Fits + Starts
31 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 5 years ago - ★★★★★ - 28 ratingsAn ongoing conversation about work, internet culture, and what it means to be a mindful 20-something at the beginning of your career.
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Episodes
30: Meritocracy ++
July 25, 2018 12:31 - 53 minutes - 49.5 MBWe like Notion (sort of), Daniel hates Basecamp, and John is prototyping board games. Then Daniel lays out his unified field theory of software engineering and pounds the table for collective bargaining.
29: Ominous death clock
February 14, 2018 08:00 - 37 minutes - 34.9 MBIn our season finale, we talk about time and attention. Daniel takes John to task about whether or not time exists. And then we talk about ego. We'll be back with Season 4 soon!
28: Heroic feats of workaholism (with Stephen Hackett)
January 24, 2018 08:00 - 45 minutes - 42.1 MBRelay.fm co-founder Stephen Hackett stops in to talk about the perils of finding personal identity in your work, whether or not it's important to "love" what you do, and the weird experience of having an emotional relationship with a corporation.
27: Discipline December pt. 2 (with Caleb Porzio)
January 03, 2018 08:00 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MBThis week we recap Discipline December. We talk discipline as a tool, the downside of letting fear motivate your work, and using experiments to diagnose your problems. Then John loses his mind over how much he loves “Holy Hour”.
26: Ego depletion
December 20, 2017 08:00 - 31 minutes - 15 MBWe return to form with this old school episode with no guest. John is having a hard time getting things done, and Daniel has ideas for how to help. We discuss working from home, making good check lists, slowing your roll, and taking notes.
25: Discipline December (with Caleb Porzio)
December 06, 2017 13:00 - 45 minutes - 41.7 MBDaniel is going to be disciplined for (almost) a whole month! This is a very meta episode: protestant work ethic, work habits, budgeting, food, exercise, checklists, tidying up, and more! Follow along with our progress in the link in the show notes. If you want to join along, shoot us a tweet. Special Guest: Caleb Porzio. Links: - [Discipline December SPREADSHEET](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fNUtSBERd1PvjjHj_xTDuxbTNQx_5hFwlD5AukTDlNU/edit#gid=0 "Discipline December SPREADSHEET...
24: Many a hustle (with Michael Johnson)
November 22, 2017 13:00 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MBLong time friend Michael Johnson calls in for our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY. We talk vlogging, managing multiple side hustles, unifying your life, finding identity, and living life without a calendar. Special Guest: Michael Johnson. Links: - [Patreon (Listener Support)](https://www.patreon.com/fitsandstarts "Patreon (Listener Support)") - [In which we try to think up a novel way to release music (this week's bonus content)](https://www.patreon.com/posts/in-which-we-try-15396135 "In which we try...
23: Total depravity (with Nancy French)
November 08, 2017 05:00 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MB4-time NYT Best Selling Author Nancy French shares her thoughts on being a Conservative writer in the era of Trump. Nancy recently left the Republican party and faced harassment from the Alt-Right. We also get into the relationship between pop culture and politics, and why Nancy pays more attention to Judd Apatow than Mike Pence! Special Guest: Nancy French. Links: - [iPhone X review & late capitalism scams (this week's bonus content)](https://www.patreon.com/posts/15236663 "iPhone X revie...
22: I call it poetry, you call it content (with Aaron Belz)
October 25, 2017 12:00 - 49 minutes - 45.9 MBJohn's cousin Aaron Belz drops by to talk about how businesses use language, the difference between students and young employees, how social media can shape the way people make creative stuff online, baseball, and more! Aaron is a poet and essayist who works in marketing. Special Guest: Aaron Belz. Links: - [Patreon (Listener Support)](https://www.patreon.com/fitsandstarts "Patreon (Listener Support)") - [Captain D's, please! (this week's bonus content)](https://www.patreon.com/posts/1499...
21: Thinking in public (with Mike Rugnetta)
October 11, 2017 12:00 - 50 minutes - 46.6 MBMike Rugnetta drops some knowledge about how to improve internet discourse, maintaining a productive comment section, focusing on the right stuff, why people join internet communities, and what it means for something to "end" on the internet. Lastly, we get into a discussion of video games that feel like work, and why we love them. Special Guest: Mike Rugnetta. Links: - [Fits + Starts Patreon (click here to support the show!)](https://www.patreon.com/fitsandstarts "Fits + Starts Patreon (c...
