Reconcilable Differences
371 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 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.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Reconcilable Differences 36: The Ragged Edge of What's Possible
October 04, 2016 18:00 - 1 hour - 58.4 MBThis week’s follow-up covers good news/weird news on Merlin’s wife’s phone, more on “accessibility” settings, and how craftsmanship and quality often war with management. The main topic is _solo parenting_. Facing The Shoe Crisis, thrice ruining the dinosaur eggs, and finding yourself in a Staples line that’s literally not moving. Is fear and anxiety really such a smart and time-tested motivator? Is it telling that John and Merlin’s partners don’t seem to sweat mornings when _they’re_ not ar...
35: A Lot of Them Are Tricks
September 21, 2016 19:30 - 1 hour - 81.5 MBThis week kicks off with a look at the rise of vaping, the decline of public infrastructure, and whether it's okay for authors to sign their own books in the airport store. Merlin (*finally*) figures out how to join Slate Plus, John reminisces about Yahoo!, and both hosts advocate strongly for the vanishing genre of slow-paced movies about how things get made. The main topic this week is _magic and superstition_. What delights (or angers) your hosts in a magic show? Why can't Cardini get ...
Reconcilable Differences 35: A Lot of Them Are Tricks
September 21, 2016 19:30 - 1 hour - 81.5 MBThis week kicks off with a look at the rise of vaping, the decline of public infrastructure, and whether it's okay for authors to sign their own books in the airport store. Merlin (*finally*) figures out how to join Slate Plus, John reminisces about Yahoo!, and both hosts advocate strongly for the vanishing genre of slow-paced movies about how things get made. The main topic this week is _magic and superstition_. What delights (or angers) your hosts in a magic show? Why can't Cardini get ...
34: All These Assistant Principals are Now Dead
September 06, 2016 15:30 - 2 hours - 90.4 MBThis week, Merlin figures out what's weird about John, and John declares Merlin to be a clique mixer. The main topic this week is _high school reunions_. Or, at least it starts out that way. John and Merlin are both pretty good at not going to things, then ruminating about it. (_Recorded Tuesday, August 30, 2016_)
Reconcilable Differences 34: All These Assistant Principals are Now Dead
September 06, 2016 15:30 - 2 hours - 90.4 MBThis week, Merlin figures out what's weird about John, and John declares Merlin to be a clique mixer. The main topic this week is _high school reunions_. Or, at least it starts out that way. John and Merlin are both pretty good at not going to things, then ruminating about it. (_Recorded Tuesday, August 30, 2016_)
Reconcilable Differences 33: Survival Bucket
August 25, 2016 08:45 - 1 hour - 63 MBThis week opens with some follow-up on John’s recent sauce talk, including suggestions on selecting tomatoes and sweating the iffy authenticity of olive oil. John helps Merlin understand modern peaches. Listeners are encouraged to support Relay FM and are tantalized with details of a very special episode that will soon be available for members only. The main topic this week is _ratings and reviews_. John talks about how he drinks eagerly from the fire hose of product recommendations as well...
33: Survival Bucket
August 25, 2016 08:45 - 1 hour - 63 MBThis week opens with some follow-up on John’s recent sauce talk, including suggestions on selecting tomatoes and sweating the iffy authenticity of olive oil. John helps Merlin understand modern peaches. Listeners are encouraged to support Relay FM and are tantalized with details of a very special episode that will soon be available for members only. The main topic this week is _ratings and reviews_. John talks about how he drinks eagerly from the fire hose of product recommendations as well...
Reconcilable Differences 32: Pigs and Bunnies
August 09, 2016 08:45 - 1 hour - 68.6 MBThis week kicks off with some follow-up on John's receipt of the coveted Blue Check on Twitter alongside some speculation on the lack of motivation that seems to smother even Twitter's most half-hearted approaches to managing abuse. Further follow-up concerns pronunciation of "Marina" (say `məˈrēnə`), thoughts on being "The Other Guy" on a podcast, and more discussion of *thought technology*. Also, we all get dumb PR email, and, sorry, it looks like _Millennium Actress_ got pulled from the ...
32: Pigs and Bunnies
August 09, 2016 08:45 - 1 hour - 68.6 MBThis week kicks off with some follow-up on John's receipt of the coveted Blue Check on Twitter alongside some speculation on the lack of motivation that seems to smother even Twitter's most half-hearted approaches to managing abuse. Further follow-up concerns pronunciation of "Marina" (say `məˈrēnə`), thoughts on being "The Other Guy" on a podcast, and more discussion of *thought technology*. Also, we all get dumb PR email, and, sorry, it looks like _Millennium Actress_ got pulled from the ...
