Tasteland

In this conversation, Edmond Lau, a cultural strategist and designer known for his 'luxury memes,' shares insights on the 'dark mode shift'—a term he coined to illustrate societal transitions in digital interaction and emotional complexity. He discusses the evolution of LinkedIn as a networking tool, blending authenticity and technology. Edmond also critiques how the definition of luxury has changed, especially in relation to personal taste and societal values. His unique cultural perspectives from observing New York add depth to the discussion of modern identity.

There's no guest this week, which gives Daisy and Francis the chance to discuss why people hate Renoir, the simultaneously growing and eroding types of media literacy, SEO arbitrage, and why we need pay people to build beautiful things.00:00 The five things we did this week02:38 The nuances of art deaccessioning08:48 Why Francis has stopped sports betting11:14 Different types of media literacy and their current state14:36 The need for working-class media24:28 The death of content website investing35:08 Islands and empires in the creator economy38:19 The dynamics of young lonely men44:48 The future of labor in America Our intro song, Night Life, is written by Nakisso Peralta and performed by Chillers.

This week Daisy and Francis are joined by Katherine Dee, a reporter and internet culture writer since 2018. She's here to discuss the evolution of e-girls, their cultural significance, and the changing landscape of media and online identity.Katherine's X: https://x.com/default_friendKatherine's Substack: https://substack.com/@defaultfriend00:00:00 Unique art museum experiences00:04:15 Defining e-girls and their evolution00:10:50 Shifting media forms and declining media literacy00:19:55 The anti-woke movement is an entertainment genre00:27:07 Dolphin accelerationism00:31:00 The ethics of interacting with AI00:39:37 Internet history must always be an oral history00:50:28 The loss of quality local news00:57:41 The normie internet and subterranean internet splitOur intro song, Night Life, is written by Nakisso Peralta and performed by Chillers.

Daisy and Francis are joined by Jad Esber, founder and CEO of Koodos Labs, a product and research company focused on the next generation of the internet. Koodos Labs is the creator of Shelf.Shelf: www.shelf.imJad: https://x.com/Jad_AE00:00 Night Life02:20 Daisy smells like a donut08:33 Inverting the internet's personal data model14:47 Understanding the concept of data gravity19:56 The algorithms influence on interpersonal relationships30:53 Shelf: Your aggregator for taste39:00 The difficulties of tracking physical media consumption44:01 Connecting through shared media consumption50:40 The balance of friction and meaningful engagementOur intro song, Night Life, is written by Nakisso Peralta and performed by Chillers.

Daisy and Francis are joined by art critic, curatorial consultant, and writer Tatum Dooley. She is the founder and editor of the newsletter Art Forecast. They discuss the balance of art and business, the importance of artist-first thinking, and the impact of social media on artistic identity.Art Forecast: https://artforecast.substack.com/00:00 Controversial college mascot rebrand07:23 The spectrum of artistry to entrepreneurship13:30 Rebranding for global recognition16:09 2025 trend predictions in the art world22:26 The power of the studio visit25:46 Balancing mentorship and free consulting30:31 The complexities of royalties in the art market32:26 Demonstrating the artist first approach36:34 Artistic identity and social media44:57 The right way to do criticism Our intro song, Night Life, is written by Nakisso Peralta and performed by Chillers.

This week features Josh Zoerner, founder of Night Gallery, known for his unique clothing designs and collaborative projects. He dives into the creative process behind the book 'Notes,' which showcases spontaneous iPhone notes. Josh reflects on the emotional ties to music and memory, revealing how nostalgia shapes artistic identity. The conversation also touches on the contrasting creative approaches in fashion and literature, as well as the significance of unique merchandise that carries personal history. Humor and anecdotes enrich their engaging dialogue.

In this engaging discussion, writer Mike Pepi, author of 'Against Platforms: Surviving Digital Utopia,' dives into the complex realities of digital platforms and techno-utopianism. He critiques the belief that tech can solve societal issues and explores the unintended consequences of a tech-driven world. Pepi highlights how AI is reshaping labor and creativity, potentially deepening inequality. The conversation advocates for pluralism and innovative thinking in envisioning our tech-powered future, encouraging a more human-centric approach to civic engagement.

Join writer and researcher Greta Rainbow, known for her work in the Los Angeles Review of Books, as she delves into the changing landscape of food journalism and the rise of finance influencers in media. The conversation highlights the impact of technology on creativity and personal identity, alongside the evolution of alternative literature in digital spaces. Greta shares insights on privacy, the importance of daily habits, and how online communities shape cultural production. It's a thought-provoking look at navigating the complexities of our digital lives.

Emily Sundberg, creator of the popular business newsletter Feed Me, joins the hosts to dissect the concept of specialness in our tech-dominated world. They delve into how modern communication, particularly texting, influences our intimacy and emotional connections. Emily also discusses the growing challenge of maintaining personal authenticity while scaling content, and the crucial balance between creativity and truth in the media landscape. Their conversation reveals deep insights into how societal changes affect our perceptions of meaningful experiences.

The co-hosts dive into the resurgence of smoking, exploring its allure and social implications. They reflect on how media shapes personal beliefs, navigating the balance between meaningful engagement and content overload. Colorful anecdotes link art and emotion, while they share favorite media that evokes strong feelings. A humorous beer review segues into a playful discussion about dogs, showcasing their vibrant rapport and eclectic tastes. Join them for laughs, insights, and a splash of nostalgia.