Reconcilable Differences

#19: Four Toes

February 11th, 2016 · 118 minutes

This week, John and Merlin talk about the value of exposing yourself to new or uncomfortable ideas, before moving on to their main topic: how and when to recommend things to other people.

#18: It's Devastating

January 28th, 2016 · 112 minutes

The primary topic this week is names and naming. Merlin struggles in vain to pronounce John's name to his satisfaction, John reveals his middle name, and the boys dive deep on the lore, reality, and complexities of how both people get their names.

#17: Don’t Touch the Banana

January 14th, 2016 · 132 minutes

After a discussion about The Game, which Merlin has finally watched all the way through, the boys tackle the topic of jobs. They discuss what they did or didn't learn from them, and how their younger work lives shaped their future employment choices.

#16: Ancient Bird

December 17th, 2015 · 126 minutes

John probes Merlin about why exactly he’s so interested in remembering and recording his whackadoodle dreams. We learn, for example, that Permiso delivers 3 to 5 surprises per day.

#15: Emotional Swimsuit Season

December 3rd, 2015 · 114 minutes

This week, your hosts cover TV buying decisions, the legacy of Star Wars, thoughts on holidays, and how to not end up raising Dudley Dursley.

#14: Children's Shoes

November 19th, 2015 · 113 minutes

This time out, John and Merlin start with a consideration of parenting advice and (surprise) the Star Wars prequels.

Then, the wardrobe is opened for a discussion of clothing. What your hosts choose to wear and why...

#13: The Mickey Suit

November 5th, 2015 · 156 minutes

This episode, John and Merlin have a spirited debate on netspeak and emoji talk (🤕👹😭), then address the Wonderful World of Disney (World), including what makes it great and what keeps it relevant.

#12: Hobbit Tendencies

October 22nd, 2015 · 159 minutes

The centerpiece of the episode is a lot of talk about travel, focused on the myriad reasons your hosts find it so terribly difficult. Observations on helplessness, motion sickness, money, and the titular "Hobbit tendencies" emerge.

#11: Frog Board Room

October 8th, 2015 · 92 minutes

John ruefully updates us on the stressful state of renovations to his house—and how his quest for quality collides with whatever passes for quote-unquote craftsmanship today.

#10: That Darn Cat

September 24th, 2015 · 177 minutes

The boys settle into a detailed exploration of "Merlin's world of music." From AM radio (through a pillow speaker) to abortive accordion and trombone lessons to impersonating Pete Townsend through the Bacon Ray years.