

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

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!

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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.

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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.

Jan 4, 2025 • 0sec
BONUS: "Hi, John" by Chris Ballew
From listener Chris Ballew:
I have heard every single episode of RotL and for almost as long as I have been listening to it I’ve been daydreaming about making a little mash up cut and paste audio bit out of some of a random selection of opening moments of the podcast. I woke up one day and was suddenly seized my motivation, and made this little slice of sound as a love letter to my virtual and real life friends, John and Merlin.
My God, Chris. Thank you, thank you.

Dec 30, 2024 • 0sec
Ep. 564: Find Your Columbus
The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted look at morning greetings shaped by childhood memories. From there, the discussion dives into the historical echoes of diplomacy and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, drawing parallels with modern life. The speakers reflect on generational changes in childhood, the pressures of societal expectations, and the complexities of success. They also explore the impact of parenting on self-esteem, highlighting the importance of fostering resilience and creativity in a rapidly evolving world.


