Lounge Ruminator

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Hosted by Martin Feld, the Lounge Ruminator podcast is an extension of his blog of the same name. In each episode, Martin shares one of his latest ‘ruminations’: each a recent thought, unusual piece of news or mundane social observation. Topics are exclusive to the podcast, so you won’t find corresp…

Martin Feld


    • Jan 20, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 8m AVG DURATION
    • 70 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Lounge Ruminator

    70. Lounge Bite: After Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2022 4:31


    If you haven't watched this show, then you definitely should. Read a transcript of the episode. Image credit: Netflix (2022) Links and Show Notes Ricky Gervais After Life Daily Rumination No. 24: The Value of British Humour Hemispheric Views podcast Media franchise The Matrix (franchise) James Bond Daniel Craig Quantum of Solace LostMore

    69. Review: Semicolon by Cecelia Watson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2022 11:41


    In my first podcast episode for 2022, I give a quick review of Cecelia Watson’s book Semicolon: The Past, Present, and Future of a Misunderstood Mark, while sharing some of the key themes that resonated with me. Read a transcript of the episode. Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts | Castro | Overcast | Pocket Casts | RSS Links and Show Notes Semicolon…More

    68. On a Country Road with Andrew McLuhan

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2021


    Andrew is a writer, poet and media educator, as well as the founder of the McLuhan Institute. He also happens to be the descendant of renowned media ecologists Marshall and Eric McLuhan. In this episode, he kindly joins me to discuss his work at the institute, what motivates him to write, how we can slow…More

    67. Podcasting on Podcasting with Dr. Dario Llinares

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2021


    I’m joined by Dario to talk about his background in film research (and now audio), along with the art of academic podcasting and why the podcast as a medium has a propensity to talk about itself. Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts | Castro | Overcast | Pocket Casts | RSS Find Dario Online @dariodoubleL on Twitter The Cinematologists Podcast Studies Podcast Links…More

    66. An Aca-fan Moment with Anne Korfmacher

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2021


    Anne is a PhD student who is investigating what she calls ‘fan commentary’ podcasts. She tells the story of how she started listening to them, what appealed to her about undertaking higher research on the topic and what it means to be a fan. Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts | Castro | Overcast | Pocket Casts | RSS Find Anna Online @anne_korfmacher…More

    65. Becoming an Independent Developer with Vincent Ritter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2021


    Vincent shares his personal story of how he became an independent developer, from his earliest use of computers through to creative projects and apps like Gluon for Micro.blog. Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts | Castro | Overcast | Pocket Casts | RSS Find Vincent Online vincentritter.com @vincent on Micro.blog Links and Show Notes Full episode transcript Screenshot of editing timeline in Ferrite…More

    64. Lounge Bite: Small-file Aesthetics

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2021


    We all know about the monetary cost of streaming media, but what does it cost the planet? Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts | Castro | Overcast | Pocket Casts | RSS Links and Show Notes Sy Taffel 53. Excess Energy and Urban Eyesores Apple Music announces Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos; will bring Lossless Audio to entire catalog Laura U. Marks Marks, L.U., 2020, ‘Let's…More

    63. Information Curation

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2021


    In this episode, I offer a quick critique on Apple's power as a ‘vectoralist' of information, drawing on Kara Swisher's recent interview of CEO Tim Cook and the work of scholar McKenzie Wark. Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts | Castro | Overcast | Pocket Casts | RSS Links and Show Notes Introduction 00:00 Hmmmm… that was a longer gap between episodes than…More

    62. Three Films with One Idea

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021


    I discuss a conceptual shift in my podcasting research, the shock of the (big) HomePod’s discontinuation and finally, three wonderful films that challenge us to think differently. Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts | Castro | Overcast | Pocket Casts | RSS Links and Show Notes Research Rumination 00:44 A Hacker Manifesto (2004 book) by McKenzie Wark ‘Escaping the Amazon’ (2021 article) by…More

    61. Absolute Joy with Fiona Finley

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2021


    My long-time friend (and former drama teacher and boss), Fiona Finley, joins the podcast to explain her love of the arts. She elaborates on her own background in theatre, the value of performance for kids and the importance of liveness. Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts | Castro | Overcast | Pocket Casts | RSS…More

