

The Important Thing
Michael Lopp
The Important Thing with Michael ("Rands") Lopp and Lyle Troxell. Let's spend a few minutes of your life listening and learning about an Important Thing.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 8, 2019 • 50min
The One About Management (Pt. 2)
The long-awaited 21st episode. Lyle is still thinking about becoming a manager. Lopp (still) has thoughts. We discuss what kind of leader you might be, how not to be overwhelmed, the sounds of modems, and why anger shouldn't feel like progress

Jul 6, 2019 • 34min
The One About Management (Pt. 1)
The mighty 20th episode. Lyle's thinking about becoming a manager and Lopp has thoughts. It's a job with infinite variables, strange feedback loops, and endless decisions. Also, it'll take three years minimum to become competent.

Jun 25, 2019 • 28min
The One About Developers
Nineteen episodes people! Lyle and Lopp walk through their thoughts on 2019's WWDC. We also take a trip down memory lane to discuss the Apple II+, BBSes, and spinning cursors. Trippy.

Jun 19, 2019 • 30min
The One About Sugar
In our eighteenth episode, I can't stop giggling about my problems with sugar. Lyle deftly navigates us through all the sugar vectors, proper movie candy protocol, the perils of cinnamon, and why candy corns... are the best.

Jun 12, 2019 • 38min
The One About Writing a Book
In our seventeenth episode, we walk through the process of Rands writing his third book. We cover all aspects, familiar and strange, of the writing process, including editing, design covers, and figuring out who'll write the foreword.

Jun 1, 2019 • 50min
The One About Avengers: Endgame
In our sixteenth episode, we nerd it up on Avengers: Endgame. Topics include Rands not shutting up during the movie, the best moment, the trials of time travel, and why Captain America is just... the best.

May 26, 2019 • 47min
The One About Feedback (Pt. 2)
In our fifteenth episode, we go deep on feedback. We learn where Rands' feedback religion came from, we walk through a couple of specific feedback scenario, and we discuss why you should be investing in a feedback culture - right now

May 20, 2019 • 21min
The One About Japan?
Lyle returns from and talks about Japan in our fourteenth episode. Subways, signage, robots, and great food are among our topics. Back in the states, we talk about the Rands Biking Protocol and Rands Eating Protocol.

May 4, 2019 • 20min
The One About Flow and Anti-Flow
Lucky 13th episode! Lyle and I talk Flow and Flow's companion Anti-Flow. Also covered, writing, breaking Flow, a bit about Bear the App, and trying to understand from where Flow flows. Bikes, too!

Apr 29, 2019 • 24min
The One About Feedback (Pt. 1)
In our 12th episode, we start talking feedback. Using feedback on our podcast as a jumping off point, we consider the topics of giving proper attribution, the art of arguing about empty boxes, and the fact the Rands is a control freak.