Pots Podcast Picks

A curated list of recommended podcasts. All shows & episodes are hand-picked by @DavidPots.

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Sturgill Simpson talks about "A Sailor's Guide to Earth"

from All Songs Considered on April 15, 2016

Episode summary from Pots:

Sturgill Simpson is a country (psychadelic, outlaw, alt) artist who recently released his third album, 'A Sailor's Guide to Earth' -- which penetrates into his recent experience having his first child. The album is fantastic, and in this interview he sits down with the All Songs Considered guys and gets to the core of what inspired the album, some of the production decisions he made, and what fatherhood has been like for him so far. Really great stuff.

Episode links:

For more All Songs Considered:

Is that an Echo?

from Exponent on March 11, 2016

Episode summary from Pots:

Ben and James discuss the Amazon Echo, Apple’s cloudy future, Google’s Missed Opportunity, and why Amazon has so much growth potential ahead of it. Some great insight into the Echo being the first big 'ecosystem' product released in a long time that does NOT involve a smartphone. Likewise, exploring Microsoft's inability to imagine a world where PCs weren't the hub; and the similar inability of Google/Apple to imagine a world where smartphones aren't the hub.

Episode links:

For more Exponent:

20 Takes on The Force Awakens

from Electric Shadow on December 30, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

In this episode, host Moisés Chiullan reached out to 20 of his film-loving podcasting buddies and collected from each a two-minute take on Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Having listened to 10+ hours of different podcasts talking about this movie, I found the format of this episode to be quite effective in conveying the breadth of different opinions on the film (as well as the areas of shared points-of-view). Good stuff!

Episode highlights:

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For more Electric Shadow:

A Stranger Among Us

from Lore on December 28, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Great dive into various folklore stories about the strangers who visit us: be they welcome or unwelcome; kind or malevolent; bearing gifts or something sinister. From Santa Claus to Krampus, from Peter Pan to the Pied Piper, and beyond -- good stuff here. Also some interesting bits about the profession of rat catching in the 1200s.

Episode links:

For more Lore:

Jay Leno

from The Joe Rogan Experience on September 3, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

I was never a fan of either Jay Leno's or David Letterman's late night shows -- they always felt too pedestrian, too obviously watering down their jokes, etc. This interview, though, made me wholly appreciate Jay Leno as a comedian independent of that part of his career. This episode is a nice talk between him and Joe Rogan where Leno talks about coming up as a comedian: challenges, how things have changed, what's stayed the same, and why he keeps himself so busy.

Episode highlights:

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For more The Joe Rogan Experience:

Devouring Essence (John Siracusa Explains Destiny)

from Reconcilable Differences on August 27, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

John Siracusa, the master explainer of things, describes his affection for the epic video game Destiny. Hearing him out is Merlin Mann, a relative newbie to the world of hardcode gaming. Siracusa's explanation is particularly admirable, given that most gamers would take so much of the basis for this discussion for granted. For context, Destiny is a recently released game from the team that created Halo (a huge franchise from the 2000s) -- and is stated to be the beginning of a "ten year plan". The first year of this "ten" is coming to an end, but it's all just getting started. Siracusa tries to explain all this. Listen to him.

Episode highlights:

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For more Reconcilable Differences:

Robert Rodriguez

from Nerdist on August 17, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Here's a great conversation with filmmaker Robert Rodriguez (El Mariachi, Sin City, Spy Kids, and the new TV network 'El Rey'). Rodriguez's career is a noteworthy one because of his irreverence: he has frequently eschewed many of the conventional filmmaking production processes that add unnecessary cost and complexity. By keeping costs and budgets very low, he maintains a sense of freedom and independence that isn't ordinary. The conversation includes talk of the importance of action before inspiration, the importance of constraints, his friendship with Tarantino in the early '90s, and much more.

Episode highlights:

Episode links:

For more Nerdist:

DMV Nation

from Reply All on August 6, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Even though technology evolves at a rapid clip, US government agencies seem trapped about a decade in the past. PJ talks to technologist Clay Johnson about why the government is so unable to adapt, and what it would look like if it could keep pace with the rest of the world.

