

Roderick on the Line
Merlin Mann
Merlin Mann's frank & candid weekly phone call with John Roderick of The Long Winters
Episodes
Mentioned books

4 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 0sec
Ep. 574: "Big Strong Man"
The podcast kicks off with a hilarious take on the trials of starting a show and maintaining a tidy home. The hosts discuss the quirks of hiring cleaning services and the unexpected surprises of clutter. A quirky business idea called 'Big Strong Man' adds a funny twist to household work. They lightheartedly dive into the dangers of sand holes at the beach, all while sharing laugh-worthy stories about plumbing woes and bobcat adventures. Sibling dynamics, thrift shopping escapades, and chaotic family logistics round out this entertaining exploration of everyday life.

Mar 24, 2025 • 0sec
Ep. 573: "The First Pancake"
The Problem: You can only tape it back together once.
(Recorded on Monday, March 24, 2025.)
Support Roderick on the Line on Patreon.

Mar 17, 2025 • 0sec
Ep. 572: "The Good One"
The Problem: She gave John Social Security glasses.
(Recorded on Monday, March 17, 2025.)
Support Roderick on the Line on Patreon.

5 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 0sec
Ep. 571: "Cannery Girls"
Dive into the humorous chaos of daylight saving time and the playful debate over 'dinner' versus 'supper.' Reflect on the absurdities of adult life compared to childhood innocence. Enjoy nostalgic tales of Scottish folk music and breakfast traditions across the UK. Explore the significance of cannery culture in Alaska and the evolution of Venice, California, from art to industry. Delight in anecdotes about Uncle Jack’s Alaskan adventures and the trials of digital storage management, all peppered with lighthearted banter!

13 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 0sec
Ep. 570: "Oregon Grapes"
A coffee cup caper sparks chaos in the garden, leading to reflections on responsibility. After a windstorm wreaks havoc on Oregon grape plants, the hosts discuss resilience in nature. A funny bus encounter in Paris prompts whimsical commentary on kindness and age. They dive into playful rivalries over word games, navigating the balance of fun and frustration. From culinary mishaps with leftovers to innovative cooking hacks, laughter abounds. A quirky self-haircut journey highlights the blend of humor and pop culture in everyday life.

5 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 0sec
Ep. 569: "The Legend of Numb Foot"
Dive into a whimsical dialogue blending existential musings with absurdity, as the hosts tackle everything from a quirky local character, Numbfoot, to the trials of navigating the healthcare system. Laugh along as they roast the complexities of corporate board memberships and delve into the world of psychic healing, inspired by James Randi's skepticism. Reflect on cinematic gems like 'Moneyball' and explore the perplexities of shows like 'Severance,' all peppered with lighthearted banter and relatable anecdotes about life's oddities.

Feb 3, 2025 • 0sec
Ep. 568: "Imaginary Pipe"
The Problem: A friend could be a duck.
(Recorded on Monday, February 3, 2025.)
Support Roderick on the Line on Patreon.

Jan 20, 2025 • 0sec
Ep. 567: "A High Teen"
The Problem: It was something they had a fifth-hand memory of.
(Recorded on Monday, January 20, 2025.)
Support Roderick on the Line on Patreon.

Jan 13, 2025 • 0sec
Ep. 566: "My Talking Chair"
Dive into a playful morning chat filled with nostalgia for Kiss and reflections on 1970s rock music. The speakers hilariously navigate modern jargon while sharing personal anecdotes of their musical journeys. They contemplate the legacy of a famous songwriter and express concerns about California's future. Expect humorous predictions for 2025, chaotic kitchen tales of cooking a roux, and a deep dive into expertise in today's society. With a focus on maintaining personal stories in a tech-driven world, they explore humor and the nuances of online engagement.

Jan 6, 2025 • 0sec
Ep. 565: "The Magical Table"
The speakers dive into the curious perception of time as they approach 2025, sharing personal anecdotes about post-holiday routine adjustments. They humorously navigate generational tastes, discussing the struggles of sharing favorite movies with younger audiences. The sentimental value of a 'magic table' brimming with memories takes center stage, leading to whimsical comparisons of bags and bodies. They also tackle the clutter of outdated technology, explore practical organization tips, and reflect on the emotional ties to everyday items, all while maintaining a light-hearted tone.