20: Talking about the show on the show
August 02, 2017 14:00 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBWe're about to take a short break! This episode is about where the show has been and where it is going. John sings the praises of incrementalism. Our list of dream guests is getting long. Links: - [Fits + Starts Listener Survey](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1NF2G-it-vfvxLwsJxh9NMSKbaFgVl6kUehizFX-4S3o/edit "Fits + Starts Listener Survey") - [Best way for artists and creators to get sustainable income and connect with fans | Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/ "Best way for artists and crea...
19: Idealogical Purity Ideas (with Brianna Wu)
July 19, 2017 12:00 - 55 minutes - 51.6 MBBrianna is running for Congress! She stops by to share her insights about the work of running a campaign, seeking to support people you don't agree with, and why Millennials need to take direct action instead of making symbolic political gestures. We also get into info security, online harassment, and then some inside-baseball talk about Apple and the future of gaming. We really hate asking, but your reviews on Apple Podcasts really do make a difference. Please consider rating and reviewing ...
18: Eventually it sucks less (with Merlin Mann)
July 05, 2017 16:00 - 59 minutes - 55.1 MBMerlin stops by to talk about finding a job that fits you, prototyping your future, and manufacturing care. Then we have a lot of rapid fire questions for him. Special Guest: Merlin Mann. Links: - [Independent Writer, Speaker, and Broadcaster - Merlin Mann](http://www.merlinmann.com/ "Independent Writer, Speaker, and Broadcaster - Merlin Mann") - [Merlin Mann (@hotdogsladies) | Twitter](https://twitter.com/hotdogsladies "Merlin Mann (@hotdogsladies) | Twitter") - [You Look Nice Today | A J...
17: Make the Internet Better (with Anil Dash)
June 21, 2017 10:00 - 59 minutes - 54.5 MBAnil Dash (Founder / Writer / Speaker / Blogger / Preeminent force on the Internet) argues for a new definition of "open" on the web. We ask for advice on how to be more inclusive as a non-manager. Daniel has some big ideas about infrastructure. Hit us up on Twitter: John: @johnrudolphdrex Daniel: @dcoulbourne Fits and Starts: @fits\_and\_starts Special Guest: Anil Dash. Links: - [Anil Dash (@anildash) | Twitter](https://twitter.com/anildash?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ct...
16: Six-month-ago You (with Adam Wathan)
June 07, 2017 12:00 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MBProgrammer, author, and teacher Adam Wathan stops by to talk about working in public, asking stupid questions, charting a weird career path, and dropping knowledge on your peers. Hit us up on Twitter: Fits and Starts: @fits\_and\_starts Daniel: @dcoulbourne John: @johnrudolphdrex Special Guest: Adam Wathan. Links: - [Adam Wathan's Website](https://adamwathan.me/ "Adam Wathan's Website") - [Adam Wathan (@adamwathan) | Twitter](https://twitter.com/adamwathan "Adam Wathan (@adamwathan) ...
15: Bottle Episode
May 24, 2017 14:00 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBWe just saw each other in Chicago! John is a friend of Tighten.co. The show is changing. John is afraid that his life is too comfortable. Daniel thinks it's all about leaning into your fear. We think that Donald Trump and Smash Mouth are indications that we are indeed living in a simulation. Hit us up on Twitter: John Drexler: @johnrudolphdrex Daniel Coulbourne: @DCoulbourne Fits and Starts: @fits\_and\_starts Links: - [Twenty Percent Time](http://twentypercent.fm/ "Twenty Percent Tim...
14: Obvious Questions Without Obvious Answers (with Estelle Caswell)
May 10, 2017 16:00 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBAlong with our guest Estelle Caswell, we discuss Twitter, YouTube comments, and how to handle negative feedback (especially in public). Then we talk about that magical moment when your work becomes less scary to you. Finally, we talk about Kanye West, Lil' Wayne, and Kendrick Lamar. Hit us up on Twitter! Fits and Starts - @fits\_and\_starts Daniel - @dcoulbourne John - @johnrudolphdrex Special Guest: Estelle Caswell. Links: - [Estelle Caswell (@estellecaswell) | Twitter](https://twit...
