Comfort Zone

Christopher Lawley, Matt Birchler, and Niléane

Comfort Zone is a podcast that pushes its hosts outside of their, well, comfort zone. Every week, each host will bring new technology they've tried to the show to discuss whether it worked and how it pushed them out of their comfort zone.

Then, at the conclusion of each episode, one of the hosts will issue the dreaded challenge to the others to try something new, and perhaps even something they might not like. It's a fun, fresh way to learn something new, along with the hosts every week.

Play

Open in

20 episodes
weekly
Avg 1 hr 3 min
English

Episodes 20

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

August 13 · 1 hr 3 min
I Respect Wood
Matt has some pretty good but not perfect Switch 2 controllers. Niléane has a new set of headphones and assures us she doesn't have a problem. And everyone tries to make the best gaming recommendations for their co-hosts. This week's Cozy Zone We had a lively discussion about the new The Mandalorian and Grogu movie. Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is our member's only show and is $5/month or $50/year. Bonus episodes for you, Feedback? Questions? Let us know! Things discussed Mobapad M12S FIIO FT1 headphones Fields of Mistria Mass Effect Legendary Edition Town to City Euro Truck Simulator 2 Metal Wolf Chaos XD (video) Big Walk Hot Wheels Unleashed Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
August 6 · 1 hr 5 min
Dollar Dollar Bills Y'all
Today's episode is all about tier listing the contenders to be the new Euro banknotes. What will these Americans think of Europe's next top currency? This week's Cozy Zone is a very fun "name that app" game as Matt trots out some of the really weird apps from his Mac's Applications folder. Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is our member's only show and is $5/month or $50/year. Bonus episodes for you, Feedback? Questions? Let us know! Things discussed Proposed new € banknotes Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
July 30 · 1 hr 20 min
I'm the Guest, I Have No Consequences
We have a guest! D. Griffin Jones is here to show the gang technology they could only dream of: the MessagePad. After that, we look at the brand new Pastebot 3, the surprisingly useful Clop, and close it out by trying to sell Niléane on a 3D printer. This week's Cozy Zone was all about the games we've been enjoying lately. Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is a bonus podcast every Monday where we let loose on all sorts of fun topics. You can get cozy with the Comfort Zone crew for just $5/month or $50/year, which not only makes the bonus episodes possible, but supports Comfort Zone, too. How would you have done our challenges? How would you answer the question at the end of the show? Let us know! Things discussed Griffin's blog Apple MessagePad Pastebot 3 Clop Omori on Nintendo Store Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
July 23 · 54 min
Only One Person Being Strangled
Niléane brings her newest fan (literally), Chris just assumed his co-hosts have installed the betas (they have), and they all tell each other how their respective apps could start earning millions. This week's Cozy Zone was a complete, and authoritative, tier listing of every Men's World Cup logo ever. Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is a bonus podcast every Monday where we let loose on all sorts of fun topics. You can get cozy with the Comfort Zone crew for just $5/month or $50/year, which not only makes the bonus episodes possible, but supports Comfort Zone, too. How would you have done our challenges? How would you answer the question at the end of the show? Let us know! Things discussed Classy filing Horror show filing Vivaldi is trying to bring Blink to iOS Niléane's fan Tiny Start Parchment Quick Reads Quick Reviews Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
July 16 · 56 min
You Can't Kill Chrome
Matt has been doing tons with Quick Reads, Chris has all the small things, and everyone create Shortcuts WITH THEIR VOICE. This week's Cozy Zone has the boys competing in Niléane's Great Star Wars Quotes Quiz and it goes…let's just say good and bad. Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is a bonus podcast every Monday where we let loose on all sorts of fun topics. You can get cozy with the Comfort Zone crew for just $5/month or $50/year, which not only makes the bonus episodes possible, but supports Comfort Zone, too. How would you have done our challenges? How would you answer the question at the end of the show? Let us know! Things discussed Parchment on the App Store Atlas is dead Quick Reads Final Cut Pro update GPT 5.6 Open Knowledge Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