31: Backsolve From Your Urges
July 28, 2016 08:45 - 1 hour - 73.3 MBThis week we open on John struggling to jump through the hoops to get _verified_ on Twitter. This leads to a discussion of the myriad ways in which abuse thrives unchecked in the absence of decisive action by Twitter-the-company. John excruciates over his now-required bio blurb. In follow-up, several listeners are thanked and acknowledged, and Good Cop John just can't believe Merlin isn't a more strident and principled critic of "The Popcorn Trick." The main topic is what we talk about when...
Reconcilable Differences 31: Backsolve From Your Urges
July 28, 2016 08:45 - 1 hour - 73.3 MBThis week we open on John struggling to jump through the hoops to get _verified_ on Twitter. This leads to a discussion of the myriad ways in which abuse thrives unchecked in the absence of decisive action by Twitter-the-company. John excruciates over his now-required bio blurb. In follow-up, several listeners are thanked and acknowledged, and Good Cop John just can't believe Merlin isn't a more strident and principled critic of "The Popcorn Trick." The main topic is what we talk about when...
30: Captain of the Living Room
July 14, 2016 10:15 - 1 hour - 69.8 MBThis week kicks off with Merlin ranting about his mixed feelings about spoiler warnings, and, as usual, John assumes the role of Good Cop on the audience's behalf. Then, there's some discussion of how John has been gently introducing Merlin to his favorite anime films. Note: audience homework to watch the film _Millennium Actress_ for future discussion is assigned. The main topic can be roughly called, "my part of the couch." More specifically, why are your hosts so piqued about how hard it...
Reconcilable Differences 30: Captain of the Living Room
July 14, 2016 10:15 - 1 hour - 69.8 MBThis week kicks off with Merlin ranting about his mixed feelings about spoiler warnings, and, as usual, John assumes the role of Good Cop on the audience's behalf. Then, there's some discussion of how John has been gently introducing Merlin to his favorite anime films. Note: audience homework to watch the film _Millennium Actress_ for future discussion is assigned. The main topic can be roughly called, "my part of the couch." More specifically, why are your hosts so piqued about how hard it...
Reconcilable Differences 29: Six Fax Machines
June 30, 2016 08:15 - 1 hour - 80.7 MB[**N.B.** This episode contains a very brief discussion of plot points in the movie, _Finding Dory_. Skip from `0:15:41` to `0:19:33` to avoid minor spoilers.] This week kicks off with a discussion on the nature of inflammable jammies and general rehearsals for panic. There's some quick FU on Ted Leo, followed by some lessons of _Finding Dory_. This leads to yet 👏 another 👏 dive into Pixar films and what your hosts compulsively crave from them. Like: what would happen if Pixar went Full-Met...
29: Six Fax Machines
June 30, 2016 08:15 - 1 hour - 80.7 MB[**N.B.** This episode contains a very brief discussion of plot points in the movie, _Finding Dory_. Skip from `0:15:41` to `0:19:33` to avoid minor spoilers.] This week kicks off with a discussion on the nature of inflammable jammies and general rehearsals for panic. There's some quick FU on Ted Leo, followed by some lessons of _Finding Dory_. This leads to yet 👏 another 👏 dive into Pixar films and what your hosts compulsively crave from them. Like: what would happen if Pixar went Full-Met...
28: Getting to Know a Broken Person
June 16, 2016 08:00 - 2 hours - 86.8 MBThis week starts with a vigorous dive into the X-Men movie franchise and what exactly your hosts love and don't about modern superhero movies. Then, Merlin briefly lapses into some serious *Glenning* by torturing John with anecdotes about hanging out with Aimee Mann (plus some assorted randos John’s mostly never heard of). The main topic is *repping*, a pickup of the frequent theme of a program Merlin does with Another John. How do we choose the ways we represent ourselves to the world?...
Reconcilable Differences 28: Getting to Know a Broken Person
June 16, 2016 08:00 - 2 hours - 86.8 MBThis week starts with a vigorous dive into the X-Men movie franchise and what exactly your hosts love and don't about modern superhero movies. Then, Merlin briefly lapses into some serious *Glenning* by torturing John with anecdotes about hanging out with Aimee Mann (plus some assorted randos John’s mostly never heard of). The main topic is *repping*, a pickup of the frequent theme of a program Merlin does with Another John. How do we choose the ways we represent ourselves to the world?...
