Async
Joshua and Saadia helped pioneer asynchronous and distributed work. So it's only natural that our podcast bucks synchronous conventions. On Async, we take turns to unfold the conversation, one episode at a time, as we chat about technology, app development, and remote work.
A Pretty Good podcast.
Episodes
138 episodes
[Saadia] Writer Deck
Saadia discusses the X3 writer deck he put together as part of his latest "de-techifying" phase.
[Joshua] What do you want?
Geeking out about writing, X4 as a device, and product design in 2026.
[Saadia] Two Steps Forward
Discussing responses to Cal Newport, the Xteink X4 ereader, and taking time to just be.
[Joshua] Reversion to the Mean
I followup on Saadia's last post with thoughts of my own on dumb phones, infinity wells, and I've gone back and forth on the whole concept. Then I talk about a book I'm reading, writing struggles, and my favorite game of the year.
[Joshua] Tired brains
A little bit more about gen ai and using it as a designer, followed by an update on the X4, software brain, and Age of Empires on the Mac.
[Saadia] It doesn't feel like you
More discussion about whether a client should be able to ask their designer not to use AI tools in their design process.
[Joshua] Software Brain
Async is a podcast where Joshua (a product designer) and Saadia (a software engineer) debate and often argue (as friends!) the merits and challenges of living and building in the world today.In this episode I reference how I'm feel...
[Saadia] Disclosure
Would GenAI disclosure would be helpful or is it a waste of time?
[Joshua] X4
Hi Saadia! In this episode I talk about AI, and lend a different perspective to your idea of authorship. Then I talk about some AI classes I've been doing, and finally something not at all AI related (well mostly not): A new gadget ...
[Saadia] Soul
We're back! Well, I am, at least.Welcome to Season 2 of Async where we'll probably just keep talking about AI.
[Joshua] Launching Lochy
Joshua and a friend launched Lochy.org last night, and now Joshua's trying to figure out what happens next.
[Saadia] For love, growth, or money
So much to respond to! I talk mostly about motivation – why commit? And what does "best practice" mean in the age of AI?
[Joshua] Dragonsteel
Joshua went to Dragonsteel, and he's having thoughts about how careers should be shaped based on passion versus marketplace acceptance.
[Saadia] Quiet Design
Shh.In this episode I talk about my experience writing an app from scratch in SwiftUI, and compare that to vibe coding it. I also discuss a lack of technical people in cross-disciplinary positions.
[Joshua] Democratization of product
Joshua has followup on a bunch of topics, including Figma make, app development, and his own experience with race and privilege. He then follows up on a few topics related to the democratization of product and being kind to yourself.
[Joshua] Writing what I'd read
Followup on Saadia’s AI teaching adventure, along with some of Joshua’s own musings on classroom time. For topics, Joshua shares about a new perspective he’s gained on writing, using Figma make for design, and shipping an actual app...
[Saadia] AI in the Classroom
I'm back! I spent the last four weeks on a school placement. Here's what I learned about using AI in the classroom.
[Joshua] Actually shipping
I'm back!After some time away (it's been crazy), I've got a lot to followup on, and some things to share about the work I've been doing as a product manager and product designer. Also, I'm trying to decide on actually shippin...
[Saadia] Cognitive Load Theory
How can AI reduce mental overhead and help us to concentrate on what matters most?
[Joshua] Detente and growing the newsletter
Wrapping up a mini-series where Saadia and Joshua have been discussing whether it's irresponsible to vibe code apps into production. The next topic Joshua starts off is what to do now that his newsletter has 100 subscribers. What sh...
[Saadia] What I create, I understand.
Gatekeeping‽Richard Feynman: “What I cannot create, I do not understand.”