the dot matrix

All things "Get Back!" today. The Beatles docuseries was the inspiration to get Sean, Justin and Michelle back to the mic almost a year after their last podcast. With the pandemic still underway, it was nice to focus on something so joyful. The long and winding discussion touched on the Rooftop concert, Sean's super-fan expectations realized for all this new footage, Michelle's emotional connections, and Justin's appreciation of the work and effort involved. All to say, "three thumbs up!"  

Justin and Michelle finally hopped onto a FB Messenger Video chat with Sean to get back to podcasting. While still in the midst of the pandemic (much has changed and much has not since the last episode), the trio discussed the latest coverage in BC (Canada) of Dr. Bonnie Henry, including a recent interview, and vaccine line jumpers. Sean mentioned an article that sparked the segment of how politicians are often a generation (or three!) behind when reacting to criticism. The public craves much more transparency and frankness than most politicians wants to give. Of course, the resignation of Julie Payette, the former Governor General was discussed. Their last big conversation (before delving into New World Pinot Noirs), was of course the recent transition of the federal government in the US.

It took a pandemic for Sean and Justin (and now Michelle!) to dust off the microphone and sit down to do an episode virtually, safely distanced apart from each other. The topic of motivation? The sexual assault allegations against Joe Biden, and the questionable media coverage of it. Also on their minds, the missed opportunity of Bernie Sanders campaign and the protests taking place in the US against the quarantine. Here's a link to the blog that was referenced about explaining the Evangelical Christian perspective. And links to Ozark (watch it!) and The Sinner Season 3 (don't!). 

After a 1 year unintended hiatus, Sean and Justin are back for episode 68, with Justin's partner Michelle as their special "in studio" guest (as well as an in-the-background cameo appearance by Sean's partner Elaine and their dog Sadie!). The trio celebrate by casting over a glass of Coeur de Terre Pinot Noir. The episode has three parts. First, some podcast recommendations: My Dad Wrote a Porno, Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, Discography, Serial: Season 3, and the Acting Real episode with Josh Radnor. The second part involves some geeking out about wine and Sean's wine education. The third part caps off the episode with current affairs talk - particularly on US-related topics (like what's going on in Venezuela) given the American in the room! 

Justin and Sean celebrated 10 years of recording "The Dot Matrix" podcast by welcoming their second guest in a row - this time Justin's partner Michelle. Michelle is completing her PhD research, which takes a learning lens to better understand social justice movements and what brings them together. She contributed her formidable and progressive voice to our podcasting duo. Because she was coming live from Chicago (the marvels of Skype!), the three focused on all the chaotic and dramatic happenings down in the US. The main topic of the day was the efforts to push through tax changes and the outrageous rushing of the process by even writing on the margins of the bill. A few other enraging videos they spoke about are here and here for your viewing pleasure. In the conversation, they reference two really great podcasts: By Any Means Necessary and On the Media (we've included links to the specific episodes they referenced). Also, according to the Onion, apparently you aren't supposed to leave Mike Pence alone with a Mrs. Butterworth bottle nearby.