Generations

Peter and Aubrey dig into Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinneman — all seven books, with book eight nine days out. They cover how they each came to the series, why the audiobooks (narrated by Jeff Hays) are basically the only correct way to experience it, and what separates DCC from the litRPG slop Peter burned out on years ago. The back half goes full spoilers: theories on the ending, whether Donut survives, and a frank debate about where DCC actually sits in the pantheon — fun and entertaining, they agree, but not literature, which is fine — and which leads Peter to take a brief shot at Brandon Sanderson on his way out the door.SHOW NOTESHow they found the series — Aubrey was skeptical (a talking cat named Princess Donut did not sell her), but Hayden's enthusiasm eventually won out; Peter needed something lighter after slogging through The Three-Body Problem book two.The audiobook question — Both agree Jeff Hays is essential; his voice work is so distinctive that he omits dialogue tags in places because you simply know who's talking. Audiobook sales reportedly outpace ebook and print combined.The litRPG problem — Peter contextualizes why he's wary of the genre: most of it trends toward male power fantasy with inexecrable harem dynamics. DCC's reluctant, morally grounded protagonist is a deliberate contrast.Matt Dinneman's origin story — Before the pandemic, he traveled the country doing commissioned cat portraits at cat shows. A staring Persian cat inspired Princess Donut. COVID shut that down; he started posting chapters on Royal Road, and it exploded from there.Series overview (spoiler-free) — Earth gets strip-mined by the Borant Corporation, collapsing all buildings and turning the planet into an 18-level dungeon broadcast as galactic entertainment. Carl and his now-sentient cat Princess Donut navigate it while inadvertently becoming agents of chaos against the whole system.SPOILER SECTION: Series theories — Both think Carl will dismantle the Borant Corporation rather than complete the dungeon; Peter predicts the series ends at level 12, with the deity/ascension mechanics being the key. Ten books total, per Matt Dinneman's own Reddit comments.Will Donut survive? — Neither is confident. Peter says if Donut dies, he stops reading; Aubrey thinks losing her would send Carl fully off the rails. The cover where Donut is absent did not help their anxiety.Favorite moments — Aubrey's top two: Carl telling Prepotente to "eat a bag of dicks," and Donut screaming "die motherfucker die" while drunk. The Prepotente/Carl reconciliation in book seven gets genuine appreciation from both.Jeff Hays fandom — He's locked into the Carl and Donut voices permanently; he's confirmed he can't use them for other projects. A convention clip of Hayes singing "Wonderwall" in the Donut voice while Matt Dinneman plays guitar on stage is, per Aubrey, simply iconic.The verdict — Fun books, not great books, and that's okay. Peter lands a parting shot: Brandon Sanderson could learn something from DCC about not taking himself quite so seriously.

Peter and Aubrey work through all 37 official MCU films on Peter's custom tier list tool, placing each from S down to D with no shortage of strong opinions along the way. The results are roughly what you'd expect from two Marvel fans who still remember opening-night midnight showings — Thor: Ragnarok and The Winter Soldier are untouchable, Eternals and Iron Man 2 are not. The episode also touches on the MCU's recent creative upswing (Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four), the ongoing wound that is Secret Invasion, and a pre-show check-in that includes Aubrey's genuinely harrowing week of tornado evacuations in Madison.SHOW NOTESCheck-in: Peter escaped a work trip in Austin early by paying $75 for a same-day flight change — no business casual required, shorts were involved. Aubrey's week involved actual tornado warnings in Madison, a mid-workday shelter evacuation with her kids, and baseball-sized hail; she later raced home with Hayden to beat a second tornado approaching from the west. Friday brought a school district preemptive cancellation and, fortuitously, weather pay.Episode setup: With Avengers: Doomsday trailer apparently shown at CinemaCon (not yet public), Peter thought it was a good time to tier-rank all 37 MCU movies using his custom tier list tool. He and Eden did a bracket format on The Middle of Culture previously, but Peter prefers the tier list because it doesn't force unfair head-to-head matchups.S tier (locked in): Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Infinity War, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Spider-Man: No Way Home. Peter notes The Winter Soldier is probably the best MCU film, even if not his personal favorite; No Way Home earns its S on pure emotional impact, despite Homecoming arguably being the tighter movie. Both agree Infinity War is the stronger film over Endgame.A tier highlights: Black Panther, Black Widow (Aubrey advocates for it; Peter concedes despite CGI complaints), the original Avengers, Civil War, Endgame, Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four: First Steps, Guardians Vol. 1, Homecoming, Ant-Man, and Iron Man 1. Peter is bullish on both Thunderbolts ("hits emotionally a lot harder" than Fantastic Four) and Fantastic Four ("it's got the juice").B tier: Guardians Vol. 3, Wakanda Forever, Spider-Man: Far From Home, original Thor, Guardians Vol. 2 (Peter's least favorite of the trilogy, despite online discourse claiming otherwise), Deadpool & Wolverine, Captain America: The First Avenger, Doctor Strange, and Shang-Chi — though Peter notes Shang-Chi gets docked for Marvel's failure to do anything with the character afterward: "My boy Shang-Chi deserves better."C and D tiers: Age of Ultron lands in C; Iron Man 2 in D ("you can't enjoy the experience of Iron Man 2 ever again"). Eternals earns a D with Peter suggesting he might genuinely prefer Iron Man 2 over a rewatch. Brave New World lands in D simply because neither of them has had any interest in watching it — the tier list as disinterest metric.MCU fatigue and cautious optimism: Post-tier-list conversation touches on the post-Endgame drop-off in quality and excitement. Aubrey recalls having a nightmare the night before the Endgame midnight premiere that they couldn't go see it — that's the level of hype she wants back. Both see Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four as signs of an upswing heading into Doomsday.Secret Invasion tangent: Peter revisits his custom-built tier list feature (a bonus below-D tier for truly irredeemable content) — originally created for DC's Black Adam, but Secret Invasion is the MCU equivalent. Six episodes and rage-quit; he says it soured him on MCU TV generally, leaving him behind on Loki S2, What If S2, Echo, and Daredevil Born Again.Tease for next episode: Aubrey mentions she already has an outfit planned to go with next week's topic.

Peter and Aubrey dig into the Project Hail Mary film adaptation — both are big fans of the book and came in with high hopes and specific anxieties about how it would translate to screen. They start spoiler-free with their history with Andy Weir's work and their first impressions of the casting, then move into a full spoiler breakdown of the story, the Grace/Rocky relationship, the practical effects choice for Rocky, and what the filmmakers got right (and wrong) about adapting the book. Peter notes no medical fact this week, and Aubrey closes with a brief Astro Fact about the Artemis II moon launch.Project Hail Mary — Book BackgroundsAubrey came to the book recently via a recommendation from Hayden, listened on Audible, and loved it — specifically calling out the audiobook's interpretation of Rocky's voice as a standout experience. Peter claims Andy Weir hipster status, having bought The Martian on Kindle before it was picked up by a publisher.Andy Weir's Body of WorkPeter gives a quick rundown: The Martian (great), Artemis (a letdown), Project Hail Mary (a major return to form). Both agree the book is worth reading even after seeing the movie — it goes much deeper into the science and the characters' inner lives.Spoiler-Free PremiseDr. Ryland Grace wakes up alone in a spaceship with no memory of who he is or why he's there. The story unfolds through present-day mystery and flashbacks, piecing together how humanity ended up in crisis — and how he ended up being the one sent to solve it.Ryan Gosling as Dr. GraceAubrey was skeptical going in, having mostly seen Gosling in pretty-boy leading man roles. First trailer changed her mind; the performance won her over completely. Peter agrees he's a better actor than his typecast reputation suggests.Directors: Lord and MillerPeter felt reassured once he knew Phil Lord and Chris Miller were at the helm. Credits discussed: The Lego Movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, 21 Jump Street, and their screenwriting work on the Spider-Verse films.Rocky and the Practical Effects DecisionAubrey was relieved that Rocky — the film's alien character — was built as a practical puppet rather than pure CGI. Both agree it's the right call: the physical presence makes the central relationship feel genuinely earned.Book vs. Film — Adaptation DiscussionBoth appreciate that the filmmakers understood that books and movies are different mediums. The movie streamlines and adds warmth; the book rewards readers with more depth. Neither feels like a substitute for the other.No Medical Note This Week — Peter didn't have anything to share.Astro Fact — Artemis IIAubrey notes the Artemis II moon launch, which had just taken off. Artemis III is planned to actually land on the moon — Aubrey's verdict: nothing ever goes to plan, so we'll see.

