SHOW NOTES

• Check-in: Peter escaped a work trip in Austin early by paying $75 for a same-day flight change — no business casual required, shorts were involved. Aubrey's week involved actual tornado warnings in Madison, a mid-workday shelter evacuation with her kids, and baseball-sized hail; she later raced home with Hayden to beat a second tornado approaching from the west. Friday brought a school district preemptive cancellation and, fortuitously, weather pay.
• Episode setup: With Avengers: Doomsday trailer apparently shown at CinemaCon (not yet public), Peter thought it was a good time to tier-rank all 37 MCU movies using his custom tier list tool. He and Eden did a bracket format on The Middle of Culture previously, but Peter prefers the tier list because it doesn't force unfair head-to-head matchups.
• S tier (locked in): Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Infinity War, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Spider-Man: No Way Home. Peter notes The Winter Soldier is probably the best MCU film, even if not his personal favorite; No Way Home earns its S on pure emotional impact, despite Homecoming arguably being the tighter movie. Both agree Infinity War is the stronger film over Endgame.
• A tier highlights: Black Panther, Black Widow (Aubrey advocates for it; Peter concedes despite CGI complaints), the original Avengers, Civil War, Endgame, Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four: First Steps, Guardians Vol. 1, Homecoming, Ant-Man, and Iron Man 1. Peter is bullish on both Thunderbolts ("hits emotionally a lot harder" than Fantastic Four) and Fantastic Four ("it's got the juice").
• B tier: Guardians Vol. 3, Wakanda Forever, Spider-Man: Far From Home, original Thor, Guardians Vol. 2 (Peter's least favorite of the trilogy, despite online discourse claiming otherwise), Deadpool & Wolverine, Captain America: The First Avenger, Doctor Strange, and Shang-Chi — though Peter notes Shang-Chi gets docked for Marvel's failure to do anything with the character afterward: "My boy Shang-Chi deserves better."
• C and D tiers: Age of Ultron lands in C; Iron Man 2 in D ("you can't enjoy the experience of Iron Man 2 ever again"). Eternals earns a D with Peter suggesting he might genuinely prefer Iron Man 2 over a rewatch. Brave New World lands in D simply because neither of them has had any interest in watching it — the tier list as disinterest metric.
• MCU fatigue and cautious optimism: Post-tier-list conversation touches on the post-Endgame drop-off in quality and excitement. Aubrey recalls having a nightmare the night before the Endgame midnight premiere that they couldn't go see it — that's the level of hype she wants back. Both see Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four as signs of an upswing heading into Doomsday.
• Secret Invasion tangent: Peter revisits his custom-built tier list feature (a bonus below-D tier for truly irredeemable content) — originally created for DC's Black Adam, but Secret Invasion is the MCU equivalent. Six episodes and rage-quit; he says it soured him on MCU TV generally, leaving him behind on Loki S2, What If S2, Echo, and Daredevil Born Again.
• Tease for next episode: Aubrey mentions she already has an outfit planned to go with next week's topic.

Project Hail Mary — Book Backgrounds

• Aubrey came to the book recently via a recommendation from Hayden, listened on Audible, and loved it — specifically calling out the audiobook's interpretation of Rocky's voice as a standout experience. Peter claims Andy Weir hipster status, having bought The Martian on Kindle before it was picked up by a publisher.

Andy Weir's Body of Work

• Peter gives a quick rundown: The Martian (great), Artemis (a letdown), Project Hail Mary (a major return to form). Both agree the book is worth reading even after seeing the movie — it goes much deeper into the science and the characters' inner lives.

Spoiler-Free Premise

• Dr. Ryland Grace wakes up alone in a spaceship with no memory of who he is or why he's there. The story unfolds through present-day mystery and flashbacks, piecing together how humanity ended up in crisis — and how he ended up being the one sent to solve it.

Ryan Gosling as Dr. Grace

• Aubrey was skeptical going in, having mostly seen Gosling in pretty-boy leading man roles. First trailer changed her mind; the performance won her over completely. Peter agrees he's a better actor than his typecast reputation suggests.

Directors: Lord and Miller

• Peter felt reassured once he knew Phil Lord and Chris Miller were at the helm. Credits discussed: The Lego Movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, 21 Jump Street, and their screenwriting work on the Spider-Verse films.

Rocky and the Practical Effects Decision

• Aubrey was relieved that Rocky — the film's alien character — was built as a practical puppet rather than pure CGI. Both agree it's the right call: the physical presence makes the central relationship feel genuinely earned.

Book vs. Film — Adaptation Discussion

• Both appreciate that the filmmakers understood that books and movies are different mediums. The movie streamlines and adds warmth; the book rewards readers with more depth. Neither feels like a substitute for the other.

No Medical Note This Week — Peter didn't have anything to share.

Astro Fact — Artemis II

• Aubrey notes the Artemis II moon launch, which had just taken off. Artemis III is planned to actually land on the moon — Aubrey's verdict: nothing ever goes to plan, so we'll see.

