

Comfort Zone
Christopher Lawley, Matt Birchler, and Niléane
Comfort Zone is a podcast that pushes its hosts outside of their, well, comfort zone. Every week, each host will bring new technology they've tried to the show to discuss whether it worked and how it pushed them out of their comfort zone.
Then, at the conclusion of each episode, one of the hosts will issue the dreaded challenge to the others to try something new, and perhaps even something they might not like. It's a fun, fresh way to learn something new, along with the hosts every week.
Then, at the conclusion of each episode, one of the hosts will issue the dreaded challenge to the others to try something new, and perhaps even something they might not like. It's a fun, fresh way to learn something new, along with the hosts every week.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 3, 2025 • 56min
Maybe I'm Scrobbling and Don't Even Know It
Discover the creative side of tech as Matt shares his quirky Obsidian plugin, while Niléane keeps the Last.fm scrabbling spirit alive. The hosts tackle challenges like YouTube Premium woes and delve into nostalgic music tracking. They also explore innovative Raycast extensions that boost productivity, and discuss their favorite smart home gadgets, including lighting that adapts to your needs. Join in the fun as they invite listener participation on future challenges and tech solutions!

Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 19min
Should We Do a Conclave?
The hosts dive into a mix of tech quirks and organization strategies, sharing their love for a new e-ink device. They recount a chaotic voting moment in the French Parliament, highlighting tech woes and encryption debates. Listeners are engaged through community challenges and encouraged to share their experiences. Discover the power of text expansion tools and learn how to supercharge your email with templates. With a light-hearted rapport, the episode wraps up by discussing favorite utility apps that enhance productivity.

Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 11min
I'm Holding It Wrong? Really?!
The hosts discuss the exciting features of the new iPhone 16 Pro while sharing humorous anecdotes about phone cases, including a mishap with a car trunk. They dive into the capabilities of the MacWhisper app, focusing on its transcription abilities and user-friendly design. A lively debate about choosing between biking or train travel adds a playful twist. Plus, the team reminisces about their favorite dynamic wallpapers, touching on their frustrations with updates and the joys of customizing their digital spaces.

Mar 13, 2025 • 1h 33min
This Challenge Escalated Quickly!
Matt and Chris have all the new Apple hardware, and Niléane takes the challenge to the next level. Weekly Topics iPhone 16e iPad Air (M3) MacBook Air (M4) Other Things Discussed Niléane’s brilliant Touch ID setup TP-Link Deco Wi-Fi 7 router Goodbye (for now?), Superhuman Raycast Hazel Keyboard Maestro Doppler Calendar 366 II Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky

Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 20min
I'm Sick, I Have a Sickness
Niléane has entered her keyboard era, Chris has a consumer warning as well as a really good macropad, and then we find the best games on the Mac. Weekly Topics Logitech MX Keys Mini Volt Plus+ numberpad (but probably don’t buy it) BNK8 macropad Stream Deck Other Things Discussed Ladies and gentlemen, we got him! Adobe Enhance Speech Crazy weather in France Neva OpenEmu How to emulate on the Mac Civilization VII Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky

11 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 8min
The Son of a U.S. Something-or-Other
The hosts hilariously debate their favorite keyboards, revealing tech rivalries. They place the spotlight on a new ergonomic iPad stand and an innovative U-shaped USB cable that reduces clutter. Conversations drift to the struggles of streaming services amid rising subscription costs. The finale features a joyful exploration of Coldplay's nostalgic tracks, particularly 'Christmas Lights,' showcasing their musical journeys. It's a delightful mix of tech insights and musical nostalgia!

12 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 18min
Tot Notch 👌
Discover the hosts' passionate rants about podcast apps and the quirks of task management designs. Dive into a nostalgic sound journey as they explore vinyl records versus digital streaming, complete with a clever vintage setup. Enjoy a deep dive into the KBD-8X Mark III keyboard, where typing satisfaction meets humor, and don't miss their playful discussions on favorite TV shows. With lively banter, this conversation dances between tech, music, and personal anecdotes, giving listeners a delightful mix of insights and laughs.

10 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 12min
The "Blue" Icon
A hilarious debate erupts over a social media poll, hinting at playful conspiracies around democracy. Niléane’s obsession with remotes reveals her quest for the perfect one. Chris shares his experiences with the innovative Anybox app for bookmarking and organizing links. The hosts bicker over their favorite blue app icons, stirring up nostalgia and design discussions. Finally, they dive into automating tasks on Mastodon, contrasting productivity tips with humorous anecdotes.

18 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 12min
Switzerland is at the Top
The hosts dive into their comedic experiences with task management apps, showcasing the quirks and advantages of different tools. They share insights on the development of their innovative app, 'Quick Reviews', while discussing an engaging new movie review platform. Color accuracy becomes a playful debate, enhanced by personal anecdotes about tech and gadgets. They tackle cable management woes and explore unique Apple TV remotes, wrapping up with amusing pet stories and a lighthearted challenge about app icons. It's a tech-filled romp with laughter and valuable insights!

17 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 35min
I'm the Pepper Daddy Now
One host is on the run while the others explore the joys of tech gadgets and AI tools. They discuss Samsung's AI screen recording and the art of maintaining productivity with task management tools. The conversation shifts to the power of shared inboxes for team communication and maximizing multitasking on Mac and iPad. There's a lively debate about the best background sounds for focus, alongside a deep dive into the charm of open back headphones and ergonomic keyboards. Humor intertwines with tech talk as they navigate the latest trends and tools.