

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 19, 2021 • 1h 45min
111: Catching an Eel
They dive into the inspiring journeys of black technologists, celebrating unsung heroes in the tech industry. The conversation covers the emotional toll of repeated lockdowns and the hope spurred by vaccination efforts. There's a humorous take on the challenges of inventory management, akin to catching an eel while navigating unpredictability. Vivid dreams during isolation spark a fascinating discussion, and themes of personal reinvention reveal how setbacks can inspire creativity. They also share insights on yearly themes for personal growth and the complexities of managing a mentorship program.

19 snips
Dec 14, 2020 • 2h 40min
110: 2021 Yearly Themes
The hosts dive into the concept of yearly themes as a fresh alternative to traditional resolutions, emphasizing flexibility and personal growth. They reflect on transformations during the pandemic, from adopting new hobbies to navigating the challenges of self-employment. Passion for Formula One and the launch of the Theme System Journal highlight their journey. They also share insights on balancing creativity with productivity, the evolution of travel priorities, and the theme of 'reinvention' shaping their year.

Nov 24, 2020 • 2h 15min
109: State of the Apps 2021
Grey and Myke dive into the evolving world of apps, sharing humorous air miles stories and nostalgia for your favorite travel apps. They compare their unique iPad setups while revealing their go-to productivity tools like OmniFocus and Todoist. The duo explores the intricacies of note-taking with Obsidian and how apps like Notion enhance their creativity. They also address the challenges of modern communication tools like Slack and Zoom, alongside their favorite fitness and gaming apps, offering a mix of insights and laughs.

Nov 16, 2020 • 1h 37min
108: Splitter and Lifter
The hosts dive into audio gear challenges, humorously debating their recording setups and troubleshooting woes. They share personal lockdown experiences, touching on mental health and the struggle of working from home. The discussion shifts to excitement about new Macs and smartphones, fueled by recent Apple announcements. Listeners are also introduced to intriguing teamwork stories in the sponsor segment. On a lighter note, the hosts compare face masks for comfort and usability, all while navigating the comedic chaos of cable management in their home offices.

Oct 19, 2020 • 1h 56min
107: A Visual Bombardment
The hosts dive into the colorful world of iOS 14, showcasing the exciting new widgets that allow for deep customization of home screens. They discuss the challenges of implementing dark mode in Google Docs and celebrate a successful charity event, complete with fun anecdotes. The conversation meanders through the legacy of names, personal growth with journaling, and the practicality of organization tools like OmniFocus. They even share frustrations around screen time tracking and the evolution of gadget aesthetics.

Sep 14, 2020 • 1h 31min
106: Clear and Boring
Dive into the chaos of setting up a new office, where color choices shape atmospheres and scheduling mishaps abound. Experience the whimsical planning of a fundraising event, complete with balloons and a pop-up gazebo. Explore the joys of live streaming, where interaction reigns and personal hobbies thrive. Delve into the evolving world of note-taking apps, especially the innovative Obsidian. Lastly, enjoy lighthearted reflections on quarantine life and the quest for the perfect face mask.

28 snips
Aug 27, 2020 • 1h 49min
105: Atomic Notes
Grey and Myke discuss the chaos of scheduling during a pandemic, sharing humorous insights into their struggles with productivity. They dive into the intriguing world of note-taking, unveiling the benefits of the Zettelkasten system and the value of atomic notes. Their candid reflections on reprinting journals reveal the challenges of physical product production. With playful banter, they explore alternatives to Google Docs and the importance of maintaining flexibility in work schedules, highlighting its positive impact on both personal and professional relationships.

14 snips
Jul 21, 2020 • 1h 46min
104: RGB on the eGPU
The hosts share their frustrations with collaboration tools like Google Docs and Microsoft Word, seeking better digital workspace solutions. They discuss home office setups, including the benefits of treadmill desks and eGPU options for recording quality. Excitement for Apple's widget innovations and the convergence of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS is palpable. Personal hobbies evolve, with ceramics and Formula One sparking new passions. The conversation wraps on the significance of adaptability in yearly themes and embracing membership models for content creation.

Jun 29, 2020 • 1h 44min
103: A New Widgety World
The hosts dive into the challenges of navigating WWDC online, sharing the humorous side of remote participation. They discuss the emotional toll of lockdowns and the joy of reintegrating into studio work. FitBod makes an appearance, showcasing personalized fitness solutions amidst busy schedules. Innovations in iPadOS, like Scribble and widgets, spark creative discussions about user experience. They also explore the complexities of podcast funding models while reflecting on the evolution of their own podcasting journey.

14 snips
May 25, 2020 • 1h 38min
102: Lockdown Productivity
Grey and Myke dive into the challenges of working from home during lockdown, sharing personal experiences and strategies for productivity. They discuss the balance of work and family life, revealing the psychological effects of music on focus. Creativity takes center stage as they explore the evolution of personal workspaces. Fitness is also a topic, with weight training tips and the fun of VR gaming making an appearance. Plus, there are insights on launching a business with the perfect domain name!