Carter Sherman Reflects on the Chilling Moments of Ocarina of Time

Carter Sherman has been diving into the intricate worlds of sex, gender, and the politics surrounding them for years. With a background as a senior reporter for an outlet and contributions to various publications, she’s earned accolades like a Scripps Howard Award, a National Press Club Journalism Award, and four Emmy nominations.

She’s also the author of *The Second Coming: Sex and the Next Generation’s Fight Over Its Future*, which explores how the internet and our divided political climate have reshaped sex and relationships, touching on everything from school board debates over sex education to abortion access. Currently, she’s at The Guardian, cohosting *Stateside with Kai and Carter*.

Sherman shared some insights about her coffee habits and her collection of inspiring quotes.

**What is your most indispensable tool?**
My French press. Being from Seattle, I like to think my coffee snobbery is well-earned.

**How many tabs do you have open right now?**
The limit does not exist.

**What game do you have the fondest memories of?**
*The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time*. As a kid, the music in the Deku Tree dungeon scared me to death.

**What is one thing you wish you had created?**
The “Happy Birthday” song. Just imagine the royalties!

**What creation are you most proud of?**
I’m incredibly proud of my book, *The Second Coming: Sex and the Next Generation’s Fight Over Its Future*. I interviewed over 100 people under 30 about their experiences and thoughts on sex in the wake of #MeToo, the pandemic, and the overturning of Roe v. Wade. It was an honor that so many felt comfortable sharing such personal stories with me. After a decade of covering reproductive health, gender, and sexuality, this book truly felt like the culmination of my work.

**What is your current obsession?**
*Rick and Morty*. I binge-watched the first eight seasons in just two weeks.

**What do you do when you’re feeling stuck?**
When I encounter a particularly striking piece of writing, I add it to a list in my Notes app. When I feel blocked, I scroll through that list. Sometimes, those phrases spark new ideas; they always remind me that good writing — the process of figuring out what you want to say — is worth the effort. (Some recent additions include: “little runs of laughter,” from Shirley Jackson; “with a glance like a lasso,” from Carson McCullers; “her voice was warmed through with nostalgia,” from Katie Kitamura.)

**What do you think is worth splurging on?**
Concert tickets.

**What would the tagline for your biopic be?**
At least she tried.

**What’s the last GIF or meme you used?**
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