Podcasts

/ Pete Denison / 5 Comments

dept4 x 4

dept4 x 4 is a new category of posts, which will be a recurring series outlining my four favourite, best, most useful, or most used items in a particular area of interest. These may include products, services, sites, apps, books…you get the picture. Whenever I post a list of this nature, it will unsurprisingly contain four items, generally in no particular order, though I am sure there is a thesis somewhere proving even a random list contains some sort of hierarchy.

Hopefully these lists may prompt you to view, listen, read, test, try or otherwise “have a crack” at some of the suggestions. I believe the greatest power of the internet lies in the discovery of the new and untried, which may ultimately provide you with an opportunity to learn, or in some way improve on how you do things. Granted, you can also waste a lot of time as well, but sometimes the search (within reason) and discovery is half the fun.

Remember of course there will be many more items in a particular category I have not seen nor heard of, and the lists will be updated over time and with new discoveries, though as always we have to start somewhere. So let’s kick things off……

dept4 x 4 – Podcasts

In this post, we take a look at my four favourite podcasts, however first a little background.

My app of choice for podcast listening is Downcast, and has been for some time. I have also previously used Instacast, which is a great app and has seen some updates since my last use. The reason for my change being at the time of switching, Downcast was also available for the iPad (though I see on the App Store Instacast is now a universal app), however the number of podcasts I have listened to on my iPad number approximately…..zero. Despite this, I have not had a reason to switch back, and have continued with Downcast. I cannot comment on the Apple podcast app having never used it, though have not heard overly positive feedback, so personally I would go with one of the excellent third-party applications.

Some of the shows listed below originally began their existence on Myke Hurley’s 70Decibels network, which has this year joined the larger 5By5 network, run by Dan Benjamin. The change has been a smooth one (from a listener perspective at least), and I assume will provide improved infrastructure and resources for these shows to allow a greater focus on content, which can only be a good thing.

In no particular order, here are my current favourite Podcasts…

(Click the show name links for much more information on the shows and their hosts)

1. The Prompt

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They say: A weekly panel discussion on technology, and the culture surrounding Apple and related companies.

I say: The “UN General Assembly of Podcasting”. Spanning three countries, a trio of hosts (Myke Hurley, Stephen Hackett, Federico Viticci) discussing technology in a way that is interesting for someone such as myself, whom I consider has a ‘keen interest’ in Apple related technology, but is far from ‘tech geek’ stature in terms of ability. A transition from Stephen and Myke’s previous 512 Podcast on the 70 Decibels network. Worth it for Federico’s sublime accent? Probably yes, but as always content is king.

At the time of writing, is number three in tech podcasts in the Australian iTunes Store, having reached number one in the UK. The new format is only 1 episode old, but trust me, there are great things coming here.

2. Back to Work

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They say: Back to Work is an award winning talk show with Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin discussing productivity, communication, work, barriers, constraints, tools, and more.

I say: After almost 10 years of online interaction, and some 122 episodes of B2W, hosts Dan Benjamin and Merlin Mann recently met for the first time and recorded episode 123 ‘in the flesh’. A good deal of humour and effortless banter ensure this has the feeling of just sitting around listening to a couple of mates have a chat. What you will walk away with however are some fantastic insights into managing some of the daily struggles of ‘corporate stoogedom’ and some strategies to more successfully navigate the mire.

Some great messages, delivered in some of the most uniquely entertaining ways. My recommendation? Give it a few episodes to get yourself in the groove – you won’t be sorry, because the first half hour or so from each episode is exactly what people tune in for.

3. Mac Power Users

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They say: Learn about getting the most from your Apple technology with focused topics and workflow guests. Creating Mac Power Users, one geek at a time since 2009.

I say: As someone with a keen interest in Apple related technology, I am always looking for guidance and helpful hints in getting the most out of my digital devices. You may consider this a strange entrant in a list created by someone who actually doesn’t own a mac (yet), however the mix of guests and topics covered (often relating to all other ‘iDevices’), are always helpful in providing tips on workflows, shortcuts, efficiencies, and using Apple technologies to overcome many of the barriers (both at work and home) to achieving what you set out to do.

4. The Pen Addict

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They say: Analog tools are often pushed aside in the digital age but The Pen Addict Podcast is bringing them back, front and center. Join Brad Dowdy, aka “The Pen Addict” and Myke Hurley each week as they discuss all things pen and paper.

