Shows
Take Back the DayFrictionSam overviews her recent problem solving endeavours including poop spatulas and pods for your ears. While deliberating on friction in our lives and how to remove it, we mention...
The incredible Shōgun miniseries.
Temu. They really don't need us to link to them.
Various Apple products. They, too, seem to be doing fine without our links.
The Station Eleven miniseries.
• Red Dead Redemption 2
• The Untitled Goose Game
2024-04-1048 min
Take Back the DayOceansOur intrepid explorers consider the world's many overlooked and dissapearing organisms, and how to think about changing environments while making more of what is already around us. Along the way, Sam and Simon mention:
The Cape Silverside, or "Sukkelvis" fish.
Else Bostelmann
The Schmidt Ocean Institute
Godzilla x Kong
Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams
Cave of Forgotten Dreams
Survive the Century
The How to Save a Planet podcast.
All We Can Save
Palworld
Love on the Spectrum
Saunas and their associated cold-water shenanigans. You don't need a link.
The Boy and the Heron
Vengeance
The Book...2024-01-3145 min
Take Back the DayGamesGames are fun. Work... not so much. Sam and Simon reconnect after many aeons spent not speaking on the internet to talk about games, and why they're fun and important in a way that work isn't and is. Along with other stuff. Things mentioned in this episode:
Hearthstone (don't you dare click that link).
Rabble - for tricking adults in the UK into exercising.
The Oatmeal and Matthew's awesome games, including:
Poetry for Neanderthals.
Honey Heist - be a goddamn bear.
FU - The Freeform Universal RPG system.
Bouldering.
Go - games don't get much gamesier than that.
...2024-01-1153 min
The Video StoreThe Comic Con EpisodeAfter a massive four days of meeting new friends at Comic Con Africa, we bring a special episode with some of our favourite people who came in to rent something.The Cosplayer - @cashmeretart | InstagramThe Writer - Sam Beckbessinger | Official siteThe Artist - @RastyKnayles | InstagramThe Filmmaker - @magiccamigo | InstagramRecommended Films/ShowsThe Dark Knight | Prime Video (Stream)Jurassic Park | Prime Video (Stream)50 First Dates | ShowMax (Stream)The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring | Prime...2023-10-031h 45
PAGECASTMoving to the UK by Sam Beckbessingerhinking of making the big move from South Africa to the UK? 🇬🇧📚 Join content creator Jenna Berkowitz as she chats with author Sam Beckbessinger about her latest book, a comprehensive and humorous guide to navigating the challenges and quirks of British life. Whether you're worried about visa requirements, finding a job, or how your kids (and pet iguana!) will adjust, Beckbessinger's got you covered. Her book offers practical tips, funny anecdotes, and thorough to-do lists to keep you on track. From the practicalities of finding a place to live to the cultural nuances of British life (yes, they really are obsessed...2023-10-0243 min
Just Reading with ThandolwethuReviewing: Moving to the UK by Sam Beckbessinger.Hello book lovers. 👋🏾📚💕 I am back with yet another book review. Today I’m reviewing a book by my ultimate fav, Sam. In this book Sam takes us through everything we need to know about making the move from SA to the UK. I truly enjoyed this one and would highly recommend it for those that are planning on moving to the UK or even just thinking about it for the future.2023-09-2915 min
PAGECASTGirls of Little Hope by Dale Halvorsen and Sam BeckbessingerWelcome to Pagecast, the book-centred podcast series presented by Jonathan Ball Publishers. In this episode, international best-selling South African author Lauren Beukes chats with Sam Beckbessinger and Dale Halvorsen, co-authors of Girls of Little Hope.
Three girls went into the woods. Only two came back, covered in blood and with no memory of what happened. Or did they? Being fifteen is tough – tougher when you live in a boring-ass small town in 1996.
Donna, Rae and Kat keep each other sane with the fervour of teen friendships, zine-making and some amateur sleuthing into the town's most enduring my...2023-07-1040 min
The Running VoyagerShafeeqah Gordon - A discussion on How to Make Trail Running More AccessibleSend us a textShafeeqah has been in the outdoor adventure industry for the past 7 years with almost half a decade’s worth of qualified experience in her feild. As a Salomon South Africa ambassador, she competed in many trail running events in and around South Africa.Shafeeqah is also the founder of the Outdoor Education Hub, they are an initiative focussed on equiping people with knowledge and educational tools for the outdoors - making it a fun and safe space for all to enjoy.You can find Shafeeqah in the mountains running, hi...2023-04-1743 min
Financial Feels with Onalerona MahlareEpi. 14: Money Management GamesJoin us today as we unpack and play 7 Money Management Games provided to us by the Author of "How To Handle Your Money Like A Fucking Adult", Sam Beckbessinger.2023-02-1337 min
Take Back the DayNextSam and Simon are together in a room, for a change, and discuss the impact of artificial intelligence, existential crises, and a range of other topics. Along the way they mention:
The Cope Zine (instructions on how to fold it below)
ChatGPT again.
Nick Cave's The Red Hand Files on ChatGPT
Francis Fukuyama and his theories on the progress of civilisation.
Irresistible the movie (one of the many things Simon could not remember).
Also Triangle of Sadness.
The incredible art of Fanie Buys.
Many games. Including World of Warcraft, Don't Starve Together, Mario Kart, Stardew Valley, League of...2023-01-1957 min
Take Back the DayUncannyFrom trippy breath work to commanding a robot army, Sam and Simon are getting ready for a super weird future with its various perils. While discussing their battle strategy they mention:
The Wim Hof breathing method
ChatGPT, of course.
Clean: The New Science of Skin and the Beauty of Doing Less by James Hamblin
Building A Virtual Machine inside ChatGPT by Jonas Degrave
Midjourney
Botto the autonomous artist.
(Thanks for the album art, DALL·E 2)2022-12-0758 min
Take Back the DayLoopSimon reads Sam a poem and our intrepid duo considers the best ways in which to treat our future selves, the tensions that keep life balanced, pros and cons of social media, and myriad other thingies. Along the way they mention:
Swan by Mary Oliver
Twitter's impending doom
No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Replay by Ken Grimwood
Stutz
Breath:The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor
2022-11-2354 min
Take Back the DayRewildingSam and Simon explore identity, how we change ourselves for each other, and what it means to push for making things better while appreciating the way things are. It's complicated. Along the way they mention:
Adventure Time!
Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond
Morning Pages
Ann Patchett
Clarkson's Farm
Wilding by Isabella Tree
The Jamison Valley
How Wolves Change Rivers
2022-10-2853 min
Take Back the DayEndureSam's robotic brain and Simon's tin heart contemplate practices such as writing, running, meditating - or antyhing else that curiously calls you to do it for its own sake - and what these commitments mean and ask from us as they curiously make their way into the other parts of our lives. Along the way they mention:
Return to Oz
Google Keep
Obsidian
Notion
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Jim Rogers
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
Eat and Run by Scott Jurek, Steve Friedman
The Hardrock 100
The Dreamachine
DeepDream
Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow...2022-10-1250 min
Easy Does It - A podcast by EasyEquitiesCooking up a great portfolio with Sven MeyerWe love it when a young INVSTR encourages people to save and invest. And our guest, Sven Meyer, is all about that at only 19 years of age at the time of recording.In the spirit of keeping things young and fresh, Sven and our host play a game of ‘Never Have I Ever’ to kick-off the chat, highlighting a few of the early lessons our guest has learned in his own investment journey.From goal-based investing to giving insight into how he learned to navigate finance jargon, as well as the 4% Rule he learned, this epis...2022-09-0621 min
PSG Financial ServicesFuture of managing personal finances in a Gen Z world: PSG Think Big SeriesSam Beckbessinger: Author and fintech entrepreneur Facilitated by Alishia Seckam: Broadcast and financial journalist.Almost everyone would say they want to build wealth and be financially independent, yet few of us ever get there. But what does financial savvy look like in a Gen Z world? Who better to share her thoughts than the author of the best-selling book Manage your money like a f*cking grown up.The series is a collection of dialogues with high-value speakers hosted by broadcast and financial journalist Alishia Seckam. Each topic addresses burning issues that are...2022-08-3030 min
JSEDirect with Simon BrownDividends, love them but be careful (#502)Simon Shares US June inflation 9.1%, and core inflation was also up a 5.7%! Still stage 4. Rand continues to weaken. Back backs between 4 July 2022 & 8 July 2022 Naspers JSE code: NPN) bought 659,095 shares at an average price of R2 648.3315/share for R1.745 billion (US$104.73 million). Prosus (JSE code: PRX) bought 6,240,339 PRX shares at an average price of €67.1361/share for €418.95 million (US$428.59 million). SARB now considers cryptocurrencies as a financial asset and will create regulations around them. This means cryptocurrencies can be listed on SA exchange platforms but the process will take 12-18 months. Dividends, love them but be careful. But we a...2022-07-1318 minWorldWide Markets with Simon BrownDividends, love them but be careful (#502)Simon Shares US June inflation 9.1%, and core inflation was also up a 5.7%! Still stage 4. Rand continues to weaken. Back backs between 4 July 2022 & 8 July 2022 Naspers JSE code: NPN) bought 659,095 shares at an average price of R2 648.3315/share for R1.745 billion (US$104.73 million). Prosus (JSE code: PRX) bought 6,240,339 PRX shares at an average price of €67.1361/share for €418.95 million (US$428.59 million). SARB now considers cryptocurrencies as a financial asset and will create regulations around them. This means cryptocurrencies can be listed on SA exchange platforms but the process will take 12-18 months. Dividends, love them but be careful. But we a...2022-07-1318 min
NB PublishersKwela Book Chat: Adulting 101 by Jen Thorpe with Sam BeckbessingerIn this episode of the NB Publishers podcast, Jen Thorpe helps us navigate the tricky terrain of adulthood and shares some great life hacks from her book Adulting 101. Sam Beckbessinger, author of Manage Your Money Like a Fucking Grownup, leads the discussion. This episode was recorded during an Exclusive Books webinar launch. Get your copy of Adulting 101 here: https://www.exclusivebooks.co.za/product/9780795710445
Sometimes (often!) it is hard to be an adult. Yes, you can go to bed as late as you want, but you have to make decisions all the time. You have bills to pay and taxes...2022-05-1253 min
Storyberries RadioHow To Tame A Monster - Read-Along Kids StoriesLwando's little sister often turns into a monster! How can he help her?
This is a short children's story written by Sam Beckbessinger at Book Dash. You can read along with this story at Storyberries.com by clicking here.
The story is read by Jade Maitre.
2021-09-2001 min
Stories for Earth: Climate Change in Pop CultureInterview: Sam Beckbessinger and Simon Nicholson of "Survive the Century"Sam Beckbessinger and Simon Nicholson are the co-creators of the climate video game Survive the Century, a choose-your-own-adventure style game where you make decisions about how to cover the climate crisis as the editor in chief of the most influential newspaper in the world. The game's third co-creator, Christopher Trisos, unfortunately wasn't able to join us.
I found this game to be really helpful for putting real climate scenarios into context, giving me a much better idea of the real implications of, say, a 1.5ºC warming scenario versus a 2ºC scenario. Plus, the headlines the game generates ca...2021-08-031h 05
Take Back the DayGarbageWhat gives things value, and how much should we be worried about that? Sam and Simon discover that everything is rubbish, and along the way mention:
Veblen goods
A lot of garbage things that don't deserve extra attention here
Cryptotrunks
Cryptokitties
Sir Digby
Vaccines: A Measured Response
Google Keep
Semiphemeral
📼
Bo Burnam
2021-07-2946 min
Take Back the DayTogetherProlific heat-thieves Sam and Simon talk about keeping shit together on this sixtieth episode of Take Back the Day. Things mentioned in this episode:
Radiolab's Kleptotherms podcast.
The Overstory by Richard Powers.
Sam's crazy productivity system (subscribe to her newsletter too).
Simon's silly ZARP website.
Survive the Century climate-change game.
The Secret to Superhuman Strength by Alison Bechdel.
