The life-changing magic of touching stuff
Summary
David Pierce interviews Ian Bogost about his book *The Small Stuff*, which argues that modern convenience has caused a loss of sensory connection to the physical world. Bogost suggests finding "gratification" in small tactile interactions rather than rejecting technology entirely, distinguishing his view from "friction maxing." The episode also covers Microsoft layoffs, new Nothing earbuds, and FCC broadband fee regulations.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Ian Bogost and his book The Small Stuff
Tech news: Microsoft layoffs, Meta, Nothing earbuds, and ISPs
Sponsors: Indeed and Duracell
The loss of sensory texture: Physical vs. digital tickets
Communing with objects and the concept of gratification
Dematerialization beyond smartphones: Faucets and appliances
Finding joy in mundane objects and overcoming digital compulsion
Efficiency vs. difficulty: Why we shouldn't reject convenience
Sponsors: Shopify, Superhuman, Rippling, and Granola
ASMR, social media, and finding gratification in digital spaces
AI, automation, and the value of the creative process
Capitalism, happiness, and the surplus of sensory encounters
Ian Bogost's DIY smart doorbell project
Outro and listener engagement
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