Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Jason. Thanks to James for the notification about this week's episode. A few ideas:
1. A recap of TGN's origin story. How long have you known each other, what was the impetus for starting TGN, and what were TGN's initial goals?
2. Behind the scenes in podcasting-how are these monetized (as compared to YouTube and the like)? Apart from sharing an interest in a hobby (which is much appreciated), how are podcast audiences able to support the shows they enjoy in a tangible and monetary way? In other words, a primer of podcasting and its endgame.
3. Another installment about quartz watches in the TGN space. I believe there are 2 episodes dedicated to quartz, but are there any new non-sweep watches worthy of inclusion in an update?
4. A discussion of what I perceive to be an increase in Rolex hate. Why are people down on Rolex (including the brand's own supply control marketing), ubiquity, cliche, etc. I feel the enthusiast environment is now much different than when you featured Rolex for an entire show.
As always, thank you both for the amazing content. Best wishes.
I agree with Michael that more diving-focused episodes are in order. Going through the back catalog, starting with "Open Water Certifiable" I counted roughly 10 truly diving-focused episodes out of the 160, including the interviews with Scurfa, Laurent, and Fabien. All of these have been amazing and have inspired all kinds of underwater adventures among your listeners!
Some topics I can think of in that vein:
- Interview your favorite instructor about learning and teaching diving.
- Talk about the various certifications out there, from the core 4 or 5 recreational ones that every agency offers, to PADI's underwater pumpkin carving ridiculousness, to tech, full cave, GUE, etc. Lay out the wide and deep path of learning in the sport that people can get excited about.
- Interview John Chatterton and/or Richie Kohler from Shadow Divers! You would not be the first podcast either of them have guested on.
- Diving bucket list, and conversely (if you have one) your no-way-Jose list
- Interview Jill Heinerth or another tech diver at the top of her or his game, or even just a tech instructor, about tech itself, their journey into it, how it's different from recreational, and the equipment involved. Go more in depth (couldn't help it) beyond just the Hermes on the types of adventures tech enables and hear some incredible stories.
- You guys love photography so why not an underwater photography 101 with Alex Mustard who has a book out there to promote? Or Marcelo Johan Ogata AKA @_bugdreamer_ who takes the most absurdly gorgeous video I've ever seen?
I got into watches and diving in 2015, just before the dawn of TGN, but I can say without hesitation that your podcast has encouraged and inspired me to explore ever deeper into both worlds. As an avid diver now, I may be biased, but I think there's plenty more room for further inspiration of real-world subaquatic adventuring!
Agree, more diving. Love the idea of interviewing Chatterton or Kohler. Shadow Divers was such an incredible read. Can't believe it's true and the dudes who lived it are still doing their thing. And I'd love to hear more about reef and ocean conservation work - interviews with folks doing right by the oceans is always welcome!
Agreed. I’m one of the people who got dive certified after hearing some of those episodes. Mostly in florida, some in grand cayman, Maldives next year. Always eager to learn more
Get well soon Jason! Hope you’re not feeling too sore.
Regards a Topic for the podcast- I quite like the idea of “Adventures for Non-Adventurers” i.e. how as a non adventurer how you can turn your std weekender, week or 2 weeks hold into an off the beaten track adventure. Little pre bought specific kit or anything above average physical fitness is required, just time, a willingness to “get your face wet” and experience a country away from the resort. By way of examples I’m thinking Tongariro Crossing, Milford/routeburn treks in NZ, Annapurna circuit in Nepal, Ko Tao PADI Diving plus Golden Triangle in Thailand, Snowdonia/3 peaks in the U.K. You could call on some of your show guests or listeners to contribute.
How about a recurring series called, “Three days in…”
These would be travel themed shows. For all intents and purposes, you guys covered Bonaire a couple of weeks ago - and it was a great show! You could cover air travel tips, particularly if it involved smaller airports. Lodging, the best guide companies, or dive charters. Accommodations recs, and of course dining - especially off the beaten path local delicacies. What to avoid. What you can’t miss. What EDC to pack. Of course, you’ll have to discuss the ideal watches for each destination.
