

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

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.

Oct 11, 2024 • 1h 20min
245: The One That's Glistening
The hosts dive into the quirks of modern speech patterns, especially those of millennials, sparking a lively discussion on language evolution. They reminisce about nostalgic school days and celebrate a successful charity campaign. Health chats reveal humorous medical experiences, alongside insights into managing dietary dilemmas. A lighthearted examination of phone charging habits highlights generational differences. The episode wraps up with reflections on technology's role in family life, blending comedy with thoughtful commentary.

Sep 27, 2024 • 1h 19min
244: Hillbilly Pâté
Join a humorous and spirited debate over a questionable avatar choice that spirals into a critique of digital identity. The hosts share fond memories of childhood culinary mishaps, exploring the hilarity of misunderstood meat names, while also tackling serious food safety concerns. As they navigate healthcare frustrations, they infuse witty banter about grocery delivery mishaps and cooking simplicity. Throw in some lighthearted thoughts on 'House of the Dragon' and you’ve got a lively mix of nostalgia, health updates, and playful linguistics!

Sep 13, 2024 • 1h 25min
243: Sleep the Clock Round
Subtitle: Italy is not immune to stochastic anomalies.Your hosts relitigate this shameful cultural moment in which people keep blaming sweet precious angels for human stovetop cock-ups.
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: John is under the weather and hands over the keys to Merlin who very much does not want the keys handed to him.
In Follow-Up, there are updates on misleading names and a theory on why everyone's a doctor now. Project Farm Todd has some fun with a bit about YouTube, but, gratefully he doesn't do the voice.
John considers officially becoming a real Italian.
Most importantly, your hosts relitigate this shameful cultural moment in which people keep blaming sweet precious angels for human stovetop cock-ups. John will not stand for it, and Merlin begs people to just stop asking cops questions.
(Recorded on Tuesday, September 3, 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. Stewart Lee's stand-up show - YouTube How French Drains Work - YouTube French drain - Wikipedia German chocolate cake - Wikipedia An example of Austrian title fever iPhone Mirroring in macOS Sequoia and iOS 18 Now Supports Jiggle Mode Todd Osgood “imitates” other YouTubers Another dog unjustly blamed for a fire Dozens injured, pets killed in fires causing Samsung to recall 1.1M stoves Kerry Condon Sleep the Clock Around - YouTube

Aug 29, 2024 • 1h 38min
242: Chewing Gum Shoe Polish
Subtitle: There are no Tuddies in Ohio.Merlin demands an opportunity to defend his honor, and John encourages him to get more adult supervision.
This episode of Reconcilable Differences is sponsored by:
Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code DIFFS.
Vitally: A new era for customer success productivity. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting.
Links and Show Notes: Things kick off with Merlin demanding an opportunity to defend his honor and John encouraging him to get more adult supervision.
Next up, there's so much good Follow-Up on new Things It Took Me Too Long to Realize, the judge from a Jonathan Coulton song, which dwarf didn't get the tattoo, plus further insight on whose notes live in the margins of John's The Power Broker.
In this month’s member bonus episode, your hosts finally talk about Merlin's soundbar.
You can sign up today to hear all the member episodes, get more bonus stuff, and, yes, support our program.
(Recorded on Tuesday, August 20, 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. Krud Kutter Brand PageIt's simple. We believe cleaners should be tough on krud, but gentle on nature.
Original Krud Kutter Cleaner & DegreaserRemoves really tough soils as quickly and effectively from so many different surfaces. Cuts grease, grime, oil
The Must for Rust - Rust Remover & InhibitorThe proprietary formulation penetrates into every void of a metal surface and dissolves rust/oxidation through chemical action. Then tiny, rust-inhibiting crystals are formed and become integral with the surface molecules of the metal to resist future rusting.
Kenesaw Mountain Landis is a Jonathan Coulton song Gimli didn’t get the tattoo Lord of the Rings cast members showing off their matching tattoos Lord of the Rings cast reunion Zoom call in 2020 Location details for the Lord of the Rings cast tattoos The margin note in John's copy of The Power Broker The back cover of John's copy of The Power Broker Chimp Crazy Sherman's March documentary Thomasin McKenzie Alfred Molina Breaks Down His Career - YouTube Sir Ian McKellen's acting process - YouTube Siracusa and the meta-meta-bit
In general, I love any meta-meta-bit where Siracusa refuses to participate in the meta-bit.
What Roy Wood was capable of. | Everybody's a critic. | FlickrMerlin's toddler learned how to work a stereo receiver pretty early on.

Aug 16, 2024 • 1h 25min
241: Your Father’s Leg
John reports back on his Vacation Results.
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: John's Vacation Results, some listeria concerns, the bridges of New York City, and sundry thoughts on long sentences. All interspersed with periodic commentary on Merlin's legacy of poor decisions.
(Recorded on Tuesday, August 6, 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. Sayonara Wild Hearts (Game) Sayonara Wild Hearts (Album) Sayonara Wild Hearts soundtrack - YouTube LL Cool J - "Mama Said Knock You Out" Merlin's toot about stain Boar's Head recall Boar's Head recalled products (PDF) Boar's Head recalled product labels (PDF) Traditional Pepperoni (Natural Casing) | Boar's Head Hell Gate Bridge in New York 99% Invisible's podcast series about The Power Broker, by Robert Caro Tanger outlets in Riverhead, NY Transporting wind turbine blades in China - YouTube 'It's Transformative': Māori Women Talk About Their Sacred Chin Tattoos - Vice