cMonkX Podcast
I record my monologue-style show from Berlin in English. I capture a variety of topics that are important to me.
Mon, April 14, 2025
Behind Squeaky Doors, Chasing Thoughts
Hey you... Just closing the (very squeaky) door behind me tonight. This one's mostly about trying to clear my head, dealing with some of those thoughts that seem to chase you, especially late at night. You'll hear the dishwasher in the background, maybe some tea being made (Sweet Kiss, if you're wondering – needed some comfort). It's a bit raw, maybe some oversharing, but I figured I'd just hit record instead of letting the anxiety win. We touch on trying to disconnect from phones, the weirdness of selling old tech on eBay, figuring out where this podcast even lives now (heads up, moved off Substack!), and just... coping mechanisms, I guess. Journaling, doodling, this recording – finding ways through. Maybe you feel like this sometimes too. If you're out there listening in the real world and need to connect, well, here I am for this half hour or so. Hope it resonates, or at least provides some company. (00:00) Intro and Anxiety (00:36) Oversharing and Connection (07:11) Moving to Spotify (08:39) Old Podcasting Days (11:12) Nostalgia for the Past (14:17) The Light Phone (18:50) Quitting Smartphone Addiction (21:12) Anxiety and World News (22:30) Toxicity of News (23:18) Outro and Connect
Sat, April 05, 2025
Career Pivot, Design Legacy & Finding Meaning Through Podcasting | Personal Journal
Kind of processing things out loud today... thinking about this design career, what actually leaves a mark, and feeling this pull towards making podcasts more seriously. It's a bit of a ramble, includes a walk outside (mic and all), and ends with a hint about a really personal new project I'm starting. Chapter Marks: (00:00) Feeling Adventurous at Home (02:02) Why Raw Style, Free-Form Podcasting Feels Right (03:33) Clear Skies, Clear Thoughts? (05:50) The Realization About Design & Legacy (08:15) Overcoming the "Radio Voice" Doubt (09:55) Committing to This Podcasting Thing (11:15) Platform Problems (Substack etc.) (20:07) Stepping Outside (Audio Shift) (21:03) A New, Personal Project: Single Fatherhood (23:55) Why Share This Now? / Final Thoughts
Wed, March 26, 2025
The Future of Coding vs. Organic Creativity: From Unreal Engine to Vibe Coding and a Pivot to Video
In this episode, I share my thoughts on the frustrating state of Berlin's public transport and how it initially fueled my virtual city project, Lelit District , built with Unreal Engine . I delve into the intriguing concept of vibe coding , where AI assists in code creation, hinting at the future of coding . However, the current limitations of vibe coding and the rapid advancements in AI are leading me to question the long-term relevance of traditional coding and even the direction of Lelit District . I discuss the possibility of a future where AI handles the complexities of code, allowing creators to focus on higher-level concepts. This realization prompts a personal reflection on my creative journey and a consideration of shifting my primary focus to video. I revisit old travel footage, recognizing video as a more organic and direct form of expression and communication. Join me as I explore: * The challenges of coding Lelit District in Unreal Engine and the allure of AI-assisted vibe coding . * My evolving perspective on the future of coding and the potential displacement of traditional software development. * The rapid progress of AI in various creative fields, including code generation. * My growing appreciation for video as a more natural and rewarding medium for storytelling and communication. * The decision to potentially step back from intensive software development to embrace the authenticity of video creation. * The idea that in the future, genuine experiences and the ability to share them organically will hold significant value. This episode examines the tension between the evolving landscape of AI in coding and the enduring power of human-driven, organic forms of creativity , ultimately leading to a decision to prioritize video as a primary means of expression.