Peter and Aubrey do a mid-year check-in on their yearly themes — but first, Peter has to process something: Neurosis, his favorite band and a formative musical experience, just surprise-dropped their first album in nearly a decade on the spring equinox, and he has many feelings about it. The episode covers how both of their themes are going (fitness and peace for Aubrey; a flexible experimental framework for Peter), detours into the relative merits of Notion vs. dedicated apps, and closes with some genuinely good news: Aubrey is officially a published astrophysics author.SHOW NOTESNeurosis surprise album drop — Peter opens the episode buzzing about An Undying Love for a Burning World, an unannounced album from his all-time favorite band Neurosis, released without warning on the spring equinox. He describes it as a life-dividing event: there's before Neurosis and after Neurosis.Neurosis backstory — A brief catch-up on the band: their last album was in 2016, then the Scott Kelly situation in 2022, then... silence. The new album adds Aaron Turner (of post-metal band Isis) and was recorded in three weeks in the Pacific Northwest.Fire in the Mountains festival — Neurosis was also revealed as the surprise headliner for this festival in Montana, held on First Nations land and raising funds for mental health and suicide prevention in First Nations youth.Yearly theme check-in — The main episode topic. Peter's theme is intentionally malleable — structured experimentation — and he's found mixed results: exercise started well, evening routine still shaky, creative output planning is a work in progress.Aubrey's theme: peace — Her theme centers on finding peace, and fitness has been the main vehicle. She's been locked in on a cut with her Apple Watch and the Athletic app since their last tracking-apps episode, and reports it's going well.Notion deep-dive tangent — Aubrey wants to use Notion to build a meal planning/recipe tracker as a creative project. Peter shares his own Notion journey, including his verdict: "I'd rather use five apps that full-ass what they do than one app that half-asses everything." He demos Mela, a dedicated recipe and meal-planning app, as an alternative.Learning sprints update — Peter's Q4 learning sprint spilled over (book prep took longer than expected, photography project hasn't started yet). He's also been doing some vibe coding. Aubrey's sprint got derailed by trying to finish her research paper.Aubrey's published astrophysics paper — Big news buried near the end: Aubrey is officially published as first author in an astrophysics journal. The timing just missed her grad school application window, but she's planning to reapply next year.Grad school rejection — Aubrey got rejected from the program she applied to and, understandably, went through a "no I hate you guys, I'm not doing math" phase before finding her footing again.Health note — Peter shares a study finding that a single dedicated chunk of exercise (e.g., one 5,000-step walk) produces measurably better outcomes than the same total steps spread throughout the day in small bursts.No Astro Fact this week — Aubrey flags it's coming next episode after she does a deep dive. Stay tuned.

Peter and Aubrey dig into the role music plays in their daily lives — not what they're listening to, but how and when they listen. The conversation covers workout playlists, surgery soundtracks, sleep conditioning, studying to isochronic tones on YouTube, and the art of playlist curation. A highlight: Peter reveals an elaborate system of thematic, pun-named playlists (Egyptian death metal, Lovecraft, Poe references) that genuinely impresses Aubrey, who mostly just has "My Pookies" and a birthday party banger playlist she still uses.SHOW NOTESThe topic: Peter proposes talking about the role music plays in their lives — not recommendations, but how and when they actually use it throughout the day.Aubrey's origin story: She shares a memory from childhood of seeing a hospital bio that described Peter as loving music — and being completely confused, because her only concept of "music" at the time was what her mom played on the piano.Vibes-based listening: Both Peter and Aubrey describe a shared but hard-to-explain phenomenon — channel-surfing through albums and playlists until something clicks, with no rational explanation for why one thing works and another doesn't.Albums vs. playlists: Peter listens almost exclusively to full albums, but creates playlists to queue multiple albums in a row. Aubrey curates mood-specific playlists of individual songs — and Hayden's entire music library is basically just her playlists.Peter's playlist names: An extended segment where Peter reveals his elaborate, pun-based playlist naming system — highlights include "A State of Denial" (Egyptian death metal / the band Nile), "Quoth the Raven" (bands with members of Nevermore), "An Elder List" (Lovecraft/Cthulhu-themed metal), and "Let My People Go" (all things Exodus).Blocked artists: Aubrey has Taylor Swift, Drake, and Kanye permanently blocked on Spotify. On Drake specifically: she always hated his voice, then the Kendrick beef gave her a "valid reason" she'd been waiting for.Surgery playlists: Peter reveals most of his surgeries finish in under one album's length, so he usually just starts an album. Longer cases (robotic surgery) get a full playlist.Study music deep dive: Aubrey credits a YouTube channel called Jason Lewis Mind Amend — isochronic tones over repetitive electronic beats, with thumbnails of animals wearing headphones — for getting her through her degree. She's convinced that if she heard the lizard video again, she'd involuntarily snap into astrophysics homework mode.Sleep conditioning: Aubrey listened to Five Easy Hotdogs by Mac DeMarco every night during her hospital shifts until her top 12 Spotify Wrapped songs were just the album, in order. Now it works on planes too.No Astro Fact or Health Note this week — both Peter and Aubrey come up empty, but Aubrey teases a spring break deep dive on an astrophysics concept.

This week on Generations, we dive into health tracking—why we use it, where it falls short, and how it can actually help instead of hurt. We talk Apple Watches, calorie deficits, anxiety, sleep data, menstrual cycle tracking, and why trends matter more than daily numbers. We share what we’ve learned from years of experimenting with fitness wearables, why privacy matters in tech, and how being “in tune with our bodies” isn’t about obsession—it’s about awareness. And we wrap with some surprising research on how just a little resistance training can dramatically lower your risk of death and even cancer. Show Notes We kick off with winter fatigue, weird sleep weeks, and how small disruptions affect how we feel.Why this episode started with a text about starting a calorie deficit — and why we decided tracking was worth discussing.Peter’s long experiment with wearables (Fitbit, Garmin, Pebble, Microsoft Band) — and why most of them ultimately fell short.Why we landed on the Apple Watch:Best overall smartwatch experienceSolid fitness tracking for normal humansActually useful smart featuresBetter privacy model than Google-owned ecosystemsThe real value of tracking:Not the daily numbersThe trends over timeUsing data for awareness, not obsessionHeart rate alerts and anxiety:Using elevated heart rate notifications as a cue to regulateTracking medication side effects responsiblyCalorie tracking on a cut:We don’t rely on watch calorie burn to determine deficitsApps like Chronometer and MacroFactor help — but ease of use mattersSleep tracking:Sleep latency, HRV, resting heart rateSeeing physiological effects of behaviors (like late eating)Why tracking can be helpful if it doesn’t increase anxietyCycle tracking & women’s health:Logging symptoms daily reveals powerful patternsHormones affect sleep, hunger, mood, and performanceBeing in an “in tune with my body” eraApple Health collects a lot of data — but doesn’t present it well.Third-party apps like Athlytic make it more usable.Medical Fact:Resistance + cardio training linked to 40% lower all-cause mortalityNearly 30% lower cancer-specific mortalityStrength training plays a particularly protective role

This week, we dig into the news that Brandon Sanderson has sold the rights to the entire Cosmere to Apple TV. We talk through our initial reactions—excitement mixed with very real nervousness—about what it means when beloved books make the jump to live-action. Along the way, we explore why Apple TV might actually be the best possible home for something this ambitious, how creative control (and unfinished stories) matter more than ever, and what makes Sanderson’s worlds both uniquely difficult and incredibly promising to adapt. We wrap up with thoughts on casting, representation, unfinished series trauma, and why this could be one of the rare cases where hope feels justified.Show NotesWe open with a quick life check-in, including wildly different winter weather and a discussion of apartment life, visitors, and an ever-expanding collection of houseplants.We shift into the main topic: the announcement that Apple TV has acquired the rights to the entire Cosmere.Initial reactions focus on adaptation anxiety—why turning beloved books into movies or shows so often goes wrong, and why live-action adaptations feel especially risky.We talk about how Sanderson’s reported level of creative control is unusual, especially compared to other high-profile adaptations.Peter reflects on growing up with The Lord of the Rings and how that experience shapes his optimism about adaptations done well.We discuss why animation might have been safer—and why live action still has enormous potential if handled carefully.A big point of optimism: Apple TV’s reputation among creators for funding projects well, giving creative freedom, and actually letting stories finish.Comparisons to Netflix and Amazon highlight the frustration of canceled shows and unfinished narratives.We talk about how Apple’s long-term planning (and willingness to greenlight full arcs) could be critical for something as massive as Stormlight and Mistborn.Casting comes up, with strong agreement that unknown actors would be ideal to avoid baggage and preserve immersion.We joke about nightmare casting scenarios and the dangers of star-driven decisions.Representation matters: we discuss how Stormlight’s cultures are intentionally written and why accurate casting is important.We explore the challenge of Cosmere “cross-pollination” and how later books rely heavily on wider lore.Peter raises an interesting upside: some of Sanderson’s weaker prose moments may translate better on screen, where dialogue and visuals carry more weight.We touch on structural questions—movies vs. series, pacing, and how to handle extremely long books.

