Today I talk about challenges of creative blocks and the journey to rediscovering our voices. I share my recent struggles with overthinking and self-doubt, questioning the purpose of this podcast and what direction it should take. But through this reflection, I've come to embrace the idea that this show is essentially my personal journal, capturing my day-to-day life and thoughts. Alongside these introspections, I also chat about my recent Black Friday splurges, including some irresistible deals that I couldn't pass up, highlighting the joys and quirks of consumerism. So, let's explore how we can navigate these creative hurdles while finding joy in the little things, all while keeping it light and fun.

The latest podcast episode dives into the chaotic yet creatively fulfilling journey of the host, who recently faced a creative block that left him questioning the purpose of his show. We explore the highs and lows of his creative process as he reflects on the expectations of modern podcasting versus the authenticity of personal storytelling. The host opens up about his struggles to produce content that feels genuine rather than falling into the trap of algorithm-driven mainstream media. He shares his thoughts on how this pressure can stifle creativity, leading to overthinking and self-doubt. Yet, through candid anecdotes and a light-hearted tone, he reveals how he navigates these challenges, ultimately embracing the essence of his podcast as a personal journal.

As we delve deeper into the episode, we also discuss the festive chaos of Black Friday shopping, which serves as both a metaphor for excess and a moment of clarity for the host. He humorously recounts his impulsive purchases, including a robot vacuum that brings unexpected joy to his daily routine. This light-hearted segment contrasts with his earlier reflections on creativity, showcasing how everyday life can inspire and distract in equal measure. By the end of the episode, listeners are left with a sense of camaraderie, as the host acknowledges the universal struggles of balancing personal expression with societal expectations, all while maintaining a sprinkle of humor and relatability throughout.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we dive deep into the challenge of creative blocks and how to overcome them while podcasting.
• I candidly share my experiences with self-doubt regarding the content I create for this podcast and its purpose.
• We discuss the impact of mainstream content consumption on our creativity and how it shapes our podcasting journey.
• I reflect on the importance of acknowledging seasonal changes in our lives and how they influence our mood and productivity.
• This episode also touches on my recent Black Friday purchases and the joy they brought, despite overspending.
• Finally, we explore the idea of podcasting as a personal journal and the value of uncurated content in today's media landscape.

Links referenced in this episode:

• archive.org
• hostinger.com

podcasting tips, overcoming creative block, personal journal podcast, Black Friday deals, parenting podcast, audio journaling, podcasting journey, Berlin podcasting, digital content creation, single dad experiences, Unreal Engine projects, podcast website setup, maintaining podcast quality, mindfulness in podcasting, podcasting without monetization, DIY podcasting, creative challenges, seasonal reflections, family activities, self-expression through podcasting

Let’s dive right into it! This episode is all about the overwhelming presence of AI in our lives and how it's leaving us feeling a bit exhausted. I've been navigating the parenting trenches solo for a couple of weeks now, and let me tell you, finding the energy to chat about tech feels like climbing Everest with a toddler on my back. You know how it is—AI's everywhere, throwing new tools and updates at us like confetti, but do they really change our lives? Spoiler alert: not really. We also get cozy with the winter vibes, where the lack of sunshine has me reminiscing about summer days and sipping on sage tea like it’s the elixir of life. So grab your comfiest blanket, kick back, and let’s explore this whirlwind of parenting, AI fatigue, and the cozy charm of winter together!