Reconcilable Differences 27: The Morning Prompts
June 02, 2016 08:00 - 1 hour - 69.3 MBThis week opens with John's meditation on pronunciation, accents, and the gradual disappearance of America's once-diverse tapestry of vowel sounds. This somehow leads to a rueful examination of the modern media landscape, focusing on the Big Black Box where all the ugly and capricious business of media distribution probably gets decided. Merlin confesses his existential dread about appearing on _The Incomparable_ then happily names names regarding his picks for a non-existent Favorite Hosts ...
27: The Morning Prompts
June 02, 2016 08:00 - 1 hour - 69.3 MBThis week opens with John's meditation on pronunciation, accents, and the gradual disappearance of America's once-diverse tapestry of vowel sounds. This somehow leads to a rueful examination of the modern media landscape, focusing on the Big Black Box where all the ugly and capricious business of media distribution probably gets decided. Merlin confesses his existential dread about appearing on _The Incomparable_ then happily names names regarding his picks for a non-existent Favorite Hosts ...
26: One Dollar Cat
May 19, 2016 08:00 - 2 hours - 84.3 MBThis week starts with some updates on Merlin’s cat, her newly discovered medical conditions, and Merlin’s ruminations on how much he’s prepared to tolerate regarding her health budget and snack preferences. In follow-up, the boys address the length of the last episode and debate the merits of chapter markers. Are they an attractive nuisance that encourages people to pick up one of your host’s terrible media consumption hygiene? Also, more talk on smoking, and we learn that John is surprisin...
Reconcilable Differences 26: One Dollar Cat
May 19, 2016 08:00 - 2 hours - 84.3 MBThis week starts with some updates on Merlin’s cat, her newly discovered medical conditions, and Merlin’s ruminations on how much he’s prepared to tolerate regarding her health budget and snack preferences. In follow-up, the boys address the length of the last episode and debate the merits of chapter markers. Are they an attractive nuisance that encourages people to pick up one of your host’s terrible media consumption hygiene? Also, more talk on smoking, and we learn that John is surprisin...
Reconcilable Differences 25: Zarro Droogs
May 05, 2016 14:45 - 3 hours - 138 MBThis week opens with some followup on the ownership of *Star Wars* and the zero-sum game of ugly corporate distribution battles. John visits San Francisco, sees Todd and Merlin, and there is talk about the modern history of film VFX. Merlin catches John up on the extraordinary amount of _The Walking Dead_ episodes he's been watching (out of order), and John doubles down on his shocked perplexity regarding how Merlin does almost everything. The main topic this week is—wait for it— _drugs_. I...
25: Zarro Droogs
May 05, 2016 14:45 - 3 hours - 138 MBThis week opens with some followup on the ownership of *Star Wars* and the zero-sum game of ugly corporate distribution battles. John visits San Francisco, sees Todd and Merlin, and there is talk about the modern history of film VFX. Merlin catches John up on the extraordinary amount of _The Walking Dead_ episodes he's been watching (out of order), and John doubles down on his shocked perplexity regarding how Merlin does almost everything. The main topic this week is—wait for it— _drugs_. I...
24: I Will Outrun Death and Thermodynamics
April 21, 2016 08:00 - 2 hours - 112 MBThis week, John and Merlin have two really big topics. Things kick off with a discussion of _Star Wars_. In particular, there is extensive discussion of your hosts’ interests and preferences regarding preservation and fan restorations of the original trilogy, along with a wish list, speculations, and pipe dreams for an _official_ re-release. We can dream, can’t we? Next, the dolorous spoiler horn fires off for a detailed examination of _The Walking Dead_ (TV series). Lots of talk about how ...
Reconcilable Differences 24: I Will Outrun Death and Thermodynamics
April 21, 2016 08:00 - 2 hours - 112 MBThis week, John and Merlin have two really big topics. Things kick off with a discussion of _Star Wars_. In particular, there is extensive discussion of your hosts’ interests and preferences regarding preservation and fan restorations of the original trilogy, along with a wish list, speculations, and pipe dreams for an _official_ re-release. We can dream, can’t we? Next, the dolorous spoiler horn fires off for a detailed examination of _The Walking Dead_ (TV series). Lots of talk about how ...
Reconcilable Differences 23: A Sprite Man
April 07, 2016 07:45 - 2 hours - 89.8 MBThis week, things kick off with a lively discussion of ASMR, furries, bronies, juggaloes, some more car talk, teenaged drinking, and John’s libido. The main topic is *sense of humor*. How, where, when, and from whom did the boys learn what makes them laugh? How come British things seem extra funny? Why does Lisa need braces? How did the Harlem Globetrotters get away with using a ladder? Does she go? Eh?