Moss and their crypto carbon credits.
2021-05-1342 min
Cerita SaenasauqiRead Aloud-Kuda Nil Ingin Menari Karya Sam Beckbessinger, Megan Andrews, Marisa SteynEyza dan Bunda Read Aloud2021-04-2704 min
The Fat Wallet Show from Just One LapPassive income (242)A conversation on our excellent community group had me wondering why we’ve never dedicated a whole Fat Wallet to finding passive income streams outside of investments. It took about ten minutes for the realisation to dawn on me: true passive income is a myth. We often talk about side-hustles. “Hustle” is the operative word there, because we’re describing a second job. The appeal of working in your free time is the diversification of income streams and the potential to eventually earn your monthly income doing something you enjoy instead of your day job. True pass...2021-03-081h 01
Take Back the DayCyclesWhen do we self-sabotage? How do we break out of cycles? Can we form new habits? Why did Sam choose to move to a frigid, muddy island off the coast of Europe? We ponder all these questions and more in this episode of Take Back the Day, and along the way we mention:
Steven Pressfield and the War of Art.
Mr. Ferriss.
BF Skinner and his superstitious pigeons.
Atomic Habits by James Clear.
Ira Glass.
How to With John Wilson.
Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake.
2021-03-0538 min
Living While FeministS1 BONUS! - Manage Your Money Like a Fucking Feminist with Sam BeckbessingerToday on the podcast I’m talking with Sam Beckbessinger.Sam is the bestselling author of Manage Your Money Like a Fucking Grownup – a guide to help you take control of your money so you can take control of your life. As her website says “You’re going to earn plenty of money over your lifetime. Are you going to waste it on stupid crap that doesn’t make you happy, or let it buy your freedom and your most audacious dreams?” In 2020, Sam produced a second version of the book – Manage your Money Like a Gro...2020-12-1542 min
The Curious CultSam Beckbessinger - Creative Curiosity and Exploiting Unique CrazinessIn this episode, I chat with one of my closest friends and best-selling author Sam Beckbessinger about working through a lack of inspiration, harnessing unique personality flavours and why consistency is so crucial for output in a creative space.
On a quest to find out “how to adult”, Sam writes by trade and follows her curiosity, recording interesting things obsessively in her pen-and-paper notebook and exploring them later through her writing. From writing to entrepreneurship to enabling and tapping into her own flair and intrigues, Sam has a unique take on work titles, self-improvement and work ethic as a...2020-12-0353 min
Just Reading with ThandolwethuMoney Management Books by South African Authors.What we are going to do is get our finances in order!! Here are 4 books that I highly recommend. I really hope you will enjoy this one. Book titles: - Manage your Money Like a F*cking Grown Up by Sam Beckbessinger. - You're not Broke you're Pre-rich by Mapalo Makhu. - Think yourself Rich by Moroka Modiba. - Make your Money Work for you by Anthea Gardner.2020-11-1012 min
Take Back the DayMoneyYo yo yo. It's another episode of Sam and Simon Speak on the Internet™, bitches! In this episode they touch on:
The stupid US elections.
Simon's stupid book.
Sam's amazing book.
M O N E Y .
Behavioural.... economics?
Vanguard.
Sam's newsletter (sign up!).
Satrix MSCI World ETF (it's a thing you can invest in).
Sam's thing she loves: Geocaching.
Simon's thing he thinks is pretty cool: Wave Accounting.
2020-11-0543 min
Take Back the DayMakeSam and Simon are making new things, and talking about it on the internet. Some of the things they mention along the way:
Notion
Super
Product Hunt
Our friend Lauren ♥
Dr. Bronner's - All-One!
Gumroad
2020-10-0536 min
The Fat Wallet Show from Just One LapUnderstanding endowment policies (#217)I’ve been avoiding talking about endowment policies, because what even are they? I haven’t come across one in my own investment life. This week, a question from Sandile sent me down the endowment road. I had fun with it. I got the Tax Elves involved. They had fun with it. Fun was had by all. Endowments are the love child of insurance and investments. They have a five-year lock-in period, a tax rate of 30%, a life assured and a beneficiary. If you are in a higher tax bracket and looking for a long-term investment vehicle, endo...2020-09-141h 01
The Family Finance ShowTeaching Teens about Money (Sam Beckbessinger)Sam Beckbessigner is back on the show to talk about her new book aimed at 11-15 year old readers, “Manage your money like a grown up for Teens.” Sam and Diana discuss allowances, earning money through safe side hustles, teaching children how to make choices and how to delay gratification. Sam has plenty of tips and tools for parents who want to help their children learn about money. Join us on twitter for real conversations about family finances:@FamFinanceShow@DianaGranouxWebsite: www.familyfinanceshow.com2020-09-0129 min
How Books Are MadeMarketing, collaboration, and creative freedom – with Sam BeckbessingerPeople who can build book brands and inspire fans are rare and amazing, even more so when they write their books, too. One of those people is Sam Beckbessinger, the bestselling author of Manage Your Money Like a F—ing Grownup, which is a book, a website, and a growing brand in several countries. She also writes for hugely popular kids’ TV shows, and was one of the writers on Serial Box and Marvel’s serialized novel Jessica Jones: Playing With Fire. She is irrepressibly joyful and optimistic, which is something we all need a dose of right now.L...2020-08-1742 minThe Family Finance ShowThe Incredible Power of Compound Growth (Sam Beckbessinger)In this episode Diana talks to Sam Beckbessigner about their favourite subject, compound growth. Sam uses three stories to simply explain what compound growth is and why you should care about it. Einstein famously said, “Compound interest is the 8th wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn't, pays it.” Take care to invest your money where it gets the best growth, and where you pay the lowest fees possible, and just let time work its magic. Stay motivated to save and invest by regularly listening to this podcast. Sam’s book...2020-08-1123 min
Take Back the DayNormalSam and Simon discuss the contents of their bug (or go) bags and what's needed to survive the apocolypse. They also discuss our incredible ability to make things normal, and how careful we have to be about what we allow to become regular things.
Stuff mentioned in this episode:
The Good Place
The Prepared
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Radiolab's Atomic Artifacts episode
Survival biscuits?