    60. Contemplating Telepresence with Jason Burk

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2021


    Friend and fellow podcasting co-host Jason Burk joins the virtual rumination lounge! We discuss hobbies, the ever-changing world of online work and education and the effects of open offices and commuting. (Thank you to the really loud, enthusiastic cicadas who kindly featured intermittently throughout the episode.) Other Ways to Listen Apple Podcasts | Castro |…More

    59. Playing to the Audience with Evan Kerr

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2021


    My long-time friend Evan joins the podcast to discuss his experience as a pianist and music teacher. He also shares his thoughts on how digital technology has been transforming performance and education. Links and Show Notes A Dark Cave — 01:03 Piano Phenomenology The Beatles British Invasion List of crooners Roy Orbison Jack of all…More

    58. Lounge Bite: Earth at Night

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021


    I review a stunning documentary series that sheds light (literally) on amazing animal behaviour. Beware of minor spoilers: I have strong opinions to share, even when I only have five minutes. Links and Show Notes David Attenborough Earth at Night in Color on Apple TV+ Apple TV+ Tom Hiddleston 13. Rage Against the VideoMore

    57. Running Through a Maze with Natasha Kandilas Feld

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2021


    Natasha joins me on the lounge for the first episode of 2021! We reflect on our recent visit to one of the most unusual, niche amusement parks in Australia, called Granties Maze, then share memories of trips to theme parks from when we were kids. We then ruminate on the difference in experiencing such places…More

    56. Lounge Bite — Milk? Mylk? Malk?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2020


    How do naming and branding decisions affect people’s willingness to adopt food substitutes? Links and Show Notes Omnivore Tofu Beyond Meat List of meat substitutes Better Cheddar vegan cheese image Nut Mylk Base image Almond milk Pea protein An Australian macadamia milk example (not a sponsor!) For those confused by the last part of the…More

    55. Memories and the Trouble with Being Born

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2020


    In this episode, I discuss a common theme that I enjoy across various media: memory. I explore what it means to have memories, how they differ from (and complement) history and how they have been represented in a particularly controversial, new film. Links and Show Notes The Fiftieth Gate (1997) by Mark Raphael Baker Blade…More

    54. Lounge Bite — Scaffolding

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2020


    Introducing a new format… Lounge Bite! Inspired by HVmini instalments on the Hemispheric Views podcast, each occasional Lounge Bite episode is no longer than five minutes and includes only one topic—saving time in your busy podcast queue and consuming less energy in downloading and streaming. This time, I discuss the value of scaffolding to make…More

    53. Excess Energy and Urban Eyesores

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2020


    How can we be more considerate of the energy that we use when we’re online and who really has a say about the changing face of our cities? Links and Show Notes Sy Taffel Website Carbon Calculator by Wholegrain Digital Wollongong, Australia on Visit NSW 42. Early Adoption with Special Guest Craig Nealon on Lounge … Continue reading "53. Excess Energy and Urban Eyesores"

    52. Gendered Food

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2020


    I delve into Rushkoff’s (2016) concept of ‘digital distributism’ and ponder why people feel the need to assign gender to menu options.  Links and Show Notes Rushkoff, D., 2016, Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus: How Growth Became the Enemy of Prosperity, Portfolio/Penguin. Table of business approaches from page 225 of Rushkoff’s (2016) book 29. Mass versus … Continue reading "52. Gendered Food"

    51. Vegemite

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2020


    It’s one of the most controversial foods on the planet… but for those who love it (and other similar cultural icons), what does it mean when such a thing is changed or a new variant is thrown into the mix? Links and Show Notes Vegemite website ‘001: Tim Tam Slams’ on Hemispheric Views Public Discord … Continue reading "51. Vegemite"

    50. Curb and Posting

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2020


    Prompted by the great TV show Curb Your Enthusiasm, I consider how technology of any given period contributes to the writing and portrayal of comedic situations, which may not be possible or credible at a later time. Also following the start of Microblogvember 2020, I contemplate the value of posting daily online. Links and Show … Continue reading "50. Curb and Posting"

