

Cortex
Relay
Cortex is a show that explores how creative people think about their work — and how they get it done. Each episode dives into the workflows they follow, the apps and devices they depend on, and the habits that keep their projects moving. Hosted by CGP Grey and Myke Hurley.
Episodes
Mentioned books

20 snips
Mar 16, 2023 • 1h 39min
139: The Perils of Being Left-Handed
The hosts tackle the unique challenges faced by left-handed individuals in a predominantly right-handed world, sharing personal anecdotes and insights on product design. They discuss their journey towards better health and productivity, emphasizing the benefits of morning workouts. With a humorous take on naming confusions and innovative tools like Obsidian, they explore digital note organization and creative workspaces. Additionally, they reflect on the nostalgia of music in their routines, highlighting how connectivity and adaptability fuel their creative processes.

16 snips
Feb 23, 2023 • 2h 7min
138: The Story of the Last 18 Months
The hosts delve into the journey of creating the Sidekick Notepad, sharing insights on its ergonomic design and the challenges faced during development. They discuss the contrast between digital and physical note-taking and explore international shipping complexities. The conversation highlights innovative product design, including a notebook made from recycled coffee cups. They also reflect on their creative processes, balancing efficiency with quality, and candidly share their experiences transitioning to a new social media platform, promoting a healthier online engagement.

11 snips
Jan 19, 2023 • 2h 8min
137: A Barometer of Twitter
The hosts share their adventures in balancing health and indulgence, discussing everything from meal replacement drinks to holiday treats. They reflect on personal growth through planning and productivity, including insights from a writing retreat. A candid look at leaving Twitter reveals its toll on mental well-being, coupled with skepticism about alternatives like Mastodon. The conversation also delves into AI's impact on creativity and education, punctuated by whimsical anecdotes, all while navigating health, social connections, and technological advancements.

79 snips
Dec 9, 2022 • 2h 19min
136: 2023 Yearly Themes
The hosts delve into the transformative power of yearly themes as an alternative to traditional resolutions. They share their personal journeys of growth amid life's challenges, emphasizing the need for structure and reflection. Discussion includes the importance of balancing work and personal life while fostering creativity through strategic planning. They also touch on reinventing weekends for genuine rest and exploring innovative ways to enhance productivity and well-being. The episode inspires listeners to adopt their own yearly themes for meaningful change.

124 snips
Nov 15, 2022 • 3h 22min
135: State of the Apps 2023
Dive into the cutting-edge features of iOS 16, with discussions about personalized lock screens and the frustrations of focus modes. Discover productivity app favorites and how they manage daily tasks, fitness tracking, and automation to enhance routines. There's also a light-hearted critique of media recommendations and a focus on the integration of task management with innovative writing techniques. Plus, learn about exciting new apps that make life easier and more enjoyable!

50 snips
Oct 19, 2022 • 1h 55min
134: AI Art Will Make Marionettes Of Us All Before It Destroys The World
The discussion dives into the unsettling world of AI-generated art, exploring its dark themes and ethical implications. The hosts reflect on the erosion of traditional creativity and the unsettling rise of AI in media, including synthetic podcasts that mimic real individuals. They debate the authenticity of AI-generated content and its potential to spread misinformation. Personal reflections on yearly themes and quirky keyboard layouts add humor to the conversation, showcasing a blend of serious and light-hearted insights.

11 snips
Sep 5, 2022 • 1h 42min
133: The Ethics of AI Art
Dive into a lively discussion about the ethics surrounding AI-generated art and its cultural ramifications. The hosts explore tools like DALL-E and Stable Diffusion, highlighting their artistic capabilities and the controversies they ignite. They ponder the implications of AI replicating deceased artists' styles and the looming threat it poses to traditional artistry. Along the way, they share personal anecdotes about podcasting challenges, community engagement for charity, and the ever-evolving dynamics of content creation. It's a fascinating blend of technology and creativity!

17 snips
Aug 18, 2022 • 1h 37min
132: The Actual Mind of the Algorithm
Dive into the nuances of YouTube content creation as the speakers explore video length, audience engagement, and algorithm dynamics. They share hilarious microphone mishaps and offer tips for achieving optimal audio quality. The conversation also touches on the emotional toll of sponsorships, the joy of learning new skills, and the challenges of designing compelling content in a competitive landscape. Plus, they discuss the innovative features of the Remarkable tablet and the complexities of managing collaborative workflows with modern tools.

5 snips
Jul 31, 2022 • 1h 19min
131: A Truly Epic Sense of Denial
The hosts share their personal battles with COVID-19 and its impact on their future plans. They dive into creative discussions about futuristic card designs and innovative keyboard accessories inspired by Magic: The Gathering. There are light-hearted moments about sound effects and workflow challenges. The conversation also touches on navigating work-life balance, reflecting on family dynamics during the pandemic, and reassessing priorities amid uncertainty. With humor and insight, they explore the complexities of productivity in today's world.

35 snips
Jun 13, 2022 • 1h 43min
130: The Crushing Unfairness
The hosts dive into their experience with COVID-19 amid the excitement of WWDC. They humorously reflect on missed opportunities and the emotional rollercoaster of conferences during a pandemic. Expect insights on Apple's innovative features, including multitasking on the iPad and enhanced iOS capabilities. They also discuss the evolving landscape of MacBook design and functionalities, along with a plea for a more flexible approach to OS releases. Plus, hear about advancements in Apple Maps and gaming, painting a vibrant picture of tech's future!