Reconcilable Differences
367 episodes - English - Latest episode: 29 days ago - ★★★★★ - 421 ratingsJohn Siracusa and Merlin Mann try to figure out exactly how they got this way. Hosted by Merlin Mann and John Siracusa.
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Episodes
232: Ham Means One
April 11, 2024 17:30 - 1 hour - 95.7 MBJohn guides Merlin through an unusual form of communication. This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by: Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code DIFFS. Links and Show Notes: John guides Merlin through an unusual form of communication. So unusual is this form of communication that its interrogation continues through the members-only bonus episode. Remember, you can sign up today to hear all the member episodes, get more ...
231: The Seventh Segment of a Seventh Segment
March 29, 2024 19:45 - 1 hour - 81 MBSubtitle: Merlin only ate one. Topic include perception, misdirection, binaries, and how it is that "Survivor" so rarely leaks. This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by: Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code DIFFS. Links and Show Notes: Things kick off with the usual problems, and then somehow there's a whole thing about magic tricks, perception, and misdirection. John cannily coins "The Reverse Columbo." In Follow-Up,...
230: The Definite Particle
March 15, 2024 16:15 - 1 hour - 93.3 MBSubtitle: The usage is "chiefly British." A new season of Survivor brings an amazing new dingaling with a novel definition of "several." Then, John chats with Merlin about his recent Apple Vision Pro experience. This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by: Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code DIFFS. Links and Show Notes: Things kick off with having already begun, then there's some words that also mean their opposite, and ...
229: A Layer of Proscenium
March 01, 2024 19:30 - 2 hours - 132 MBSubtitle: You have desk at home. Follow-up, Billy Joel, and Apple Vision Pro. This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by: Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code DIFFS. Links and Show Notes: John doesn't like how Merlin starts the show but, unsurprisingly, has nothing better to offer. Counting is discussed. Then, there's a tangent on the peculiar joys of long-running videos series. Then there's a lot of really good listene...
228: Big Filter Boy
February 16, 2024 21:15 - 1 hour - 86.3 MBSubtitle: I never said she stole my money. John has Follow-Up on the Ides of March that leads to an examination of Roman numerals, contextual adjectives, and the challenge of adapting software for the peoples of Volapük. This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by: Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code DIFFS. Links and Show Notes: John has Follow-Up on the Ides of March that leads to an examination of Roman numerals, conte...
227: Settled Business
February 02, 2024 06:45 - 1 hour - 95.9 MBSubtitle: John is not a candle person. Your hosts begin unpacking some of the things it took them too long to realize This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by: Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code DIFFS. Links and Show Notes: John has thoughts on how home chefs overcomplicate Italian recipes, and Merlin administers a pop quiz. What starts as quick Follow-Up leads to a discussion of UNIX history, culture, and philosoph...
226: A Weak Button
January 19, 2024 19:30 - 1 hour - 82.7 MBSubtitle: John thinks Merlin was overkissed. John shares some updates on "Secret Weird Things [Other] People Do," This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by: Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code DIFFS. Links and Show Notes: John thinks Merlin is wasting his time trying to tune his news consumption, and Merlin reveals that he knows more than you'd probably think about women's fashion. In Follow-Up, a listener has question...
225: Leavings and Learnings
January 05, 2024 22:30 - 1 hour - 107 MBSubtitle: Merlin has a had a lot of hospital. On the complexities and frustrations around seeking medical help. Especially when it involves more than just finding an egg. This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by: Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code DIFFS. Links and Show Notes: Things kick off with some TV talk and a consideration of sane and civil ways to watch TV with a partner. In Follow-Up, there's more on this who...
224: A Second Lap of the Babies
December 23, 2023 01:45 - 1 hour - 77.9 MBSubtitle: The One with the Chapters. The main topic this week is ideal versus actual holiday plans. Links and Show Notes: "Suggest podcast chapters for this episode. Aim for 15-20 chapters overall. Try to name the chapters descriptively and split them apart when the script moves between topics, themes, or vibes. Where possible, name the chapter using an unusual phrase or sentence that someone said during that particular chapter. Try to make sure there’s a new chapter marker at le...
223: The Problem Is It’s Accurate
December 09, 2023 19:45 - 1 hour - 75.8 MBMerlin's networking is not working, John continues to be vexed by UK speakers, and they both can't stop talking about the software and services that ostensibly exists to help them watch moving pictures on the TV. This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by: Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code DIFFS. Links and Show Notes: Merlin's networking is not working, John continues to be vexed by UK speakers, and they both can't sto...