    49. Personal Podcastings on a Borat Moviefilms for Make Appreciation on a Home Cinemas

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2020


    Borat… some people love the character and others hate it—I’m with the former group. In this episode, I discuss the experience of watching the surprise sequel at home (rather than in a cinema) and tell the story of my own Borat fandom. Links and Show Notes 43. Trio and Tenet on Lounge Ruminator Da Ali … Continue reading "49. Personal Podcastings on a Borat Moviefilms for Make Appreciation on a Home Cinemas"

    48. Serious Leisure

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2020


    After reading an article about an author’s difficulty in finding time to skydive—then struggling to fit podcasting into my own weekend—I consider the challenge of maintaining serious leisure alongside work and family commitments. Links and Show Notes Anderson, L., 2011, ‘Time Is of the Essence: An Analytic Autoethnography of Family, Work, and Serious Leisure’, in … Continue reading "48. Serious Leisure"

    47. My German Autoethnography

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2020


    I’ve long been fascinated by the German language—both for its precision and ridiculously long words—but I’ve never sat down to analyse how I came to enjoy it. Based on recent research into the qualitative approach of autoethnography, I decided to offer my own oral account of learning German and how it has become a part … Continue reading "47. My German Autoethnography"

    46. Speechless

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2020


    Following a research rumination, I consider the power of visual media that—due to either technological limitations or intentional creative decisions—omit speech. With two specific examples, I discuss how this can enhance or hinder character development and accessibility. Notes Day, L., Cunsolo, A., Castleden, H., Martin, D., Hart, C., Anaviapik-Soucie, T., Russell, G., Paul, C., Dewey, … Continue reading "46. Speechless"

    45. A Ticking Clock

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2020


    To celebrate the first anniversary of my Lounge Ruminator podcast, I give a quick update on what I’ve learnt so far, the friends that I’ve made and how I’ve realised that you don’t have to be perfect all the time. Notes Dr. Kate Bowles Dr. Chris Moore ‘1. Indexed Five Ways!’ Feld Notes Andrew Canion … Continue reading "45. A Ticking Clock"

    44. Sydney 2000 Olympic Nostalgia with Special Guest Natasha Kandilas Feld

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2020


    To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Natasha and I reflect on the opening ceremony and how the event was hyped during our respective childhoods. Thank you for your patience with some echo in this episode, due to a fun technical issue. Enjoy it! Notes 2000 Summer Olympics (Sydney) FREEMAN on … Continue reading "44. Sydney 2000 Olympic Nostalgia with Special Guest Natasha Kandilas Feld"

    43. Trio and Tenet

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2020


    In this quick update, I discuss my shared launch of a new podcast, called Hemispheric Views (with friends and fellow microbloggers Andrew and Jason) and reflect on a recent trip to the cinema with Natasha to see Christopher Nolan’s Tenet. Notes Hemispheric Views 001: Tim Tam Slams! podcast episode The foyer of the Gala Cinema … Continue reading "43. Trio and Tenet"

    42. Early Adoption with Special Guest Craig Nealon

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2020


    I’m joined by Craig Nealon to discuss what sparked his long-term interest in technology, the products and apps that have inspired his creative work over the years and the art of predicting whether devices will succeed or flop. Notes Betamax Macintosh 128K MacDraw MacPaint MacWrite Macintosh TV Apple Newton Apple QuickTake QuickTime VR HyperCard McLuhan’s … Continue reading "42. Early Adoption with Special Guest Craig Nealon"

    41. Accidental Urban Archaeology

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2020


    We tend to think of history as something that exists purely in the past or in photos, however it can return in odd, little ways that can surprise us—even in places that we know well. Notes ‘minimal web’ on mnmlist More information about Globe Lane in Wollongong on Weekend Notes An article about Wollongong’s semi-controversial … Continue reading "41. Accidental Urban Archaeology"

    40. Simplicity with Special Guest Miraz Jordan

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2020


    This week, fellow Microblogger Miraz Jordan joins me to discuss the value of simplicity in our lives, whether in using plain language, finding ways to be kinder to the planet or even just being willing to leave a rubbish TV show halfway through a season. Find Miraz Online Miraz Jordan on Micro.blog: miraz.me Notes AltaVista … Continue reading "40. Simplicity with Special Guest Miraz Jordan"

