Exploring the Messages of 'Phineas & Ferb' on 'Life on the Balcony'

I recently announced the launch of my new Substack newsletter, Life on the Balcony. You can read my introduction post to see what I’m hoping to build there.

But I had a sneaky feeling a newsletter shouldn’t just be about setting goals; it should actually have posts in it.

So, that’s exactly what I’ve done. The initial plan was for it to mostly collect recent articles from this site, along with a short pop culture thought.

Except that “short thought” was about Phineas & Ferb, and how can you expect me to just rattle off a quick blurb about that delightful show?

Instead, I ended up writing a full essay about how the series proves that even art made purely for fun can carry powerful, nourishing messages. I dive into its themes of creativity, imagination, and kindness, which are all things the world could use a little more of right now.

I’m pretty happy with how it turned out, and I’d love for you to check it out, and share your own thoughts or add a few ideas of your own. I want Life on the Balcony (and this site, too!) to become a lively, supportive community where we can celebrate stories that move us. Pop culture can be more than just entertainment; it can help us feel seen, build empathy, and inspire us to make a better world. I hope my writing reflects that, even in small ways.

While you’re there, I’d absolutely love it if you’d consider subscribing. My goal is to launch a paid tier in November, so this month is a free preview of what’s to come. The paid tier will include extra reviews, essays, and fiction.