This week, we dive into video games—what we play, what we love, what we bounce off of, and what being a “gamer” even means anymore. We talk through our very different gaming habits, from hundreds of hours in Stardew Valley and Minecraft to deep, story-driven single-player epics like Mass Effect and Assassin’s Creed. Along the way, we explore why some games feel comforting, why others feel like work, how difficulty and time shape our choices, and how gaming has changed with age, technology, and expectations. It’s a laid-back, honest conversation about play, frustration, storytelling, and why it’s okay to like what you like.  Show NotesWe open with a quick check-in about extreme winter weather, frozen windows, and how different winters feel depending on where you liveWe introduce the episode’s theme: video games we love, games we don’t, and what we’re currently playingWe question what it even means to be a “gamer” in 2026, especially in a world where mobile games dominate total playtimeWe talk about how gaming habits change with age, time constraints, and life responsibilitiesAubrey walks through her most-played games:Stardew Valley as her all-time favorite, including multiple worlds, co-op play, and reaching “perfection”Minecraft as both a comfort game and a way to stay connected during long-distance relationshipsHow co-op gaming became a form of long-distance date nightWe discuss different types of games and why they appeal differently:Sandbox and simulation gamesRoguelikes and progression-based loopsLoot-driven games like Diablo and BorderlandsStory-first, single-player gamesPeter explains why story and characters are the biggest draw for him, especially in:The Mass Effect trilogy as his all-time favorite gaming experienceAssassin’s Creed Origins and Odyssey, and why Valhalla eventually felt too grindyWe talk about difficulty settings, “story mode,” and why difficulty shouldn’t be a barrier to enjoying gamesWe discuss games we want to like but don’t:Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the KingdomSuper Mario platformersWhy exploration-heavy games don’t always clickAubrey shares her experience with Cult of the Lamb, including finishing it on normal difficulty and attempting the harder survival modeWe explore It Takes Two as a co-op experience that’s fun but emotionally and mechanically demandingAubrey talks about discovering a newer, more systems-focused space game and why optimization and calm progression really work for herPeter brings up Cyberpunk 2077 as one of the best—but emotionally heavy—games he’s ever playedWe touch on party and group games:Mario KartBoomerang FuSuper Smash Bros (and character loyalty)We talk about competitive vs. solo gaming and why online multiplayer just doesn’t appeal to usPeter reflects on strategy games like Civilization—always buying them, rarely playing themWe close by agreeing that gaming doesn’t need justification: comfort games count, single-player counts, and enjoying one game deeply is enough

This week, we take a lighter turn and talk about what we’re genuinely looking forward to in 2026. From major movies and long-awaited books to video games, music releases, space missions, and even what not to get excited about, we reflect on anticipation itself—how hype changes with age, how expectations can be complicated, and how sometimes the biggest thing we’re excited for is simply a slower, steadier year. It’s a wide-ranging, honest conversation about culture, creativity, and where we’re putting our energy as we look ahead.Show NotesWe open with some life updates, including travel fatigue, family weddings, and easing back into work after the holidaysWe intentionally choose a lighter topic after last week’s more reflective episode: things we’re excited about in 2026Movies we’re looking forward toStrong excitement for Project Hail Mary, especially given how meaningful the book wasCuriosity and respect for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, even with mixed feelings about his past filmsAnticipation (and dread) around Sunrise on the Reaping and the emotional weight of the Hunger Games universeCautious optimism about The Devil Wears Prada 2—beloved cast, but big questions about timing and necessityA deep dive into Dune Messiah vs. Avengers: Doomsday, including Marvel fatigue and uncertainty around Doctor DoomThoughts on Spider-Man: Brand New Day and why it inspires more confidence than the next Avengers filmClear disinterest in The Mandalorian and Grogu, despite its significance for Star Wars theatrical releasesBooks and readingHuge enthusiasm for the next Dungeon Crawler Carl book and praise for its narration and humorDiscussion of finally getting into the series and why it works as a palate cleanserHope for Twelve Months, the long-awaited next entry in The Dresden FilesHonest conversation about the series’ flaws, growth over time, and why it’s still worth readingTV shows (mostly hypotheticals)Acknowledging how many shows we intend to watch but haven’t yetMentions of Silo, Rings of Power, House of the Dragon, and Marvel TV fatigueWhy some shows feel easier to watch with others rather than aloneVideo gamesExcitement for the Cult of the Lamb expansion and how it surprised usCuriosity around GTA VI, despite never finishing previous entriesInterest in Marvel’s Wolverine and a potential Fable rebootMusicAnticipation for several metal releases, mixed with realism about aging bandsReflections on how live music has changed—and why smaller shows feel more meaningful nowSticker shock and frustration with modern concert ticket pricesA shift toward supporting artists directly through digital purchasesSpace and scienceExcitement about the Artemis II mission looping around the far side of the moonAnticipation for a total lunar eclipse visible across North AmericaGentle skepticism about “quantum breakthroughs” announced by tech companiesWe close by acknowledging that after several intense life years, a quieter, slower 2026 might be the thing we’re most excited about

In this episode, we push back hard against New Year’s resolutions and unpack why they so often leave us feeling guilty, frustrated, and stuck. Instead, we talk through the idea of yearly themes—a gentler, more flexible way to guide growth without the pressure of pass/fail goals. We reflect on our past themes, share what worked (and what didn’t), and introduce our themes for 2026: a year of peace and the year of gentle refinement. Along the way, we dig into anxiety, sleep, routines, and why progress is never linear—and that’s actually the point.Show NotesWe open by talking about being together in person over the holidays, unseasonably warm winter weather, and how strange it feels to see green grass in December.We reflect on how climate shifts, lack of snowpack, and wildfire smoke have become an unsettling “new normal.”As the year wraps up, we explain why we are firmly opposed to traditional New Year’s resolutions.They tend to be overly ambitious.They focus on failure and guilt rather than growth.They encourage all-or-nothing thinking.We talk about how resolutions often repeat year after year, reinforcing a cycle of disappointment instead of progress.We introduce the idea of yearly themes, inspired by the Cortex podcast’s approach.Themes guide decisions instead of dictating outcomes.You can’t “fail” a theme.Themes allow for flexibility, reassessment, and course-altering without shame.We discuss how progress actually works:Growth isn’t linear.Life looks more like a sine wave than a straight upward line.The goal is to slowly shift the baseline over time.Aubrey reflects on last year’s theme—essentially survival—and why graduating, moving, and starting a new life counts as success.Peter shares past themes:The Year of Growth (too broad)The Year of Conscious Action (more effective and grounded)Aubrey introduces her 2026 theme: A Year of PeaceFocused on managing anxiety rather than “fixing” it.Centered on inner calm, not external control.Anchored in sleep, movement, mindfulness, and basic needs.We talk about anxiety as something often self-generated through imagined scenarios—and how peace is about changing our response.Peter introduces his 2026 theme: The Year of Gentle RefinementA rejection of “optimization” as a harsh, weaponized concept.Focused on small, monthly refinements rather than big overhauls.Closely aligned with learning, workflows, and creative projects.We discuss embracing failure as information, not judgment.Sleep becomes a major focus:Refining nighttime routines.Consistent wake times.Circadian rhythm basics.Aubrey shares practical strategies for anxiety management:Walking meditations.Getting sunlight early in the day.Her “first aid kit for anxiety” (drink water, eat, go to the bathroom).We close by emphasizing that themes only need to work for you—there’s no universal right answer.

In this episode, we wrap up the year by looking back at everything we read in 2025 — the books we loved, the ones that surprised us, and the ones that completely missed the mark. We dig deep into our shared love (and growing concerns) around Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere, celebrate standout reads like Project Hail Mary and Murderbot, and unpack why some wildly popular fantasy series just didn’t work for us. Along the way, we talk rereads, audiobooks, nonfiction that actually changed how we think, and the frustration of realizing — a little too late — that a book you just finished maybe… wasn’t very good after all.  Episode NotesWe kick things off with winter check-ins, comparing Wisconsin’s full-on frozen wonderland to Peter’s suspiciously warm, snow-light winter.End-of-year busyness hits hard, especially when holidays collide with work schedules and stolen OR days.Our main topic: books we read in 2025, including highlights, rereads, surprises, and disappointments.Aubrey walks through reading all of Brandon Sanderson’s Secret Projects, with Tress of the Emerald Sea standing out as a near-perfect recommendation for new readers.We both revisit Mistborn — rereading the original trilogy reveals new layers, but also highlights lingering concerns about prose and late-series direction.The Sunlit Man sparks mixed feelings, especially around Sigzil’s characterization and its disconnect from Wind and Truth.Peter rereads the entire Mistborn saga through The Lost Metal, praising Wax and Wayne but expressing disappointment with the finale, escalating Cosmere gods, and Kelsier’s trajectory.Both of us admit growing unease after The Lost Metal and Wind and Truth, worrying about where the Cosmere is headed.Aubrey shares thoughts on Isles of the Emberdark, Sixth of the Dusk, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, and White Sand — including a strong dislike for Graphic Audio adaptations.Peter gushes about The Murderbot Diaries, praising their exploration of personhood, AI, free will, and identity — and recommends the Apple TV+ adaptation.We discuss The Three-Body Problem, including its hard sci-fi roots and the famous astrophysics concept behind the title.One of Peter’s standout reads: Murder Your Employer, a darkly funny, sharp, and satisfying novel that became his favorite fiction read of the year.Aubrey highlights Project Hail Mary as a clear top-tier read, praising both the story and the audiobook experience.We talk Hunger Games prequels, with Sunrise on the Reaping delivering emotional devastation and deeper insight into Haymitch.Aubrey runs through major fantasy misses, including Fourth Wing, From Blood and Ash, and An Ember in the Ashes, calling out weak prose, flat characters, and formula fatigue.Nonfiction roundup from Peter includes Atomic Habits, Save the Cat Writes a Novel, and Tiny Experiments, which had a genuinely life-changing impact.Aubrey shares a strong nonfiction miss with The Anatomy of Anxiety, ultimately abandoning it over pseudoscience and diet fear-mongering.The episode closes with Peter starting Gödel, Escher, Bach, setting up a serious, slow-burn intellectual challenge for the year ahead.

