TRST_Blog

I don't want to make this a habit, but I'm going to apologize for myself.

Too's third episode should be out today and in that episode I use the word "retarded" pejoratively. I feel this use was inexcusable, even in jest, because it marginalizes a very specific and real population. I shouldn't have abused real human beings for a quick gag, it was a complete oversight on my part.

In the show I talk fairly crassly about any number of topics and I hope that they are all taken as sarcastically as I said them. The reason I am not apologizing for those things is because I feel there is some recognition of those wrongs, that hearing "women shouldn't vote" immediately causes people to think otherwise, because that phrase and the concepts behind it are already part of our collective awareness. The same cannot be said for the term "retarded". Unfortunately that term as a pejorative goes unnoticed and seems fairly "normal".

Comedy, for me, plays on cultural norms we all take for granted, it pushes against the grain of what we believe in. I do not feel comfortable promoting comedy of another form that glibly enforces norms which I feel are toxic. If the take away from any of my jokes do not provoke discussion and reflection, then I do not want to be making them.

For those too lazy (see what I did there?) to read on: I started podcasting with my buddy Ryan and we made a show called "Too". Give it a listen, if you're so inclined. If you're feeling really charitable, then subscribe and rate it on iTunes.

Read on if you've got nothing better to do.

The Long, Uncomfortable Story

In June, Mr. Ryan Taylor contacted me to do an interview for his podcast DYHAMB? I said yes (obviously) and subsequently ruined his new venture.

Not having learned from his previous mistake, Ryan offered me a role co-hosting a new podcast with him. We got along fairly well during the interview, so I agreed and we started moving forward. We recorded a number of episodes initially but there were technical hosting issues preventing our launch, yet we pushed onward.

That was until October when we both (coincidently I assure you) moved shop: Ryan to Manchester, and myself, to another cave. I suffered without the internet for two weeks but that was nothing compared to what Ryan had to deal with (henceforth he will be referred to as R-Dawg for no real reason). R-Dawg just came back online on the 6th of November. What he did with himself during that time no one knows. Frankly, I'm too afraid to ask.

After all of the hassle we are ready to record our new podcast regularly. I should take a moment to explain what "Too" is actually about, now shouldn't I?

I Think it's About Technology

Honestly, I am not 100% sure it is clear to us what happens when we start recording. I can suck all of the air out of a room when I get going, and I suspect that R-Dawg is merely along for the ride half the time.

We wanted to do a show about technology, but then again, so does everybody else. Not being terribly clever, we manage whatever we can. Technology is a big part of our lives and it is difficult to manage a conversation (regardless how terrible) without referencing it in some way.

What I envision will set us apart is how we talk about technology. Not as a mere tool but as an avenue for expression, a literal extension of the "human being". The goal is not to get too Kurzweil-y during our talks but to hopefully say something meaningful while having whatever fun we can. I really don't want this to turn into a weekly rant because there are far more competent people in that space already. I'm thinking party streamers and glitter.

I assume that the paragraph above is an empty promise, but whatever, no one is holding me accountable any how. Listen to "Too" and let's all buy yachts.

I finally have the internet again! I feel like it's the 90's and I just convinced my parents that AOL is a good idea.