

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

15 snips
May 24, 2022 • 1h 31min
129: The Wrong Kind of Munching
The hosts dive into the contrast between urban and rural living, highlighting career opportunities shaped by city life. They humorously debate the idea of switching jobs and reflect on the challenges of conveying their roles. A playful exploration of focus modes reveals frustrations with notification management, while insights into TikTok examine the implications of short video content. The discussion also touches on brand development strategies, emphasizing long-term planning in today's evolving media landscape.

Apr 27, 2022 • 1h 24min
128: Turn Left at the Big Tree!
The hosts dive into the chaos of managing household inventory and share hilarious stories about mail delivery mishaps. They explore the frustrations of living in unique postal zones, especially in Hawaii, alongside unexpected critters. The conversation shifts to the competitive gaming scene, particularly Magic: The Gathering, analyzing rankings and player dynamics. They also discuss the podcasting landscape, touching on the differences between YouTube and traditional podcasts while pondering the impact of short-form content on audience engagement.

Mar 30, 2022 • 1h 27min
127: Why Don’t You Love Hawaii?
Grey shares his thoughts on Hawaii, contrasting its tourist paradise image with the harsh realities faced by locals. Both hosts humorously recount travel mishaps, including missed connections and baggage woes. They also dive into the challenges of managing email overload and the struggle for work-life balance amid personal fitness goals. Their lively banter brings to life quirky wildlife encounters and the complexities of navigating technology in today's chaotic communication landscape.

Mar 8, 2022 • 1h 55min
126: Tempting the Universe
Grey and Myke share their travel bag setups, diving deep into the tech and gadgets they find essential. The duo humorously navigates the challenges of audio equipment, discussing microphone madness and personal anecdotes about recording setups. They explore the complexities of charging devices on the go, weighing the importance of reliability against battery anxiety. Also on the table are insights into minimalist phone accessories and evolving strategies for boosting engagement on YouTube, all enriched with playful banter and tech enthusiasm.

Feb 21, 2022 • 1h 12min
125: Making 'The Interstate’s Forgotten Code'
Dive into the intriguing world of video categorization as the hosts share their systems for classifying content, impacting authenticity perceptions. They tackle the challenges of adapting beloved narratives like 'The Lord of the Rings,' weighing narrative integrity against audience expectations. Discover creative hiring tips and the significance of breaks for productivity. Personal anecdotes illuminate the struggles of producing educational content on the interstate highway system while navigating pressures from both audience and experts in a captivating discussion.

Jan 25, 2022 • 1h 38min
124: Titles Are Hard
The hosts delve into the intricacies of travel trends impacted by the pandemic, reflecting on their shifting travel statistics. They discuss optimizing time tracking to enhance productivity and the balance between work and breaks to prevent burnout. A humorous exploration of the challenges in crafting engaging titles for podcasts and videos highlights the tension between authenticity and algorithmic pressures. They also navigate the complexities of app management and the allure of progress bars, sharing candid insights into their creative processes.

43 snips
Dec 16, 2021 • 1h 59min
123: 2022 Yearly Themes
The hosts reflect on the swift passage of time and their experiences in 2022, emphasizing the idea of yearly themes for personal growth. They delve into the interplay between failure and success, recounting struggles that shaped their achievements. The conversation touches on the psychological benefits of dedicated workspaces and balancing personal interests. They also discuss the importance of tactical journaling and the challenges of maintaining creativity amidst routine. Insights into YouTube growth and the changing dynamics of work add a layer of depth to their reflections.

7 snips
Nov 18, 2021 • 2h 46min
122: State of the Apps 2022
The speakers dive into their favorite apps and discuss how they customize their devices for improved focus and productivity. They share humorous experiences with technical hiccups and app mishaps during recording. The conversation shifts to fitness journeys and the motivating features of fitness apps. They explore the evolution of task management tools, discuss email frustrations, and highlight the need for streamlined communication. Insights into helpful productivity apps for travel and creative tasks round out their entertaining and informative dialogue.

Oct 27, 2021 • 1h 39min
121: Travelling Confidence
The hosts share their recent travel adventures, transforming anxiety into confidence while navigating airports post-COVID. They reflect on work-life balance at a writer's retreat in Switzerland and the mental toll of creative projects. A personal story about teaching Magic: The Gathering to a family member adds a whimsical touch. They unveil the excitement around new tech, particularly the versatile iPad Mini and the latest MacBook Pro enhancements, exploring how these tools impact their creative processes.

4 snips
Sep 15, 2021 • 1h 32min
120: Episode Out of Time: Rio Heist
The hosts prepare for travel while hilariously navigating planning challenges around upcoming events. They delve into the replication crisis, examining the pitfalls of scientific claims in popular literature. A heartfelt celebration of their fundraising success for St. Jude highlights the impact of community support. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on personal productivity amid busy lives and consider innovative solutions for creative struggles. The lighthearted banter and deep discussions make for an engaging blend of humor and insight.