SHOW NOTES

• Neurosis surprise album drop — Peter opens the episode buzzing about An Undying Love for a Burning World, an unannounced album from his all-time favorite band Neurosis, released without warning on the spring equinox. He describes it as a life-dividing event: there's before Neurosis and after Neurosis.
• Neurosis backstory — A brief catch-up on the band: their last album was in 2016, then the Scott Kelly situation in 2022, then... silence. The new album adds Aaron Turner (of post-metal band Isis) and was recorded in three weeks in the Pacific Northwest.
• Fire in the Mountains festival — Neurosis was also revealed as the surprise headliner for this festival in Montana, held on First Nations land and raising funds for mental health and suicide prevention in First Nations youth.
• Yearly theme check-in — The main episode topic. Peter's theme is intentionally malleable — structured experimentation — and he's found mixed results: exercise started well, evening routine still shaky, creative output planning is a work in progress.
• Aubrey's theme: peace — Her theme centers on finding peace, and fitness has been the main vehicle. She's been locked in on a cut with her Apple Watch and the Athletic app since their last tracking-apps episode, and reports it's going well.
• Notion deep-dive tangent — Aubrey wants to use Notion to build a meal planning/recipe tracker as a creative project. Peter shares his own Notion journey, including his verdict: "I'd rather use five apps that full-ass what they do than one app that half-asses everything." He demos Mela, a dedicated recipe and meal-planning app, as an alternative.
• Learning sprints update — Peter's Q4 learning sprint spilled over (book prep took longer than expected, photography project hasn't started yet). He's also been doing some vibe coding. Aubrey's sprint got derailed by trying to finish her research paper.
• Aubrey's published astrophysics paper — Big news buried near the end: Aubrey is officially published as first author in an astrophysics journal. The timing just missed her grad school application window, but she's planning to reapply next year.
• Grad school rejection — Aubrey got rejected from the program she applied to and, understandably, went through a "no I hate you guys, I'm not doing math" phase before finding her footing again.
• Health note — Peter shares a study finding that a single dedicated chunk of exercise (e.g., one 5,000-step walk) produces measurably better outcomes than the same total steps spread throughout the day in small bursts.
• No Astro Fact this week — Aubrey flags it's coming next episode after she does a deep dive. Stay tuned.

SHOW NOTES

• The topic: Peter proposes talking about the role music plays in their lives — not recommendations, but how and when they actually use it throughout the day.
• Aubrey's origin story: She shares a memory from childhood of seeing a hospital bio that described Peter as loving music — and being completely confused, because her only concept of "music" at the time was what her mom played on the piano.
• Vibes-based listening: Both Peter and Aubrey describe a shared but hard-to-explain phenomenon — channel-surfing through albums and playlists until something clicks, with no rational explanation for why one thing works and another doesn't.
• Albums vs. playlists: Peter listens almost exclusively to full albums, but creates playlists to queue multiple albums in a row. Aubrey curates mood-specific playlists of individual songs — and Hayden's entire music library is basically just her playlists.
• Peter's playlist names: An extended segment where Peter reveals his elaborate, pun-based playlist naming system — highlights include "A State of Denial" (Egyptian death metal / the band Nile), "Quoth the Raven" (bands with members of Nevermore), "An Elder List" (Lovecraft/Cthulhu-themed metal), and "Let My People Go" (all things Exodus).
• Blocked artists: Aubrey has Taylor Swift, Drake, and Kanye permanently blocked on Spotify. On Drake specifically: she always hated his voice, then the Kendrick beef gave her a "valid reason" she'd been waiting for.
• Surgery playlists: Peter reveals most of his surgeries finish in under one album's length, so he usually just starts an album. Longer cases (robotic surgery) get a full playlist.
• Study music deep dive: Aubrey credits a YouTube channel called Jason Lewis Mind Amend — isochronic tones over repetitive electronic beats, with thumbnails of animals wearing headphones — for getting her through her degree. She's convinced that if she heard the lizard video again, she'd involuntarily snap into astrophysics homework mode.
• Sleep conditioning: Aubrey listened to Five Easy Hotdogs by Mac DeMarco every night during her hospital shifts until her top 12 Spotify Wrapped songs were just the album, in order. Now it works on planes too.
• No Astro Fact or Health Note this week — both Peter and Aubrey come up empty, but Aubrey teases a spring break deep dive on an astrophysics concept.

 Show Notes 

• We kick off with winter fatigue, weird sleep weeks, and how small disruptions affect how we feel.
• Why this episode started with a text about starting a calorie deficit — and why we decided tracking was worth discussing.
• Peter’s long experiment with wearables (Fitbit, Garmin, Pebble, Microsoft Band) — and why most of them ultimately fell short.
• Why we landed on the Apple Watch:
  • Best overall smartwatch experience
  • Solid fitness tracking for normal humans
  • Actually useful smart features
  • Better privacy model than Google-owned ecosystems
• The real value of tracking:
  • Not the daily numbers
  • The trends over time
  • Using data for awareness, not obsession
• Heart rate alerts and anxiety:
  • Using elevated heart rate notifications as a cue to regulate
  • Tracking medication side effects responsibly
• Calorie tracking on a cut:
  • We don’t rely on watch calorie burn to determine deficits
  • Apps like Chronometer and MacroFactor help — but ease of use matters
• Sleep tracking:
  • Sleep latency, HRV, resting heart rate
  • Seeing physiological effects of behaviors (like late eating)
  • Why tracking can be helpful if it doesn’t increase anxiety
• Cycle tracking & women’s health:
  • Logging symptoms daily reveals powerful patterns
  • Hormones affect sleep, hunger, mood, and performance
  • Being in an “in tune with my body” era
• Apple Health collects a lot of data — but doesn’t present it well.
  • Third-party apps like Athlytic make it more usable.
• Medical Fact:
  • Resistance + cardio training linked to 40% lower all-cause mortality
  • Nearly 30% lower cancer-specific mortality
  • Strength training plays a particularly protective role

