
Reconcilable Differences
John Siracusa and Merlin Mann try to figure out exactly how they got this way. Hosted by Merlin Mann and John Siracusa.
Latest episodes

Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 46min
255: The Illusion of a Shared Experience
Subtitle: Merlin is pretty sure Jason Mantzoukas is the voice of the booger.The main topic this week was almost The Big Game.
This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by:
Grist: A modern, open source spreadsheet that goes beyond the grid. Try it for free today.
Links and Show Notes: The main topic this week was almost The Big Game.
(Recorded on Tuesday, February 11, 2025)
Credits
Audio Editor: Jim Metzendorf
Admin Assistance: Kerry Provenzano
Music: Merlin Mann
The Suits: Stephen Hackett, Myke Hurley
Get an ad-free version of the show, plus a monthly extended episode. Harrison Ford on Conan O'Brien's podcast - YouTube Salesforce Is Using A Hallucination To Sell AI - Defector Merlin's article about binaries "allballs" in PostgreSQL The (possible) origin of "allballs" Acorn - Mac graphics editor by Flying Meat Roderick on the Line #567: A High TeenThis is the episode where John Roderick talks about taking a father and kid on a “rock tour” of Seattle.
Bat Boy from the Weekly World News Nibble - Wikipedia The State, Season 4 Episode 4: Leonard Harris Show“No, it’s not in braille. It’s in English, the language of the U-S-A!”
Acorn 8 | Full Featured Photo Editor for the MacAcorn is an image editor for macOS 14 Sonoma or later, including macOS 15 Sequoia.Universal binary for Apple Silicon Macs. One of a kind, no subscriptions, no hassle.
Bob Uecker Miller Lite commercials: Best ads of all time Easy Com-mercial, Easy Go-mercial | Bob's Burgers Wiki | FandomWhen the commercial that Louise scripted proves to be terrible, they get football star Sandy "Can-Can" Frye to star in their commercial with the catch phrase "Burgers go great with Frye"
"Cotton: The Fabric of Our Lives" (1992) - YouTube

Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 16min
254: Someone Else’s Bucket
The hosts kick things off with playful banter, sharing humorous anecdotes. They delve into Merlin's new online writing approach and discuss the complexities of owning a digital presence. A heartfelt tribute to their pet lizard sparks reflections on companionship in life, both human and animal. They emphasize the importance of self-hosting content and controlling one’s online identity amid social media chaos. Tensions between maintaining past projects and exploring new creativity are explored, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced in content creation.

Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 30min
253: The Torpid Sons of Venezuelan Oil Men
This discussion dives into the nostalgic world of childhood toys and the entertaining chaos of exhibition sports, like the Harlem Globetrotters. The speakers share humorous anecdotes about 'The Simpsons,' touching on domestic struggles faced by caregivers. They also explore the evolution of spreadsheets into modern collaborative tools. With reflections on cinematic sponsorship and Art Deco aesthetics, the conversation balances light-hearted humor with deeper insights into family dynamics and the challenges of managing everyday life.

Jan 17, 2025 • 1h 41min
252: Briefly, It Was the Future.
Dive into a whirlwind of witty banter about filmmaking techniques from classics like 'Blade Runner' and 'Citizen Kane.' The hosts tackle the complexities of college admissions, exploring how rankings shape educational landscapes. Language trends take center stage with quirky discussions on the glottalization of sounds. They also fondly reminisce about the nostalgia of scrobbling music while criticizing modern streaming technologies. Expect humor, personal anecdotes, and a light-hearted take on life’s everyday quirks.

15 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 1h 40min
251: The Finer Things
In a lively discussion, hosts dive into the nostalgia surrounding RKO films while exploring modern data tools. They share amusing anecdotes in a 'lucky dip' segment, covering everything from music to personal stories. Filmmaking techniques like match cuts, notably from 'Lawrence of Arabia,' spark engaging insights. The emotional rollercoaster of college admissions is also a focal point, highlighting the pressures students face today. With humor and warmth, they navigate topics from pop culture to personal reflections.

Dec 20, 2024 • 1h 40min
250: Water Hammer
Join a humorous exploration of new projects and tech dilemmas, including a washing machine saga where 'water hammer' becomes a plumbing villain. The speakers dissect grocery shopping disasters and the importance of avoiding YouTube spoilers while navigating digital clutter. Tune in for hilarious debates about iconic shows and personal reflections on informed shopping choices. The blend of nostalgia and tech banter keeps the conversation lively, making it an entertaining listen!

Dec 6, 2024 • 1h 37min
249: Tally Ho
Rebuilding "Tally Ho."
This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by:
Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code DIFFS.
Links and Show Notes: Things kick off with a listener's field report that a millennial tic has been spotted in the wild. John says Merlin mispronounces his mispronunciations wrong.
The main topic is on Rebuilding Tally Ho, a YouTube series about an ambitious project to restore a century-old sailing yacht.
(Recorded on Tuesday, November 26, 2024)
Credits
Audio Editor: Jim Metzendorf
Admin Assistance: Kerry Provenzano
Music: Merlin Mann
The Suits: Stephen Hackett, Myke Hurley
Get an ad-free version of the show, plus a monthly extended episode. Ethan Weed: “I heard it! Impor'nt” A timestamped link to the word in question - YouTube"im-POOR-uhn."
Karl Shea's original recommendation post Rebuilding TALLY HO - from the beginning - YouTube Building the boat shed - YouTube An example of Leo's standard intro - YouTube“Hi. My name's Leo, and I'm a boatbuilder and a sailor, and I'm on a mission to rebuild and restore this 109 year old classic sailing yacht, Tally Ho.”
The Ship of Theseus episode of the Tally Ho rebuild - YouTube Sherman's March (1986) Iguana chased by killer snakes | Planet Earth II: Islands - BBC - YouTube

Nov 21, 2024 • 1h 36min
248: Safflower Wednesday
Dive into a lively chat about election results and the emotional rollercoaster they bring. The hosts humorously tackle the complexities of modern politics while reflecting on personal experiences and mixed feelings about recent events. Enjoy insights on voter behavior, the peculiarities of public perception, and the challenges of navigating political allegiances. The conversation lightens up with comedic critiques of leadership decisions, all unfolding amidst a playful dynamic that keeps things engaging.

Nov 7, 2024 • 1h 34min
247: Milk, Milk, Milk
Dive into a lively discussion on the metaphorical 'ceilings and floors' and how they shape decision-making amidst uncertainty. Enjoy humorous anecdotes about pizza preferences that reflect regional quirks and dive into nostalgic cereal choices from childhood. The conversation takes a light-hearted detour into smart home tech and the challenges of connectivity. Wrapping up with amusing tales of canine capers that lead to kitchen mishaps, the hosts explore how different contexts influence personal tastes and the intricate dance of consumer behavior.

Oct 25, 2024 • 1h 36min
246: Helicopter Don
John shares a fresh approach to smart home monitoring while exploring the comedic challenges of managing household tech. Merlin offers intriguing insights on 'The Godfather,' delving into themes of familial loyalty and personal ambition in cinematic narratives. They also tackle the topic of household water leaks and the importance of radon testing for home safety. Expect personal anecdotes and a mix of humor as they navigate generational gaps in film appreciation and modern communication quirks.