Shows
Unreal Engine DiariesUnreal Thoughts: AI, Identity Crises, and Vibe CodingFeeling like we're all standing on the edge of a creative cliff, this episode dives into the wild world of AI’s impact on our beloved Unreal Engine. As we grapple with this identity crisis in our toolset, we’re not just pondering our past methods of making art but questioning if we’ll ever have to learn all those complex technical skills again. You know, the endless cycles of blueprints, UV mapping, and bug squashing? Yeah, they’re making us scratch our heads a bit. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between harnessing AI to streamline our proces...
2026-03-0615 minUnreal Engine DiariesAI Takes My Job, But Gives Me Purpose // Meshcapade acquisition // Seeddance 2.0Getting replaced by a script is one thing. Having it happen while navigating private life is another — it’s the kind of timing that forces a hard look at what actually matters.I’m currently caught between two worlds: the deliberate, manual craft of building in Unreal Engine and the "magic trick" of AI generation. There’s a massive psychological difference between creating something and just overseeing a generation. With Epic Games snapping up AI mocap tech Meshcapade, the technical barriers are evaporating, but it feels like the "joy of the build" is evaporating with them. I’m trying t...
2026-02-2623 min
Here is the thing (technology podcast)When AI Takes Your Job: A Personal StoryGetting fired when you’re actually good at your job is a specific kind of insult. It’s the realization that you’ve been downgraded from "essential talent" to an "expendable luxury" on a spreadsheet.We’re currently living through a weird contradiction: we use tools like ChatGPT and Claude to supercharge our output, effectively polishing the very tech that might eventually make us redundant. It feels less like a "technological revolution" and more like we’re being asked to build the gallows we’re standing on. This isn't just about job security; it's an identity crisis. If a prompt...
2026-02-2252 minHere is the thing (technology podcast)Espresso Yourself: The Art of Home Coffee Brewing.Email your comments, suggestions, stories, questions, or just say hi! cmonkxxx@gmail.com Today, we take you on a unique audio journey that combines the intimate experience of coffee culture with the spontaneity of a walk through cold Berlin. As I step outside with my microphones in tow, I aim to explore how coffee has become not just a beverage, but a crucial part of our identities. From the rituals of brewing to the ever-increasing prices at third-wave coffee shops, we dive into the intricacies of what makes coffee special—not just for its flavor, but for th...
2026-02-1923 minUnreal Engine DiariesUnreal Engine Every Day: A Creator's AccountabilitySubscribe and watch my live streams on youtube!email me: cmonkxxx@gmail.com and introduce yourself!Alright, folks, here we go: the heart of this episode is all about the magic of showing up every single day, even when life tries to throw a wrench in the works. I’m diving into my personal journey of grappling with that pesky feeling of being overwhelmed and how I’ve turned it around by committing to open Unreal Engine daily, even if it’s just for five minutes. Seriously, it’s like my own little therapy session, and I’m...
2026-02-1612 minUnreal Engine DiariesWhen Life Gets in the Way: A Developer's Real TalkProgress on the project has been effectively nonexistent lately. For the past two weeks, "work" has mostly consisted of opening Unreal Engine, shuffling a few meshes around, and closing it again. It’s a low-effort ritual to avoid admitting I’ve stalled, but it’s the reality of trying to maintain a technical passion project while life throws curve balls at the schedule.This stagnation isn't a failure; it's a phase. I’m looking at the necessity of the "10-minute rule"—staying connected to the environment even when there’s zero creative flow—and how "vibe coding" with tools lik...
2026-02-1132 minHere is the thing (technology podcast)The Gadget Temptation of content creators: Do We Really Need the Latest Tech?The chaos of our attempts to boost productivity and creativity, and let me tell you, it's a roller coaster! I recently rearranged my apartment, seeking a fresh perspective, but it turns out that even a new desk orientation can’t magically fix my productivity drops. I’ve been battling fatigue and the dreaded feeling of just not wanting to do anything, which many of us can relate to. So, I found myself tempted to buy the latest gadgets, thinking they would spark my creativity—only to realize that this shiny new gear often leads to a cycle of purchase and re...