This week we settle in for a post-Thanksgiving catch-up, sharing how wildly different our holidays looked — from Peter’s early family feast and multiple pie rounds to Aubrey’s first snowy Wisconsin Thanksgiving with a marathon dog show in the background. We recap Aubrey and Hayden’s dream honeymoon in Punta Cana (complete with a personal butler, swim-up suite, and unexpectedly eye-opening moments outside the resort), reflect on the realities of tourism, talk about the new food-pantry project Aubrey is helping with, and rant lovingly about overconsumption and skipped-over Thanksgiving vibes. It’s a cozy, thoughtful, everything-we’ve-been-up-to episode.Thanksgiving RecapWe compare how our Thanksgivings looked this year:Peter had family in town, ate early because Alex worked, and enjoyed the luxury of being done with dinner by 1:30pm — which meant pie three separate times throughout the day.Aubrey and Hayden had their first Wisconsin Thanksgiving together: quiet, cozy, just the two of them… and a national dog show that somehow ran for nine hours.Hayden cooked the full spread — turkey, stuffing, rolls, mashed potatoes — while Aubrey happily avoided the kitchen.The Costco pumpkin pie reigned supreme.Wisconsin immediately greeted them with bitter cold and a looming winter storm warning.Honeymoon in Punta CanaAubrey and Hayden finally took their honeymoon: a full week in the Dominican Republic at an adults-only all-inclusive.Thanks to deep research and a weird price quirk, they booked a VIP swim-up suite that was:Perfect weather the whole trip: 85° highs, 78° lows, light rain only at night.The butler sent daily WhatsApp newsletters with weather, restaurant schedules, and events.Resort activitiesParasailingMuddy ATV/buggy tourSwimming in a water caveTasting Dominican hot chocolate, coffee, and teaExploring local beachesAubrey would like to return and never come home again.The Realities of TourismThey learned resort employees often earn around $450/month, even in high-demand roles.Staff often work 12 days on, 2 days off, with housing just across the street.Resort guests are encouraged to leave TripAdvisor reviews for staff because bonuses and days off depend on it.Aubrey and Hayden tipped generously and left detailed positive reviews.We talk about how tourism helps but also doesn’t necessarily feed the real local economy.What’s New at HomeAubrey is settling back into Wisconsin winter and starting her new job.Peter’s work has been the usual year-end chaos: med students, residents, OR days, and holiday-season busyness.He looks forward to January even though January hasn’t really slowed down in recent years.Aubrey’s New Unpaid JobAubrey is now the social media manager for her best friend’s mobile food pantry in Salt Lake.The pantry serves communities that can’t easily get to traditional food banks.Winter increases needs dramatically.Aubrey’s been making Canva graphics, Reels/TikToks, and growing the project’s presence.Shameless plug: Instagram → freefoodtruck.slcRethinking Consumption & the HolidaysAubrey has been reflecting on:VolunteeringSpending money intentionallyAvoiding overconsumption culture — especially around the holidaysDonating or supporting causes rather than buying random giftsShe shares love for:The Hank & John Green–run Good StoreAwesome Socks Club subscriptions that funnel profits into maternal health in Sierra LeoneCoffee/tea subscriptions funding TB researchPeter’s Mini-Rant on ThanksgivingWe revisit the idea (from Middle of Culture) that Thanksgiving has meaning but gets ignored since it can’t be easily commercialized.Halloween and Christmas dominate because they’re more profitable.Black Friday is a shadow of itself — 30% off is now considered a “deal.”Wrapping UpWe’re both getting back into routines after travel.Aubrey is preparing for a long winter of hibernation.Peter encourages light exposure (even artificial) to survive seasonal darkness.

This week, we dive deep into Wind and Truth, the fifth entry in Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive. What starts as admiration for Sanderson’s worldbuilding turns into a sharp critique of bloated storytelling, lazy editing, and inconsistent prose. We talk about what worked—Kaladin’s healing arc, Adolin’s relationships, and some truly epic battles—but spend most of the episode unpacking what didn’t: Shallan’s unbearable arc, the meandering Ghostbloods subplot, and a Dalinar who’s overstayed his welcome. The discussion moves from disappointment to analysis, tackling themes of mental health, narrative bloat, and the line between ambition and indulgence. We end by recommending The Gone Away World as a palate cleanser for readers craving tighter, more inventive writing.📝 Episode NotesBoth hosts share travel updates and kick things off sick but chatty.Wind and Truth clocks in at 1,360 pages or 63+ hours on audio—“a beast of a book.”Aubrey finished months ago; Peter only recently wrapped it up after rereading all Mistborn and the Secret Projects.Overall impressions:Aubrey: emotional, conflicted, “stabbed in the heart” but also confused.Peter: relieved it’s over—“glad I won’t have to spend any more time with some of these characters.”Favorites:Kaladin’s recovery and arc completion.Adolin and Yanagawn’s evolving friendship.The battles in Adolin’s storyline.Kaladin’s ending feels earned and hopeful.Critiques:Sanderson’s prose feels “lazy” and “11th-grade honors English.”Too much worldbuilding—“circled back around and crawled up its own ass.”Shallan and the Ghostbloods storyline: “No one likes Shallan.”Dalinar: “A whiny ass little bitch.”Yasna’s “debate” with Odium felt implausible and shallow.Side plots (Lift, Navani, singers) felt unnecessary or underdeveloped.Positive Spoilers:Kaladin’s ending as a Herald and Szeth’s tragic depth were highlights.Discussion of how Sanderson’s earlier writing (Mistborn, Final Empire) felt sharper and better edited.Peter recommends The Gone Away World by Nick Harkaway as a contrast—beautiful prose, mind-bending structure, and unforgettable turns.Aubrey resolves to slow down her reading pace to savor strong writing better.We close with laughs, no facts this week, and announce a four-week break for travel before the next episode.

After years of Marvel fatigue, we dive deep into Thunderbolts*—the first MCU film since Endgame to genuinely move us. From Florence Pugh’s standout performance as Yelena to the surprisingly heartfelt “group hug” finale, we unpack why this movie finally brought back the magic that’s been missing. Along the way, we reflect on our shared Marvel journey, rank the post-Endgame films (spoiler: most didn’t make the cut), and rediscover what made these stories so meaningful in the first place.Opening Catch-upAubrey starts a new job as an after-school group leader for kids — “the fun person, not the teacher.”Peter updates on Gareth’s swim success (first places all around) and a hilarious 2 a.m. fridge alarm incident.Both discuss recovering from September burnout and their ongoing learning projects — Peter’s Save the Cat course and Aubrey’s self-taught math/physics review plan using ChatGPT as a tutor.Main Topic — Marvel Since EndgameThe two go phase by phase, movie by movie, revisiting the highs (Shang-Chi, No Way Home) and many lows (Eternals, Love and Thunder, Secret Invasion).Aubrey admits she used to defend Marvel “like an apologist,” but finally concedes the spark was gone.Peter jokes that Secret Invasion made him “angrier than anything he’s ever wasted time on.”Thunderbolts*: The Return of the MCU?Directed by Jake Schreier, starring Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, and others.Plot breakdown: Yelena leads a ragtag group of “broken people” — Bucky, Red Guardian, John Walker, Ghost — under the manipulative Valentina.The villain “Bob” becomes The Sentry and then The Void, forcing the team to confront their trauma inside a literal nightmare realm.The climax: they defeat the Void not by fighting, but by hugging Bob — a surprisingly emotional resolution.Post-credit: Valentina tries to rebrand them as “the new Avengers,” and the Fantastic Four ship appears.Highlights & ThemesFlorence Pugh dominates — “It’s really Yelena and the Thunderbolts.”Standout emotional moment: Yelena’s tearful “Daddy, I’m so lonely” scene with Red Guardian.Symbolism: the opening fight mirrors the “shadow” motif that returns when the Void consumes people.The film’s power lies in broken people learning to support each other without pretending friendship fixes everything.Classic Marvel humor returns — from Bucky-as-congressman gags to Red Guardian’s sticker-covered tracksuit.