Episode highlights:

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For more Reply All:

Being Batman (For Now)

from Imaginary Worlds on July 29, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

They say you shouldn't meet your heroes because you might be disappointed. What happens when you're told from now on you are your childhood hero? For many people that would be a metaphor but that actually happened to Scott Sndyer when DC Comics assigned him to write Batman. It was hard to avoid emulating the other versions of Batman he loved, so he decided to pretend that he made up the character by himself. Scott's fears and anxieties became Bruce Wayne's.

Episode links:

For more Imaginary Worlds:

#614: The President Was Here

from WTF with Marc Maron on June 25, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Having just finished interviewing President Obama in his garage, Marc Maron recorded his immediate reaction. It's fantastic. A good, super-fresh account of his state-of-mind -- plus, a wonderful bit of insight from his producer Brendan McDonald about how this interview happened in the first place. Learn how Maron prepared for the interview, how Brendan dealt with Secret Service logistics in the studio, and all sorts of other wonderful logistical insights.

Episode highlights:

Episode links:

For more WTF with Marc Maron:

#613: President Barack Obama

from WTF with Marc Maron on June 22, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

A fantastic, down-to-earth and no-nonsense conversation between Marc Maron and Barack Obama. The human experience of what it's like being president, including: college, fitting in, race relations, gun violence, changing the status quo, disappointing your fans, comedians, fatherhood and overcoming fear. This episode gets at the heart of what I love most about podcasting: cutting through the pretense and the crap; letting the core of the conversation shine through.

Episode highlights:

Episode links:

For more WTF with Marc Maron:

Marc Maron's Experience Interviewing President Obama

from Fresh Air on June 22, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

A few hours after his interview with President Obama, Maron talks to Terry Gross about the experience. How it came to be, the preparation, what it is like to have the President in your garage, having your neighborhood taken over by the Secret Service, etc. Great behind-the-scenes look at what went into it all.

Episode highlights:

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For more Fresh Air:

Ramin Djawadi on composing the 'Game of Thrones' theme song

from Song Exploder on June 11, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Musician Ramin Djawadi gives a fantastic breakdown of what went into composing the main title theme for HBO's Game of Thrones. He talks about the different elements in the piece, and how themes within the show inspired his composition, and what informed his choice of instruments.

Episode links:

For more Song Exploder:

#1: We All Ruined It Together

from Reconcilable Differences on June 3, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

In this inaugural episode, John Siracusa and Merlin Mann (two of my favorite podcasting and internet humans) begin framing the conversation on exactly how they got how they are. From the dungeons of Usenet to the dragons of roving bullies – origins are explored, awkwardness is catalogued, and differences are provisionally reconciled. Good talk from beginning to end; gets me very excited for this podcast.

Episode links:

For more Reconcilable Differences:

Chris Sacca on Being Different and Making Billions

from The Tim Ferriss Show on May 30, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

In this episode, Tim Ferriss has a great conversation with his good friend Chris Sacca. Sacca is a newly minted billionaire who focuses on early-stage investments in companies like Twitter, Uber, Airbnb, Dropbox, Instagram, Kickstarter, and many more. In this talk, Ferriss and Sacca discuss unfair advantages, how Chris chooses founders and investments, stories of missed opportunities, the styles that differentiate Wall Street from Silicon Valley investors, and how keg parties can liberate law students from the tyranny of class (Chris completed law school without attending any classes). If you haven't heard Sacca's first apperance on This Week in Startups (with host Jason Calacanis), that is also an absolute must listen -- he goes into his incredible origin story which he only skims the surface of here.

Episode highlights:

Episode links:

For more The Tim Ferriss Show:

'Sloppy on the Side', with guest Adam Lisagor

from The Talk Show With John Gruber on May 7, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

John Gruber talks with his longtime friend Adam Lisagor. The topic of the day is general excitement about the just-released Apple Watch, given the understanding that Apple doesn't release brand-new-things all that often. A fun conversation, with some valuable insight and observations about the potential future of the platform.

Episode links:

For more The Talk Show With John Gruber:

All Songs +1: 'Baltimore'

from All Songs Considered on May 1, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Following the week of unrest in Baltimore after the death of Freddie Gray, the folks at All Songs Considered had asked listeners for songs they'd been turned on to in the past week. The song mentioned most was Randy Newman's "Baltimore" -- or more specifically, Nina Simone's cover from 1978. This episode is a quick look at the song and why it resonates so powerfully nearly 40 years after Randy Newman first wrote it. This is a short but poignant episode where the hosts introduce the song, the context around it, and let the music stand on its own.

