Cortex

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Cortex is a show that explores how creative people think about their work — and how they get it done. Each episode dives into the workflows they follow, the apps and devices they depend on, and the habits that keep projects moving. Hosted by CGP Grey and Myke Hurley.

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181 episodes
Updated July 22

Episodes181

Newest first

July 22 · 55 min
181: The Workflow Behind Track Star*, with Jack Coyne
Myke talks to Jack Coyne about turning the viral hit Track Star* into a media business, growing a creative team without adding complexity, and building new shows while protecting what made the original special.
June 22 · 1 hr 26 min
180: From Instagram Poems to a Bestselling Book, with Loryn Brantz
Myke talks to Loryn Brantz – illustrator, poet, and bestselling author – about her journey from Sesame Street and BuzzFeed to becoming an independent creator, how her poems grew into a book, and the routines she uses to make space for new ideas.
May 25 · 1 hr 11 min
179: The Philosophy of Obsidian, with CEO Steph Ango
Myke talks to Steph Ango, CEO of Obsidian, about building tools for thought, working without meetings, managing knowledge with markdown and links, and how a seven-person team builds software used by millions.
April 27 · 1 hr 1 min
178: The Process of Investigative Reporting, With Jason Schreier
Myke talks to Jason Schreier of Bloomberg about the realities of reporting – how stories start, how sources are built, and how he balances fast-moving news with the slower, deeper work of writing books.
March 23 · 1 hr 13 min
177: How Major Life Changes Reshape Creative Workflows, With Quinn Nelson
Myke talks to Quinn Nelson of Snazzy Labs about adapting a creative workflow after becoming a parent – how major life changes reshape priorities, time, and systems, and how creators rebuild sustainable ways to keep making things.
February 16 · 54 min
176: Going From a Newsroom to Being Independent, With Becca Farsace
Myke talks to Becca Farsace about beginning her life as an independent creator—shaping a new workflow, making videos on her own terms, and carrying lessons from her years at The Verge into this next chapter.
January 15 · 1 hr 4 min
175: Technology Connections – State of the Workflow
Myke talks to Alec from Technology Connections about how he turns everyday tech into compelling videos, from topic selection and deep research to scripting, hands-on experimentation, filming, and editing entirely on his own.
Dec 12, 2025 · 1 hr 21 min
174: Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) – State of the Workflow
Myke talks to Marques Brownlee about how he builds his reviews, from shaping a product narrative and writing scripts to collaborating with his team, deciding what becomes a video, and managing the pressure of creating at massive scale.
Nov 11, 2025 · 1 hr 20 min
173: Hank Green – State of the Workflow
Myke talks to Hank Green about how he manages an impossibly full creative life — from YouTube and Crash Course to books, businesses, and Good.Store — using simple tools, structured weeks, selective meetings, delegation, and a constant flow of new ideas.
Oct 21, 2025 · 1 hr 29 min
172: David Pierce – State of the Workflow
Myke talks to The Verge’s David Pierce about the workflow behind his Humane AI Pin review, how he collaborates to make podcasts like The Vergecast, and how his Installer newsletter helps him highlight the positive side of the internet each week.
Sep 15, 2025 · 1 hr 23 min
171: Casey Newton – State of the Workflow
Myke talks to Casey Newton about his workflow for running Platformer, from idea capture to writing and publishing, and how he balances reporting with access to some of the most powerful people in tech.
Aug 18, 2025 · 1 hr 13 min
170: Simone Giertz – State of the Workflow
Myke talks to Simone Giertz about her workflow for turning ideas into products, from early sketches and CAD prototypes to manufacturing, launching, and running a product studio alongside her YouTube channel.
Jul 17, 2025 · 1 hr 32 min
169: John Gruber – State of the Workflow
Myke interviews John Gruber of Daring Fireball. They take a deep-dive into how John’s writing takes shape – from capturing ideas and drafting articles to the meticulous editing behind his influential work.
Jun 24, 2025 · 1 hr 38 min
168: Austin Evans – State of the Workflow
Myke kicks off the new ‘State of the Workflow’ series with YouTuber Austin Evans. They explore the apps, gear, and systems—like dual phones, YouTube Shorts strategies, and analytics deep dives—that fuel Austin’s creativity and 1.5 billion views.
May 29, 2025 · 1 hr 35 min
167: Ten Years of Cortex
Grey and Myke look back on ten years of the show.
Apr 25, 2025 · 1 hr 31 min
166: The Social Network
Grey and Myke watch the 2010 biopic 'The Social Network'. They discuss their thoughts on the film, its portrayal of Facebook’s early days, and how it prompted them to reflect on their own use of social media today.
Mar 26, 2025 · 1 hr 39 min
165: How to Win Friends and Influence People
Grey and Myke explore why this foundational self-help and business book remains relevant today, breaking down its core principles on human interaction and influence—and sharing how they’ve applied its ideas in their own lives.
Feb 19, 2025 · 1 hr 35 min
164: Screen Crimes: The Ghost Device
Grey and Myke reveal their ‘Screen Crimes’ – how do they actually use their devices, and for how long? Meanwhile, Grey is in full team-management mode, and Myke is preparing to start his parental leave.
Jan 31, 2025 · 1 hr 26 min
163: Start a Timer, Make a Decision
Grey and Myke discuss how and why they track their time, Myke shares his thoughts on announcing his upcoming child, and Grey drops a task management bombshell.
Dec 10, 2024 · 1 hr 51 min
162: 2025 Yearly Themes
Grey and Myke use Yearly Themes to guide their personal and professional lives. In this episode, they reflect on how 2024 went and reveal their plans for 2025.