You could incorporate expert or local guests, and even listeners! In thinking of places that you guys have spoken of in the past, a quick list could provide great episodes like…
“Three days in Vancouver”
“Three days in Geneva”
“Three days in Wales”
“Three days in the Maldives”
“Three days on Mount Baker”
“Thee days in the Twin Cities”
“Three days in Colombo - special guest Gishani!”
“Three days in Thailand - special guests C Pennington!”
“Three days in Chattanooga” -call me for that one!
The possibilities are endless. Of course, travelogues are a near-ubiquitous presence in media these days, but I think TGN could approach it in its specific way - adventure, value, accessible, and with a nod to horology.
Get well soon Jason! As for show topics, definitely agree that the guys from Shadow Divers would be a hit. Also, maybe a more formal follow up on the “watch discomfort zones” episode to check in on how that’s been going? Last, maybe a “TGN bucket list,” where you each pick your ultimate diving, driving, gear, and watch experiences/products.
Wishing Jason a quick recovery! I guess this brings up a suggested topic: a discussion or even a guest about safety/first aid while out on/in the water, hikes, backpacking, biking, general adventures! What basic materials, sources for training, etc
First of all - sending Jason my best wishes and hope he mends up soon. Stay strong Jason!
Idea for a future show: talk about the best approach for a novice diver to prepare for their diver accreditation :)
So, what can one do to prepare beforehand, even at home, before going out into the open water and doing your discovery dive ie. Swimming skills, mask skills (purging water), compass reading and anything else you’d recommend that can help alleviate any anxiety or make the process easier for the absolute beginners out there :)
I just recently did my PADI open water accreditation, loved every second of it and have fallen in love with the sport. Wore my Doxa Sub 300 and it sat on my wrist side by side with a dive computer. It’s officially no longer just a “desk diver” ;)
Speedy recovery Jason! I would love a show in which you both (and maybe Gishani too) take a “deeper dive” into how one can go from being a total novice and get involved into high quality photography as a hobby.
Topic Idea 1: Post your interview guest in advance and do a short 3 question Listener Q&A with them! I have some questions for Sean and Megan! Maybe next time if this idea fits!
Topic Idea 2: Discuss Aviator / Pilot watches only (a change from your bread and butter that is dive watches)
Best wishes to Jason! Hopefully surgery went smoothly and you can be back to your normal routine soon.
As I topic I’d be interested in a “deeper dive” into a topic a bit out of the norm. In our day to day lives we have constant exposure to magnetic fields in many forms, whether that be our phones, headphones, computers, etc.. As a radiologist I actually also am frequently in close proximity to either a 1.5 T or 3.0 T MRI machine. That makes having a watch with magnetic resistance very useful. From my research Omega is king at this, with nearly ALL their current movements rated to/past 15000 Gauss (equivalent to 1.5 T), however many other watch brands just glance over actual numbers and just say antimagnetic due to their hairspring or something similar.
I would love to hear an exploration on the topic of the origin of magnetic resistance watches, the current standards for dive watches and other watche, a bit of a comparison of reported antimagnetic watches such as Omega in comparison to IWC/Sinn (fleigers if you will) and other watch companies including those historic pieces like the milgauss, and if other movement manufacturers are actively pursuing advancing their own resistance. I’m sure there are other facets of the topic which could be addressed which I haven’t thought of as well. Thanks!
Get Well Jason!! SHOW IDEA-Big fan of the Movie podcasts you guys do, my thought is for you to do a "Shows to Binge" Podcast in the same vein but with series on NETFLIX, AMAZON and so on rather than movies. Thanks guys!!
Here's an adventure topic: There is a huge range of outdoor/adventure activities. This list isn't near exhaustive, but indicated the breadth of what's out there to be experienced:
I had similar a similar question/topic idea. I always find it hard to accept being "ok" at many sports/hobbies rather than pursue being great a specific activity.
This can be expanded out to how do you deal with trips where you plan for multi sports. Say skiing and hiking.
How do you approach a new hobby? When do you feel it right to let some things go?
Wishing Jason a speedy recovery!
