January 20, 2023

200: The Genius Who Keeps Retiring

2 hours 26 minutes

What's a thing you had as a kid that you kind of wish your kids could've had?

This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by:

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Links and Show Notes:

Things 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 songs from their back catalog. This leads to a surprisingly wide-ranging discussion of a music industry that continues to evolve quickly and which now seems to necessitate an entirely new kind of creativity.

This week's member episode is already one of Merlin's favorites, so it's being included here so everybody can check it out.

Is it ahistorical to wish your progeny had gotten to see an epic baseball lineup? What exactly might happen if you tried to recreate your own free-range childhood? Did having less information lead to a deeper understanding of context and the parameters of the world? And, which kinds of community and scarcity feel elusive or even just irreproducible today?

If you'd enjoy hearing more from John and Merlin, we hope you'll consider becoming a supporter of the program.

And, hey. Thanks for sticking around through 200 of these things.

(Recorded on Tuesday, January 10, 2023)

Credits

Audio Editor: Jim Metzendorf

Admin Assistance: Kerry Provenzano

Music: Merlin Mann

The Suits: Stephen Hackett, Myke Hurley

Get an ad-free version of the show, plus a monthly extended episode. Miyazaki documentary trailer: The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness Does Miyazaki drink his coffee from a Totoro mug? You’re goddamn right he does. Upcoming U2 album will feature 40 new versions of old U2 songs John Denver Country Boy - BBC Documentary (2013) Listen to Your Heart - original, by Roxette Listen To Your Heart (Edmee's Unplugged Version) - YouTube Listen To Your Heart (Edmee's Unplugged Version) - song.link Born Fighters (1979) - Documentary about Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds & Rockpile 1984 Mongoose Californian (black) 1984 Mongoose Californian (blue) 1984 Mongoose Californian (red) Merlin's Wisdom Project

"It's only advice for you because it had to be advice for me."

Hayao Miyazaki, creativity, and selfishness

"THE CREATIVE PROCESS IN 43 HAYAO MIYAZAKI SCREENGRABS"

1975 Cincinnati Reds Roster | Baseball Almanac

14 Pete Rose

Morgellons - Wikipedia

Morgellons is not well understood, but the general medical consensus is that it is a form of delusional parasitosis, on the psychiatric spectrum.

Moops | WikiSein | Fandom 'Born Fighters' 1979 Documentary Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds & Rockpile - YouTube

This Granada TV documentary follows the recording process, circa 1978-1979, of Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds

FlyLady.net: Your personal online coach to help you gain control of your house and home Purple Puddles | FlyLady.net Playlist: "It Means That I Love You" - An Evening with Rockpile - YouTube Spotify – Slate's Hit Parade: Angry Young Men Edition Three punk sophisticates helped invent New Wave.

How three British post-punkers named Joe, Graham, and Elvis helped “write the book” on New Wave.

Nick Lowe - (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding (Live on 89.3 The Current) - YouTube Brinsley Schwarz - (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding - YouTube Cheap Trick: Steve Albini Sessions 1997 - YouTube

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