July 9 · 1 hr 8 min
My Magic Mouse Is Pregnant
Chris explains how he's using Parchment, Matt gets all in your face about calendars, and everyone competes to see who can handle using Snick for the longest. This week's Cozy Zone has the gang sharing their development tips and setups. Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is a bonus podcast every Monday where we let loose on all sorts of fun topics. You can get cozy with the Comfort Zone crew for just $5/month or $50/year, which not only makes the bonus episodes possible, but supports Comfort Zone, too. How would you have done our challenges? How would you answer the question at the end of the show? Let us know! Things discussed Star Fox for Switch 2 Tangerine Neue In Your Face Inspired by this post Næste Snick Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
July 2 · 1 hr 11 min
The Year of Our Lord, Zork
Niléane invested in a fast-appreciating asset (air conditioner), CHRIS MADE AN APP, and everyone surprises everyone else with their favorite challenges. This week's Cozy Zone, we tier listed the biggest iPhone features over the year. Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is a bonus podcast every Monday where we let loose on all sorts of fun topics. You can get cozy with the Comfort Zone crew for just $5/month or $50/year, which not only makes the bonus episodes possible, but supports Comfort Zone, too. How would you have done our challenges? How would you answer the question at the end of the show? Let us know! Things discussed Chris was in The Verge's Installer Jet Lag The Game on Nebula and YouTube Midea PortaSplit Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Plexamp Snick Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
June 25 · 1 hr 4 min
Matt's Big Chonker
The gang's back together! Niléane has a new window management system, Matt wonders if Thunderbolt is too fast, and everyone recovers from letting AI take the wheel for the week. This week's Cozy Zone, Niléane has a new place and it only seemed proper to roast her new setup. Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is a bonus podcast every Monday where we let loose on all sorts of fun topics. You can get cozy with the Comfort Zone crew for just $5/month or $50/year, which not only makes the bonus episodes possible, but supports Comfort Zone, too. How would you have done our challenges? How would you answer the question at the end of the show? Let us know! Things discussed Chris's Patreon Neuecast Jet Lag The Game (Nebula or YouTube) Microsoft is the savior we were waiting for Goodbye, Tangerine UI Keychron 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock Matt's full review on Birchtree OCW's $329 dock (3 USB-C) OWC's $499 dock (4 USB-C) CalDigit TS5 (6 USB-C) CalDigit TS5 Plus (7 USB-C) My old TB4 OWC dock (3 USB-C) MYGGSPRAY Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
June 18 · 1 hr 1 min
My Dinner with Ternus
It's another duo week as Matt is out there…destroying lives??? Despite that, Chris and Niléane talk about the DMA, cool stuff in the OS 27 betas, and Chris has some stories from WWDC. This week's Cozy Zone, the gang went through their next three apps they would install on their Macs, and it leads to some hard (and surprising) decisions. Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is a bonus podcast every Monday where we let loose on all sorts of fun topics. You can get cozy with the Comfort Zone crew for just $5/month or $50/year, which not only makes the bonus episodes possible, but supports Comfort Zone, too. How would you have done our challenges? How would you answer the question at the end of the show? Let us know! Things discussed OS 27 TinyStart 😉 Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
June 10 · 1 hr 4 min
Cancel Darwin
It's WWDC week, and we're talking about it all episode this week. Chris is on location, calling in from his hotel room, while Niléane and Matt enjoy the comforts of home (and don't feel a little left out…who told you we feel left out???). This week's Cozy Zone, we roasted and then tier listed your old home screens. Only the weird ones this time! Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is a bonus podcast every Monday where we let loose on all sorts of fun topics. You can get cozy with the Comfort Zone crew for just $5/month or $50/year, which not only makes the bonus episodes possible, but supports Comfort Zone, too. How would you have done our challenges? How would you answer the question at the end of the show? Let us know! Things discussed All the new things Apple's WWDC keynote What's new in WebKit for Safari 27 Have you heard the good news about TinyStart? Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
