#136 – unscripted banter with No Bonus
<h1>Technically Working – Episode 136: Burnout, Barbecue, and Back at It</h1>
<h2>Summary</h2>
<p>In this reflective and lively episode, Michael and Damashe return to their usual unscripted banter after a series of guest interviews. They dive into confessions, personal updates, and rediscovering balance in life and work. Damashe admits the <em>Technically Working</em> site still isn’t live, citing exhaustion and carpal tunnel issues. Michael talks about post-cruise laziness and guide dog emergencies. The duo chat about productivity cycles, tech frustrations, health challenges, and how life (and sometimes Siri) doesn’t cooperate. Damashe also shares what it's like traveling for conventions and being recognized by listeners, while Michael recounts his cruise and convention chaos. They wrap with a deep dive into member management tools for WordPress and appreciation for their tip jar supporters.</p>
<h2>Highlights</h2>
<ul>
<li>🎙️ <strong>Confession time</strong>: The website is still not live — and why.</li>
<li>🧠 <strong>Productivity and burnout</strong>: Damashe struggles with energy levels, sleep issues, and navigating burnout.</li>
<li>🥩 <strong>Barbecue blues</strong>: It’s been over a year since Damashe lit his grill — and it’s hitting hard.</li>
<li>🚢 <strong>Michael’s cruise adventure</strong>: Accessibility wins and fails, and yes, he worked on vacation.</li>
<li>🐕 <strong>Titan’s tooth trouble</strong>: Guide dog vet emergencies are expensive.</li>
<li>💳 <strong>Michael makes Damashe spend money on vacation</strong>: Preordering the Zoom PodTrack P4 Next.</li>
<li>🌐 <strong>Convention updates</strong>: ACB Oregon, Washington, and Houston — listener shoutouts included!</li>
<li>🛠️ <strong>Tool talk</strong>: Podcast setups, tech rants, and a detailed debate over Paid Memberships Pro vs MemberPress.</li>
<li>📈 <strong>Audience growth</strong>: Episode numbers are climbing, and listener engagement is strong.</li>
<li>🗣️ <strong>Shoutouts</strong>: New and long-time listeners, tip jar supporters, and significant others — you rock.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Tools & Services Mentioned</h2>
<ul>
<li>Zoom PodTrack P4 Next</li>
<li>Paid Memberships Pro (PMP)</li>
<li>MemberPress</li>
<li>Gravity Forms</li>
<li>Stripe</li>
<li>WordPress local dev tools: Valet, WP Migrate</li>
<li>Apple Watch sleep tracking</li>
<li>Costco melatonin</li>
<li>Farago, Audio Hijack</li>
</ul>
<h2>Feedback?</h2>
<p>Drop us a line: <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="nofollow">[email protected]</a></p>
<h2>Support the Show</h2>
<p>Want to keep us caffeinated (or help pay off those vet bills)? Visit <a href="https://technicallyworking.show" rel="nofollow">technicallyworking.show</a> and click the tip jar.</p>
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