Daily(ish)

I talk about my habit of avoiding projects that feel hard, expensive, or unknown. For some public accountability, I list four looming tasks in order of expense / silliness-to-seriousness.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Intro
01:18 Public Accountability Plan
01:38 Haircut Victory
02:22 Trailer Winterizing Anxiety
04:33 Basement Water Problem
06:04 Stucco Crack Scare
07:32 Next Steps Check In
08:02 Ask for Advice Outro

Did You Know?

In today’s Mailbag Monday episode, I share some listener feedback, including thoughtful YouTube conversations about my Marvel movie comments and several notes from people who enjoyed yesterday’s more casual outdoor recording.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Welcome and Format
00:18 Mailbag Monday Setup
00:35 Outdoor Episode Feedback
01:32 Office Background Plans
02:12 Tangible Work Reflections
03:20 Podcast Studio Follow Up
04:04 Supporters and Patreon
04:43 Thanks and Sign Off

Did You Know?

I’m recording a quick, abridged Dailyish episode on my phone because my computer is in use and I couldn’t get to the office, so this may end up audio-only. I’m trying to read Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson on my Kobo, but I’m feeling conflicted about committing to such a long book when I could read two or three other library books in the same time

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Phone Recording Update
00:21 Epic Book Reading Dilemma
01:15 Staying on Track
01:41 October Check In
01...

I’m recording late as often happens on Saturdays after going to see the theatrical encore of Avengers: Endgame. Watching it again in the same theater as I saw it originally in 2019 felt beautiful and sad, especially knowing what came next in the real world.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Late Night Check In
00:19 Rewatching Endgame
01:21 Infinity War Memories
01:47 What We Would Tell 2019 Us
02:42 Tony Stark Final Message
03:58 Why Marvel Still Hits
04:42 Looking Ahead To Doomsday
05:20 Wrap Up And Subscribe

Did Yo...

First some follow-up about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, then some topic ideas crowdsourced on social media, and then I riff off a Buttondown blog post, “What We Lost When We Lost Comments,” and talk about why I'm pro-comments on blogs and the internet in general.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Dailyish Intro
00:14 Follow Up
01:44 Crowdsourcing Episode Ideas
03:08 What We Lost With Comments
03:48 Why Comments Matter
05:25 Buttondown Comment Features
05:48 How To Reach Me
06:06 Subscribe And...

I recommend one of my favorite podcasts, Heavyweight, hosted by Jonathan Goldstein. I love how it tells deeply human stories without feeling manipulative, and how it lets the people involved maintain their dignity while still narrating their own experiences.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 October Intro
00:25 Why Heavyweight Hits Hard
00:53 What Makes It Special
01:43 How The Show Works
02:10 Episode Pick Jenna
02:54 Clip From Jenna
04:05 Where To Listen
04:10 Podcast Crafting Dreams
05:21 Your Podcast Recommendations
05:34 Subscribe And Goodbye

Did You...

I talk about Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which grew out of Orange Shirt Day and was established to honor residential school survivors and those who never returned home. I also note it’s also International Podcast Day.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Welcome
00:10 Truth and Reconciliation Day
00:48 Residential Schools History
01:14 Calls to Action and Holiday
02:06 Poem Monster Recommendation
02:43 How to Respond Thoughtfully
0...

I reflect on how my podcast editing business is entirely virtual—basically disappearing without the internet—and how that leaves me with a desire for something more tangible that I could actually show my kids, friends, or family. Driving around and seeing “real” businesses reminded me how different it feels to run everything from an 8-by-10 home office, even though I’m grateful for the flexibility to work from anywhere.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Intro
00:24 Virtual Business Dilemma
01:04 Craving Something...

A quick Monday mailbag episode responding to a comment, as well as an interesting bit of advertising money on YouTube that surprised me.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Intro
01:07 YouTube Comment Reply
01:24 Money Versus Fun
01:52 Weird Ad Revenue Spike
02:41 Patreon Thanks
02:54 YouTube Membership Shoutout
03:28 How To Reach Me
03:43 Wrap Up Goodbye

Did You Know?