June 4 · 57 min
They're Putting AI in the Mice
Niléane has a cool new mouse, Matt wants to reflect on what they've learned shipping apps to the public, and they both reflect on joining cults. This week's Cozy Zone, we had to guess and then tier list Google's dead apps. Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is a bonus podcast every Monday where we let loose on all sorts of fun topics. You can get cozy with the Comfort Zone crew for just $5/month or $50/year, which not only makes the bonus episodes possible, but supports Comfort Zone, too. How would you have done our challenges? How would you answer the question at the end of the show? Let us know! Things discussed Here's what I use my Apple Newton for in 2023 RAD Weather Keychron M6 MOS for Mac Quick Reads TinyStart Bevel Bevel 3.0 announcement video Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
May 28 · 1 hr 9 min
Christopher Nolan Doesn't Use Top Tabs
Chris has a new computer employee, Matt has an existential crisis, and Niléane teaches everyone that pranks don't have to be mean. This week's Cozy Zone, we made our very reasonable predictions for WWDC. Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is a bonus podcast every Monday where we let loose on all sorts of fun topics. You can get cozy with the Comfort Zone crew for just $5/month or $50/year, which not only makes the bonus episodes possible, but supports Comfort Zone, too. How would you have done our challenges? How would you answer the question at the end of the show? Let us know! Things discussed E2EE RCS in France is being blocked by the French government Vivaldi 8.0 Codex and Computer Use https://carto.tchoo.net/ Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
May 21 · 1 hr 11 min
The Real Episode 100
Your podcast player might say otherwise, but this is the true episode 100! Everyone is back together to do some Q&A, celebrate a birthday, a move to a new house, and some help as Chris abandons Safari (finally!). This week's Cozy Zone, the gang gets very opinionated on Formula 1 liveries. Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is a bonus podcast every Monday where we let loose on all sorts of fun topics. You can get cozy with the Comfort Zone crew for just $5/month or $50/year, which not only makes the bonus episodes possible, but supports Comfort Zone, too. How would you have done our challenges? How would you answer the question at the end of the show? Let us know! Things discussed Liquid Death Pop Tart Carnage TinyStart Better Mouse Quick Reads for Chrome 1Password Raindrop Hyperduck Tampermonkey Dark Reader Noir Stylus YouTube dislike counter Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
May 14 · 1 hr 1 min
Don't Let Tech Companies Electrocute You
It's just the boys today, as Chris has a slew of updates, while Matt has joined a new cult. They also try their darnedest to understand the appeal of mouse gestures in browsers. This week's Cozy Zone, the gang roasts your (yes, your!) old home screens. Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is a bonus podcast every Monday where we let loose on all sorts of fun topics. You can get cozy with the Comfort Zone crew for just $5/month or $50/year, which not only makes the bonus episodes possible, but supports Comfort Zone, too. How would you have done our challenges? How would you answer the question at the end of the show? Let us know! Things discussed Garbage can! Razer BlackShark V3 Pro Wireless 3D Printed an ergo stand for Magic Trackpad Strava Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
May 7 · 55 min
Better Than Getting Into Crypto
With Chris out getting a puppy, Matt and Niléane hold down the fort, celebrating an app, and lamenting a mouse. Then everyone pretends to be someone else for fun. This week's Cozy Zone, the gang compared their Mac docks, and you won't believe it, monsters were revealed! Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is a bonus podcast every Monday where we let loose on all sorts of fun topics. You can get cozy with the Comfort Zone crew for just $5/month or $50/year, which not only makes the bonus episodes possible, but supports Comfort Zone, too. How would you have done our challenges? How would you answer the question at the end of the show? Let us know! Things discussed TinyStart Dia is getting really good Niléane's proofreader part 1 Niléane's proofreader part 2 BetterTouchTool Logitech MX Master 4 Niléane becomes Chris Matt becomes Chris Chris becomes Matt Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
