In this episode, Peter and Aubrey talk candidly about the stresses they’re facing—Aubrey with last-minute wedding planning and Peter with heavy experiences at work. They explore how decision fatigue, social media comparisons, and secondary trauma weigh on them, and share the small but important ways they cope—from Hayden’s grounded advice and wedding perspective shifts, to Taskmaster marathons, D&D nights, and even Donkey Kong therapy. The conversation circles around what really matters—connection, perspective, and finding moments of relief—and wraps with an astronomy tidbit on the Perseids meteor shower.

Show Notes

• Aubrey shares the whirlwind of last-minute wedding planning: decision fatigue, pressure from TikTok wedding “must-dos,” and the relief of remembering the day is about love, not perfection.
• Peter recalls once joking that he’d hand his kids $10k to elope—and realizing maybe it wasn’t a joke after all.
• Discussion on the stress of endless tiny decisions, and how habits can remove decision fatigue.
• Aubrey’s Vegas bachelor/bachelorette trip recap: pool days, Cirque du Soleil, magic shows, and Costco mac & cheese.
• Reflections on long-distance PTSD—her body still feels like Hayden might “leave for school” even though he’s not.
• Peter opens up about dealing with secondary trauma at work, the kind that lingers in unexpected ways.

Coping strategies:

• Aubrey: limiting social media wedding content, leaning on Hayden, remembering it’s about “us, not me.”
• Peter: staying connected to colleagues and family, seeking low-stakes entertainment (Taskmaster, Donkey Kong Bananza on Switch 2), taking breaks from heavy books, playing D&D, and finding catharsis in music.
• Reflection on extravagant weddings vs. long marriages—Emory study shows higher costs often linked to shorter marriages.
• A funny cake panic: Aubrey blurts out “raspberry lemon” flavor on the spot, then spirals until Hayden reminds her they can always renew vows in ten years if she still cares.
• Peter talks about scaling back Imperfect Practice’s 30-day challenge plans due to current emotional load—sometimes you need to simplify.
• Closing discussion about transitions: Peter’s son Alex returning from his mission and the challenge of re-adjusting to home life after such a focused purpose.
• Aubrey’s astro fact: the Perseids meteor shower, up to 70 shooting stars an hour, though cloud cover blocked her view this year.

In this episode of Generations, we explore the power of daily habits—both the ones we've nailed down and the ones we’re still working on. From journaling and meditation to supplement rituals and walking routines, we share what helps anchor our days and set the tone for intentional living. Our conversation blends the practical with the personal, touching on sleep struggles, the quest to ditch screens before bed, and the quirks that make each of our routines uniquely their own.

Episode Notes:

• Peter and Aubrey catch up on life—summer swim meets, visits from friends, and family travel.
• Aubrey introduces the topic: daily habits that improve well-being, productivity, and mood.
• Aubrey shares her challenge of not sleeping the day away and the small but powerful shift of waking up with her partner instead of sleeping in.
• Peter discusses his long-standing habit of morning journaling, inspired by the Theme System and tied to his protein shake routine.
• Both reflect on their meditation practices: Peter’s recent consistency using Daily Calm, and Aubrey’s efforts to integrate both day and night sessions.
• They share supplement routines in hilarious and relatable detail—Peter with his towering stack of capsules and efficiency tactics (baby carrots included), and Aubrey with her “sour patch kid reward system.”
• Aubrey gushes about her love of sleepytime tea, and Peter tells a vivid story of how two years in Guatemala ruined hot drinks for him forever.
• Peter shares plans for his Imperfect Practice project, including an upcoming 30-day challenge: no phone in bed, minimal screens before sleep, and new journaling tools.
• Aubrey discusses her goal to wind down with reading instead of screens, and to get consistent with morning walks or treadmill inclines to kick off her day.
• They reflect on James Clear’s Atomic Habits and how tying habits together (like music cues for workouts) can reduce friction.
• Peter compares habits to enzymes—lowering the activation energy required to do good things—and shares practical examples of habit stacking and friction reduction.
• The episode wraps with encouragement to make small changes that matter, and a peek into what’s coming next for Imperfect Practice.