We kick off this cozy catch-up episode by talking about burnout, post-wedding exhaustion, and the lingering weirdness of long-distance relationships. From there, we dive into the theme of lifelong learning—how to keep your brain sharp and your curiosity alive after formal schooling ends. Peter shares his new quarterly “learning sprint” approach inspired by David Perell’s Learn Like an Athlete, outlining his plan to spend the next three months mastering story structure before returning to novel-writing. Aubrey reflects on keeping her astrophysics skills sharp, learning more about fitness from a science-nerd angle, and her dreams of returning to piano someday. The conversation wraps with a classic Generations blend of humor and motivation as Peter shares a health study proving heavy lifting’s long-term benefits—reminding us all that it’s never too late to pick up a barbell or a new skill.Episode NotesOpening chat:Peter feels completely drained after a whirlwind of family events and hospital admin battles.Aubrey talks about being home alone while Hayden traveled and how long-distance “muscle memory” still hits hard.Both agree that post-big-life-event fatigue is real.Topic introduction – “Lifelong Learning”:Peter introduces an article by David Perell, Learn Like an Athlete, found through ReadWise Reader.Discusses how ReadWise makes highlighting meaningful through spaced repetition and daily resurfacing of insights.Perell’s idea: approach learning like athletes train—using three-month learning sprints with clear focus and goals.Peter’s Q4 learning sprint:Theme: Story structure and character development for novel writing.Goal: Build an outline and structured framework for his next book by January 1.Using Jessica Brody’s Writing Mastery Academy and a library of writing books from Humble Bundle and StoryBundle.Plans six books and six courses—may adjust as he finds his pace.Next quarter (Q1 2026): Learn photography fundamentals—composition, editing, and shooting with just his iPhone.Aubrey’s learning plans:Wants to keep her math and physics skills sharp while applying to grad school.Plans to study Physics GRE problems to maintain academic sharpness.Considering a personal training certification—diving deeper into the science of fitness and anatomy.Hopes to return to piano when space allows—acknowledging how humbling it’ll be to rebuild old skill.Has been deep in her plant care hobby, enjoying the continuous learning it offers.Shared reflections:The joy of learning freely, outside of grades and assignments.Using modern tools like ChatGPT and YouTube to build structured, personalized learning plans.Seeing learning as a lifelong habit that keeps the brain resilient.Health segment:Peter shares a study featured in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Pump Club:Adults in their 60s who trained with heavy resistance for one year retained significant strength four years later.Resistance training builds long-term neuromuscular adaptations—real “muscle memory.”Peter and Aubrey geek out on progressive overload, structured training, and how repetition creates real growth.Shout-out to Arnold’s Pump Club app—even Peter’s wife is hooked!Closing notes:Message of the week: Keep learning. Keep lifting. Keep showing up.Feedback welcome at [email protected]

In this catch-up episode of Generations, Peter and Aubrey return after a whirlwind few weeks. Peter talks about buying a new car (and reluctantly becoming a Toyota RAV4 hybrid owner), while Aubrey shares stories from her Alaskan cruise, her wedding, and all the chaos leading up to it—including marathon-induced detours, anxious pre-wedding jitters, and Mario Kart battles. The two swap laughs, family updates, and wrap with Aubrey geeking out over a black hole that’s devouring suns by the thousands.Show NotesCatching up after a breakPeter and Aubrey talk about why they’ve been away and what’s been going on.Peter shares the story of unexpectedly trading in his car for a Toyota RAV4 hybrid.Aubrey’s three-week whirlwindAn Alaskan cruise full of hikes, glaciers, wildlife, and a 65-mph zipline adventure.Packing stress: wedding dress, cruise gear, and everything else in one massive haul.Banana-posing seals, neon moss hikes, and glacier ice crashing into the sea.The world’s largest zipline: GoPros, nerves, swearing, and exhilaration.Wedding chaos & beautyMarathon traffic nearly derails the timeline, but the day turns out magical.Emotional first look: Hayden cried before even seeing Aubrey.Wedding day menu: three meatballs and a slice of cake.Reception highlight: Aubrey destroying Hayden at Mario Kart and Smash Bros.Family weekendFollowing day: Alex’s homecoming talk.Coming home to a mountain of wedding gifts.Final science factAubrey shares about a supermassive black hole devouring 300–3,000 suns per year.Quasars, the Eddington limit, and the wonder of looking billions of years into the past.

In this episode, Peter and Aubrey talk candidly about the stresses they’re facing—Aubrey with last-minute wedding planning and Peter with heavy experiences at work. They explore how decision fatigue, social media comparisons, and secondary trauma weigh on them, and share the small but important ways they cope—from Hayden’s grounded advice and wedding perspective shifts, to Taskmaster marathons, D&D nights, and even Donkey Kong therapy. The conversation circles around what really matters—connection, perspective, and finding moments of relief—and wraps with an astronomy tidbit on the Perseids meteor shower.Show NotesAubrey shares the whirlwind of last-minute wedding planning: decision fatigue, pressure from TikTok wedding “must-dos,” and the relief of remembering the day is about love, not perfection.Peter recalls once joking that he’d hand his kids $10k to elope—and realizing maybe it wasn’t a joke after all.Discussion on the stress of endless tiny decisions, and how habits can remove decision fatigue.Aubrey’s Vegas bachelor/bachelorette trip recap: pool days, Cirque du Soleil, magic shows, and Costco mac & cheese.Reflections on long-distance PTSD—her body still feels like Hayden might “leave for school” even though he’s not.Peter opens up about dealing with secondary trauma at work, the kind that lingers in unexpected ways.Coping strategies:Aubrey: limiting social media wedding content, leaning on Hayden, remembering it’s about “us, not me.”Peter: staying connected to colleagues and family, seeking low-stakes entertainment (Taskmaster, Donkey Kong Bananza on Switch 2), taking breaks from heavy books, playing D&D, and finding catharsis in music.Reflection on extravagant weddings vs. long marriages—Emory study shows higher costs often linked to shorter marriages.A funny cake panic: Aubrey blurts out “raspberry lemon” flavor on the spot, then spirals until Hayden reminds her they can always renew vows in ten years if she still cares.Peter talks about scaling back Imperfect Practice’s 30-day challenge plans due to current emotional load—sometimes you need to simplify.Closing discussion about transitions: Peter’s son Alex returning from his mission and the challenge of re-adjusting to home life after such a focused purpose.Aubrey’s astro fact: the Perseids meteor shower, up to 70 shooting stars an hour, though cloud cover blocked her view this year.

In this episode of Generations, we explore the power of daily habits—both the ones we've nailed down and the ones we’re still working on. From journaling and meditation to supplement rituals and walking routines, we share what helps anchor our days and set the tone for intentional living. Our conversation blends the practical with the personal, touching on sleep struggles, the quest to ditch screens before bed, and the quirks that make each of our routines uniquely their own.Episode Notes:Peter and Aubrey catch up on life—summer swim meets, visits from friends, and family travel.Aubrey introduces the topic: daily habits that improve well-being, productivity, and mood.Aubrey shares her challenge of not sleeping the day away and the small but powerful shift of waking up with her partner instead of sleeping in.Peter discusses his long-standing habit of morning journaling, inspired by the Theme System and tied to his protein shake routine.Both reflect on their meditation practices: Peter’s recent consistency using Daily Calm, and Aubrey’s efforts to integrate both day and night sessions.They share supplement routines in hilarious and relatable detail—Peter with his towering stack of capsules and efficiency tactics (baby carrots included), and Aubrey with her “sour patch kid reward system.”Aubrey gushes about her love of sleepytime tea, and Peter tells a vivid story of how two years in Guatemala ruined hot drinks for him forever.Peter shares plans for his Imperfect Practice project, including an upcoming 30-day challenge: no phone in bed, minimal screens before sleep, and new journaling tools.Aubrey discusses her goal to wind down with reading instead of screens, and to get consistent with morning walks or treadmill inclines to kick off her day.They reflect on James Clear’s Atomic Habits and how tying habits together (like music cues for workouts) can reduce friction.Peter compares habits to enzymes—lowering the activation energy required to do good things—and shares practical examples of habit stacking and friction reduction.The episode wraps with encouragement to make small changes that matter, and a peek into what’s coming next for Imperfect Practice.Links:Imperfect Practice

