In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode of Generations, Peter unveils his new passion project—“Imperfect Practice,” a blog and YouTube channel exploring self-improvement through honest, iterative growth. He and Aubrey discuss the origin of the idea, the motivation behind it, and what he hopes to offer. Along the way, they reflect on podcast appearances, sleep habits, trivia mishaps, kayaking misadventures, Lego flowers, and the generational shift in taste for sitcoms. The conversation blends personal stories, tech nerd-outs, and mutual support, offering a warm and thoughtful exchange about creativity, legacy, and staying curious at any age.

Episode Notes:

• Peter shares a recent appearance on The Incomparable Game Show playing Random Pursuit, and talks about supporting Uncanny Magazine, which promotes underrepresented voices in sci-fi/fantasy publishing.
• The two discuss the value of exposure to diverse perspectives, both through fiction and life choices, including their family’s intentional educational decisions.
• Aubrey recounts recent adventures in kayaking and trivia nights in Wisconsin, including a moment of trivia triumph (and regret) tied to a Blockheads video game memory.
• They both express a shared disdain for The Office and mutual joy over building Lego floral arrangements.
• A love for low-stakes comfort shows like Taskmaster and Friends leads into a broader conversation about the value of leisure and stress-free entertainment.
• Peter unveils “Imperfect Practice,” his new blog and YouTube channel centered around self-improvement through honest reflection and experimentation.
• The idea was sparked by frustrations with “perfect system” productivity content and a desire to share tools and lessons that might work—not ones that promise to.
• They discuss the gear (a Sony ZV-E10 Mark II with a Sigma lens), learning Final Cut Pro, and batching content in preparation for launch.
• Aubrey reflects on how much Peter has to share—from tech and fitness to life balance and failure—and enthusiastically endorses the project.
• The episode closes with Aubrey updating on her nearly-published astrophysics paper and the satisfying formality of a new professional identity.

Links:

Uncanny Magazine Year 12 Kickstarter
Uncanny Magazine on Patreon
The Incomparable Game Show
Imperfect Practice

Episode Summary

In this episode of Generations, Peter and Aubrey unpack Aubrey’s Mission: Impossible binge, breaking down the first four films with a mix of admiration and hilarity. From the iconic CIA heist in the original to the over-the-top slow-motion chaos of MI2, they offer a sharp and funny retrospective on the franchise. They also touch on the dark tone of MI3, the fun and flair of Ghost Protocol, and look ahead to finishing the rest. Along the way, they chat about Peter’s latest media finds—Murderbot and Taskmaster—before diving into some cosmic news and a mini masterclass on meditation’s science-backed benefits.

Show Notes

Catching Up

• Aubrey shares life updates from Madison and picking up her wedding dress. Adjusting to a slower pace has sparked a bit of an identity crisis, while Peter’s juggling work, D&D prep, and a long-awaited vacation.

Mission: Impossible Marathon

• Aubrey binged the first four MI movies and gives her fresh takes:
• MI1 and MI4 are her favorites for their iconic spy vibes and team dynamics
• MI2 gets absolutely roasted—slow-motion karate, doves, and all
• MI3 is a tonal whiplash with Philip Seymour Hoffman playing terrifyingly evil
• Ghost Protocol earns praise for its balance of fun, tension, and gadget failures

Pop Culture Detour

• Peter recommends Apple TV+’s Murderbot adaptation—darkly funny, sharp, and surprisingly sweet
• The joys of Taskmaster, especially Series 19 with Jason Mantzoukas, which Peter finds hysterical and binge-worthy (and all free on YouTube)

Astro Fact Corner

• Aubrey explains new findings around intermediate-mass black holes—those mysterious “middle children” of the black hole world—and why they matter to astrophysics

The Science of Meditation

• Peter dives into AI-assisted research on meditation’s benefits, from neuroplasticity to stress reduction
• Daily practice—even short sessions—can reshape the brain and improve emotional regulation
• No significant difference between guided and self-guided meditation
• Peter and Aubrey share their own meditation habits and tools, from Peloton and Calm to YouTube and Readwise

Closing Notes

• Peter announces that Generations is migrating to a new podcast host (Transistor.fm) for better speed and reliability—listeners may briefly see duplicate downloads during the transition
• Listeners are encouraged to send feedback to feedback@generations.fm and leave a review

Episode notes:

Life update: Aubrey's big move

Aubrey recounts her whirlwind move from Salt Lake to Madison, including stops in St. Louis and Kansas City

Multiple legs of travel: graduation events, Yellowstone, packing chaos

U-Haul issues, car towing logistics, and vacuum-sealed bags saved the day

One casualty: the grill flew off her Kia mid-drive--but all else survived

Settling in

The new apartment is mostly unpacked (minus a couch)

Aubrey and Hayden are adjusting well, and enjoying the Midwest summer

Hayden has started his new job, joining the "Beaker" team and diving into orientation

Movie talk: Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

Spoiler-free discussion with Peter and Aubrey both praising the film

Aubrey admits to missing the early films but loves the franchise's vibe

Peter shares thoughts on the evolution of the series, noting a tonal shift in this entry

Both appreciate the intense action, suspense, and signature Tom Cruise running scenes

Discussion of directing styles through the series--from De Palma to McQuarrie

Peter floats the idea that this film might be both the best and worst of the series

Looking Ahead

Aubrey plans to watch Mission Impossible 1--4 to complete her viewing experience

A follow-up episode on the early entries in the franchise is teased