I’m talking mostly to my YouTube subscribers in this episode about why I’m now posting daily video versions of this podcast on a channel that’s historically been tutorials about podcasting, video editing, and live streaming. I’m going to keep making tutorial videos, but I’d love feedback in the YouTube comments if this new mix is confusing or making you consider unsubscribing.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

I talk about the video games I’ve been playing lately, in the spirit of my old 25C podcast with Nick. My guilty pleasure game, my brain tingler, the mobile puzzles, and the one I need to dip back into.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Welcome
00:32 Guilty Pleasure
02:37 Drop Duchy Discovery
04:12 Quick Puzzle Fixes

I welcome my first guest of this daily podcast challenge, my friend Matt McGee, to mark U2’s 50th anniversary. We speed run the history of U2, the history of atU2, and Matt’s personal journey with and without U2 (see what I did there?).

Audio note: We live-streamed the recording of this on my Twitch and YouTube channel, so if we seem a little more distracted this episode than usual, that’s why.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

I need to vent about how the USB‑C ports on my pricey Mac Studio aren’t all the same, even though they look identical, and how I don’t want to have to remember which port supports what speed, power, or device type. I was terrified to record this episode because I figured my computer would be listening and start shutting down on me again. But I got through it. Somehow. Barely.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Intro
00:21 USB-C Port Confusion
00:49 Random Reboots and Failing Drive
01:20 Why Ports...

A quick update on putting episodes on YouTube, and a mailbag episode reading comments from Justin Jackson, Harold, @CaptainTemerity, and @MoldyRingwald.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:

00:00 Welcome to Dailyish
00:13 Dailyish on YouTube
01:03 Mailbag and Guitar Intro
02:13 Listener Feedback and Format
03:10 Why YouTube Feels Legit
04:07 Podcasting Experiments and Neville
04:47 How to Reach Me

I reflect on a quote from Swyx about how podcast subscribers are often more engaged than newsletter subscribers, podcasting as a great excuse to connect regularly with friends or to reach people you might not otherwise get to talk to, and finally I emphasize digging into stats and making sure the numbers are saying what you think they're saying.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Interrupted Recording
00:30 Dailyish Intro
00:54 Why Podcasts Feel Intimate
02:49 Newsletter and YouTube Notes
04:16 Podcasting as Connection Tool
05:46 Reading Your Download Stats<...

Part 2: My friend, Dave Rupert, wrote a short story back in 2018 called The Mammoth. I’ve long thought it would make a great audio play of some sort. And so I figured as a first attempt, I’d do a reading of it on my podcast for you. This is part 2.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Dailyish Intro
00:14 Birthday Shoutout
00:20 Story Setup Part Two
00:35 Mammoth Faces And Ads
01:08 Job Site Commands
01:43 Accident In The Halo
02:19 Compliance Repealed
03:09 Machine Review Courtroom
03:56 Sham...

Part 1: My friend, Dave Rupert, wrote a short story back in 2018 called The Mammoth. I’ve long thought it would make a great audio play of some sort. And so I figured as a first attempt, I’d do a reading of it on my podcast for you. This is part 1.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Intro
00:13 Why Read The Mammoth
00:42 Foggy Morning Job Site
01:31 Rehab Corp and Auto Cab Boom
02:34 Life After Car Ownership
03:20 Before the Singularity
03:43 From Foreman to Herder
0...

I talk about the challenge of keeping up with a daily podcast (even under 10 minutes) and why I don’t blame anyone for not subscribing, while thanking listeners who do. I revisit the idea of publishing a video version since I’m already recording in Descript, but I’m reluctant to make daily video part of my commitment because it adds publishing steps and longer uploads, even if YouTube’s platform is easy.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Dailyish Check In
00:24 Daily Podcast Reality
00:54 Considering Video Episodes
01:39 YouTube...