222: It’s Captured My Almonds
November 24, 2023 22:15 - 1 hour - 87.4 MBYour hosts return to topics around AI—with a focus on the new class of wearables intended to bridge the gap between meatspace and The Great Intelligence. This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by: Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code DIFFS. Links and Show Notes: Things kick off with John trying to figure out how Merlin's ping-pong ball thing works. Merlin has Follow-Up on The Flop House, and John fondly recalls how he u...
221: Best, First, Favorite
November 10, 2023 18:45 - 1 hour - 96 MBSubtitle: Merlin has to imagine John is a rebus. As a main topic, your hosts officially introduce their concept of "Best, First, Favorite" (or "BFF"). An exegesis ensues on the distinctions and purposes of this powerful new Thought Technology. This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by: Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code DIFFS. Links and Show Notes: Things kick off with Merlin catching John up on the various conditions...
220: The Light From a Dying Star
October 31, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 73.4 MBSubtitle: Why didn't he just take the eagle? Your hosts talk about pronunciation and BFFs. This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by: Backblaze: Unlimited cloud backup for Macs and PCs for just $9/month. Links and Show Notes: Merlin was laid low by a virus that made him a little insane, so he forgot to post this episode. Luckily, John believes in him. In this episode, your hosts talked a lot about pronunciation and BFFs. For this month's members-only bonus sho...
219: Theater Kids and Sad People
October 13, 2023 19:15 - 1 hour - 90.5 MBSubtitle: Merlin's like a self-basting turkey. Your hosts discuss Station Eleven and strategies for surviving a given apocalypse. This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by: Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code DIFFS. Backblaze: Unlimited cloud backup for Macs and PCs for just $6/month. Links and Show Notes: Credits Audio Editor: Jim Metzendorf Admin Assistance: Kerry Provenzano Music: Merlin Mann The Suits: Stephen...
218: Train Parliament
September 29, 2023 19:30 - 1 hour - 66.6 MBThings kick off with another segment of Pronunciation Corner plus an interrogation of some newfound Britishisms. In Follow-Up, John has accomplished a love match, but he is asked to please pay in cash. Also, apparently Merlin quit Twitter. There's also some pretty good material about the terrible working conditions on Sodor, and John shares a novel retirement strategy. As something like a main topic, John introduces an unusual work-from-home practice. Which leads to your hosts wondering ho...
217: Broken on Both Ends
September 15, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 82.4 MBJohn has Follow-Up on his tile guy and cover band Mad Libs. As a main topic, your hosts consider how we each should be supporting social media platforms we like (or hope to like). (_Recorded on Tuesday, September 5, 2023_)
216: Erroneous Beeping
September 01, 2023 23:45 - 1 hour - 71.1 MBIn Follow-up, John shares some updates on his tile and paint journey. Also, he reaches a critical junction in the saga of his freezer. Next, we learn a little about eggcorns and mondegreens. Then there's some confusion about when the kid from _There Will Be Blood_ was in Iron Maiden, and John corrects Merlin's Conan quote. Again and again. For this month's members-only bonus show, your hosts consider whether John might be a Secret Buddhist. You can [sign up today](https://www.relay.fm/rd/j...
215: They Did Start Tomorrow
August 19, 2023 22:30 - 2 hours - 114 MBIn Follow-Up, John has updates on his omnibus home improvement project. As a main topic, Merlin is interrogated about his AI journey. (_Recorded on Tuesday, August 8, 2023_)
214: First Farm in New York
August 04, 2023 21:45 - 1 hour - 79 MBJohn reports in with his Vacation Results, but he seems reluctant to set Merlin up with his aunt. For this month's members-only bonus show, your hosts discuss _Hack My Home_ and the world of home makeover TV shows. You can [sign up today](https://www.relay.fm/rd/join) to hear all the member episodes, get more bonus stuff, and, yes, support our program. (_Recorded on Tuesday, July 25, 2023_)
213: Double Crown
July 21, 2023 22:45 - 1 hour - 81.5 MBThings kick off with an exploration of sharing a mic on-stage and the Battle of Stalingrad. John reminds Merlin he's repeatedly tried to get him into airplane videos. John's effort to get his username on a new site is being thwarted by a mom who claims to work too hard. Lemongrab is discussed, and this leads to a real time review of your hosts' avatars on select streaming service. On *my* account? In Follow-Up, John interrogates the source of Merlin's recent infection. Merlin shares that ...
212: Green Grow the Onions
July 07, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 88.4 MBA question about question marks becomes a fairly detailed exploration of proper calendar usage and workplace culture. This inexplicably leads to a conversation Merlin recently had about engineering. John has some Follow-Up on how Vision Pro might handle being used in unusual situations. Casting the right shadow is *hard*. Next up, John has questions about Merlin's new interest in onions. Plants are discussed. For the main topic, John has questions about Merlin's recent Wedding Results. Joh...