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode of Generations, Peter unveils his new passion project—“Imperfect Practice,” a blog and YouTube channel exploring self-improvement through honest, iterative growth. He and Aubrey discuss the origin of the idea, the motivation behind it, and what he hopes to offer. Along the way, they reflect on podcast appearances, sleep habits, trivia mishaps, kayaking misadventures, Lego flowers, and the generational shift in taste for sitcoms. The conversation blends personal stories, tech nerd-outs, and mutual support, offering a warm and thoughtful exchange about creativity, legacy, and staying curious at any age.Episode Notes:Peter shares a recent appearance on The Incomparable Game Show playing Random Pursuit, and talks about supporting Uncanny Magazine, which promotes underrepresented voices in sci-fi/fantasy publishing.The two discuss the value of exposure to diverse perspectives, both through fiction and life choices, including their family’s intentional educational decisions.Aubrey recounts recent adventures in kayaking and trivia nights in Wisconsin, including a moment of trivia triumph (and regret) tied to a Blockheads video game memory.They both express a shared disdain for The Office and mutual joy over building Lego floral arrangements.A love for low-stakes comfort shows like Taskmaster and Friends leads into a broader conversation about the value of leisure and stress-free entertainment.Peter unveils “Imperfect Practice,” his new blog and YouTube channel centered around self-improvement through honest reflection and experimentation.The idea was sparked by frustrations with “perfect system” productivity content and a desire to share tools and lessons that might work—not ones that promise to.They discuss the gear (a Sony ZV-E10 Mark II with a Sigma lens), learning Final Cut Pro, and batching content in preparation for launch.Aubrey reflects on how much Peter has to share—from tech and fitness to life balance and failure—and enthusiastically endorses the project.The episode closes with Aubrey updating on her nearly-published astrophysics paper and the satisfying formality of a new professional identity.Links:Uncanny Magazine Year 12 KickstarterUncanny Magazine on PatreonThe Incomparable Game ShowImperfect Practice

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Generations, Peter and Aubrey unpack Aubrey’s Mission: Impossible binge, breaking down the first four films with a mix of admiration and hilarity. From the iconic CIA heist in the original to the over-the-top slow-motion chaos of MI2, they offer a sharp and funny retrospective on the franchise. They also touch on the dark tone of MI3, the fun and flair of Ghost Protocol, and look ahead to finishing the rest. Along the way, they chat about Peter’s latest media finds—Murderbot and Taskmaster—before diving into some cosmic news and a mini masterclass on meditation’s science-backed benefits.Show NotesCatching UpAubrey shares life updates from Madison and picking up her wedding dress. Adjusting to a slower pace has sparked a bit of an identity crisis, while Peter’s juggling work, D&D prep, and a long-awaited vacation.Mission: Impossible MarathonAubrey binged the first four MI movies and gives her fresh takes:MI1 and MI4 are her favorites for their iconic spy vibes and team dynamicsMI2 gets absolutely roasted—slow-motion karate, doves, and allMI3 is a tonal whiplash with Philip Seymour Hoffman playing terrifyingly evilGhost Protocol earns praise for its balance of fun, tension, and gadget failuresPop Culture DetourPeter recommends Apple TV+’s Murderbot adaptation—darkly funny, sharp, and surprisingly sweetThe joys of Taskmaster, especially Series 19 with Jason Mantzoukas, which Peter finds hysterical and binge-worthy (and all free on YouTube)Astro Fact CornerAubrey explains new findings around intermediate-mass black holes—those mysterious “middle children” of the black hole world—and why they matter to astrophysicsThe Science of MeditationPeter dives into AI-assisted research on meditation’s benefits, from neuroplasticity to stress reductionDaily practice—even short sessions—can reshape the brain and improve emotional regulationNo significant difference between guided and self-guided meditationPeter and Aubrey share their own meditation habits and tools, from Peloton and Calm to YouTube and ReadwiseClosing NotesPeter announces that Generations is migrating to a new podcast host (Transistor.fm) for better speed and reliability—listeners may briefly see duplicate downloads during the transitionListeners are encouraged to send feedback to [email protected] and leave a review

Episode notes:Life update: Aubrey's big moveAubrey recounts her whirlwind move from Salt Lake to Madison, including stops in St. Louis and Kansas CityMultiple legs of travel: graduation events, Yellowstone, packing chaosU-Haul issues, car towing logistics, and vacuum-sealed bags saved the dayOne casualty: the grill flew off her Kia mid-drive--but all else survivedSettling inThe new apartment is mostly unpacked (minus a couch)Aubrey and Hayden are adjusting well, and enjoying the Midwest summerHayden has started his new job, joining the "Beaker" team and diving into orientationMovie talk: Mission: Impossible - The Final ReckoningSpoiler-free discussion with Peter and Aubrey both praising the filmAubrey admits to missing the early films but loves the franchise's vibePeter shares thoughts on the evolution of the series, noting a tonal shift in this entryBoth appreciate the intense action, suspense, and signature Tom Cruise running scenesDiscussion of directing styles through the series--from De Palma to McQuarriePeter floats the idea that this film might be both the best and worst of the seriesLooking AheadAubrey plans to watch Mission Impossible 1--4 to complete her viewing experienceA follow-up episode on the early entries in the franchise is teased

Show Notes:- Aubrey calls in from the car after a weekend trip to Yellowstone.- Reflections on the weird but welcome post-grad downtime.- Trip to St. Louis to see Hayden graduate--one ceremony brought sunburn, the other brought Simone Biles.- Simone Biles sighting! Aubrey was just feet away and too starstruck to say anything--but did manage to snap a photo.- Simone gave a great speech--delivered from a literal gold podium, heels and all.- More travel ahead: packing up, visiting Poki, and bouncing between places.- Peter reports on rainy weather, a now-employed teen lifeguard, and general quiet.- Brief episode to stay connected before a fuller one later in the week.

Show NotesConcert Experience: - Attended Spiritbox's sold-out show at Rockwell (The Complex, SLC). - Observations on the diverse crowd and high female representation compared to typical metal shows. - Praise for the band's dynamic live performance, visuals, and tight set design. - Standout songs: “Holy Roller”, “Soft Spine”, “No Loss, No Loss”, and “Crystal Roses”. - Courtney LaPlante described as a "spooky angel fairy princess demon" for her mesmerizing stage presence.Setlist & Discography Thoughts: - Breakdown of Spiritbox's unique release strategy: multiple EPs and singles instead of traditional albums. - Discussion of their rapid rise following "Holy Roller" and how they've kept momentum by staying in the public eye with frequent releases. - Comparison to Weird Al's release philosophy in the digital age.Opening Acts: - Thoughts on Dying Wish (humorously misread as "Dingwish") and Loathe. - Energy and effort were appreciated, but the music didn't quite land with either host.Group Outing: - The joy of going with a group: Hayden, Liv, Jess, and Jon joined for dinner and the show. - Reflections on the generational experience of concerts and aging at shows ("these kids don't stand anymore").Resistance Training = Fountain of Youth: - Peter shares evidence-based insights on how strength training can improve longevity, skin quality, recovery, and overall health. - Emphasizes the role of muscle in balance, injury prevention, and post-surgical recovery. - "Pick something up, put it down, repeat until you're nearly out of gas -- that's the magic."

What We Discuss:- Sibling energy and setup quirks: Peter and Aubrey kick off the episode sharing laughs about their podcast gear, Easter weekend catch-up, and family updates.- The grind of finals season: Aubrey gives a peek into the academic chaos of her final weeks in undergrad, complete with quantum mechanics and end-of-semester overload.Generational reflections on journaling: - Peter recounts how journaling went from a teenage afterthought to a vital part of his daily introspection and habit-tracking system. - Aubrey reflects on her childhood love for writing and how journaling helped her emotionally process in middle and high school—and why she’s trying to return to it now.Mental health, anxiety, and the myth of productivity through panic: - Aubrey opens up about how journaling helps untangle the learned behavior of equating anxiety with success. - Peter shares how journaling, therapy, and emotional vulnerability still feel hard to access—especially for men in high-pressure roles.Finding your own system: - The pair critique “one-size-fits-all” journaling advice and emphasize that the right journaling method is the one that actually works for you. - From structured prompts to chaotic brain dumps, they stress the importance of experimentation, personalization, and consistency.Identity vs. profession: - Peter reflects on what it means to be more than your job, and how journaling has helped him rediscover his identity as Peter—not just "Dr. Jones."Cosmic curiosity: - Aubrey brings the astro-fact of the week: could dimethyl sulfide in a distant exoplanet's atmosphere be a biosignature? The science says… maybe. But don’t bet your space dollars on it yet.A gentle call to action: - Try journaling. Start wherever you are. Make it your own. And don’t believe the internet when it tells you there’s only one “right” way.