    39. International Mac Nerds with Special Guests Andrew Canion and Jason Burk

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2020


    For this episode, I’m joined by friends (and fellow Micro.blog users) Andrew Canion and Jason Burk. We speak about our shared love of digital technology, the pros and cons of product and network lock-in, the trials and tribulations of email and differences in coffee culture. Find Andrew and Jason Online Andrew Canion: andrewcanion.com Jason Burk: … Continue reading "39. International Mac Nerds with Special Guests Andrew Canion and Jason Burk"

    38. Typos and Consoles

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2020


    I ruminate on the perceived authority of print and consider how we define the word ‘computer’ in 2020. Notes Dithering podcast by Ben Thompson and John Gruber Ellul, J., 1964, The Technological Society; translated from the French by John Wilkinson; with an introd. by Robert K Merton, Knopf. ‘iPad Pro — What’s a Computer?’ on … Continue reading "38. Typos and Consoles"

    37. New Ways

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2020


    Often we just do the same old thing—going around in circles. When we do find a new way, we don’t always stop to appreciate how it has affected us. In this episode, I discuss some of my own new ways: mind mapping; using a horribly designed (but useful) app and a different way of using … Continue reading "37. New Ways"

    36. Mapping Entrepreneurial Narratives with Special Guest David Sharpe

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2020


    This week, I chat with David Sharpe, who is undertaking PhD research into entrepreneurship in the creative industries in Australia (through the University of Wollongong). He is particularly interested in the journeys that entrepreneurs take and the narratives that they create about them. I ask him to explain his background, motivation and process and we … Continue reading "36. Mapping Entrepreneurial Narratives with Special Guest David Sharpe"

    35. Personas and Pets

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2020


    For this episode, I explore the concept of persona—just how many people make up the person that is you?—and I discuss my own experience of having furry and feathered companions while working from home. Notes Marshall, P.D. and Barbour, K., 2015, ‘Making Intellectual Room for Persona Studies: a New Consciousness and a Shifted Perspective’, in … Continue reading "35. Personas and Pets"

    34. Corporate Identity and the Art of Recapping

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2020


    This week, I discuss a range of topics: the value of individual reading; what Twitter’s purpose is as a company; how ever-changing corporate names can become confusing; and the function of the TV recap in the streaming era. Notes Carpenter, E., 1966, ‘The New Languages’, in E. Carpenter and M. McLuhan (eds), Explorations in Communication: … Continue reading "34. Corporate Identity and the Art of Recapping"

    33. We Meet at Screens

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2020


    Television sets have long determined not only where our furniture goes, but also how we interact with others at home. Are things now changing in this physical space to reflect our own individual use of smaller, mobile screens? Notes Rushkoff, D., 1994, Media Virus!: Hidden Agendas in Popular Culture, 1st ed., Ballantine Books. The Frame … Continue reading "33. We Meet at Screens"

    32. Tackling Sports Betting with Special Guest Dr. Hannah Pitt

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2020


    Turn on your TV to watch a sporting match in Australia and you’re sure to see advertisements for various betting apps and services. Of particular concern is how these advertisements can affect and are understood by children. To learn more, I invited Dr. Hannah Pitt (Postdoctoral Research Fellow in public health at Deakin University) to … Continue reading "32. Tackling Sports Betting with Special Guest Dr. Hannah Pitt"

    31. WWDC and the Reality Distortion Field

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2020


    Every year, on a particular day in June, I get up at 3:00 am in Australia to watch Apple’s WWDC keynote address. This year’s was really impressive and in this episode, I summarise the most exciting updates. There is, however one part of this story—almost too quickly forgotten—that needs to be addressed and I tell … Continue reading "31. WWDC and the Reality Distortion Field"

    30. The Martin Feld Retail Photo Collection

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2020


    This week, I reflect briefly on the history of radio, discuss the need for more international content in TV streaming and share the story of a bizarre photo album that went from digital to print. Notes Porter, J., 2016, Lost Sound: The Forgotten Art of Radio Storytelling, The University of North Carolina Press. Little America … Continue reading "30. The Martin Feld Retail Photo Collection"

