Things we use: Recent Episodes
Luke
There’s a clear disconnect between our want for privacy and the actions we’re taking. Convenience is the immediate benefit that puts a chokehold on our ability to regain any sense of a private life.
This week, we take a look at privacy in the digital age. Is there a genuine desire for it still, and if so, is it even achievable?
As always, thanks for listening and supporting the podcast.
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Smartphones are addictive. But is it our fault for using them so much?
In this episode, the second instalment of this three-part podcast, we take a look at how our phones are designed to be so enticing; and just how apps like Instagram use tricks to keep us hooked.
If you like the Things We Use podcast, please do consider joining me across social media:
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And be sure to check out Catherine's book: phonebreakup.com
Most of us have them and most of us use them every single day, but just how much of an impact do our smartphones have on us? If you're like me, there are moments where you feel at the mercy of your backlit screen, frantically checking a host of apps, only to check them again minutes later. Our relationship to the smartphone can be problematic at the best of times - but why is that? And what can we do about it?
In 2018, author and award-winning journalist Catherine Price gave the world How To Break Up With Your Phone: a book covering a 30-day plan to "take back your life". Join me in this three-part podcast as I discuss our relationship to the smartphone, take a look at the truth behind our addiction, and finally challenge myself to take on Price's 24-hours of zero tech.
If you like the Things We Use podcast, please do consider joining me across social media:
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And be sure to check out Catherine's book: phonebreakup.com
Are we losing the ability to focus in the digital age? It's a fair question and one that highly respected author and journalist Johann Hari delves into in his latest book Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention. We look at Johann's third visit to Steven Bartlett's A Diary of a CEO, and discuss the state of our attention in the age of social media.
If you like the Things We Use podcast, please do consider joining me across social media:
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Johann's new book: waterstones.com/book/stolen-focus/johann-hari
The Diary of a CEO episode 114: youtube.com/watch?v=kNOX7a7-kwQ
Identity. What does it mean to have one in the digital age? In this episode, we look at the idea of building identity and the extension of the self. We address some great points made by Chris Delia on his widely-adored podcast Congratulations, and look at our relationship to our things, with a little help from the writing of Dr Christian Jarrett.
Note: For educational purposes, an audio clip has been taken from Chris Delia's Congratulations podcast (episode 226). Please support Chris here: www.congratulationspod.com
And, if you like the Things We Use podcast, please do consider joining me across social media:
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In this episode, we look at my encounter with the Heavyweight Champion of the World: Mr Tyson Fury. But, more importantly, cover the topic of memorabilia. What is it? And why in the digital age do we continue to funnel money into it?
If you like the podcast, please do consider joining me across social media:
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Physical Christmas cards or digital Seasons Greetings? That is the question. In this episode, we look at the difference between the two, how recent events have affected both, and what certain stars think.
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In this episode, we discuss Unpacking: the new game that represents the perfect crossover between the digital and the physical.
Please consider supporting the team over at: www.unpackinggame.com
*Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with the game or the team that made it. I just enjoyed it!
If you like the podcast, please do consider joining me across social media:
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Digital and physical news - who do these types of news serve and what does the future hold for both?
The newspaper industry has been in steady decline, triggered by a loss in readership and advertising revenue. In fact, in 2020, circulation actually reached an all-time low.
Many would argue going digital has driven a stake through the heart of physical journalism; but what is the main difference between reading news on your smartphone or picking up a newspaper?
If you enjoy the podcast, please do consider joining me across social media:
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In the digital age, we've simplified a lot of things. We've shortened the time it takes to do stuff - like locating and listening to our favourite music. But at what cost? In this episode, we look at the changing face of processes, the beauty of using physical formats, and the human qualities attached to rituals.
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In this episode, we take a look at the cassette in the media. What are the latest figures, and what do they suggest about the future of the format?
If you enjoy the podcast, please do consider joining me across social media:
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In this episode, we look at the case of repairing or replacing objects. Do we as consumers hold the responsibility of slowing our 'throwaway' culture down? Or is the onus on manufacturers to build and deliver products that prioritise longevity?
Taking a look at ITV's Tonight show, we delve into the world of repair cafes and all things restoration. Watch the episode with Chris Choi here: www.itv.com/hub/tonight/1a9757a0118
If you enjoy the podcast, please do consider joining me across social media:
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Jack Walters, 23, from Bakewell, in Derbyshire, hit the national headlines when he revealed he had spent £5,000 creating the perfect 90s time capsule. The illustrator found himself at the centre of a social media storm; some were in favour of the retro decor, others simply couldn't understand why. In this episode, we explore the topic of nostalgia and what it means to be nostalgic.
Please head over to Jack's incredible TikTok account where he creates superb content from his 90s-inspired home: www.tiktok.com/@the_sad_rad_dad
Also check out the article that sparked the social media storm: www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-10083071/Man-23-reveals-spent-5-000-transforming-home-time-capsule-dedicated-90s.html
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In this episode, we look at a special online community built around a physical object. In 2013, Living Room Visions, a Facebook group with hundreds of members, helped celebrate the release of a cassette music album. It was a special moment in time that reflected how the digital and physical worlds can coexist and thrive together.
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When was the last time you unplugged from technology? Can you even remember? In this episode, we talk unwired time and nostalgia.
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Please consider picking up a copy of Tom's wonderful book.
Tom Chatfield - How to Thrive in the Digital Age: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007L23U8E/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
In this episode, we reflect on spaces and the things we fill them with. What do these objects say about us? What story do these spaces tell? For many of us, our homes have become more than just homes during the pandemic. Let's take a moment to appreciate and celebrate them. Join me across social media: Instagram.com/thingsandwhy Twitter.com/thingsandwhy Tiktok.com/@thingsweuse
In today's digitally-dominated society, what happens when the networks go down? On Monday, social media outages rocked large parts of the world. Zuckerberg's social media empire came tumbling down... for six hours. It left many of us asking the same question: what now?
Together, let's unpack exactly what unfolded on Monday.
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Have you ever wondered why we're seeing more and more (and hearing the clickety-clack) of typewriters in the modern day? A look at the typewriter's humble beginnings and some of its charm in the digital age.
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Jake Paul v Tyron Woodley served up plenty of entertainment... including Logan Paul capturing the historic bout with his Polaroid Now camera. Are you a fan of instant photography?
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Vinyl records have experienced a huge jump in sales over the last decade. The once presumed-dead format is thriving in the digital age… but why?
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Cassettes are back! Yes, cassettes. Those small plastic rectangles you used to cherish. It appears cassette-mania has yet again gripped the world. Let's take a look at the physical music format...
Cassette Cultures book:
www.benteli.ch/en/culture/cassette-cultures
Cassette documentary (worth watching!):
www.cassettefilm.com
Record labels mentioned:
holypagerecords.bandcamp.com
purrtapes.bandcamp.com
graveyardorbit.bandcamp.com
postpoprecords.bandcamp.com
kissability.bandcamp.com
Join me across social media:
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Hello and welcome to Things We Use, a podcast about all things conscious living and guilt-free materialism.
Do you love the feeling of a battered paperback in your hands, but also spending time with your friends digitally? Do you love the warm sound of a vinyl record, but also putting together the best Spotify playlists?
Things We Use looks at our relationship with objects in the digital age. It aims to help people understand and get the most from their personal relationships with objects, as we look to a future that celebrates both the digital and the physical.
Join me across social media:
Instagram.com/thingsandwhy
Twitter.com/thingsandwhy
Tiktok.com/@thingsweuse