Finally, I get to sit here and record in my cozy little home studio—what a treat! This past week has been a whirlwind, let me tell you. I’ve been juggling parenting duties solo, and boy, has it left me drained. It’s like I was running on fumes, trying to squeeze in some personal time to create, but every time I hit record, it was just a chaotic mess. I was stuck in this loop of exhaustion, and my thoughts felt all jumbled. But tonight? Oh, tonight I’m feeling a bit more alive, and I want to dive into a couple of topics that have been swirling around in my mind. Sure, I can’t help but feel a bit silly talking about podcasting itself—because, let’s face it, podcasting about podcasting is a little on the nose, right? But let’s talk about AI instead. I mean, we’re bombarded with AI news left and right, and honestly? It’s wearing me thin. I’m exhausted just keeping up with all these updates and new tools that promise to change the world but kind of just… don’t. It’s a bizarre dance, really. We’re expected to be thrilled about every new gadget, but when you dive deep, it feels like we’re just skimming the surface of something that should be way more meaningful. I often find myself wanting to tune it all out, even as I rely on AI more and more in my daily life. But maybe there’s a silver lining? I’ve found some comfort in the winter season lately. There’s something about the coziness of the dark evenings and warm spaces that makes me feel at home. I've been going a bit sage-crazy, too! Burning it, brewing it, you name it. I think it’s my little way of battling the winter blues and keeping those pesky colds at bay. But I’ve got to admit, the lack of sunlight does take a toll on my energy. It feels like I’m perpetually tired. Anyway, I’ll share more on my thoughts about parenting, winter, and maybe a sprinkle of Black Friday chaos in the coming chats. Let’s keep it real and relatable, yeah?

Recording in front of my mic tonight feels like a small victory after the exhausting week I’ve had. I’ve been in full-on parenting mode for what feels like ages, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride. The energy levels? Let’s just say they’ve been at an all-time low. 9 PM was my only window for ‘me time’, but by then, I was too beat to even think straight, let alone talk coherently into a mic. But tonight, I’ve got some energy back, and I’m ready to spill a few thoughts. First off, can we talk about podcasting about podcasting? It feels a tad cliché, but there’s something about the creative process that’s worth exploring. Then there’s the AI chatter that’s been nonstop. I swear, every time I check my news feed, there’s another AI tool or update that’s supposed to be revolutionary. But honestly? It’s exhausting. It’s like we’re all expected to keep up with the latest and greatest, yet most of it feels like a whole lot of hype for not much payoff. I find myself using AI for daily tasks, but I’ve become increasingly skeptical about its efficacy. It’s a strange relationship, really. On the flip side, I’m embracing the winter season, which has surprisingly brought some comfort. There’s a unique coziness about dark evenings, and I’ve found solace in the warmth...

We’re diving deep into the wild and wacky world of time and technology in this episode. As we wrap up 2025, we ponder the mysteries of how swiftly time seems to fly by, especially when you’re juggling parenthood and a busy life. I've been mulling over the chaotic nature of our reality, particularly with all the buzz around AI and its potential to disrupt everything we know. Spoiler alert: I’m not convinced it’s the all-powerful overlord some make it out to be—maybe it’s just a shiny toy that we’re all getting a bit too giddy about. Plus, I share my personal journey with my new glasses—yes, the life-changing kind that actually help you see the world more clearly, both literally and metaphorically. So, grab a comfy seat, maybe a snack, and let’s unpack this curious blend of tech musings and life reflections together.

As we stand on the cusp of 2026, the air is thick with anticipation and a touch of uncertainty. Speaker A kicks off this episode with musings about the rapid changes ushered in by technology, particularly AI. It’s a wild ride, folks! From playful experiments with coding personal applications to the nagging question of whether we’re ready to let AI steer the ship of our lives, there’s a lot to unpack here. Speaker A navigates these thoughts with a relaxed vibe, blending humor and insight. It’s like having a chat over coffee with a friend who’s deep in thought about the future, and trust me, you’re going to want to hear what they have to say.

But it’s not all tech talk; our speaker takes a detour into the personal realm, reflecting on the nature of time and how it feels like it’s slipping away. Between work, parenting, and life’s endless to-do lists, time can seem like a mischievous trickster. Speaker A shares their experiences with co-parenting and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it, revealing a relatable struggle that many of us can identify with. We’ve all had weeks that zoom by and others that drag on, and our speaker’s reflections offer a comforting reminder that we’re not alone in feeling this way.

As we round out the episode, the conversation shifts to the simple yet profound act of getting new glasses. It’s not just about seeing better; it’s about how that choice can reflect deeper aspects of our identity. Speaker A discusses the quirky experience of selecting frames and how they resonate with our sense of self. It’s a humorous yet thoughtful exploration of how our choices shape us, paired with the acknowledgement that life’s little decisions can have a big impact on how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. So grab a comfy chair, kick back, and let’s dive into this reflection on technology, time, and the choices that define us. You won’t want to miss it!

