Gillmor Gang: Catching Up - Tech News & Commentary

A Journey to Charleston and the Gillmor Gang

With the easing of pandemic restrictions, a road trip with family and pets to South Carolina became a reality. The journey, accompanied by SiriusXM, provided a soundtrack of varied genres – from news and the Beatles to soul, Steely Dan, and Bill Withers.

For some time, the possibility of location-independent work had been a goal, and the pandemic accelerated this shift for many. The long-term sustainability of this change remains to be seen, as businesses adapt to a new operational landscape. However, upon arriving in Charleston, the immediate concern of industry adjustments felt distant.

Recording and Remote Collaboration

The trip was planned around a recording session for the Gang, initially scheduled for a Thursday arrival after three sixteen-hour driving days. However, they arrived a day early. The three-hour time zone difference, combined with the efficiency of Zoom, two M1 Macs, and reliable WiFi, facilitated a surprisingly relaxed session.

Utilizing Zoom’s blur mode, the experience felt remarkably normal. There was even playful banter with fellow participants who struggled to pinpoint the team’s location.

Settling In and Family Connections

The dogs quickly acclimated to their temporary summer home, exploring the fenced yard before finding comfortable spots near their owners. Video calls with their daughters brought updates on their lives, including news of boyfriends and a new baby, fostering a sense of optimism. Even challenging realities arrived with a newfound gentleness.

A dinner with their youngest daughter’s godparents was cautious, prioritizing safety with no masks but avoiding physical contact, reflecting a gradual return to normalcy.

A Contentious Show and Apologies

Their first show in Charleston was followed by disagreements and awkward interactions. The broadcast began with Brent Leary attempting to address comments he’d made on a previous program regarding the Gillmor Gang.

He jokingly suggested the show lacked direction and was conducive to napping. However, Brent then expressed concern about whether Tina and Steve were watching the unfolding exchange in real-time, which Steve confirmed. This sparked a mix of annoyance and amusement.

Steve recognized Brent’s skill in deftly navigating challenging questions, possessing a talent for both silence and skillful deflection. He promptly contacted Brent to acknowledge he was indeed watching.

Unresolved Debates and an Unreleased Episode

The subsequent Gang recording session was marked by Brent’s repeated attempts at apology or explanation, frequently interrupted by Steve. This resulted in a humorous, yet unfocused, discussion that ultimately spiraled into a familiar debate about social media and the First Amendment.

As is often the case, the conversation failed to yield any new insights, and the episode remains unpublished.

from the Gillmor Gang Newsletter

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The Gillmor Gang — Frank Radice, Michael Markman, Keith Teare, Denis Pombriant, Brent Leary and Steve Gillmor. Recorded live Friday, June 25, 2021.

Produced and directed by Tina Chase Gillmor @tinagillmor

@fradice, @mickeleh, @denispombriant, @kteare, @brentleary, @stevegillmor, @gillmorgang

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