I talk about feeling a growing desire to take a short break from digital life. While I usually take an intentional app break around Lent, this fall weekend feels like the right time due to a mix of family circumstances and the chance to enjoy early autumn in Saskatchewan before winter makes getting outside harder.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Welcome to Daily-ish
00:13 Why I Need a Break
01:09 What I Will Still Use
01:26 Avoiding the Info Firehose
01:57 Recording Ah...

I talk about how AI has affected my business, Lemon Productions, where I produce and edit podcasts (and increasingly video) for clients. AI has made some tasks easier but has also diminished the craft I love most. I feel uncertain about where this is headed, though I can see potential for a different future if I adapt.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Intro
00:22 Podcast Editing Business
01:10 AI Changes the Workflow
01:34 Uncertain Future Ahead
02:38 Craft vs One Click AI
03:29 Clients Want Social...

I often wait for someone else’s permission or invitation before pursuing ideas, even though collaboration isn’t always required, and that has limited what I’m willing to attempt on my own. I also realize that to make an idea real, I sometimes need a vehicle to carry it. Like having an actual bike if I want to ride.

The episode art is just because I couldn't get the U2 lyric / quote out of my brain while talking about it.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Intro
00:42 Waitin...

I mostly use social platforms for conversation, self-expression, and sharing, and I’ve largely stopped trying to “build a brand,” though if I did focus on business opportunities I’d prioritize YouTube, the podcast, the newsletter, and maybe Blue Sky. I also note how algorithm changes make reach unpredictable, reinforcing that the “points are made up.”

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Dailyish Intro
00:14 Downsizing Social Media
01:40 Follower Counts Rundown
02:27 What The Numbers Mean
03:22 Platforms Worth Focusing
04:14 Algorithms And Crickets
...

Some sleaze ball hacked my kid's Microsoft + Minecraft account, listener mailbag catchup, and thanks to my supporters.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Daily-ish Intro
00:13 Microsoft Account Hacked
01:22 Damage Control Fallout
02:00 Podcast Housekeeping
03:20 Patreon Thanks Plan
04:08 Emmys and Sign-Off

Did You Know?

An apology to a listener, a recommendation for Lanterns, and a quick thought about heading into the week ahead.

ps if there's a video I record on Sunday's episodes, I'll make those ones available to watch on the episode page.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Welcome to Dailyish
00:14 Apology to Void and Cozy
00:33 Lanterns TV Recommendation
01:11 Quick Sunday Reflection
01:19 Grace and Sunday Scaries
01:35 Zeigarnik Effect Tangent
02:02 Support and Contact Info
02:21 Wrap Up and Goodbye

Did You Know?

I explain that after switching my weekly newsletter from Buttondown to Patreon earlier this year, I’m moving it back to Buttondown because Patreon's interface didn’t work well for me. I also added a Stripe link for one-time donations - thanks listener Void and Crazy! And I wrote a blog post recommending AppleTV shows.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics:
00:00 Daily-ish Intro
00:15 Switching Newsletter Plat...

My Mac Studio is being a turd. So is our home’s Internet. Please let this work.

I'm back with another petty grievances episode already, and this time I'm yapping about school zones and the parents who go nuts inside the school zone.

I apologize for missed emails after realizing a listener’s library-related message was incorrectly marked as spam. I quickly recap Apple’s keynote today and give some of my thoughts on the new iPhone Duo Apple announced.

Links:

Topics:
00:00 Intro
00:16 Email Spam Mixup
00:45 Libraries Matter
0...

Follow up on the “Petty Grievances: Microwave Edition” discussion with a listener tip, and I react to a new Gamers Nexus video that investigates LG TVs and how aggressively they may collect data. 

00:00 Intro
00:14 Microwave Cleanup Follow Up
01:03 LG TV Privacy Exposé
01:46 How TVs Track You
03:01 Network Scanning Risks
04:45 What To Do About It
05:26 Apple TV Versus Others
06:18 Closing Thoughts

I start with a correction from yesterday and then I introduce a “Petty Grievances” sub-episode, talking about cleaning microwaves.