Takeaways:

• As we approach the end of 2025, it's wild to think about how quickly time flies and what surprises may await us in 2026.
• AI is definitely a hot topic, but the real question is whether we can trust it enough to let it steer our lives.
• Getting new glasses can be a game changer, not just for visibility but also for how we perceive our identity and connection with others.
• It's easy to lose track of time when life gets busy, but reflecting on our experiences can help ground us in the present moment.
• The passage of time feels oddly accelerated these days, making me wonder if the key to slowing it down lies in our engagement with the present.
• A good reminder: sometimes the weight of responsibility can blur our perception of time, but it's all part of the journey we share together.

contact me at: cmonkxxx@gmail.com

So, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this episode where I’m just trying to get back into the groove of podcasting after a little break. You know how life can throw some curveballs at you? Well, I hit a bit of a snag with my mental energy, which had me feeling more like a sloth than a podcasting pro. I really didn’t want to drag everyone into my personal stuff, because, honestly, oversharing can feel like a slippery slope, right? I mean, we’re all about keeping it real, but there are boundaries, folks! Anyway, I’m here now, hoping to shake off those zombie podcast vibes and keep the momentum going. So stick around as we chat about tech, materialism, and maybe dive into this whole technology detox thing—because who doesn’t feel a little overwhelmed by their devices sometimes? Let’s roll!

The podcast dives into the struggles of getting back into a podcasting groove after a long hiatus. Our host opens up about the unexpected break that started in May, which was initially just a pause but turned into a deeper reflection on mental health and the challenges of sharing personal experiences in a public forum. They discuss the fine line between being authentic and oversharing, revealing how the pressures of a personal podcast can sometimes feel overwhelming. It’s like walking a tightrope where one misstep could lead to a tumble into the abyss of too much information. The host shares their journey of trying to strike a balance between vulnerability and maintaining boundaries, emphasizing that while it’s great to connect, there are limits to how much personal detail should be shared with an audience that feels like a friend but is, in reality, a crowd of listeners.

As the conversation unfolds, we get a glimpse into the technical woes of podcasting—switching hosting platforms and dealing with the mess of 'zombie' episodes that pop up when you least expect them. It’s a relatable struggle for anyone who’s ever tried to navigate the digital landscape, especially when you’re not exactly a tech guru. The host reflects on their decision to upgrade their hosting service, opting for a more professional platform, and mentions the various social media platforms they’ve chosen to avoid. It’s a candid look at both the excitement and the frustrations of maintaining a podcast, reminding listeners that behind every episode is a person juggling the chaos of technology and creativity.

The episode wraps up with a hopeful tone as the host expresses their desire to return to regular podcasting, hinting at future topics like technology detox and reflections on AI. There’s a sense of renewal and eagerness to engage with the audience again. They invite listeners to join them on this journey, promising to keep it real and relatable—just like a good chat with an old friend on a crisp autumn day.

Takeaways:

• Podcasting is a balancing act between sharing personal experiences and maintaining boundaries, and that's a tricky dance.
• Taking breaks from podcasting can sometimes lead to rediscovering your voice and re-evaluating your content.
• It’s vital to keep the momentum going in podcasting, even when the tech gets messy.
• Switching podcast platforms can create a bit of chaos, but finding the right fit is worth it.
• Using a podcast to vent can feel like therapy, but it’s important to keep it light and not overshare.
• The journey of podcasting includes ups and downs, but it’s all part of the creative process.

Links referenced in this episode:

• captivate
• substack
• spotify
• reddit

Kind of processing things out loud today... thinking about this design career, what actually leaves a mark, and feeling this pull towards making podcasts more seriously. It's a bit of a ramble, includes a walk outside (mic and all), and ends with a hint about a really personal new project I'm starting.

Show Notes:

* Just me thinking out loud from home today, feeling a bit adventurous.

