The Important Thing (Michael Lopp)

In our 53rd episode, we revisit the prior 52 episodes and talk about what we've learned. 

In our ninth episode, we discuss the idea of Manager READMEs, vulnerability in the workspace, how Toyota empower its humans, and how much Rands detests drama.

In our 85th episode, we talk dapper and how it might be armor. 

In our 28th episode, Lyle's Lopp visit continues and we learn about various judgment errors in our lives and the resulting lessons. Happy New Year.

In our 84th episode, we go deep on the idea of why it's bad to be busy. 

In our 36th episode, we're back at Disneyland. Lyle explains why he is a far better Dad, we talk about how to build a proper lightsaber, and we laugh... because we need a little laughing right now.

In our 43rd episode, we recommend shows you just gotta binge this holiday season during our end times. (Recorded November 2020)

Our 63rd episode isn't really about vigilantism but more about holding grudges. 

In our 29th episode, we walk through the perils and challenges of starting a new gig, how to change a culture, and formative stories.

In our 12th episode, we start talking feedback. Using feedback on our podcast as a jumping off point, we consider the topics of giving proper attribution, the art of arguing about empty boxes, and the fact the Rands is a control freak.

Secret episode. In our 26th episode, we briefly talk about the trials and tribulations of Christmas trees.

Lyle returns from and talks about Japan in our fourteenth episode. Subways, signage, robots, and great food are among our topics. Back in the states, we talk about the Rands Biking Protocol and Rands Eating Protocol.

In our 69th episode, the topic is zombies in the context of The Last of Us and the entire zombie genre. BraaAAaaaaaaaaiAAains. Only 30 episodes left people.  

In our eighteenth episode, I can't stop giggling about my problems with sugar. Lyle deftly navigates us through all the sugar vectors, proper movie candy protocol, the perils of cinnamon, and why candy corns... are the best.

In our 77th episode, we discuss why magic is everywhere. 

Our 62nd episode is a little all over the place, but it works. 

In our 80th episode, we talk about travels to last summer. There was a pillow menu. 

In our surprisingly quick to arrive fourth episode, we briefly giggle about the clickity-clack of a mechanical keyboard and then talk about a time at Apple where it was critical to understanding the why.

In our 34th episode, we discuss the value created by Executive Assistants, explain what a Chief of Staff does, how to build teams, why calendars are hard, and why Lopp keeps rewriting the book.

The mighty 20th episode. Lyle's thinking about becoming a manager and Lopp has thoughts. It's a job with infinite variables, strange feedback loops, and endless decisions. Also, it'll take three years minimum to become competent.

Our 58th episode discusses the importance of numbers and their value in remembering things. It's better than it reads. 

In our 83rd episode, we revisit the various use cases we've discovered with our favorite AI tools. 

Speed round episode. Things we’ve been watching that you must not miss. You’re welcome.

In our 68th episode, Lopp and Lyle discuss Lyle’s performance in a horror movie as well as the role of the producer in different industries. 

30 episodes! Whoa. We're still talking about management. In this third part, we talk about what managers do all day, which probably more than you think.

The long-awaited 21st episode. Lyle is still thinking about becoming a manager. Lopp (still) has thoughts. We discuss what kind of leader you might be, how not to be overwhelmed, the sounds of modems, and why anger shouldn't feel like progress

In our 57th episode, we talk about how editing makes everything better.

In our 37th episode, it's a bit dark. Lyle and Lopp talk about the current state of the world. Not much laughing. Hoping that hearing you are not alone might help... it helped us. Recorded on March 18th, 2020.

In our 67th episode, the topic is Performance Reviews and how you build yourself by building others. Oh yeah, we talked about ChatGPT, too. 

In our 75th episode, we’re talking shoes. Only 25 episodes left… and we’re talking shoes. Ok.

In our 59th episode, we discuss why when you need to use the mice, there is a good chance you are failing.

In our 40th episode, we are talking about the practice of networking. Who does it, why they do it, and the very expected and random value that sometimes emerges from it. (Recorded on February 24th, 2020)

In our 41st episode, we continue the discussion regarding how to write a book. Start with a clever name, find a publisher... and then write a lot. That's about it. Ok, it's harder than that. (Recorded on February 24th, 2020)

In our 81st episode, we BING talk about the BONG important BONG BONG topic of BING BING BING notifications and DING DING DING notifications sounds. 

In our 65th episode, the topic is bags and how much optionality you require of your bag. 

Everyone has AI fever in our 73rd episode where — and you better get used to it — we are talking about those robots again.

In our 46th episode, we get stuck in a place of talking about doing things. Seems like a good episode to land at the beginning of the year.

In the 39th episode, recorded in a pre-COVID world, we talk about love letters, the challenges of speaking, and the timely pause. (Recorded on February 24th, 2020.)

In our 44th episode, we walk through the first chapters of Lopp's 3rd book. Learning to deal with endless meetings, understanding The Situation™, and learning that people often just want to be seen. Spend 45 minutes with Lyle and Lopp talking about important things.

In our 48th episode, we review the rich landscape of awesome media we're currently consuming. Totally no spoilers. We swear.

In our 70th episode, the topic is mediation, not meditation, but mediation. Yeah, I had to look it up, too. 

Our much delayed 42nd episode, which was recorded pre-Pandemic, we giggle a bit because we have not been giggling enough. In this episode, we discuss why Rands names his bikes and cars, which results in some helpful therapy. Also, stickers are discussed. (Recorded in February 2020)

SECRET EPISODE. 45 episodes in and we're talking the Mandalorian. Seismic charges? We have them. Bobo's Boom Stick? Yup. Lopp and Lyle talking about the most important things.

