The Joy of Touching Grass (and Knobs, Buttons, and Boarding Passes)
Summary
Brett McKay interviews Ian Bogost about his new book, *The Small Stuff*, which explores the overlooked joy of tactile interactions with the physical world. Bogost distinguishes between happiness, satisfaction, and gratification, arguing that modern automation and digitization are eroding these small, sensory moments of connection. The discussion covers examples like manual transmissions and physical menus, urging listeners to embrace acceptance rather than forced attention to reclaim these everyday pleasures.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Shopify and Factor Meals
Introduction to Ian Bogost and The Small Stuff
The nostalgia and connection of manual transmissions
Defining happiness, satisfaction, and gratification
Acceptance vs. attention in finding gratification
How automation and convenience reduce tactile experiences
The loss of physical controls in cars and vending machines
Using small goals to engage with gratifying encounters
Sponsors: Indeed, ButcherBox, Chime, and Superpower
The decline of tangible work in white-collar jobs
Sensory delights of old office tools like typewriters
Andy Rooney and finding truth in ordinary gripes
Seeking tactile experiences in paper tickets and playbills
The sensory experience of paper boarding passes
Orthogonality and varying daily routines for engagement
Conclusion and sponsor: Flexcar
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