The crude reality of debt
Plus Podenheimer, getting involved in local government as an antidote to political anxiety, that sweet Zelda music nostalgia, and more podcasts and links to make you think.
Welcome to Hurt Your Brain #187, the place to get podcasts and links that will make you think.
I’m still thinking about the ending of Oppenheimer, and also thinking about how I wish I lived near one of the few true IMAX theaters (a large majority are “fake,” or LIEMAX). I put together a short listening list for Oppenheimer content if you can’t get enough.
Listening to the last episode of The Retrievals made me think about podcast script writing, and specifically how good the Serial team is at it. The last and final episode does a remarkable job communicating ideas and stories in a surgically precise way.
Also, Radiolab’s description of how the Tunguska meteor event in 1908 could have been a micro black hole is one of the coolest things I’ve heard in a while (first story in the episode).
Alrighty, on to the main event.
PODCAST RECOMMENDATIONS
This Is Uncomfortable: The Crude Reality of Debt
The Big Idea: “Kate Beaton was determined to work her way out of debt. But nothing could have prepared her for the experience of working in the Canadian oil sands.”
I caught this in the feed of Death, Sex & Money and if you listen there, Anna Sale has a great intro to the episode. These two shows are a great pairing, and if you like the “money” parts of Death, Sex & Money, you’ll most likely dig This Is Uncomfortable.
The subject of the episode, Kate Beaton, illustrated a graphic novel about her experience (shown above as the official episode artwork). You know I immediately went to the library to pick it up after listening. I like it so far and love her drawing style.
When The People Decide: Peeling back the curtain on local government
The Big Idea: A show from Jenna Spinelle about how everyday people can shape democracy. This episode is a fantastic start to season two.
We zoom into Decatur, Georgia and witness how they supercharge civic engagement well beyond what you typically see in a small city. It’s all legitimately super interesting and it makes you realize local politics is where it’s at.
Other People’s Pockets: Philip Persson, Rock Salesman
The Big Idea: A show that gets into the nitty gritty around people’s jobs and their exact income trajectory. This episode about someone who makes a good living digging up minerals as well as buying/reselling them is quite fascinating.
I love hearing about entrepreneurs doing things that don’t involve tech or social media.
There is a good discussion (if left a little unresolved) around the ethics of buying rare minerals and crystals from certain parts of the world.
Twenty Thousand Hertz: Zelda — A Beep to the Past
The Big Idea: C’mon, do you expect me not to listen to and recommend an episode about how classic Zelda sounds were made? It’s quite simple: this is required listening if you have ever played or been around the sounds of a Zelda game.
Revisionist History: Taxonomy of the Modern Mystery Story
The Big Idea: If you like Malcolm Gladwell and would like to hear his theories around the outsized impact fictional police stories (across tv, films, and books) have had on our culture, you’ll enjoy this.
PODCAST LINKS
Podenheimer. Add these podcasts to your queue before (or after) seeing Oppenheimer.
Barbie as podcasts. This inspired me to make a Barbie podcaster in MidJourney.
VISUALS
The new kid on the block (podcasting) is just getting started.
People who love podcasts love libraries.
To listen to podcasts or an audiobook. A true dilemma of our times.
Podcasts are made out of podcasts.
OTHER LINKS
Obituary for a Quiet Life. “A man passes away without a word in the mountains of North Carolina, and his grandson sets out to write about the importance of a seemingly unimportant life.” This was quite moving. A resounding answer to the question I frequently imagine is at the center of modern life: “Can I live a happy life if nobody on social media knows that I do?”
FOR FUN
Life of a meme. So so true. Keep swiping over.
What eventually disappeared without anyone noticing? A pretty interesting Reddit thread.
Selfishly starting a pay it forward drive thru chain (worth watching twice after realizing what is happening).
Shorter version of The Lord of the Rings.
Alright that’s all for today. Please like or comment (or reply) if you want to share any comments. See you next time.