

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 projects moving. Hosted by CGP Grey and Myke Hurley.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

14 snips
Aug 24, 2021 • 1h 43min
119: Thinking, Fast and Slow
The hosts tackle a mountain of technical issues, sharing laughs about corrupted file synchronization and digital chaos. They delve into decision-making psychology, based on Daniel Kahneman's acclaimed book, discussing the dual systems of thought that influence our choices. The conversation also touches on digital file management, community fundraising efforts, and the challenges of navigating dense reading. With personal stories and critiques of popular theories, they explore the nuances of cognitive biases and the replication crisis, all while keeping the tone light and engaging.

Jul 13, 2021 • 1h 23min
118: Season of Uncertainty
The hosts dive into the challenges of renting office space, sharing dreams of a permanent setup. They uncover the complexities of workplace motivation during uncertain times, particularly in the age of a pandemic. Their playful banter contrasts current frustrations with past optimism about vaccinations. The duo also grapples with finding reliable information in a world full of misinformation. Additionally, they explore the concept of tracking thoughts through bets, blending humor and introspection as they navigate personal and professional dilemmas.

Jun 15, 2021 • 2h 7min
117: MTG WWDC
Grey dives back into the strategic world of Magic: The Gathering, sparking a discussion about the game's complexities and cultural impact. Myke celebrates the Mac launch of Timery and shares insights on app integration. The hosts eagerly discuss Apple's WWDC innovations, especially the new focus modes and enhancements in productivity tools. They also ponder the viability of a four-day work week, reflecting on personal experiences and productivity. The conversation is a delightful mix of tech excitement and nostalgic gaming strategy.

11 snips
May 18, 2021 • 1h 34min
116: Legacy in Your Lifetime
The hosts embark on a campaign for human decency while reflecting on the impact of their work. They critique traditional language education and share insights into innovative collaboration tools. An engaging discussion about legacy explores how current contributions can resonate more than distant ones. The search for the perfect backpack and humorous battles against lunch add a personal touch. Plus, expect whimsical storytelling and chaotic adventures that highlight their creative synergy!

Apr 29, 2021 • 1h 28min
115: A Streaming Intervention
Discover the intriguing concept of 'work hangovers' and how they affect mental health. The hosts share personal fitness journeys, emphasizing gratitude amidst overload. Dive into the world of live streaming with insights on audience engagement and the pros and cons of real-time interaction. They also tackle the challenges of managing notifications from Slack and discuss the balance of aesthetics in office design. Lastly, hear about the evolution of creative support methods across platforms like YouTube and Twitch.


