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

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#204: The Dump Valve​​

March 17th, 2023 · 88 minutes

How memory breaks.

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Links and Show Notes

Things kick off with Merlin's noisy electronic livestock and a frustrating health update from John. Whose family now hates him.

In Follow-Up, Mr. Siracusa provides his son with a correction on The Novocaine Story, which leads to a digression into how John's dad writes text messages........

This ends up providing a great segue into the main topic: how memory breaks, and how we try to address it.

Because, as you quickly realize, many memories involve other people who have—well—different memories. But, also, why did I go to the garage, because I'm pretty sure I went there for a reason.

For this month's members-only bonus show, your hosts talk about artsy-fartsy video games like Life is Strange and What Remains of Edith Finch

You can sign up today to hear all the member episodes, get more bonus stuff, and, yes, support our program.

(Recorded on Monday, March 6, 2023)

Credits

Heavyweight #16: Rob

The podcast episode about the misremembered broken arm.

The Foot Fist Way
The Doorway Effect
Memory biases
Araby, by James Joyce (PDF)

It's barely SIX pages long. Read it!

Paul's Case (short story)
Forgetfulness, a poem by Billy Collins
Billy Collins reads his poem, Forgetfulness
John’s “Great Games” list
The Secret World of Arrietty
Red Flag Perfume by Chanel - SNL - YouTube
Compulsion: Cologne - SNL - YouTube