things

Trading cards. Records. Magazines. Stamps. Whatever. There’s something beautiful about curating a hard-earned collection.

Whether it appreciates in value or goes on to collect dust, the act of procuring and immersing oneself in something can bring great satisfaction and a sense of purpose.

Out: Buying Clothes

Specifically new, cheap and nasty fast fashion. I worked in the industry and it’s perverse. To whoever needs to hear this - outfit repeating is perfectly fine.

In: Investing

Less YOLO and more ETFs.

Even if it’s a small contribution, get in the habit of putting something away for future you to enjoy. Financial security can stave off a lot of stress.

Out: Gambling

Having a punt is so passé.

Firstly, the odds are an insult to your intelligence. The margin built into horse racing markets is crazy, and while sporting odds are slightly better, they’re still stingy.

If you need to gamble on the game to keep it interesting, maybe your time is better spent elsewhere. This year taught me how precious our attention is.

These are one man’s opinions, and potentially a mirror held up to him. If you’re all set to push a rock up a mountain, binge podcast bros, or bet on the next race, no hate whatsoever.

Thank you for being here. I wish you a safe and healthy 2026. I think it’s going to be our best yet.

ZP / NpG

In other news, you may have received my recent email about my Substack “Being Dad: the first 50 days. I know that won’t be for everyone, but if it is - fantastic.

I am finding that platform a little easier to work with, so am considering taking the Things I Wish I Knew-sletter over there. But for now, it will stay here, and I’m going to be writing with greater velocity.

Finally, I’d love to hear what’s in and out for you this year? Tell me at [email protected] 

PS. Sending emails is in.