Episode highlights:

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For more All Songs Considered:

Rembert Explains: Baltimore

from Grantland Pop Culture on April 29, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Following the week of the unrest in Baltimore following Freddie Gray's arrest/treatment/death/funeral, a collection of writers were invited to join Rembert as they spoke candidly about how they were feeling, reacting, and coping in the moment. Guests include: Jamil Smith, Doreen St. Felix, Hillary Crosley Coker, Jamilah Lemieux, and Mychal Denzel Smith. Some of the topics discussed: respectability politics; media reaction; distraction, posturing, and blame; the culture surrounding police brutality; celebrity reactions; and what The Wire has to do (or not) with everything going on.

Episode highlights:

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For more Grantland Pop Culture:

The Story Behind Mark Ronson's Hit Song "Uptown Funk"

from Fresh Air on April 18, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

A conversation with Mark Ronson -- accomplished DJ, producer, and musician -- who has most recently been in the spotlight for his song "Uptown Funk" featuring Bruno Mars (which just ended a 14-week run at number 1 on the Billboard charts). Ronson talks about the long and sometimes arduous process of recording "Uptown Funk"; his work with Amy Winehouse on the "Back to Black" album; growing up in New York City in the late 80s and what his influences were; how he got his start as a DJ and eventually a producer; and what it was like to grow up with his stepfather Nick Jones (cofounder and guitarist for Foreigner), and so on.

Episode links:

For more Fresh Air:

#1: They Made a Tonic

from Lore on April 17, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

This is the debut episode of Lore, a new podcast about the cross-cultural history behind the scary stories we all grew up with. This episode looks at vampires, and looks at the various cultural influences and historical events that influenced the vampire mythos. Topics include: a brief survey of vampire-like back-from-the-dead entities across various cultures; Victorian anxiety about death and the fear of being buried alive; tuberculosis outbreaks in the 1800s and the panic of the dead feasting on the living; and the events and influences that lead to Bram Stoker's famous depiction of Dracula in his 1897 novel. A very promising podcast so far (3 episodes have been released as of me writing this) -- I recommend it for sure.

Episode links:

For more Lore:

Politics of Thrones

from Imaginary Worlds on April 16, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Insightful look at the politics in George R. R. Martin's "Game of Thrones" series and how they parallel our own post-Cold War landscape. The host speaks with Dan Drezner from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and Tim Westmyer from The Rising Powers Initiative about how Daenerys Targaryen wields her trio of dragons like a nuclear triad, and why King Joffrey was like Kim Jong Un. Struggle for power, what makes a good leader, and what happens to purely (un)-moral characters in a fantasy world that isn't at all black-and-white. Note, this is *generally* spoiler free (aside from the overall plot setup, specific events from later books aren't really covered).

Episode links:

For more Imaginary Worlds:

#3: The Big Lebowski – "A Life of Achievement"

from 5by5 at the Movies on April 15, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

A beautiful discussion of "The Big Lebowski" and everything surrounding it. If you're a fan of the movie, check this out. Featuring hosts Dan Benjamin and Merlin Mann, two podcasting all-stars who are among my favorites, who do this discussion its proper justice. Much anticipated, instant classic.

Episode highlights:

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For more 5by5 at the Movies:

#1: Rich Corinthian Leather

from Welcome to Macintosh on April 14, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

When I saw my social feeds recommending this new show, I thought "Just what we need... another Apple podcast." This one, however, is a terrifically produced first episode that is 100% worth listening to. This particular entry covers the rise and fall of skeuomorphs at Apple, specifically the influence of "rich corinthian leather" and how textures fell into heavy use in early Macs. Guest Dave Wiskus gives an excellent overview of skeuomorphic design, focusing on user interfaces Apple has created over the years. An apt analogy is made comparing heavily skeuomorphic digital interfaces to 1990s popular music -- specifically looking at the way grunge was received by some critics ("no talent, noise") versus how various grunge bands found success playing on MTV's Unplugged series (stripped down and intimate, though it was the same songs). Good first episode, I recommend it.

