During this, the 50th Episode of Chasing Quality, RJ and Jake discuss the book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig.The podcast starts off talking about Jake's web project with Python, Django, and JavaScript, and then about RJ's computer rebuild.Contact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)Hardware & Software Used:- MOTU M2 Audio Interface- KAM Spectrum Dynamic Microphone- Zoom Online Meetings- Audacity and Adobe Audition
In this episode of Chasing Quality, RJ and Jake discuss poseur (aka poser) culture: why people do it and the harm it does.First, however, RJ talks a bit about preparing for his big move to Texas. Meanwhile, Jake discusses his fight to get money back for his missing MacBook Pro, the progress on his office cabinet woodworking project, and his adventures in Django, Python, and JavaScript programming.For the main discussion, they consider group think and going along with the Joneses. Is it just easier to pose? Does telling the truth and being unique really get us anywhere?They also dip a bit into philosophy, touching on Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, although Jake got some things wrong. They mention that the 50th anniversary episode will focus on Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig.Of importance, they discovered after the show was over that the "Forever Young" which Jake was referring to was indeed sung by Alphaville; Rod Stewart, of course, also had a wonderful song by the same name.Music: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Contact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)Hardware & Software Used:- MOTU M2 Audio Interface- KAM Spectrum Dynamic Microphone- Zoom Online Meetings- Audacity and Adobe Audition
In this episode, RJ and Jake discuss the evolution of technology and whether or not we're better off for it. Does technology make us happier, or does it just make everything more complex and stressful?They start off with a weekly recap of what they got into: RJ is still getting ready for his big move to Texas, where another podcaster by the name of Joe Rogan has just moved. Jake recently purchased a laptop on eBay, but the shipping box arrived to his doorstep empty. Jake's kids are starting back to school and his son made the soccer team.Jake recommends a video game called "Don't Starve Together," a multiplayer survivor game that he has been recently playing on the Xbox with his daughter.Into the technology discussion, Jake and RJ tell a brief history of their experience with computers, going back to the Apple 2e and IBM XT, then Compaq and Gateway, then custom computer builds. They discuss Zoom and video conferencing, and how it is an amazing technology which allows them to record their podcast, something they would not have easily been able to do a decade before.RJ discusses his new safety razor. It is not a new technology, rather a downgrade in technology but an upgrade in subjective quality.Towards the end of the episode they dance around politics, but decide to leave that for another day.Music: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Contact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)Hardware & Software Used:- MOTU M2 Audio Interface- KAM Spectrum Dynamic Microphone- Zoom Online Meetings- Audacity and Adobe Audition
During this episode, RJ and Jake discuss innovation and how to sell a vision to those who are resistant to change. They discuss how dependencies and externalities affect willingness to change as well as the idea that supply sometimes creates demand. They talk a bit about the spread of Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, and Subway; the increasing production of Tesla and the adoption of electric vehicles; and the old copper-based landline telephone network. How hard is it to push for innovation in an infrastructure-heavy market?They mention the winter storm that made its way across the south over to the east coast and the ice sheet that is now covering Maryland. They also talk about a couple of their side projects using Unity, Django, JavaScript, and Python.Correction: Jake mentions the movie Deerskin (Le Daim) and that he thinks it may have been filmed outside of France. However, it was indeed filmed in France by French director Quentin Dupieux.References:- "Deerskin" movie: Trailer, IMDB, HBO Max Link- Logitech M720 Triathlon Wireless Mouse- "How to Start a Movement? Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy" (YouTube)Music: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Contact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)Hardware & Software Used:- MOTU M2 Audio Interface- KAM Spectrum Dynamic Microphone- Zoom Online Meetings- Audacity and Adobe Audition
In this episode RJ and Jake discuss the idea of learning, specifically just-in-time learning vs. just-in-case learning. They touch a little bit on college vs. autodidacticism as well as the wealth of nearly-free learning that is available these days. There is also a brief discussion about the theory of overpopulation, but decide to put a pin in the topic for a future episode.During the learning portion, they touch a bit on JavaScript, Django, RegEx, and Unity programming as the two of them attempt to learn topics in computer science.References:- Udemy (http://www.udemy.com)Music: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Contact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)Hardware & Software Used:- MOTU M2 Audio Interface- KAM Spectrum Dynamic Microphone- Zoom Online Meetings- Audacity and Adobe Audition
During this episode, RJ and Jake discuss tinkering with new projects and obsessions: how do we choose them, what are the opportunity costs, and what is the end goal?Other Items discussed:- Replay: The History of Video Games, Tristan Donovan- Computer Programming, Javascript, Python, Calculus- Traditional college degree paths vs sampling and dabbling- DuckieTown RobotsMusic: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Contact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)Hardware & Software Used:- MOTU M2 Audio Interface- KAM Spectrum Dynamic Microphone- Zoom Online Meetings- Audacity and Adobe Audition
