John Siracusa and Merlin Mann try to figure out exactly how they got this way.

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Latest Episodes

#17: Don’t Touch the Banana

January 14th, 2016 · 132 minutes

After a discussion about The Game, which Merlin has finally watched all the way through, the boys tackle the topic of jobs. They discuss what they did or didn't learn from them, and how their younger work lives shaped their future employment choices.

#16: Ancient Bird

December 17th, 2015 · 126 minutes

John probes Merlin about why exactly he’s so interested in remembering and recording his whackadoodle dreams. We learn, for example, that Permiso delivers 3 to 5 surprises per day.

#15: Emotional Swimsuit Season

December 3rd, 2015 · 114 minutes

This week, your hosts cover TV buying decisions, the legacy of Star Wars, thoughts on holidays, and how to not end up raising Dudley Dursley.

#14: Children's Shoes

November 19th, 2015 · 113 minutes

This time out, John and Merlin start with a consideration of parenting advice and (surprise) the Star Wars prequels.

Then, the wardrobe is opened for a discussion of clothing. What your hosts choose to wear and why...

#13: The Mickey Suit

November 5th, 2015 · 156 minutes

This episode, John and Merlin have a spirited debate on netspeak and emoji talk (🤕👹😭), then address the Wonderful World of Disney (World), including what makes it great and what keeps it relevant.

#12: Hobbit Tendencies

October 22nd, 2015 · 159 minutes

The centerpiece of the episode is a lot of talk about travel, focused on the myriad reasons your hosts find it so terribly difficult. Observations on helplessness, motion sickness, money, and the titular "Hobbit tendencies" emerge.

#11: Frog Board Room

October 8th, 2015 · 92 minutes

John ruefully updates us on the stressful state of renovations to his house—and how his quest for quality collides with whatever passes for quote-unquote craftsmanship today.

#10: That Darn Cat

September 24th, 2015 · 177 minutes

The boys settle into a detailed exploration of "Merlin's world of music." From AM radio (through a pillow speaker) to abortive accordion and trombone lessons to impersonating Pete Townsend through the Bacon Ray years.

#9: Late Bloomer

September 10th, 2015 · 130 minutes

This week's main topic focuses on the many aspects of being a "late bloomer." From secondary sex characteristics and serial social prickliness through figuring out how to be in a family and studying the anthropology of the opposite sex.

#8: Devouring Essence

August 27th, 2015 · 143 minutes

John educates Merlin about the first-person shooter game, "Destiny." Merlin feels overwhelmed, while John says we're only seeing the tip of the iceberg.