Lettuce
Hedonic Adaptation
Our sun entering a 'solar minimum' period
Susan Sontag
Highland 2 word processor
Microsoft Fluid 🤯
2020-05-2032 min
Take Back the DayShitshowSam and Simon are extremely locked-down, and explore what this is teaching them. Some of the things mentioned in this episode:
The Sims (yes, yes, we know)
Devs
Tiger King (yes, yes, yes)
Quibi
Dungeons & Dragons
Fiona Apple's new album.
One World: Together At Home
Some Good News with John Krasinski
Hamilton
Second Life
2020-04-2426 min
Take Back the DayCatalystSam and Simon had a conversation on the internet after a very long time of not doing so. They examine the reality of this crazy alternate timeline the world has slipped into where sentient cheetohs seemingly run the galaxy and staying at home to play video games all day is sanctioned.
Some of the cool, cool things we mention in this episode:
Don't Starve
Fireside and Zencastr
Daniel Defoe and his A Short Account of the Progress and Effects of the Plague ...
Matthew Barge
Houseparty
Google Meet and Zoom
We'll probably talk on the internet...2020-04-1032 min
Kombucha and ColourEpisode #73: Manage your money… like a fucking grown up! With Sam BeckbessingerHow much money would make you happy? What needs do you need to have met to feel like you financially had “enough”? What IS enough? Why is the topic of money so shameful and secretive? How do our values inform our spending habits? Is there a connection between emotions, spirituality, and money? And, the all-important question - do you manage your money like a f*cking grown up?! We dive deep into the world of money with author Sam Beckbessinger. Sam Beckbessinger: https://sambeckbessinger.com/ Manage your money like a fucking grown up: https...2019-08-2656 min
The Best in TechInterview: Sam Beckbessinger on managing your moneyTechCentral — When it comes to money management, there is a new voice of reason for a generation who never learned how to manage our hard earned bucks. Manage Your Money Like a F*cking Grownup is a new book by Sam Beckbessinger that breaks things down in easy-to-understand language, with a support group to match.
In this episode, host Regardt van der Berg chats to Beckbessinger about managing money, how to avoid debt and why you should think twice about buying that shiny new gadget.2018-08-0300 min
The Fat Wallet Show from Just One Lap#101: The spending ratioAuthor Sam Beckbessinger’s excellent book Manage Your Money Like a F*cking Grownup is the unofficial written summary of The Fat Wallet Show. While we didn’t know about Sam nor she about us until after the book was published, we are thrilled at the synchronicity. She explains every principle you’ll ever need to understand to make excellent financial choices simply and understandably, sometimes even with pictures. In fact, if you never read another thing about your money, you’ll be set for life. We couldn’t imagine a better co-host for our 100th celebra...2018-05-2134 min
The Fat Wallet Show from Just One Lap#96: Your money or your life Subscribe to our RSS feed here. Subscribe or rate us in iTunes. Sign up here to receive an email every time a new show goes live. This is another themed-by-serendipity episode. Last week Edwin mailed with a dilemma: how do you choose between being a good citizen or family member and having money? Whatever you spend on your family, kids or pets or donate to charity is money not going towards your savings goals. Does that mean you should forego those things altogether? Money and morality are closely linked, but so is money and health, as Christoff poi...2018-04-161h 07
The Fat Wallet Show from Just One Lap#95: The financial literacy testIf you secretly hate us but haven’t been able to find a different source of financial information, I have some great news! I found a Freakonomics Radio episode that summed up exactly the principles we champion on this show. In this episode, Simon and I take the financial literacy survey. It’s only three questions, but understanding their answers will enable you to make great financial decisions. If this sounds vaguely familiar, you might be thinking of this podcast we did last year. Here are the questions: Suppose you have R100 in a savi...2018-04-091h 05
WorldWide Markets with Simon Brown#95: The financial literacy testIf you secretly hate us but haven’t been able to find a different source of financial information, I have some great news! I found a Freakonomics Radio episode that summed up exactly the principles we champion on this show. In this episode, Simon and I take the financial literacy survey. It’s only three questions, but understanding their answers will enable you to make great financial decisions. If this sounds vaguely familiar, you might be thinking of this podcast we did last year. Here are the questions: Suppose you have R100 in a savi...2018-04-091h 05JSEDirect with Simon Brown#95: The financial literacy testIf you secretly hate us but haven’t been able to find a different source of financial information, I have some great news! I found a Freakonomics Radio episode that summed up exactly the principles we champion on this show. In this episode, Simon and I take the financial literacy survey. It’s only three questions, but understanding their answers will enable you to make great financial decisions. If this sounds vaguely familiar, you might be thinking of this podcast we did last year. Here are the questions: Suppose you have R100 in a savi...2018-04-091h 05
Kellman on CliffCentral#Kellman - Sam BeckbessingerSam Beckbessinger is the co-founder of Phantom Design, a FinTech product design company that has helped to build bitcoin wallets, cryptocurrency exchanges, smart credit cards and more. She recently published her book 'Manage Your Money Like a F*cking Grownup'. Sam Beckbessinger chats to Arye as she tells it straight: everything you need to know about how to earn, save and invest your money. www.cliffcentral.com2018-03-2814 min
Take Back the DayTinySam and Simon have started a business! With EACH OTHER! It's made them contemplate the joys of tiny ambitions, tiny spaces, and caring about tiny problems.Also howzit, American friends. Y'all okay over there? Things seem pretty bleak. We're sending cuddles.Things we talk about in this episode:Being an entrepreneur is 90% doing adminBusiness science is astrologyThe few things Simon can't live without: Levis 510s, Superga sneakers, and his Samson Go MicSam Harris talking to Scott Adams about TrumpThe Nintendo SwitchHow the US Army uses Sci-fi movies to recruit peopleUlysses, Sam's favourite writing a...2017-10-0940 minTake Back the DayCabinSam and Simon kick off the year from a wuthering height (Cape Town summer is hella windy, yo) to discuss their intentions for 2017, and their best discoveries from 2016. Simon also tells us why he's planning to build himself a remote cabin in the woods (with high-speed broadband).Discussed in this episode:Tim Ferris discussing his end of year ritual to focus on the things that actually matter, and making "not to do" lists.Scott Adams, How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big.Freakonomics Radio podcast, A still fascinating 2011 New Yorker profile about th...2017-01-0732 min