Episode highlights:

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For more Welcome to Macintosh:

Watch the Thrones: Season 5 Preview

from Grantland Pop Culture on April 10, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

On the eve of Game of Thrones' 5th season on HBO, some great discussion from Chris Ryan, Andy Greenwald, Mallory Rubin, and Jason Concepcion about what to expect and look forward to. The hosts do a great job breaking up the interview into three segments: first, some general catchup and anticipation; second, a look at some of the new characters we'll meet in the 5th season of the show; third, a discussion about the book series and how they relate or differ from the show so far. These hosts know their stuff, and the flow of these conversations is pretty great. Entertaining all around.

Episode highlights:

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For more Grantland Pop Culture:

The Calendar

from 99% Invisible on April 8, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

A history of how humans have evolved the design of the calendar as a tool for measuring time. Begins by looking at the Roman calendar, its Julian replacement (following Julius Caesar's hangouts with Cleopatra), the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, and failed attempts of recent years to have more sensible calendars implemented across society. Topics include 13 month calendars, adding an extra month, leap years, how to handle holidays, and recent serious efforts to reform calendars from the past 150 years.

Episode links:

For more 99% Invisible:

#76: Adam Carolla – Comedian, Podcaster, Filmmaker

from The Wolf Den on April 2, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Comedian, television host, author, filmmaker and podcaster Adam Carolla joins Adam Sachs on The Wolf Den to discuss the business side of his many endeavors. Carolla recalls that the idea to podcast was born from the fact that his morning show on terrestrial radio was number two online. So, when that gig ended in 2009 he knew where there was a ready audience. He explains how that fit his overall business strategy, which is 'somewhere between proactive and reactive,” seizing opportunities and then going with what makes sense along the way. Then Carolla describes the origin of his new motivational “Take a Knee” podcast as part of the subscription-based Adam Carolla Show Archive. Finally, he offers up advice for budding podcasters.

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For more The Wolf Den:

"Blood on the Tracks" 40th Anniversary

from Dad Rock on March 27, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Hosts Patrick Foster and Jim Lenahan celebrate the 40th anniversary of Bob Dylan's masterpiece with a track-by-track breakdown of 'Blood on the Tracks.' Plenty of Dylan banter throughout: how each of the hosts got into Dylan, their favorite of his albums, Dylan's personal life, and many cool stories about the production of this album.

Episode highlights:

Episode links:

For more Dad Rock:

Hulk Hogan

from The B.S. Report with Bill Simmons on March 25, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan visits the Grantland studio and talks with Bill Simmons about the evolution of the sport, the time he spent in Japan, tearing his biceps lifting Andre the Giant, and much more. Simmons is a lifelong pro wrestling fan, and his genuine adoration for Hogan and the the industry shines through. Absolutely worth a listen.

Episode links:

For more The B.S. Report with Bill Simmons:

#66: The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide with James Fadiman, Ph.D

from The Tim Ferriss Show on March 21, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Jim Fadiman has been called “America’s wisest and most respected authority on psychedelics and their use,” having been involved with psychedelic research since the 1960s. In this episode, him and host Tim Ferriss discuss the immediate and long-term effects of psychedelics when used for spiritual purposes (high dose), therapeutic purposes (moderate dose), and problem-solving purposes (low dose). Fadiman outlines best practices for safe “entheogenic” voyages learned through his more than 40 years of experience–from the benefits of having a sensitive guide during a session (and how to be one) to the importance of the setting and pre-session intention.

Episode links:

For more The Tim Ferriss Show:

The Watch is Coming

from Resolve on March 19, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

One the surface, this might seem like just another tech discussion about the Apple Watch – but these guys do a fantastic job getting to the core of how the tech industry often totally misses the point when covering the appeal of Apple products. Focusing on the Watch, they discuss why people buy watches in general; the reason people buy luxury items; how the rest of the watch industry will be effected by Apple’s entry; and so on. This episode features guest Ariel Adams who writes line at ‘A Blog to Watch.’

Episode links:

For more Resolve:

#37: Apple Watch, Take Two

from Exponent on March 14, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Of the handful of episodes I listened to discussing the 2015 'Spring Forward' Apple Event (recorded 6 weeks before the Watch's release), this one was the best and most insightful. General discussion around the Apple Watch, including: the wearable market that will be created; how Apple is uniquely positioned (because of fan affinity) to solve the chicken/egg problem with this new market; a well articulated vision of how the Watch might improve daily life a few seconds at a time throughout the course of a day; and general talk of the Watch's role in Apple's product lineup. Also, some chatter about the new single-port MacBook that was just announced.

