About this episode

The episode discusses the hidden costs of optimizing everyday life and the importance of small rituals and connections.

Modern life is built to make things easier, faster, and more efficient. But what if, in smoothing away life’s everyday frictions, we’ve also lost something essential? This week on “Galaxy Brain,” Charlie Warzel talks with The Atlantic’s Ian Bogost about his new book, “The Small Stuff,” and why the tiny rituals, sensory pleasures, and routine interactions we tend to overlook may be the very things that make us feel connected—to one another, to the world around us, and to ourselves. Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Atlantic subscribers also get access to exclusive subscriber audio in Apple Podcasts. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/Listener. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Charlie Warzel

Guest: Ian Bogost

Topics covered

• optimization
• modern life
• human connection
• rituals
• efficiency

Keywords

• optimization
• efficiency
• human connection
• rituals
• sensory pleasures

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Atlantic

Books & works: The Small Stuff

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