This week, Mason and Sean discuss Roland Barthes' influential 1967 essay "The Death of the Author"—how it is misunderstood by the chronically online and how it is a useful and important in understanding the art that we consume.

We also discuss abandoning your heroes, parasocial relationships, songwriting and what it can tell us about the differences between Taylor Swift and Mitski, and remind you that—statistically—someone you love has purchased an album by Nickelback.

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Meaning What is a product of it's no sam studios

Created by Mason Hershenow

Produced by Sean Ang

Edited, scored, and mixed by Mason Hershenow

On today's episode, Mason and Sean talk about how the very same companies driving the "A.I." "revolution" are unravelling all aspects of life and culture. As you probably already guessed, we don't think it's a good thing. But, maybe there are legitimate uses? Maybe!?

We also discuss autocorrect, photographers on Threads, how Microsoft wants to buy Three Mile Island, and the fact that we need a fact checker/producer.

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Meaning What is a product of it's no sam studios

Created by Mason Hershenow

Produced by Sean Ang

Edited, scored, and mixed by Mason Hershenow

On today's episode, Mason and Sean continue the conversation about artificial "intelligence" by turning the eyes on the art world and all the ways that procedurally-generated slop is beginning to pollute modern culture.

We also discuss the difference between vocaloids and vtubers, our feelings about Woody Allen's movies, and why your five year old will never measure up to Felix González-Torrez.

And make sure to stick around during the commercial break for extra content!

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Meaning What is a product of it's no sam studios

Created by Mason Hershenow

Produced by Sean Ang and Lincoln Hershenow

Edited, scored, and mixed by Mason Hershenow