Episode highlights:

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For more Exponent:

#147: Dr. Drew

from The Duncan Trussell Family Hour on March 13, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Great discussion between these two friends (who are both among my all-time favorite radio/podcast personalities), where each is enthusiastically picking the other's brain with regard to their areas of expertise. That being, Duncan's experience in the psychedelic space and Drew's experience in medicine, treatment, and addiction. Topics include a general discussion of psychedelics (including the benefits and risks); the morality of chemical substances (or lack thereof); ideology in the societal discussion around drugs, treatment, the war on drugs, and legalization; Drew's recent drug debate with Nancy Grace; mythology, symbols, and how psychedelic experiences can relate to innate human visions; and human sacrifice (including celebrity rehab, NFL & concussions). Plus a bit of Buddhism and mindfulness talk, as per usual Duncan.

Episode highlights:

Episode links:

For more The Duncan Trussell Family Hour:

#289: Overdue Analysis

from Common Sense with Dan Carlin on March 9, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Dan has a couple of issues he’s been meaning to get to... a bit about guns, a bit about Marijuana, a bit about everyone’s Intolerable Oppression limits. He offers a bit of popcorn analysis on all of them.

Episode highlights:

Episode links:

For more Common Sense with Dan Carlin:

Buddhism, Science, and Scientism

from Buddhist Geeks on March 4, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

In this keynote from the 2014 Buddhist Geeks Conference, Dr. Charles T. Tart addresses the convergence of spirituality, science, and scientism. Out of the gate, he covers some important differences between science and scientism -- and how a blind adherence to the latter can in fact hurt our collective ability to grow and adapt going forward. He also summarizes the collective body of research that supports the serious consideration of various paranormal topics: ESP, remote viewing, reincarnation, out of body & near death experiences, and so on. An insightful lecture, given Tart's very level-headed approach to potentially loaded topics. Dr. Tart has been involved with research and theory in the fields of Hypnosis, Psychology, Transpersonal Psychology, Parapsychology, Consciousness and Mindfulness since 1963.

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For more Buddhist Geeks:

#77: Dazed and Confused

from Come and Take It on March 2, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

A conversational journey back in time to Austin, 1976 to talk about Richard Linklater's film Dazed and Confused. Quentin Tarantino called it one of the best films of the 90's. For many fans, Dazed and Confused represents Texan director Richard Linklater's mainstream cinema debut and a launching pad for fellow Texan and Academy Award Winner Matthew McConaughey’s film career. But this movie tells a wonderful personal story of youth in Texas. Recommended episode by all means.

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For more Come and Take It:

#106: That’s Slightly Right

from Accidental Tech Podcast on February 27, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Continued discussion of the theories surrounding Apple's involvement in the automobile space. The final half hour is the main reason I'm sharing this (start at 1:06:53) – Marco test drives a Tesla and gives a thorough recap of the experience and describes what sort of disruption we're seeing the start of right now.

Episode highlights:

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For more Accidental Tech Podcast:

La Mancha Screwjob

from Radiolab on February 25, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

A look at the blurry line between reality and fantasy, as seen through both professional wrestling and Don Quixote. The first segment takes us back to 1997, when the infamous 'Montreal Screwjob' changed how pro wrestling dealt with authenticity and the fourth wall. The second segment takes us back 400 years to the release of Miguel Cervante’s Don Quixote, which was similarly groundbreaking in how it employed a meta-narrative to upend traditional ideals of storytelling authenticity. Combined, some great insight in how our evolving forms of entertainment relates to narrative, storytelling, reality vs. fantasy, canonical authorship vs. fan fiction, and so on.

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For more Radiolab:

Remembering Harris Wittels

from WTF with Marc Maron on February 19, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Comedian and writer Harris Wittels passed away on February 19, 2015. This is Marc’s conversation with Harris, originally posted on September 16, 2013. Plenty of casual talk about Harris' relationship to drugs, which is hard not to focus on given his death ~15 months after this was recorded. Otherwise, lots of good talk about Harris' upbringing and intro to comedy. Also, some good music and concert talking – including some great tales of Harris' time following Phish on the road.

