In this episode of Generations, we dive into a mix of topics, from life updates to fandom deep dives. We kick things off with some behind-the-scenes podcast improvements and a shout-out to Audio Hijack before discussing the latest in our personal lives. Aubrey shares her packed schedule balancing work and classes, while Peter reflects on workplace stress and his latest reading adventures, including The Lost Metal and Think: A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy.

The discussion then shifts to Dungeons & Dragons, as Peter recounts the challenges of running a heist-based campaign and the group's struggle with strategic thinking. The episode's main event, however, is the two of us taking the Knights Radiant quiz to determine which order they belong to, leading to some fun surprises and in-depth analysis of our results.

On the music front, we geek out over Spiritbox, sharing excitement for an upcoming concert and reacting to the band's latest single, with a live first-time listen from Aubrey. We discuss the band's Grammy nomination, past Patreon exclusives, and the horror-inspired themes in their music.

The show wraps up with a discussion on the Little Red Dots discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope, which could either be ancient dwarf galaxies or remnants of supermassive black holes. We also touch on the state of the medical field and the broader societal climate, emphasizing the need for kindness and community in challenging times.

Key Takeaways

Audio Hijack is an essential tool for podcasters using Macs.

The Knights Radiant quiz led to fascinating discussions about identity and personality traits.

Spiritbox continues to push boundaries in the metal scene, and their upcoming album looks to be heavier than ever.

The James Webb Space Telescope is revealing strange and unexplained cosmic phenomena.

The medical field faces serious challenges, and we all need to support each other in tough times.

🎵 GENERATIONS: The Concert Chronicles 🎵

Ever had a concert experience that gave you chills? This week, Aubrey and Peter dive deep into the electrifying world of live music, sharing stories that'll have you reliving your own favorite shows!

From earth-shaking metal performances to hip-hop spectacles, our hosts bare their souls about the concerts that changed their lives – and a few that didn't quite hit the mark.

Peter takes us on a journey through:

• The mind-bending intensity of Neurosis that left an indelible mark on his soul

• His passionate pilgrimage following Rush across venues and through the years

• A poetic pandemic story, bracketed by the cosmic sounds of Cult of Luna and Yob

Aubrey lights up remembering:

• An unforgettable night with Tyler, the Creator, Vince Staples, and Kali Uchis bringing St. Louis to life

• Her gateway into concert culture with Twenty-One Pilots

• The anticipation building for an upcoming dream lineup featuring Kendrick Lamar and SZA

But it's not all standing ovations! Our hosts keep it real with some memorable letdowns:

• Iron Maiden battling against venue acoustics (and losing)

• Megadeth showing their age in all the wrong ways

• Keith Urban's performance that felt more like a rehearsal than a show

Join us for an episode that celebrates the raw, unfiltered magic of live music – from the transcendent highs to the occasional lows. Because whether you're a metalhead, hip-hop enthusiast, or country fan, nothing beats the thrill of seeing your favorite artists in the flesh!

🎧 Press play and relive the magic with us! 🎧

It's a new year, and on this episode of Generations, we talk about our plans for 2025, focusing on our goals and themes. We discuss our methods for tracking our progress, what some of those goals are, and how we think last year went.

• Aubrey discusses the start of the new semester and her excitement about returning to school and wedding planning.

• Peter reflects on a tough start to the year due to work challenges.

Wedding Planning Updates:

• Aubrey shares that she has chosen her wedding dress and secured a venue and photographer, expressing relief at having major tasks completed.

• She mentions creating a detailed master spreadsheet with her fiancé Hayden to track wedding planning progress.

New Year Reflections:

• The hosts reject the idea of New Year's resolutions, opting instead for broader yearly themes and systems to guide personal growth.

• Peter reflects on his 2024 theme, the "Year of Improved Health," and evaluates its successes and challenges.

• For 2025, Peter introduces his new theme, the "Year of Conscious Action," emphasizing mindfulness and intentionality in daily actions.

Aubrey's Themes and Goals for 2025:

• With significant life changes ahead--graduation, moving, and marriage--Aubrey focuses on being present in the moment and reducing anxiety.

• Her goals are categorized into academic, physical, mental, and relationship-focused areas. She emphasizes simplicity and achievability in her goal-setting.

Daily Routines and Habit Tracking:

• Peter discusses his efforts to optimize his morning routine, including journaling and habit tracking, to create a more intentional start to his day.

• He reflects on his use of the "Theme System Journal" for structured reflection and gratitude practices.

• Peter recommends habit-tracking apps, specifically highlighting Strides and Atomic Habit Tracker, explaining their features and benefits.

Aubrey's Habit Practices:

• Aubrey shares her experience using the Eden app for habit tracking but emphasizes the importance of separating habits from larger goals.

• She revisits her love of using GoodNotes on her iPad to organize her goals in a simple, structured format.

Other Topics:

• Aubrey shares her excitement about publishing her astrophysics research, which involved coding a program to simulate supermassive black hole growth.

• Peter comments on recent trends in continuous glucose monitoring and daily hormone testing, cautioning against unnecessary data overload for non-diabetic individuals.

Aubrey and Peter dive into the highs and lows of cardio workouts, reflecting on personal experiences from marathons to boxing, while dishing on the best (and worst) Peloton instructors. The father-daughter duo also brings their signature mix of science and wit, exploring how machine learning and quantum physics intersect and tackling the testosterone therapy trend.

Episode Highlights:

- Finals Week Triumphs: Aubrey wraps up her toughest semester yet with marathon study sessions and shares how her professor's grading curve saved her thermodynamics grade.

