Best Spec Network Podcasts (2024)

1
Phones are the ultimate AI gadget 1:13:00

9m ago1:13:00

1:13:00

Today on the flagship podcast of dedicated AI hardware: The Verge’s David Pierce and Allison Johnson debate whether the emergence of standalone AI gadgets like the Humane Pin and the Rabbit R1 are better off as apps or should exist as its own hardware. Humane AI Pin review: not even close The Humane AI Pin worked better than I expected — until it d…

1
Pitching is Terrible: The Series (Part 8 - Things Execs Say) 39:20

1h ago39:20

39:20

After weeks of hard work, you've finally made it to the room and are pitching your take on a movie or show. Congrats! Now for the hard part... Whether it's to producers, studio execs, a director, actor/actress, or another creator -- you are going to get thoughts and questions after your pitch that you absolutely cannot predict. What do you do, and …

1
888 - 04/21/24 Bobby Blackwolf Show - Game Boy Turns 35, Target Removing Some Physical Media 56:15

2h ago56:15

56:15

The Game Boy has turned 35 years old in Japan! I try my old Game Boy, as well as discuss how my entire Game Boy library was stolen by a classmate and we never caught him or got any of it back. (And also nobody believed me.) We talk about a viewer comment about having high fidelity VR in an untethered headset - as long as you have high quality equip…

1
Anyone want to buy TikTok? 1:40:02

1d ago1:40:02

1:40:02

The Verge's Nilay Patel, David Pierce, and Alex Cranz discuss President Biden signing the TikTok ban bill, Apple's May 7th iPad event, Tesla's flop era, and more. Further reading: Senate passes TikTok ban bill, sending it to President Biden’s desk Biden signs TikTok ‘ban’ bill into law, starting the clock for ByteDance to divest it Rabbit R1 hands-…

1
The Top Resumé Mistake I See, Plus the Best Resumé Advice I've Ever Received 18:10

1d ago18:10

18:10

After today's episode, your resumé is going to get better! In this episode I will share the biggest mistake and the best advice I've ever received about building a great resumé. This will take some work from you, but I hope you walk away from this episode feeling like you have the right mindset to improve your resumé drastically, and land more inte…

1
Great Metaphor: ReFantazio Trailer, PC Gets Trophies & TopSpin 2K25 30:30

3d ago30:30

30:30

We discussed the missing episode from last week, Metaphor: ReFantazio, PlayStation Trophies on PC and Top Spin's return. Show Dot Points Dylan and Ashley discuss PlayStation's quiet period and the possibility of ending the show due to a lack of news. They talk about the need for a SIM card slot in the PlayStation Portal and the features and shortco…

1
Prioritization Using Critical Path Thinking 13:56

3d ago13:56

13:56

In today's episode, we talk about the counterintuitive process of prioritizing based on critical path. This is not a novel concept that I've invented, but rather a revisiting of the classic discussion started by Eli Goldratt in his book "The Goal", and later in his book "Critical Path", based on the theory of constraints. 🙏 Today's Episode is Broug…

1
Congress takes on TikTok, privacy, and AI 1:18:32

3d ago1:18:32

1:18:32

Today on the flagship podcast of forced app divestiture: 03:07 - The Verge’s David Pierce and Lauren Fiener discuss the latest tech policy bills floating through Congress, including a privacy bill, a generative AI bill, and the TikTok divest-or-ban bill. TikTok ‘ban’ passes in the House again TikTok divest-or-ban legislation could suddenly be fast-…

1
Internal Dialogue in Screenwriting - Do or Don't? 40:32

4d ago40:32

40:32

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman take on the hotly debated topic amongst Screenwriters of whether to include a character's Internal Dialogue in action descriptions, or simply write a blueprint for the camera (as we are taught in film school). Using examples from successful spec scripts that have sold and their own scripts, Tasha and Josh break down…

1
887 - 04/14/24 Bobby Blackwolf Show - Studio Closes Due To Leaks, Phyiscal Game Won't Install Without Online Connection 51:29

6d ago51:29

51:29

Indie gaming studio Possibility Space has closed its doors, claiming it's because of questions from a journalist for an article that hasn't even been published yet. Star Wars: Outlaws will require an online internet connection to install the physical disc - which makes the game preservation aspect of physical media useless. We're still raising mone…

1
Emulators are taking over the App Store 1:34:20

7d ago1:34:20

1:34:20

The Verge's Nilay Patel, Alex Cranz, and David Pierce discuss third-party iPhone app stores, game emulators, Google Android and hardware team restructuring, the latest TikTok news, and more. Further reading: Third-party iPhone app store AltStore PAL is now live in Europe The free Delta game emulator for iPhones is live on Apple’s App Store A new NE…

1
Cultural Antidotes - Clarity Isn't Just Honesty 13:57

11d ago13:57

13:57

The most common mistake for any manager is to fail to clarify. This often happens because we mistake our average communications for having perfect clarity, when in fact we most often don't communicate at high levels of clarity. This isn't because we are bad at communication, but rather because our social communications carry less consequence when t…