2026-02-0817 minUnreal Engine DiariesFab 2025 Year in Review // Getting into a creative flow // AI vs 3D //Recording through a cold isn’t ideal, but there’s a certain honesty in a congested voice that matches a congested schedule. January felt like being stuck in a washing machine—spinning through family obligations and work resets while trying to keep a creative project from drowning. When the energy is drained, the "creative drive" usually gets sacrificed first, but I'm pushing back against that.I’m currently building out a website to act as a visual anchor for these conversations. It’s not just a portfolio; it’s a way to document the specific, often messy, progress in...
2026-01-2832 minHere is the thing (technology podcast)Finding My Podcast Niche: A Journey Through CategoriesWe're diving into a significant shift in our podcasting journey. After three months of exploring various topics in a freeform style, I’ve realized that the podcast landscape is a bit more structured than I initially thought. It turns out that categorization is essential for reaching the right audience, which has led me to the decision to transition toward a subject-specific format. I'm excited to focus on the intersection of technology and society, a theme that resonates deeply with me. We’ll still have room for those spontaneous monologues, but now they’ll be framed within a context that makes...
2026-01-2507 minHere is the thing (technology podcast)Coffee, Code and ConversationsIntricacies of maintaining creativity during challenging times, tackling the emotional rollercoaster that can hinder our artistic flow. I share my recent struggle with motivation and how, despite having the time, I found myself unable to engage in creative activities. We explore the tension between the expectation to perform, even when feeling less than inspired, and the reality of our human experiences. It's a candid conversation about the unfiltered truth of life, the importance of connecting through shared struggles, and even a breakthrough that came in the form of a listener email that reignited my passion. Together, we reflect on...
2026-01-1939 minUnreal Engine DiariesCreativity: Do Our Best Days Expire?Is your best work already behind you? It’s the question most veteran creators dodge while frantically pivoting to the next "essential" skill. After a career spanning print, UI/UX, and now the technical weeds of 3D design, I’m digging into the quiet anxiety of the creative plateau.We’re stripping away the "inspirational" fluff to look at the bell curve of talent. In an era where AI and shifting trends make yesterday’s expertise feel like a fossil, are we actually evolving or just running faster to stay ahead of obsolescence? This is an audit of profe...
2026-01-1717 minHere is the thing (technology podcast)The Jesters of Our Lives: Unmasking Humor's Dark SideTime seems to drag when we’re stuck in a loop of mindless scrolling, but what if I told you that embracing a structured routine could change that? This episode unpacks the experience of navigating friendships with people who embody the traits of a jester—those who use humor as a shield but may leave us feeling emotionally drained. I share my personal journey with these relationships, exploring how the need for constant laughter can overshadow deeper connections. We reflect on the balance between humor and authenticity, questioning whether jesters truly understand the impact of their words. Join me as I...
2026-01-1223 minUnreal Engine DiariesGetting into a Creative Flow. 3D shoe scans, 3D work on a macbook/on the goYou don't need a high-end workstation to make a dent in a complex project; sometimes a MacBook in a quiet room is actually better for pure technical focus. Lately, I’ve been trading brute-force rendering for smarter workflows—specifically, 3D scanning physical shoes ordered online to bypass the friction of manual modeling in Unreal Engine.The real challenge isn't the software, though—it’s the information decay. I’m wrestling with the steep learning curve of Marvelous Designer and the struggle of retaining technical "how-to" knowledge when the tech moves faster than your memory. I'm moving my personal k...
2026-01-1019 minHere is the thing (technology podcast)Tragic Switzerland Fire, My new Reddit Community Group, Spatial AwarenessWaking up to a rare snowfall at 6:00 AM, this installment serves as a "New Year’s audit" of attention. It moves from a personal commitment to keep the "screens from winning" at home to a broader critique of how social media has distorted our survival instincts.Key Discussion PointsThe Bourdain Experiment: A spontaneous Reddit post about Anthony Bourdain’s values led to the creation of a Berlin-based meetup group focused on real-life interaction rather than digital exchange.Content vs. Survival: A chilling analysis of the recent Swiss nightclub fire, where victims reportedly prioritized filming and uplo...
