
        <h4>Subtitle: State of the Workflow</h4><p>Myke talks to Loryn Brantz – illustrator, poet, and bestselling author – about her journey from Sesame Street and BuzzFeed to becoming an independent creator, how her poems grew into a book, and the routines she uses to make space for new ideas.</p>
 <h4>This episode of Cortex is sponsored by:</h4> <ul>
<li><a href="http://fitbod.me/cortex">Fitbod</a>: Get stronger, faster with a fitness plan that fits you. Get 25% off your membership.</li>
<li><a href="https://sentry.io/">Sentry</a>: Mobile crash reporting and app monitoring. New users get $100 in Sentry credits with code cortex26.</li>
<li><a href="http://squarespace.com/cortex">Squarespace</a>: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code CORTEX.</li>
</ul>
<h4 style='display: inline;'>Guest Starring:</h4> <p style='display: inline;'><a href='http://www.relay.fm/people/lorynbrantz'>Loryn Brantz</a></p>
<h4>Links and Show Notes:</h4>  <h5><a href='https://relay.fm/cortex/join'>Get Moretex – More Cortex, with no ads.</a></h5> <h5><a href='http://cortexbrand.com'>Check out the Cortex Brand store – Premium Productivity Tools</a></h5> <h5><a href='https://relay.fm/cortex/feedback'>Submit Feedback</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gabby-coaching-meditation/id1669192315" target="_blank">‎Gabby - Coaching & Meditation App - App Store</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://lorynbrantz.com/" target="_blank">Loryn's Website</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lorynbrantz/?hl=en" target="_blank">Loryn Brantz – Instagram</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thegoodadvicecupcake/" target="_blank">The Good Advice Cupcake – Instagram</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/products/poems-of-parenting-loryn-brantz?variant=42922801659938" target="_blank">Poems of Parenting – HarperCollins</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://booksofwonder.com/products/9798217042142?variant=44170419535914" target="_blank">I Am a Spicy Nugget – Books of Wonder</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://getbrick.com/" target="_blank">Brick</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/lorynbrantz/if-disney-princesses-had-realistic-waistlines" target="_blank">If Disney Princesses Had Realistic Waistlines – Buzzfeed</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ms._Rachel" target="_blank">Ms. Rachel - Wikipedia</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDXcika12xE" target="_blank">Dos and Don'ts of Sharing Photos of Your Children on Instagram and Facebook | WSJ - YouTube</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.wired.com/story/story/amazon-is-making-an-ai-animated-good-advice-cupcake-tv-show-its-original-creator-is-furious/" target="_blank">Amazon Is Making an AI-Animated ‘Good Advice Cupcake’ TV Show. Its Original Creator Is Furious | WIRED</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lorynbrantz/p/DY7TW9kjv-_/?hl=en" target="_blank">Loryn's Post about Cuppy and Buzzfeed – Instagram</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/designedincalifornia/designed-in-california-an-apple-history-podcast" target="_blank">Designed in California — Kickstarter Campaign</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://relay.fm/upgrade/621" target="_blank">Upgrade #621: Road to the Apple II: The Partnership (Part 2) - Relay</a></h5>
      

Myke talks to Loryn Brantz – illustrator, poet, and bestselling author – about her journey from Sesame Street and BuzzFeed to becoming an independent creator, how her poems grew into a book, and the routines she uses to make space for new ideas.

Cortex

180: From Instagram Poems to a Bestselling Book, with Loryn Brantz


        <h4>Subtitle: State of the Workflow</h4><p>Myke talks to Steph Ango, CEO of Obsidian, about building tools for thought, working without meetings, managing knowledge with markdown and links, and how a seven-person team builds software used by millions. </p>
 <h4>This episode of Cortex is sponsored by:</h4> <ul>
<li><a href="http://fitbod.me/cortex">Fitbod</a>: Get stronger, faster with a fitness plan that fits you. Get 25% off your membership.</li>
<li><a href="https://sentry.io/">Sentry</a>: Mobile crash reporting and app monitoring. New users get $100 in Sentry credits with code cortex26.</li>
<li><a href="http://squarespace.com/cortex">Squarespace</a>: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code CORTEX.</li>
</ul>
<h4 style='display: inline;'>Guest Starring:</h4> <p style='display: inline;'><a href='http://www.relay.fm/people/stephanango'>Steph Ango</a></p>
<h4>Links and Show Notes:</h4>  <h5><a href='https://relay.fm/cortex/join'>Get Moretex – More Cortex, with no ads.</a></h5> <h5><a href='http://cortexbrand.com'>Check out the Cortex Brand store – Premium Productivity Tools</a></h5> <h5><a href='https://relay.fm/cortex/feedback'>Submit Feedback</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://stephango.com/" target="_blank">stephango.com</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://obsidian.md/" target="_blank">Obsidian</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://minimal.guide/home" target="_blank">Minimal Theme for Obsidian</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://stephango.com/vault" target="_blank">How I use Obsidian — Steph Ango</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://obsidian.md/clipper" target="_blank">Obsidian Web Clipper</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://stephango.com/todos" target="_blank">How I do my to-dos — Steph Ango</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://obsidian.md/about" target="_blank">Manifesto - About - Obsidian</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://stephango.com/ramblings" target="_blank">If you're remote, ramble — Steph Ango</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://graydon2.dreamwidth.org/193447.html" target="_blank">Always Bet on Text - graydon2</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://stephango.com/file-over-app" target="_blank">File over app — Steph Ango</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://stephango.com/understand" target="_blank">Don't delegate understanding — Steph Ango</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://stephango.com/precious" target="_blank">Caloric energy is precious — Steph Ango</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://obsidian.md/cli" target="_blank">Obsidian CLI</a></h5>
      