Episode highlights:

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For more WTF with Marc Maron:

Behind the App #1: History

from Inquisitive on February 18, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Myke Hurley brings the production value of 'StartUp' (etc) to the typical tech/Apple/interview show -- and the wait was worth it. In this first entry of his new Behind the App series, Hurley looks at the beginnings of iOS app development, focusing on the introduction of the iPhone and the App Store. A wonderful survey of what the mobile landscape was like before iPhone; how the iPhone was initially received after its 2007 launch; the waiting period before Apple opened iOS up for native apps; and how the App Store was received. Features pre-recorded interview insights from Marco Arment, Jason Snell, Matthew Bischoff, Guy English, Padraig Kennedy, Oisín Prendiville, David Smith and Greg Pierce.

Episode links:

For more Inquisitive:

Our Computers, Ourselves

from Invisibilia on February 13, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

A wonderfully crafted episode looking at the ways technology affects our lives. Are computers changing human character? Is our closeness with technology changing us as a species? Some great insight into how our devices can enhance our core human capacities; how society reacts to the introduction of new devices; and how emotions (sadness, anger, happiness) can literally be transfered to others through these tools.

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For more Invisibilia:

#101: John McAfee

from The NextMarket Podcast on February 10, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

There may not be a more fascinating person in the world of tech than John McAfee. As the inventor of first antivirus software, McAfee's had a fascinating career that's been periodically interspersed in recent years with international intrigue (he left Belize after what he describes as a 'war with the Belize government') and has had multiple threats on his life in the last few years. He talks about these incidents, but also about his beginnings in programming dating back to the late 60s (punchards! no monitors!), his time in Silicon Valley in the 70s and 80s, and those early days when his antivirus software went viral. We also talk about the future and what McAfee sees as mankind's biggest threat in AI.

Episode highlights:

Episode links:

For more The NextMarket Podcast:

The Trust Engineers

from Radiolab on February 9, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

A fascinating glimpse under the hood of Facebook's research lab, where various facets of our online experience are carefully crafted and refined. Discussion of the various platform experiments we're all a part of, the ethics of doing such research, and the promise (or danger) of performing social science on a scale previously thought impossible.

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For more Radiolab:

#233: Selective Amnesia

from The Incomparable on February 7, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Some solid comic book nerdery is in full effect in this episode. This discussion goes far beyond the details of any specific comic, instead taking the chatter to a higher level that applies to the plight of any comic-book reader. Topics include comic book continuity and the storytelling ramifications at stake (being bound to prior events, or being free to forget and rewrite history); the business decisions made by publishers (marketing students, crossovers, etc) used to sell comics; and the management of comics intellectual property in this modern age where TV and film considerations can't be ignored. Panel members share highs and lows of their comic book fandom with regard to being won over, or feeling swindled, by some of these storytelling and publishing decisions.

Episode highlights:

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For more The Incomparable:

#31: The Hulk Doesn't Kneel

from 5by5 Specials on February 7, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

A short and charming episode with Dan Benjamin, the founder of 5by5, who chats with his 7 year old son Cash. Cash talks about being a big brother, what he thinks of Google, the iPhone 6 and 6+, phablets, the role of iPads and computers in education, Grek Pak, black mambas, Stan Lee's Superhumans, and more.

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For more 5by5 Specials:

#28: 'The Commander Thinks Aloud' by The Long Winters

from Song Exploder on January 30, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

On February 1st, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart while reentering the earth’s atmosphere. John Roderick, singer and songwriter of The Long Winters, wrote 'The Commander Thinks Aloud' about that fateful moment. This episode was made from an interview done with John Roderick in front of a live audience in Seattle, where we discussed how and why he made this song.

Episode highlights:

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For more Song Exploder:

American Football

from Radiolab on January 29, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

A fascinating look at the history of American football, focusing on the game's roots in the late 1800s. Topics include the newly formed Carlisle Indian School being an unlikely rival to the Ivy League incumbents; Pop Warner's entry as a pioneer of innovating strategy and tactics; how many of today's rules came to be. I would recommend this episode to anyone, whether they be a fan of the sport or not.