- Cardio Confessions: The hosts bond over their love-hate relationship with cardio. From Peter’s treadmill marathon misery to Aubrey’s sprints-and-boxing endurance battles, they get real about what works and what doesn’t.

- Peloton Picks: A hilarious breakdown of Peloton instructors they love (Ally Love, Tunde Oyeneyin, Dennis Morton) and those they… don’t (sorry, Robin Arzón and Alex Toussaint).

- Fitness Alternatives: Peter shares his passion for rucking and jump rope, proving there’s more to cardio than running.

- Quantum Physics Meets Machine Learning: Aubrey explains how neural networks are advancing quantum state modeling and why quantum computers could unlock the future of physics.

- Testosterone Therapy PSA: Peter, a urologist, debunks myths about testosterone replacement, calling out online clinics and urging men to prioritize lifestyle changes over quick fixes.

Key Points

- Fitness is about finding what works for you—even if cardio isn’t your favorite.

- Advances in quantum physics and machine learning are reshaping what we know about the universe.

- Beware of trendy health solutions—there’s no substitute for putting in the work.

In this special episode, Peter, Aubrey, and guest co-host Jess gather in person for an engaging conversation. From nostalgic memories of early podcast days to intriguing science and health facts, this episode is packed with insights and fun. Tune in to hear:

Podcast Highlights:

• How each host discovered podcasts and their favorite shows, including Dear Hank and John, Science Vs., and Worlds Beyond Number.

• The evolution of podcast apps and listening habits--remember the days of syncing iPods?

• Recommendations for science, tech, and storytelling podcasts.

Science Tidbits:

• Aubrey dives into dark matter research, sharing how scientists are on edge, waiting for a supernova that could help unravel one of the universe's greatest mysteries.

• A fun fact about axions and their potential connection to dark matter--plus why timing is critical for detection!

Health and Fitness:

• Peter shares surprising data on the connection between walking and a reduced risk of prostate cancer, as well as why staying active benefits overall health.

• A reminder: It's not about perfection in fitness; it's about finding movement you enjoy.

A Personal Connection:

• Reflections on why Peter and Aubrey started their podcasts and the joy of exploring shared interests with friends and family.

Whether you're here for podcast inspiration, fascinating science, or practical health advice, this episode has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this lively and thoughtful discussion!

On this episode of Generations, co-hosts Peter and Aubrey reflect on their recent experiences and favorite tech tools that keep them productive and inspired. From apps that help them stay organized to cosmic discoveries, this episode is packed with engaging insights.

Highlights:

Aubrey's Life Updates & Tech Favorites

• Discusses the challenges of moving while juggling school and work.

• Shares how Stardew Valley has been a source of comfort during tough times.

• Explores the versatility of GoodNotes, her go-to app for:

• Handwritten notes on her iPad.

• Homework, lecture annotations, and planning.

• Keeping her academic life organized with colorful, customizable notebooks.

Peter's Tech Tools & Writing Journey

• Talks about using Obsidian for National Novel Writing Month, replacing Scrivener for its seamless sync across devices.

• Highlights how Apple's ecosystem simplifies work and creativity through integration between devices.

• Recommends tools like Fantastical for calendar organization and Unread for triaging news and articles.

A Shared Love for the Apple Ecosystem

• Discuss how Apple devices streamline their productivity, syncing photos, notes, and calendars effortlessly.

• Peter touches on the power of software subscriptions and why they can be worth the investment.

Astro Fact of the Day

Aubrey shares a fascinating discovery: Two massive black holes orbiting each other at the center of a galaxy disrupt a massive gas cloud. This tidal disruption event led to a unique signal detected by NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which offers an awe-inspiring glimpse into the mysteries of the universe.

Tune in for tech insights, personal anecdotes, and a peek into the cosmos! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share. For feedback or topic suggestions, email us at feedback@generations.fm. See you in two weeks!

This week on "Generations", join Aubrey and Peter as they dive into Aubrey's recent boxing match experience, from intense preparation to the adrenaline-fueled fight night. Hear about the unexpected challenges, bloody noses, and the mental rollercoaster of competing in the ring. Peter offers a touching perspective as a concerned parent watching from the sidelines.

But the excitement doesn't stop there! Our hosts introduce two new segments:

1. Aubrey's Astro Corner: Get starstruck with a rare comet sighting visible to the naked eye.

2. Peter's Health Insights: Discover why your standing desk might not be the health savior you thought it was.

Plus, a teaser for writers: National Novel Writing Month is just around the corner!

Tune in for a knockout blend of personal stories, space wonders, and myth-busting health facts. Whether you're a boxing enthusiast, an astronomy buff, or just curious about the world around you, this episode has something for everyone!

Brace yourselves for a no-holds-barred political showdown on this week's Generations! Peter and Aubrey throw their gloves into the ring, tackling the hot-button issues that are shaping our world.

Fair warning: We're not pulling any punches with our opinions. If you're looking for a neutral take, you might want to sit this round out.

Before we dive into the political arena, catch up with the hosts:

- Peter shares tales from the frontlines of complex cancer surgeries

- Aubrey gives us the inside scoop on her intense prep for Fight Night 2024

Then, strap in as we dissect the latest presidential debate:

- Hear the candidates in their own words with exclusive audio clips

- Get our unfiltered reactions and analysis

Whether you're a political junkie or just trying to make sense of it all, this episode of Generations promises to be a knockout. Don't miss this ringside seat to the political bout of the year!