Cortex

The Cortex podcast is an ongoing conversation between two creatives about how they make podcasts and videos. This is the eighteenth podcast Myke Hurley has hosted. It's the second for his cohost, CGP Grey. Hurley cofounded RelayFM, which produces his podcasts. Grey cohosts Hello, Internet and dispels misconceptions about academic subjects on YouTube. After learning that Grey puts sleep on his calendar, Hurley invited Grey to make Cortex. Grey committed to ten episodes. Hurley felt sure there was more to discuss. He was correct. The podcast has been streaming since 2015.

Grey creates lots of content, yet he works as little as possible. On Cortex, Grey analyzes how to maximize output with minimal input. He shares organizational strategies with podcast listeners. In the first episode, he says he uses five iPads. Two remain in backpacks so he can grab them in a hurry. One stays in his bedroom and plays white noise for his tinnitus. (If listeners with tinnitus are curious, Grey likes airplane sounds.) The fourth iPad belongs in his coworking space. His iPad Mini stays set to low lighting for reading. This redundant system makes him efficient. It also separates work from leisure.

Each year, the cohosts discuss the apps, hardware, and devices they use and rate their performance. Cortex listeners learn how their systems have changed. Grey prefers the Dvorak keyboard layout and mechanical keyboards that make clicking sounds. He keeps all his phone apps on the first screen, so he doesn't have to swipe. Hurley tells Grey why he's not maximizing his iPhone dock.

The cohosts debate magic trackpads and pen tablets versus mice. They reveal the podcast editing program they both use despite its frequent crashes. The duo tests virtual reality headsets. They also discuss how AI is changing their profession.

Listeners interested in audio or video production can learn a lot from Cortex. The hosts also welcome input. Hurley reveals the surprising episode that received the most comments. Listeners' interesting suggestions included heat lamps, curtains, Faraday cages, and tricking the Wi-Fi. Like every episode, they provoke deliberation. New podcast episodes arrive about once a month.