In each episode of the Lens, we’ll discuss five titles we think you need to be up on: a book, a TV show, a movie, a music release, and a podcast. Together they make a curated “Shelf”—a collection of works that moved us and that we think might move you, too.

So…in our most recent episode, Kim shared that she’d come across a new Blues song in her YouTube feed called “Step by Step in Time” by an artist named Benny Rivers. At first, she really liked it. Problem was, Kim thought something was just off.

After a bit of digging, the mystery was revealed: The song was 100% generated by AI.

It triggered a lively conversation about “What is it that makes art human in an age increasingly shaped by AI?” and “Don’t we have the right to know?”

These questions stay with us. One thing that’s not a question: Each pick we share with you will be 100% Organic.

The Book: “The Constitution”

Melissa Murray

A modern look at how constitutional principles shape American law, politics, and everyday life.

Why We Picked It

Melissa Murray is someone whose work we’ve admired for years, as a constitutional scholar and as a public commentator seen on MSNow, CNN, and more. This is a time when discussions about the Constitution often generate more heat than light, but we love this effort to help people understand what the document actually is—and isn’t.

Beyond serving as an accessible reference, Murray’s book illuminates fascinating backstories behind the people, the times, and the battles that went into each article and clause of the Constitution. You’ll appreciate it even more after reading this book.

Click to Experience It

The TV Show: “Man on Fire”

Starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

A reboot of the revenge-thriller classic centered on a former operative drawn back into danger.

Why We Picked It

Sometimes a recommendation doesn’t require a lofty appeal.

Look, we love the original Man on Fire starring Denzel Washington, and when we learned it was being reimagined with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in the lead role, they had our attention.

Not every pick has to change your life. Sometimes a title earns a place on the shelf simply because it looks like a compelling story told by talented people.

Click to Experience It

The Movie: “Michael”

Starring Jaafar Jackson

A biopic chronicling the life, music, and controversies of Michael Jackson.

Why We Picked It

Few artists have generated as much amazement—and as much debate—as Michael Jackson.

For us, we didn’t expect this film to resolve the contradictions surrounding Michael’s life. Quite the opposite. We’re interested because it revisits questions we’ve been wrestling with for decades: how do we reconcile extraordinary art with deeply troubling allegations and personal shortcomings?

For real, we love Mike, we love his music. But we don’t love the hurt of it all. And we’re still processing the whole thing a decade later. No matter where you land on the debate, you can’t deny that Michael Jackson’s story remains one of the most consequential stories of our time.

Click to Experience It

The Music: “The Bridge”

Sonny Rollins

Rollins’ landmark 1962 album, recorded after a self-imposed hiatus devoted to artistic renewal.

Why We Picked It

Earlier this year, we lost Sonny Rollins, one of the true giants of jazz.

What captivates most about The Bridge isn’t just the music, which is dope—it’s the story behind it. At the height of his success, Rollins stepped away from performing because he believed he could become better. For two years straight, he practiced 15 hours a day beneath New York’s Williamsburg Bridge, searching for new levels of mastery.

This album marked his return.

As people who believe growth requires intention and humility, we find this story incredibly inspiring. And you will love the sounds.

Click to Experience It

The Podcast: “Carlos”

Hosted by Carlos Watson

A long-form interview podcast exploring culture, politics, business, and public life.

Why We Picked It

You can say that Carlos Watson truly endured an Odyssey. He’s now in his Second Act, and we’re supporting the brother.

We’ve known Carlos professionally over the years and admire his curiosity, intellect, and ability to draw interesting perspectives out of people. For example, check out his 2004 interview with a then-young upstart named Barack Obama. His new venture, Rose Media, co-founded with his sisters Beverly and Carolyn, pursues an uplifting mission and contributes meaningfully to national conversations about culture, family, politics, business, and life.

The first few episodes will remind you why his voice needs to be part of the current discourse.

Click to Experience It

This Episode’s Shelf:

Five works.

Five perspectives.

One Shelf.

A nation searching for its principles.

A warrior answering one last call.

A legend confronting his legacy.

A master pursuing mastery.

A visionary writing his second act.

This was our Shelf.

Tell us what you’re putting on yours.

And we’ll be back on our next episode with five new titles just for you.

🎯 We pick ‘em so you can click ‘em.