With the imminent release of No Time To Die, I think a James Bond themed episode would be cool.
Could discuss the various Bond watches from past movies (Rolex, Seiko, Omega...) and some of the iconic locations that Bond has been to.
If you both could be 'Q' for the day, what would be your ultimate Bond Watch gadget(s)?
If you were hypothetically going to be Bond for the weekend: what would be your Bond location + Bond car + Bond watch combination?
Thanks,
Matt
Thanks, Matt. And I could talk for days about Bond...
Perfect timing for this idea as well with the countdown now down to just days away…
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Jason. Thanks to James for the notification about this week's episode. A few ideas:
1. A recap of TGN's origin story. How long have you known each other, what was the impetus for starting TGN, and what were TGN's initial goals?
2. Behind the scenes in podcasting-how are these monetized (as compared to YouTube and the like)? Apart from sharing an interest in a hobby (which is much appreciated), how are podcast audiences able to support the shows they enjoy in a tangible and monetary way? In other words, a primer of podcasting and its endgame.
3. Another installment about quartz watches in the TGN space. I believe there are 2 episodes dedicated to quartz, but are there any new non-sweep watches worthy of inclusion in an update?
4. A discussion of what I perceive to be an increase in Rolex hate. Why are people down on Rolex (including the brand's own supply control marketing), ubiquity, cliche, etc. I feel the enthusiast environment is now much different than when you featured Rolex for an entire show.
As always, thank you both for the amazing content. Best wishes.
David
Thank you for the well wishes and the topic ideas!
Get well soon, Jason!
I agree with Michael that more diving-focused episodes are in order. Going through the back catalog, starting with "Open Water Certifiable" I counted roughly 10 truly diving-focused episodes out of the 160, including the interviews with Scurfa, Laurent, and Fabien. All of these have been amazing and have inspired all kinds of underwater adventures among your listeners!
Some topics I can think of in that vein:
- Interview your favorite instructor about learning and teaching diving.
- Talk about the various certifications out there, from the core 4 or 5 recreational ones that every agency offers, to PADI's underwater pumpkin carving ridiculousness, to tech, full cave, GUE, etc. Lay out the wide and deep path of learning in the sport that people can get excited about.
- Interview John Chatterton and/or Richie Kohler from Shadow Divers! You would not be the first podcast either of them have guested on.
- Diving bucket list, and conversely (if you have one) your no-way-Jose list
- Interview Jill Heinerth or another tech diver at the top of her or his game, or even just a tech instructor, about tech itself, their journey into it, how it's different from recreational, and the equipment involved. Go more in depth (couldn't help it) beyond just the Hermes on the types of adventures tech enables and hear some incredible stories.
- You guys love photography so why not an underwater photography 101 with Alex Mustard who has a book out there to promote? Or Marcelo Johan Ogata AKA @_bugdreamer_ who takes the most absurdly gorgeous video I've ever seen?
I got into watches and diving in 2015, just before the dawn of TGN, but I can say without hesitation that your podcast has encouraged and inspired me to explore ever deeper into both worlds. As an avid diver now, I may be biased, but I think there's plenty more room for further inspiration of real-world subaquatic adventuring!
Agree, more diving. Love the idea of interviewing Chatterton or Kohler. Shadow Divers was such an incredible read. Can't believe it's true and the dudes who lived it are still doing their thing. And I'd love to hear more about reef and ocean conservation work - interviews with folks doing right by the oceans is always welcome!
Agreed. I’m one of the people who got dive certified after hearing some of those episodes. Mostly in florida, some in grand cayman, Maldives next year. Always eager to learn more
I second the Richie and John guest request!
Thanks, Chris! More diving talk is never a bad idea.
Get well soon Jason! Hope you’re not feeling too sore.
Regards a Topic for the podcast- I quite like the idea of “Adventures for Non-Adventurers” i.e. how as a non adventurer how you can turn your std weekender, week or 2 weeks hold into an off the beaten track adventure. Little pre bought specific kit or anything above average physical fitness is required, just time, a willingness to “get your face wet” and experience a country away from the resort. By way of examples I’m thinking Tongariro Crossing, Milford/routeburn treks in NZ, Annapurna circuit in Nepal, Ko Tao PADI Diving plus Golden Triangle in Thailand, Snowdonia/3 peaks in the U.K. You could call on some of your show guests or listeners to contribute.