211: A Very Bad Grayble
June 23, 2023 19:45 - 2 hours - 122 MBIn follow-up, John addresses a question from one of Merlin's co-hosts in which John agrees that Merlin is weird. Also, there's a new movie that John saw and that Merlin hasn't (at the time of recording), and John wants Merlin to figure out how it lost part of a star on his letter box dee. As a main topic, your hosts talk about Apple's recent Vision Pro announcement. (_Recorded on Tuesday, June 13, 2023_)
210: My Personal Fantasia
June 09, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 84.9 MBAt last, the pop quiz show. Then, for this month's members-only bonus show, your hosts discuss their summer plans. (_Recorded on Tuesday, May 30, 2023_)
209: Trick Food
May 26, 2023 20:15 - 1 hour - 72.7 MBThings kick off with some sundry food talk. John shows no interest in party-cut pizza or fruit juice concentrates, and Merlin identifies a perplexing class of food that's made of the wrong food. Follow-up brings updates on how John tries to make his app play nice with macOS weirdness, and there's some important reconsideration regarding what Larry Mullen, Jr. actually said about the location where The King was laid to rest. Speaking of music, with pretty much zero provocation, Merlin launch...
208: Spinal Tap with Cowboy Hats
May 12, 2023 22:45 - 1 hour - 86.3 MBThings kick off with Merlin giving John a pop quiz on music and a font. Merlin would also please like a special episode for his birthday. After an admittedly overdue U2 Tangent, John gives Merlin a pop quiz on what their show is about. Then, Merlin clarifies what John can expect from an omnibus "Before Show" super-episode. Follow-Up covers John's count of Steam games, much *Succession* lore, plus you, the listener's, stated position regarding the correct toothbrush water temperature. Also, ...
207: Between Ridiculous and Nonexistent
April 28, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 96.9 MBMerlin explains his laundry number, and John has some quick Follow-Up on bathroom cups. Next, for reasons he can't remember, Merlin wanted to learn more about a video game platform, and John obliges. Then, it's time for John—who's behind on his podcasts—to catch up on what Merlin has been up to, and Merlin obliges. (_Recorded on Monday, April 18, 2023_)
206: Hand Cuppers & Faucet Slurpers
April 14, 2023 19:45 - 1 hour - 87.1 MBWhat happens in the bathroom can no longer stay in the bathroom. For this month's members-only bonus show, Merlin shares his surprising Vacation Results. You can [sign up today](https://www.relay.fm/rd/join) to hear all the member episodes, get more bonus stuff, and, yes, support our program. (_Recorded on Monday, April 3, 2023_)
205: A Cumulative Warmth
March 31, 2023 22:30 - 1 hour - 80.5 MBThings kick off with Merlin teaching John a thing people used to say in Florida. Then, John ends up repeatedly having to say a phrase that doesn't really seem like the kind of thing that John ever says. Old concert t-shirts are researched and considered. This somehow leads to a discussion of where things go that then transitions nicely into a new installment of the fan-favorite "Secret Weird Things People Do." John has discovered a community of people who seem to kind of know what they're d...
204: The Dump Valve
March 17, 2023 22:15 - 1 hour - 80.6 MBThings kick off with Merlin's noisy electronic livestock and a frustrating health update from John. Whose family now hates him. In Follow-Up, Mr. Siracusa provides his son with a correction on The Novocaine Story, which leads to a digression into how John's dad writes text messages........ This ends up providing a great segue into the main topic: how memory breaks, and how we try to address it. Because, as you quickly realize, many memories involve other people who have—well—*different me...
203: The Javicoli House
March 03, 2023 18:30 - 1 hour - 67 MBThings kick off with Merlin auditioning a new on-air style, and John coughing in a way that portends imminent [health developments](https://atp.fm/523). Unsurprisingly and delightfully, there is a _lot_ of really good Follow-Up on John's recent medical adventure. Listener-experts chime in on all manner of issues. Also John reveals his test results, and Merlin feels like a hungry man. Things seem to be wrapping with an update on John's Unexpected Side Effect, but then they end up talking abo...
202: Running Clear
February 18, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 101 MBFollow-up brings updates on skiing metaphors and ideas for tricking your brain into drawing a little better. Then, for the balance of the episode, John shares details of a recent medical adventure. Including an unexpectedly positive side effect. For this month's members-only bonus show, your hosts talk about _The Last of Us_ in its incarnations as both a prestige TV show and a video game series. You can [sign up today](https://www.relay.fm/rd/join) to hear all the member episodes, get more...
