In this episode of From78, I reflect on how place and technology shape the way we experience time and connection. Recording from my office before a day of clinical work, I think about the privilege of listening, the importance of “regular” places where relationships once accumulated, and how those spaces seem increasingly rare.
Rather than simply criticizing technology, I explore a more balanced view—drawing on Marc Weidenbaum’s idea of being “digitally cozy”: staying engaged with books, walks, art, meals, and family while dialing back the constant churn of short-term online conversations.
I also reflect on how meaningful relationships can form entirely through technologically mediated means, setting the stage for an upcoming interview that continues this conversation.
Summary:
In this episode of the From 78 podcast, recorded on Thursday, December 4th, I discuss the subjective experience of time and how it intertwines with social spaces and technology. After a hectic Thanksgiving with my family, I delve into the significance of physical places in making meaningful human connections, contrasting them with today's digital interactions. I highlight a particular episode of Craig Mod's newsletter 'Ridgelines' that emphasizes the atmosphere of jazz kisaten in Japan and their unique social dynamics. I also share observations from my own life, pondering how modern technology and remote work have transformed communal spaces like cafes, affecting how people interact today. Suggestions and reflections on this transformation invite listeners to consider their own experiences and interactions in such spaces.
Table of Contents:
00:32 Introduction and Thanksgiving Reflections
01:52 Podcast Content and Recent Activities
04:14 Craig Mod and His Works
06:50 The Importance of Place in Human Experience
12:22 Jazz Kissa: A Unique Cultural Phenomenon
17:48 Reflections on Modern Social Interactions
24:50 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
Referenced:
Marjory Prime (film)
Mubi (service)
Craig Mod (web)
Things Become Other Things (book)
Ridgelines 218 (web)
Ridgelines archive (web)
Kissa by Kissa (book)
Contact:
from78podcast@gmail.com
In episode 025 of the 'From 78' podcast, the host reflects on the significance of maintaining routines and the therapeutic role of podcasting in organizing thoughts. The host discusses the challenges of a busy November travel schedule, which disrupted his usual podcast routine, leading him to deeper contemplation of how expressing his thoughts changes his relationship with them. Highlighting Albert Camus' 'Notebooks 1942-1951,' he explores the longing for places of informal social interaction and the creation of bonds outside structured environments. The episode also examines Paul Kingsnorth's idea of the 'four Ps' (People, Place, Prayer, Past) and their diminishing role in contemporary life, juxtaposed with the practical difficulties of reclaiming these elements without abandoning modern conveniences. The episode concludes with gratitude to listeners and a reflection on balancing the longing for a deeper connection with the practicalities of modern living.
00:32 Introduction and Podcast Update
01:54 The Importance of Podcasting in My Life
04:21 Reflecting on Inspirations and Ideas
08:45 Engaging with Albert Camus
12:00 Longing for Connection and Place
19:52 Paul Kingsnorth’s Four Ps
23:14 Modern Intelligence and Points of Reference
29:05 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell
Reflections on Life, Growth, and Connection with Rob Bell
In this episode, Neil interviews Rob Bell, delving into significant memories and experiences that shaped Rob's life. They explore Rob's childhood memories on a farm and a rustic cabin in Michigan, poignant historical events like the Challenger explosion, and discussions on the impact of environment and personal history on his outlook.
Rob articulates his philosophies on living a fulfilled life by being attuned to nature, engaging in creative processes, and embracing curiosity and connection with others. The conversation also touches on influences from music, the importance of empathy, and the evolution of personal growth in understanding oneself and others.
00:31 Introduction and Early Memories
00:56 Life on the Farm
02:24 Michigan Cabin Adventures
03:17 Significant Historical Events
05:53 Impact of Locations on Life
06:31 Connection with Nature
16:32 Influence of Media and Music
20:47 Reflections on Parenting and Influence
26:03 Current Phase of Life
29:49 Navigating Emotional Investments
34:24 Understanding Agricultural Perspectives
35:39 Shifting from Contempt to Curiosity
37:28 The Glitch in the Progressive Matrix
45:11 Navigating Parent-Child Relationships
52:28 Learning from Others and Self-Reflection
56:30 The Power of Perspective and Absurdity
The Significance of Place in Shaping Our Lives
In this episode of the 'From 78' podcast, I explore the subjective experience of time and the impact of physical places on shaping personal identity and relationships.