Show Notes

• We open with a quick life check-in, including wildly different winter weather and a discussion of apartment life, visitors, and an ever-expanding collection of houseplants.
• We shift into the main topic: the announcement that Apple TV has acquired the rights to the entire Cosmere.
• Initial reactions focus on adaptation anxiety—why turning beloved books into movies or shows so often goes wrong, and why live-action adaptations feel especially risky.
• We talk about how Sanderson’s reported level of creative control is unusual, especially compared to other high-profile adaptations.
• Peter reflects on growing up with The Lord of the Rings and how that experience shapes his optimism about adaptations done well.
• We discuss why animation might have been safer—and why live action still has enormous potential if handled carefully.
• A big point of optimism: Apple TV’s reputation among creators for funding projects well, giving creative freedom, and actually letting stories finish.
• Comparisons to Netflix and Amazon highlight the frustration of canceled shows and unfinished narratives.
• We talk about how Apple’s long-term planning (and willingness to greenlight full arcs) could be critical for something as massive as Stormlight and Mistborn.
• Casting comes up, with strong agreement that unknown actors would be ideal to avoid baggage and preserve immersion.
• We joke about nightmare casting scenarios and the dangers of star-driven decisions.
• Representation matters: we discuss how Stormlight’s cultures are intentionally written and why accurate casting is important.
• We explore the challenge of Cosmere “cross-pollination” and how later books rely heavily on wider lore.
• Peter raises an interesting upside: some of Sanderson’s weaker prose moments may translate better on screen, where dialogue and visuals carry more weight.
• We touch on structural questions—movies vs. series, pacing, and how to handle extremely long books.

Show Notes

• We open with a quick check-in about extreme winter weather, frozen windows, and how different winters feel depending on where you live
• We introduce the episode’s theme: video games we love, games we don’t, and what we’re currently playing
• We question what it even means to be a “gamer” in 2026, especially in a world where mobile games dominate total playtime
• We talk about how gaming habits change with age, time constraints, and life responsibilities
• Aubrey walks through her most-played games:
  • Stardew Valley as her all-time favorite, including multiple worlds, co-op play, and reaching “perfection”
  • Minecraft as both a comfort game and a way to stay connected during long-distance relationships
• How co-op gaming became a form of long-distance date night
• We discuss different types of games and why they appeal differently:
  • Sandbox and simulation games
  • Roguelikes and progression-based loops
  • Loot-driven games like Diablo and Borderlands
  • Story-first, single-player games
• Peter explains why story and characters are the biggest draw for him, especially in:
  • The Mass Effect trilogy as his all-time favorite gaming experience
  • Assassin’s Creed Origins and Odyssey, and why Valhalla eventually felt too grindy
• We talk about difficulty settings, “story mode,” and why difficulty shouldn’t be a barrier to enjoying games
• We discuss games we want to like but don’t:
  • Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom
  • Super Mario platformers
  • Why exploration-heavy games don’t always click
• Aubrey shares her experience with Cult of the Lamb, including finishing it on normal difficulty and attempting the harder survival mode
• We explore It Takes Two as a co-op experience that’s fun but emotionally and mechanically demanding
• Aubrey talks about discovering a newer, more systems-focused space game and why optimization and calm progression really work for her
• Peter brings up Cyberpunk 2077 as one of the best—but emotionally heavy—games he’s ever played
• We touch on party and group games:
  • Mario Kart
  • Boomerang Fu
  • Super Smash Bros (and character loyalty)
• We talk about competitive vs. solo gaming and why online multiplayer just doesn’t appeal to us
• Peter reflects on strategy games like Civilization—always buying them, rarely playing them
• We close by agreeing that gaming doesn’t need justification: comfort games count, single-player counts, and enjoying one game deeply is enough

Show Notes

• We open with some life updates, including travel fatigue, family weddings, and easing back into work after the holidays
• We intentionally choose a lighter topic after last week’s more reflective episode: things we’re excited about in 2026
• Movies we’re looking forward to
  • Strong excitement for Project Hail Mary, especially given how meaningful the book was
  • Curiosity and respect for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, even with mixed feelings about his past films
  • Anticipation (and dread) around Sunrise on the Reaping and the emotional weight of the Hunger Games universe
  • Cautious optimism about The Devil Wears Prada 2—beloved cast, but big questions about timing and necessity
  • A deep dive into Dune Messiah vs. Avengers: Doomsday, including Marvel fatigue and uncertainty around Doctor Doom
  • Thoughts on Spider-Man: Brand New Day and why it inspires more confidence than the next Avengers film
  • Clear disinterest in The Mandalorian and Grogu, despite its significance for Star Wars theatrical releases
• Books and reading
  • Huge enthusiasm for the next Dungeon Crawler Carl book and praise for its narration and humor
  • Discussion of finally getting into the series and why it works as a palate cleanser
  • Hope for Twelve Months, the long-awaited next entry in The Dresden Files
  • Honest conversation about the series’ flaws, growth over time, and why it’s still worth reading
• TV shows (mostly hypotheticals)
  • Acknowledging how many shows we intend to watch but haven’t yet
  • Mentions of Silo, Rings of Power, House of the Dragon, and Marvel TV fatigue
  • Why some shows feel easier to watch with others rather than alone
• Video games
  • Excitement for the Cult of the Lamb expansion and how it surprised us
  • Curiosity around GTA VI, despite never finishing previous entries
  • Interest in Marvel’s Wolverine and a potential Fable reboot
• Music
  • Anticipation for several metal releases, mixed with realism about aging bands
  • Reflections on how live music has changed—and why smaller shows feel more meaningful now
  • Sticker shock and frustration with modern concert ticket prices
  • A shift toward supporting artists directly through digital purchases
• Space and science
  • Excitement about the Artemis II mission looping around the far side of the moon
  • Anticipation for a total lunar eclipse visible across North America
  • Gentle skepticism about “quantum breakthroughs” announced by tech companies
• We close by acknowledging that after several intense life years, a quieter, slower 2026 might be the thing we’re most excited about

