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

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Latest Episodes

#52: This Bird Can’t Get Laid

May 18th, 2017 · 97 minutes

In this week’s accidental main topic, John addresses his new bird-enemy and the Wile E. Coyotean lengths to which his desperation with living in a drum may drive him.

#51: Pull Here, Dummy

May 3rd, 2017 · 119 minutes

#50: Barrel Week

April 19th, 2017 · 123 minutes

In a surprisingly robust main topic, John recalls his youth spent playing handball and many other New York street games that Merlin had assumed were just made up.

#49: Celebrity Outreach Program

April 5th, 2017 · 111 minutes

This week’s main topic is Follow-Up. John has strong feelings about properly crediting the provenance of this segment, and, honestly, he really asks for so little in life. This leads to a discussion of how one’s ideas often develop a life of their own.

#48: Slim Pickings in the Terrarium

March 23rd, 2017 · 151 minutes

Merlin gets his time in the barrel as John disabuses him of his self-styled situation as "the dumb one." Merlin tries gamely to change the subject to how status works in improv, but finds his knife further sharpened in the bargain.

#47: Now I Dream in French

March 7th, 2017 · 124 minutes

This week’s first topic is self-driving cars and how soon they’re likely to be ready, as they say, for prime time. Later, you'll find The Spoiler Slot filled with a discussion of the 2016 movie, Arrival.

#46: Some Form of Ballast

February 23rd, 2017 · 110 minutes

Main topic this week is Valentine’s Day. Why Merlin hates it, and why John thinks it has its purposes. Why is tonight’s Holy Day of Obligation different from all others, and why exactly did John have a mat?

#45: The Blood is Normal, Right?

February 8th, 2017 · 111 minutes

Main topic this week is John's Cautious Tech Optimism. How does John see technology's role in potentially bringing out our better angels? Why is dystopian sci-fi so depressingly myopic? How much does technology ever really change human nature?

#44: Assistant Manager Material

January 26th, 2017 · 131 minutes

For the main topic, your hosts address Money on the Internet. How have technological and cultural changes altered our idea about what's valuable and how much people are willing to pay for it?

#43: Pack Mule with a Checkbook

January 12th, 2017 · 117 minutes

The main topic this week is Dad Stuff. Dad Jokes, Dad Hats, and Dad…everything. In particular, when did Dad Jokes become a thing, and exactly what part of that label is supposed to be so bad and insulting?