Sun, March 23, 2025
My Podcast Addiction Confession
This episode kicks off with a morning walk surprise – a usually quiet street packed with cars! The reason? A public transport strike. This leads to thoughts on people's reactions (or lack thereof) to such disruptions and a little detour into the ongoing debate about remote work. But the main thread of this episode is a personal reflection on podcast consumption. Inspired by a video from Van Neistat (yes, Casey's brother!), I delve into my own potential "addiction" to podcasts and why I'm starting to believe that less might actually be more. I explore the feeling of being constantly bombarded with information and the importance of creating space for your own thoughts and the present moment. Tune in to hear my slightly rambling thoughts on all this and maybe even share your own perspective! Chapter Marks: * 00:00:00 - The Chaotic Quiet: Initial thoughts on the microphone and the unexpected traffic due to the public transport strike. * 00:00:45 - Strike Surprises: Observing the unusually busy streets and the reason behind it. * 00:01:11 - The Lack of Reaction: Pondering the general public's response to frequent strikes. * 00:02:10 - A Longer Walk and Recording: The motivation behind this morning's recording session. * 00:03:10 - More Packed Streets: Further observations on the traffic situation and initial thoughts on remote work. * 00:03:57 - Remote Work Reflections: Delving deeper into the ongoing discussion about working from home vs. the office. * 00:04:58 - My Own Office Dilemma: Personal feelings about the pros and cons of office work. * 00:05:56 - The Podcast Addiction Question: Transitioning to the main topic inspired by Van Neistat. * 00:06:35 - Van Neistat's Podcast Praise: Mentioning the video that sparked this reflection. * 00:07:19 - Lunchtime Reflection (Delayed): Setting the intention to reflect later in the day. * 00:07:36 - Eight Hours Later: Catching up after a busy day to share the thoughts. * 00:08:08 - Respect for Van Neistat: Clarifying the initial casual reference and acknowledging his work. * 00:09:00 - The Podcast Addiction Disagreement: Expressing the core disagreement with Van Neistat's "positive addiction" stance. * 00:09:41 - My Own Podcast Overload: Sharing personal experience with listening to too many podcasts. * 00:10:14 - The Programming Effect: Thoughts on how constant listening can influence one's own thinking. * 00:10:46 - The Illusion of Inspiration: Questioning the endless stream of podcast content. * 00:11:11 - Podcast Guest Suspicions: A slightly cynical view on the motivations of
Sat, March 15, 2025
My Brain's on High Heat
Grabbed my old Zoom H1 recorder (the one that lets me hear myself talk – crucial!) and went for a walk to escape the apartment and the endless to-do list. Turns out, I had a lot on my mind. This is a pretty unfiltered ramble about feeling overwhelmed by choices, the good and bad of the internet (especially the news… ugh), the weirdness of modern parenting, and why I’m nostalgic for the early days of online life. Also, a brief rant about gimbals I haven't used and why I keep listening to old podcasts. It's chaotic, but it's real. Okay, here are timestamps for key topics and transitions in the transcript, along with a list of references (both explicit and implicit). Timestamps: * 0:00:00 - 0:00:28: Introduction and explanation of using the Zoom H1 recorder. * 0:00:28 - 0:00:55: Reason for the walk: escaping the overwhelming feeling of unfinished tasks and distractions at home. * 0:00:55 - 0:01:17: Description about new recording approach. * 0:01:17 - 0:01:50: Benefits of recording while listetning. * 0:01:50 - 0:02:28: Description of a walk. * 0:02:28 - 0:03:55: Feeling overwhelmed by choices and the "temptations" of home. * 0:03:55 - 0:04:55: Mentioning the podcast and its new location (sapsdag.com). * 0:04:55 - 0:05:13: Overthinking the podcast name. * 0:05:13 - 0:06:07: The comfort of having a creative outlet, questioning the purpose of his other projects. * 0:06:07 - 0:07:07: The Unreal Engine project dilemma (game or productivity software?). * 0:07:07 - 0:07:52: The satisfaction of publishing vs. the feeling of "semi-productivity tasks." * 0:07:52 - 0:08:53: Talking about "doing" versus talking about "doing" (referencing the prevalence of online tutorials and courses). * 0:08:53 - 0:09:09: The overwhelming nature of tools, options. * 0:09:09 - 0:10:19: The unused gimbal and the feeling of guilt. * 0:10:19 - 0:12:45: Explaining the recent absence due to co-parenting and his daughter's illness. * 0:12:45 - 0:13:52: Thoughts on parents sharing children's lives online (strong disapproval). * 0:13:52 - 0:14:17: Tangent about a vandalized Tesla and Elon Musk. * 0:14:17 - 0:14:50: The polarizing nature of news around the Tesla. * 0:14:50 - 0:17:55: The addictive and negative nature of online news (Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Ukraine conflict). * 0:17:55 - 0:18:40: The desire to disconnect from the news and toxicity. * 0:18:40 - 0:19:29: Questioning how to disconnect while using the internet and smartphones. * 0:19:29 - 0:19:5
