Writer and podcaster Jeff Cutler was one of the only Boston Media Makers without a device feeding him information from the Internet at our meeting on Sunday, August 3, 2008, at Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain. It turns out his laptop was in the shop. This prompted him to lead a lively discussion among the 22 of us at the meeting about how much we depend on being connected at all times to the Internet.

Jeff is a thoughtful guy who is on what he calls a one-year "Writing Sabbatical" during which he is aiming at a new phase of his career that will involve more commentary and opinion writing.

He uses his podcast, "Bowl of Cheese" in an effective and unusual way as a supplement to his blog of the same name. All in all, Jeff Cutler is doing creative, original work in the new media space, and it's always good to connect with him, even when he's unplugged! I think you'll enjoy this profile of a writer from Hingham, Mass., who is using new media to full advantage.

Music for my podcast is "Going to the Sun" composed and performed by Montana musicians Christine Dickinson, Janet Haarvig and Matthew Lyon. It's from their excellent Glacier Journey CD .

Photo of Jeff and me is by Steve Garfield of SteveGarfield.com .

I'd love to hear your feedback on this topic or any other. You can leave a voice comment at 206-666-2713 or you can send me an email to [email protected] or leave a comment here.

NOTE: If you are a Kindle owner or merely intrigued, I hope you will check out my new weekly podcast, The Kindle Chronicles, uploaded each Friday. It's also available for free subscription at the iTunes Store.