1) Episode Summary
Evan explores why “old school” tech is showing signs of a comeback—starting with landline-style phones—and why some people (especially younger generations) are intentionally stepping back from always-on screens. He shares how a listener conversation sparked research into reported trends around landlines, “landline mode” smartphone setups, and kid-focused devices that behave like a phone but are managed by parents.
From there, he broadens the discussion to other retro returns—music players, physical media, and simpler devices—framing the appeal as fewer interruptions, fewer updates, fewer accounts, and fewer subscriptions. Evan contrasts the reliability and immediacy of older hardware with modern “smart” products that can become limited if servers shut down, then balances that with the real accessibility and independence gains smart tech can bring (screen readers, AI tools, rideshare, remote access, and more).
He closes with personal examples of tech he’d happily keep (or go back to), including older operating systems, analog audio setups, call-in security, classic note takers, and a dedicated talking alarm clock—then invites listeners to share their own “what I miss / what I’d keep” tech preferences.
2) Contact Info
Aftersight Feedback: feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856
Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer (Aftersight)
3) Show Credits
Host: Evan Starnes
Producer: Jonathan Price
Network: Aftersight
4) Chapter Markers
00:06 — Cold open: interrupted by the telephone (ironically)
02:28 — Why this topic: listener conversation + research rabbit hole
04:52 — Landlines, screen time concerns, and “landline-like” options
07:17 — “Landline mode” habits and the screen-time mindset shift
09:41 — Music/media nostalgia: iPods, CDs/records, and distraction-free listening
12:05 — Pro: fewer updates and faster “ready-to-go” devices
14:32 — Pro: fewer subscriptions and fewer forced accounts
16:36 — Pro/Con: smart devices can be “bricked”; note on open-sourcing as a fix
19:00 — Pro: remote access and modern convenience (when it works)
21:28 — Accessibility wins: smartphones, rideshare, AI tools, and independence
23:51 — Resilience angle: POTS vs VoIP and why it matters in outages
24:59 — Bridging old + new: adapters that let old phones work with cell service
27:07 — Personal tech preferences: simpler OS, analog stereo, and stable gear
29:26 — Assistive tech nostalgia: classic note takers and “offline-first” tools
31:36 — Alarm clocks and “make me get up” routines
33:38 — Listener call-in/email + closing message: “not everything needs to be smart”
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