Take Back the DayBusynessWe think 2016 could've tried harder. Disheartened as we are, this episode looks at the up and downiness of a strange few months, and whether the world is really getting stupider. We also manage to talk about some productivity stuff. Charlie Brooker’s yearly ScreenwipeEven Kanye is mentally beleagueredLe Tigre.The Village SquareAlain de Botton's plan for secular churchesThe World Until Yesterday by Jared DiamondTom Waits stopped drinking a long time agoSushi Go! (the board game)Exploding Kittens & Bears vs Babies (the other board games)Google PhotoscanModernist poetry in generalRefly EditorCollaboration on Keynote"The strain of anti-intellectualism has bee...2016-11-2831 min
Take Back the DayAllergensSimon and Sam talk about all the things Pokemon Go can teach us about life, why you should beware of weird unlabelled food products, and the virtues of deliberately exposing yourself to things that are bad for you.Plus! Hear our friend Jono Hall reading out a bit of his short story, first published on our Medium collection, Drippy Fun Times. Send us your stories too!Things we talk about on this episode:How it's weird when old Apartheid generals give you PokeballsThe Dresden Files - an RPG that makes real life more fan...2016-07-1936 min
Take Back the DayHelicoptersPredicting the future is a chump's game. Going back into history and seeing what they thought the future (i.e. now) would look like, is the best reminder that we have no idea about anything. Join Sam and Simon as they discuss the joys of being a perpetual beginner, how much fun it is to be a Swiss Army Person, admitting we don't know shit about shit, and how our alien overlords are likely to punish us if global politics keep going the way they're going.Things we talk about:Bitcoinsocks.com, Simon's and @nicharry's aw...2016-07-1130 min
Take Back the DayDistractionImportant news: come write short stories with us over at Drippy Fun Times on Medium. We want your stories!In a conversation that sounds like it's fuelled by caffeine and PCP, Sam and Simon talk about why they're so distracted all the time. They debate why context switching is so bad for you, and whether there's anything we can do to focus more on what matters. Featuring a lot of talk about rats and strange music genres.Things we talk about:Every noise at once, where you too can learn about fun new genres...2016-06-1029 min
Take Back the DayRealOMG GUYS LET'S WRITE SOME STORIESSimon and Sam challenge you all to a short story writing competition! All you need to do is write your story on Medium and post a link to it in the comments. We're going to make a collection on Medium. If we love your story we'll read a bit of it out loud on our next podcast. Do eeet! You have until next Tuesday. Whenever next Tuesday might be for you.In this very drippy episode, Sam and Simon consider whether we might be living in a video gam...2016-05-3126 min
Take Back the DayGenerationsSimon's back in London-town again where he's avoiding Sam's hugs, so we spoke on the internet about the weird way we classify humans into generations, and what makes this generation's work prospects different. Or maybe exactly the same.The definition of a "Millennial" (Sam speculates it has something to do with belly chains)Proof that old people have been complaining about young people forever Montage of Heck, that Kurt Cobain documentary Gen X's like Charles Bukowski's letter to John Martin about the lie of the 9 to 5Entrepreneurship without capital, and rent-seeking legislation that tries to stop itIs Bi...2016-02-2231 minTake Back the DayWhateverThe only thing we can be sure of is that we don't know anything. So, isn't it weird that everyone pretends to be so sure of what they're doing with their life when you meet them at a braai? This leads Sam and Simon down a conversation rabbit hole involving consciousness, language and how to train your washing machine."Screw Finding Your Passion" - an excellent short read by Mark MansonThings boytjies talk about while they're grilling animal flesh over an open flameWaitButWhy on how Elon Musk does amazing thingsHow to answer the question, "So, what d...2015-11-1626 min
Take Back the DayOmnivoresSam and Simon talk about food. Sam's trying a Soylent diet because Veganism is really hard. Simon thinks she's crazy and food is delicious. We talk about why yeast is fascinating, and Katy Perry's boobs. Warning: this episode might make you hungry.Stuff mentioned in this show:Soylent of the DIY variety Why it's hard to be a lazy veganPortlandia on the politics of ordering chicken in restaurantsThe Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael PollanWhy mushrooms are bizarre and wonderfulWhere does yeast come from?A SBMC comic about our body's microfaunaMichiel Heynes and the untranslatability of the Afrikaans wo...2015-08-1828 min
Take Back the DayMarsOne day all humanity is going to be wiped off the face of the planet. What do we do when it does? In this episode, Sam and Simon talk about getting to Mars, doomsday scenarios and the things we want to learn about the world before we all die.The Apple watch, and it's one rad feature (sending heartbeats).How Slack has finally killed email, through the superpower of PIVOTING.What are Bloom Filters, and What is Code, and how we should try to understand the lego blocks that make up our world.XKCD 505, and making computers...2015-07-2830 minTake Back the DayVikingsWhen we're less afraid to fail, we end up doing more radical stuff. Simon and Sam have a conversation about badassery, Mad Max, lady vikings, and what we can learn from companies that made giant epic failures. Also, you can find out what Simon would do if he had powers of invisibility.Stuff we talk about:Simon's podcast mistress, Binary (it's awesome, give it a listen)Anything You Want by Derek SiversFranschhoek Literary Festival and why traditional publishing is stupidSuper Friendship Arcade and awesome indie gamesGiant Google failures like Wave and GlassGiant Apple failures like the...2015-05-2126 min
Take Back the DayRoboticWe've reached the point where our technology speaks to us. But does that software have enough to say? When will we be able to build artificial intelligence with personality? And is everything getting more bland because the teams who make things are too big?These and many other questions go completely unanswered when Simon and Sam have a conversation about robotic personalities and constraints on our creativity. Things we talk about: Siri should be weirderAn online version of Jorge Luis Borges' Library of BabelWhy don't more artist types get involved with te...2015-05-1324 min
Simon DingleBinary - The IntroductionWelcome to Binary - a journal of digital life. In this introduction we present the idea for Binary and hear some of the voices that will be included in the first season of the show, including Tom Merritt, Richard Mulholland and Sam Beckbessinger. Check out our website at http://binary.fm and check back here for regular show updates.2015-05-1302 min
Take Back the DayWorkspaceIs the space you're working in making you dumber? Or is that just one of many other excuses we tell ourselves about why we're not getting stuff done? Sam and Simon discuss workspaces and serendipity this week. Also, why Sam secretly wants to join the German navy (her reason involves existentialism, not seamen). Stuff mentioned in this episode:The magic of PrestikDoes having more light in a room make you more productive? Apparently it might make you more productive, but less creative.Shingy, AOL's ridiculous digital "visionary" who took the desk out of the CEO's o...2015-04-1130 min