Topics:
00:00 Intro
00:17 Quick Corrections
00:47 Petty Grievances Setup
01:10 Microwave Mess Problem
02:17 No Easy Fix
02:22 Send Your Solutions
03:21 Wrap Up and Goodbye

Just a few thoughts while sitting with Neville on my deck.

Links:

I missed yesterday’s recording after getting distracted and playing Breath of the Wild. I share a quick review of Apple TV’s Silo, which just ended its third season, and explain its publishing background. I discuss a Threads post about declining media literacy and “second screen viewing."

Links:

Topics:
00:00 Intro
00:45 Silo Quick Review
01:17 Books Publishing Backsto...

I talk about how I’ve shifted from being an almost exclusively paperback and hardcover reader to primarily reading e-books on my Kobo. Seeing how massive some Brandon Sanderson books are in physical form after my parents gifted me later books in the series and my brother-in-law had a hardcover made me realize I’m far more likely to finish long books digitally, especially if I’m carrying them around.

Links:

Topics:

00:00 Welcome to Dailyish
00:19 Switching to E Books
00:47 Sanderso...

This one's a local Saskatoon note: I share why I'm fully in favour of the new downtown library being built here, and why I think it's an even more essential community resource than a new arena.

I share an update on my Dailyish podcast relaunch including listener feedback on a previous episode, I talk through podcast analytics on Transistor, recognizing success for this project is recording at least 60% of days this year, and I ask for feedback on whether I should publish the unlisted video versions on YouTube?

Topics:
00:00 Welcome Back Dailyish
00:13 Audio Setup Improvements
00:41 Relaunch Listener Numbers
01:46 Stats Surprises Explained
03:38 What Success Means
04:47 Video Version On YouTube
05:33 Podcast Vs YouTube Subscribers
06:20 Wrap Up And Thanks

I’m sorry for an unexpected Auphonic jingle on the prior episode. In this episode I’m talking about an “AI divide” across my families: one embraces social media and AI as useful tools, while my another side is generally more cautious or negative. I place myself in the middle. 

Topics:
00:00 Intro and Apology
00:47 Testing Auphonic on Mobile
01:54 AI Divide in the Family
03:21 How I Use AI at Work
04:13 Creative Concerns and Job Impact
05:30 Social Media Parallels
06:02 Retro App Alternative
06:52...

The one where I record from my truck. 

[00:00] Intro: recording from the truck before his son's hockey game

[00:25] On his flat/dry-sounding voice and Descript's audio processing

[00:56] Started watching Lanterns (Crave/HBO)

[01:27] More on Lanterns — cast, tone, story

[02:26] Watching Silo, catching up on Ted Lasso

[02:56] Wrap-up and thanks for listening

I talk about recording an episode late at night and realizing after the fact that my mic was muted, forcing me to re-record quickly so I can edit and publish before midnight.

00:00 Midnight Mic Mishap
00:40 Getting Back on Schedule
01:14 Rollkuchen Summer Supper
01:51 Watching Backrooms
02:27 Quick Wrap Up

In today's episode of Dailyish, I share how a family conversation about social media led me to rediscover my late father-in-law's travel blog and a link to my sister-in-law's old blog, reminding me how refreshing plain, ad-free posts feel compared to today's algorithm-driven, promo-heavy sites. I reflect on blogging as one of the earliest forms of online self-expression, my own long-running blog at chrisenns.com, and the recurring cycle of people leaving and returning to blogging despite the easier likes and shares on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Links:

I answer listener questions about my recording and publishing workflow for Daily(ish).

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome and Listener Questions
00:38 Recording in Descript
01:38 Video Publishing Approach
02:09 Template and Transistor Upload
02:45 Mobile and AI Experiments
03:21 Social Sharing and Comments
03:54 Time Savings and Editing
04:16 Tracking Topics in Notion
04:54 Blog Post and Wrap Up