2026-01-0319 minHere is the thing (technology podcast)From Southern France to Berlin: The Geometry of a LayoverA breakdown of a 24-hour transit through the "liminal spaces" of Agen and Paris to Berlin. I examine the textures of 13th-century furniture, the "naive" honesty found in 12-year-old video archives, and the ergonomics of a 30,000-step day. This is an audit of the "scars of progress" visible in our modern landscape.Recording from the transition between two worlds.I’ve just completed a 12-hour journey from the quiet, 13th-century streets of Southern France back to the foggy "concrete jungle" of Berlin. This episode is a raw audit of that transit—a 30,000-step trek through Pari...
2025-12-291h 15Here is the thing (technology podcast)Walk-and-talk: The Pursuit of Meaning vs. Personal Happiness: A French JournalI’m currently walking through the narrow, 13th-century streets of Condom, France, trying to move slowly enough to keep my brain out of "hyper-mode". There is a certain peace here, but it’s a peace complicated by a very modern dilemma: the intersection of personal happiness and responsibility.Learning from the PastI’ve done the "big move" before. A few years ago, I went to Majorca with the intent to stay forever, but I learned that island life brings a sense of alienation and separation that I wasn't prepared for. Being on the...
2025-12-2020 minUnreal Engine DiariesUnreal Engine Diaries: Finding My Niche in Virtual FashionTransitioning from UX Design to 3D Clothing and the Reality of Creative Problem Solving Blog Post: From Pixels to PatternsThis episode is a "dump of ideas"—a way to clear my mind as I transition into a new creative field. I’ve spent the last decade in UX design, but I can feel the market changing. Between AI and the "templating" of the web, the space for dedicated UX designers is shrinking, and I’m finding my future in the "massive niche" of virtual fashion for MetaHumans. The Technical StruggleI’ve r...
2025-12-2024 minHere is the thing (technology podcast)Work Friends, Lack of a personal online presence, and The Need for Sleep as you get olderIn this free-form episode recorded while walking through the streets of Berlin, I strip away the need to educate and focus on honest connection. I discuss why I skipped the company Christmas boat party and reflect on the confusing, often blurry lines between being a colleague and being a friend.As I make my way to my daughter’s school, I also dig into my current creative struggles. Despite having skills in 3D design and Unreal Engine, I feel "invisible" online. I share my plans to finally launch a portfolio website to validate my work, the experience of...
2025-12-0821 minUnreal Engine DiariesThe Black Friday Haul (Rome - Italian Town) & The Metahuman Clothing CrisisEveryone knows it’s easy to start a project, but getting back to it when the excitement fades? That’s where the real struggle is. In this episode, I’m looking at how hard it is to maintain momentum—whether it’s podcasting or working in Unreal Engine—and how easily we get distracted by "shiny object syndrome," playing with Metahumans instead of actually building the world.I also break down how I navigated this year’s Black Friday sales. I’ve realized that my materialism has shifted; I don't want physical objects anymore, I want digital ones. I want the...
2025-12-0139 minHere is the thing (technology podcast)Creative Block: How I Overcame My Podcasting DoubtsToday I talk about challenges of creative blocks and the journey to rediscovering our voices. I share my recent struggles with overthinking and self-doubt, questioning the purpose of this podcast and what direction it should take. But through this reflection, I've come to embrace the idea that this show is essentially my personal journal, capturing my day-to-day life and thoughts. Alongside these introspections, I also chat about my recent Black Friday splurges, including some irresistible deals that I couldn't pass up, highlighting the joys and quirks of consumerism. So, let's explore how we can navigate these creative hurdles while...
2025-11-3028 minUnreal Engine Diaries2025-11-24This episode is basically a production diary where I talk about my journey with Unreal Engine. The main focus is on shifting from just learning forever to actually finishing projects. I want to create a space to share insights that might click with you if you're on a similar path—dealing with that mix of excitement and those moments where you just feel discouraged.Over the last two years, I've hit a lot of walls working on different things, which often left me feeling disappointed because I didn't finish them. In this episode, I talk about why I’...
2025-11-2411 minHere is the thing (technology podcast)The Winter of Discontent (and Sage)Let’s dive right into it! This episode is all about the overwhelming presence of AI in our lives and how it's leaving us feeling a bit exhausted. I've been navigating the parenting trenches solo for a couple of weeks now, and let me tell you, finding the energy to chat about tech feels like climbing Everest with a toddler on my back. You know how it is—AI's everywhere, throwing new tools and updates at us like confetti, but do they really change our lives? Spoiler alert: not really. We also get cozy with the winter vibes, where the...