Show Notes

• We open by talking about being together in person over the holidays, unseasonably warm winter weather, and how strange it feels to see green grass in December.
• We reflect on how climate shifts, lack of snowpack, and wildfire smoke have become an unsettling “new normal.”
• As the year wraps up, we explain why we are firmly opposed to traditional New Year’s resolutions.
  • They tend to be overly ambitious.
  • They focus on failure and guilt rather than growth.
  • They encourage all-or-nothing thinking.
• We talk about how resolutions often repeat year after year, reinforcing a cycle of disappointment instead of progress.
• We introduce the idea of yearly themes, inspired by the Cortex podcast’s approach.
  • Themes guide decisions instead of dictating outcomes.
  • You can’t “fail” a theme.
  • Themes allow for flexibility, reassessment, and course-altering without shame.
• We discuss how progress actually works:
  • Growth isn’t linear.
  • Life looks more like a sine wave than a straight upward line.
  • The goal is to slowly shift the baseline over time.
• Aubrey reflects on last year’s theme—essentially survival—and why graduating, moving, and starting a new life counts as success.
• Peter shares past themes:
  • The Year of Growth (too broad)
  • The Year of Conscious Action (more effective and grounded)
• Aubrey introduces her 2026 theme: A Year of Peace
  • Focused on managing anxiety rather than “fixing” it.
  • Centered on inner calm, not external control.
  • Anchored in sleep, movement, mindfulness, and basic needs.
• We talk about anxiety as something often self-generated through imagined scenarios—and how peace is about changing our response.
• Peter introduces his 2026 theme: The Year of Gentle Refinement
  • A rejection of “optimization” as a harsh, weaponized concept.
  • Focused on small, monthly refinements rather than big overhauls.
  • Closely aligned with learning, workflows, and creative projects.
• We discuss embracing failure as information, not judgment.
• Sleep becomes a major focus:
  • Refining nighttime routines.
  • Consistent wake times.
  • Circadian rhythm basics.
• Aubrey shares practical strategies for anxiety management:
  • Walking meditations.
  • Getting sunlight early in the day.
  • Her “first aid kit for anxiety” (drink water, eat, go to the bathroom).
• We close by emphasizing that themes only need to work for you—there’s no universal right answer.

Episode Notes

• We kick things off with winter check-ins, comparing Wisconsin’s full-on frozen wonderland to Peter’s suspiciously warm, snow-light winter.
• End-of-year busyness hits hard, especially when holidays collide with work schedules and stolen OR days.
• Our main topic: books we read in 2025, including highlights, rereads, surprises, and disappointments.
• Aubrey walks through reading all of Brandon Sanderson’s Secret Projects, with Tress of the Emerald Sea standing out as a near-perfect recommendation for new readers.
• We both revisit Mistborn — rereading the original trilogy reveals new layers, but also highlights lingering concerns about prose and late-series direction.
• The Sunlit Man sparks mixed feelings, especially around Sigzil’s characterization and its disconnect from Wind and Truth.
• Peter rereads the entire Mistborn saga through The Lost Metal, praising Wax and Wayne but expressing disappointment with the finale, escalating Cosmere gods, and Kelsier’s trajectory.
• Both of us admit growing unease after The Lost Metal and Wind and Truth, worrying about where the Cosmere is headed.
• Aubrey shares thoughts on Isles of the Emberdark, Sixth of the Dusk, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and White Sand — including a strong dislike for Graphic Audio adaptations.
• Peter gushes about The Murderbot Diaries, praising their exploration of personhood, AI, free will, and identity — and recommends the Apple TV+ adaptation.
• We discuss The Three-Body Problem, including its hard sci-fi roots and the famous astrophysics concept behind the title.
• One of Peter’s standout reads: Murder Your Employer, a darkly funny, sharp, and satisfying novel that became his favorite fiction read of the year.
• Aubrey highlights Project Hail Mary as a clear top-tier read, praising both the story and the audiobook experience.
• We talk Hunger Games prequels, with Sunrise on the Reaping delivering emotional devastation and deeper insight into Haymitch.
• Aubrey runs through major fantasy misses, including Fourth Wing, From Blood and Ash, and An Ember in the Ashes, calling out weak prose, flat characters, and formula fatigue.
• Nonfiction roundup from Peter includes Atomic Habits, Save the Cat Writes a Novel, and Tiny Experiments, which had a genuinely life-changing impact.
• Aubrey shares a strong nonfiction miss with The Anatomy of Anxiety, ultimately abandoning it over pseudoscience and diet fear-mongering.
• The episode closes with Peter starting Gödel, Escher, Bach, setting up a serious, slow-burn intellectual challenge for the year ahead.

Thanksgiving Recap
We compare how our Thanksgivings looked this year:

• Peter had family in town, ate early because Alex worked, and enjoyed the luxury of being done with dinner by 1:30pm — which meant pie three separate times throughout the day.
• Aubrey and Hayden had their first Wisconsin Thanksgiving together: quiet, cozy, just the two of them… and a national dog show that somehow ran for nine hours.
• Hayden cooked the full spread — turkey, stuffing, rolls, mashed potatoes — while Aubrey happily avoided the kitchen.
• The Costco pumpkin pie reigned supreme.
• Wisconsin immediately greeted them with bitter cold and a looming winter storm warning.

