Cortex

Quinn Nelson, creator of Snazzy Labs known for hands-on tech reviews and DIY builds, talks about reshaping creative routines after becoming a parent. He describes switching to an iPad Pro for writing, batching content for paternity leave, outsourcing admin tasks, simplifying systems with Notion, and protecting focus and family time while keeping projects small and sustainable.

Becca Farsace, an independent YouTuber and former Verge video director known for deep tech reviews and camera work. She discusses building a solo workflow, long-form testing like 1,000-photo reviews, balancing creative control with scale, keeping brands and thumbnails cohesive, handling income diversification and burnout, and carrying newsroom habits into independent work.

Join Myke and Alec, the creative mind behind Technology Connections, as they dive into the world of video production. Alec shares insights on his unique workflow, from researching everyday tech to crafting engaging scripts. He emphasizes the importance of hooks, deep verification, and hands-on demonstrations. Discover his preference for maintaining creative control, the challenges of scripting, and the unexpected success of certain videos. Plus, learn about his studio setup rituals and upcoming projects that promise to spark your curiosity!

In this conversation, Marques Brownlee, a renowned tech reviewer and creator of the MKBHD YouTube channel, shares insights into his workflow. He discusses balancing his laptop and phone for productivity and the creative process behind scripted reviews. Marques reveals how he manages team dynamics and scaling content production, along with the importance of audience feedback. He addresses the impact of reviews on companies and reflects on his strategies for public engagement, making technology accessible and entertaining for millions.

Hank Green, a prolific entrepreneur and educator behind Vlogbrothers and Crash Course, shares his secrets for managing a hectic creative life. He discusses using simple tools for project management and how he structures his weeks to maximize productivity. The conversation also touches on the differences in engagement metrics across platforms and the evolving landscape of independent publishing. Additionally, Hank reveals insights into his app, Focus Friend, and the importance of book writing as a serious medium.

David Pierce, Editor at Large at The Verge, shares insights into his workflow while reviewing the Humane AI Pin. He discusses the balance of work and personal computing, managing notifications, and the storytelling approach in product reviews. David emphasizes the importance of living with a device before sharing a critique, while also highlighting the positive side of tech through his Installer newsletter. The conversation touches on podcasting chemistry, editing collaboration, and the art of creating engaging narratives that resonate with audiences.

Casey Newton, the insightful writer behind the Platformer newsletter, shares his journey navigating the complex world of tech journalism. He discusses his unique workflow for writing and publishing, from idea capture to maintaining journalistic integrity while interacting with industry power players. Stephen Hackett adds a heartfelt touch, reflecting on his family's experiences with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, emphasizing the importance of community support. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of content creation, digital tools, and the significant impact of personalized storytelling.

Simone Giertz, an inventive product designer known for her quirky 'bad robots' on YouTube, shares her journey transforming ideas into realities at Yetch Studio. She discusses the creative challenges of product naming, revealing humorous hurdles like trademark issues. Simone also addresses the balance of quality and market perception, navigating crowdfunding pressures, and managing logistics as a small company. Plus, she shares unique strategies for mastering distractions and gamifying household chores!

John Gruber, the insightful writer behind Daring Fireball, joins the conversation to delve into his creative process. He shares how he transforms ideas into polished articles and the emotional connection he feels using traditional tools like pen and paper. Gruber candidly discusses the nuances of remote work dynamics post-pandemic, his personal preferences for writing setups, and humorous anecdotes on procrastination. The dialogue also touches on the responsibilities of public commentary in the tech space, making for a thought-provoking and engaging discussion.

Austin Evans, a popular tech YouTuber with over 1.5 billion views, joins to discuss his workflow and the tools that fuel his creativity. He shares insights on the emotional connections users have with smartphones, comparing iOS and Android. The conversation explores how AI enhances content creation and boosts productivity, including his use of tools like Claude and Gemini. Austin also dives into the rise of short-form content and the strategies behind engaging titles and thumbnails, highlighting the importance of balancing technology and emotional responses in the creative process.