Links:
Imperfect Practice

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode of Generations, Peter unveils his new passion project—“Imperfect Practice,” a blog and YouTube channel exploring self-improvement through honest, iterative growth. He and Aubrey discuss the origin of the idea, the motivation behind it, and what he hopes to offer. Along the way, they reflect on podcast appearances, sleep habits, trivia mishaps, kayaking misadventures, Lego flowers, and the generational shift in taste for sitcoms. The conversation blends personal stories, tech nerd-outs, and mutual support, offering a warm and thoughtful exchange about creativity, legacy, and staying curious at any age.

Episode Notes:

• Peter shares a recent appearance on The Incomparable Game Show playing Random Pursuit, and talks about supporting Uncanny Magazine, which promotes underrepresented voices in sci-fi/fantasy publishing.
• The two discuss the value of exposure to diverse perspectives, both through fiction and life choices, including their family’s intentional educational decisions.
• Aubrey recounts recent adventures in kayaking and trivia nights in Wisconsin, including a moment of trivia triumph (and regret) tied to a Blockheads video game memory.
• They both express a shared disdain for The Office and mutual joy over building Lego floral arrangements.
• A love for low-stakes comfort shows like Taskmaster and Friends leads into a broader conversation about the value of leisure and stress-free entertainment.
• Peter unveils “Imperfect Practice,” his new blog and YouTube channel centered around self-improvement through honest reflection and experimentation.
• The idea was sparked by frustrations with “perfect system” productivity content and a desire to share tools and lessons that might work—not ones that promise to.
• They discuss the gear (a Sony ZV-E10 Mark II with a Sigma lens), learning Final Cut Pro, and batching content in preparation for launch.
• Aubrey reflects on how much Peter has to share—from tech and fitness to life balance and failure—and enthusiastically endorses the project.
• The episode closes with Aubrey updating on her nearly-published astrophysics paper and the satisfying formality of a new professional identity.

Links:

Uncanny Magazine Year 12 Kickstarter
Uncanny Magazine on Patreon
The Incomparable Game Show
Imperfect Practice

Episode Summary

In this episode of Generations, Peter and Aubrey unpack Aubrey’s Mission: Impossible binge, breaking down the first four films with a mix of admiration and hilarity. From the iconic CIA heist in the original to the over-the-top slow-motion chaos of MI2, they offer a sharp and funny retrospective on the franchise. They also touch on the dark tone of MI3, the fun and flair of Ghost Protocol, and look ahead to finishing the rest. Along the way, they chat about Peter’s latest media finds—Murderbot and Taskmaster—before diving into some cosmic news and a mini masterclass on meditation’s science-backed benefits.

Show Notes

Catching Up

• Aubrey shares life updates from Madison and picking up her wedding dress. Adjusting to a slower pace has sparked a bit of an identity crisis, while Peter’s juggling work, D&D prep, and a long-awaited vacation.

Mission: Impossible Marathon

• Aubrey binged the first four MI movies and gives her fresh takes:
• MI1 and MI4 are her favorites for their iconic spy vibes and team dynamics
• MI2 gets absolutely roasted—slow-motion karate, doves, and all
• MI3 is a tonal whiplash with Philip Seymour Hoffman playing terrifyingly evil
• Ghost Protocol earns praise for its balance of fun, tension, and gadget failures

Pop Culture Detour

• Peter recommends Apple TV+’s Murderbot adaptation—darkly funny, sharp, and surprisingly sweet
• The joys of Taskmaster, especially Series 19 with Jason Mantzoukas, which Peter finds hysterical and binge-worthy (and all free on YouTube)

Astro Fact Corner

• Aubrey explains new findings around intermediate-mass black holes—those mysterious “middle children” of the black hole world—and why they matter to astrophysics

The Science of Meditation

• Peter dives into AI-assisted research on meditation’s benefits, from neuroplasticity to stress reduction
• Daily practice—even short sessions—can reshape the brain and improve emotional regulation
• No significant difference between guided and self-guided meditation
• Peter and Aubrey share their own meditation habits and tools, from Peloton and Calm to YouTube and Readwise

Closing Notes

• Peter announces that Generations is migrating to a new podcast host (Transistor.fm) for better speed and reliability—listeners may briefly see duplicate downloads during the transition
• Listeners are encouraged to send feedback to [email protected] and leave a review

Episode notes:

Life update: Aubrey's big move

Aubrey recounts her whirlwind move from Salt Lake to Madison, including stops in St. Louis and Kansas City

