
In the Middle of Life
Latest Articles
Bad news is a real bitch.
It's true. It really is. None of us like receiving it. Depending on the severity of it, it can ruin our day, our week, our month, or, in some extreme cases, the rest of our lives. And the worst part is, the news doesn't give a shit. It is what it is, will always be that and nothing more, and will potentially wreck us whether we are ready for it or not.
I work to make a living. I imagine and create to feel alive.
Lately, I have been appreciating the increased intentionality found in analog media.
Resolutions are bad. They set us up for failure. Themes, however, help us guide our activities and decisions with purpose and intention.
Maybe being flawed and not remembering everything isn’t the worst thing in the world?
Latest Podcast episodes
In this episode of The Middle of Culture, Eden and Peter dive deep into the first three episodes of Andor, exploring how the Star Wars series breaks away from franchise expectations with grounded storytelling, sharp performances, and a grimy, lived-in world. Eden makes the case for Andor as the best piece of Star Wars media ever created, while Peter--coming in with a healthy dose of franchise fatigue--finds himself unexpectedly pulled in by the third episode's emotional payoff and political subtext. The two discuss everything from the show's anti-cop undercurrents to its brilliantly realized industrial world, while also sharing personal stories about their week, retro gaming regrets, and comic book industry absurdities.
In this episode of The Middle of Culture, hosts Peter and Eden embark on a deep dive into their Desert Island Albums--the five records they could never live without. But rather than just picking their favorites, they each approach the challenge uniquely, considering which albums they would be most devastated to never hear again. The result? A conversation filled with passion, nostalgia, and a mix of classic and experimental sounds. Along the way, they also touch on bad movie nights, tabletop gaming, the wild world of Mahjong, and the struggle of tackling massive fantasy novels. Tune in for an engaging discussion about the music that shapes us and the unexpected paths our cultural obsessions take.
Join us as we wander through our latest cultural obsessions! From wielding magic in Obsidian's morally complex RPG to discovering the competitive world of Japanese traditional storytelling, we're covering the spectrum of storytelling across mediums. Whether you're a gamer, manga enthusiast, music lover, or just someone trying to navigate the muddy paw prints of adulthood, this episode offers something to spark your curiosity.
This week we dive into the Hugo and Nebula-winning novella “All Systems Red” by Martha Wells. Join us as we discuss our thoughts as well as a run-down of what we have been checking out lately.
In this episode of Generations, we dive into the topic of social media, comparing our generational experiences and attitudes toward platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, LinkedIn, and more. From Facebook fatigue and meme-fueled Instagram joy to TikTok time limits and Reddit rabbit holes, we discuss how our usage has evolved and how each platform fits (or doesn't fit) into our lives. It's an honest, funny, and relatable exploration of how social media intersects with culture, personality, and generational identity.
In this episode, we dive into how we use AI tools in our daily lives, from streamlining workflows to enhancing creativity. We explore the practical applications of large language models like ChatGPT and Claude, discussing their usefulness in tasks like coding, research, content creation, and even running Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. We also reflect on the limitations of AI, particularly in math and creative writing, and the importance of using it as a tool rather than a crutch. Along the way, we share personal experiences, frustrations with Apple's AI offerings, and the evolving role of AI in modern work and play.
In this lively episode of Generations, Aubrey and Peter share their recent adventures, from attending a thrilling professional boxing match to exploring the whimsical and surreal Epic Systems campus in Madison, Wisconsin. They dive deep into the world of Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere, discussing the interconnectedness of Mistborn, Stormlight Archive, and Tress and the Emerald Sea. They also share some passionate rants about electronic medical records, quantum computing breakthroughs, and the ongoing challenges of modern technology and medicine. With a perfect blend of humor, nostalgia, and thought-provoking commentary, this episode is a must-listen for fans of science fiction, tech enthusiasts, and anyone navigating the quirks of late-stage capitalism.
In this episode of Generations, Peter and Aubrey discuss podcasting improvements, life updates, and their latest reading adventures before diving into their Dungeons & Dragons campaign struggles. They take the Knights Radiant quiz to determine which order they belong to and analyze their results. The conversation shifts to their love for Spiritbox, reacting to the band's latest single and discussing their upcoming concert. Aubrey shares an astronomy fact about mysterious Little Red Dots discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope. They wrap up with reflections on the state of medicine and society, emphasizing the importance of kindness and community in uncertain times.