Honeymoon in Punta Cana

• Aubrey and Hayden finally took their honeymoon: a full week in the Dominican Republic at an adults-only all-inclusive.
• Thanks to deep research and a weird price quirk, they booked a VIP swim-up suite that was:
• Perfect weather the whole trip: 85° highs, 78° lows, light rain only at night.
• The butler sent daily WhatsApp newsletters with weather, restaurant schedules, and events.
• Resort activities
  • Parasailing
  • Muddy ATV/buggy tour
  • Swimming in a water cave
  • Tasting Dominican hot chocolate, coffee, and tea
  • Exploring local beaches
• Aubrey would like to return and never come home again.

The Realities of Tourism

• They learned resort employees often earn around $450/month, even in high-demand roles.
• Staff often work 12 days on, 2 days off, with housing just across the street.
• Resort guests are encouraged to leave TripAdvisor reviews for staff because bonuses and days off depend on it.
• Aubrey and Hayden tipped generously and left detailed positive reviews.
• We talk about how tourism helps but also doesn’t necessarily feed the real local economy.

What’s New at Home

• Aubrey is settling back into Wisconsin winter and starting her new job.
• Peter’s work has been the usual year-end chaos: med students, residents, OR days, and holiday-season busyness.
• He looks forward to January even though January hasn’t really slowed down in recent years.

Aubrey’s New Unpaid Job

• Aubrey is now the social media manager for her best friend’s mobile food pantry in Salt Lake.
• The pantry serves communities that can’t easily get to traditional food banks.
• Winter increases needs dramatically.
• Aubrey’s been making Canva graphics, Reels/TikToks, and growing the project’s presence.
• Shameless plug: Instagram → freefoodtruck.slc

Rethinking Consumption & the Holidays

• Aubrey has been reflecting on:
  • Volunteering
  • Spending money intentionally
  • Avoiding overconsumption culture — especially around the holidays
  • Donating or supporting causes rather than buying random gifts
• She shares love for:
  • The Hank & John Green–run Good Store
  • Awesome Socks Club subscriptions that funnel profits into maternal health in Sierra Leone
  • Coffee/tea subscriptions funding TB research

Peter’s Mini-Rant on Thanksgiving

• We revisit the idea (from Middle of Culture) that Thanksgiving has meaning but gets ignored since it can’t be easily commercialized.
• Halloween and Christmas dominate because they’re more profitable.
• Black Friday is a shadow of itself — 30% off is now considered a “deal.”

Wrapping Up

• We’re both getting back into routines after travel.
• Aubrey is preparing for a long winter of hibernation.
• Peter encourages light exposure (even artificial) to survive seasonal darkness.

📝 Episode Notes

• Both hosts share travel updates and kick things off sick but chatty.
• Wind and Truth clocks in at 1,360 pages or 63+ hours on audio—“a beast of a book.”
• Aubrey finished months ago; Peter only recently wrapped it up after rereading all Mistborn and the Secret Projects.

Overall impressions:

• Aubrey: emotional, conflicted, “stabbed in the heart” but also confused.
• Peter: relieved it’s over—“glad I won’t have to spend any more time with some of these characters.”

Favorites:

• Kaladin’s recovery and arc completion.
• Adolin and Yanagawn’s evolving friendship.
• The battles in Adolin’s storyline.
• Kaladin’s ending feels earned and hopeful.

Critiques:

• Sanderson’s prose feels “lazy” and “11th-grade honors English.”
• Too much worldbuilding—“circled back around and crawled up its own ass.”
• Shallan and the Ghostbloods storyline: “No one likes Shallan.”
• Dalinar: “A whiny ass little bitch.”
• Yasna’s “debate” with Odium felt implausible and shallow.
• Side plots (Lift, Navani, singers) felt unnecessary or underdeveloped.

Positive Spoilers:

• Kaladin’s ending as a Herald and Szeth’s tragic depth were highlights.
• Discussion of how Sanderson’s earlier writing (Mistborn, Final Empire) felt sharper and better edited.
• Peter recommends The Gone Away World by Nick Harkaway as a contrast—beautiful prose, mind-bending structure, and unforgettable turns.
• Aubrey resolves to slow down her reading pace to savor strong writing better.
• We close with laughs, no facts this week, and announce a four-week break for travel before the next episode.

Opening Catch-up

• Aubrey starts a new job as an after-school group leader for kids — “the fun person, not the teacher.”
• Peter updates on Gareth’s swim success (first places all around) and a hilarious 2 a.m. fridge alarm incident.
• Both discuss recovering from September burnout and their ongoing learning projects — Peter’s Save the Cat course and Aubrey’s self-taught math/physics review plan using ChatGPT as a tutor.

Main Topic — Marvel Since Endgame

• The two go phase by phase, movie by movie, revisiting the highs (Shang-Chi, No Way Home) and many lows (Eternals, Love and Thunder, Secret Invasion).
• Aubrey admits she used to defend Marvel “like an apologist,” but finally concedes the spark was gone.
• Peter jokes that Secret Invasion made him “angrier than anything he’s ever wasted time on.”

Thunderbolts*: The Return of the MCU?

• Directed by Jake Schreier, starring Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, and others.
• Plot breakdown: Yelena leads a ragtag group of “broken people” — Bucky, Red Guardian, John Walker, Ghost — under the manipulative Valentina.
• The villain “Bob” becomes The Sentry and then The Void, forcing the team to confront their trauma inside a literal nightmare realm.
• The climax: they defeat the Void not by fighting, but by hugging Bob — a surprisingly emotional resolution.
• Post-credit: Valentina tries to rebrand them as “the new Avengers,” and the Fantastic Four ship appears.