Multiple legs of travel: graduation events, Yellowstone, packing chaos

U-Haul issues, car towing logistics, and vacuum-sealed bags saved the day

One casualty: the grill flew off her Kia mid-drive--but all else survived

Settling in

The new apartment is mostly unpacked (minus a couch)

Aubrey and Hayden are adjusting well, and enjoying the Midwest summer

Hayden has started his new job, joining the "Beaker" team and diving into orientation

Movie talk: Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

Spoiler-free discussion with Peter and Aubrey both praising the film

Aubrey admits to missing the early films but loves the franchise's vibe

Peter shares thoughts on the evolution of the series, noting a tonal shift in this entry

Both appreciate the intense action, suspense, and signature Tom Cruise running scenes

Discussion of directing styles through the series--from De Palma to McQuarrie

Peter floats the idea that this film might be both the best and worst of the series

Looking Ahead

Aubrey plans to watch Mission Impossible 1--4 to complete her viewing experience

A follow-up episode on the early entries in the franchise is teased

Show Notes:

- Aubrey calls in from the car after a weekend trip to Yellowstone.

- Reflections on the weird but welcome post-grad downtime.

- Trip to St. Louis to see Hayden graduate--one ceremony brought sunburn, the other brought Simone Biles.

- Simone Biles sighting! Aubrey was just feet away and too starstruck to say anything--but did manage to snap a photo.

- Simone gave a great speech--delivered from a literal gold podium, heels and all.

- More travel ahead: packing up, visiting Poki, and bouncing between places.

- Peter reports on rainy weather, a now-employed teen lifeguard, and general quiet.

- Brief episode to stay connected before a fuller one later in the week.

Show Notes

Concert Experience:

- Attended Spiritbox's sold-out show at Rockwell (The Complex, SLC).

- Observations on the diverse crowd and high female representation compared to typical metal shows.

- Praise for the band's dynamic live performance, visuals, and tight set design.

- Standout songs: “Holy Roller”, “Soft Spine”, “No Loss, No Loss”, and “Crystal Roses”.

- Courtney LaPlante described as a "spooky angel fairy princess demon" for her mesmerizing stage presence.

Setlist & Discography Thoughts:

- Breakdown of Spiritbox's unique release strategy: multiple EPs and singles instead of traditional albums.

- Discussion of their rapid rise following "Holy Roller" and how they've kept momentum by staying in the public eye with frequent releases.

- Comparison to Weird Al's release philosophy in the digital age.

Opening Acts:

- Thoughts on Dying Wish (humorously misread as "Dingwish") and Loathe.

- Energy and effort were appreciated, but the music didn't quite land with either host.

Group Outing:

- The joy of going with a group: Hayden, Liv, Jess, and Jon joined for dinner and the show.

- Reflections on the generational experience of concerts and aging at shows ("these kids don't stand anymore").

Resistance Training = Fountain of Youth:

- Peter shares evidence-based insights on how strength training can improve longevity, skin quality, recovery, and overall health.

- Emphasizes the role of muscle in balance, injury prevention, and post-surgical recovery.

- "Pick something up, put it down, repeat until you're nearly out of gas -- that's the magic."

What We Discuss:

- Sibling energy and setup quirks: Peter and Aubrey kick off the episode sharing laughs about their podcast gear, Easter weekend catch-up, and family updates.

- The grind of finals season: Aubrey gives a peek into the academic chaos of her final weeks in undergrad, complete with quantum mechanics and end-of-semester overload.

Generational reflections on journaling:

- Peter recounts how journaling went from a teenage afterthought to a vital part of his daily introspection and habit-tracking system.

- Aubrey reflects on her childhood love for writing and how journaling helped her emotionally process in middle and high school—and why she’s trying to return to it now.

Mental health, anxiety, and the myth of productivity through panic:

- Aubrey opens up about how journaling helps untangle the learned behavior of equating anxiety with success.

- Peter shares how journaling, therapy, and emotional vulnerability still feel hard to access—especially for men in high-pressure roles.

Finding your own system:

- The pair critique “one-size-fits-all” journaling advice and emphasize that the right journaling method is the one that actually works for you.

- From structured prompts to chaotic brain dumps, they stress the importance of experimentation, personalization, and consistency.