13: Motivating an Animal (with Matt Stauffer)
April 26, 2017 12:00 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MBMatt enumerates the differences between venture-backed and bootstrapped businesses. We discuss the difference between “useful” and “good” traits. Matt has some advice on how to talk about your strengths without sounding like a jerk, and then John meets a Titan of Industry. Hit us up on Twitter! Fits and Starts - @fits\_and\_starts Daniel - @dcoulbourne John - @johnrudolphdrex Special Guest: Matt Stauffer. Links: - [Matt Stauffer (@stauffermatt) | Twitter](https://twitter.com/stauffer...
12: Clearing Up Mindspace (with Jake Thomsen)
April 12, 2017 14:00 - 44 minutes - 41.8 MBGuest host Jake Thomsen explains the real meaning of great operations / processes. John tries (and fails) to apply economic ideas to his personal life. Daniel blows everyone's mind with some mysticism. And then Jake settles a long-standing debate about the Protestant Work Ethic! Hit us up on Twitter! Fits and Starts - @fits\_and\_starts Daniel - @dcoulbourne John - @johnrudolphdrex Special Guest: Jake Thomsen. Links: - [Jake Thomsen | LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakethomsen...
11: Everybody's My Boss (with Kelly Walker)
March 29, 2017 17:00 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MBWe discuss the very gross, but very real idea of personal brands. Kelly and Daniel talk about the exhausting plight of the freelancer. We also discuss turning your passion into your career, and mindfulness practices. Hit us up on Twitter! Fits and Starts - @fits\_and\_starts Daniel - @dcoulbourne John - @johnrudolphdrex Special Guest: Kelly Walker. Links: - [Kelly Walker Fine Art](http://kellywalkerfineart.squarespace.com/ "Kelly Walker Fine Art") - [Artstar Custom Paintworks](http:/...
10: Strapped to the Mast (with Zay Smallman)
March 15, 2017 12:00 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBAlong with our inaugural guest host Zay Smallman, we discuss who should and shouldn't take venture capital money, misadventures in Human Resources, and John takes Zay to task on strategy in the film industry. Zay is a co-founder at Fancy Rhino and Mama Bear Studios. Hit us up on Twitter! Fits and Starts - @fits\_and\_starts Daniel - @dcoulbourne John - @johnrudolphdrex Special Guest: Zay Smallman. Links: - [Fancy Rhino](http://fancyrhino.com/ "Fancy Rhino") - [Hunter Gatherer (2016)...
9: Expectations You're Not Entitled To
February 23, 2017 02:00 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBWe discus where the show is and where it's headed. John wonders about when the right time is to change careers. Daniel thinks it's important to check your entitlement. Then Daniel has some personal finance tips, and John buys a SodaStream! Hit us up on Twitter! Fits and Starts - @fits\_and\_starts Daniel - @dcoulbourne John - @johnrudolphdrex Links: - [Fits and Starts: 8: Maslow's Hierarchy of Goals](http://fitsandstarts.fm/8-maslows-hierarchy-of-goals "Fits and Starts: 8: Maslow's Hi...
8: Maslow's Hierarchy of Goals
February 08, 2017 08:00 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBWe talk about growing out of being a slug-like process person. John claims erroneously to be a Californian. What does it take to claim that you've been to a state? John was late to recording this episode because he has disabled all notifications on his devices. Hit us up on Twitter! Fits and Starts - @fits\_and\_starts Daniel - @dcoulbourne John - @johnrudolphdrex Links: - [Maslow's hierarchy of needs - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs "Maslow's h...
7: Fix Your Pet Bug
January 26, 2017 04:00 - 51 minutes - 47.6 MBWe talk about personality tests, and how they can guide your career path. Daniel is taken in by 16personalities.com. John wonders how to solve for his many shortcomings, and wonders if Daniel will be promoted to the level of his own incompetency. AND THEN DANIEL GETS ENGAGED. Hit us up on Twitter! Fits and Starts - @fits\_and\_starts Daniel - @dcoulbourne John - @johnrudolphdrex Links: - [down to chill | belz](https://belz.blog/2013/11/24/down-to-chill/ "down to chill | belz") - [Aaro...
