Future Perfect Book Club

By: Future Perfect Book Club
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  • Summary

  • Designers Joel Goodman and Ron Bronson explore the intersection of technology, design, and culture through the lens of provocative books. In each episode, we dive into a book that challenges the way we think about society, culture, and design. Along the way, we bring in diverse perspectives and, eventually, authors themselves to discuss their work. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just curious, our discussions aim to inspire new ways of seeing the future.
    © 2025 Future Perfect Book Club
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Art Literary History & Criticism Philosophy Social Sciences
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Episodes
  • Mood Machine by Liz Pelly

    Mood Machine by Liz Pelly
    Mar 12 2025

    Joel Goodman and Ron Bronson delve into Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Cost of the Perfect Playlist by Liz Pelly. They discuss the book's exploration of Spotify's impact on the music industry, focusing on historical parallels, algorithmic control, and the creation of 'fake' artists.

    The conversation includes personal reflections on the evolution of music consumption, streaming services, and the nostalgia of early music platforms and blog eras. Throughout, they emphasize the moral and existential implications of Spotify's practices for both artists and listeners.

    Chapters
    • 00:00 - Synopsis and Initial Impressions of 'Mood Machine'
    • 00:36 - Historical Context and Surprising Elements
    • 01:37 - Algorithmic Control and Fake Artists
    • 02:34 - The Evolution of Music Streaming
    • 04:40 - The Impact of Algorithmic Playlists
    • 07:11 - The Role of Human Curation in Music Discovery
    • 10:17 - The Decline of Music's Artistic Value
    • 11:43 - The Dangers of Algorithmic Influence
    • 14:03 - Nostalgia and the Value of Craft
    • 26:35 - Supporting Artists in the Streaming Era
    • 31:18 - Nostalgia and the Blog Era of Music
    • 36:24 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Cost of the Perfect Playlist by Liz Pelly. Buy on Bookshop.org
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    37 mins
  • Cyberboss by Craig Gent

    Cyberboss by Craig Gent
    Feb 26 2025
    In the inaugural episode of the Future Perfect Book Club, Ron Bronson and Joel Goodman delve into Craig Gent’s “Cyberboss: The Rise of Algorithmic Management and the New Struggle for Control at Work.” They explore how algorithms are shaping the modern workplace, often in ways that diminish worker autonomy and dignity. Ron and Joel discuss […]
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    40 mins

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