SXSW, Ocean Dips, Cortado Tasting

Happy 6th Tuesday of 2026,

Welcome back to Stay Curious — a newsletter I write once per week on 3 things keeping me curious, or I send one of you $100 as a penalty. Cutting it close with a post 5pm send but it was just one of those days.

Here’s what’s on my mind this week:

1. Locked in for SXSW. You Going?

I’m going to SXSW in Austin, Texas next month. If you’re around, drop me a note.

If you’ve been, send me your recommendations.

I may co-host an event with a friend so if you’re keen to hear more, hit reply.

2. Ocean Dips in February

Last weekend I went for an ocean dip in Vancouver. In the middle of February. It was glorious.

It was cold, there was a sea lion a little too close for comfort, but it was a highlight of the week.

The cold dip reminded me that so many great things are waiting on the other side of 1 minute of pain. Just do it.

3. Cortado Flight Tasting

The other day I did a formal cortado, cappucino and machiato tasting with the Founder of Revolver Coffee, one of my favourite cafes in the city.

It was such a blast. But also a lot of caffeine.

There were four of us, and conversations just flowed. No place to be other than being completely present.

And it’s often in those moments that I find I have my best ideas for the month.

If you’re struggling with a big idea, work or personal, immerse yourself in something so present you force yourself to disconnect.

It may just pop a few new solutions into your head

Photo of the week:

Liked today’s deep dive? Forward it to a friend.

Stay curious,

Joel

You can hit me up on Twitter or LinkedIn. But the true besties hit me up on Strava and IG.

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