1
The internet really is a series of tubes 1:23:06

10d ago1:23:06

1:23:06

Today on the flagship podcast of undersea cable management: 04:10 - The Verge’s David Pierce and Josh Dzieza discuss the industry of laying and maintaining undersea cables that connect us to the internet. The invisible seafaring industry that keeps the internet afloat 43:43 - Tom Warren and Joanna Nelius join the show to discuss the future of Arm c…

1
What to Write Next? 32:29

12d ago32:29

32:29

What should you write next? It's common not to know what your next move should be, and it can be overwhelming knowing you'll spend months on a script. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman discuss how they determine what to write next and ways to prioritize certain projects. Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com Edited by the GREAT Paul Lundquis…

1
886 - 04/07/24 Bobby Blackwolf Show - Are We Spending Less Time Playing Games? Are Emulators Coming To iPhone? 1:01:56

13d ago1:01:56

1:01:56

I'm helping raise money for Make-a-Wish Georgia with the Stream Atlanta meetup group this month - let's make some kids wishes come true! Gaming has reportedly fallen to pre-pandemic levels, meaning we aren't playing games as much as we were just a few years ago. Are emulators coming to iOS? Yes, but no - not in the way the media headlines want you …

1
The good, the bad, and the Humane AI Pin 1:34:53

14d ago1:34:53

1:34:53

The Verge's Nilay Patel, David Piece, and Alex Cranz discuss David's review of the Humane AI Pin, Taylor Swift's music back on TikTok, a new party speaker, and much more. Further reading: Humane AI Pin review: the post-smartphone future isn’t here yet Here’s What Reviewers Are Saying About the Humane Pin We now have a better look at what’s inside t…

1
Demystifying Culture and Values 21:06

16d ago21:06

21:06

What does your culture have to do with your values? In this episode we open up the discussion about a model of thinking for culture and values to understand how they link, and more importantly, when they don't. 🙏 Today's Episode is Brought To you by: Unblocked Unblocked provides helpful and accurate answers developers need to get jobs done. It tail…

1
Surprise PS Plus Extra Games For April 22:26

18d ago22:26

22:26

We discuss the new games coming to PS Plus Extra and Deluxe, plus the continuing story and world in Helldivers 2. Show Dot Points The addition of new content to older games like Resistance: Burning Skies shows that developers are still supporting their games long after release. Events like the Helldivers community-driven missions create a sense of …

1
The TikTok ban and the iPhone monopoly 1:03:08

17d ago1:03:08

1:03:08

The Verge’s David Pierce, Nilay Patel, and Alex Cranz answer questions from The Vergecast Hotline all about the TikTok ban debate and the US v Apple case. Further reading: TikTok ban: all the news on attempts to ban the video platform US v. Apple: everything you need to know The Curse of Bigness: Antitrust in the New Gilded Age Vote for The Vergeca…

1
TWIW: When to Take the Note, the Pitching Tiers and More! 37:44

19d ago37:44

37:44

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman answer listener and Screenwriting Twitter questions about what to do with conflicting notes, and discuss some TWIW in their own lives, from the many tiers of a single pitch before getting the job to their feelings (and realities) about a 10-year-old being hired to develop a studio movie. Questions / Comments: ActTwo…

1
885 - 03/24/24 Bobby Blackwolf Show - Kotaku Switching From News To Guides, PSVR2 Production Halted 57:53

20d ago57:53

57:53

Kotaku is deprioritizing news in favor of guides - which leads into a discussion of "Evergreen Content" vs "Topical Content" when it comes to content creation. We go over the Game Developers Choice Awards - which is the awards show everyone wants when The Game Awards happen, but nobody actually watches. Sony halts production on the PlayStation VR2 …

1
How much MacBook is enough MacBook? 1:32:00

21d ago1:32:00

1:32:00

The Verge's Nilay Patel, David Pierce, Alex Cranz discuss the Apple Macbook Air M3 review, Jon Stewart's take on AI, and a whole lot more of this week's tech news. Further reading: Apple MacBook Air M3 review: small upgrades It’s time for a hard reset on notifications Best printer 2024, best printer for home use, office use, printing labels, printe…

1
Principles of Work - Shorten Your Feedback Loops 18:07

25d ago18:07

18:07

Your feedback loops should be short enough that the cost of making a mistake is low enough that the value of the learning in the feedback loop exceeds the magnitude of the cost of a mistake. In other words: shorten your feedback loops to the point that you're no longer afraid to make a mistake. 🙏 Today's Episode is Brought To you by: Unblocked Unbl…

1
Stellar Blade Impressions 33:16

27d ago33:16

33:16

Dylan and Ashley have played the Stellar Blade demo, which leaves one wanting more and another ready to leave it at the demo. We also discuss Jim Ryan officially leaving PlayStation, the continued rumours behind the PS5 Pro, and a label that could be placed on games going forward that showcase the ones with enhanced 'PS5 Pro features. HOSTS Dylan B…

