Subtitle: “I’m Not Worried. I’m Concerned.”

What happens in the bathroom can no longer stay in the bathroom.

For this month's members-only bonus show, Merlin shares his surprising Vacation Results.

You can sign up today to hear all the member episodes, get more bonus stuff, and, yes, support our program.

(Recorded on Monday, April 3, 2023)

This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code DIFFS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

• Audio Editor: Jim Metzendorf
• Admin Assistance: Kerry Provenzano
• Music: Merlin Mann
• The Suits: Stephen Hackett, Myke Hurley

Get an ad-free version of the show, plus a monthly extended episode.

How To Pronounce Slainte - YouTube

Florence Y'all Water Tower - Wikipedia

Toilet seat example of Secret Weird Things People Do

Poll: Do you have a cup in the bathroom?

Poll: For non-cuppers only

Non-Cupper Definition of Terms

does-the-peloton-ceo-drink-water-like-this.html">I’m Sorry, WHAT Does the Peloton CEO Do Every Morning?

Photos of attic water tanks in Ireland

Water tank house diagram

Rat-Water thread with Kieran Healy

David O’Doherty's comedy song about his water tank

Back to Work #85, featuring a public bathroom RPG

Things I recommend you buy and use, by Sam Bowman

Pink Uber | Do By Friday

This week’s challenge: share private mind motions.

Subtitle: A Brimley Vibe

Things kick off with Merlin teaching John a thing people used to say in Florida. Then, John ends up repeatedly having to say a phrase that doesn't really seem like the kind of thing that John ever says. Old concert t-shirts are researched and considered.

This somehow leads to a discussion of where things go that then transitions nicely into a new installment of the fan-favorite "Secret Weird Things People Do."

John has discovered a community of people who seem to kind of know what they're doing is weird, and Merlin repeats an anecdote about when he almost lost his mind from washing dishes with the absolutely incorrect soap.

Things conclude with a pop quiz and another plea to stop putting things on the stairs.

(Recorded on Tuesday, March 21, 2023)

This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code DIFFS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

• Audio Editor: Jim Metzendorf
• Admin Assistance: Kerry Provenzano
• Music: Merlin Mann
• The Suits: Stephen Hackett, Myke Hurley

Get an ad-free version of the show, plus a monthly extended episode.

Meniscus

Van Halen 1980 Invasion t-shirt

Van Halen in concert - June 12, 1981, Oakland Coliseum Stadium

493-part-of-an-amp.html">Roderick on the Line #493: Part of an Amp

The Simpsons - messy kitchen gag

Meet the Secret Society of People Who Piss in the Sink

Things kick off with Merlin's noisy electronic livestock and a frustrating health update from John. Whose family now hates him.

In Follow-Up, Mr. Siracusa provides his son with a correction on The Novocaine Story, which leads to a digression into how John's dad writes text messages........

This ends up providing a great segue into the main topic: how memory breaks, and how we try to address it.

Because, as you quickly realize, many memories involve other people who have—well—different memories. But, also, why did I go to the garage, because I'm pretty sure I went there for a reason.

For this month's members-only bonus show, your hosts talk about artsy-fartsy video games like Life is Strange and What Remains of Edith Finch

You can sign up today to hear all the member episodes, get more bonus stuff, and, yes, support our program.

(Recorded on Monday, March 6, 2023)

This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by:

• Burrow: Discover the new Outdoor Collection. Get 10% off your first order.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

• Audio Editor: Jim Metzendorf
• Admin Assistance: Kerry Provenzano
• Music: Merlin Mann
• The Suits: Stephen Hackett, Myke Hurley

Get an ad-free version of the show, plus a monthly extended episode.

Heavyweight #16: Rob

The podcast episode about the misremembered broken arm.

The Foot Fist Way

The Doorway Effect

Memory biases

SS.pdf">Araby, by James Joyce (PDF)

It's barely SIX pages long. Read it!

Paul's Case (short story)

Forgetfulness, a poem by Billy Collins

Billy Collins reads his poem, Forgetfulness

John’s “Great Games” list

The Secret World of Arrietty

Red Flag Perfume by Chanel - SNL - YouTube

Compulsion: Cologne - SNL - YouTube

Subtitle: “You Haven’t Earned a BM”

Things kick off with Merlin auditioning a new on-air style, and John coughing in a way that portends imminent health developments.

