Skip to content
Lounge Ruminator podcast artwork

PODCAST · society

Lounge Ruminator

by Martin Feld

Join podcast researcher Martin Feld as he discusses media and thehumanities, including occasional interviews with guests on their expert topics.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Feb 12, 2025 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. 73. Rediscovering the iPod Hi-Fi

    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 […]

  2. 72. The Lounge Resurrections

    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...

  3. 71. Unintended Hiatus

    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.…

    more
  4. 70. Lounge Bite: After Life

    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…

    more
  5. 69. Review: Semicolon by Cecelia Watson

    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 |...

  6. 68. On a Country Road with Andrew McLuhan

    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...

  7. 67. Podcasting on Podcasting with Dr. Dario Llinares

    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...

  8. 66. An Aca-fan Moment with Anne Korfmacher

    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…

    more
  9. 65. Becoming an Independent Developer with Vincent Ritter

    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...

  10. 64. Lounge Bite: Small-file Aesthetics

    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…

    more
  11. 63. Information Curation

    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...

  12. 62. Three Films with One Idea

    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...

  13. 61. Absolute Joy with Fiona Finley

    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 |...

  14. 60. Contemplating Telepresence with Jason Burk

    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...

  15. 59. Playing to the Audience with Evan Kerr

    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…

    more
  16. 58. Lounge Bite: Earth at Night

    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....

  17. 57. Running Through a Maze with Natasha Kandilas Feld

    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...

  18. 56. Lounge Bite: Milk? Mylk? Malk?

    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!)…

    more
  19. 55. Memories and the Trouble with Being Born

    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)…

    more
  20. 54. Lounge Bite: Scaffolding

    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.…

    more
  21. 53. Excess Energy and Urban Eyesores

    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...

  22. 52. Gendered Food

    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...

  23. 51. Vegemite

    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...

  24. 50. Curb and Posting

    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...

  25. 49. Personal Podcastings on a Borat Moviefilms for Make Appreciation on a Home Cinemas

    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...

  26. 48. Serious Leisure

    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…

    more
  27. 47. My German Autoethnography

    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…

    more
  28. 46. Speechless

    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…

    more
  29. 45. A Ticking Clock

    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...

  30. 44. Sydney 2000 Olympic Nostalgia with Special Guest Natasha Kandilas Feld

    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...

  31. 43. Trio and Tenet

    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…

    more
  32. 42. Early Adoption with Special Guest Craig Nealon

    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...

  33. 41. Accidental Urban Archaeology

    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...

  34. 40. Simplicity with Special Guest Miraz Jordan

    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...

  35. 39. International Mac Nerds with Special Guests Andrew Canion and Jason Burk

    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...

  36. 38. Typos and Consoles

    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...

  37. 37. New Ways

    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 […]

  38. 36. Mapping Entrepreneurial Narratives with Special Guest David Sharpe

    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…

    more
  39. 35. Personas and Pets

    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…

    more
  40. 34. Corporate Identity and the Art of Recapping

    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....

  41. 33. We Meet at Screens

    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...

  42. 32. Tackling Sports Betting with Special Guest Dr. Hannah Pitt

    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…

    more
  43. 31. WWDC and the Reality Distortion Field

    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...

  44. 30. The Martin Feld Retail Photo Collection

    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...

  45. 29. Mass versus Niche

    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,...

  46. 28. A Potted Computing History with Special Ordinary Guest Andrew Canion

    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...

  47. 27. Stillness

    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…

    more
  48. 26. Bibliophilia

    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…

    more
  49. 25. Stiller the Best with Special Guest Natasha Kandilas Feld

    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...

  50. 24. Music as a Time Machine with Special Guest Pete Destry

    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 —…

    more

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

TOPICS IN THIS SHOW

Click any topic to search every transcript on PodParley for moments someone mentioned it.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

Join podcast researcher Martin Feld as he discusses media and thehumanities, including occasional interviews with guests on their expert topics.

HOSTED BY

Martin Feld

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Lounge Ruminator have?

Lounge Ruminator currently has 72 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Lounge Ruminator about?

Join podcast researcher Martin Feld as he discusses media and thehumanities, including occasional interviews with guests on their expert topics.

How often does Lounge Ruminator release new episodes?

Lounge Ruminator has 72 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Lounge Ruminator?

You can listen to Lounge Ruminator on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Lounge Ruminator?

Lounge Ruminator is created and hosted by Martin Feld.
URL copied to clipboard!