Reconcilable Differences

Inspired by a plaintive earworm from "Hamilton," John presents a main topic: what does relaxation mean to me?

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John has questions about Merlin's use of the doc, and Merlin is confused about the challenge this week.

Merlin never got his nap, but John has thoughts in general about things being played at him. Which leads to an exploration of how your hosts differ in the role various sorts of audio play in their lives.

Should meditation be "relaxing?" Why do people react so differently to ambient and environmental sounds? What can you do when spouses differ on nighttime noise options? And why in the hell is Merlin listening to old UK weather forecasts on the reg?

Which is to say, how would your hosts prefer to "Take a Break," and how would they each go about, say, spending a month upstate?

John is uncannily good at the stripping away of things, but Merlin struggles with unhooking without heavily consulting his various demon dogs. That said, we can all agree on the need for a break from quorn.

In related news, despite our best efforts, sometimes the people we love the most can make us the most insane.

Things wrap with Merlin interrogating John about his real world definition of a "vacation." Hopeful plans for the future are conveyed.

• Audio Editor: Jim Metzendorf
  
• Admin Assistance: Kerry Provenzano
  
• Music: Merlin Mann
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The Shipping Forecast is a BBC Radio broadcast of weather reports and forecasts for the seas around the coasts of the British Isles.