John Siracusa and Merlin Mann try to figure out exactly how they got this way.

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#271: My System is Symmetrical

“Periscope up!”

October 10th, 2025 · 86 minutes

Main topic is the various voices in our heads. If the technology existed to expose the workings of our interior world, what do we imagine it might look like?


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John has Follow-Up on naked swimming as well as an update on his mystery beep. Merlin is increasingly concerned about his Lead, but it's a little late for that now.

The main topic is the various voices in our heads. If the technology existed to expose the workings of our interior world, what do we imagine it might look like?

(Recorded on Tuesday, September 30, 2025)


Credits

Reconcilable Differences #270: We Inflated Our Pants

This episode includes our members-only aftershow, free for everyone.

How half the US lost part of their minds - YouTube

This is the "lead in baby teeth" video.

How artificial intelligence gave a paralyzed woman her voice back
Meet the Little Brain Region that Helps You Say What’s on Your Mind
Scientists develop interface that “reads” thoughts from speech-impaired patients
AlterEgo: Thought to text
Aphantasia - Wikipedia
Unified Modeling Language - Wikipedia
The Rest Is History #604: Greek Myths: Sex, Drugs & Tragedy (Part 3)
Lawrence M. Schoen - Wikipedia

New College professor and Klingon language specialist from whom Merlin took a Mnemonics class.

New Order - "The Beach" ('Blue Monday' remix, 1983) - YouTube

Merlin thinks this is how electric cars sound.

Kraftwerk - "Uranium" (1975) - YouTube

Source of the sample used by New Order.

Everything You Know About “Blue Monday” is Probably Wrong I New British Canon - YouTube
Peg-word mnemonic - Oxford Reference

one is a bun, two is a shoe, three is a tree, four is a door, five is a hive, six is sticks, seven is heaven, eight is a gate, nine is wine, ten is a hen.

Amazon.com: The Memory Book: The Classic Guide to Improving Your Memory at Work, at School, and at Play: 8580001059679: Lorayne, Harry, Lucas, Jerry: Books

Merlin couldn't remember the author of this book, and that's just funny.