Lounge Ruminator: Recent Episodes
Martin Feld
Join podcasting researcher Martin Feld as he discusses media and the humanities and interviews guests on their interests and expert topics.
Is there a device from your past that deserves a bit more love and attention? I discuss one from a simpler digital time that brings me and my family joy.
Read a transcript of the episode.
Subscribe via RSS.
Links and Show Notes iPod Hi-Fi * More on the device by Basic Apple Guy * Steve Jobs Introduces the iPod Hi-Fi* (video) * Hear more about iPod Hi-Fi in episode 132 and episode 133; Jason shares his own experience in modernising the device!
I’m back on the audio lounge after an entire year of absolutely nothing, and of course, there are some excuses! Welcome back to Lounge Ruminator… restored, reloaded, rebooted—however you want to put it!
There’ll be more in the future, but without the pressure of a regular schedule. Thanks for following the show!
Read a transcript of the episode.
Subscribe via RSS.
Links and Show Notes Everybody Loves Raymond * 59. Playing to the Audience with Evan Kerr * 71. Unintended Hiatus * Baldur Bjarnason on Really Specific Stories* * Jason Snell * Internet Archive
After a long break, the Lounge Ruminator podcast returns! (Thanks for sticking around.) I discuss the ethical review behind my research interview show, Really Specific Stories, and reflect on the challenges of balancing family, work and academic commitments.
Read a transcript of the episode.
Links and Show Notes The last episode was a while ago! * RSS * Really Specific Stories * Ethics * Narrative inquiry * Honours degrees in Australia * Wattle bird * Hemispheric Views * Jason Burk * Andrew Canion * Core Intuition * Manton Reece * Daniel Jalkut * Persona * Feld Notes* * Micro.blog * Audio Hijack * Ferrite Recording Studio
If you haven’t watched this show, then you definitely should. Read a transcript of the episode. Image credit: Netflix (2022) Links and Show Notes Ricky Gervais After Life Daily Rumination No. 24: The Value of British Humour Hemispheric Views podcast Media franchise The Matrix (franchise) James Bond Daniel Craig Quantum of Solace LostMore
In my first podcast episode for 2022, I give a quick review of Cecelia Watson’s book Semicolon: The Past, Present, and Future of a Misunderstood Mark, while sharing some of the key themes that resonated with me. Read a transcript of the episode. Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts | Castro | Overcast | Pocket Casts | RSS Links and Show Notes Semicolon…More
Andrew is a writer, poet and media educator, as well as the founder of the McLuhan Institute. He also happens to be the descendant of renowned media ecologists Marshall and Eric McLuhan. In this episode, he kindly joins me to discuss his work at the institute, what motivates him to write, how we can slow…More
I’m joined by Dario to talk about his background in film research (and now audio), along with the art of academic podcasting and why the podcast as a medium has a propensity to talk about itself. Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts | Castro | Overcast | Pocket Casts | RSS Find Dario Online @dariodoubleL on Twitter The Cinematologists Podcast Studies Podcast Links…More
Anne is a PhD student who is investigating what she calls ‘fan commentary’ podcasts. She tells the story of how she started listening to them, what appealed to her about undertaking higher research on the topic and what it means to be a fan. Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts | Castro | Overcast | Pocket Casts | RSS Find Anna Online @anne_korfmacher…More
Vincent shares his personal story of how he became an independent developer, from his earliest use of computers through to creative projects and apps like Gluon for Micro.blog. Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts | Castro | Overcast | Pocket Casts | RSS Find Vincent Online vincentritter.com @vincent on Micro.blog Links and Show Notes Full episode transcript Screenshot of editing timeline in Ferrite…More
We all know about the monetary cost of streaming media, but what does it cost the planet? Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts | Castro | Overcast | Pocket Casts | RSS Links and Show Notes Sy Taffel 53. Excess Energy and Urban Eyesores Apple Music announces Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos; will bring Lossless Audio to entire catalog Laura U. Marks Marks, L.U., 2020, ‘Let’s…More
In this episode, I offer a quick critique on Apple’s power as a ‘vectoralist’ of information, drawing on Kara Swisher’s recent interview of CEO Tim Cook and the work of scholar McKenzie Wark. Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts | Castro | Overcast | Pocket Casts | RSS Links and Show Notes Introduction 00:00 Hmmmm… that was a longer gap between episodes than…More
I discuss a conceptual shift in my podcasting research, the shock of the (big) HomePod’s discontinuation and finally, three wonderful films that challenge us to think differently. Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts | Castro | Overcast | Pocket Casts | RSS Links and Show Notes Research Rumination 00:44 A Hacker Manifesto (2004 book) by McKenzie Wark ‘Escaping the Amazon’ (2021 article) by…More
