Our technology stacks - what products we use for different problems (Kitchen Table episodes vol 2)
Dec 24, 2024
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In a light-hearted chat, the hosts share amusing travel tales and mishaps, including a car wash adventure. They delve into the 'Shut Up and Write' movement, emphasizing community and collaboration tools like Zotero and Obsidian. A discussion on using technology stacks highlights productivity techniques, particularly with OmniFocus for task management. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on creativity, revealing how it can streamline workflows and enhance brainstorming through innovative tools like Mappify.
01:48:44
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Quick takeaways
The hosts share their light-hearted experiences with recording challenges, showcasing the relatable struggles behind the podcasting process.
They delve into the concept of technology stacks, particularly focusing on OmniFocus as a way to enhance productivity and organization.
Personal anecdotes highlight the hosts' lives outside the podcast, illustrating their professional engagements and how they manage seasonal changes in Australia.
The discussion on the 'Shut Up and Write' initiative enhances understanding of communal support in fostering productive writing habits among academics.
Deep dives
Cursed Episode Challenges
The episode opens with the hosts reflecting on the challenges they faced while recording, including multiple takes and technical difficulties. They express a sense of humor about the situation, acknowledging that it feels like the episode has been plagued by bad luck. Despite these obstacles, the hosts maintain a light-hearted tone as they continue with the recording, showcasing their determination to produce the episode. This candid moment highlights the behind-the-scenes struggles of podcasting and sets a relatable context for the audience.
Tech Stacks and Productivity Hacks
The hosts introduce the concept of tech stacks, emphasizing the thoughtful selection and combination of digital tools to enhance productivity. They plan to focus specifically on OmniFocus, a task management application, while also acknowledging that many of the concepts discussed can apply to other task managers. This discussion aims to provide productivity hacks for listeners to implement in their own lives, encouraging a balance between work and personal life. The hosts aim to deliver practical insights that can be applied immediately.
Personal and Professional Updates
Throughout the episode, both hosts share personal anecdotes, including their recent travels and professional engagements. One host talks about presenting at a conference on artificial intelligence, while the other discusses spending time in Brisbane and juggling responsibilities. They also touch upon the seasonal changes in Australia, illustrating how their lives are intertwined with their professional commitments. These updates provide a glimpse into their lives outside of the podcast, fostering a connection with the audience.
Shut Up and Write
The hosts delve into their experiences with the 'Shut Up and Write' initiative, highlighting its role in supporting writers by creating a structured writing environment. They share how this concept played a part in the origins of their podcast, emphasizing its effectiveness in fostering productive writing habits. The conversation showcases the importance of creating dedicated time and space for writing in academia and how communal support can enhance individual productivity. This revelation underscores the value of collaborative efforts in achieving personal writing goals.
Listener Emails and Community Engagement
The hosts read and respond to emails from listeners, expressing appreciation for their support and engagement with the podcast. They discuss specific listener insights, sharing helpful tips and resources contributed by the audience. This segment demonstrates the hosts' commitment to fostering a community around their podcast, creating a dialogue between themselves and their listeners. By highlighting listener contributions, the hosts reinforce the shared experience of navigating academia and productivity challenges.
Effective Technology Stacks
As the episode progresses, the hosts explore the components of an effective technology stack for academic work, detailing tools they utilize in research, teaching, and administration. They emphasize the importance of selecting tools that complement each other and streamline processes, making the workflow more efficient. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their tech stack and consider adjustments that could enhance their productivity. By sharing their selections and approaches, the hosts provide concrete examples for the audience to consider implementing.
OmniFocus Insights
The hosts dedicate a significant portion of the episode to discussing OmniFocus, elaborating on its features and benefits as a task management software. They explain how it allows users to manage tasks, projects, and responsibilities effectively, emphasizing its integration with various workflows. The discussion about using perspectives within OmniFocus provides listeners with a deeper understanding of how to tailor the application to their specific needs. By sharing personal use cases, the hosts inspire listeners to explore new methods for organizing their tasks and optimizing their productivity.
Inger and Jason catch up at the kitchen table... in Casa Downs this time. The sound on this one is ok, considering we were in a huge open space downstairs!
While Jack Downs washes Inger's new car, she catches Jason up on the first Shut up and Write symposium at Cambridge University. Jason tells Inger why Jack Downs is happy to earn 20 bucks by washing her car...
There's a bit of mail bag before the Work Problems segment, where the team talk about the idea of 'technology stacks', zero-ing in on OmniFocus as a project management tool.
Inger's read a shit ton of books and both have a two minute tip, for once. Happy Christmas listening everyone!
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