Unsurprisingly and delightfully, there is a lot of really good Follow-Up on John's recent medical adventure. Listener-experts chime in on all manner of issues. Also John reveals his test results, and Merlin feels like a hungry man.

Things seem to be wrapping with an update on John's Unexpected Side Effect, but then they end up talking about food and medicine for, like, twenty more minutes.

(Recorded on Tuesday, February 21, 2023)

This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code DIFFS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

• Audio Editor: Jim Metzendorf
• Admin Assistance: Kerry Provenzano
• Music: Merlin Mann
• The Suits: Stephen Hackett, Myke Hurley

Get an ad-free version of the show, plus a monthly extended episode.

ATP #523: I Can't Give Him the Carrot Fast Enough

"Pre-show: ✅ ATP hat-trick achieved ☹️"

Why Smells and Memories Are So Strongly Linked in Our Brains

The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry: The Mind Numbing Medicine

ATP Eats: Frozen Dinners

Hand-in-ice-water memory experiment (PDF)

Alpine Pastry Shoppe

Emilio's Pizza

Branchinelli's Pizza

dinners.html">Libbyland Dinners

Follow-up brings updates on skiing metaphors and ideas for tricking your brain into drawing a little better.

Then, for the balance of the episode, John shares details of a recent medical adventure. Including an unexpectedly positive side effect.

For this month's members-only bonus show, your hosts talk about The Last of Us in its incarnations as both a prestige TV show and a video game series.

You can sign up today to hear all the member episodes, get more bonus stuff, and, yes, support our program.

(Recorded on Tuesday, February 7, 2023)

This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code DIFFS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

• Audio Editor: Jim Metzendorf
• Admin Assistance: Kerry Provenzano
• Music: Merlin Mann
• The Suits: Stephen Hackett, Myke Hurley

Get an ad-free version of the show, plus a monthly extended episode.

The Gluck Method

My Year of Rest and Relaxation

“I’m the best there is at what I do but what I do best isn’t very nice.”

Magnesium citrate

The Last of US Part 1 for PS5 (disc)

The Last of US Part 1 for PS5 (digital)

Merlin talks about episode 4 of The Last of US on The Cast of Us podcast

John talks about The Last of Us (PS3) on The Incomparable

John talks about The Last of US Part II on The Incomparable

John’s “Great Games” list

Things kick off with a consideration of John's theoretical funeral. Merlin can't understand why John won't adopt him.

In Follow-Up, your hosts briefly consider their recent bicentennial and agree that words about parts or multiples of a thing are way too confusing.

As a main topic, John has questions about Merlin's fraught history with drawing. What's it take to get good at a thing you care about, and what motivates us to stick with it?

Things end up touching on grit-adjacent stuff like consistency and tenacity. But, whether or not one is gifted, it does seem like we naturally tend to pursue things we like doing. Which just as naturally can make it difficult to stick with the things that don't come so easily. Gotta really pile up that paper.

Comparisons between the habits of making music and writing are made, and differences are easily reconciled regarding the genius work of Jonathan Coulton.

John thinks Merlin missed the focal plane on a photo he used to think was pretty good. Merlin recalls a movie poster whose Renaissance-era optical trick first made him wish he could draw better.

(Recorded Tuesday, January 24, 2023)

This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by:

• Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free.
• Burrow: Get 10% off your first Burrow order.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

• Audio Editor: Jim Metzendorf
• Admin Assistance: Kerry Provenzano
• Music: Merlin Mann
• The Suits: Stephen Hackett, Myke Hurley

Get an ad-free version of the show, plus a monthly extended episode.

“I Was a Starter Wife” - Inside America's Messiest Divorce

John's Destiny character drawing, by EmilyMeganX

Some of John's childhood artwork

Spud Webb

Merlin's video game tweet

The Chapman Stick

Jazz Guitarist Stanley Jordan Shows “Touch” Technique

John’s original “Hypercritical” article

Lessons on How to Draw by Hokusai

Jonathan Coulton’s song, Shop Vac

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND, Original Stephen Spielberg Movie Poster – Original Vintage Movie Posters

Things kick off with Merlin pressing John for some candid advice on a new affectation he's been considering. John is certain that using a Dremel is not actually part of Merlin's job, but Merlin's not so sure. Photos of Mr. Miyazaki are reviewed.

In Follow-Up, John has some toe updates. Mere moments after swearing he's not going to make noises and recoil, Merlin makes several noises and recoils.