My long-time friend (and former drama teacher and boss), Fiona Finley, joins the podcast to explain her love of the arts. She elaborates on her own background in theatre, the value of performance for kids and the importance of liveness. Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts | Castro | Overcast | Pocket Casts | RSS…More
Friend and fellow podcasting co-host Jason Burk joins the virtual rumination lounge! We discuss hobbies, the ever-changing world of online work and education and the effects of open offices and commuting. (Thank you to the really loud, enthusiastic cicadas who kindly featured intermittently throughout the episode.) Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts | Castro |…More
My long-time friend Evan joins the podcast to discuss his experience as a pianist and music teacher. He also shares his thoughts on how digital technology has been transforming performance and education. Links and Show Notes A Dark Cave — 01:03 Piano Phenomenology The Beatles British Invasion List of crooners Roy Orbison Jack of all…More
I review a stunning documentary series that sheds light (literally) on amazing animal behaviour. Beware of minor spoilers: I have strong opinions to share, even when I only have five minutes. Links and Show Notes David Attenborough Earth at Night in Color on Apple TV+ Apple TV+ Tom Hiddleston 13. Rage Against the VideoMore
Natasha joins me on the lounge for the first episode of 2021! We reflect on our recent visit to one of the most unusual, niche amusement parks in Australia, called Granties Maze, then share memories of trips to theme parks from when we were kids. We then ruminate on the difference in experiencing such places…More
How do naming and branding decisions affect people’s willingness to adopt food substitutes? Links and Show Notes Omnivore Tofu Beyond Meat List of meat substitutes Better Cheddar vegan cheese image Nut Mylk Base image Almond milk Pea protein An Australian macadamia milk example (not a sponsor!) For those confused by the last part of the…More
In this episode, I discuss a common theme that I enjoy across various media: memory. I explore what it means to have memories, how they differ from (and complement) history and how they have been represented in a particularly controversial, new film. Links and Show Notes The Fiftieth Gate (1997) by Mark Raphael Baker Blade…More
Introducing a new format… Lounge Bite! Inspired by HVmini instalments on the Hemispheric Views podcast, each occasional Lounge Bite episode is no longer than five minutes and includes only one topic—saving time in your busy podcast queue and consuming less energy in downloading and streaming. This time, I discuss the value of scaffolding to make…More
How can we be more considerate of the energy that we use when we’re online and who really has a say about the changing face of our cities? Links and Show Notes Sy Taffel Website Carbon Calculator by Wholegrain Digital Wollongong, Australia on Visit NSW 42. Early Adoption with Special Guest Craig Nealon on Lounge…More
I delve into Rushkoff’s (2016) concept of ‘digital distributism’ and ponder why people feel the need to assign gender to menu options. Links and Show Notes Rushkoff, D., 2016, Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus: How Growth Became the Enemy of Prosperity, Portfolio/Penguin. Table of business approaches from page 225 of Rushkoff’s (2016) book 29. Mass versus…More
It’s one of the most controversial foods on the planet… but for those who love it (and other similar cultural icons), what does it mean when such a thing is changed or a new variant is thrown into the mix? Links and Show Notes Vegemite website ‘001: Tim Tam Slams’ on Hemispheric Views Public Discord…More
Prompted by the great TV show Curb Your Enthusiasm, I consider how technology of any given period contributes to the writing and portrayal of comedic situations, which may not be possible or credible at a later time. Also following the start of Microblogvember 2020, I contemplate the value of posting daily online. Links and Show…More
Borat… some people love the character and others hate it—I’m with the former group. In this episode, I discuss the experience of watching the surprise sequel at home (rather than in a cinema) and tell the story of my own Borat fandom. Links and Show Notes 43. Trio and Tenet on Lounge Ruminator Da Ali…More
After reading an article about an author’s difficulty in finding time to skydive—then struggling to fit podcasting into my own weekend—I consider the challenge of maintaining serious leisure alongside work and family commitments. Links and Show Notes Anderson, L., 2011, ‘Time Is of the Essence: An Analytic Autoethnography of Family, Work, and Serious Leisure’, in…More
