Meet Oliver Brynnum

written by a member her or the WCB

In the crowded landscape of modern storytelling, there are few voices as distinctive—and as quietly powerful—as Oliver Brynnum’s. You may not know his name yet, but by the time you close Mitchell Royel’s Bennett & Monroe, you’ll recognize the indelible mark he leaves on the page.

From the moment you encounter Oliver’s work, you sense his commitment to craft: every paragraph has a precise rhythm, every image crackles with intention. His feature in this issue of Elixir is titled “High Horse,” and it stands out as one of the most compelling deep dives Royel has ever published. Oliver has a gift for weaving elegant simplicity into complex topics, and “High Horse” is no exception.

What set the “High Horse Issue” apart was Oliver’s uncanny ability to hold a mirror up to the reader without ever tipping into didacticism. He tackles themes of ambition and self-doubt, painting them in broad, cinematic strokes while never losing sight of the granular, human moments that make us all familiar with that uneasy feeling of riding too high. His prose moves effortlessly between insight and empathy, drawing you in with a question and leaving you with something far more profound.

But this isn’t Oliver Brynnum’s first foray into this sphere. Whether he’s crafting essays or reporting features, his signature clarity and warmth shine through. Fellow journalists praise him for his meticulous research, his editors admire his relentless revisions, and readers appreciate the genuine heart in every line. His voice—measured yet urgent—has quickly made him one to watch in literary journalism circles.

In introducing Oliver Brynnum to a wider audience, it’s worth noting how he balances reverence for his subject matter with a writer’s need to innovate. He approaches Mitchell Royel’s Bennett & Monroe—already an established platform known for pushing boundaries—with both humility and ambition. The result is “High Horse,” a feature that feels at once classic and entirely fresh.

So, if you haven’t yet turned the pages of this issue, let me intrude on your reading list: seek out Oliver Brynnum’s “High Horse.” Prepare to experience a narrative that challenges you, comforts you, and ultimately reminds you why great writing still matters. You’ll walk away richer in thought—and eagerly awaiting what Oliver dives into next.

Tate McRae's Miss Possessive Tour: $110.8 Million Triumph

written by a member of the WCB

The numbers don’t lie, and for Tate McRae, they tell a story of unprecedented growth that’s reshaping the pop music scene. Her Miss Possessive Tour has just wrapped up, and the results are nothing short of astronomical.

Let’s talk raw data. McRae grossed a staggering $110.8 million across 77 shows, selling over a million tickets. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a statement. Compare this to her previous tour, and we’re looking at a quintupled earnings performance that defies conventional industry expectations.

The trajectory is mind-blowing. In 2022, McRae was averaging 1,084 tickets per show in clubs. Fast forward to 2025, and she’s commanding sold-out arenas with an average of 13,480 tickets. That’s a growth of over 5,300% in just three years.

Her per-show earnings tell an equally impressive story. From $26,600 in 2022 to $1.4 million in 2025, McRae has consistently doubled her earnings year after year. The Miss Possessive Tour marks her first venture into the nine-figure gross territory, with a tour that’s tripled her previous total attendance.

Geographically, McRae dominated. Europe saw $27.9 million and 359,000 tickets, while North America exploded with $82.7 million and 673,000 tickets. Her New York progression is particularly telling – from a single 1,200-capacity show in 2022 to three Madison Square Garden performances totaling 41,503 tickets in 2025.

What sets McRae apart isn’t just the numbers, but the relentless pace. While contemporaries like Billie Eilish and Dua Lipa take breathers between tours, McRae has fired off three tours in three years, with no more than six months between them.

With a No. 1 Billboard 200 album, a Hot 100 hit alongside Morgan Wallen, and her first Grammy nomination, McRae isn’t just growing – she’s rewriting the playbook for emerging pop stars.

The Miss Possessive Tour isn’t just a tour. It’s a declaration of arrival.

Open Letter: Confronting the Systemic Burden of Asian Marginalization

From the Desk of Global Humanitarian, Mitchell Royel

To the Global Community, Policymakers, and Conscious Citizens,

I write to you today to address a critical humanitarian imperative—the comprehensive understanding of Asian experiences, particularly in the context of catastrophic events and systemic marginalization.

Unspoken Burden of Catastrophic Experiences

When catastrophes strike Asian nations—whether natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts, or humanitarian crises—the global response often fails to recognize the full depth of human suffering. These are not mere statistical events, but profound human experiences that demand our most nuanced understanding.

