A site about life in the middle
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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, hosts Peter and Eden dive into the groundbreaking 1999 film The Matrix. Having not seen it in nearly 20 years, Peter watches it for the first time since the early 2000s, while Eden revisits this influential sci-fi classic.
First, we discuss what we have been checking out lately, with Eden discussing "Pupposites Attract" and Peter discussing his different approach to NaNoWriMo this year.
Then we dive into "The Matrix", discussing such things as:
- The film's incredible lasting influence on cinema, fashion, video games, and popular culture
- Stellar performances from the perfect cast, particularly:
- Keanu Reeves as Neo
- Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus
- Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity
- Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith
- Joe Pantoliano as Cypher
- The revolutionary special effects and filming techniques, including the iconic "bullet time"
- The movie's excellent pacing across its 136-minute runtime
- Thoughtful use of reflections throughout the film to emphasize themes of reality vs simulation
- Discussion of alternative casting choices that could have dramatically changed the film
- The film's R rating despite relatively tame content by today's standards
Fun Facts:
- Will Smith turned down the role of Neo to make Wild Wild West instead
- The film made nearly $500 million on a $60 million budget
- First in a planned series reviewing all Matrix films
Next Episode: The hosts will continue their Matrix journey with The Matrix Reloaded (2003).
Contact the show: feedback@themiddleofculture.com
Pixels, Preferences, and the Passage of Time: A Gaming Journey
This week on "The Middle of Culture," Eden and Peter dive into the ever-shifting landscape of their video game tastes. But before they press start on the main topic, they level up listeners with their recent media adventures!
Eden takes us on a whirlwind tour:
- They ponder whether "The Wild Robot" tugs at heartstrings or manipulates emotions
- Their dragon-sized anticipation for "Dragon Age: The Veilguard," complete with a nostalgic stroll through Bioware's gaming history
- A yakuza-style plunge into "Like A Dragon"
- A sneak peek into the fashionable world of the upcoming "Infinity Nikki"
- Unraveling the intricate threads of "Claudine," a comic that boldly tackles gender and relationship complexities
Peter's playlist is just as diverse:
- Gearing up for demon-slaying action in Diablo IV's "Vessel of Hatred" expansion
- Falling head over heels for Balatro's iOS debut
- Diving into the mystical depths of "The Well of Ascension"
- Clocking in for some laughs with "Superstore"
- A headbanging journey through recent metal releases featuring Sylosis, Blood Incantation, Devenial Verdict, and a potential album of the year from Lowen
Finally, our hosts press pause on their current obsessions to reflect on how their gaming preferences have evolved. They explore their drift away from the intense worlds of RTS, TBS, and FPS genres, gravitating instead towards immersive RPGs and laid-back sim games that offer a different kind of digital escape.
Join Eden and Peter as they navigate the changing tides of their virtual adventures, proving that in gaming, as in life, the only constant is change!
Buckle up, culture enthusiasts! Eden and Peter are back, and they're taking you on an interstellar journey to the haunting world of Solaris. But first, fasten your seatbelts for a whirlwind tour of their latest obsessions:
🎸 Peter's been headbanging to Nightwish's new album, "Yeserwynde" - but is it too bombastic? He's found solace in the gritty, aggressive sounds of Bay Area thrash legends, Exodus. Meanwhile, he's still spellbound by Sanderson's "Mistborn: The Final Empire."
🎮 Eden's been tilling the virtual soil in "Coral Island" and got their circuits buzzing with "Transformers One."
Now, prepare for liftoff as we orbit the main event: Stephen Soderbergh's 2002 adaptation of the sci-fi classic, "Solaris." This under-appreciated gem isn't just star-powered - it's a cosmic cocktail of masterful direction, stellar acting, and a soundtrack that'll echo in your mind long after the credits roll.
Join us as we dissect this thoughtful, riveting film that slipped under too many radars upon release. It's time to give "Solaris" the spotlight it deserves. Are you ready to explore the depths of this cinematic universe with us?
Tarkovsky's "Solaris" Divides Our Hosts!
Journey with us through the cosmos of pop culture in this week's episode of The Middle of Culture! Our hosts dive deep into the enigmatic world of Andrei Tarkovsky's 1972 sci-fi classic, "Solaris." But before we blast off, strap in for our signature pop culture roundup:
- Diablo 4: Is it heaven or hell?
- Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn: Worth a re-read?