I’ve long been fascinated by the German language—both for its precision and ridiculously long words—but I’ve never sat down to analyse how I came to enjoy it. Based on recent research into the qualitative approach of autoethnography, I decided to offer my own oral account of learning German and how it has become a part…More
Following a research rumination, I consider the power of visual media that—due to either technological limitations or intentional creative decisions—omit speech. With two specific examples, I discuss how this can enhance or hinder character development and accessibility. Notes Day, L., Cunsolo, A., Castleden, H., Martin, D., Hart, C., Anaviapik-Soucie, T., Russell, G., Paul, C., Dewey,…More
To celebrate the first anniversary of my Lounge Ruminator podcast, I give a quick update on what I’ve learnt so far, the friends that I’ve made and how I’ve realised that you don’t have to be perfect all the time. Notes Dr. Kate Bowles Dr. Chris Moore ‘1. Indexed Five Ways!’ Feld Notes Andrew Canion…More
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Natasha and I reflect on the opening ceremony and how the event was hyped during our respective childhoods. Thank you for your patience with some echo in this episode, due to a fun technical issue. Enjoy it! Notes 2000 Summer Olympics (Sydney) FREEMAN on…More
In this quick update, I discuss my shared launch of a new podcast, called Hemispheric Views (with friends and fellow microbloggers Andrew and Jason) and reflect on a recent trip to the cinema with Natasha to see Christopher Nolan’s Tenet. Notes Hemispheric Views 001: Tim Tam Slams! podcast episode The foyer of the Gala Cinema…More
I’m joined by Craig Nealon to discuss what sparked his long-term interest in technology, the products and apps that have inspired his creative work over the years and the art of predicting whether devices will succeed or flop. Notes Betamax Macintosh 128K MacDraw MacPaint MacWrite Macintosh TV Apple Newton Apple QuickTake QuickTime VR HyperCard McLuhan’s…More
We tend to think of history as something that exists purely in the past or in photos, however it can return in odd, little ways that can surprise us—even in places that we know well. Notes ‘minimal web’ on mnmlist More information about Globe Lane in Wollongong on Weekend Notes An article about Wollongong’s semi-controversial…More
This week, fellow Microblogger Miraz Jordan joins me to discuss the value of simplicity in our lives, whether in using plain language, finding ways to be kinder to the planet or even just being willing to leave a rubbish TV show halfway through a season. Find Miraz Online Miraz Jordan on Micro.blog: miraz.me Notes AltaVista…More
For this episode, I’m joined by friends (and fellow Micro.blog users) Andrew Canion and Jason Burk. We speak about our shared love of digital technology, the pros and cons of product and network lock-in, the trials and tribulations of email and differences in coffee culture. Find Andrew and Jason Online Andrew Canion: andrewcanion.com Jason Burk:…More
I ruminate on the perceived authority of print and consider how we define the word ‘computer’ in 2020. Notes Dithering podcast by Ben Thompson and John Gruber Ellul, J., 1964, The Technological Society; translated from the French by John Wilkinson; with an introd. by Robert K Merton, Knopf. ‘iPad Pro — What’s a Computer?’ on…More
Often we just do the same old thing—going around in circles. When we do find a new way, we don’t always stop to appreciate how it has affected us. In this episode, I discuss some of my own new ways: mind mapping; using a horribly designed (but useful) app and a different way of using…More
This week, I chat with David Sharpe, who is undertaking PhD research into entrepreneurship in the creative industries in Australia (through the University of Wollongong). He is particularly interested in the journeys that entrepreneurs take and the narratives that they create about them. I ask him to explain his background, motivation and process and we…More
For this episode, I explore the concept of persona—just how many people make up the person that is you?—and I discuss my own experience of having furry and feathered companions while working from home. Notes Marshall, P.D. and Barbour, K., 2015, ‘Making Intellectual Room for Persona Studies: a New Consciousness and a Shifted Perspective’, in…More
This week, I discuss a range of topics: the value of individual reading; what Twitter’s purpose is as a company; how ever-changing corporate names can become confusing; and the function of the TV recap in the streaming era. Notes Carpenter, E., 1966, ‘The New Languages’, in E. Carpenter and M. McLuhan (eds), Explorations in Communication:…More
Television sets have long determined not only where our furniture goes, but also how we interact with others at home. Are things now changing in this physical space to reflect our own individual use of smaller, mobile screens? Notes Rushkoff, D., 1994, Media Virus!: Hidden Agendas in Popular Culture, 1st ed., Ballantine Books. The Frame…More
Turn on your TV to watch a sporting match in Australia and you’re sure to see advertisements for various betting apps and services. Of particular concern is how these advertisements can affect and are understood by children. To learn more, I invited Dr. Hannah Pitt (Postdoctoral Research Fellow in public health at Deakin University) to…More