Take Back the DaySharedA weird Meerkat experiment in which Sam and Simon try live-streaming their conversation, and discuss how we act differently when we're being observed. It's all very meta.Stuff mentioned in this episode:SxSW is happening, so expect new connected toilets any day nowActual meerkats, and why they're awesome, and why you should watch Meerkat Manor, a meerkat soap operaThe Hawthorne EffectSelfie sticksThe first rule of UX Design: "Don't Make Me Think" - hat-tip to Steve KrugHearthstoneSurgeon Simulator: the game, but more importantly, the videos of other people playing the gameSam's secret obsession with videos of pe...2015-03-2329 min
Take Back the DayTransparentWe all believe honesty is generally a good thing, right? But we all agree to keep secrets, whether for our country or for the company we work for. Sam and Simon think this is bullshit. Honesty surfaces data, and helps people to make better decisions.Except if there's an axe murderer coming to kill a member of your family. Then we think maybe lying isn't a terrible idea.In other news: hey, we launched a Patreon page! If you like what we do, we'd be grateful if you could support us. This will help us...2015-03-1228 minTake Back the DayResolutionThis week we cast our doubts in the direction of resolutions and the underwhelming challenges that humans set themselves. Can we stick to our plans and what are ways to game our psychology and do the right things when we really have to? Part of the secret, we decide, is being disagreeable…Stuff mentioned in this episode:Dataclysm by Christian RudderThe year of the goatWaking Up by Sam HarrisThe golden quarterThe Death of Money: The Coming Collapse of the International Monetary System by James RickardsSteven LevittCapital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty, Arthur GoldhammerAntifragile: Things...2015-01-1234 minTake Back the DayMindfulSam and Simon get together in one of South Africa’s oldest theatres to discuss mindfulness and being present in the shit that you’re doing while you’re doing it.Stuff mentioned in this show:Mindball – the lack of thinking game thing.Sam Harris’s talk about Free Will at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas in 2012.The Edge of Eternity by Ken Follett.Korea.Leo Laporte’s awesome interview with Phil Libin, CEO of Evernote, on Triangulation.Radiolab’s amazing Decoding the Void episode.Why Nations Fail by by Daron Acemoğlu, James Robinson.Evernote Context.2014-12-0528 minTake Back the DayOxytocinWhy do we trust people and what makes them trust us? Is it a magical process of magicness or a flow of chemicals we can control once we understand it? After a long hiatus, Sam and Simon decided to have another conversation on the internet about the things that make us trust and how to work with or against them…Stuff mentioned in this episode:The Moral Molecule: the new science of what makes us good or evil by Paul J ZakThinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanThe elephant and the rider thing, part of the H...2014-11-0434 minTake Back the DayConnectionsSam is in the USA. She met Barack Obama. Yes, that one. And we’re not even joking. In this episode we look at the connections people share with other people and how astonishingly useful they can be.The president of the galaxy – who Sam met.Beginner’s Mind.Six degrees of Kevin Bacon.Essentialism by Greg McKeown.Fuck it by John Parkin.Awesome Tapes from Africa – for discovering obscure but awesome music.Trello – for organising all the things.Creativity Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull.Infinite Jest by David Foste2014-08-0727 minTake Back the DayQuitJust quit. You know what we’re talking about – that job you hate… the relationship that’s tanking. Just stop. Say no. Follow Sam’s example and give it up.The many change-proofing systems surrounding cognitive dissonance.The super-smart Daniel Kahneman.The Bassline.Failure is not a cause for celebration.Thingful – find anything in the world that is also on the internet.Apple’s new Swift programming language.The secret cottage Simon doesn’t want you to know about so he can go there whenever he wants.Fuck: An Irreverent History of the F-Word by Rufus Lodge.2014-06-0827 minTake Back the DayMotionsDo you need an idea before you create something, or does going through the motions of creating something precede the idea? Sam and Simon reach some conclusions.Stuff mentioned in this episode:Slate’s podcasts, including Gabfest.Stephen King’s On Writing: A memoir of the craft, again.Salmon-wrestling in the Yemen, our smart friend Jono’s comic.Derek Sivers and his book, Anything you want.Zombie Dice.Paper by FiftyThree.A picture of Macaulay Culkin wearing a t-shirt with a picture of Ryan Gosling wearing a t-shirt that has a picture of Macaulay Culkin.Party Monster.Afri...2014-05-1328 minTake Back the DayAuto-MateIn this episode Sam and Simon discuss getting computers to do and say things for you, so you don’t have to.Stuff mentioned in this episode:Buffer and the act of being current you in the future world.The story of Pia Farrenkopf who may have died in her car a long time ago.Storify and letting computers tell your stories for you.Dashlane – the password manager.StoryWorth – get people to tell you stuff.If This, Then That – a really good way to make computers do stuff for you.Pushbullet – receive messages when stuff happens.The graphi...2014-04-2331 minTake Back the DayMeasurebationYou may have figured out how to get data about stuff, but that doesn’t make it important. Or does it? This week Sam and Simon discuss tracking things, the value of conferences and some other stuff too…Stuff discussed in this conversation:NOT Sam’s life.Good Morning in Stockholm – probably Simon’s favourite conference.Design Indaba, which is not being attended by either of us.Marissa Mayer with her fabulous clothes and massive, data-driven brain.Rory Sutherland and the cult of measurebation.Fitbit that Simon pretends to draw data insights from.Her – an amazing movie abou...2014-03-0331 minTake Back the DayPointlessThe dichotomy of productivity is that you have to spend a lot of time doing nothing in order to do other stuff well. In this conversation Sam and Simon explore the quest for pointless activities. Stuff mentioned in this episode:The ridiculous cost of sportses, and how it impedes our progress as a species.Bertrand Russell, who had a lot to say about doing nothing.The Pomodoro Technique.The 4-hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss.The elephant and rider problem from the Happiness Hypothesis.Freedom for Productivity, which keeps Sam off the internets when she needs t...2014-02-1432 minTake Back the DaySportAccording to your parents, you can do anything. This sort of over-compensating encouragement presents a number of challenges for adults doing stuff in the world. Sam and Simon discuss this and other things.Stuff mentioned in this conversation:Google’s gay doodle.Sherlock.Carol S. Dweck.Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin.NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman.Benjamin McLane Spock.Vladimir Putin.Krav Maga.Sochi’s hotel disaster.Mitchell and Webb’s Football, Football, Football and also Peep Show.Zen Pencils.Slack: Be less busy.22seven for Android.Buzzfeed.