201: Look Behind the Potato
February 03, 2023 22:30 - 1 hour - 100 MBThings kick off with a consideration of John's theoretical funeral. Merlin can't understand why John won't adopt him. In Follow-Up, your hosts briefly consider their recent bicentennial and agree that words about parts or multiples of a thing are way too confusing. As a main topic, John has questions about **Merlin's fraught history with drawing**. What's it take to get good at a thing you care about, and what motivates us to stick with it? Things end up touching on grit-adjacent stuff li...
200: The Genius Who Keeps Retiring
January 20, 2023 23:00 - 2 hours - 134 MBThings kick off with Merlin pressing John for some candid advice on a new affectation he's been considering. John is certain that using a Dremel is not actually part of Merlin's job, but Merlin's not so sure. Photos of Mr. Miyazaki are reviewed. In Follow-Up, John has some toe updates. Mere moments after swearing he's not going to make noises and recoil, Merlin makes several noises and recoils. Next up, John's favorite band announces a new project to release a bunch of cover versions of so...
199: Reverse Gift of the Magi
January 06, 2023 19:30 - 1 hour - 94.1 MBMerlin is pretty proud of his dinner, but John has questions about the dressing situation. Merlin may not understand how skiing works. In Follow-Up, John shares more voices from the past, and your hosts confront an escalating international rift about the existence of a facial expression. Finally, it's time for Holiday Results, which somehow includes strong opinions on labeling leftovers, preparing strawberries, and sweating _le mot juste_. Also, ponies are considered.
198: Baby Alive
December 23, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 81.9 MBThings kick off with a consideration of mouth noises and beloved bits. This leads to a look at entertainment that functions as comfort food. Wanna know what you're playing for? Lot of great listener Follow-Up this week, including more on British facial expressions, hassles for the proper Lex, and some prior art around "sharrow." The main topic relates to John's family archive project producing some remarkable voices from the past. For this month's members-only bonus show, the topic is _And...
197: My Waking-Hour Pie
December 09, 2022 22:15 - 1 hour - 85.7 MBMerlin shares a new insight about the pre-flight, but, as usual John disagrees. Then, there's some discussion of playlists and that time John got Merlin into Chvrches. There appears to be some continental disagreement about a ubiquitous facial expression, and John directs Merlin on some more of the things he supposedly pronounces weirdly. Your hosts might could want to explore the things it took them too long to realize, and Merlin graciously reads John one of his dreams. Follow-Up turns t...
196: Less Talk, More Squawk
November 25, 2022 23:00 - 1 hour - 91.2 MBThings kick off with a quick look at the recent TicketMaster dustup. Merlin shares what a "news peg" is, and John has simple ideas for avoiding unnecessary logjams on the web. As a main topic. upon Merlin's request, John generously provides a tour of his app, [**SwitchGlass**](https://switchglass.app/). We learn what itch John was scratching and how SwitchGlass differs from various other rows of icons on your Mac. In the members-only bonus show, the guys talk about, you know. Twitter. You ...
195: Sloppy Focus
November 12, 2022 00:45 - 1 hour - 94.9 MBMastodonThings kick off with about ten minutes of very useful nail clipper talk. Up next, lots of good listener Follow-Up on the origins of CSS color names, how to pause a TikTok with your meat fingers, plus revealing some scalable methods for finding free money from the government. Next, comes some FU on Lifestreams that somehow kind of becomes the basis for the rest of the episode. How can we track the stuff that's valuable to us—but also provide the specificity and context needed to an...
194: Hard Four
October 28, 2022 23:30 - 1 hour - 82.3 MBThings kick off with John's strident observation of pre-show hygiene, and Merlin struggles to know his Targaryens from his Velaryons and his Valyrians. Merlin has a *lot* of problem with twins, and John mourns this new generation's lack of respect for proper media queuing. As ever, Merlin's demos are the worst. There's some brief confusion about 80s music, and, even though he's drop-tuned, Merlin plays John a nice "`FMaj7`" chord. John *claims* to have no interest in Merlin making him a mixt...