During this episode, RJ and Jake look back on memories of past vehicles, reflecting on those they loved and those they didn't loves so much. They consider the idea that a vehicle is merely a mode of transportation and agree that it's nonsense. They start of by talking a little bit about Jake's troubles with an online mathematics class, then consider the fact that the term STEM is being expanded by some to become STEAM, including the arts as an area of focus. They decide they'll look into the reasoning behind this and punt the debate to a future episode. In discussing cars, they touch on the following:- Volkswagen Beetle- Volkswagen Jetta and Jetta TDI- Pontiac Firebird- Plymouth Neon- Ducati 794 Dark- Toyota 4Runner- Land Rover LR4- BMW 318i Touring- BMW 535Xi- Honda Civic- Dodge Stratus- Dodge Caravan- Ford F250One feature that was discussed is adaptive headlights, with RJ mentioning that Preston Tucker might have been the one to first implement the feature. Here is an article that touches on it: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-tucker-was-the-1940s-car-of-the-future-135008742/Music: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Contact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)Recording Hardware & Software:- MOTU M2 Audio Interface- KAM Spectrum Dynamic Microphone- Zoom Online Meetings- Audacity and Adobe Audition
During this episode, RJ and Jake discuss a variety of things, mainly focusing on RJ's move to San Antonio and the stress of an online house hunt. This leads into the idea of Chasing Quality in living space and the idea of home. They touching a bit on home owners associations (HOAs), open concept homes, acreage, and the stress of unreached potential in time and space. The conversation eventually shifts into a deeper discussion about personality types, and Jake reveals that he is an INTP and talks about what that means for his day-to-day life, finishing projects, and pursuing educational goals.They also talk about Jake's new camera--the Panasonic Lumix G9--and why he is selling his Panasonic S1 and Panasonic GH5s.Music: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Contact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)Hardware & Software Used:- MOTU M2 Audio Interface- KAM Spectrum Dynamic Microphone- Zoom Online Meetings- Audacity and Adobe Audition
During this episode, RJ and Jake talk about how society categorizes people, especially those with disabilities.Music: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Contact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)
In this episode of Chasing Quality, RJ and Jake catch up after their holiday break, discussing movies, games, hobbies, and optimism for 2021. They discuss The Matrix (movie), Sniper Elite 4 (Xbox), Call of Duty III (XBox), Love Life (HBO Show), Succession (HBO Show), watch collecting, electronics, and photography.Music: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Notes & References:- Appreciative Inquiry at Case Western Reserve: https://weatherhead.case.edu/core-topics/appreciative-inquiry/- Camera Conspiracies & Vegetable Police YouTube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/user/canadianwargodContact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)
In this, the 40th episode of the Chasing Quality Podcast, RJ and Jake watch and review the "Chasing Quality: The Only Moment We Have Is Now" documentary short film.Music: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Post Production Corrections/Notes:Watch the Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/CQefrsjgkEcContact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)
In this episode of Chasing Quality, RJ and Jake discuss the idea of assuming noble intent vs assuming malicious intent. It seems that some people are quick to attribute certain outcomes to malice...is that healthy? Music: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Contact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)
During this episode, RJ and Jake talking about criticizing the work of others. How do we make it constructive? Why is it that some people are so hypercritical?Music: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Contact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)
During this episode, RJ and Jake discuss being thankful for and content with those things you've got while still Chasing Quality in personal growth.Music: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Contact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)
During this episode, RJ and Jake talk about the need to get away from it all to be alone from time to time and how it has actually be more challenging during the COVID pandemic.Music: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Contact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)
In this episode, RJ and Jake go deep on the idea of conformity vs. individualism vs. belonging.Music: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Post Production Corrections/Notes:Contact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)
In this episode, RJ and Jake discuss a few thoughts regarding the idea of watching the world as an observer through a lens versus being in the picture. Music: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Contact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)
During this episode, RJ and Jake discuss the idea of signal-to-noise, both from a technical aspect and as an abstraction in daily lifeMusic: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Contact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)
During this episode, RJ and Jake discuss expectations and how poorly managed expectations can lead to tension.Music: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Contact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)
During this episode, RJ (yes, RJ is back!) and Jake talk about minimalism, materialism, and finding identity.Music: "Whiskey Drinkin'" (Sean M.)Contact Info:- E-mail: ChasingQualityPodcast@gmail.com- YouTube: Chasing Quality (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpHJGRCs_zRZzFNPiIS5iw)