2025-11-2018 minHere is the thing (technology podcast)Midnight Musings: Reflections on Time and TechWe’re diving deep into the wild and wacky world of time and technology in this episode. As we wrap up 2025, we ponder the mysteries of how swiftly time seems to fly by, especially when you’re juggling parenthood and a busy life. I've been mulling over the chaotic nature of our reality, particularly with all the buzz around AI and its potential to disrupt everything we know. Spoiler alert: I’m not convinced it’s the all-powerful overlord some make it out to be—maybe it’s just a shiny toy that we’re all getting a bit too giddy abou...
2025-11-1129 minHere is the thing (technology podcast)Baby Steps: Resuming My Podcast JourneySo, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this episode where I’m just trying to get back into the groove of podcasting after a little break. You know how life can throw some curveballs at you? Well, I hit a bit of a snag with my mental energy, which had me feeling more like a sloth than a podcasting pro. I really didn’t want to drag everyone into my personal stuff, because, honestly, oversharing can feel like a slippery slope, right? I mean, we’re all about keeping it real, but there are boundaries, folks! Anyway, I’m here now...
2025-11-0509 min
Here is the thing (technology podcast)Let's do it again!The wait is over. After a long break, it’s a joy to be back behind the microphone. In this brief episode, I’m firing up the gear for a quick test run and saying hello to the community. Thank you for sticking around—the best is yet to come.Keywords/Tags: podcast return, new season, update, announcement, podcast hiatus, we are back, testing,
2025-10-0809 min
Here is the thing (technology podcast)Podcast is back...My podast lived two months on Spotify and I really didn’t like it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmonkx.substack.com
2025-07-0700 min
Here is the thing (technology podcast)Career Pivot, Design Legacy & Finding Meaning Through Podcasting | Personal JournalKind of processing things out loud today... thinking about this design career, what actually leaves a mark, and feeling this pull towards making podcasts more seriously. It's a bit of a ramble, includes a walk outside (mic and all), and ends with a hint about a really personal new project I'm starting.Show Notes:* Just me thinking out loud from home today, feeling a bit adventurous.* Talking about why I like podcasts that feel like a raw audio message, not too polished. Trying to capture that here.* Reflecting on the long...
2025-04-0542 min
Here is the thing (technology podcast)The Future of Coding vs. Organic Creativity: From Unreal Engine to Vibe Coding and a Pivot to VideoIn this episode, I share my thoughts on the frustrating state of Berlin's public transport and how it initially fueled my virtual city project, Lelit District, built with Unreal Engine. I delve into the intriguing concept of vibe coding, where AI assists in code creation, hinting at the future of coding. However, the current limitations of vibe coding and the rapid advancements in AI are leading me to question the long-term relevance of traditional coding and even the direction of Lelit District.I discuss the possibility of a future where AI handles the complexities of code, allowing...
2025-03-2619 min
Here is the thing (technology podcast)My Podcast Addiction ConfessionThis episode kicks off with a morning walk surprise – a usually quiet street packed with cars! The reason? A public transport strike. This leads to thoughts on people's reactions (or lack thereof) to such disruptions and a little detour into the ongoing debate about remote work.But the main thread of this episode is a personal reflection on podcast consumption. Inspired by a video from Van Neistat (yes, Casey's brother!), I delve into my own potential "addiction" to podcasts and why I'm starting to believe that less might actually be more. I explore the feeling of being co...
2025-03-2314 min
Here is the thing (technology podcast)My Brain's on High HeatGrabbed my old Zoom H1 recorder (the one that lets me hear myself talk – crucial!) and went for a walk to escape the apartment and the endless to-do list. Turns out, I had a lot on my mind. This is a pretty unfiltered ramble about feeling overwhelmed by choices, the good and bad of the internet (especially the news… ugh), the weirdness of modern parenting, and why I’m nostalgic for the early days of online life. Also, a brief rant about gimbals I haven't used and why I keep listening to old podcasts. It's chaotic, but it's real.O...