2014-02-0930 minTake Back the DayMagicDoes the world happen to you or do you happen to the world? In this week’s conversation Sam and Simon ponder the power of stories and how what we tell ourselves not only affects us, but the people around us too. It’s all science, and very magical…Stuff mentioned in this conversation:The Mindscape of Alan Moore.The flâneur pops up again.The disputed history of the suit.‘The Secret’ – one of those books that doesn’t deserve a link. Because woo bullshit.David McRaney’s You Are Not So Smart blog. Again.Kevin Smith’s ...2014-01-2731 minTake Back the DayWhyWhy do we do things? And when we’ve done them, why must we share them? These seem like trivial questions because they probably are, but Sam and Simon must discuss. And share.Stuff mentioned in this conversation:HubSpot’s Blog Topic Generator.Sam’s blog-type thing.Simon’s un-blog on Medium.David McRaney’s very successful blog.Kurt Vonnegut, but actually David Foster Wallace.‘O Superman’ by Laurie Anderson.Cobook.How sleep clears all the shit out your brain.Segmented sleep.Richard Mulholland’s blog post about Creatives.
2014-01-2029 minTake Back the DaySubsistMoney, and the stories we tell ourselves about it and everything else around us, is the focus of conversation this week.Stuff mentioned in this conversation:Bitcoin and Simon’s Bitcoin article.Mark Boyle, the Moneyless Man and an interview with him.La Digue island in the Seychelles.You Are Now Less Dumb by David McRaney.Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely.Nassim Taleb, the Twitter curmudgeon.The Storytelling Animal by Jonathan Gottschall.David Blaine’s Real or Magic.The Renamer.
“The three most harmful addictions are heroin,carbohydrates, and a monthly salary. ”
— Maybe Na...2014-01-1232 minTake Back the DayResolutionsWill making a resolution take you anywhere except sad? In our first episode of 2014 Sam and Simon look at resolutions and routines, getting smarter with who you are so you can find the best way to work. Happy new year Stuff we mentioned in this episode:How we spend our days is how we spend our lives on Brain Pickings.Nassim Taleb’s Antifragile.Automattic.King of Tokyo and Richard Garfield.The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work by Alain de Botton.The Pylon Appreciation Society.Workflowy.2014-01-0528 minTake Back the DayRightDoing what’s right can be difficult when the world is offering you easy rewards for doing the wrong thing. This week Sam and Simon remember Nelson Mandela in their discussion of sticking to your guns, turning enemies into partners and just plain doing the right thing.Stuff mentioned in this episode:Al Jazeera English – online news streaming with no strings attached.Nelson Mandela. Our mascot for doing what’s right.We mentioned Jarred Diamond. Again. For writing The World Until Yesterday.The Fox and the Flies by Charles van Onselen.Bjork’s explanation of how televisi...2013-12-0632 minTake Back the DayMultitaskCould you, should you, do more than one thing at a time? Sam and Simon aren’t convinced its possible and discuss the best way to tackle a bunch of things that need doing.Stuff mentioned in this episode:Japan, specifically Sapporo.Gmail’s new features.The Shallows by Nicholas Carr.Flipboard for finding awesome stuff on the internet.Feedly for curating awesome stuff you find on the internet.RescueTime for trying, and probably failing, to take control of your time.FitBit.Workflowy.How to Create a Mind by Ray Kurzweil.Lily Looking Through.2013-12-0235 minTake Back the DayAccoladesWill winning awards elevate your career to the next level? This week’s conversation looks at being a corporate contrarian and questions the sanity of your virtual CV.Stuff mentioned in this episode:The Bookmarks Awards.Mobile World Congress.A bunch of social networking sites that really don’t need more traffic.Path. Where Simon gets close.Mxit. Sam isn’t sold.Neil Gaiman.Sir David Attenborough.How to interact with the introverted.
2013-11-1730 minTake Back the DayPerceptionPerception is reality a lot of the time, especially where ideas and working with information is involved. This week Sam and Simon talk about managing perceptions and dragging reality along for the ride.Things mentioned in this episode:Sam is learning Monotyping.The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker.The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.Poorly Drawn Lines.And Then Steve Said, ‘Let There Be an iPhone’.Nyan Cat.Blink: The Power of Thinking without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell.Søren Kierkegaard.Tim Minchin.The Hermann Rorschach Google Doodle.Masters of Sex.
2013-11-1035 minTake Back the DayPlaceboWhat you put in your body directly affects your moods and ability to do stuff. In this episode Sam and Simon discuss getting to know your body and how to prime it for pure awesomeness. Turns out beer might have a place in your productivity diet - and, of course, coffee.
