As the first "season" of the Paesanos Podcast comes to a close, I talk with Maddie Buyers about what it means to be chronically online these days. We also share a few updates from the first 11 podcast guests, talk about who would make a great Paesano, and what storylines we're following into the new year.

Several months ago, Maddie shared some topic ideas with me and we only begin to scratch the surface on some of them. What is "phone brand culture" and how is it changing? How have 3rd places moved from physical locations to internet forums? And whare are old school meme characters up to now?

After this episode, we'll take a break and reach out to new guests about new topics. If you have ideas, email sean@paesanospodcast.com. Looking forward to more great conversations in 2024!

Maddy Masiello, Audio Production Manager for The New York Times, has been in the podcasting space for more than 5 years - which may not sound like a long time, but that’s over 25% of the entire timeline of podcasts in the world. In this episode, we talk all about podcasts and audio content and why the internet can't seem to get enough.

Maddy talks about how “Serial” - the popular series from the New York Times - transformed podcasts as we know and listen today. And she shares some examples of how the NY Times audio team enhances the news and information we take in every day.

If you haven't already downloaded the New York Times Audio App, I highly recommend it. You'll find Maddy's work mixed in across several NYT productions. Here's one example.

Kate Lindsay is the co-founder of Embedded, a newsletter about the ins and outs of the internet, and she writes a monthly internet culture column for Vulture. Kate is also a frequent contributor to publications like The Atlantic, The Guardian, GQ, and The New York Times.

In this episode, we end up on several fun tangents - like why social media is feminine and how TikTok may have turned us all into lurkers. This is a fun conversation with someone who thinks deeply, and often, about the Internet and its role in modern society.

If you enjoy this conversation, you can check out Kate's website where you'll find articles, newsletters, social media accounts, and even ceramics.