April 30 · 1 hr 9 min
Dinosaurs Are From Space
Matt has released Quick Reads, Niléane has entered her M5 (and Jony Ive) era, and the whole gang throws their monitors away in favor of that laptop life. This week's Cozy Zone, the gang tier lists the Olympic logos from 2000 through 2036 (yes, 2036!). Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is a bonus podcast every Monday where we let loose on all sorts of fun topics. You can get cozy with the Comfort Zone crew for just $5/month or $50/year, which not only makes the bonus episodes possible, but supports Comfort Zone, too. How would you have done our challenges? How would you answer the question at the end of the show? Let us know! Things discussed Quick Reads TinyStart Async brrr Resend Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
April 23 · 1 hr 8 min
Just Break the Laws of Physics
Chris and Matt are on their own this week and do a deeper dive into the MacBook Neo after a month using it. Do they still love it? Hate it? Probably somewhere in the middle, huh? This week's Cozy Zone, the gang tier lists macOS default wallpapers, and you just know someone's going to have some very wrong opinions. Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is a bonus podcast every Monday where we let loose on all sorts of fun topics. You can get cozy with the Comfort Zone crew for just $5/month or $50/year, which not only makes the bonus episodes possible, but supports Comfort Zone, too. How would you have done our challenges? How would you answer the question at the end of the show? Let us know! Things discussed Adding thermal pads to the Neo Formula Fanatics F1 desk calendar Chris's home screen Matt's home screen Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
April 16 · 52 min
You've Unlocked Something in Me
Matt has a new writing app, Niléane is becoming a true audiophile, and everyone tries to find Chris the best pet tech for his soon-to-be new puppy. This week's Cozy Zone, the gang tier lists macOS default wallpapers, and you just know someone's going to have some very wrong opinions. Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is a bonus podcast every Monday where we let loose on all sorts of fun topics. You can get cozy with the Comfort Zone crew for just $5/month or $50/year, which not only makes the bonus episodes possible, but supports Comfort Zone, too. How would you have done our challenges? How would you answer the question at the end of the show? Let us know! Things discussed Cogito Fiio BTR15 eqMac Chris's ball thrower Matt's feeder Niléane's French best-seller Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
April 9 · 1 hr 7 min
It's Five O'Clock Somewhere
Chris has some new headphones, Matt wants to talk about why development is still complex in the AI age, and everyone tries to find the most clever way to back up their photos. This week's Cozy Zone, we roasted each other's 10 year old home screens. Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is a bonus podcast every Monday where we let loose on all sorts of fun topics. You can get cozy with the Comfort Zone crew for just $5/month or $50/year, which not only makes the bonus episodes possible, but supports Comfort Zone, too. How would you have done our challenges? How would you answer the question at the end of the show? Let us know! Things discussed The Comfort Zone Database TinyStart Charjen AirFoams Pro v30 Ear Tips AirPods Max 2 Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm cable Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript
April 2 · 55 min
Big Things Have TinyStarts
Niléane built an awesome Mac app, Chris bought a new monitor (but it's not what you thiiiiink), and Matt grills the group on what they'd install if they could only install 3 new apps on their Mac. This week's Cozy Zone, the gang has to guess what Matt subscribes to on YouTube by just the thumbnails. Want more from the gang? Cozy Zone is a bonus podcast every Monday where we let loose on all sorts of fun topics. You can get cozy with the Comfort Zone crew for just $5/month or $50/year, which not only makes the bonus episodes possible, but supports Comfort Zone, too. How would you have done our challenges? How would you answer the question at the end of the show? Let us know! Things discussed TinyStart ROG something something full gamer monitor Vivaldi for iOS Follow the Hosts Chris on YouTube Matt on Birchtree Niléane on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Mastodon Comfort Zone on Bluesky
- Transcript

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes