Supercharged

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102: Nanotechnology Apr 06, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we’re talking about nanotechnology! Questions/comments/tips? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD. Guest: Liam Broza (Bitscoop)

Links for this episode:

In race to improve batteries, nanotechnology provides hope
In the global race to create more efficient and long-lasting batteries, some are betting on nanotechnology—the use of minuscule parts—as the most likely to yield a breakthrough.
Graphene
What is it??
Nanomedicine
Nanomedicine is the medical application of nanotechnology.[1] Nanomedicine ranges from the medical applications of nanomaterials and biological devices, to nanoelectronic biosensors, and even possible future applications of molecular nanotechnology such as biological machines. Current problems for nanomedicine involve understanding the issues related to toxicity and environmental impact of nanoscale materials (materials whose structure is on the scale of nanometers, i.e. billionths of a meter).
Respirocyte
Respirocytes are hypothetical, microscopic, artificial red blood cells that can emulate the function of its organic counterpart, only with 200 times the efficiency, so as to supplement or replace the function of much of the human body's normal respiratory system. Still entirely theoretical, respirocytes would measure 1 micrometer in diameter. In the original paper by Robert Freitas, titled, "A Mechanical Artificial Red Blood Cell: Exploratory Design in Medical Nanotechnology" (1998), it was proposed that respirocytes would mimic the action of the natural hemoglobin-filled red blood cells.[1] The proposed design of the spherical nanorobot is made up of 18 billion atoms arranged as a tiny pressure tank, which would be filled up with oxygen and carbon dioxide,[2] making one complete transfer point at the lungs, and the reverse transfer at the body's tissues.
Optical neural interfaces.
Genetically encoded optical actuators and indicators have changed the landscape of neuroscience, enabling targetable control and readout of specific components of intact neural circuits in behaving animals. Here, we review the development of optical neural interfaces, focusing on hardware designed for optical control of neural activity, integrated optical control and electrical readout, and optical readout of population and single-cell neural activity in freely moving mammals.
Help David get a nickname!
On the real episode 100, Darren asked why I didn't have a nickname and he and Adam came up with "sub-bottom" for me, which I can't say that I'm crazy about. After thinking about it, it occurred to me that growing up I didn't really have a nickname that stuck (it was usually some abbreviation of my last name). I figured maybe I'd try to "crowd-source" getting a nickname for myself, so I'm looking to you guys for suggestions. What do you think?

No sponsor this week, so check out our other shows like What I Watched Last Night and the Awkward Human Survival Guide.

101: Supercharged's 100th Episode (Also Batteries) Mar 31, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we’re talking about Microsoft Build, Japanese Kit Kats, and batteries! Questions/comments/whatever? Visit awkward.email or just call/text 509-AWKWARD!

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Justice Department Officially Drops Lawsuit Against Apple in Ongoing iPhone Unlocking Dispute
Apple's ongoing fight with the U.S. government over an order that would require the company to unlock the iPhone 5c used by San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook has come to an end, after the Justice Department today announced plans to drop its case against Apple.
All the Important Things Microsoft Announced Today at Build 2016
Microsoft’s Build conference is always full of news about Windows, Office, Xbox, and other Microsoft products, and Build 2016 was no exception. We got a look at the newest Windows 10 update coming this summer, new features for the Xbox One, and updates the Windows Store. Here’s the best new stuff we saw.
Why All the Best Kit Kat Flavors Are Only in Japan
Wasabi, strawberry cheesecake, green tea, dark chocolate, sweet potato. What do these flavors have in common? They’re all KitKat varieties exclusive to Japan. But how did the crispy, break-associated candy get so popular overseas?
How Batteries Work
Batteries have been around longer than you may think. In 1938, archaeologist Wilhelm Konig discovered some peculiar clay pots while digging at Khujut Rabu, just outside of present-day Baghdad, Iraq. The jars, which measure approximately 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) long, contained an iron rod encased in copper and dated from about 200 B.C. Tests suggested that the vessels had once been filled with an acidic substance like vinegar or wine, leading Konig to believe that these vessels were ancient batteries. Since this discovery, scholars have produced replicas of the pots that are in fact capable of producing an electric charge. These "Baghdad batteries" may have been used for religious rituals, medicinal purposes, or even electroplating.
Why must you alternate plus and minus when inserting batteries?
Why do electronic devices require you to insert batteries so that you alternately have the plus and minus ends on top? In other words, why do you never see (except in a flashlight) all of the "+" signs at the top and the "–" signs at the bottom or vice versa?
How to Prolong Lithium-based Batteries
Discover what causes Li-ion to age and what the battery user can do to prolong its life.
Battery Myths vs. Battery Facts
Several battery myths and facts, including whether or not freezing batteries is useful (it's not).

Like this show? We make other shows! For instance, What I Watched Last Night (or WIWLN for short). Check it out!

100: Shockhammer's 100th Episode Mar 24, 2016

Show notes

This week on Shockhammer we’re talking about Apple’s stupid event, Hulk Hogan, and Microsoft's new AI. Questions/comments/tips? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD.

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Microsoft’s new AI-powered bot Tay answers your tweets and chats on GroupMe and Kik
Microsoft has unveiled an A.I.-powered chat bot called Tay.ai, which was built by the Microsoft Technology and Research and Bing teams, with the goal of conducting real-world research on conversational understanding, the company says. The bot, which is aimed at 18 to 24 year olds in the U.S., currently works over a variety of popular social applications, including Twitter, Kik, and GroupMe.
Everything Apple Announced at Its iPhone SE Event Today That Actually Matters
Apple held a special event today where they they announced a new, smaller iPhone, a new iPad model, and a few software updates. Let’s take a look at what’s coming.
The Hogan Verdict
Head of Gawker Nick Denton responds to the verdict.

This episode is sponsored by the awesome people at Squarespace!

99: The Future: An Introduction Mar 17, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we’re talking about smartphone storage, Anonymous, and the future! Questions/comments? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD! Send stuff in for our 100th episode, too!

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Uber's new ‘Family Profiles' lets one person pay for up to 10 riders
Share on Facebook (71) Tweet Share (44) Pin (2) Cellular companies have the "family plan," and now Uber has "family profiles," in which one person can pay for rides for up 10 family members, friends, or coworkers. The company announced Wednesday that it would be testing the new payment system in Atlanta, Dallas, and Phoenix. The idea came from feedback from riders who wanted a way to consolidate trip payments under one account, Uber says.
Microsoft’s official website for Edge Extensions goes live ahead of official release
Microsoft is expected to release Extensions for Edge to Insiders sometime soon. The company has been planning to bring this feature to users for a while now, and it’s finally ready for testing. Today, the company published the official landing page for Microsoft Edge’s Extensions ahead of the official launch of the feature. This same web page leaked a while ago, but Microsoft pulled it. Similarly, Microsoft will probably pull it this time, too.
Airbnb to Let Neighbors Give Feedback on Hosts, `Party Houses'
Airbnb Inc. will soon give people renting out rooms and homes through its website a better way to find out how the strangers showing up at their properties are behaving.
Skype for Web – now call mobile phones and landlines, plus so much more
Last year we brought you a web version of Skype which lets you get straight to your Skype conversations from any computer. Skype for Web is great whether you’re using a shared computer that doesn’t have Skype downloaded, or you just prefer using a web version instead of a downloaded app.
PlayStation VR hands-on: the $399 headset is comfortable, sturdy, and holds its own
How does it feel to wear the PlayStation VR? Sony invited the press to try the final design for the headset today in San Francisco. Broadly speaking, the most affordable high-end consumer virtual reality headset feels comfortable and accessible.
SanDisk's 256GB Flash Storage is Possible Option for iPhone 7 Plus
Following a rumor that Apple may sell an iPhone 7 Plus with 256GB storage, Italian website HDblog has shared pictures of a SanDisk 256GB NAND flash memory chip that could be appropriate for the next-generation smartphone.
Anonymous declares 'total war' on Donald Trump
Donald Trump is in the sights of hacktivist collective Anonymous again. On March 4th the group posted a video declaring "total war" on the presidential candidate. It hopes to not only bring down many of Trump's sites, but also halt his presidential bid by uncovering and exposing embarrassing information. "We need you to shut down his campaign and sabotage his brand," said a Guy Fawkes-masked individual in the video.
How Do I Block Unwanted Text Messages on My Cellphone?
Dear Lifehacker, I'm getting stupid texts from people I don't even know and I can't get them to stop. It's costing me money! What can I do to block them from texting me?

Our friends at Squarespace have answered our wish and returned as a sponsor! Also, check out WIWLN.

98: ASH: Artificial Sexual Harassment Mar 11, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we’re talking about Amazon’s upcoming additions to the Echo family, sexually harassing a robot, and Android N! Questions/comments? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD!

Links for this episode:

Waze 4.0 Brings a New Interface, Smart Reminders, ETA Panel and More
Waze, one of our favorite mapping apps, released a new version version for Android today. Waze 4.0 comes with a brand new interface, smart reminders based on your calendar events, and a lot more.
Apple Sends Invites for 'Let Us Loop You In' Media Event on March 21
Apple today sent out invites for a media event that will be held on Monday, March 21 at the company's Town Hall auditorium located on its 1 Infinite Loop campus in Cupertino, California, reports BuzzFeed. As with most Apple media events, it will kick off at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
Apple Pulls 'FlexBright', Says iOS Apps That Adjust Display Temperature Aren't Allowed
Earlier this week, we shared a blue-light reduction app called FlexBright, which worked similarly to Apple's own Night Shift mode. Apple initially approved the app, which was able to adjust the screen temperature for the entire iPhone, but after it garnered attention following our post, Apple pulled it from the App Store.
Pre-Order Amazon's New Echo Dot Without An Echo or Fire TV
Amazon’s two new Alexa devices look pretty neat, but Amazon has restricted how you can buy the Echo Dot. Here’s how you can get around that restriction.
B&N Is Shutting Down One of Its Top Three Digital Blunders on 15 March
Barnes & Noble announced a slew of of closures on Thursday, including Nook Video, the UK Nook Store, and what had to have been one of B&N's greatest digital mistakes.
AMD wants to standardize the external GPU
AMD hints that it's working on a new external graphics card solution that promises to be "the answer" to "ultrathin" laptop gaming, according to technical marketing head Robert Hallock.
All the New Features Coming in Android N
Google just took the wraps off of the developer preview for “Android N,” the next version of Android. Even better, it’s available now. There are ton of new features, including a huge one we’ve been wanting for a while: multi-window support for phones and tablets. Here are the highlights from today’s announcement.
See That Billboard? It May See You, Too
Pass a billboard while driving in the next few months, and there is a good chance the company that owns it will know you were there and what you did afterward.
Microsoft's Cortana Gets Sexually Harassed, But She Fights Back
You don’t have to show any skin to be sexually harassed — and you don’t even have to be human to be the subject of offensive, suggestive commentary, it seems.
FBI could force us to turn on iPhone cameras and microphones, says Apple
Eddy Cue warns precedent set by San Bernardino case could lead to company being forced to turn users’ smartphones into surveillance devices.

This week's episode is sponsored by the good folks at Bushel

97: Nothing Happened This Week Mar 03, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we’re talking about Amazon Echo’s web portal, Apple’s latest FBI BS, and society’s relationship with the truth! Questions/comments? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD.

Links for this episode:

New York Judge Rules U.S. Government Can't Force Apple to Unlock an iPhone
MacRumors: "Alongside its battle with the U.S. government over an order to break into the iPhone used by San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook, Apple has also been embroiled in a dispute over a similar case in New York. In late 2015, the Department of Justice asked a NY federal magistrate judge to order Apple to help authorities gain access to an iPhone seized as evidence in a drug trafficking case."
How to Control Your Amazon Echo from the Web (Instead of a Cramped Smartphone App)
HowToGeek: "The Amazon Echo has a fantastic little feature that most people are unaware of: a robust web-based control panel that makes modifying and interacting with the Echo a breeze."
Square Cash’s Fast Payments App Can Now Hold A Balance
TechCrunch: "Square Cash, the peer-to-peer payments app that aims to replace cash by offering instant deposits, rolled out another feature today that better positions the app to challenge competitors like PayPal and Venmo: the ability to maintain a cash balance. That is, users can now choose to switch on an optional “Cash Drawer” to hold onto money in the app, similar to other digital wallets. The addition will make the app more useful to merchants who prefer to maintain a cash balance in their accounts, as they would on PayPal or elsewhere."
Deutsche Telekom puts sale of T-Mobile US on hold: sources
Reuters: "Deutsche Telekom has put the sale of T-Mobile US (TMUS.O) on hold to deal with an upcoming auction of radio airwaves, giving potential suitors time to wait for a more favorable political environment toward telecoms mergers, two sources said."

Go check out the What I Watched Last Night podcast!

96: Penetration Testing Feb 24, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we’re talking about 5G wireless internet, Yahoo’s decline, and Apple versus the FBI! Questions/comments? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD!

Links for this episode:

What's some good techy things you could do to secure your home?
I read about the Skybell, but what are some other things that could help secure your home. Also, I have some old laptops I want to use for surveillance, but what is some good software to set-up motion detection?
An update on Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book
Building devices people love is what drives our team. It’s why we come in to work every morning and it’s what keeps us up at night. And feedback from our customers is really important to the team and to me personally. I read the blogs, I read the comments, I read social media, I read the forums…and so does the team. We love the energy. We’re listening and channeling that feedback directly into our products. Today we’re releasing an update to continue to address that feedback.
Siri Coming to the Mac Menu Bar in OS X 10.12 Later This Year
Siri will make its long-anticipated debut on Mac in OS X 10.12 later this year, following over three years of testing, according to 9to5Mac. The report claims Siri will have an icon in the OS X menu bar, and users will also be able to set a keyboard shortcut and configure other settings through System Preferences.
Popular Display-Tweaking App f.lux Is Coming To Android, Available Now In Beta (Root Required)
There are various apps on Android that promise to alter the color temperature of your screen at night to promote better sleep, but the popular desktop app f.lux has thus far not been among them. This is about to change, though. A beta version of f.lux for Android is available for download right now, but it does require root.
Amazon Sounds Death Knell for Hoverboards By Suddenly Pulling Them From Its Site
Colleges banned them from their campuses, airlines banned them from their planes, your mom banned them from her dang house—along with Ryan, who’s still as no-good as ever—and now, Amazon has banned them from its store. Mashable reported Wednesday that “all hoverboards, regardless of brand, [have been] scrubbed from the site.”
Facebook Is Rolling Out New "Angry," "Love," and Other Reactions Beyond "Like"
You know how you’ve wanted a “Dislike” button on Facebook for forever? Good news! You’re not getting it. But you are getting something like it. Starting today Facebook is rolling out Reactions, which include Love, Haha, Wow, Sad, and Angry. Have fun. Read more here.
The ax falls at Yahoo
Yahoo is shutting down a number of its content verticals, Yahoo global editor in chief Martha Nelson confirmed on Wednesday.
What is 5G and How Will It Make My Life Better?
Everybody loves speedy internet, so it’s no surprise that every major telecom in the world is working to make it even faster. Smartphones, watches, homes, and cars are increasingly requiring stable internet connections. In order to pipe in enough bandwidth for that precious wireless feed, we’re going to need an entirely new form of wireless signal—that’s where 5G comes in.
How to Become an Ethical Hacker
Do viruses, DDoS attacks, or buffer overflows tickle your fancy? If so, you might consider becoming a legal hacker, aka an ethical hacker, "white hat" hacker, or penetration tester.

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95: Build It Beautiful Feb 18, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we’re talking about Apple’s many problems, video game refunds, and Android Wear! Questions/comments? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD!

Links for this episode:

'Gmailify' Gives Dissatisfied Yahoo and Outlook Users Gmail Features
Google is now offering Yahoo and Hotmail/Outlook users the opportunity to “Gmailify” their accounts. It might be shocking to the Gmail-centric mainstream, but there are millions of people still using these email services. Not only do they use them—but they use them with the Gmail app their iOS and Android devices.
How to Take Your Timeline Back from All of Twitter’s Weird Changes, Ads, and Promoted Tweets
Twitter has been on a tear making tons of changes that its users never asked for. From today’s new “best of” module, to promoted tweets, and “while you were away,” it’s all cruft to someone who just wants a clean stream to read. Here’s how to take your timeline back.
Apple USB-C Charge Cable Replacement Program
A limited number of Apple USB-C charge cables that were included with MacBook computers through June 2015 may fail due to a design issue. As a result, your MacBook may not charge or only charge intermittently when it’s connected to a power adapter with an affected cable.
Apple’s working on an update to stop people deliberately bricking their iPhones
Apple has said it’s going to roll out an update that stops people from deliberately rendering their iOS devices useless by setting the time and date back to a specific point.
Donald Trump Criticizes Apple for Opposing iPhone 'Backdoor' Order: 'Who Do They Think They Are?'
Donald Trump, a leading Republican candidate in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections, has spoken out against Apple's refusal to help the FBI access data on an iPhone 5c used by shooter Syed Farook in the 2015 San Bernardino attacks.
Why You Should Care About Apple’s Fight With the FBI
The FBI wants Apple’s help to investigate a terrorist attack. Apple says providing this help is the real danger. We’ve reached a boiling point in the battle between tech companies and the government over encryption. And what happens will affect anyone who uses a smartphone, including you.
Read Apple’s unprecedented letter to customers about security
Apple has spoken a lot over the past year about how much it values the security of its customers' data, but it wasn't until early this morning that Apple really took a stand for it. Hours after a court order came down mandating that Apple assist law enforcement in breaking into a locked iPhone, Apple CEO Tim Cook published a long note on his company's website saying that Apple would oppose the order, which it viewed as "an unprecedented step which threatens the security of our customers."
No, you shouldn't get your money back for games you finished and loved
Why do you buy games? It seems like a simple question, but it has many answers. Do you want something that's going to last, or do you want to be told a story? Do you want to do something, or feel something? Or both? One fan of Campo Santo's Firewatch loved the game, but was thinking about getting their money back due to its length.
How to Set Up, Tweak, and Use Your Android Wear Watch
Android Wear is a rather useful addition to your arsenal of technology, but getting to know a completely new device can be overwhelming. Here’s everything you need to know about setting up, tweaking, and using your new Android Wear watch.
Forget the Facebook App: Use the Mobile Site for a Less Annoying Experience
Facebook’s Android and iPhone apps still aren’t great. The iPhone app has had bugs that cause it to drain battery in the background, and Facebook once even reportedly made its Android app crash on purpose. And don’t even get us started on the Android app’s permissions.

This episode is brought to you by the lovely folks at Squarespace!

94: Smartphone Psychology Feb 10, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we’re talking about Twitter’s new timeline, Amazon’s weird promotions, and smartphone psychology! Questions/comments? Visit awkward.email or call/text 509-AWKWARD!

Links for this episode:

Soup Kitchen
A short film by Darren Herczeg.
23andMe and Women’s Health Startup Celmatix Combine Forces To Research Genes Affecting Infertility
Humans have been having humans for hundreds of thousands of years as part of our genetic drive so it seems counter-Darwinian that some genes might work against our ability to make a baby. But that is exactly what certain genes might be doing, according to women’s health startup Celmatix, and they are now working with 23andMe to hopefully figure out why.
Apple Stores Now Offering Belkin Screen Protector Application
As of today, Apple Stores across the United States and around the world are offering a new system that allows Apple Store employees to apply Belkin-branded screen protectors for iPhone 6, 6s, 6 Plus, and 6s Plus customers. Many stores across the world began rolling out the Belkin ScreenCare+ Application System last week, but the system is officially available in retail stores starting this morning.
Gmail Will Now Warn You About Potentially Unsafe Messages with Two New Icons
You might see a new broken lock icon in Gmail messages starting today. It can warn you if you’re sending a message to an email service that doesn’t support encryption or if you received a message that wasn’t encrypted.
“Huge” number of Mac apps vulnerable to hijacking, and a fix is elusive
Apps that use 3rd-party updater over insecure HTTP channels subject to MiTM attacks.
The Gmail Sync Bug's Fix Is Rolling Out Over The Next Week, No App Updates Necessary
Some android users have been suffering from delayed or inexistent notifications since November. The issue mostly affects Gmail on Nexus devices running Marshmallow (but other apps, devices, and Android builds have also been reported). Two weeks ago, Gmail 5.10 rolled out but the updated app only fixed synchronization for Hotmail accounts, not other types and most importantly, not Gmail accounts. At the time, we knew that the more pervasive sync bug had been identified by the team, but that the fix hadn't been implemented yet.
New Bill Introduced in U.S. Congress to Block State-Level Efforts to Weaken Smartphone Encryption
A new bill introduced in U.S. Congress today by representatives Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Blake Farenthold (R-TX) would attempt to block state-level efforts to ban sales of strongly encrypted smartphones, reports Ars Technica.
'A hundred million people?' Missy Elliott promotes new single during Super Bowl advert for Amazon's Echo with Alec Baldwin
Missy Elliott promoted her latest single during a Super Bowl commercial on Sunday for Amazon's Echo speaker featuring Alec Baldwin.
Twitter Begins Rolling Out Algorithmic Timeline, Will Be Opt-In At First
Today, Twitter is beginning the biggest change to its service in years. Users will begin to see an algorithmic timeline over the next few weeks, as an alternative to the pure chronological view we have now.
Your iPhone Is Making You Depressed
It's been estimated that the average mobile phone user checks a device 150 times a day, and nearly a third of smartphone users admit that they're addicted to their devices. Everyone knows that having your nose in your phone is a pretty unhealthy habit, but new research suggests that it could even be a sign of depression.
Your Phone Knows If You're Depressed
You can fake a smile, but your phone knows the truth. Depression can be detected from your smartphone sensor data by tracking the number of minutes you use the phone and your daily geographical locations, reports a small Northwestern Medicine study.
Spend an hour on your smartphone daily? You could be depressed
Monitoring the length of time that volunteers spent on their phones and their movements showed whether they were depressed or not.
Nomophobia: Smartphone Addiction
With every passing day, technology is overtaking our daily lives. Regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, career or economic status, you're probably packing a smartphone right now. In fact, 56 percent of all Americans own one (link is external). The phone, computer, tablet and other high tech devices have become not just an object, but for many a best friend.
TalkSpace: Introducing Social Media Dependency Therapy
We all love Social Media, and we all wish we would use it just a bit less. Data suggests that we’re checking our phones an average of 150 times every day, and around 30% of the total time spent online is dedicated to Social Media.