    29. Mass versus Niche

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2020


    Niche communities, identities and communication channels—they are a sign of the great diversity of interests, views and cultural groups in our society… but they can also be a sign of fragmentation. In a world that’s brimming with super-specific feeds, tailored content and targeted advertising, could some mass media actually offer a better way of engaging … Continue reading "29. Mass versus Niche"

    28. A Potted Computing History with Special Ordinary Guest Andrew Canion

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2020


    These days, most people take their devices for granted. As an antidote to this, I speak with fellow Microblogger and tech hobbyist, Andrew Canion. We share our early memories of computing, our current preferences, touch-typing origin stories and how we both ended up choosing the Mac as the hub of our digital lives. Last, we … Continue reading "28. A Potted Computing History with Special Ordinary Guest Andrew Canion"

    27. Stillness

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2020


    This week, I discuss the true purpose of technology education, according to Postman—somehow weaving my favourite sci-fi series into it—then conclude by ruminating on what it means to be still. Notes Upgrade episode 299 James Cridland’s tweet Postman, N., 1995, The End of Education : Redefining the Value of School, 1st ed., Knopf. Murphie, A., 2011, … Continue reading "27. Stillness"

    26. Bibliophilia

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2020


    I explain my early research into the world of niche tech podcasting and discuss an uncontrollable urge that many people experience: the desire to buy more books than can ever actually be read. Notes ‘The Wonder of Choice’ PhD journal archive ‘Howard Stern Is Getting Ripped Off’ by Andrew Wilkinson on Medium Marco Arment’s tweet … Continue reading "26. Bibliophilia"

    25. Stiller the Best with Special Guest Natasha Kandilas Feld

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2020


    This week, in honour of the late, great Jerry Stiller (aka Frank Costanza in Seinfeld), Natasha and I discuss the best TV show in history, how it brought us together and some of Stiller’s most memorable moments as Costanza. Notes Ben Stiller’s sad announcement on Twitter Seinfeld on IMDb Festivus on Wikipedia Source for featured … Continue reading "25. Stiller the Best with Special Guest Natasha Kandilas Feld"

    24. Music as a Time Machine with Special Guest Pete Destry

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2020


    Now that restrictions on visiting others have been relaxed a bit in New South Wales, Pete joined me on the rumination lounge to discuss the power that music has to transport us to different times and places. Notes Middle of Nowhere — 1997 album by Hanson MMMBop — music video by Hanson Glider — 1994 … Continue reading "24. Music as a Time Machine with Special Guest Pete Destry"

    23. Ending on a High

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2020


    How many things that you enjoy manage to end on a high? In this episode, we explore an example of Australian cultural cringe, a persistent pop-culture icon and someone who quit when the time was right. (Not to mention, this podcast now includes MP3 chapter artwork as a nice, little extra, so check out the … Continue reading "23. Ending on a High"

    22. Quantifying Yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2020


    How do fans respond to the release of something that doesn’t fit their expectations? How is the current pandemic affecting podcasting? What does it mean to quantify yourself today and is it good for you? Notes ‘Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro: A New Breed of Laptop’ — MacStories review by Federico Viticci ‘The heavy truth … Continue reading "22. Quantifying Yourself"

    21. Discussing Sibling Relationships with Special Guest Jodie Feld

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2020


    This week, my younger sister Jodie joins me on the podcast to discuss growing up, the habits that stick with us and the argument of nature versus nurture. Notes Freiburg im Breisgau in Baden-Württemberg, Germany on Wikipedia Wolfenstein 3D (1992 game) on Wikipedia Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (2004 game) on Wikipedia Two siblings … Continue reading "21. Discussing Sibling Relationships with Special Guest Jodie Feld"

    20. What’s Your Type?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2020


    Typography surrounds us—yet so many people ignore it. By paying better attention to type, how can we better appreciate its influence on us and how we communicate? Notes Never Use Futura (2017 book) by Douglas Thomas ‘390- Fraktur’ from 99% Invisible podcast by Roman Mars Helvetica (2007 documentary) by Gary Hustwit on Vimeo iA Writer … Continue reading "20. What’s Your Type?"

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