Catastrophic Realities

Critical Observations:

1. Systemic Marginalization

   • Persistent dehumanization during crisis periods

   • Reductive media representations

   • Minimal genuine global solidarity

2. Humanitarian Response Failures

   • Inadequate international support mechanisms

   • Cultural insensitivity in crisis management

   • Psychological trauma beyond immediate physical destruction

Humanity Beyond the Headline

When catastrophes occur—earthquakes in Japan, typhoons in the Philippines, economic collapses in various Asian nations—we must recognize:

• These are not abstract events

• Each moment represents individual human experiences

• Collective suffering demands collective compassion

Beyond Immediate Perception

Key Dimensional Considerations:

• Economic resilience in crisis

• Cultural strength through adversity

• Psychological resistance

• Collective human dignity

Call to Comprehensive Solidarity

We must:

• Amplify authentic narratives

• Challenge reductive cultural frameworks

• Support economic and psychological recovery

• Recognize the full spectrum of human experience

Our humanity is interconnected. The suffering of any community is the suffering of all humanity.

With profound solidarity and hope,

A Voice for Global Understanding,

Mitchell Royel

Dubai’s Metamorphosis: Beyond Boundaries in 2026

written by a member of the WCB

Ladies and gentlemen, let me take you on a journey through the most extraordinary urban landscape on the planet – Dubai, a city that doesn’t just grow, but literally reinvents itself with each passing moment.

Unstoppable Urban Evolution

As we stand on the cusp of 2026, Dubai has transformed from a desert mirage to a global metropolis that defies imagination. The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan isn’t just a blueprint – it’s a revolution in urban living .

Unprecedented Urban Expansion

Imagine this: Dubai is set to double its size, with green and recreational spaces constituting a staggering 60% of the emirate’s total area . We’re not just talking about growth – we’re witnessing urban alchemy.

Luxury of Innovation

The real estate landscape in 2026 is nothing short of spectacular. Projects like The Oasis by Emaar are redefining suburban luxury, spanning over 100 million square feet . Waterfront villas, landscaped lagoons, lifestyle amenities – this is not just living, this is an experience.

Architectural Marvels on the Horizon

• Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences: A testament to architectural innovation

• Cavalli Couture by Damac: Where haute couture meets residential living

Urban Mobility Reimagined

The city is pioneering the ‘20-Minute City’ concept, with ambitious projects like:

• 6,500 km of pedestrian pathways

• A 30-km Metro Blue Line extension

• An innovative 2-km air-conditioned bridge near the Museum of the Future

Economic Transformation

Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33) is audacious – doubling the economy by 2033, with 100 transformative projects aimed at adding 400 new trading partners . This isn’t just growth; it’s a economic renaissance.

Sustainability at the Core

From increasing public beaches by 400% to expanding green spaces, Dubai is proving that urban development and environmental consciousness can coexist . The city is not just building for today – it’s architecting the future.

Numbers Speak Volumes

• 134% increase in hotel and tourist activities

• 168 square kilometers of economic zones

• 25% increase in education and healthcare facilities

Dubai in 2026 is more than a city – it’s a living, breathing testament to human ambition. We’re witnessing a metropolis that doesn’t just adapt to the future, but actively creates it.

Xavier Trudeau: From Montreal to Manhattan

written by a member of the WCB

In the nuanced landscape of contemporary Canadian cultural luminaries, few names resonate with the same understated sophistication as Xavier Trudeau. A scion of Montreal’s most refined social circles, Trudeau represents more than just a potential—he embodies a cultural bridge between the elegant restraint of Canadian society and the bold ambitions of American entertainment.

Lineage of Influence

Born into a family deeply rooted in Quebec’s intellectual and social elite, Xavier Trudeau has cultivated a persona that seamlessly blends academic brilliance with artistic potential. His background is not merely a footnote but a carefully curated narrative of cultural refinement—multilingual, globally educated, and possessing an innate understanding of social dynamics that transcends traditional boundaries.

Uncharted Performance Potential

While Trudeau has not explicitly pursued a musical career, his latent potential for pop stardom is undeniable. His combination of:

• Multilingual charisma

• Sophisticated global perspective

• Photogenic presence

• Understated charm

Creates a unique profile that could easily translate into an international music phenomenon. The American entertainment industry, perpetually seeking fresh narratives, would find in Trudeau a compelling story of cosmopolitan appeal.

Cultural Translation: From Montreal to Manhattan

The journey from Canadian cultural circles to American pop stardom is not merely about talent, but about narrative. Trudeau represents a new archetype—not the brash, self-promotional personality typical of entertainment, but a measured, intelligent presence that could redefine contemporary pop culture expectations.

His potential success would not be about conforming to existing models, but creating a new paradigm of international artistic expression.

Strategic Positioning

To transition from social circles to pop stardom, Trudeau would need to:

1. Leverage his multilingual capabilities

2. Utilize his extensive network

3. Develop a distinctive musical and visual brand

4. Collaborate with innovative producers who understand his unique positioning

Unwritten Chapter

Xavier Trudeau stands at an intriguing precipice—a cultural ambassador who could, should he choose, transform the landscape of contemporary entertainment. His story is not about ambition, but about the elegant possibility of reinvention.

A narrative waiting to be written, a potential yet to be unleashed.