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

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Latest Episodes

#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.

#7: 50 Shades of John

August 13th, 2015 · 132 minutes

This week, John and Merlin do some follow-up on John's picky eating and his family's failures at meal planning. Both men cop to loving soup.

Then on to the big topic: how does John's mind work, and how did he get that way?