23: A Sprite Man
April 07, 2016 07:45 - 2 hours - 89.8 MBThis week, things kick off with a lively discussion of ASMR, furries, bronies, juggaloes, some more car talk, teenaged drinking, and John’s libido. The main topic is *sense of humor*. How, where, when, and from whom did the boys learn what makes them laugh? How come British things seem extra funny? Why does Lisa need braces? How did the Harlem Globetrotters get away with using a ladder? Does she go? Eh?
Reconcilable Differences 22: Jericho Turnpike
March 22, 2016 08:15 - 2 hours - 93.1 MBThis week, John and Merlin kick things off with a discussion of the non-English languages kids get exposed to and how *Mandarin* maybe isn't the new *French*. The main topic focuses on _cars and driving_. First, there's the automobiles that their families did or didn't drive and why. Then, John educates Merlin on the evolution of consumer car design over the past 30 years. This leads to more personal thoughts on their early days of driving, including the madness of *Driver's Ed* and the ind...
22: Jericho Turnpike
March 22, 2016 08:15 - 2 hours - 93.1 MBThis week, John and Merlin kick things off with a discussion of the non-English languages kids get exposed to and how *Mandarin* maybe isn't the new *French*. The main topic focuses on _cars and driving_. First, there's the automobiles that their families did or didn't drive and why. Then, John educates Merlin on the evolution of consumer car design over the past 30 years. This leads to more personal thoughts on their early days of driving, including the madness of *Driver's Ed* and the ind...
21: Throg the Important Caveman
March 10, 2016 09:00 - 1 hour - 81.6 MBThis week kicks off with some depressing follow-up on Merlin’s stove and his concern that John might think he’s a terrible person. John bemoans the dilapidated state of his own house as well as his grudging tolerance for that state. The main topic is _meeting your heroes_. Who do you wish you could meet and why? What would you say to Steve Jobs in an elevator or Bill Murray on a plane? John marvels at Merlin’s comfort with his many celebrity connections, and Merlin gives some handy tips on n...
Reconcilable Differences 21: Throg the Important Caveman
March 10, 2016 09:00 - 1 hour - 81.6 MBThis week kicks off with some depressing follow-up on Merlin’s stove and his concern that John might think he’s a terrible person. John bemoans the dilapidated state of his own house as well as his grudging tolerance for that state. The main topic is _meeting your heroes_. Who do you wish you could meet and why? What would you say to Steve Jobs in an elevator or Bill Murray on a plane? John marvels at Merlin’s comfort with his many celebrity connections, and Merlin gives some handy tips on n...
20: Stove Vigilance
February 25, 2016 08:15 - 1 hour - 64.6 MBThis week, John and Merlin kick things off with a discussion of the Sturm und Drang around dealing with kids’ homework. Things continue with a mostly spoiler-free discussion of _The Leftovers_. The main topic is _trust your mechanic_. How to survive working with the experts who diagnose **and** fix your problems. John's not a Dead Kennedys fan, and Merlin's just so irrationally mad about the state of his oven.
Reconcilable Differences 20: Stove Vigilance
February 25, 2016 08:15 - 1 hour - 64.6 MBThis week, John and Merlin kick things off with a discussion of the Sturm und Drang around dealing with kids’ homework. Things continue with a mostly spoiler-free discussion of _The Leftovers_. The main topic is _trust your mechanic_. How to survive working with the experts who diagnose **and** fix your problems. John's not a Dead Kennedys fan, and Merlin's just so irrationally mad about the state of his oven.
19: Four Toes
February 11, 2016 10:00 - 1 hour - 81.4 MBThis week, John and Merlin start out by talking about the value of exposing yourself to new or uncomfortable ideas (and how it can be difficult). Following a tuneful diversion on their favorite music as kids, the boys jump into the main topic: _how and when to recommend things to other people_. What's right and for whom? How do you distinguish the "best" versus your "favorite" as against "the best place to start?" Why Merlin goes conservative and John is reluctant to recommend things at a...
Reconcilable Differences 19: Four Toes
February 11, 2016 10:00 - 1 hour - 81.4 MBThis week, John and Merlin start out by talking about the value of exposing yourself to new or uncomfortable ideas (and how it can be difficult). Following a tuneful diversion on their favorite music as kids, the boys jump into the main topic: _how and when to recommend things to other people_. What's right and for whom? How do you distinguish the "best" versus your "favorite" as against "the best place to start?" Why Merlin goes conservative and John is reluctant to recommend things at a...