Highlights & Themes

• Florence Pugh dominates — “It’s really Yelena and the Thunderbolts.”
• Standout emotional moment: Yelena’s tearful “Daddy, I’m so lonely” scene with Red Guardian.
• Symbolism: the opening fight mirrors the “shadow” motif that returns when the Void consumes people.
• The film’s power lies in broken people learning to support each other without pretending friendship fixes everything.
• Classic Marvel humor returns — from Bucky-as-congressman gags to Red Guardian’s sticker-covered tracksuit.

Episode Notes

Opening chat:

• Peter feels completely drained after a whirlwind of family events and hospital admin battles.
• Aubrey talks about being home alone while Hayden traveled and how long-distance “muscle memory” still hits hard.
• Both agree that post-big-life-event fatigue is real.

Topic introduction – “Lifelong Learning”:

• Peter introduces an article by David Perell, Learn Like an Athlete, found through ReadWise Reader.
• Discusses how ReadWise makes highlighting meaningful through spaced repetition and daily resurfacing of insights.
• Perell’s idea: approach learning like athletes train—using three-month learning sprints with clear focus and goals.

Peter’s Q4 learning sprint:

• Theme: Story structure and character development for novel writing.
• Goal: Build an outline and structured framework for his next book by January 1.
• Using Jessica Brody’s Writing Mastery Academy and a library of writing books from Humble Bundle and StoryBundle.
• Plans six books and six courses—may adjust as he finds his pace.
• Next quarter (Q1 2026): Learn photography fundamentals—composition, editing, and shooting with just his iPhone.

Aubrey’s learning plans:

• Wants to keep her math and physics skills sharp while applying to grad school.
• Plans to study Physics GRE problems to maintain academic sharpness.
• Considering a personal training certification—diving deeper into the science of fitness and anatomy.
• Hopes to return to piano when space allows—acknowledging how humbling it’ll be to rebuild old skill.
• Has been deep in her plant care hobby, enjoying the continuous learning it offers.

Shared reflections:

• The joy of learning freely, outside of grades and assignments.
• Using modern tools like ChatGPT and YouTube to build structured, personalized learning plans.
• Seeing learning as a lifelong habit that keeps the brain resilient.

Health segment:

• Peter shares a study featured in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Pump Club:
  • Adults in their 60s who trained with heavy resistance for one year retained significant strength four years later.
  • Resistance training builds long-term neuromuscular adaptations—real “muscle memory.”
• Peter and Aubrey geek out on progressive overload, structured training, and how repetition creates real growth.
• Shout-out to Arnold’s Pump Club app—even Peter’s wife is hooked!

Closing notes:

• Message of the week: Keep learning. Keep lifting. Keep showing up.
• Feedback welcome at feedback@generations.fm

Show Notes

Catching up after a break

• Peter and Aubrey talk about why they’ve been away and what’s been going on.
• Peter shares the story of unexpectedly trading in his car for a Toyota RAV4 hybrid.

Aubrey’s three-week whirlwind

• An Alaskan cruise full of hikes, glaciers, wildlife, and a 65-mph zipline adventure.
• Packing stress: wedding dress, cruise gear, and everything else in one massive haul.
• Banana-posing seals, neon moss hikes, and glacier ice crashing into the sea.
• The world’s largest zipline: GoPros, nerves, swearing, and exhilaration.

Wedding chaos & beauty

• Marathon traffic nearly derails the timeline, but the day turns out magical.
• Emotional first look: Hayden cried before even seeing Aubrey.
• Wedding day menu: three meatballs and a slice of cake.
• Reception highlight: Aubrey destroying Hayden at Mario Kart and Smash Bros.

Family weekend

• Following day: Alex’s homecoming talk.
• Coming home to a mountain of wedding gifts.

Final science fact

• Aubrey shares about a supermassive black hole devouring 300–3,000 suns per year.
• Quasars, the Eddington limit, and the wonder of looking billions of years into the past.

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.

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

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

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 feedback@generations.fm and leave a review

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

- 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.

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."

- 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.

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 feedback@generations.fm

Stay tuned for the next episode in two weeks!

• 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.

• Personal Updates & Music Discussion

• Aubrey shares plans for a spring break camping trip.

• Peter reflects on a hectic work schedule and the challenge of balancing clinic and surgery days.

• Discussion on Spiritbox's new album Tsunami Sea, its evolution from Eternal Blue, and its potential impact on the metal scene.

AI in Everyday Life

• Both hosts discuss their regular use of AI tools.

• Aubrey uses AI for tasks like rewording sentences, generating email drafts, and even creating AI images for fun.

• Peter extensively uses AI for running a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, generating content, summarizing documents, and simplifying technical tasks.

• The usefulness of AI in coding, including debugging and optimizing scripts.

Where AI Excels and Fails

• AI shines in summarizing information, brainstorming, and streamlining repetitive tasks.

• Math and creative writing remain weak points for AI, as it often generates incorrect solutions and generic prose.

• The dangers of relying on AI too much, particularly in academic settings.

• Apple's AI offerings, including Image Playgrounds and auto-summarization, fall short in comparison to more established AI tools.

Final Thoughts

• The importance of using AI as a supplement rather than a substitute for human effort.

• Excitement about the future of AI, particularly in creative and technical fields.

• A preview of upcoming topics and a reminder to like, share, and subscribe.

Join us for a fun and insightful discussion on the intersection of AI and daily life--whether for work, creativity, or just making life a little easier.

- Attended her coach's professional boxing match, her first-ever pro fight.

- Describes the intensity of 3-minute rounds and the brutal nature of the sport.

- Insight into weight cuts and the physical toll on fighters.

