294: Grumpy 37

#### Subtitle: Loneliness is where John is a Viking. What is the role of loneliness on "Survivor?" #### Links and Show Notes: Things kick off unexpectedly. For Merlin, anyway. Honestly, that's what had happened. And, then, an old friend from the before times has a Thing It Took Him Too Long to Realize. It involves music and butts. And, while your hosts can recall that the listener's wife was way more famous, they can neither remember her name nor pronounce his. For a main topic, John and Merlin consider **the role of loneliness on *Survivor***. Every dingaling has a plan until they get punched in the face. So, what do we think about all that isolation, privation, paranoia, and self-doubt? Even setting aside the sunburns and the Fijian food, this is not an environment in which Merlin would thrive. In this month’s member bonus segment, your hosts discuss *self-quantization*. What are we measuring, and what is that helping us manage? You can sign up today to hear all the member episodes, get more bonus stuff, and help support our program. (*Recorded on Tuesday, August 18, 2026*) * * * ##### Credits - **Audio Editor/Key Master**: Jim Metzendorf - **Admin Assistance**: Kerry Provenzano - **Music**: Merlin Mann - **The Suits**: Stephen Hackett, Myke Hurley ##### Get an ad-free version of the show, plus a monthly extended episode. ##### ATP #703: Part of a Healthy Breakfast The ATP episode where John tried to explain Docker (starting at 1:51:26). ##### A timestamp link to John's Docker explanation in ATP #703 ##### The Survivor 50 cast - People.com ##### Carrot in a Box - YouTube ##### Carrot in a Box: Rematch - YouTube ##### Liz is emotional about Applebee's on Survivor season 46, episode 10 ##### The cast of Veep talks about their final season - YouTube