Stuff and people mentioned in this episode:Varenicline that Sam is using to stop smoking.Champex. Not a medicine.23andMe genetic testing.Bonk by Mary Roach.Sophia Wallace.Comedian Simon Amstell.Your brain on coffee vs. beer.This Will Make You Smarter by John Brockman.Wha...2013-11-0229 minTake Back the DayMemexSam and Simon materialise in closely proximate time and space for an actual, real person discussion about goals and systems, democracy in the workplace, memory devices and other curious things. It's all happening.
Stuff mentioned in this episode:
Brain Pickings.
How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life by Scott Adams.
As We May Think by Vannevar Bush.
The Blood episode of Radiolab.
23andMe.
Sex, Death and The Meaning of Life by Richard Dawkins.
Google and Calico.
2013-10-2934 minTake Back the DayMotivationGoing through the motions is easy, but making sure you get to the things on the back seat of your to-do list is difficult. Sam and Simon discuss diary-blocking, the danger of meetings and other stuff in this episode.
Stuff discussed in this episode:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw-0hhoJLUo2013-10-2031 minTake Back the DaySizeWhen does big become too big? How do you stay nimble and avoid groupthink as your company grows? These are amongst Sam and Simon's ponderings this week as Take Back The Day returns from hiatus. They also discuss entrepreneurial competitiveness, innovation in Africa and why Kenya rocks right now.
PEOPLE
Erik Hersman
Malcolm Gladwell
Nassim Taleb
BOOKS
David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell
ORGANISATIONS
Dimension Data
iHub
JoziHub
Contextuall
OTHER STUFF
Dunbar's number
The two-pizza rule2013-10-1328 minTake Back the DayFlânerieWhen the people you're working with have trouble with the way the world works now - is it your job to tell them? Maybe. Sam and Simon discussed this a bit. And also flânerie… ing. You know, sauntering about.
Stuff mentioned in this episode:
The Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton M. Christensen.
GAMES
Gone Home.
War for the Overworld.
Alone in the Dark.
And the Flâneur.
2013-09-2031 minTake Back the DayMixtapeDigital clutter makes its way into Sam and Simon's discussion again this week, starting with music and ending with... you guessed it... books. Join us for an attack on the things that own us. And hear hadidas. And some synths.
Stuff mentioned in this episode:
BOOKS
The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman.
On Writing by Stephen King.
PEOPLE
Lauren Beukes.
Charles Bukowski.
OTHER STUFF
Simfy for streaming music.
C...2013-09-0633 minTake Back the DayMathematicalWe don't know where we are or entirely what we are and we're hurtling through space on a rock that will be consumed by the Sun one day. We think there might be better things to worry about than making spreadsheets. In this episode Sam and Simon indulge in some science and a lot of other things.
Mentioned in this episode:
BOOKS
The Road to Reality by Roger Penrose.
The 4% Universe by Richard Panek.
Nothing by Frank Close.
Einstein by Walter Isaacson.
The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Spoon.
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman.
STUFF
The...2013-08-2433 minTake Back the DayTalentWorking with the best - whether you're hiring or hoping to be hired - is the topic of the conversation this week. More or less. Sam and Simon talk about talent and how to find it, along with partridge hunting and some other stuff.
Things mentioned in this episode:
We spent a whole lot of time talking about the The Hybrid Traits Model.
BOOKS
Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin
The Examined Life - Stephen Grosz
The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt
Nurtureshock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman
The 7 Day Weekend and Maverick by...2013-08-1638 minTake Back the DayRoutineWhether you use brown M&Ms to spot-check your stage rig or need to make sure Monday mornings are always dandy, routine is important in a planning-not-plans kind of way. Sam and Simon discuss getting it together in this episode.
Other stuff mentioned:
EVENTS
Oppikoppi was on Sam's radar last week. Totally.
BOOKS
Simon mentioned The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande.
LINKS
National Geographic's Tattoo Emporium of science-related tattoos.
Sam mentioned some amateur's with their tattoos of Darwin's Finches and...2013-08-1131 minTake Back the DaySegmentedWe're popping our pees in this conversation about sleep and the perils of the internet. Tracking your sleep, getting more of it and the segmented sleep phenomenon all make their way into the chat too. Along with a whole lot of awesome, Charles Bukowski and some swearwords.
Stuff mentioned in this episode:
APPS
Sam mentioned using Sleep as Android to track her sleep, while Simon mentioned using Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock and now quantifying himself with FitBit.
BOOKS
PRODUCTS
The Ostrich Pillow
LINKS
Segmented Sleep.
Ch...2013-08-0231 minTake Back the DayLeavesBudgets feel like a good idea, but never seem to work. Sam and Simon think about money and getting smarter with it in this conversation that will make its way onto the internet somehow.2013-07-2637 minTake Back the DayAwesomeIf something is done, and it isn’t awesome, does anyone care that it was done? In this episode Sam and Simon discuss putting awesome first in doing stuff.2013-07-2325 minTake Back the DayUpTravel is vexing, except when it's not. As with most things, it helps to make it a game. In this episode we explore the world of games people play and why.2013-06-3036 minTake Back the DayRightYou know the right thing to do - the problem is doing it. Eating right, setting expectations at work and listening to your brain all take hard work - but there are ways to help things along.2013-06-2332 minTake Back the DayMyopiaThere are the ads that come at you and the exhibition that comes from you. Some of it necessary, most of it not so much. Our generation will be remembered for its showboating, like we recall victorian toilet practices.2013-06-0833 minTake Back the DayGoodWe have too much stuff. Some of it needs a plan. Simon and Sam back some things up and wish other things would go away.2013-06-0506 minTake Back the DaySnapIn which Simon and Sam talk about photography. You know – ostensibly. It's a windy road, this topic, and leads to discussions surrounding Evernote, whiteboards and Google+.2013-05-2725 minTake Back the DayMammalsDeliberate practice, excercise and the sounds thereof. Sam Beckbessinger and Simon Dingle get better at stuff in this episode. By trying harder. And more.2013-05-1333 minTake Back the DayListsSam Beckbessinger and Simon Dingle explore the world of lists and how to use them to get shit done. Along the way they also explore medical science, movies made with atoms, cloud presentations and other stuff.2013-05-0531 min