Every year, on a particular day in June, I get up at 3:00 am in Australia to watch Apple’s WWDC keynote address. This year’s was really impressive and in this episode, I summarise the most exciting updates. There is, however one part of this story—almost too quickly forgotten—that needs to be addressed and I tell…More
This week, I reflect briefly on the history of radio, discuss the need for more international content in TV streaming and share the story of a bizarre photo album that went from digital to print. Notes Porter, J., 2016, Lost Sound: The Forgotten Art of Radio Storytelling, The University of North Carolina Press. Little America…More
Niche communities, identities and communication channels—they are a sign of the great diversity of interests, views and cultural groups in our society… but they can also be a sign of fragmentation. In a world that’s brimming with super-specific feeds, tailored content and targeted advertising, could some mass media actually offer a better way of engaging…More
These days, most people take their devices for granted. As an antidote to this, I speak with fellow Microblogger and tech hobbyist, Andrew Canion. We share our early memories of computing, our current preferences, touch-typing origin stories and how we both ended up choosing the Mac as the hub of our digital lives. Last, we…More
This week, I discuss the true purpose of technology education, according to Postman—somehow weaving my favourite sci-fi series into it—then conclude by ruminating on what it means to be still. Notes Upgrade episode 299 James Cridland’s tweet Postman, N., 1995, The End of Education : Redefining the Value of School, 1st ed., Knopf. Murphie, A., 2011,…More
I explain my early research into the world of niche tech podcasting and discuss an uncontrollable urge that many people experience: the desire to buy more books than can ever actually be read. Notes ‘The Wonder of Choice’ PhD journal archive ‘Howard Stern Is Getting Ripped Off’ by Andrew Wilkinson on Medium Marco Arment’s tweet…More
This week, in honour of the late, great Jerry Stiller (aka Frank Costanza in Seinfeld), Natasha and I discuss the best TV show in history, how it brought us together and some of Stiller’s most memorable moments as Costanza. Notes Ben Stiller’s sad announcement on Twitter Seinfeld on IMDb Festivus on Wikipedia Source for featured…More
Now that restrictions on visiting others have been relaxed a bit in New South Wales, Pete joined me on the rumination lounge to discuss the power that music has to transport us to different times and places. Notes Middle of Nowhere — 1997 album by Hanson MMMBop — music video by Hanson Glider — 1994…More
How many things that you enjoy manage to end on a high? In this episode, we explore an example of Australian cultural cringe, a persistent pop-culture icon and someone who quit when the time was right. (Not to mention, this podcast now includes MP3 chapter artwork as a nice, little extra, so check out the…More
How do fans respond to the release of something that doesn’t fit their expectations? How is the current pandemic affecting podcasting? What does it mean to quantify yourself today and is it good for you? Notes ‘Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro: A New Breed of Laptop’ — MacStories review by Federico Viticci ‘The heavy truth…More
This week, my younger sister Jodie joins me on the podcast to discuss growing up, the habits that stick with us and the argument of nature versus nurture. Notes Freiburg im Breisgau in Baden-Württemberg, Germany on Wikipedia Wolfenstein 3D (1992 game) on Wikipedia Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (2004 game) on Wikipedia Two siblings…More
Typography surrounds us—yet so many people ignore it. By paying better attention to type, how can we better appreciate its influence on us and how we communicate? Notes Never Use Futura (2017 book) by Douglas Thomas ‘390- Fraktur’ from 99% Invisible podcast by Roman Mars Helvetica (2007 documentary) by Gary Hustwit on Vimeo iA Writer…More
In celebration of my wife Natasha’s birthday this week, I invited her onto the podcast to discuss one of her absolute favourite things: cake. We ask the big questions, such as ‘What constitutes a cake?’ and ‘What role does cake play in our lives?’. Notes Wedding cake from September 2018 Babka on Wikipedia ‘The Dinner…More
A non-essential person considers what it means to be essential and discusses the televisual triumph that is Dave Holstein’s Kidding (no spoilers!). Notes iPad Cursor with Craig Federighi on YouTube In praise of the iPadOS 13.4 cursor by Jason Snell on Six Colors COVID-19 as World War by Andrew McLuhan on Medium Oxford Languages Word…More
No day is free of silence or sound but how do we feel when confronted by each of them? With which do we generally prefer to surround ourselves? Notes Kate’s quoted tweet Downhill on IMDb Force Majeure on IMDb The Office (UK) on IMDb The Office (US) on IMDb Kath and Kim on IMDb When…More
