7 chapters across the catalog
A new Slack plugin called "Disco" is critiqued for bringing a "kindergarten" reward system into the professional workplace. The tool allows employees to give each other stars and emojis for completing tasks. The hosts argue this infantilizes the workforce and replaces meaningful one-on-one communication with superficial digital feedback.
Five G7 nations agreed to a plastics charter aimed at eradicating ocean pollution and increasing recycling. Justin Trudeau also emphasized the need for "lifelong learning" to prepare workers for a changing economy. This is contrasted with the story of the Triple Crown-winning jockey who succeeded after dropping out of high school to pursue horse racing.
The hosts discuss the trend of female celebrities and tech personalities claiming to be "geeks." They propose a rule that no one can call themselves a "geek girl" unless they have a ham radio license. They specifically name Molly Wood, Veronica Belmont, and Natalie Del Conte as candidates for this requirement.
Lance Ulanoff Podcast Article, Ben Hammersley Etymology
A recent article by tech journalist Lance Ulanoff regarding the state of podcasting is criticized for misquoting the hosts and misattributing the origin of the term "podcasting." While Ulanoff credits Ben Hammersley of The Guardian with coining the term, the hosts assert that Danny Gregoire was the actual creator. The segment highlights the perceived disconnect between mainstream tech journalism and the actual history of the medium.
A critique of the tech show Tekzilla leads into a technical tip for Linux users regarding the podcast downloader Moreau. PR associate Beck Fry provides advice on renaming podcast folders to avoid spaces, which can cause issues in Linux environments. The hosts reflect on the evolution of tech television from TechTV to modern web shows like This Week in Tech.
Adam Curry announces plans for the "Hot Pockets 2012" tour, traveling west of Austin in a Dodge Ram pickup. The tour will focus on listener-organized meetups of at least 50 people. The show concludes with a tribute to Ted Kennedy and a promotion for a "Book Guy" episode featuring Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont.
Golden Star Tea is a naturally fermented, sparkling jasmine tea brewed in small batches in Belmont, California. The product is discussed as a sophisticated non-alcoholic alternative to wine, featuring a memorable aftertaste. The hosts consider the brand as a potential sponsor for the show, noting its high production quality.