Next up, John's favorite band announces a new project to release a bunch of cover versions of songs from their back catalog. This leads to a surprisingly wide-ranging discussion of a music industry that continues to evolve quickly and which now seems to necessitate an entirely new kind of creativity.

This week's member episode is already one of Merlin's favorites, so it's being included here so everybody can check it out.

The topic? What's a thing you had as a kid that you kind of wish your kids could've had?

Is it ahistorical to wish your progeny had gotten to see an epic baseball lineup? What exactly might happen if you tried to recreate your own free-range childhood? Did having less information lead to a deeper understanding of context and the parameters of the world? And, which kinds of community and scarcity feel elusive or even just irreproducible today?

If you'd enjoy hearing more from John and Merlin, we hope you'll consider becoming a supporter of the program.

And, hey. Thanks for sticking around through 200 of these things.

(Recorded on Tuesday, January 10, 2023)

This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code DIFFS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

• Audio Editor: Jim Metzendorf
• Admin Assistance: Kerry Provenzano
• Music: Merlin Mann
• The Suits: Stephen Hackett, Myke Hurley

Get an ad-free version of the show, plus a monthly extended episode.

Miyazaki documentary trailer: The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness

Does Miyazaki drink his coffee from a Totoro mug? You’re goddamn right he does.

Upcoming U2 album will feature 40 new versions of old U2 songs

John Denver Country Boy - BBC Documentary (2013)

Listen to Your Heart - original, by Roxette

Listen To Your Heart (Edmee's Unplugged Version) - YouTube

Listen To Your Heart (Edmee's Unplugged Version) - song.link

Born Fighters (1979) - Documentary about Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds & Rockpile

1984 Mongoose Californian (black)

1984 Mongoose Californian (blue)

1984 Mongoose Californian (red)

Merlin's Wisdom Project

"It's only advice for you because it had to be advice for me."

Hayao Miyazaki, creativity, and selfishness

"THE CREATIVE PROCESS IN 43 HAYAO MIYAZAKI SCREENGRABS"

almanac.com/teamstats/roster.php?y=1975&t=CN5">1975 Cincinnati Reds Roster | Baseball Almanac

14 Pete Rose

Morgellons - Wikipedia

Morgellons is not well understood, but the general medical consensus is that it is a form of delusional parasitosis, on the psychiatric spectrum.

Moops | WikiSein | Fandom

'Born Fighters' 1979 Documentary Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds & Rockpile - YouTube

This Granada TV documentary follows the recording process, circa 1978-1979, of Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds

FlyLady.net: Your personal online coach to help you gain control of your house and home

Purple Puddles | FlyLady.net

Playlist: "It Means That I Love You" - An Evening with Rockpile - YouTube

Spotify – Slate's Hit Parade: Angry Young Men Edition

Three punk sophisticates helped invent New Wave.

How three British post-punkers named Joe, Graham, and Elvis helped “write the book” on New Wave.

Nick Lowe - (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding (Live on 89.3 The Current) - YouTube

Brinsley Schwarz - (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding - YouTube

Cheap Trick: Steve Albini Sessions 1997 - YouTube

Merlin is pretty proud of his dinner, but John has questions about the dressing situation. Merlin may not understand how skiing works.

In Follow-Up, John shares more voices from the past, and your hosts confront an escalating international rift about the existence of a facial expression.

Finally, it's time for Holiday Results, which somehow includes strong opinions on labeling leftovers, preparing strawberries, and sweating le mot juste. Also, ponies are considered.

This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by:

• Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free.
• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code DIFFS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
• Burrow: Get 10% off your first order.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

• Audio Editor: Jim Metzendorf
• Admin Assistance: Kerry Provenzano
• Music: Merlin Mann
• The Suits: Stephen Hackett, Myke Hurley

Get an ad-free version of the show, plus a monthly extended episode.

Max Kreienbaum on "frown"

Canecittadino on "frown"

Jonny Eklund on "frown"

Imre on "frown"

Mark Steadman on "frown"

Cai on "frown"

Florence Pugh being vaguely frown-y

The Wonder

Frontline: The Merchants of Cool

John's birthday carrot cake recipe, from Ina Garten

Laurie Anderson - "Language is a Virus" (1982) - YouTube

Los Angeles Plays Itself (2003) - Reference View - IMDb

A documentary on how Los Angeles has been used and depicted in the movies.

Meditations On Moloch | Slate Star Codex

Like all good mystical experiences, it happened in Vegas.