I say: Worth listening to for Myke’s unique weekly introduction of Brad, which varies each episode. A podcast reaching 59 episodes on items so analog (pens, paper, stationary), that normally rely on look and physical feel to appreciate, must have something going for it – and this one certainly does. Both hosts have a passion for these non-digital tools, and provide thoughtful discussion week after week on both the philosophical and technical aspects of what is featured.

A key aspect often so rare when seeking out pen related content, is that this is far from the expensive pen collector mindset, with 90% (or more), of the discussion related to very affordable items. However, this hasn’t prevented many a listener (or host) from going mail order crazy on some of the items discussed – but really, that’s why we all listen each week.

plus one more that deserves a specific mention:

+1. Mikes on Mikes

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They say: Michael Schechter and Mike Vardy talk technology and time management, parenting and productivity and all things in between during this podcast, all while sipping on their drink of choice for each episode.

I say: This is where it all started for me. Coming fairly late into the whole productivity game, and discovering more through both hosts respective websites, this was my first podcast subscription, and I continue to listen to the two Mikes and their various guests discuss this ‘genre’, for want of a better word. Filled with tips, philosophies and workflow advice, this is indeed a great place to start (and continue), if you are looking at approaches to improve how you work.

Other honourable mentions

In Summary

I definitely find the format of a podcast useful in gaining an understanding of a large amount of content in a short period of time. An added advantage is often there will be slight or wholehearted differences in opinion by the hosts and their guests around certain topics, which can further clarify your own thinking on a certain topic, or at least provide the stimulus to seek out more information for yourself to gain a greater understanding.

So, time permitting, check out some of those listed above and see what you think.

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One More M&M

/ Pete Denison / Leave a comment

One of the first posts written on this site discussed the constant need for validation many of us have in our lives, to the point of constantly seeking and extracting compliments from those around us.

The point being that those accomplishments worthwhile of validation, recognition, and perhaps even reward, are lost in the frenzy of attention seeking nonsense. Part of that post questioned our incessant need for recognition on matters mostly of trivial consumerism, and our perception this acknowledgement in some way increased our value in society:

Do we really need some external validation for every single (mostly consumer driven) decision we make? The answer to that question increasingly seems to be yes. If not for some kind of validation, then it becomes somehow linked to inching up our social standing – I am better or cool because I have this, am doing or reading this, or “like” this.

The sentiment contained in that earlier post is well summarised in the above excerpt.

Upon re-reading the post I should emphasise, I certainly believe there is a very important need for all forms of acknowledgement, recognition and feedback (both positive and negative), none more evident in my day-time role as a manager of people. This is also something all too easy to overlook, particularly (and somewhat ironically) in a talented, hard working team.

However the irony was not lost on the writer as I found my inner voice saying “see I was right”’ and feeling dare I say, ‘validated’ when reading Welcome to Validation Nation by Daniel P. Forrester, a recent Editors Pick on Medium. Though infinitely more elegant in word than myself, Daniel expresses a similar sentiment:

Without a common definition of validation, the concept has been decentralized in a frenzied, subjective set of silos. We have flown past the basics of “see me, hear me, thank me,” to “you must see me, celebrate me, and everything that is great about me.” In getting to this shallow state, we have lost: inhibition, pause, humility, empathy and the critical skill of self-editing.

In my thinking on this subject, the most telling point made above is how we have lost the critical skill of self editing. Time and again it appears we are no longer able to filter our need for recognition from “everything”, or indeed “every little thing”, to areas that do indeed really matter. Furthermore, simple recognition or acknowledgement is no longer enough, we continue on, seeking a king tide of support and full blown celebration. If this is your desire, fine, however please remember the more you ask, the less real value you receive in return.

The article does suggest there is still hope:

There’s also some hope in all of this as the human need for recognition gets redefined. My belief is that the generation after the Millennials, will recoil from all this hyped nonsense. Let us hope for a flight to quality where recognition of real human achievement will be amplified by a few trusted, authoritative and transparent sources; a time when validation for accomplishments becomes tightly re-coupled with excellence.

Perhaps this will be true, however I do not believe this is simply a Millennial generation issue. It is far more widespread and no doubt further fuelled by, but certainly not limited to, today’s social media and the methods we use to seek out this recognition.