As use of powerful and accessible digital technology proliferates worldwide, how can we reconsider our approach to work and also reassess how we interact with news and information on the Web? Notes ‘Sorry, but Working From Home is Overrated’ (opinion piece) by Kevin Roose at The New York Times ‘The tools and tricks that let…More
Algorithms surround us in the technology that we use, the systems in which we work and even in the way that we approach everyday tasks. As we become more rational and process-driven in our lives, are we losing something more human about ourselves? Notes Gozzi, Jr., R., 2003, ‘Algorithm versus Aphorism’, in Explorations in Media…More
Music videos are something that we take for granted; if a new single is released, then it comes with a video clip too. Given that we’re generally motivated to follow artists for their audio, what effect or influence does the video component have on us today? Notes Thriller music video by Michael Jackson (from the…More
Collecting things is a very human thing to do… but why do we do it? After a significant and personal family event, Martin reconsiders the accepted habit of accumulating stuff—whether purchased or inherited from loved ones. Notes Collection or Clutter? The psychology of collecting on ABC News Laws of Media: the New Science (1988) by…More
Making friends with others as an adult is quite different from making friends as a kid. This week, Martin reflects on the experience of making a new friend beyond the typical context of school, university or work. Notes Stand-up excerpt from ‘The Boyfriend (Part 1)’ in season three of the 1990s sitcom Seinfeld For anyone…More
Sport, film, television, music, food, technology, clothes, countries and even individuals have brands today and of course, their own fans… but is it enough to refer to them simply as fans? This week, an unexpected essay encourages Martin to see brand fandom in a new light. Notes George Orwell’s 1945 essay Notes on Nationalism Bloomberg…More
In the first episode for 2020, Martin reflects on his trip to the United States with Natasha, particularly how he attempted to make the most of it through journaling, communication with locals and a more thoughtful approach to photography. Notes The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton Nighthawks (1942) by Edward Hopper Gas (1940)…More
The years fly by… but rarely do we stop to appreciate how things have changed, along with how our use of technology has been reshaped by new tools. In this episode, Martin reflects on his own use of devices, starting with the seismic shift that was the iPad in 2010 and then focusing on 2019,…More
This week, Martin discusses the value of being truly present and attentive at live performances, along with how different kinds of product (smart or otherwise) can either inhibit or encourage this positive behaviour. Notes More information about Nanette by Hannah Gadsby on Wikipedia An article (combined preview and interview) about Douglas by Hannah Gadsby in…More
No one likes spoilers. In this episode, Martin explains the lengths to which he has gone to avoid spoilers for the upcoming Star Wars movie Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, along with what’s frustrating about modern trailers and how they could be changed to restore mystery and intrigue for audiences. Notes Learn more about…More
These days, we’re all drowning in technological devices and social media… but does it have to be this way? In this episode, Martin reflects on his own use of online accounts, covering both the rubbish that he left behind and how he aims for more meaningful consumption and interaction today. Notes Technology and the Character…More
It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t enjoy movies but some people don’t always think about the crucial role of the soundtrack. In this podcast episode, Martin is inspired by a noisy neighbour and a fellow Micro.blog user to discuss one of his favourite movie soundtracks and what makes it stand out from others, even…More
Design is all around us, whether in the physical products that we handle or the digital interfaces that we scroll, swipe and press. Martin ruminates on the importance of transparency and honesty in the design of interfaces, drawing on the work of Scolari and Mumford, along with Rams’s design principles. Notes Second Law of the…More
As an avid Apple Watch user since its release in 2015, Martin discusses how the device has changed both his behaviour and the way that he thinks about time. It’s a powerful, personal device that’s supposed to make things easier, yet many wish for custom faces and even more complications… but at what cost? Looking…More
In this first episode of the Lounge Ruminator podcast, Martin is inspired by a recent blog post by John Siracusa to discuss the lost art of super-short, printed film reviews and how they can help us to improve our digital communication today. Notes ‘Top Gun’ by John Siracusa on Hypercritical Video Movie Guide 1994 by…More