This week's episode is sponsored by DawgCoin!

93: DawgCoin.cash Feb 05, 2016

Show notes

This week on Supercharged we’re talking about crappy LTE, bad communication, and DawgCoin! Questions/comments? Visit awkwardhuman.com/ask

Links for this episode:

DawgCoin
Darren's new "crypto currency."
The WHO Decalres Zika a Global Emergency
The World Health Organization has declared the Zika virus to be a global emergency to expedite research, popular email app Airmail arrives on iOS, Chipotle’s E. coli scare is over, and more in today’s news.
Amazon Is Adding Alexa to the Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
Alexa, the always-listening smart home assistant that lives in the Amazon Echo, is coming to the original Fire TV and the Fire TV Stick in the form of a software update.
USB-C cables are playing Russian Roulette with your laptop
Laptops are getting destroyed because of faulty wiring on cheap cords.
Microsoft Buys Swiftkey, Will Integrate Predictive Tech Into Its Keyboards
Today, Microsoft and SwiftKey made a joint announcement that the latter would be joining the former. Microsoft has acquired Swiftkey and will be implementing the company’s predictive technology into its products over the coming months.
US LTE Speeds Rank a Dire 55th Fastest in the World
If you want fast 4G, you should live in Singapore, New Zealand or Hungary. But perhaps most importantly, you should definitely not live in the US.
The Sony A6300 feels like it focuses faster than my eyes
Hands-on with Sony's newest mirrorless shooter.
You Suck at Communicating
Okay, okay. Maybe that’s a little harsh, but don’t take it personally, so do I. We spend the entirety of our waking hours communicating?—?verbally and visually; with our actions and even with our inaction; to colleagues, clients, customers, friends and loved ones. So why are we so horrible at doing so?
Seven Destructive Habits that Kill Solid Communication
Your partner drops the ball and forgets to pay rent on time. You’re hit with a late fee. The practical thing to do? Come up with a solution so it doesn’t happen again. But you’re angry, so instead, you criticize your partner, and a fight erupts. Criticizing is one of seven common habits that can destroy healthy communication.
How to Listen When Your Communication Styles Don't Match
Why do people who consider themselves good communicators often fail to actually hear each other? Often it’s due to a mismatch of styles: To someone who prefers to vent, someone who prefers to explain seems patronizing; explainers experience venters as volatile.
How Can I Improve My Listening Skills?
I'm a terrible listener. I want to do better, but I have trouble paying attention. I miss what people say a lot and end up embarrassing myself and offending them. How can I become a better listener for everyone's sake?
Email Writing Values: Clarity Is Key
You know those emails you read once, read again, and still aren't sure what the sender's trying to say? It's annoying, right? We all recognize a terrible email when we get one, but we're often guilty of the same email sins ourselves.

This week's episode is sponsored by Squarespace!

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