Identity vs. profession:

- Peter reflects on what it means to be more than your job, and how journaling has helped him rediscover his identity as Peter—not just "Dr. Jones."

Cosmic curiosity:

- Aubrey brings the astro-fact of the week: could dimethyl sulfide in a distant exoplanet's atmosphere be a biosignature? The science says… maybe. But don’t bet your space dollars on it yet.

A gentle call to action:

- Try journaling. Start wherever you are. Make it your own. And don’t believe the internet when it tells you there’s only one “right” way.

Episode Notes:

Life Update Catch-Up

- Aubrey's semester is peaking with finals, work, and wedding planning.

- Peter recounts a restful spring break, surgical wins, and a gentle rant about university fundraising.

The Topic: Unexpected Life Lessons

- Prompted by a podcast title she saw, Aubrey kicks off a conversation on the surprising places we learn from.

Aubrey's Lessons

- Working at a children's hospital taught her she didn't want a life in medicine--despite starting as a pre-med.

- Instead, she discovered a love for space and the importance of aligning her career with her values and emotional capacity.

- A failed organic chemistry class was a blessing in disguise, pointing her to a new path.

- A failed AR test in 4th grade (thanks to speeding through The Hobbit) taught her quality over quantity.

- A stranger's kindness during a botched Frontier flight connection became a lasting reminder: People don't always suck.

Peter's Lessons

- Working low-level jobs in a hospital and waiting tables gave him the humility and teamwork skills that make him a better surgeon today.

- Reading voraciously as a kid shaped his communication skills, creative thinking, and confidence in writing--skills that help him every day as a physician and author.

- Being able to smile through chaos (and scumbag customers) was a survival skill learned while serving tables on $2.13/hour.

- Embracing failure as a path to growth--backed up by wise words from Brandon Sanderson and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Final Thoughts

- Journaling gets a shoutout as a key tool for reflection and catching those life lessons.

- No medical news this time--just good vibes, honesty, and anticipation for the upcoming Spiritbox concert.

Got your own unexpected life lesson? Drop the hosts a line at [email protected]

Stay tuned for the next episode in two weeks!

Catching Up:

• Peter is in the final stretch of a 10-day call and looking forward to time off.

• Aubrey shares updates on her graduation timeline, wedding planning stress, and how her classes feel like a slog in the final semester.

Main Topic: Social Media Across Generations

Peter and Aubrey compare their experiences and attitudes toward various social platforms:

Facebook:

• Aubrey: Rarely uses it, mostly to check in on family posts; associates it with an older generation.

• Peter: Actively dislikes it, especially post-2020; only keeps it for limited practical reasons.

• Shared sentiment: Feels like a platform overwhelmed by misinformation and outdated content.

Instagram:

• Aubrey: Treats it like a personal photo scrapbook; now uses it sparingly and mindfully.

• Peter: Mostly follows memes, bands, and comics; minimal time spent but appreciates the humor.

Twitter/X, BlueSky, Mastodon:

• Aubrey: Never liked Twitter and hasn't touched it in years.

• Peter: Deleted his Twitter account after Elon Musk's acquisition; briefly explored alternatives like BlueSky and Mastodon but found them underwhelming.

TikTok:

• Aubrey: Used to spend a lot of time on it for humor and recipes but now imposes strict limits to avoid doomscrolling.

• Peter: Visits occasionally but hasn't engaged enough for the algorithm to work well; finds it underwhelming.

LinkedIn:

• Aubrey: Only uses it to play the games (!) and occasionally updates for academic reasons.

• Peter: Actively dislikes the culture of self-congratulatory posting; logs in solely to clear out spammy messages.

Reddit:

• Peter: His most-used platform, especially for niche interests and news. Recommends curating the homepage to filter out toxicity.

• Aubrey: Dislikes the general vibe; finds it to be full of complaints and arguments. Feels more like a "cesspool" than a community.

Mini Segments:

• Peter's Medical Fact:

Sleeping more than 9 hours regularly can be worse for you than getting too little sleep, increasing the risk of early-onset dementia and other health issues.

• Aubrey's Physics Update:

Aubrey revisits a previous topic about Microsoft's quantum chip and shares skepticism from a condensed matter physicist. Claims about stabilizing Majorana zero modes are likely overblown or misleading, casting doubt on Microsoft's announcement.