Chloë Grace Moretz Answers the Web's Most Searched Questions | WIRED - YouTube

‎John Siracusa’s films • Letterboxd

John has watched 204 films rated ★★½ .

Things kick off with a consideration of mouth noises and beloved bits. This leads to a look at entertainment that functions as comfort food. Wanna know what you're playing for?

Lot of great listener Follow-Up this week, including more on British facial expressions, hassles for the proper Lex, and some prior art around "sharrow."

The main topic relates to John's family archive project producing some remarkable voices from the past.

For this month's members-only bonus show, the topic is Andor.

You can sign up today to hear all the member episodes, get more bonus stuff, and, yes, support our program.

(Recorded on Tuesday, December 13, 2022)

This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by:

• Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code DIFFS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

• Audio Editor: Jim Metzendorf
• Admin Assistance: Kerry Provenzano
• Music: Merlin Mann
• The Suits: Stephen Hackett, Myke Hurley

Get an ad-free version of the show, plus a monthly extended episode.

Vincent Schiavelli - IMDb

What is a STROAD? - YouTube

Strong Towns - YouTube

Videos on the topics of StrongTowns.org, mostly about the financial viability of cities, and insolvent cities of America and Canada.

Moist and Worried - Corner of the Sky #25 - The Incomparable

Merlin talks about "Free to Be…You and Me."

'Highlights: what we may call today “gender equity,” non-musical, Cincinnati, proto-Terry Crews, my cool baby, sharing media across generations, a (not so) surprising amount of Hamilton talk, the kids are alright, columnists.'

William Katt - "Corner of the Sky" (from "Pippin") - YouTube

Merlin shares a new insight about the pre-flight, but, as usual John disagrees. Then, there's some discussion of playlists and that time John got Merlin into Chvrches.

There appears to be some continental disagreement about a ubiquitous facial expression, and John directs Merlin on some more of the things he supposedly pronounces weirdly. Your hosts might could want to explore the things it took them too long to realize, and Merlin graciously reads John one of his dreams.

Follow-Up turns to the continuing mishegas over on The Bird Site. Yikes. And this was even before they added the bedrooms and gave a copy of the keys to a right-wing nutty bar. Woof.

Eventually, this leads to a slight turn into how different people are exploring Mastodon. Do you treat it strictly as a Twitter replacement, or is it maybe a fresh opportunity to learn how a social media site wants to be used? Merlin misses a lot about LiveJournal, and John is just happy to be someplace that isn't owned and controlled by The Birthday Boy.

John's goodnatured insistence that Merlin's household acquire a dog is starting to have an impact, and John leads us on a close exegesis of an unpersuasive Billy Joel photo.

Finally, talk turns to Christopher Nolan in general and the movie Tenet in particular. How can you know when you're not supposed to understand what's happening in a film? Also, can an SUV really go that fast in reverse, or is that just because it's driving on the backwards side of the time partition? Who knows.

Also, good robots are considered, and Merlin extolls the virtues of the Mr. Noodle family.

This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by:

• Burrow: Get $75 off your Burrow purchase—plus, fast & free shipping.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

• Audio Editor: Jim Metzendorf
• Admin Assistance: Kerry Provenzano
• Music: Merlin Mann
• The Suits: Stephen Hackett, Myke Hurley

Get an ad-free version of the show, plus a monthly extended episode.

Dril speaks on Musk and Twitter - The Washington Post

The ‘patron saint of the internet’ tells The Post he’ll never pay for verification but will learn to code if Musk offers him a job

The Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man guitar pedal

CHVRCHES - Screen Violence

Don't chase your dreams! Humans are persistence predators…

Twitter is no longer enforcing the COVID-19 misleading information policy

I Will Follow

Movetodon.org - A tool for porting your follow list from Twitter to Mastodon

Fedifinder - Another tool for porting your follow list from Twitter to Mastodon

Hotline

LiveJournal

Maillard reaction 🦆

TARS

NaN Cat #1

NaN Cat #2

Mastodon's Eternal September begins

K-2SO

Rogue One teaser - "I rebel."

Primer

Primer diagrams

Spotify – Pretty Maids

"These are runs of two or more consecutive album tracks that rule. If you play the first song, you must play the others. I do not, as @darth says, make the rules."

Random impressions - YouTube

Spotify – Pretty Maids

"These are runs of two or more consecutive album tracks that rule. If you play the first song, you must play the others. I do not, as @darth says, make the rules."

"Mary, Mary, quite contrary" by Mother Goose

"…And pretty maids all in a row."