2025-03-1539 min
Here is the thing (technology podcast)A Berlin Walk: Spring, Scattered Thoughts, and the Search for Home (Or Something Like It)Join me for an unusually long and (hopefully) unusually honest audio message, recorded on a sunny-ish day off in Berlin. This isn't your typical, tightly-themed podcast episode. It's more like a rambling conversation with a friend – a brain dump, a walking meditation, a slice of life captured on a 40-minute stroll to pick up my daughter from Kita.Expect a stream-of-consciousness journey through thoughts on: the joys (and anxieties) of unscheduled time, the unpredictable moods of early spring, the persistent pull of travel and the search for "roots" (especially in your 40s), a brief and mildly embarrassing en...
2025-02-2726 min
Here is the thing (technology podcast)Audio Podcast win over Video Podcastsharing some news about podcast numbers. Apparently audio podcasts have a lot stronger engagement compared to video ones. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmonkx.substack.com
2025-01-3005 min
Here is the thing (technology podcast)meandering in the morningjust a short morning monologue about upcoming spring season, migraine, freelancing, employment and so on. feel free to comment on Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmonkx.substack.com
2025-01-3015 min
Here is the thing (technology podcast)Connecting Beyond the CategoriesWelcome to the very first episode of my podcast! Join me on this new journey as I explore the world of unfiltered conversation and multi-faceted content creation. I'm diving headfirst into this project with a desire to share my thoughts and ideas freely, unconstrained by the typical podcasting norms. This episode lays out my vision for a podcasting experience that prioritizes connection over categorization.I believe that limiting a podcast to a single topic can feel artificial and restrict the potential for genuine connection with listeners. Just as our real-life conversations flow naturally across various subjects...
2025-01-0805 min
Here is the thing (technology podcast)Testing DJI Mic Mini for podcastingI test out my new DJI mic setup while cooking lunch and share thoughts on diving into content creation. Join me as I talk about my goals for podcasting and video production, the importance of sound quality, and creating a workflow that’s simple and friction-free. I also reflect on life as a single dad, my daughter’s week with me, and preparing for a visit from my mum. It’s a laid-back introduction to what I hope will be a creative journey worth sharing. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this w...
2024-12-0107 min
Here is the thing (technology podcast)From Perfectionism to Publishing: A Creator's Journey with Camera Gear ReviewA raw and honest exploration of creative paralysis and the journey to overcome perfectionism. This episode documents personal revelations about content creation, featuring practical camera tests and authentic insights about filming in Berlin.Key Moments: Commitment to publishing all recorded content to break the cycle of overthinking Detailed comparison of different cameras: Canon Legria, Canon G7X Mark II, Pixel 8 Pro, and reflections on the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Authentic street footage from Berlin's eclectic neighborhoods Insights about public filming and overcoming self-consciousness Coverage of a live podcast event discussing...
2024-11-2326 min
Here is the thing (technology podcast)Marathon episodeLong overdue marathon episode. Here I give a short context about my lack of preparation and what came out of this heroic effort. Enjoy. More to come soon This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmonkx.substack.com
2024-11-2120 min
Here is the thing (technology podcast)Let’s talk about runningIn this episode I’m talking about my newly discovered passion for running. I got motivated by randomly learning about upcoming marathon. It’s an event in Berlin that I’ve been ignoring for a couple of years now but always imagining how would it be to take part in. Having few months ahead of the event I decided to train for it instead of just looking at other people go. To my big disappointment hours, too late to register for Berlin Marathon 2023 as apparently there is a lot more running in enthusiasts than I thought. So I’m not going to...
2023-07-0515 min
Here is the thing (technology podcast)StrayI talk about my relationship with summer and the game called Stray This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmonkx.substack.com
2023-06-1413 min
Here is the thing (technology podcast)On My Way (The Power of Rain, The Urge to Create, and My New Electric Longboard)In this episode, I take a long walk to work and reflect on a wide range of topics, from the humbling power of nature to the psychology of content creation. Why do so few of us create content, and what is the true value of the articles and podcasts we consume? I explore the idea that we should be processing and building upon what we learn, not just passively consuming it.I also open up about my recent creative block, the therapeutic power of speaking your thoughts aloud, and how a listener's message inspired me to get...
2017-06-3013 min