* Talking about why I like podcasts that feel like a raw audio message, not too polished. Trying to capture that here.

* Reflecting on the long winter and how this sunny day feels different.

* Getting into my career as a designer and this nagging feeling about legacy – what actually lasts when projects disappear or companies fold?

* Had a realization that maybe the work I thought I was made for isn't quite it.

* Why podcasting? It's always been there, even the messy attempts. Feeling more ready now, less hung up on having the perfect "radio voice."

* Thinking about how standards have changed in content creation.

* Critiquing platforms like Substack – they kinda suck, right? But you still need them.

* Decided to take the mic outside for a walk – apologies if the audio gets a bit rough, but it felt right to move. (Around 20:07)

* Talking about a really personal new podcast project I'm starting called "You Gonna Be Okay," stemming from my journey into single fatherhood after separation.

* Why now feels like the right time to share that story.

* This whole episode is kind of a marker for me – acknowledging a shift.

* More on the new project coming soon.

* Chapter Marks (Timestamps approximate based on original recording structure):

* 00:00 - Feeling Adventurous at Home

* 02:02 - Why Raw Style, Free-Form Podcasting Feels Right

* 03:33 - Clear Skies, Clear Thoughts?

* 05:50 - The Realization About Design & Legacy

* 08:15 - Overcoming the "Radio Voice" Doubt

* 09:55 - Committing to This Podcasting Thing

* 11:15 - Platform Problems (Substack etc.)

* 20:07 - Stepping Outside (Audio Shift)

* 21:03 - A New, Personal Project: Single Fatherhood

* 23:55 - Why Share This Now? / Final Thoughts

contact me at: cmonkxxx@gmail.com

This episode kicks off with a morning walk surprise – a usually quiet street packed with cars! The reason? A public transport strike. This leads to thoughts on people's reactions (or lack thereof) to such disruptions and a little detour into the ongoing debate about remote work.

But the main thread of this episode is a personal reflection on podcast consumption. Inspired by a video from Van Neistat (yes, Casey's brother!), I delve into my own potential "addiction" to podcasts and why I'm starting to believe that less might actually be more. I explore the feeling of being constantly bombarded with information and the importance of creating space for your own thoughts and the present moment.

Tune in to hear my slightly rambling thoughts on all this and maybe even share your own perspective!

Chapter Marks:

* 00:00:00 - The Chaotic Quiet: Initial thoughts on the microphone and the unexpected traffic due to the public transport strike.

* 00:00:45 - Strike Surprises: Observing the unusually busy streets and the reason behind it.

* 00:01:11 - The Lack of Reaction: Pondering the general public's response to frequent strikes.

* 00:02:10 - A Longer Walk and Recording: The motivation behind this morning's recording session.

* 00:03:10 - More Packed Streets: Further observations on the traffic situation and initial thoughts on remote work.

* 00:03:57 - Remote Work Reflections: Delving deeper into the ongoing discussion about working from home vs. the office.

* 00:04:58 - My Own Office Dilemma: Personal feelings about the pros and cons of office work.

* 00:05:56 - The Podcast Addiction Question: Transitioning to the main topic inspired by Van Neistat.

* 00:06:35 - Van Neistat's Podcast Praise: Mentioning the video that sparked this reflection.

* 00:07:19 - Lunchtime Reflection (Delayed): Setting the intention to reflect later in the day.

* 00:07:36 - Eight Hours Later: Catching up after a busy day to share the thoughts.

* 00:08:08 - Respect for Van Neistat: Clarifying the initial casual reference and acknowledging his work.

* 00:09:00 - The Podcast Addiction Disagreement: Expressing the core disagreement with Van Neistat's "positive addiction" stance.

* 00:09:41 - My Own Podcast Overload: Sharing personal experience with listening to too many podcasts.

* 00:10:14 - The Programming Effect: Thoughts on how constant listening can influence one's own thinking.

* 00:10:46 - The Illusion of Inspiration: Questioning the endless stream of podcast content.

* 00:11:11 - Podcast Guest Suspicions: A slightly cynical view on the motivations of some podcast guests.