Episode Notes:Life Update Catch-Up- Aubrey's semester is peaking with finals, work, and wedding planning.- Peter recounts a restful spring break, surgical wins, and a gentle rant about university fundraising.The Topic: Unexpected Life Lessons- Prompted by a podcast title she saw, Aubrey kicks off a conversation on the surprising places we learn from.Aubrey's Lessons- Working at a children's hospital taught her she didn't want a life in medicine--despite starting as a pre-med.- Instead, she discovered a love for space and the importance of aligning her career with her values and emotional capacity.- A failed organic chemistry class was a blessing in disguise, pointing her to a new path.- A failed AR test in 4th grade (thanks to speeding through The Hobbit) taught her quality over quantity.- A stranger's kindness during a botched Frontier flight connection became a lasting reminder: People don't always suck.Peter's Lessons- Working low-level jobs in a hospital and waiting tables gave him the humility and teamwork skills that make him a better surgeon today.- Reading voraciously as a kid shaped his communication skills, creative thinking, and confidence in writing--skills that help him every day as a physician and author.- Being able to smile through chaos (and scumbag customers) was a survival skill learned while serving tables on $2.13/hour.- Embracing failure as a path to growth--backed up by wise words from Brandon Sanderson and Arnold Schwarzenegger.Final Thoughts- Journaling gets a shoutout as a key tool for reflection and catching those life lessons.- No medical news this time--just good vibes, honesty, and anticipation for the upcoming Spiritbox concert.Got your own unexpected life lesson? Drop the hosts a line at [email protected] tuned for the next episode in two weeks!

Catching Up:• Peter is in the final stretch of a 10-day call and looking forward to time off.• Aubrey shares updates on her graduation timeline, wedding planning stress, and how her classes feel like a slog in the final semester.Main Topic: Social Media Across GenerationsPeter and Aubrey compare their experiences and attitudes toward various social platforms:Facebook:• Aubrey: Rarely uses it, mostly to check in on family posts; associates it with an older generation.• Peter: Actively dislikes it, especially post-2020; only keeps it for limited practical reasons.• Shared sentiment: Feels like a platform overwhelmed by misinformation and outdated content.Instagram:• Aubrey: Treats it like a personal photo scrapbook; now uses it sparingly and mindfully.• Peter: Mostly follows memes, bands, and comics; minimal time spent but appreciates the humor.Twitter/X, BlueSky, Mastodon:• Aubrey: Never liked Twitter and hasn't touched it in years.• Peter: Deleted his Twitter account after Elon Musk's acquisition; briefly explored alternatives like BlueSky and Mastodon but found them underwhelming.TikTok:• Aubrey: Used to spend a lot of time on it for humor and recipes but now imposes strict limits to avoid doomscrolling.• Peter: Visits occasionally but hasn't engaged enough for the algorithm to work well; finds it underwhelming.LinkedIn:• Aubrey: Only uses it to play the games (!) and occasionally updates for academic reasons.• Peter: Actively dislikes the culture of self-congratulatory posting; logs in solely to clear out spammy messages.Reddit:• Peter: His most-used platform, especially for niche interests and news. Recommends curating the homepage to filter out toxicity.• Aubrey: Dislikes the general vibe; finds it to be full of complaints and arguments. Feels more like a "cesspool" than a community.Mini Segments:• Peter's Medical Fact:Sleeping more than 9 hours regularly can be worse for you than getting too little sleep, increasing the risk of early-onset dementia and other health issues.• Aubrey's Physics Update:Aubrey revisits a previous topic about Microsoft's quantum chip and shares skepticism from a condensed matter physicist. Claims about stabilizing Majorana zero modes are likely overblown or misleading, casting doubt on Microsoft's announcement.

Episode Notes:• Personal Updates & Music Discussion• Aubrey shares plans for a spring break camping trip.• Peter reflects on a hectic work schedule and the challenge of balancing clinic and surgery days.• Discussion on Spiritbox's new album Tsunami Sea, its evolution from Eternal Blue, and its potential impact on the metal scene.AI in Everyday Life• Both hosts discuss their regular use of AI tools.• Aubrey uses AI for tasks like rewording sentences, generating email drafts, and even creating AI images for fun.• Peter extensively uses AI for running a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, generating content, summarizing documents, and simplifying technical tasks.• The usefulness of AI in coding, including debugging and optimizing scripts.Where AI Excels and Fails• AI shines in summarizing information, brainstorming, and streamlining repetitive tasks.• Math and creative writing remain weak points for AI, as it often generates incorrect solutions and generic prose.• The dangers of relying on AI too much, particularly in academic settings.• Apple's AI offerings, including Image Playgrounds and auto-summarization, fall short in comparison to more established AI tools.Final Thoughts• The importance of using AI as a supplement rather than a substitute for human effort.• Excitement about the future of AI, particularly in creative and technical fields.• A preview of upcoming topics and a reminder to like, share, and subscribe.Join us for a fun and insightful discussion on the intersection of AI and daily life--whether for work, creativity, or just making life a little easier.

Aubrey's Boxing Experience:- Attended her coach's professional boxing match, her first-ever pro fight.- Describes the intensity of 3-minute rounds and the brutal nature of the sport.- Insight into weight cuts and the physical toll on fighters.Book Talk -- Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere:- Peter finishes The Lost Metal and prepares for Wind and Truth by watching a 3-hour recap video.- Aubrey finishes Wind and Truth and dives into The Sunlit Man, discussing the interconnectedness of the Cosmere.- Both discuss Tress of the Emerald Sea and how it serves as a great entry point to Sanderson's universe.Epic Systems Campus Tour:- Aubrey shares her visit to Epic Systems' whimsical and surreal campus in Madison, Wisconsin.- Descriptions of themed buildings (Wizarding, Alice in Wonderland, Chocolate Factory) and over-the-top decor.- The quirky layout includes tunnels, galaxy carpets, and immersive themed environments.- Peter recalls his experience at Epic, humorously comparing it to a parody of Silicon Valley excess.Rants on Electronic Medical Records:- Peter explains his love-hate relationship with Epic as an EMR, likening it to choosing the least bad STD.- Critiques on how EMRs prioritize billing and coding over patient care.- Insight into the history of Epic, which started as billing software.Tech and Science Corner:- Discussion on Ozempic and Wegovy's impact on elective surgeries due to delayed gastric emptying.- Aubrey explains a breakthrough in quantum computing with Microsoft's Majorana 1 chip, potentially revolutionizing simulations.- Peter passionately explains why encryption backdoors are inherently flawed.- Criticism of UK's request to Apple to implement a global backdoor.

In this episode of Generations, we dive into a mix of topics, from life updates to fandom deep dives. We kick things off with some behind-the-scenes podcast improvements and a shout-out to Audio Hijack before discussing the latest in our personal lives. Aubrey shares her packed schedule balancing work and classes, while Peter reflects on workplace stress and his latest reading adventures, including The Lost Metal and Think: A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy.The discussion then shifts to Dungeons & Dragons, as Peter recounts the challenges of running a heist-based campaign and the group's struggle with strategic thinking. The episode's main event, however, is the two of us taking the Knights Radiant quiz to determine which order they belong to, leading to some fun surprises and in-depth analysis of our results.On the music front, we geek out over Spiritbox, sharing excitement for an upcoming concert and reacting to the band's latest single, with a live first-time listen from Aubrey. We discuss the band's Grammy nomination, past Patreon exclusives, and the horror-inspired themes in their music.The show wraps up with a discussion on the Little Red Dots discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope, which could either be ancient dwarf galaxies or remnants of supermassive black holes. We also touch on the state of the medical field and the broader societal climate, emphasizing the need for kindness and community in challenging times.Key TakeawaysAudio Hijack is an essential tool for podcasters using Macs.The Knights Radiant quiz led to fascinating discussions about identity and personality traits.Spiritbox continues to push boundaries in the metal scene, and their upcoming album looks to be heavier than ever.The James Webb Space Telescope is revealing strange and unexplained cosmic phenomena.The medical field faces serious challenges, and we all need to support each other in tough times.