Thu, February 27, 2025
A Berlin Walk: Spring, Scattered Thoughts, and the Search for Home (Or Something Like It)
Join me for an unusually long and (hopefully) unusually honest audio message, recorded on a sunny-ish day off in Berlin. This isn't your typical, tightly-themed podcast episode. It's more like a rambling conversation with a friend – a brain dump, a walking meditation, a slice of life captured on a 40-minute stroll to pick up my daughter from Kita. Expect a stream-of-consciousness journey through thoughts on: the joys (and anxieties) of unscheduled time, the unpredictable moods of early spring, the persistent pull of travel and the search for "roots" (especially in your 40s), a brief and mildly embarrassing encounter with the world of "content creation" (and a camera I promptly returned), and the small, unexpected moments of human connection that make a big city feel a little less lonely. This is an experiment in embracing the unstructured, the unfiltered, the real . It's about finding the interesting in the everyday, and maybe, just maybe, connecting with you along the way. Topics Covered: * Taking a day off in Berlin: The surprisingly profound impact of disconnecting. * Early spring weather and its effect on the mind (and wardrobe choices). * Travel envy, wanderlust, and the search for a place to call home. * The "content creator" dilemma: Authenticity vs. the algorithm. * A heartwarming encounter with a neighborhood acquaintance. * Reflections on a retired couple vlogging from Mallorca. * Finding connection in unexpected places. * Embracing the messy, meandering nature of thought. * The beauty (and occasional frustration) of being a human. Highlights & Moments: * [0:00] Intro: Setting the scene – a day off, a walk, and a microphone. * [2:15] The joys (and anxieties) of a work-free day in Berlin. * [5:40] Weather-induced existentialism: Spring's confusing signals. * [8:55] Travel dreams and the feeling of being "stuck" while others explore. * [14:20] The "content creator" cringe and my camera-buying regret. * [22:10] A heartwarming encounter with a familiar stranger. * [26:33] The inspiring authenticity of older vloggers (and my envy!). * [34.05] Final thoughts and reflection If you've ever felt lost, found, or somewhere in between, this episode might resonate. Give it a listen and let me know what you think in the comments! What are your thoughts on finding your place in the world, embracing imperfection, and the allure of the open road (or the open microphone)? Keywords: Berlin, podcast, audio message, walking, day off, spring, travel, content creation, authenticity, connection, introspection, vlog, roots, home, personal essay, stream of consciousness, mindfulness, slice of life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="ht
Thu, January 30, 2025
Audio Podcast win over Video Podcast
sharing some news about podcast numbers. Apparently audio podcasts have a lot stronger engagement compared to video ones. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmonkx.substack.com
Thu, January 30, 2025
meandering in the morning
just a short morning monologue about upcoming spring season, migraine, freelancing, employment and so on. feel free to comment on Spotify This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmonkx.substack.com
Wed, January 08, 2025
Connecting Beyond the Categories
Welcome to the very first episode of my podcast! Join me on this new journey as I explore the world of unfiltered conversation and multi-faceted content creation. I'm diving headfirst into this project with a desire to share my thoughts and ideas freely, unconstrained by the typical podcasting norms. This episode lays out my vision for a podcasting experience that prioritizes connection over categorization. I believe that limiting a podcast to a single topic can feel artificial and restrict the potential for genuine connection with listeners. Just as our real-life conversations flow naturally across various subjects, I envision this podcast as a space where we can explore a myriad of topics, all linked by the common thread of our shared human experience. Key Moments: [00:00:00] Introduction: Setting the stage for a podcast without categories. A beginning-of-the-year launch of an unconventional project. [00:02:30] The Challenge of Categorization: Discussing the current podcasting landscape and the pressure to fit into a specific niche. [00:09:00] The User Experience Perspective: My perspective on connecting with people on multiple levels and resisting the urge to categorize. A belief in the power of multifaceted connections. [00:12:50] Real-Life Connections vs. Categorized Content: Drawing parallels between organic conversations and the desired format of this podcast. [00:19:00] An Experiment in Authenticity: My hope for this podcast to succeed and inspire others to broadcast who they are, not just what they "do." [00:22:00] Broadening the Scope: A look at my personal motivations and the diverse topics that will be explored in this feed. [00:25:00] Personal Worlds & 3D Software: Sharing a personal limitation – the inability to travel freely – and my passion for creating virtual worlds. This is an experiment, a departure from the conventional. It’s a podcast that embraces complexity and celebrates the multi-faceted nature of human connection. I hope you’ll join me on this journey as we explore what it means to create content that truly resonates. I plan to share a mix of written posts, audio recordings, and videos, all connected by my personal perspective and a desire to connect with you, the listener. I'm looking forward to exploring a range of topics, from the intricacies of 3D software and virtual world creation to the broader themes of travel, human connection, and the search for meaning in a complex world. Let’s see where this conversation takes us! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other
Sun, December 01, 2024
Testing DJI Mic Mini for podcasting
I test out my new DJI mic setup while cooking lunch and share thoughts on diving into content creation. Join me as I talk about my goals for podcasting and video production, the importance of sound quality, and creating a workflow that’s simple and friction-free. I also reflect on life as a single dad, my daughter’s week with me, and preparing for a visit from my mum. It’s a laid-back introduction to what I hope will be a creative journey worth sharing. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmonkx.substack.com
Sat, November 23, 2024
From Perfectionism to Publishing: A Creator's Journey with Camera Gear Review
A raw and honest exploration of creative paralysis and the journey to overcome perfectionism. This episode documents personal revelations about content creation, featuring practical camera tests and authentic insights about filming in Berlin. Key Moments: Commitment to publishing all recorded content to break the cycle of overthinking Detailed comparison of different cameras: Canon Legria, Canon G7X Mark II, Pixel 8 Pro, and reflections on the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Authentic street footage from Berlin's eclectic neighborhoods Insights about public filming and overcoming self-consciousness Coverage of a live podcast event discussing contemporary German society Personal reflections on equipment choice vs. creative output Equipment Featured: Canon Legria with external microphone Canon G7X Mark II Google Pixel 8 Pro DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (discussed) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmonkx.substack.com
Thu, November 21, 2024
Marathon episode
Long overdue marathon episode. Here I give a short context about my lack of preparation and what came out of this heroic effort. Enjoy. More to come soon This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmonkx.substack.com
Wed, July 05, 2023
Let’s talk about running
In this episode I’m talking about my newly discovered passion for running. I got motivated by randomly learning about upcoming marathon. It’s an event in Berlin that I’ve been ignoring for a couple of years now but always imagining how would it be to take part in. Having few months ahead of the event I decided to train for it instead of just looking at other people go. To my big disappointment hours, too late to register for Berlin Marathon 2023 as apparently there is a lot more running in enthusiasts than I thought. So I’m not going to take part this year, but I keep on training. In this episode, I’m sharing my findings discoveries and fun experiences during my irregular running sessions. I’m not an expert but I’m happy to discover share and hopefully exchange learnings. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmonkx.substack.com
Wed, June 14, 2023
Stray
I talk about my relationship with summer and the game called Stray This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmonkx.substack.com
Fri, June 30, 2017
On My Way
I like when it rains • collective brain • Love your comments on walking • one reason for not walking much | Make your own podcast: https://anchor.fm/conscious-monkeys This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cmonkx.substack.com
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