Episode 03: Battling the Doomscroll and Playing sdrawkcaB
But, as we all know, the algorithm thrives on keeping us hooked, whether it’s outrage, despair, or just the endless churn of content. That’s why this week’s episode of The Unstreamables is a little different
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I gotta tell you, this week has been a lot. I lost my battle against doomscrolling—hard. Just searching for any glimmer of positivity, some little piece of news that isn’t soul-crushing. But, as we all know, the algorithm thrives on keeping us hooked, whether it’s outrage, despair, or just the endless churn of content.
That’s why this week’s episode of The Unstreamables is a little different. I needed to step back, so I’m carrying my Punkt. dumbphone around to see if it helps. Experimenting with the right level of friction so that I can reset and dip into the internet mindfully.
I’m also talking about Kyle Chayka’s book, Filterworld—a deep dive into how algorithms have flattened culture.
And, to keep it weird, I’m playing some unstreamable vinyl—specifically sdrawkcaB gniyalP (or, you know, playing “Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love” in reverse, as TMBG intended).
https://tmbgshop.com/collections/all/products/stellub-7-vinyl
Here's a live version:
I know I’ve been talking about vinyl a lot lately, and yes, there’s some nostalgia there. But this isn’t just about retreating into the past. It’s about pushing back against the way monopolistic tech companies manipulate what we see, hear, and experience. It’s about reclaiming discovery, curiosity, and the joy of finding something unexpected.
So, if you’re feeling the same way—if the scroll feels relentless, if the world feels too online—consider unplugging a little. Go touch some grass. Or better yet, dig through a used bookshop or pick up a record you’ve never heard of before.
As always, thanks for being here. If you haven’t already, subscribe to The Unstreamables on YouTube (because if I must play this algorithm game, we’re doing it on our terms).
More soon.
— JT
P.S. Tell me about the last great thing you discovered offline. I want to hear from you.