1
Where Do Ideas Come From? 44:13

25d ago44:13

44:13

Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman talk about where the ideas for three of their Film & TV scripts came from, where they were in their lives when it happened, and what can be learned about Idea Creation from that process. TWIW - Revising Strategy: Start with a Blank Page / Is Roadhouse in the zeitgeist? Questions / Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com E…

1
Film Inquiry's Interview with Kim Hornby, an ISA Top 25 Writer to Watch in 2024 21:33

24d ago21:33

21:33

Each year the ISA lists 25 talented writers. Our first interview is with multi-talented screenwriter & novel writer Kim Hornsby. I spoke with Kim about her journey, projects, and recommendations for other screenwriters! Check out more at FilmInquiry.comBy Kristy Strouse

1
A better keyboard than QWERTY 1:07:46

28d ago1:07:46

1:07:46

Today on the flagship podcast of alternate keyboard layouts: 03:36 - The Verge’s David Pierce talks to Jonas Hietala about his ultra-custom keyboard he built from the ground up to fit his specific needs. Jonas Hietala: The T-34 keyboard layout 30:40 - The Verge’s Tom Warren explains the next phase of Microsoft with a new leader on the Windows and S…

1
Power User: Taylor Lorenz on the TikTok ban 54:54

28d ago54:54

54:54

Today we're sharing an episode of a new podcast called Power User, which explores how technology and the internet are upending our lives and the world around us, hosted by tech journalist Taylor Lorenz. Follow Power User with Taylor Lorenz wherever you get your podcasts: https://link.chtbl.com/poweruserpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit po…

1
Principles of Work - Be Your Own Advocate 12:45

1M ago12:45

12:45

In this episode we discuss the importance of being your own advocate, and why this is likely the most rational position to hold. The takeaway: At any point, the person advocating the most for you is almost definitely YOU. 📮 Ask a Question If you enjoyed this episode and would like me to discuss a question that you have on the show, drop it over at:…

51
Practical Application of Information Theory 17:28

1M ago17:28

17:28

In this episode we discuss a practical application of information theory. Information theory is similar to the classic theory of communication, but distinct in important ways; these two theories together are a useful combo for creating a strategy for clarification. 🙏 Today's Episode is Brought To you by: Unblocked Unblocked provides helpful and acc…

1
Making Sense of Dragon's Dogma 2 Pawns 21:27

1M ago21:27

21:27

Diving into the drama and story behind Dragon's Dogma 2's pawns, Dylan is becoming increasingly intrigued by checking out the game. Show Dot Points The PlayStation 5 is currently available at its lowest price, and Final Fantasy 16 is releasing a new DLC. The announcement of the Stellar Blade demo provides an opportunity for players to experience th…

1
AI headphones and clicky phone keys 1:03:59

1M ago1:03:59

1:03:59

Today on the flagship podcast of canceled-out cricket sounds: 03:29 - David, Andru, and Will react to prototype headphones that use AI to take noise cancellation to a whole new level. Hear how the best ANC headphones handle real world and lab tests We sent the top ANC headphones to a lab to test their noise-canceling abilities The University of Was…

1
Networking and Making Connections 38:26

1M ago38:26

38:26

The favorite thing a screenwriter can do is to Network! Not really. Hosts Tasha Huo and Josh Hallman dive into all things networking and what that means for a screenwriter. We discuss the dos and don'ts when you're forced out of your comfort zone and find yourself trying to make new connections. Questions/Comments: ActTwoWriters@gmail.com -- Edited…

1
884 - 03/17/24 Bobby Blackwolf Show - Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story Impressions, More Emulator Fallout 1:04:23

1M ago1:04:23

1:04:23

We revisit the emulator settlement from last week with some clarifications from someone who is more knowledgeable in the inner workings of that scene than we are. Some emulator developers have gotten spooked enough to take their emulators offline, others have more resolve with more safeguards. Digital Eclipse's second entry in the Gold Master Serie…

1
Revisiting Core Working Principles - Hyperfixation on Measurements and Communication Degradation 19:00

1M ago19:00

19:00

In today's episode we talk about working principles again. Specifically, we're looking at a problem with measurement fixation, as well as the natural curve of degradation that most communication follows. 🙏 Today's Episode is Brought To you by: Jam.dev If you’re an engineer and you would rather spend your time writing code than responding to comment…

1
Apple’s antitrust fight begins 1:31:02

1M ago1:31:02

1:31:02

The Verge's David Pierce, Alex Cranz, Lauren Feiner and Nilay Patel discuss the breaking news about the the US Department of Justice accusing Apple of operating an illegal monopoly in the smartphone market in an expansive new antitrust lawsuit. Further reading: US v. Apple: everything you need to know US sues Apple for illegal monopoly over smartph…

1
Revisiting Core Working Principles - Clarity as a Precursor to Focus and Strategy for Possibilities 18:41

1M ago18:41

18:41

In this episode we are revisiting some of my own personal core principles of working. I'm sharing these with you for you to do whatever you want with them, so please share however you can! The principles we discuss today are around the relationship between clarity and focus, and about how most negotiations aren't about feasibility but instead about…

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