Book Talk -- Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere:

- Peter finishes The Lost Metal and prepares for Wind and Truth by watching a 3-hour recap video.

- Aubrey finishes Wind and Truth and dives into The Sunlit Man, discussing the interconnectedness of the Cosmere.

- Both discuss Tress of the Emerald Sea and how it serves as a great entry point to Sanderson's universe.

Epic Systems Campus Tour:

- Aubrey shares her visit to Epic Systems' whimsical and surreal campus in Madison, Wisconsin.

- Descriptions of themed buildings (Wizarding, Alice in Wonderland, Chocolate Factory) and over-the-top decor.

- The quirky layout includes tunnels, galaxy carpets, and immersive themed environments.

- Peter recalls his experience at Epic, humorously comparing it to a parody of Silicon Valley excess.

Rants on Electronic Medical Records:

- Peter explains his love-hate relationship with Epic as an EMR, likening it to choosing the least bad STD.

- Critiques on how EMRs prioritize billing and coding over patient care.

- Insight into the history of Epic, which started as billing software.

Tech and Science Corner:

- Discussion on Ozempic and Wegovy's impact on elective surgeries due to delayed gastric emptying.

- Aubrey explains a breakthrough in quantum computing with Microsoft's Majorana 1 chip, potentially revolutionizing simulations.

- Peter passionately explains why encryption backdoors are inherently flawed.

- Criticism of UK's request to Apple to implement a global backdoor.

The discussion then shifts to Dungeons & Dragons, as Peter recounts the challenges of running a heist-based campaign and the group's struggle with strategic thinking. The episode's main event, however, is the two of us taking the Knights Radiant quiz to determine which order they belong to, leading to some fun surprises and in-depth analysis of our results.

On the music front, we geek out over Spiritbox, sharing excitement for an upcoming concert and reacting to the band's latest single, with a live first-time listen from Aubrey. We discuss the band's Grammy nomination, past Patreon exclusives, and the horror-inspired themes in their music.

The show wraps up with a discussion on the Little Red Dots discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope, which could either be ancient dwarf galaxies or remnants of supermassive black holes. We also touch on the state of the medical field and the broader societal climate, emphasizing the need for kindness and community in challenging times.

Key Takeaways

Audio Hijack is an essential tool for podcasters using Macs.

The Knights Radiant quiz led to fascinating discussions about identity and personality traits.

Spiritbox continues to push boundaries in the metal scene, and their upcoming album looks to be heavier than ever.

The James Webb Space Telescope is revealing strange and unexplained cosmic phenomena.

The medical field faces serious challenges, and we all need to support each other in tough times.

Ever had a concert experience that gave you chills? This week, Aubrey and Peter dive deep into the electrifying world of live music, sharing stories that'll have you reliving your own favorite shows!

From earth-shaking metal performances to hip-hop spectacles, our hosts bare their souls about the concerts that changed their lives – and a few that didn't quite hit the mark.

Peter takes us on a journey through:

• The mind-bending intensity of Neurosis that left an indelible mark on his soul

• His passionate pilgrimage following Rush across venues and through the years

• A poetic pandemic story, bracketed by the cosmic sounds of Cult of Luna and Yob

Aubrey lights up remembering:

• An unforgettable night with Tyler, the Creator, Vince Staples, and Kali Uchis bringing St. Louis to life

• Her gateway into concert culture with Twenty-One Pilots

• The anticipation building for an upcoming dream lineup featuring Kendrick Lamar and SZA

But it's not all standing ovations! Our hosts keep it real with some memorable letdowns:

• Iron Maiden battling against venue acoustics (and losing)

• Megadeth showing their age in all the wrong ways

• Keith Urban's performance that felt more like a rehearsal than a show

Join us for an episode that celebrates the raw, unfiltered magic of live music – from the transcendent highs to the occasional lows. Because whether you're a metalhead, hip-hop enthusiast, or country fan, nothing beats the thrill of seeing your favorite artists in the flesh!

🎧 Press play and relive the magic with us! 🎧

• Aubrey discusses the start of the new semester and her excitement about returning to school and wedding planning.

• Peter reflects on a tough start to the year due to work challenges.

Wedding Planning Updates:

• Aubrey shares that she has chosen her wedding dress and secured a venue and photographer, expressing relief at having major tasks completed.

• She mentions creating a detailed master spreadsheet with her fiancé Hayden to track wedding planning progress.

New Year Reflections:

• The hosts reject the idea of New Year's resolutions, opting instead for broader yearly themes and systems to guide personal growth.

• Peter reflects on his 2024 theme, the "Year of Improved Health," and evaluates its successes and challenges.

• For 2025, Peter introduces his new theme, the "Year of Conscious Action," emphasizing mindfulness and intentionality in daily actions.

Aubrey's Themes and Goals for 2025:

• With significant life changes ahead--graduation, moving, and marriage--Aubrey focuses on being present in the moment and reducing anxiety.

• Her goals are categorized into academic, physical, mental, and relationship-focused areas. She emphasizes simplicity and achievability in her goal-setting.

Daily Routines and Habit Tracking:

• Peter discusses his efforts to optimize his morning routine, including journaling and habit tracking, to create a more intentional start to his day.

• He reflects on his use of the "Theme System Journal" for structured reflection and gratitude practices.

• Peter recommends habit-tracking apps, specifically highlighting Strides and Atomic Habit Tracker, explaining their features and benefits.

Aubrey's Habit Practices:

• Aubrey shares her experience using the Eden app for habit tracking but emphasizes the importance of separating habits from larger goals.

• She revisits her love of using GoodNotes on her iPad to organize her goals in a simple, structured format.