6: Too Proud to Touch the Monolith
January 11, 2017 19:45 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBDaniel lays siege to Nevada. John has some existential dread about Apple. We discuss how to know when a project is working, and how to measure success. John has a great scam for Black Friday. Hit us up on Twitter! Fits and Starts - @fits\_and\_starts Daniel - @dcoulbourne John - @johnrudolphdrex Links: - [Anarchy - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarchy "Anarchy - Wikipedia") - [Socialism - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialism "Socialism - Wikipedia") - [Libert...
5: Closing the Gap
December 28, 2016 08:00 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBThe Greyhound bus system is a loosely held anarchy. Travel is insanity. It's hard to learn anything more from geniuses than how to hide your work. John moves back to the USA. Hit us up on Twitter! Fits and Starts - @fits\_and\_starts Daniel - @dcoulbourne John - @johnrudolphdrex Links: - [The Beatles - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles "The Beatles - Wikipedia") - [The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years (2016) - IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2531318/...
4: Internet Civics
December 14, 2016 06:30 - 41 minutes - 38 MBWe talk about working remotely, being a good citizen on the internet, and John's fridge. We appeal to your kind sensibilities to subscribe. Hit us up on Twitter! Fits and Starts - @fits\_and\_starts Daniel - @dcoulbourne John - @johnrudolphdrex Links: - [Slack: Where work happens](https://slack.com/ "Slack: Where work happens") - [Boards | Trello](https://trello.com/ "Boards | Trello") - [Google Hangouts](https://hangouts.google.com/ "Google Hangouts") - [Zoom.us](https://zoom.us/ "...
3: Five Jobs and a Bunch of Dogwhistles
December 03, 2016 14:00 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MBWe talk about the theoretical idea of a job and knowing what a job is like, our process of making the show. Hit us up on Twitter! Fits and Starts - @fits\_and\_starts Daniel - @dcoulbourne John - @johnrudolphdrex Links: - [Reserve Ratio](http://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/reserveratio.asp "Reserve Ratio") - [Federal Reserve System - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Reserve_System "Federal Reserve System - Wikipedia") - [Ben Bernanke - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.o...
2: Ducks in a Row
November 26, 2016 18:15 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MBWe discuss getting your ducks in a row, the connection between mental hygiene and corporate culture, and the phenomenology of dogs. Hit us up on Twitter! Fits and Starts - @fits\_and\_starts Daniel - @dcoulbourne John - @johnrudolphdrex Links: - [have one's ducks in a row - Wiktionary](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/have_one%27s_ducks_in_a_row "have one's ducks in a row - Wiktionary") - [You Look Nice Today | A Journal of Emotional Hygiene](http://youlooknicetoday.com/ "You Look Nice ...
1: Temporarily Embarrassed Millionaires
November 22, 2016 05:15 - 33 minutes - 31.7 MBWe discuss the phenomenon of visionary bro culture. Daniel wonders about why helpful people are helpful. We get an unexpected update from a college friend. Hit us up on Twitter! Fits and Starts - @fits\_and\_starts Daniel - @dcoulbourne John - @johnrudolphdrex Links: - [Fits and Starts: 0: Episode Zero](http://fitsandstarts.fm/episode-zero "Fits and Starts: 0: Episode Zero") - [Silicon Valley (TV series) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon_Valley_(TV_series) "Silicon Va...
0: Episode Zero
November 22, 2016 05:00 - 30 minutes - 29.3 MBWe figure out what the show is about. Daniel takes John to task on the Protestant Work Ethic. We reminisce about a DIY shelf, and we have two very different takes on how it was built. Hit us up on Twitter! Fits and Starts - @fits\_and\_starts Daniel - @dcoulbourne John - @johnrudolphdrex Links: - [Business Insider](http://www.businessinsider.com/ "Business Insider") - [Protestant work ethic - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestant_work_ethic "Protestant work ethic - Wikip...