- New sonic landscapes from A Swarm of the Sun and Oceans of Slumber
- Eden's musical discoveries and galactic adventures in Star Wars Outlaws
Then, brace yourself for an interstellar debate! Our hosts go head-to-head over Tarkovsky's "Solaris":
🌟 Eden: "A transcendent masterpiece!"
😴 Peter: "A snoozefest in space!"
Is "Solaris" a mind-bending journey through human consciousness or a glacially-paced bore? Tune in as we navigate the vast expanse between "cinematic revelation" and "watching paint dry in zero gravity." Don't miss this cosmic clash of opinions on The Middle of Culture!
On this episode of Generations, co-hosts Peter and Aubrey reflect on their recent experiences and favorite tech tools that keep them productive and inspired. From apps that help them stay organized to cosmic discoveries, this episode is packed with engaging insights.
Highlights:
Aubrey's Life Updates & Tech Favorites
• Discusses the challenges of moving while juggling school and work.
• Shares how Stardew Valley has been a source of comfort during tough times.
• Explores the versatility of GoodNotes, her go-to app for:
• Handwritten notes on her iPad.
• Homework, lecture annotations, and planning.
• Keeping her academic life organized with colorful, customizable notebooks.
Peter's Tech Tools & Writing Journey
• Talks about using Obsidian for National Novel Writing Month, replacing Scrivener for its seamless sync across devices.
• Highlights how Apple's ecosystem simplifies work and creativity through integration between devices.
• Recommends tools like Fantastical for calendar organization and Unread for triaging news and articles.
A Shared Love for the Apple Ecosystem
• Discuss how Apple devices streamline their productivity, syncing photos, notes, and calendars effortlessly.
• Peter touches on the power of software subscriptions and why they can be worth the investment.
Astro Fact of the Day
Aubrey shares a fascinating discovery: Two massive black holes orbiting each other at the center of a galaxy disrupt a massive gas cloud. This tidal disruption event led to a unique signal detected by NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which offers an awe-inspiring glimpse into the mysteries of the universe.
Tune in for tech insights, personal anecdotes, and a peek into the cosmos! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share. For feedback or topic suggestions, email us at feedback@generations.fm. See you in two weeks!
This week on "Generations", join Aubrey and Peter as they dive into Aubrey's recent boxing match experience, from intense preparation to the adrenaline-fueled fight night. Hear about the unexpected challenges, bloody noses, and the mental rollercoaster of competing in the ring. Peter offers a touching perspective as a concerned parent watching from the sidelines.
But the excitement doesn't stop there! Our hosts introduce two new segments:
1. Aubrey's Astro Corner: Get starstruck with a rare comet sighting visible to the naked eye.
2. Peter's Health Insights: Discover why your standing desk might not be the health savior you thought it was.
Plus, a teaser for writers: National Novel Writing Month is just around the corner!
Tune in for a knockout blend of personal stories, space wonders, and myth-busting health facts. Whether you're a boxing enthusiast, an astronomy buff, or just curious about the world around you, this episode has something for everyone!
Brace yourselves for a no-holds-barred political showdown on this week's Generations! Peter and Aubrey throw their gloves into the ring, tackling the hot-button issues that are shaping our world.
Fair warning: We're not pulling any punches with our opinions. If you're looking for a neutral take, you might want to sit this round out.
Before we dive into the political arena, catch up with the hosts:
- Peter shares tales from the frontlines of complex cancer surgeries
- Aubrey gives us the inside scoop on her intense prep for Fight Night 2024
Then, strap in as we dissect the latest presidential debate:
- Hear the candidates in their own words with exclusive audio clips
- Get our unfiltered reactions and analysis
Whether you're a political junkie or just trying to make sense of it all, this episode of Generations promises to be a knockout. Don't miss this ringside seat to the political bout of the year!
Get ready for a harmonious blend of academia and artistry on this week's "Generations"! Join hosts Aubrey and Peter as they welcome their special guest, Elissa, fresh from her triumph in the world of vocal performance and pedagogy.
With Elissa's master's degree still hot off the press, the trio dives into a discussion about the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of grad school life. Peter dusts off his own post-grad memories, comparing notes with Elissa on their journeys through the hallowed halls of higher education.
But wait, there's more! Aubrey, our resident undergrad, chimes in with her candid thoughts on pursuing an advanced degree. Will her perspective strike a chord with our academically-inclined guests, or create some thought-provoking dissonance?
Tune in for an episode that's equal parts nostalgic, eye-opening, and forward-looking. Whether you're considering grad school, reminiscing about your own academic adventures, or just curious about the paths less traveled, this week's "Generations" is sure to educate and entertain!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​