In our 24th episode, we talk Disney. The new Star Wars Experience, flying the Millenium Falcon, Disney+, the Mandalorian, space blacksmithing, and those jerk Stormtroopers.

Don't tell anyone. We're still producing episodes. In this brief episode, Lyle and Lopp talk pens and typography and how they help us say what we need to say.

In our 79th episode, we talk about situations with software that might destroy your weekend. 

In our 27th episode, Lyle visits Lopp's house and we talk mountain living, dowsing, and various Christmas updates. Happy Merry.

In our 71st episode, we talk about robots again, and then we follow with a Mastodon chaser. 

In our 55th episode, we return to familiar territory with special guest John Siracusa. The topic? Destiny 2 and why many, many years again, we continue to play every single day. 

Interested in our Destiny Slack? Figure out how to mail me, and I'll send you an invite. 

In our 86th episode, we talk timepieces (again), and then we somehow segue to bees. Brace for it. 

We're double digits! 10 episodes. Nailed it. In this episode, we talk about the perils of travel as an introvert, we examine each other's travel bags, and we learn that Rands is a control freak.

In our 74th episode, I swear we are only talking about one Important Thing, but I may be AI hallucinating.

In our 35th episode, Lopp is listening to country and no one is clear why. Eric Church and Mira Goto feature. Also, the Star Wars Rewatch Grade... and more country.

In our 60th episode, we talk about the ins and outs of jury duty. 

Nineteen episodes people! Lyle and Lopp walk through their thoughts on 2019's WWDC. We also take a trip down memory lane to discuss the Apple II+, BBSes, and spinning cursors. Trippy.

In our 76th episode, we freestyle a list of the seven types of managers on the planet. There are more, but here are seven. 

23rd episode. A short one about the joys of chainsaws, poison oak problems, why madrones are weird, and how there is always a system.

In the second episode, I am excited to be joined by my fellow Guardian John Siracusa to discuss the video game Destiny. Proudest moments, total time wasted, and the reality of the Hunter handicap – it’s all there.

• Destiny overview
• Siracusa’s typical sniping performance
• What is a skinner box?
• And what is a Gjallarhorn?
• The Crota’s End Theme

In our 52nd episode, we discuss the question, "Can you effectively manage people doing jobs you don't understand?"

Two years later, we're back with the Important Thing. Lyle and Lopp talk information consumption. Notification purges, marking all as read, and figuring out how to catch the most important information are just a few of the tips and tricks we discuss.

• Interview with Ernie Cline
• Feedly
• Geekspeak Weather Episode
• Song Exploder
• West Wing Weekly
• Rands Feed List (OPML)

In our 33rd episode, we're talking names. Domain names, nick names, and... inheritances. Wait, what? That can't be right. Aren't we talking about names?

In our 56th episode, we talk about Lyle's recent month of podcasting adventures. 

In our 64th episode, we discuss proactive things you can do when the sky is falling. Also, we drink wine.

Our 61st episode discusses privacy on the Internet: why we need more education, how much your data is worth, and what parts of privacy need to change. 

In our fifteenth episode, we go deep on feedback. We learn where Rands' feedback religion came from, we walk through a couple of specific feedback scenario, and we discuss why you should be investing in a feedback culture - right now

In our eleventh episode, we dissect "You Only Live Once", we talk about paying for BETA software, and the value of building things with your hands.

Welcome back. In our 46th episode, we're talking about the new shelves in the cave. They're big. Like huge. It's so good to be talking with you all again.

In this episode, we introduce you to my co-host Lyle – pre-eminent listener, longtime radio host, and fellow mountain resident. We also spend time talking logos and introversion… and then we finish with a strong Spider-Man chaser.

In the 38th, we lighten it up a bit. Not a lot. A bit. Finding solace in very strange times. Finding comfort while the world appears to be shutting down. Ok, it's a little lighter than that. Recorded on March 18th, 2020.

In our 31st episode, Lyle and Lopp discuss who does what in a well-run meeting. Roles and responsibilities, the value of feedback, and remember that meetings aren't punishment, but a useful tool in the hands of responsible humans.

In our sixteenth episode, we nerd it up on Avengers: Endgame. Topics include Rands not shutting up during the movie, the best moment, the trials of time travel, and why Captain America is just... the best.

In our seventeenth episode, we walk through the process of Rands writing his third book. We cover all aspects, familiar and strange, of the writing process, including editing, design covers, and figuring out who'll write the foreword.

In our latest and greatest episode, we talk about the craft of communication. After a brief introduction, we talking about Werewolf, lying, death in D&D, and the art of yolo'ing it. 

In this episode, we talk about process being documented culture. How do we keep all the plates spinning? Who are good plate spinners? Why are there plates in the first place? This and more is answered in this episode of The Important Thing.

In our 82nd episode, we talk watches I mean horology I mean chronophiles or maybe timepieces. 

In our 54th episode, we revisit the familiar theme of productivity and how we swear... this time... we figured it out!

25 episodes in. In this episode, we briefly talk about Lopp's founding of the Pro Leisure Circuit and how stress is hard to measure and different than worrying.

In our 66th episode, the topic is Mastodon and how quickly and efficiently it has replaced our Twitter use cases.  

In our 32nd episode, Lyle and Lopp go tactical on 1:1s. A bevy of small tips and tricks are discussed along with deep religion on the value of continuous feedback and the practice of finding joy in meetings.

In our 22nd episode, we update you on all the things: Lyle's job status, superheroes, books, iPads, avocados, and beets. It's a bit of a beautiful yard sale.

In our 78th episode, we’re go deep on sandwiches. Great, now I’m hungry.

Lucky 13th episode! Lyle and I talk Flow and Flow's companion Anti-Flow. Also covered, writing, breaking Flow, a bit about Bear the App, and trying to understand from where Flow flows. Bikes, too!