Myke talks to Steph Ango, CEO of Obsidian, about building tools for thought, working without meetings, managing knowledge with markdown and links, and how a seven-person team builds software used by millions. 

179: The Philosophy of Obsidian, with CEO Steph Ango


        <h4>Subtitle: State of the Workflow</h4><p>Myke talks to Jason Schreier of Bloomberg about the realities of reporting – how stories start, how sources are built, and how he balances fast-moving news with the slower, deeper work of writing books.</p>
 <h4>This episode of Cortex is sponsored by:</h4> <ul>
<li><a href="http://fitbod.me/cortex">Fitbod</a>: Get stronger, faster with a fitness plan that fits you. Get 25% off your membership.</li>
<li><a href="https://sentry.io/">Sentry</a>: Mobile crash reporting and app monitoring. New users get $100 in Sentry credits with code cortex26.</li>
<li><a href="https://mercuryweather.app/cortex">Mercury Weather</a>: Forecasts, beautifully done. Download now for free.</li>
<li><a href="http://squarespace.com/cortex">Squarespace</a>: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code CORTEX.</li>
</ul>
<h4 style='display: inline;'>Guest Starring:</h4> <p style='display: inline;'><a href='http://www.relay.fm/people/jasonschreier'>Jason Schreier</a></p>
<h4>Links and Show Notes:</h4>  <h5><a href='https://relay.fm/cortex/join'>Get Moretex – More Cortex, with no ads.</a></h5> <h5><a href='https://relay.fm/cortex/feedback'>Submit Feedback</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/jasonschreier.bsky.social" target="_blank">Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier.bsky.social) — Bluesky</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/authors/AUvqMRVAZCw/jason-schreier" target="_blank">Jason Schreier | Bloomberg</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/voice-recorders/icd-ux570-series" target="_blank">Sony UX570 Digital Voice Recorder</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/blood-sweat-and-pixels-the-triumphant-turbulent-stories-behind-how-video-games-are-made-jason-schreier?variant=32639682969678" target="_blank">Blood, Sweat, and Pixels by Jason Schreier – HarperCollins</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/press-reset/9781538735497/" target="_blank">Press Reset by Jason Schreier – Hachette Book Group</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jason-schreier/play-nice/9781538725436/" target="_blank">Play Nice by Jason Schreier – Hachette Book Group</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-08-21/why-silksong-team-cherry-s-sequel-to-hollow-knight-took-so-long-to-make" target="_blank">Why 'Silksong,' Team Cherry's Sequel to 'Hollow Knight,' Took So Long to Make - Bloomberg</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/triple-click/" target="_blank">Triple Click | Maximum Fun</a></h5>
      

Myke talks to Jason Schreier of Bloomberg about the realities of reporting – how stories start, how sources are built, and how he balances fast-moving news with the slower, deeper work of writing books.