I share personal anecdotes about the various places that significantly impacted my life, including a game store, a Borders bookstore, and a Denny's restaurant. I reflect on how these places provided a sense of community, facilitated friendships, and influenced my tastes and aesthetics. I also ponder the effect of technology on social interaction and question how I can create or find similar meaningful spaces in my current life.
The episode encapsulates a sense of nostalgia, gratitude, and curiosity about the evolving nature of communal spaces.
00:31 Introduction and Greetings
01:03 Kolacky and Coffee: A Morning Ritual
02:10 The Importance of Plans
02:47 Wandering Thoughts: The Significance of Place
05:10 Reflecting on Past Experiences
07:39 The Role of Place in Personal Growth
10:56 Memorable Places: Game Store and Borders
17:59 Denny’s: A Hub for Connection
27:00 The Impact of Technology on Social Spaces
28:54 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude
Reflections on Time and Longing
In this impromptu episode of the 78 podcast, Neil Gorman delves into his subjective experience of time, sparked by a spontaneous observation while driving past a middle school.
The episode explores themes of nostalgia and longing as Neil reflects on his own middle school experiences, juxtaposing them with his life as an adult, and wrestling with the emotions these memories evoke.
Introduction and Episode Context
Reflecting on Daily Routines
A Nostalgic Encounter
Memories of Middle School
The Longing for Youth
Adult Reflections and Realizations
Concluding Thoughts and Reflections
Embracing Uncertainty and Desire: A Reflection on Open-Mindedness
In episode 021 of the From78 podcast, Neil reflects on a personal anecdote about eating a bagel and connects it to his thoughts after reading a New Yorker article about Mahmud Mandani's 1964 bus trip across America.
Neil then explores themes of open-mindedness, desire, and the subjective experience of time, questioning whether people today are still capable of embracing the unknown and unfamiliar without fear or defensiveness. Through these reflections, the host delves into the concept of desire within Lacanian psychoanalysis and challenges listeners to consider their own reactions to lack and absence.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote
01:52 Introducing the Main Topic
03:08 New Yorker Article Excerpt
05:41 Reflecting on the Past and Present
09:15 Exploring Human Nature and Desire
13:07 Concluding Thoughts
Episode Description:
In this episode of his podcast, host Neil Gorman delves into the subjective experience of time and reflects on his own emotional and cognitive journey from youth to adulthood. He discusses the shift from anger and judgment in his younger years to a more compassionate and understanding outlook as he grew older. Neil revisits previous themes, references the poem 'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran, and shares insights about the natural progression of becoming a steward of the world. He also discusses the contrasting paths people may take as they age—either moving towards compassion or becoming increasingly bitter. Join Neil as he explores the complexities of time, growth, and the importance of compassion.
Warning:
This episode is a self-referential reflection, where I revisit some of the themes from prior episodes. It is very rambly, so if you like that kind of thing, you'll like this one. And, if you don't like rambling episodes, you should probably skip this one.
Themes & Returning Themes:
Referenced:
I talk about how it has been some time since I last produced an episode of this podcast. In the time between when I released the last episode (018) and this one (019), I went back and re-listened to all the episodes I made in season 2. This leads me to reflect on two things.
1. How technology lets me kind of travel in time, by letting me listen to past me.
2. My general liking for audio as a medium.
Referenced:
TV show: Quantum Leap
Ira Glass
This American Life
Joe Frank
RadioLab
Referenced in this episode:
Referenced in this episode:
Referenced:
In this episode, I read two short text sections from the book Carin by Kathleen Jamie.
Contact:
You can now email me your thoughts, reactions, questions, criticisms, concerns, etc. Just email from78 at surplusjouissance.com
In this episode, I discuss the process of aging and retroactively recognize that you've moved from dwelling in the house of tomorrow.
Referenced:
The Prophet, On Children, by Kahlil Gibran
In this episode, I talk about ways a person could (if they wanted to try it) engage in massive talk with other people.
I continued to explore questions that came up during the last episode. Why am I making a podcast about the subjective experience of time?
I start to explore what this podcast is...
In this episode, I talk about what it feels like to know that time is finite.
I made the last episode of the first season of this podcast four years back...
But I've been thinking about it a lot lately, so I made a new episode. Let's see where things go from here.