🎵 GENERATIONS: The Concert Chronicles 🎵Ever had a concert experience that gave you chills? This week, Aubrey and Peter dive deep into the electrifying world of live music, sharing stories that'll have you reliving your own favorite shows!From earth-shaking metal performances to hip-hop spectacles, our hosts bare their souls about the concerts that changed their lives – and a few that didn't quite hit the mark.Peter takes us on a journey through:• The mind-bending intensity of Neurosis that left an indelible mark on his soul• His passionate pilgrimage following Rush across venues and through the years• A poetic pandemic story, bracketed by the cosmic sounds of Cult of Luna and YobAubrey lights up remembering:• An unforgettable night with Tyler, the Creator, Vince Staples, and Kali Uchis bringing St. Louis to life• Her gateway into concert culture with Twenty-One Pilots• The anticipation building for an upcoming dream lineup featuring Kendrick Lamar and SZABut it's not all standing ovations! Our hosts keep it real with some memorable letdowns:• Iron Maiden battling against venue acoustics (and losing)• Megadeth showing their age in all the wrong ways• Keith Urban's performance that felt more like a rehearsal than a showJoin us for an episode that celebrates the raw, unfiltered magic of live music – from the transcendent highs to the occasional lows. Because whether you're a metalhead, hip-hop enthusiast, or country fan, nothing beats the thrill of seeing your favorite artists in the flesh!🎧 Press play and relive the magic with us! 🎧

It's a new year, and on this episode of Generations, we talk about our plans for 2025, focusing on our goals and themes. We discuss our methods for tracking our progress, what some of those goals are, and how we think last year went. • Aubrey discusses the start of the new semester and her excitement about returning to school and wedding planning.• Peter reflects on a tough start to the year due to work challenges.Wedding Planning Updates:• Aubrey shares that she has chosen her wedding dress and secured a venue and photographer, expressing relief at having major tasks completed.• She mentions creating a detailed master spreadsheet with her fiancé Hayden to track wedding planning progress.New Year Reflections:• The hosts reject the idea of New Year's resolutions, opting instead for broader yearly themes and systems to guide personal growth.• Peter reflects on his 2024 theme, the "Year of Improved Health," and evaluates its successes and challenges.• For 2025, Peter introduces his new theme, the "Year of Conscious Action," emphasizing mindfulness and intentionality in daily actions.Aubrey's Themes and Goals for 2025:• With significant life changes ahead--graduation, moving, and marriage--Aubrey focuses on being present in the moment and reducing anxiety.• Her goals are categorized into academic, physical, mental, and relationship-focused areas. She emphasizes simplicity and achievability in her goal-setting.Daily Routines and Habit Tracking:• Peter discusses his efforts to optimize his morning routine, including journaling and habit tracking, to create a more intentional start to his day.• He reflects on his use of the "Theme System Journal" for structured reflection and gratitude practices.• Peter recommends habit-tracking apps, specifically highlighting Strides and Atomic Habit Tracker, explaining their features and benefits.Aubrey's Habit Practices:• Aubrey shares her experience using the Eden app for habit tracking but emphasizes the importance of separating habits from larger goals.• She revisits her love of using GoodNotes on her iPad to organize her goals in a simple, structured format.Other Topics:• Aubrey shares her excitement about publishing her astrophysics research, which involved coding a program to simulate supermassive black hole growth.• Peter comments on recent trends in continuous glucose monitoring and daily hormone testing, cautioning against unnecessary data overload for non-diabetic individuals.

Aubrey and Peter dive into the highs and lows of cardio workouts, reflecting on personal experiences from marathons to boxing, while dishing on the best (and worst) Peloton instructors. The father-daughter duo also brings their signature mix of science and wit, exploring how machine learning and quantum physics intersect and tackling the testosterone therapy trend. Episode Highlights: - Finals Week Triumphs: Aubrey wraps up her toughest semester yet with marathon study sessions and shares how her professor's grading curve saved her thermodynamics grade. - Cardio Confessions: The hosts bond over their love-hate relationship with cardio. From Peter’s treadmill marathon misery to Aubrey’s sprints-and-boxing endurance battles, they get real about what works and what doesn’t. - Peloton Picks: A hilarious breakdown of Peloton instructors they love (Ally Love, Tunde Oyeneyin, Dennis Morton) and those they… don’t (sorry, Robin Arzón and Alex Toussaint). - Fitness Alternatives: Peter shares his passion for rucking and jump rope, proving there’s more to cardio than running. - Quantum Physics Meets Machine Learning: Aubrey explains how neural networks are advancing quantum state modeling and why quantum computers could unlock the future of physics. - Testosterone Therapy PSA: Peter, a urologist, debunks myths about testosterone replacement, calling out online clinics and urging men to prioritize lifestyle changes over quick fixes. Key Points- Fitness is about finding what works for you—even if cardio isn’t your favorite. - Advances in quantum physics and machine learning are reshaping what we know about the universe. - Beware of trendy health solutions—there’s no substitute for putting in the work.

In this special episode, Peter, Aubrey, and guest co-host Jess gather in person for an engaging conversation. From nostalgic memories of early podcast days to intriguing science and health facts, this episode is packed with insights and fun. Tune in to hear:Podcast Highlights:• How each host discovered podcasts and their favorite shows, including Dear Hank and John, Science Vs., and Worlds Beyond Number.• The evolution of podcast apps and listening habits--remember the days of syncing iPods?• Recommendations for science, tech, and storytelling podcasts.Science Tidbits:• Aubrey dives into dark matter research, sharing how scientists are on edge, waiting for a supernova that could help unravel one of the universe's greatest mysteries.• A fun fact about axions and their potential connection to dark matter--plus why timing is critical for detection!Health and Fitness:• Peter shares surprising data on the connection between walking and a reduced risk of prostate cancer, as well as why staying active benefits overall health.• A reminder: It's not about perfection in fitness; it's about finding movement you enjoy.A Personal Connection:• Reflections on why Peter and Aubrey started their podcasts and the joy of exploring shared interests with friends and family.Whether you're here for podcast inspiration, fascinating science, or practical health advice, this episode has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this lively and thoughtful discussion!

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 DayAubrey 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 [email protected]. 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 2024Then, 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 analysisWhether 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!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

This week on Generations, Aubrey and Peter talk about their time in college, including favorite and least favorite classes, how it went and is going, and some of the ways college prepared them for the future.

This month it is all about the works of Brandon Sanderson. Aubrey and I discuss many of his books, sans spoilers, and our thoughts and overall reactions. For both of us, he has become a favorite author, and we discuss what it is that works so well for us.

Hooray for another in person episode! This month Aubrey and I talk about our workout regimens as well as some of our other health goals and activities. It's always fun for us to talk about these things that are so important to us.

Last month we took a deep dive into our goal setting systems as the new year started. This month, we lighten things up by discussing some of our comfort media. What are the movies, TV shows, and books that we turn to when we want to feel good? Listen and find out!

Kick-start 2024 with insightful goal setting strategies on this month's episode of Generations! Join Aubrey and me as we delve into the art of effective goal setting in our latest episode. Breaking away from traditional New Year's resolutions, we explore the transformative power of adopting a 'Yearly Theme.' Discover why resolutions often falter and how a thematic approach can lead to meaningful, achievable goals. Tune into Generations this month for a unique blend of father-daughter perspectives, and let us guide you towards finding your path to success. Embrace a new outlook on goal setting with us, and be inspired to shape your year ahead!

This week, join Aubrey and I as the two of us, a seasoned surgeon and an aspiring astrophysicist, delve into the world of resistance training in our latest episode of Generations. We're passionate advocates for weight lifting and all forms of resistance training, a gem in the fitness world often overlooked by the average person. In this episode, we unpack a year's worth of compelling studies revealing the myriad benefits of this exercise form. We share our personal fitness journeys, detailing how resistance training has revolutionally transformed our lives, both mentally and physically. Our discussion navigates through the numerous health benefits anyone can reap by incorporating this training into their lifestyle. Whether you're a fitness newbie or a seasoned athlete, this episode offers insightful, evidence-based perspectives on boosting your health regime. So tune in, get inspired, and join our conversation on making resistance training a staple in your fitness journey.

This week Aubrey and I get back together. Things have been tough lately between school, work, and just life in general. So we wanted to talk about some of the things that are helping us get through it all and that we have been enjoying. We wrap it up with some astrophysics talk courtesy of Aubrey.

Earlier this summer, I decided I needed to take control of my life. I was doing the things I needed to do, but wasn't really progressing as a human in the ways I wanted to. So I sort of made up a system of goal setting and tracking. I mentioned this to Aubrey, and she started doing it as well. So, for the last few months, we have been working on setting and keeping track of our goals and our progress as people, and thought it would be valuable to talk about.

For years, Aubrey danced. And we loved watching her dance. She has skills and grace that made it a joy to watch. But there was a darker side to it, one that we became more and more aware of the older she got. And, as you will hear, she still carries some of the marks and baggage from that experience. But ranting is part of the healing process, so this week we get to begin the path to healing from the experience that was Aubrey's time as a dancer.

This month Aubrey and I decided to just have fun with it. We dive into some of our recent media enjoyment, and talk about games, music, movies, TV and books that have been helping to get us through this crazy thing we call life.

We're back! Aubrey and Peter finally get their schedules to align to allow us to talk again. The plan is to make this a regular thing again, so we are sorry and appreciate everyone's patience. We discuss work and virtue signaling in medicine this week, and, as is often the case, Peter bags on hospital administration in the way he so often does.

Welcome to Generations: A Middle Distance podcast. Yep, that's the new name for The Middle of Medicine. We felt that, being a father/daughter duo, Generations was more accurate in conveying what we will be talking about going forward. This week, it was survival. More specifically, those little hobbies and pastimes that help us make it through the grime, muck, and suck that is real life.

The speed of light. It's one of those things that we just sort of take for granted. It's as fast as things get. But what if it wasn't? What if something could go faster than the speed of light? That would be a big deal. Like, world changing big deal. Well, maybe something can, and that something is information. Aubrey takes us through the Nobel Prize for physics this year and we talk about just how big of a deal it is.