All the best
Nathan
Thanks! Getting better day by day. Great ideas too!
How about a recurring series called, “Three days in…”
These would be travel themed shows. For all intents and purposes, you guys covered Bonaire a couple of weeks ago - and it was a great show! You could cover air travel tips, particularly if it involved smaller airports. Lodging, the best guide companies, or dive charters. Accommodations recs, and of course dining - especially off the beaten path local delicacies. What to avoid. What you can’t miss. What EDC to pack. Of course, you’ll have to discuss the ideal watches for each destination.
You could incorporate expert or local guests, and even listeners! In thinking of places that you guys have spoken of in the past, a quick list could provide great episodes like…
“Three days in Vancouver”
“Three days in Geneva”
“Three days in Wales”
“Three days in the Maldives”
“Three days on Mount Baker”
“Thee days in the Twin Cities”
“Three days in Colombo - special guest Gishani!”
“Three days in Thailand - special guests C Pennington!”
“Three days in Chattanooga” -call me for that one!
The possibilities are endless. Of course, travelogues are a near-ubiquitous presence in media these days, but I think TGN could approach it in its specific way - adventure, value, accessible, and with a nod to horology.
I’d listen to that.
Love this idea, thanks!
Get well Jason!
Get well soon Jason! As for show topics, definitely agree that the guys from Shadow Divers would be a hit. Also, maybe a more formal follow up on the “watch discomfort zones” episode to check in on how that’s been going? Last, maybe a “TGN bucket list,” where you each pick your ultimate diving, driving, gear, and watch experiences/products.
Thanks! We're definitely overdue for an update on the "discomfort zones."
I'd love an ep that was just James Bond. Maybe a full episode reviewing a single movie, or following a them across movies.
Maybe an episode about off-roading or overloading. Oh, and a Dan Grec interview. :)
More Bond -- yes!
Totally up for a 100 % Bond themed episode!
Wishing Jason a quick recovery! I guess this brings up a suggested topic: a discussion or even a guest about safety/first aid while out on/in the water, hikes, backpacking, biking, general adventures! What basic materials, sources for training, etc
Thanks! Any wilderness EMTs out there?
Yep
First of all - sending Jason my best wishes and hope he mends up soon. Stay strong Jason!
Idea for a future show: talk about the best approach for a novice diver to prepare for their diver accreditation :)
So, what can one do to prepare beforehand, even at home, before going out into the open water and doing your discovery dive ie. Swimming skills, mask skills (purging water), compass reading and anything else you’d recommend that can help alleviate any anxiety or make the process easier for the absolute beginners out there :)
I just recently did my PADI open water accreditation, loved every second of it and have fallen in love with the sport. Wore my Doxa Sub 300 and it sat on my wrist side by side with a dive computer. It’s officially no longer just a “desk diver” ;)
Cheers
Mike
Thanks, Mike. And another vote for diving topics...
Fast recovery for Jason!!
A well deserved small break for James with his broadening responsibilities.
1. I'd like to hear an interview with one or both of the English brothers.
2. I very much like Matt Smith's suggestion of a James Bond themed episode.
3. I would like to hear an interview with Cameron Weiss at Weiss Watch Company and a discussion of a return of American watchmaking.
4. Your most desired trip/adventure you have planned, researched, and dreamed about, but that just hasn't happened yet.
5. Your personal experiences related to Yvon Chouinard's famous quote, “It's not an adventure until something goes wrong.”
Add Roland Murphy to the American Watchmakers episode. He’s a fascinating guy.
Great ideas, thanks!
Godspeed Jason!
I’d echo the interview with Cameron Weiss… he was great on the Watch and Listen podcast.
Otherwise, I’m fairly simple and I’d love it if you guys revisited the discomfort zones, or just rambled on about your favorite GMTs and dive watches.
