8. The Best Coffee In Northwest Arkansas + Shawn Blanc from The Sweet Setup

Jess and Jason talk about the most important thing about working remotely--how to make the perfect cup of coffee. We also talked about how technology can both help us be more productivity, but all that productivity is starting to lead to burnout for a lot of people. 

Plus, Jason talks with Shawn Blanc from The Sweet Setup about how he researches and figures out the best apps and tools for staying focused and productive. Shawn also talks about combating "dual focus," and why it matters. It was a great conversation and Shawn has a ton of really helpful insight into how to get the most out of the technology we use to stay organized and get work done. 

Shawn Blanc on Twitter

The Sweet Setup

Onyx Coffee, the best coffee in Northwest Arkansas (according to Jess)

Snappy

Ember Coffee Mug at the Apple Store

Contigo Travel Coffee Mug

Bodum French Press

Microsoft is trying to bring back the virtual commute

Jason’s interview with Headspace co-founder Andy Puddicombe

G Suite is now Google Workspace

Ulysses

Things

Notion

Spark Email

(A few other great email options that Jason recommends)

Brave Browser

Apple’s Refurbish Store

Will Apple Silicon mean the perfect laptop for remote working?

6. The Remote Life of a Corporate YouTuber

We gave Jess the week off (don't worry, she'll be back next week!) so Jason interviewed Andy Owen, who is a video producer and corporate YouTuber (it's a thing, really) for TechSmith. You may be familiar with a few of TechSmith's products like Camtasia and Snagit, and if you are, Andy's a part of the reason why. 

We talk about what it's like going from working for yourself (remotely) to working in an office, and back to working remotely. That includes setting up your space, managing your time, and a few of the tools you can use to stay productive. 

Be sure to check out Andy's insightful LinkedIn posts by visiting his profile. 

Andy also mentioned the Self Control app 

Camtasia (TechSmith's video editor)

TechSmith YouTube channel

5. Interview with Stephen Robles, Host of the AppleInsider Podcast

Jason talks with AppleInsider Podcast co-host, Stephen Robles about the latest Apple gadgets, including the new iPad Air and whether it's a worthy replacement for your laptop or desktop. Also, what does the iPad Air mean for the future of the iPad Pro.

We also had some conversation about the Apple Watch. We actually recorded this just after Stephen received his Series 6, and before Jason received his so this episode exists in a bit of a time warp. Be sure to listen to Stephen’s review of the Series 6 on the AppleInsider Podcast. 

You can find Stephen on Twitter @stephenrobles

Subscribe to the AppleInsider Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Stephen's super-fast podcast editing workflow on the iPad Pro uses Ferritte.

4. All About Screens

Jason and Jess talk about some of the latest efforts by tech companies to make gadgets that are supposed to make us more productive. They also ponder whether anyone really needs a dual screen device like the Microsoft Surface Duo, or a foldable like the Samsung Z Fold 2. Oh, and of course, there’s some follow up on the Apple Watch Series 6, since we apparently can’t have an episode without talking about the Apple Watch.

We wrap up the conversation talking about iOS 14, some of its best productivity features—especially widgets. Mostly we can’t decide if they’re awesome, or if the whole idea is just something nice to look at that hasn’t quite realized its own potential.

Blue Aluminum Apple Watch Series 6:

The 5 Best New Productivity Features in iOS 14

5 Things Coming to iOS 14 that You Should Know

You've Been Wearing Your Apple Watch Wrong

Widgetsmith 
Things 
Spark

Interview with HubSpot's CEO, Brian Halligan

In this special interview episode, Jason talks with HubSpot's CEO and Co-Founder, Brian Halligan about how working remotely has affected HubSpot's team as they launch a new product, and stage a major virtual conference. Inbound is one of the most popular marketing events, drawing more than 25,000 people last year to Boston. This year, the event is taking place entirely online, and Jason and Brian talk about what it was like to pull off such a large-scale event, how work is different right now, and what it might look like when we get past the pandemic. 

2. Is The Series 6 Worth It?

Jason and Jess talk about the September Apple Event, and whether the Series 6 is worth the upgrade. Jess talks about whether or not she has buyer’s remorse, or if she’ll just give that rose gold Series 3 to her son.

There’s also conversation about the new iPad Air, and whether an iPad can replace your laptop if you’re working remotely. Plus, as a bonus, we cover some of our favorite productivity apps and how we use them to stay organized, but mostly Jess’ interesting choice of folder names on her iPhone home screen. Also, Jess has way too many unread emails.

Finally, a few self-care tips, including why naps are good, and how Jason and Jess are very different.

As a bonus, if you listen carefully, you can hear what it’s like to try and record a podcast with 4 elementary and middle school-age children in the background. This is real life friends.

Apple Watch Comparison
Pomodoro Technique
Trello
Things
Spark Email

How Using an iPad Pro for Work for 6 Months Has Changed Everything
The Complete Guide to Remote Work

Everything You Need to Know About Using an iPad Pro as Your Primary Work Device