

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

11 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 28min
Put a Bumper Case on That Thing
The hosts dive into a world of tech, sharing hilarious tales of past gadget mishaps. They explore the innovative Cursor app and its impact on coding. Social media dilemmas brew as they discuss migration from X to new platforms. A lively Thunderbolt dock showdown highlights their preferences. Travel tech hacks lead to funny anecdotes about packing. The banter continues with debates over mice versus trackpads for video editing efficiency. The conversation wraps up with amusing dreams of future gadgets and light-hearted challenges.

Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 26min
The Opposite of Snow Leopard
The hosts dive into wild tech predictions for 2025, debating the future of Apple products like the new HomePod and iPhone 17. They share humorous takes on their predictions and personal experiences, including challenges of workspace setups and train travel. A quirky segment imagines a playful collaboration between Apple and Ford for a dream Mustang. The conversation also touches on social media evolution, exploring the exit from Meta’s platforms due to moderation issues, while praising updates in apps like Synology Photos and upcoming iOS changes.

Jan 9, 2025 • 1h 32min
OLED Dreams and Studio Display Realities
Chris and Matt dive into the world of tech with a deep analysis of the LG 32-inch UltraGear 4K OLED monitor, highlighting its advantages over traditional displays. They discuss the importance of pixels per degree and the efficiency of display technology. The conversation also touches on personal growth themes and challenges in content creation, reflecting on the complexity of adapting to viewer interests. Lastly, they showcase insights on the innovative MacWhisper tool for accurate transcription, promising to enhance video editing for creators.

5 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 1h 13min
The California Guy is Cold
The hosts kick off with humorous winter stories while reflecting on their podcast journey. They explore the nuances of podcast structures, sharing tips on work-life balance and Olympic music. A deep dive into Obsidian reveals productivity hacks through plugins, while discussions on Discord highlight its chaotic nature and nostalgic online forums. The struggle of adapting to WhatsApp leads to amusing tech frustrations. Lastly, they detail their desk setup challenge, offering playful DIY ideas and photo editing tips for a festive touch.

Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 10min
I’m Not a Panda Person
The hosts dive into the challenges of using Apple Calendar, exploring alternatives like BusyCal. They debate the pros and cons of new tech toys like the Insta360 Link 2C webcam and various mechanical keyboards, sharing humorous keyboard quirks and preferences. The conversation flows into the realm of web apps, highlighting their experiences with them versus traditional native apps. Expect a lively exchange of insights mixed with tech troubles and delightful anecdotes throughout!

15 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 1h 18min
Matt is a Mean Guy
Matt sparks a debate by discussing a controversial topic while Niléane humorously denies her sticky note task manager creation. The hosts share their love for the iPad and delve into top productivity apps like Raycast and CleanShot X. They critique Apple's Spotlight and celebrate notable application award winners, including the ICE menu bar management app. Personal anecdotes about email frustrations and the efficiency of Final Cut Pro add a light-hearted touch to their tech discussions.

12 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 17min
I’m Knee-Deep in Turkey
The hosts dive into their holiday plans and the joys (and challenges) of managing turkey leftovers. They share thrilling experiences with Flight Simulator 2024, navigating its bugs while soaring through the skies in iconic aircraft. The conversation shifts to cloud gaming frustrations and the appeal of the Mac Mini M4 Pro, highlighting various productivity apps, including open-source gems like Ghost and Kodi. A lively debate ensues over media management tools, and they reflect on tech innovations that enhance their creative workflows.

Nov 27, 2024 • 1h 10min
This One Time at Bandcamp
The hosts celebrate the season of gratitude and share their tech favorites, highlighting the M4 iPad Pro and M2 MacBook Air. They tackle frustrations with Final Cut Pro's captioning system and dive into humorous automation anecdotes, including quirky holiday decor in France. Music streaming experiences are explored, from AirPods features to alternatives like YouTube Music and Bandcamp. The hunt for open source apps sparks lively discussions, and they cap off their chat with Thanksgiving wishes for listeners.

Nov 21, 2024 • 1h 23min
I've Automated My Partner
Discover the hilarious challenges of automating a garage door with HomeKit and hear amusing tales of tech troubles. The hosts dive into the vibrant world of Bluesky, exploring its decentralized features and user experiences. They whip up debates about podcasting strategies, including a clever on-air sign to signal recording time. Tune in for tips on streamlining personal tech and hear passionate movie reviews, along with gaming anecdotes, all wrapped in their signature camaraderie!

Nov 14, 2024 • 1h 9min
What Even is Orange?
Join the hosts as they explore the latest Final Cut Pro updates, including exciting features like auto color correction and the Magnetic Mask tool. Discover the joys of personalized content curation with Inoreader and the latest advancements in ad blockers with Wipr 2. Engage in a fun challenge to find the best orange icon app, delving into Synology Photos and Home Widget. Plus, enjoy their entertaining banter about movies and quirky tech tools, all while highlighting essential topics of support and community!