178: The Process of Investigative Reporting, With Jason Schreier


        <h4>Subtitle: State of the Workflow</h4><p>Myke talks to Quinn Nelson of Snazzy Labs about adapting a creative workflow after becoming a parent – how major life changes reshape priorities, time, and systems, and how creators rebuild sustainable ways to keep making things.</p>
 <h4>This episode of Cortex is sponsored by:</h4> <ul>
<li><a href="https://sentry.io/">Sentry</a>: Mobile crash reporting and app monitoring. New users get $100 in Sentry credits with code cortex26.</li>
<li><a href="http://fitbod.me/cortex">Fitbod</a>: Get stronger, faster with a fitness plan that fits you. Get 25% off your membership.</li>
<li><a href="http://squarespace.com/cortex">Squarespace</a>: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code CORTEX.</li>
</ul>
<h4 style='display: inline;'>Guest Starring:</h4> <p style='display: inline;'><a href='http://www.relay.fm/people/q'>Quinn Nelson</a></p>
<h4>Links and Show Notes:</h4>  <h5><a href='https://relay.fm/cortex/join'>Get Moretex – More Cortex, with no ads.</a></h5> <h5><a href='https://relay.fm/cortex/feedback'>Submit Feedback</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@snazzy" target="_blank">Quinn Nelson - Snazzy Labs - YouTube</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://sparkmailapp.com/" target="_blank">Spark Mail</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.notion.com/" target="_blank">Notion</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQWGFKhBQwU" target="_blank">We made the Mac mini ACTUALLY mini! - Snazzy Labs - YouTube</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjdqEpYkrAI" target="_blank">I Made My Own Mac! You Can Too! - Snazzy Labs - YouTube</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://getbrick.com/" target="_blank">Brick</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://relayfm.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/Cortex/Episode%20177/Quinn%27s%20Home%20Screen.jpg" target="_blank">Quinn's Home Screen</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://rivian.com/en-GB" target="_blank">Rivian</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.whendidi.app/" target="_blank">When Did I…?</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://narwhal.app/" target="_blank">Narwhal 2 for Reddit</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/atomickb/mdr-dasher-keyboard-for-work-thats-mysterious-and-important" target="_blank">MDR Dasher Keyboard – Kickstarter</a></h5>
      

Myke talks to Quinn Nelson of Snazzy Labs about adapting a creative workflow after becoming a parent – how major life changes reshape priorities, time, and systems, and how creators rebuild sustainable ways to keep making things.

177: How Major Life Changes Reshape Creative Workflows, With Quinn Nelson


        <h4>Subtitle: State of the Workflow</h4><p>Myke talks to Becca Farsace about beginning her life as an independent creator—shaping a new workflow, making videos on her own terms, and carrying lessons from her years at The Verge into this next chapter.</p>
 <h4>This episode of Cortex is sponsored by:</h4> <ul>
<li><a href="https://sentry.io/">Sentry</a>: Mobile crash reporting and app monitoring. New users get $100 in Sentry credits with code cortex26.</li>
<li><a href="http://fitbod.me/cortex">Fitbod</a>: Get stronger, faster with a fitness plan that fits you. Get 25% off your membership.</li>
<li><a href="http://squarespace.com/cortex">Squarespace</a>: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code CORTEX.</li>
</ul>
<h4 style='display: inline;'>Guest Starring:</h4> <p style='display: inline;'><a href='http://www.relay.fm/people/beccafarsace'>Becca Farsace</a></p>
<h4>Links and Show Notes:</h4>  <h5><a href='https://relay.fm/cortex/join'>Get Moretex – More Cortex, with no ads.</a></h5> <h5><a href='https://relay.fm/cortex/feedback'>Submit Feedback</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.youtube.com/BeccaFarsace" target="_blank">Becca Farsace - YouTube</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBm031TNOBI" target="_blank">This is the best phone of 2025… (sorry, MKBHD) - Becca Farsace - YouTube</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjer379ONJo&t=2s" target="_blank">Why I left The Verge - Becca Farsace - YouTube</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://becca-vff-shop.fourthwall.com/en-gbp" target="_blank">Becca's Merch Store</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5FmHkhNll0" target="_blank">I tried to replace my screens with an Apple Vision Pro… - Becca Farsace - YouTube</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sw-9LcNYuU" target="_blank">I took 1,000 photos with the iPhone 17 Pro... - Becca Farsace - YouTube</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWwW7c73VEU" target="_blank">the smartwatch that changed my mind about smartwatches - Becca Farsace - YouTube</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQhT2bZk-5w&t=13s" target="_blank">I quit my job to become a YouTuber, here is how much $$$ I made - Becca Farsace - YouTube</a></h5> <h5><a href="https://relayfm.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/Cortex/Episode%20176/Becca%27s%20Home%20Screen.jpg" target="_blank">Becca's Home Screen</a></h5>
      

Myke talks to Becca Farsace about beginning her life as an independent creator—shaping a new workflow, making videos on her own terms, and carrying lessons from her years at The Verge into this next chapter.

176: Going From a Newsroom to Being Independent, With Becca Farsace

Cortex is a show that explores how creative people think about their work — and how they get it done. Each episode dives into the workflows they follow, the apps and devices they depend on, and the habits that keep projects moving. Hosted by CGP Grey and Myke Hurley.

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