There are many more compelling points contained therein, and I would recommend reading Daniel’s insightful article in full.

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What’s Roasting #2 Ethiopian Sidamo

/ Pete Denison / 2 Comments

You can be sure that when a tasting review is posted, another roast will soon follow. Today’s roast origin moves to Africa and is expected to bring back some “fruit” to what ends up in the cup.

This Ethiopian Sidamo, again from Ministry Grounds, is a great value origin, and I am keen to see how this batch turns out.

Ministry Grounds roasting notes as follows:

Expect a few underripes and in general, an uneven roast. But the end result is worth it! Go a little easy on the heat up front, and don’t try and take this one dark. The result will be a bitter disappointment (literally).

Roasted in the afternoon today on quite a cool day, this 500 gram batch ran a little slower than my usual roasts, taking just on 20 minutes to a light to medium roast level. Though not planned, something like a longer than usual roast time presents a good opportunity to assess the effect on flavour profile and other variables come tasting time.

Looking forward to sampling once it has rested a few days.

What’s Brewing #1

/ Pete Denison / 3 Comments

My first What’s roasting post approximately one week ago promised an upcoming review of a South American origin Brazil Toffee Cerrado, from my green bean supplier Ministry Grounds Coffee. It’s now time to make good on that promise. One further note – since this is my first tasting review, please bear in mind the following is my opinion, and the taste will be influenced by my methods of roasting and brewing, as will your own.

My previous post, curiously titled The Whack, describes an outline of my taste testing and assessing system (if you could call it a system), so we can get down to the details straight away here.

The Whack

What – Brazil Toffee Cerrado

  • Origin: Brazil
  • Region: Macaubas, Monte Carmelo, Pirapitinga in the Cerrado (Expocaccer Co-op)
  • Altitude: 900-1100 metres
  • Crop Year: 2011

My Source/Supplier: Ministry Grounds Coffee.

How – Milk based, 160ml latte; Aeropress.

Assessment – Dry aroma – hints of dark chocolate, caramel, brown sugar.
Milk course – dark chocolate and caramel undertones; flavours cut through the milk well; great for the morning latte and works very well as the base for a milk drink.
Aeropress – a definite improvement when cooler, some of the sweeter, caramelised brown sugar flavours in evidence; dare I say “toffee” flavour. Good body, with low acidity. Overall probably a little ‘flat’ when brewed by this method.

Conclusion; Know this – In my opinion this origin is fantastic value for money, as it performs solidly on its own, however I will use it in a blend soon and will write further on the outcome. Really came into its own 4-5 days after roasting. When used as a single origin, it probably works best in a milk drink, however do try in an Aeropress or similar, as when it cools there is a distinct alteration in the flavour profile.

Overall rating 4/5

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The Whack

/ Pete Denison / 4 Comments

Coffee Tasting
When assessing what I have roasted and brewed, we venture into more subjective territory. I have often found my perception of flavours in various origins and blends differs a little from those described “on the label” or in reviews. I’m sure this would not be uncommon for many of us.

What will be written in these reviews is simply my own opinion on the taste and flavour of the beans I have roasted. The reviews will include the different brewing methods I currently use, including an espresso based milk drink (my standard here being a 160ml single shot latte), the Aeropress, and a standard espresso. Every review may not necessarily include each brewing method, and I plan to expand the number of different methods I use as time goes on.

You may note I am referring to “tasting reviews” here. I have purposely not used the term “cupping”, as I feel this is a very specific process that I am not fully qualified to use appropriately in these reviews. You will therefore not see any 100 point cupping assessment scales here. My perspective is derived from the flavours experienced in my day to day usage, which, if I am being totally honest, can sometimes be hard to accurately describe.

I originally wanted to outline a summary of each review in a standardised way, and this led to the development of ‘The Whack’ review summary. The basis for this acronym is as follows:
* What – the name and origin of the bean (or beans if a blend is being reviewed)
* How – a description of the brewing methods used to taste the coffee
* Assessment – my assessment and opinion of the coffee.
* Conclusion; Know this – a brief overall summary of the review, with any specific recommendations.
The end of the review will also have a rating out of 5. Again, there are no specific categories at this time, I will simply make a judgement based on the criteria above.

Much of what I have described above will be clearer once an actual review is written – the first is not far away!