193: The Wrong Helen
October 14, 2022 19:15 - 1 hour - 83.8 MBThings kick off with an ambitious proposal to recognize outstanding work by team members and keep the relationship fresh. After ticking an item off of his "`queue`," John leads a nominally rapid-fire round highlighted by a controversial new Secret Weird Things People Do. Things wrap with a provocative Dog Update in which John leverages the love of a British TV show to re-home a new friend with Merlin's family. Merlin identifies the wrong Helen. (_Recorded on Tuesday, October 4, 2022_)
192: The End Table is Not Your Enemy
September 30, 2022 19:15 - 1 hour - 81.5 MBJohn has concerns about why his fans are spinning up, and Merlin interrogates his recent obsession with the previous vice president. The main topic this week concerns a question that's been banging around in Merlin's brain forever: *is John inoculated against stress?* Once the usual arguments about wording and meaning have been (mostly) settled, numerous angles are explored. Including an exploration of one of life's thorniest differences to reconcile: how much can I be "how I am" with other...
191: Love and Cleaning
September 17, 2022 05:15 - 1 hour - 88.3 MBJohn learns a little about a legendary Hollywood producer, and Merlin may not know how to do his job. Apple announces some new products, London Bridge is down, and your hosts continue their tour of mini-topics.
190: Three Whys Later
September 02, 2022 19:30 - 1 hour - 75 MBThings kick off with a brief debate on whether using things wrong makes you a hacker. In Follow-Up, John has updates on that announcement about dropping a device in a plane seat, and Merlin expresses skepticism about announcements in general. Then, there's some updates related to the prior discussion of performance reviews. Believe it or not, quantifying the unquantifiable is even more difficult than it sounds. And, finally, we learn why John is still behind on his podcasts as well as why ...
189: The Cutting Edge of Technological Grievance
August 19, 2022 23:30 - 1 hour - 91.9 MBIn Follow-Up, John reminds everyone that RecDiffs listeners knew what’s bad about TV stands before any of the normals. John also shares his Vacation Results—alongside some anthropological observations on the state of air travel in 2022. Finally, your hosts dig in to the continuing saga of John’s TV. (_Recorded August 9, 2022_)
188: Ten-Year Cleanse
August 06, 2022 20:15 - 1 hour - 59.9 MBThis week finds both John and Merlin helping things leave their house. In our members-only bonus show: John previews vacation planning progress. [Sign up today](https://www.relay.fm/rd/join) to get lots of extra stuff and to support our program. (_Recorded on Tuesday, July 19, 2022_)
187: Beauty Fades
July 22, 2022 22:45 - 1 hour - 83.7 MBOnce John is ready, things kick off with a discussion of Merlin's increasing asymmetry. Follow-up concerns pinned messages. Merlin thinks Marco still doesn't understand what a priority is, and John thinks skeuomorphism doesn't mean what it used to mean. John graciously saves Merlin's sanity, and then your hosts express skepticism about the wisdom of offering subscriptions in premium automobiles. As an extended mini-topic, you hosts talk about the recent FX show, _The Bear_. John points ...
186: QD-OLED Vaccine
July 08, 2022 22:45 - 1 hour - 83.3 MBThings kick off with Merlin proposing a new title for himself which John immediately vetoes for cause. In Follow-Up, John claims that he knows what month it is, plus there's some promising new data on John's TV project. 👉 Time is running out, so please consider [**buying our shirt**](https://recdiffs.store). The main topic concerns the question we've all been asking for over two years: _is it the after times yet?_ Is Covid "over" to a point where we can feel good about making plans and…_d...
185: A Shirt’s Journey
June 24, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 70.1 MBThings kick off with an immediate derail into Merlin's Apple Health data, with John noting that he never liked _Statistics_. Next up, your hosts have—at least by their standards—a pretty big announcement. This leads to an appropriately in-depth exegesis into the process of making and selling a t-shirt. Side topics include Scott Pilgrim, JavaScript, domain names, throwing money at artists you love, and just one of the _numerous_ ways Factory Records managed to lose lots of money. 👉 If you ...
184: Back Door Preparation
June 11, 2022 00:15 - 1 hour - 100 MBTelling strangers what you do for work, Merlin's life as a Ricky Montgomery dad, and How to Talk to People. In our members-only bonus show: John has questions about Merlin's Bike Results, and Merlin has gotten religion about how we make cities. [Sign up today](https://www.relay.fm/rd/join) to get lots of extra stuff and to support our program. (_Recorded on Thursday, June 2, 2022_)
183: The Pinching Opportunities
May 27, 2022 20:30 - 1 hour - 102 MBThings kick off with a dive on the hacker mindset, black swans, corner cases, and the exception that proves the rule. Whatever that means. This leads to a side trip into security, troubleshooting, and the difference between non-linear thinking and untethered madness. Finally, in a conversation both sprawling and comically on-brand, your hosts explore the concept of *properness*. What does it mean to do something properly, when should it matter, and what are the risks and benefits of dema...