Reconcilable Differences 18: It's Devastating
January 28, 2016 10:15 - 1 hour - 77.1 MBThis week, John ruthlessly critiques Merlin's Google Docs style, followed by a tentative announcement about how listeners can help support the show. The primary topic this week is _names and naming_. Merlin struggles in vain to pronounce John's name to his satisfaction, John reveals his middle name, and the boys dive deep on the lore, reality, and complexities of how both people and stuff get their names. Apologies to Daenerys, **BETH!**, Liz, and Jeh-*NIGH*-fur. Finally, Merlin reveals tha...
18: It's Devastating
January 28, 2016 10:15 - 1 hour - 77.1 MBThis week, John ruthlessly critiques Merlin's Google Docs style, followed by a tentative announcement about how listeners can help support the show. The primary topic this week is _names and naming_. Merlin struggles in vain to pronounce John's name to his satisfaction, John reveals his middle name, and the boys dive deep on the lore, reality, and complexities of how both people and stuff get their names. Apologies to Daenerys, **BETH!**, Liz, and Jeh-*NIGH*-fur. Finally, Merlin reveals tha...
Reconcilable Differences 17: Don’t Touch the Banana
January 14, 2016 09:00 - 2 hours - 91.4 MBThis week, John critiques Merlin's online editing skills, which leads to a discussion of coding conventions. Merlin, in turn, critiques John's propensity to murder a joke by telling it in weird bullets. Next up, we learn that Merlin has (**finally**) watched _The Game_ all the way through, which leads to a spoiler-heavy dive into this terrific 1997 David Fincher film. (Note: Please listen for the spoiler horn, then skip from `00:16:21` through `00:40:47` if you haven't watched the movie yet....
17: Don’t Touch the Banana
January 14, 2016 09:00 - 2 hours - 91.4 MBThis week, John critiques Merlin's online editing skills, which leads to a discussion of coding conventions. Merlin, in turn, critiques John's propensity to murder a joke by telling it in weird bullets. Next up, we learn that Merlin has (**finally**) watched _The Game_ all the way through, which leads to a spoiler-heavy dive into this terrific 1997 David Fincher film. (Note: Please listen for the spoiler horn, then skip from `00:16:21` through `00:40:47` if you haven't watched the movie yet....
16: Ancient Bird
December 17, 2015 09:15 - 2 hours - 86.5 MBThis week, John and Merlin start out by exploring the challenges of sleep and AppleTV. Next, 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. Finally, Merlin interrogates John about why he dislikes and avoids scary movies.
Reconcilable Differences 16: Ancient Bird
December 17, 2015 09:15 - 2 hours - 86.5 MBThis week, John and Merlin start out by exploring the challenges of sleep and AppleTV. Next, 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. Finally, Merlin interrogates John about why he dislikes and avoids scary movies.
15: Emotional Swimsuit Season
December 03, 2015 15:45 - 1 hour - 130 MBThis week, your hosts cover TV buying decisions, the legacy of Star Wars, thoughts on holidays, and how to not end up raising Dudley Dursley.
Reconcilable Differences 15: Emotional Swimsuit Season
December 03, 2015 15:45 - 1 hour - 130 MBThis week, your hosts cover TV buying decisions, the legacy of Star Wars, thoughts on holidays, and how to not end up raising Dudley Dursley.
Reconcilable Differences 14: Children's Shoes
November 19, 2015 11:00 - 1 hour - 77.6 MBThis 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, and how best to telegraph the desire to be a non-combatant in the fashion race. Merlin encourages listeners to give John _a virtual makeover_.
14: Children's Shoes
November 19, 2015 11:00 - 1 hour - 77.6 MBThis 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, and how best to telegraph the desire to be a non-combatant in the fashion race. Merlin encourages listeners to give John _a virtual makeover_.
13: The Mickey Suit
November 05, 2015 09:00 - 2 hours - 179 MBThis 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.
Reconcilable Differences 13: The Mickey Suit
November 05, 2015 09:00 - 2 hours - 179 MBThis 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.
Reconcilable Differences 12: Hobbit Tendencies
October 22, 2015 13:00 - 2 hours - 183 MBThis week kicks off with some further discussion of salad and the video game, Destiny, and then proceeds into some talk about the current TV season and the state of late-night programming. 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. Things conclude with a meditation on _introversion_: what it means to ha...
12: Hobbit Tendencies
October 22, 2015 13:00 - 2 hours - 183 MBThis week kicks off with some further discussion of salad and the video game, Destiny, and then proceeds into some talk about the current TV season and the state of late-night programming. 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. Things conclude with a meditation on _introversion_: what it means to ha...
11: Frog Board Room
October 08, 2015 09:30 - 1 hour - 63.8 MBThis week, the boys return for Season Two. Things kick off with a clandestine follow-up discussion of evolution based on an unreleased episode of a different podcast. Don't ask. The ball really gets rolling when 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.