Episode links:

For more Radiolab:

#140: Tim Ferriss

from The Duncan Trussell Family Hour on January 29, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Two of my favorite podcast dudes of the past few years, finally on a show together. Duncan interviews Tim Ferriss, who is a lifestyle author (4 Hour Body, 4 Hour Work Week, etc) who has also found recent success in angel investing and running his own podcast (The Tim Ferriss Show, which is one of my favorites of 2014). One might think Tim and Duncan have radically different viewpoints on approaching mastery, but the conversation unfolds beautifully and two are able to relate in many unexpected ways. Topics: writing, routine, general body hacking, Tim's experience with psychadelics, yoga, and 'woo-woo' (for better and worse), Ganesh and plenty of Buddhism.

Episode highlights:

Episode links:

For more The Duncan Trussell Family Hour:

#44: Duncan Trussell

from Warrior Poet Project on January 27, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Good friends Duncan and Aubrey tear it up in this spirited chat -- a great one from beginning to end. The pair discuss Buddhism, meditation, psychadelics; personal accomplishment and folly; when kindness surpasses the need to be right; ayahuasca and plant medicine; reincarnation and the trajectory of consciousness; holding on to fear and letting go of suffering.

Episode links:

For more Warrior Poet Project:

#303: American Sniper

from /Filmcast on January 27, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

A thoughtful discussion around American Sniper: first on the film's effectiveness as a piece of art and entertainment; second on the various political realms the film's reception has spilled into. The hosts of this show do a good job dividing these two areas of discusssion as much as possible. Includes talk about the strengths and weaknesses of Eastwood's directing style; similarities (and differences) between the reception to this film compared to 'Lone Survivor' and 'Zero Dark Thirty'; what happens when one's criticism of art is equated with one's political beliefs; and so on.

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For more /Filmcast:

#93: Parsing Design with Andy Budd

from The Web Ahead on January 23, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Guest Andy Budd discusses how the profession of web design has changed over the last two decades. Discussion of how design is valued, agency vs. in-house design, job titles, UX vs UI design, the abundance of options re: design tools, and a great analogy involving cargo cults. If you are a designer or work with one, this episode is highly recommended.

Episode links:

For more The Web Ahead:

Someone Else’s Acid Trip

from Freakonomics Radio on January 22, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Where digital culture and analog living fuse, there is Kevin Kelly: founder of WIRED, publisher of the Whole Earth Catalog, author, and all around rad dude. This is a short, accessible interview with Kelly that I would recommend to anyone. Topics: how Kelly was hired online back in 1983 (!); his take on the story of technology and humankind's relationship to it; living with the minimal amount of technology to get the maximum benefit; and 'the hippie revolution and the computer revolution [being] nearly one and the same.'

Episode links:

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#3: I’m Tired of Looking at Apps (feat. Wilson Miner)

from Design Details on January 20, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Terrific discussion with Wilson Miner, an insanely thoughtful and talented designer well-known for his work at Apple, Rdio and Facebook. Topics include game design, Wilson's favorite products, and fusing your projects with passion.

Episode links:

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#566: Richard Linklater

from WTF with Marc Maron on January 15, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Director Richard Linklater takes Marc through the unprecedented 12 year process of making his latest film, Boyhood, and goes into detail about Dazed and Confused, Matthew McConaughey, School of Rock, Waking Life, the Austin Film Society and much more.

Episode links:

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After Things: Approaching New Projects

from Weird Things on January 14, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

The guys talk about selecting and working on new projects. Topics include finding work on TV, thriving on YouTube, creating your own category, turning down projects that trap you, and more.

Episode links:

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#207: Irresistible Complexity

from Developing Perspective on January 10, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

A consideration of the forces that make keeping software stable over time difficult. The result can apply to small projects as well as to a company as large as Apple.

Episode links:

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The Secret History of Thoughts

from Invisibilia on January 9, 2015

Episode summary from Pots:

Co-hosts Alix Spiegel and Lulu Miller ask the question, 'Are my thoughts related to my inner wishes, do they reveal who I really am?'' The answer can have profound consequences for your life. The two main segments look at (1) dark thoughts and our relationship to them; and then (2) a man who was trapped in his body with only his thoughts.

Episode highlights:

Episode links:

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#106: 'Star Wars Holiday Spectacular' with John Siracusa and Guy English

from The Talk Show With John Gruber on December 31, 2014

Episode summary from Pots:

An impressively insightful and thorough chat about the Star Wars movies. Features special guests John Siracusa and Guy English. Very quality and high-class geekery in full effect here.