Other Topics:

• Aubrey shares her excitement about publishing her astrophysics research, which involved coding a program to simulate supermassive black hole growth.

• Peter comments on recent trends in continuous glucose monitoring and daily hormone testing, cautioning against unnecessary data overload for non-diabetic individuals.

Episode Highlights:

- Finals Week Triumphs: Aubrey wraps up her toughest semester yet with marathon study sessions and shares how her professor's grading curve saved her thermodynamics grade.

- Cardio Confessions: The hosts bond over their love-hate relationship with cardio. From Peter’s treadmill marathon misery to Aubrey’s sprints-and-boxing endurance battles, they get real about what works and what doesn’t.

- Peloton Picks: A hilarious breakdown of Peloton instructors they love (Ally Love, Tunde Oyeneyin, Dennis Morton) and those they… don’t (sorry, Robin Arzón and Alex Toussaint).

- Fitness Alternatives: Peter shares his passion for rucking and jump rope, proving there’s more to cardio than running.

- Quantum Physics Meets Machine Learning: Aubrey explains how neural networks are advancing quantum state modeling and why quantum computers could unlock the future of physics.

- Testosterone Therapy PSA: Peter, a urologist, debunks myths about testosterone replacement, calling out online clinics and urging men to prioritize lifestyle changes over quick fixes.

Key Points

- Fitness is about finding what works for you—even if cardio isn’t your favorite.

- Advances in quantum physics and machine learning are reshaping what we know about the universe.

- Beware of trendy health solutions—there’s no substitute for putting in the work.

Podcast Highlights:

• How each host discovered podcasts and their favorite shows, including Dear Hank and John, Science Vs., and Worlds Beyond Number.

• The evolution of podcast apps and listening habits--remember the days of syncing iPods?

• Recommendations for science, tech, and storytelling podcasts.

Science Tidbits:

• Aubrey dives into dark matter research, sharing how scientists are on edge, waiting for a supernova that could help unravel one of the universe's greatest mysteries.

• A fun fact about axions and their potential connection to dark matter--plus why timing is critical for detection!

Health and Fitness:

• Peter shares surprising data on the connection between walking and a reduced risk of prostate cancer, as well as why staying active benefits overall health.

• A reminder: It's not about perfection in fitness; it's about finding movement you enjoy.

A Personal Connection:

• Reflections on why Peter and Aubrey started their podcasts and the joy of exploring shared interests with friends and family.

Whether you're here for podcast inspiration, fascinating science, or practical health advice, this episode has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this lively and thoughtful discussion!

Highlights:

Aubrey's Life Updates & Tech Favorites

• Discusses the challenges of moving while juggling school and work.

• Shares how Stardew Valley has been a source of comfort during tough times.

• Explores the versatility of GoodNotes, her go-to app for:

• Handwritten notes on her iPad.

• Homework, lecture annotations, and planning.

• Keeping her academic life organized with colorful, customizable notebooks.

Peter's Tech Tools & Writing Journey

• Talks about using Obsidian for National Novel Writing Month, replacing Scrivener for its seamless sync across devices.

• Highlights how Apple's ecosystem simplifies work and creativity through integration between devices.

• Recommends tools like Fantastical for calendar organization and Unread for triaging news and articles.

A Shared Love for the Apple Ecosystem

• Discuss how Apple devices streamline their productivity, syncing photos, notes, and calendars effortlessly.

• Peter touches on the power of software subscriptions and why they can be worth the investment.

Astro Fact of the Day

Aubrey shares a fascinating discovery: Two massive black holes orbiting each other at the center of a galaxy disrupt a massive gas cloud. This tidal disruption event led to a unique signal detected by NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which offers an awe-inspiring glimpse into the mysteries of the universe.

Tune in for tech insights, personal anecdotes, and a peek into the cosmos! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share. For feedback or topic suggestions, email us at feedback@generations.fm. See you in two weeks!

But the excitement doesn't stop there! Our hosts introduce two new segments:

1. Aubrey's Astro Corner: Get starstruck with a rare comet sighting visible to the naked eye.

2. Peter's Health Insights: Discover why your standing desk might not be the health savior you thought it was.

Plus, a teaser for writers: National Novel Writing Month is just around the corner!

Tune in for a knockout blend of personal stories, space wonders, and myth-busting health facts. Whether you're a boxing enthusiast, an astronomy buff, or just curious about the world around you, this episode has something for everyone!

Fair warning: We're not pulling any punches with our opinions. If you're looking for a neutral take, you might want to sit this round out.

Before we dive into the political arena, catch up with the hosts:

- Peter shares tales from the frontlines of complex cancer surgeries

- Aubrey gives us the inside scoop on her intense prep for Fight Night 2024

Then, strap in as we dissect the latest presidential debate:

- Hear the candidates in their own words with exclusive audio clips

- Get our unfiltered reactions and analysis

Whether you're a political junkie or just trying to make sense of it all, this episode of Generations promises to be a knockout. Don't miss this ringside seat to the political bout of the year!

With Elissa's master's degree still hot off the press, the trio dives into a discussion about the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of grad school life. Peter dusts off his own post-grad memories, comparing notes with Elissa on their journeys through the hallowed halls of higher education.

But wait, there's more! Aubrey, our resident undergrad, chimes in with her candid thoughts on pursuing an advanced degree. Will her perspective strike a chord with our academically-inclined guests, or create some thought-provoking dissonance?

Tune in for an episode that's equal parts nostalgic, eye-opening, and forward-looking. Whether you're considering grad school, reminiscing about your own academic adventures, or just curious about the paths less traveled, this week's "Generations" is sure to educate and entertain!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​