Speedy recovery Jason! I would love a show in which you both (and maybe Gishani too) take a “deeper dive” into how one can go from being a total novice and get involved into high quality photography as a hobby.
Nice idea! I'd be a keen listener to that one too!
Best wishes Jason!
Topic Idea 1: Post your interview guest in advance and do a short 3 question Listener Q&A with them! I have some questions for Sean and Megan! Maybe next time if this idea fits!
Topic Idea 2: Discuss Aviator / Pilot watches only (a change from your bread and butter that is dive watches)
Good call on the pilot watch discussion. Thanks!
Best wishes to Jason! Hopefully surgery went smoothly and you can be back to your normal routine soon.
As I topic I’d be interested in a “deeper dive” into a topic a bit out of the norm. In our day to day lives we have constant exposure to magnetic fields in many forms, whether that be our phones, headphones, computers, etc.. As a radiologist I actually also am frequently in close proximity to either a 1.5 T or 3.0 T MRI machine. That makes having a watch with magnetic resistance very useful. From my research Omega is king at this, with nearly ALL their current movements rated to/past 15000 Gauss (equivalent to 1.5 T), however many other watch brands just glance over actual numbers and just say antimagnetic due to their hairspring or something similar.
I would love to hear an exploration on the topic of the origin of magnetic resistance watches, the current standards for dive watches and other watche, a bit of a comparison of reported antimagnetic watches such as Omega in comparison to IWC/Sinn (fleigers if you will) and other watch companies including those historic pieces like the milgauss, and if other movement manufacturers are actively pursuing advancing their own resistance. I’m sure there are other facets of the topic which could be addressed which I haven’t thought of as well. Thanks!
Episode idea: All About the Pelagos.
You guys talk about it often, so it's clearly on both of your minds - just devote an episode to it and get it all out on the table:
Its history,
Where it exists in the Tudor line,
What configuration would you get?
What straps would you rotate between or wear it on predominately?
What might you change about it if you could redesign it?
What are its main competitors from other watch brands?
We'd love to hear it and I think you'd both enjoy having an excuse to talk about the Pelagos without the distraction of another topic!
Get Well Jason!! SHOW IDEA-Big fan of the Movie podcasts you guys do, my thought is for you to do a "Shows to Binge" Podcast in the same vein but with series on NETFLIX, AMAZON and so on rather than movies. Thanks guys!!
Brilliant idea. I've got a long list.
Great idea. We have cinema club, box set club would be a perfect companion. 👍🏼
Here's an adventure topic: There is a huge range of outdoor/adventure activities. This list isn't near exhaustive, but indicated the breadth of what's out there to be experienced:
Skiing/Sliding (alpine, nordic, telemarking, alpine touring, snowboarding, ...); Cycling (mountain, road, gravel, racing, touring, ...); Kayaking/canoing (whitewater, flatwater, multi-day touring, ...); Diving (free, scuba, cave, mixed gas, ...); Climbing (rock, ice, mixed, sport, big wall, multi-day, free solo, ...); Parachuting (regular-old-skydiving, BASE jumping, ...); Hiking (day hiking, multi-day, through-hiking, ...); Board-on-water (surfing, SUP, kiteboarding, skateboarding, snowboarding, ...); Camping (RV, van-life, tent camping, backpacking, ...); Flying (civil aviation, aerobatics, soaring, ...); Motorcycling (adventure, commute, dirt, sportbike, ...); Automotive (offroad, roadracing, touring, ...); ...
So... Given the incredible range of activities to experience, here's the topic: three questions for each of the two of you:
1. How broad vs deep are you in this space? (are you focused just on one or two pursuits, or have you "tried it all"?)
2. Name an an adventure activity that you want to try but haven't done yet.
3. Name an adventure activity that you think is inspiring but you really DON'T want to do.
I had similar a similar question/topic idea. I always find it hard to accept being "ok" at many sports/hobbies rather than pursue being great a specific activity.
This can be expanded out to how do you deal with trips where you plan for multi sports. Say skiing and hiking.
How do you approach a new hobby? When do you feel it right to let some things go?