55. Reclaiming The Soul of Digital Technology - Less Capability, More Freedom

We explore the philosophy behind building personal websites and using intentionally limited computing as creative practice. The conversation examines why modern computers feel "too dangerous"—offering infinite possibilities that paradoxically constrain focus—and how deliberately choosing simpler tools can restore agency over our attention and creative output.

Through discussions of building throwback websites, setting up old computers as single-purpose machines, and integrating AI through terminal interfaces, we unpack the psychological difference between technology that serves us versus technology that exploits our behavioral patterns. The episode ultimately centers on a deeper question: how do we design our relationship with technology to support sustained attention, genuine connection, and meaningful creative work? We consider whether the future might look more like the 1960s than the 2010s—not through regression, but through conscious iteration that prioritizes human flourishing over engagement metrics. -Ai

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Links To Everything:

Video Version of The Podcast: https://geni.us/StudioSessionsYT

Matt’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/MatthewOBrienYT

Matt’s 2nd Channel: https://geni.us/PhotoVideosYT

Alex’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/AlexCarterYT

Matt’s Instagram: https://geni.us/MatthewIG

Alex’s Instagram: https://geni.us/AlexIG