* 00:12:17 - Cutting Back on Podcasts: Sharing the positive effects of reducing podcast consumption.

* 00:12:59 - The Beauty of Boredom and Presence: Emphasizing the value of being present in everyday activities.

* 00:13:31 - The Flow State: Reflecting on the rewarding feeling of focused activity.

* 00:14:01 - Half Here, Half There: Contrasting focused activity with multitasking and podcast listening.

* 00:14:21 - Your Thoughts Welcome: Encouraging listeners to share their opinions.

contact me at: cmonkxxx@gmail.com

Grabbed my old Zoom H1 recorder (the one that lets me hear myself talk – crucial!) and went for a walk to escape the apartment and the endless to-do list. Turns out, I had a lot on my mind. This is a pretty unfiltered ramble about feeling overwhelmed by choices, the good and bad of the internet (especially the news… ugh), the weirdness of modern parenting, and why I’m nostalgic for the early days of online life. Also, a brief rant about gimbals I haven't used and why I keep listening to old podcasts. It's chaotic, but it's real.

Okay, here are timestamps for key topics and transitions in the transcript, along with a list of references (both explicit and implicit).

Timestamps:

* 0:00:00 - 0:00:28: Introduction and explanation of using the Zoom H1 recorder.

* 0:00:28 - 0:00:55: Reason for the walk: escaping the overwhelming feeling of unfinished tasks and distractions at home.

* 0:00:55 - 0:01:17: Description about new recording approach.

* 0:01:17 - 0:01:50: Benefits of recording while listetning.

* 0:01:50 - 0:02:28: Description of a walk.

* 0:02:28 - 0:03:55: Feeling overwhelmed by choices and the "temptations" of home.

* 0:03:55 - 0:04:55: Mentioning the podcast and its new location (sapsdag.com).

* 0:04:55 - 0:05:13: Overthinking the podcast name.

* 0:05:13 - 0:06:07: The comfort of having a creative outlet, questioning the purpose of his other projects.

* 0:06:07 - 0:07:07: The Unreal Engine project dilemma (game or productivity software?).

* 0:07:07 - 0:07:52: The satisfaction of publishing vs. the feeling of "semi-productivity tasks."

* 0:07:52 - 0:08:53: Talking about "doing" versus talking about "doing" (referencing the prevalence of online tutorials and courses).

* 0:08:53 - 0:09:09: The overwhelming nature of tools, options.

* 0:09:09 - 0:10:19: The unused gimbal and the feeling of guilt.

* 0:10:19 - 0:12:45: Explaining the recent absence due to co-parenting and his daughter's illness.

* 0:12:45 - 0:13:52: Thoughts on parents sharing children's lives online (strong disapproval).

* 0:13:52 - 0:14:17: Tangent about a vandalized Tesla and Elon Musk.

* 0:14:17 - 0:14:50: The polarizing nature of news around the Tesla.

* 0:14:50 - 0:17:55: The addictive and negative nature of online news (Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Ukraine conflict).

* 0:17:55 - 0:18:40: The desire to disconnect from the news and toxicity.

* 0:18:40 - 0:19:29: Questioning how to disconnect while using the internet and smartphones.

* 0:19:29 - 0:19:58: Youtube example.

* 0:19:58 - 0:20:40: Experimenting with a "dumb phone" (unsuccessful).

* 0:20:40 - 0:21:46: The story about the girl on the train sketching in a notebook (analog vs. digital).

* 0:21:46 - 0:23:43: Discussion of "artisanal" activities, making yourself purposely bored, being a content creator.

* 0:23:43 - 0:24:24: Returning to the issue of consuming vs. creating, constant podcast listening.

* 0:24:24 - 0:25:37: Describing his podcast listening habits (multiple headphones, listening while falling asleep).

* 0:25:37 - 0:26:23: Recognizing the negative impact of constant listening (anxiety, suppressing own thoughts).

* 0:26:23 - 0:27:34: Recording as antidote.

* 0:27:34 - 0:28:40: Critiquing the formulaic nature of modern podcasts and the search for "honest media."

*...