Central Division

Central Division 111: The Changing City Feb 25, 2023

We're back out in the open with our 111th episode. We hit the hard topics and talk about changing cities, the dangers of nostalgia, crisis communications and Belgians Shoes.

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Central Divison 042: Inherited Wisdom Jun 24, 2021

We’re back and talk about Father’s Day and what we learned from our dads. We also revisit the enduring coffee dilemma and consider the appeal of underdog sports teams.

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Central Division 041: Heat Wave Jun 07, 2021

It’s getting warmer in the big town and morale is already suffering.

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Central Division 040: Moving Day Jun 01, 2021

Coggins decamps to a new HQ. Williams completes his victory tour of the East Coast.

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Central Division 039: The Reunion Tour May 25, 2021

Michael makes his triumphant return to the big town, and we sit down for our first in-person pod.

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Central Division 038: The Vs. Issue May 18, 2021

Hard hitting decisions on the big topics of the day: We start with Bronco vs. Blazer, gelato vs. ice cream and we go from there.

Central Division 037: In Season May 10, 2021

Coggins returns from the Left Coast, while Williams dusts off the Delta app and plots his triumphant return to the Big Town. We also take time to get ready for a big summer and speculate about Casino vs. Goodfellas.

Central Division 036: A Time for Optimism May 05, 2021

The Optimist is here, so we celebrate David’s big day. He talks about the book, being illustrated in the New Yorker and what it’s like letting something you’ve worked on go out into the world.

Central Division 035: Miscalculations Apr 28, 2021

We talk about bad decisions, the road not taken and the dangers of midnight eBay.

Episode 034: The Art of Asking Apr 22, 2021

Today we answer questions from followers / listeners / friends of Central Division. Enjoy!

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Episode 033: The Live/Work Balance Apr 13, 2021

We pour out an artisanal saké for Hideki’s inspiring Masters win and his equally amazing caddy (and Coggins bravely manages not to cry). Then we consider the home office, co-working discontents and the infuriating WeWork documentary. Finally we ask when is the best time to work, write and start a newsletter.

Episode 032: The Left Coast Apr 05, 2021

Our West Coast Correspondent talks about life on the Left Coast—valets, tennis, Sqrl, traffic. We also talk Balthazar, Buffet (Jimmy) and bars (mediocre).

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Episode 031: The Store Front Mar 30, 2021

What makes a good store? Why do we like them and why are they so hard to find? We discuss our favorites and ones we miss.

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Episode 030: Playing Through Mar 30, 2021

This week we talk about diversions and the highs and lows of spring break. Then we discuss Michael’s big, big news: The launch of ACL Golf! Coming to a screen near you.

Episode 029: Spring Training Mar 19, 2021

This week we discuss the difference between the seasons in New York and LA, when jelly beans were still good, the joys of Riesling Season™ and which Italians can get away with white jeans or black shoes.

Episode 028: Out of Office Mar 08, 2021

David’s back on the Delta app and he’s headed out to the Bahamas to fish the flats. Loyal listeners continue to send in corrections and alert us to our mistakes from previous podcasts. We talk travel, the places we are missing, what we plan to do when life ever gets back to normal and offer some tips on buying a Rimowa. Bon voyage!

Episode 027: Predictions Mar 08, 2021

This week we address the continuing fallout of Michael’s genetically modified Sumo scandal. Then we make some predictions about the future of dressing, of New York, about high-speed rail, and who will win the Masters.

Episode 026: Enthusiasms Mar 01, 2021

This week we talk about what we’re into at the moment, like the Spelling Bee, a really good orange (which we now know is not GMO) and smart dress socks. We also consider futurism in film, David Mamet’s correspondence and the correct color for an old car.

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Episode 025: The Road Trip Feb 19, 2021

This week Coggins checks in from down South and we discuss road trips, speeding and Snyder’s pretzels. Michael reports from his new standing desk and explains what’s going on with Clubhouse. And we discuss the delicate case of buying furniture when you’re part of a couple.

Episode 024: Office Space Feb 10, 2021

This week we discuss the pleasure and intensity of working from home. We’re all reconsidering our relationship to the physical office and even to work itself. We talk about the evils of cubicles, lunch at your desk and using Zoom as a verb. Coggins also gets in to some details of balancing privacy with his writing process.

Episode 023: Some Theories Feb 06, 2021

A theory can be a blessing and a curse, it provides wisdom so easily that you might accept one before thinking it out. We discuss the difference between theories and guidelines. Naturally we offer some thoughts—about restaurants, dressing, travel, social media—that we’ve refined over the years. You can accept them without fear. Trust us!

Episode 022: The Social Media Spectacular Jan 25, 2021

Don’t be afraid. It’s just a little lighthearted analysis of social media—how we use it in our lives, why it infuriates us, and how it can be a good tool. With a few detours to Pitti and Tokyo (naturally). Enjoy!

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Episode 021: New and Improved Jan 21, 2021

We discuss worthwhile improvements, from coffee makers to cars. When is it good to graduate to the next level and when should we stay with something trusted? Also: How do we incorporate enlightened objects into our everyday lives? From wine glasses to fountain pens to umbrellas.

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Episode 020: The Midwesterners Jan 12, 2021

We celebrate a big win for Michael’s beloved Cleveland Browns, salute the Middle West and hometown affiliations. Then we talk about escapism, travel and dreams of Argentina.

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Episode 019: Origin Stories Jan 06, 2021

This week we think about new years, good beginnings and bad resolutions. Then, what you’ve all been waiting for, the Michael Williams origin story. How a kid from Cleveland showed up in the big town, made his way into the PR game and did it his way. It’s a great story and explains a lot about the man himself.

This episode was my idea, Michael was reluctant to do it and doesn’t enjoy this flattery. Just so we’re clear about that. -David