Complex Systems with Patrick McKenzie (patio11)

Retrospective on 2024, with Sammy Cottrell

Jan 9, 2025

Sammy Cottrell, the executive assistant and producer for Complex Systems, joins the discussion to delve into the podcast's behind-the-scenes magic. They discuss the vital role of high-quality transcripts in making content accessible and the challenges of incorporating AI while maintaining unique speaker styles. The conversation also touches on guest dynamics, the influence of self-promotion on popularity, and the complexities of choosing genuine experts over high-profile figures. Finally, they explore the future of content creation in an AI-driven world.

01:05:45

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Episode guests

Sammy Cottrell

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Quick takeaways

Podcast production, as highlighted by Sammy, is crucial for success, emphasizing the behind-the-scenes logistics that create a seamless listening experience.

The commitment to high-quality transcripts demonstrates the podcast's dedication to accessibility, ensuring that complex discussions are easily digestible for diverse audiences.

By using relatable examples and fostering ongoing education, the podcast strives to make complex topics approachable for listeners from various backgrounds.

Deep dives

Role of Producers in Podcasting

The significance of podcast production often goes unnoticed, yet it plays a crucial role in the podcast's overall success. The experiences of the producer, Sammy, highlight the various responsibilities that come with the job, such as scheduling, overseeing technical setups, and ensuring guests are well-prepared. This behind-the-scenes work is comparable to the intricate logistics involved in major infrastructure projects, emphasizing that a lot occurs off-camera to create a seamless listening experience. Recognizing the producer's efforts not only elevates their role but also promotes a better appreciation for the complexities of media production.

Intro

3min

Enhancing Podcast Accessibility through Transcripts

3min

Navigating Financial Terminology and Podcast Production Technologies

4min

Editing Podcasts with AI: The Balancing Act

4min

Understanding Podcast Popularity and Guest Dynamics

4min

The Challenge of Expert Representation in Media

6min

Navigating Personal Narratives and Audience Connections

3min

Exploring Music, Infrastructure, and Knowledge

15min

Investigating a $50,000 Withdrawal Scam

3min

10.

Exploring Prediction Markets and Silicon Valley Insights

4min

11.

Reflecting on Content Moderation and Debanking Discourse

3min

12.

The Future of Content and AI

12min

13.

Anticipating the Future of Large Language Models

2min

In this special episode, Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) and his EA/producer Sammy Cottrell examine the production function behind Complex Systems, from studio logistics to transcript annotation and guest selection. They reflect on their most memorable episodes while discussing the podcast's core mission of making complex systems more legible and ensuring valuable content remains freely available on the internet. The conversation explores the subjective best episodes from 2024, plans for the year ahead, and how LLMs might transform both the systems they study and how we write about them.
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Full transcript available here: https://www.complexsystemspodcast.com/2024-year-in-review-sammy-cottrell/

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Sponsor: Vanta | GiveWell | Check

Vanta automates security compliance and builds trust, helping companies streamline ISO, SOC 2, and AI framework certifications. Learn more at https://vanta.com/complex

Support proven charities that deliver measurable results and learn how to maximize your charitable impact with GiveWell. Go to givewell.org (and type in "Complex Systems" at checkout).

Check is the leading payroll infrastructure provider and pioneer of embedded payroll. Check makes it easy for any SaaS platform to build a payroll business, and already powers 60+ popular platforms. Head to checkhq.com/complex and tell them patio11 sent you.
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Links:

Ricki Heicklen on Complex Systems: https://open.spotify.com/episode/11kEUYRn4gXZGju232hzcg
Casey Handmer on Complex Systems: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0GHegWgLSubYxvATmbWhQu
Dan Davies on Complex Systems: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5QKxzgumJXSQuaWCmYAoM9
Zvi Mowshowitz on Complex Systems: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4itdtJFLCpLQNd2g1zTtdD
Ross Rheingans-Yoo on Complex Systems: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4GiO0KYqxJNCIdltCyhN6m
Patrick’s talk at Manifest 2024 (Manifold): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfiiXq_bE1c
Article mentioned - ‘50K in a Shoebox’: https://www.thecut.com/article/amazon-scam-call-ftc-arrest-warrants.html
Copenhagen theory of culpability: https://laneless.substack.com/p/the-copenhagen-interpretation-of-ethics

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Twitter:
@patio11
@haththerescuer
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Timestamps:
(01:04) Introducing Sammy
(01:37) The offscreen symphony behind Complex Systems
(07:19) Production supply chain and transcript philosophy
(08:40) LLMs of choice
(15:11) Sponsors: Vanta | Check
(21:21) Favorite episodes
(25:49) Sponsor: GiveWell
(27:15) Beyoncé
(28:47) More subjectively favorite episodes
(32:34) Thesis of Complex Systems
(34:07) Canon in operations research
(40:51) Sabbatical mode
(48:52) Bits about Money and other writing in 2024
(51:22) On paywalls and not implementing them
(54:29) LLM plans for 2025
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Complex Systems is part of the Turpentine podcast network.

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Complex Systems with Patrick McKenzie (patio11)

Retrospective on 2024, with Sammy Cottrell

Episode guests