July 19, 2016 at 5:15PM •
1 hour 42 minutes
TOPIC: Way of the future.
This week, Dan and Merlin continue their discussion on updates to their systems and their productivity worlds. In particular: how have new technologies and critical masses of users led to wanting or needing fewer intermediary communications layers?
For years, email was more than just the lingua franca; it was that one internet communication protocol that every user could be counted upon to have and use.
But, today? Options, baby, options! Sometimes for worse, but, so often, for much better.
July 12, 2016 at 3:30PM •
1 hour 37 minutes
TOPIC: Updates on Productivity and a modern Kobayashi Maru Scenario
This week, Dan and Merlin start a new series on updates. Which sounds really boring, but it isn't, we swear.
This time out, the boys start by diving deep on how and why just so much of their productivity systems have changed over the years. Innumerable ways in which technology and life has evolved to where so many of the old systems seem fiddly, unnecessary, or both.
[This is a good one.]
July 5, 2016 at 3:45PM •
1 hour 41 minutes
TOPIC: …and, then what happens?
This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the unexpected cognitive benefits of ritual, repetition, and thinking through the fascinating question: "…and, then what happens?"
June 28, 2016 at 5:30PM •
1 hour 30 minutes
TOPIC: People, amirite?
This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the complexities of communicating with each other. And, brother, is it ever complicated.
June 21, 2016 at 3:30PM •
1 hour 37 minutes
TOPIC: Varieties of pain.
This week, Dan and Merlin talk about Dan's progress on building fireside.io and its imminent beta release. Lots of fascinating details on why he's made it and who it might be great for.
Then, there's discussion of the unexpected mental benefits of physical training, and the influence that various sorts of pain (real or imagined) can have on us.
June 14, 2016 at 3:30PM •
1 hour 36 minutes
TOPIC: Merlin's never sent his heartbeat.
This week, Dan and Merlin talk about some of this week's WWDC announcements, the past and future of Apple, and that awkward feeling of wondering whether and when new technology is personally relevant.
June 7, 2016 at 3:15PM •
1 hour 36 minutes
TOPIC: Fill one bag.
This week, Dan and Merlin talk about our relationship with the stuff in our lives and how overwhelming it can be. Solutions are offered—throw out that old cinnamon!
May 31, 2016 at 5:00PM •
1 hour 36 minutes
TOPIC: Disruptions in Service
This week, Dan and Merlin talk about that ineffable but growing feeling of disconnection from the collections we used to treasure. Music, Photos, Movies, Books—all the stuff we increasingly entrust to The Cloud.
Seems like there's a weird confluence of changing culture and buggy technology that makes us feel sadly meh about making everything work. And that feels weird.
Also? Don't be Randyll Tarly. That guy's a total choad.
May 24, 2016 at 4:45PM •
2 hours 8 minutes
TOPIC: True or false dilemmas?
This week, things kick off with a discussion of how to be helpful. Especially at your kid's school, but really just in general. This leads to a rumination on "roots" and what makes us feel like we're part of a community.
The main topic is about the future of machine learning, voice control, and all things "smart." What do we want, what can we imagine, and how do our own biases and habits constrain our sense of possibility?
May 17, 2016 at 4:15PM •
1 hour 42 minutes
TOPIC: Such small hands.
This week, Dan and Merlin talk about Dan's acquisition of an iPhone SE and how much he's loving it. This leads to some ruminative discussion about how we pick devices based on how we prefer to use them.
Also, some love for Spider-Man in the Civil War movie.
