This week's episode is a little different—Steven is out sick, so it's just Devon and Ben holding down the fort. The result is a loose, thoughtful conversation that bounces from pop culture overload to philosophy, creativity, and the art of not trying so hard.

Real Life

Devon kicks things off with a trip looming on the horizon, bringing equal parts snow, stress, and snowboarding. That spirals nicely into media consumption: thoughts on Switch 2, Mario Maker 2, and catching up on a new Wes Anderson film alongside a Knives Out rewatch. Cozy movies, big style, and just enough distraction to keep the anxiety at bay.

Ben's week leans cinematic and slightly exasperated. Avatar: Fire and Ash clocks in at over three hours, which raises some questions about restraint. We also talk about the newly dropped Avengers: Doomsday teaser—officially slated for December 18, 2026—and the ever-growing pile of what Ben dubs AI slop. The hype machine grinds on.

Future or Now

Ben files this one firmly under Now, bringing in an essay titled "The Appropriate Amount of Effort Is Zero" from Expanding Awareness. You can read it here:
https://expandingawareness.org/blog/the-appropriate-amount-of-effort-is-zero/

The conversation clicks immediately, especially when paired with that classic Star Wars line: "The more you tighten your grip, Tarkin, the more star systems will slip through your fingers." Devon connects this idea directly to music—specifically guitar playing—and how tension kills creativity. No clenched jaw. No face squinching. Relaxed hands, relaxed mind.

Ben takes it further, pulling in some Eastern philosophy and the idea that over-effort can actively work against you. Trying less, it turns out, might actually get you more.

Book Club

No discussion this week, but we tee up next episode's reading: "The Janitor in Space" by Amber Sparks. If you want to read along, the story is available here:
https://americanshortfiction.org/janitor-space/

It's short, strange, and very much in our wheelhouse—perfect fuel for next week's conversation.

Steven will be back soon, Devon will (hopefully) survive the snow, and Ben will continue his quest to consume culture without being crushed by it. Until then: loosen your grip.