Episode links:

For more The Talk Show With John Gruber:

#29: Drones

from Exponent on December 19, 2014

Episode summary from Pots:

Ben and James have a thoughtful discussion all about drones. Weighing the perceived problems with them, the question of how to regulate them (if at all), how they could be used for terrorism, and how you balance upside and downside. Fantastic, insightful conversation that feels very prescient.

Episode links:

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The Year In Music 2014

from All Songs Considered on December 4, 2014

Episode summary from Pots:

How will we remember the music of 2014? All Songs Considered starts off NPR Music’s year-end coverage by discussing themes that surfaced again and again: new discoveries, best live shows, saddest records and missed gems.

Episode links:

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#3: We Know What You Did

from Reply All on December 3, 2014

Episode summary from Pots:

Twenty years ago, Ethan Zuckerman did something terrible on the internet: he invented what would become the pop-up ad. Today, he’s still living with the consequences. A fascinating recap of how this discovery came about and how it all went wrong. Amongst other things, a nice taste of how the internet used to be (Tripod, Geocities, etc).

Episode links:

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#607: Michael Ironside

from Nerdist on December 3, 2014

Episode summary from Pots:

Michael Ironside chats with Chris about why Canadians are so funny (and don’t know it), why he has played so many serious roles in his career, and his role in the new movie Extraterrestrial. He also talks about his two fights with cancer and what he learned from thinking he was going to die.

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#236: Harris Wittels Returns

from You Made It Weird on November 19, 2014

Episode summary from Pots:

Harris Wittels returns to chat with Pete about death, drugs, coping, and the future. A somewhat prescient conversation, given Harris' death 3 months after this was recorded. Harris talks about what was going on in his life as his addictions took firmer hold over him and describes bumping up against rock bottom a few times. Some great stories about trying to make it work with his Scientologist girlfriend and some epic quests finding drugs in LA's MacAurthor Park. Altogether, a terrific (and sad, in retrospect) conversation.

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#169: The Mother of All Podcasts

from The Bryan Callen Show on November 14, 2014

Episode summary from Pots:

In this interview, Bryan and Hunter draw together the lessons they’ve learned over their most recent podcasts. Full of self-awareness, conclusions, insights, and realizations.

Episode links:

For more The Bryan Callen Show:

James Andrew Miller on SNL

from The B.S. Report with Bill Simmons on October 31, 2014

Episode summary from Pots:

James Andrew Miller, author of 'Live From New York,' describes on his favorite moments from the history of 'Saturday Night Live'. Great discussion of the ever-changing cast and the different eras we fondly remember. Includes talk about favorite skits, most prolific cast members, chemistry of 'Weekend Update', and so on.

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Episode links:

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#161: Michael Malice

from The Bryan Callen Show on October 14, 2014

Episode summary from Pots:

In 'Dear Reader: The Unauthorized Autobiography of Kim Jong Il', Michael Malice takes you through the life of North Korea’s dictator as he would have seen it. In this interview, Michael Malice tells us why he felt compelled to write the book and gives us a look not just inside the Hermit Kingdom but inside the thoughts and psychology of dictators and the people they oppress.

Episode links:

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#552: Kid Cudi

from The Joe Rogan Experience on September 22, 2014

Episode summary from Pots:

Joe Rogan sits down with Scott Mescudi (aka Kid Cudi), the American recording artist and actor from Cleveland, Ohio. Topics include: drugs/lifestyle/addiction, hypnosis and quitting cigarettes, psychedelics, float tanks, horror movies, the evolution of his albums relating to his life situation, work ethic, music recording process.

Episode links:

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#83: Strange Letter

from Tangentially Speaking on July 31, 2014

Episode summary from Pots:

One morning, Chris Ryan (the host of this show) found a letter on the windshield of his car. In this episode, he reads it. The result is a short but striking episode that touches on dignity and death, confession and outreach, urgency and helplessness.

Episode links:

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The Good Show

from Radiolab on December 14, 2010

Episode summary from Pots:

This episode (which is one of my all-time Radiolab favorites) explores a question that haunted Charles Darwin: if natural selection boils down to survival of the fittest, how do you explain why one creature might stick its neck out for another? Do we really live in a selfish, dog-eat-dog world? Or has evolution carved out a hidden code that rewards genuine cooperation? Memorable topics include game theory, the prisoner's dilemma, reciprocation in trench warfare, a daring subway rescue, and the extremes of altruism.

Episode links:

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