The Idea Roastery

In this episode we circle round to the topic of co-working and what the future of work looks like! Sure remote working has it's benefits but are there drawbacks to how teams interact and are there limiting factors for what roles are more suited to remote first. Outline Some banter about operating systems and laptops crashing (3:25) We get started and intro the episode (3:48) Jason and his experien...

In this episode we talk about the layoffs that are happening in the tech industry. We chat about way to fire and why companies get into this situation in the first place. We talk about some of the positive changes that could be on the horizon for Twitter and whether there is a future for people who loose their jobs at this time. Outline (0:00) We get started pretty quickly and laying the ground fo...

In this episode we talk about one of our favorite places on Earth - the small seaside town of Muizenberg. We talk about the develop works that are planned and what a upgraded town would look like. We talk about the challenges and some of the wider issues facing this project and then give some optimistic outlooks on anyone can build anything better with just a little bit of effort. Outline (0:00) S...

In this episode we do a take on housing. What are the challengers that renters and landlords face in this changing world. We talk about the effort that goes into building, operating and living in an apartment in the city with a few stories here and there. Outline (0:25) Herman talks about his think carpet and his new home. (2:05) What about steepness?? (3:20) It kicks off on the topic of housing....

About the Episode In this episode we dive into the topic of personal finance, how to ensure that you don't run out of money at the end of the month, the importance of income rather than saving as a means of accumulating wealth and some topics here and there about how to generate value in this modern world. Outline (0:00) How to start the conversation about personal finance. (1:30) A concept, how d...

In this episode we talk about the darker side of the internet, the topic of scams. We uncover some of the scams that we've be affected by over the years and the types of scams that are out there. We also give a few top tips on how to stay vigilant online and avoid getting taken for a ride! Outline (0:45) Talking about Jim Browning and something you do when you're ill. (2:44) Some interesting tools...

We continue on the topic of longevity, this time we focus on human longevity. We talk about some of the types of illnesses we get as we age and some of the processes that can make life after 30 harder. We chat about some of the approaches we take and how we think about health, exercising and staying on track with exercise. Outline (0:00) Working hard at the gym. (2:44) Herman takes a big leap forw...

In this episode we talk about product longevity, drawing on a number of examples of where it works and where it doesn't. We talk about natural longevity and answer some questions about things that last a long time. Enjoy! This is first part of a two part series on the topic of longevity! Episode Outline (0:00) Banter about heaters, heat and cold and insulation. (3:20) Long cold intro about heat ex...

Carbon Capture Technologies In this episode we digest some of the technological breakthroughs in the realm of carbon capture, from the organic to the inorganic and present some optimism on if we are able to meet climate change agreements globally! Episode Notes (0:00) Intro to the show. (1:40) Why do we need carbon capture? (5:15) Different classes of carbon capture, and what are some of the metri...

In this episode, we talk about that rich, creamy liquid that is coffee. We talk about the different styles of coffee and coffee shops; drop a little into the history and how coffee affected the development of the new-world; talk about the effect of climate change on coffee production and some of the good and bad side-effects of having this drink as part of our lives. Outline (0:00) We bungled an e...

In this episode we talk about AI and the intricacies of building machines and systems that interact with the world in a way similar or better than us humans. We play around with Siri and we give some examples of things we're really looking forward to in the future of this awesome technology!  Transcript (00:00) Herman talks about his train adventures. (2:35) Defining some terms that we hear o...

Apologies for the poor sound quality in this episode Should you rent or buy a house, and what are the pros and cons of both? In this episode we discuss: Internet in Thailand The economics of renting and buying The personal aspect of renting and buying Personal non-negotiable requirements when it comes to our living spaces How we aren't financial advisors 🛖🏘🏢 If you want to leave us feedback , fe...

In this episode we talk about agriculture and the impact of meat production on our worlds natural resources. We also discuss some potential alternatives and whether indoor farming has what it takes to satiate our global need for protein and high quality food. Outline (0:00) Intros and updates on travels. (2:34) Roll in the episode. (4:15) Herman introduces the topic of Peak Agriculture. (8:00) Jas...

How does a country build or retrofit a rail, and why are trains so awesome? In this episode we talk about: - The importance of interconnected cities - Self-driving vehicles - Why trains work well - What it would take to build an interconnected South Africa 🚄🚃🚂

What is hydrothermal carbonization and is it everything we need for a sustainable future? In this episode we talk about: - The scooters in Bali town - Electrification of said scooters - Waste management - Turning waste into energy - Turning waste into building material (and the carbon sequestration of said waste) - Some other interesting things 🛵💩⚡️

In this episode we have a little off-the-cuff conversation about life and socialism: Start a bit about coffee of course.  Herman has an new article!  Motorcycle adventures and geeking on bikes leading into self sufficiency.  Philosophical aspects of riding and being reliant on yourself in the middle of nowhere.  Herman has tattoo sleeves on for some reason.  Venturing beyo...

How can we make residential housing greener and cleaner? In this episode we talk about: - New architectural practices - Energy efficiency of old buildings - Passive homes - Retrofitting old homes to be more energy efficient - A bunch of other wank 🏢🏠🔥

Is Airbnb good or bad for a city? In this episode we talk about: - How Airbnb makes travel easier - The difference between intention and economic effect - The economics of a tourist destination - Gentrification - Bad Airbnb experiences - Our experiences both running and living in Airbnbs 🏠🏢 Detailed Show Notes (0:00) Preamble (2:30) Intro to Airbnb and the topic (3:10) Cleaning fees are ridiculo...

In our travels through the internet we've managed to find an interesting video show how you can map the economic prosperity of a city and show the areas that have the highest and lowet ROIs. We dive into this and see how it would apply to Cape Town and what it might mean to have no bicycles on the promenade - oh no!! In this episode!! Jason walks in Edinburgh (1:30) It starts (2:29) mapping a city...

What is the best way to move people around cities quickly, cheaply, and energy efficiently? In this episode we talk about: Where is local transport done well? Small things that could be done to improve city transport infrastructure How weird electric Land Rovers sound Why Elon Musk doesn't understand transport How plazas increase thoroughfare and quality of life 🚲🚟🚌 Details & Tags (1:30) Th...

What are alternate forms of governance, and can democracies be improved? In this episode we talk about: The evolution of government Different power structures The benefits of a democratic system Problems with democracies in general and how they could be solved Hypothetical forms of government Note: This is not about current politics, but instead an exploration of the overarching concept of politic...

We go over the past 12 months and reflect on some of the things we've learned so far. We dial into our favorite topics and what drives the conversations we have and then we make some exciting plans for 2022 including a change in format!

What makes sailing so romantic? This episode we take a voyage from the past, to the (potential) future of sailing. We talk about pirates and diesel engines and the names of certain configurations of sail, as well as a bit of a meander into the life of a salty sea dog.

The idea of UBI has started to permeate society and promises a more efficient way of distributing capital to those who need it most.  Unfortunately those benefits don't come for free. In today's episode we discuss some of the pros and cons from the perspective of two dudes from Cape Town.

Why do we sleep; and how can we consistently get a good night's sleep?  In this episode we explore how to cultivate better sleep hygiene, what affects our sleep triggers, and absolutely butcher some biology. Sleep tight!