Brad Berens
@bradberens.bsky.social
bradberens.substack.com and bradberens.com
The new Dispatch is out! This time, a mini-memoir comparing today's constricted job market for recent college grads to my own post-grad experience many years ago. Plus, "Hamnet," Mel Brooks, my latest earworm, and more!
bradberens.substack.com/p/will-teach...
bradberens.substack.com/p/will-teach...
Will Teach for Food: a Mini Memoir
Today's job market for recent college grads eerily resembles the academic job market in the 1990s: what are the lessons? (Issue #197)
bradberens.substack.com
January 25, 2026 at 9:12 PM
The new Dispatch is out! This time, a mini-memoir comparing today's constricted job market for recent college grads to my own post-grad experience many years ago. Plus, "Hamnet," Mel Brooks, my latest earworm, and more!
bradberens.substack.com/p/will-teach...
bradberens.substack.com/p/will-teach...
The new Dispatch is out! This time, how to escape closed-loop thinking. (Hint: it's not logic.) Plus, surveillance pricing, prices up at Walmart, early thumbs up on "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy," and more! (Issue #196)
bradberens.substack.com/p/leaps-of-f...
bradberens.substack.com/p/leaps-of-f...
January 18, 2026 at 9:16 PM
The new Dispatch is out! This time, how to escape closed-loop thinking. (Hint: it's not logic.) Plus, surveillance pricing, prices up at Walmart, early thumbs up on "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy," and more! (Issue #196)
bradberens.substack.com/p/leaps-of-f...
bradberens.substack.com/p/leaps-of-f...
The new Dispatch is out! This time: recent political events intriguingly resemble a moment from “King Henry IV, Part Two.” Plus, a new book about attention, a picture from CES, why ADHD rates seem to be on the rise, puppy yoga, and more! (Issue #195)
bradberens.substack.com/p/shakespear...
bradberens.substack.com/p/shakespear...
Shakespeare and the Attacks on Venezuela
Recent political events intriguingly resemble a moment from “King Henry IV, Part Two.” Plus, a new book about attention, a picture from CES, why ADHD rates seem to be on the rise, puppy yoga, and more
bradberens.substack.com
January 11, 2026 at 7:21 PM
The new Dispatch is out! This time: recent political events intriguingly resemble a moment from “King Henry IV, Part Two.” Plus, a new book about attention, a picture from CES, why ADHD rates seem to be on the rise, puppy yoga, and more! (Issue #195)
bradberens.substack.com/p/shakespear...
bradberens.substack.com/p/shakespear...
The new Dispatch is out! This time: my annual journey across the books I read over the year. If you’re looking for a good read (or books to avoid) then you’ve come to the right place!
bradberens.substack.com/p/my-2025-in...
bradberens.substack.com/p/my-2025-in...
My 2025 in Books
My annual journey across the books I read over the year. If you’re looking for a good read (or books to avoid) then you’ve come to the right place!
bradberens.substack.com
January 4, 2026 at 11:53 PM
The new Dispatch is out! This time: my annual journey across the books I read over the year. If you’re looking for a good read (or books to avoid) then you’ve come to the right place!
bradberens.substack.com/p/my-2025-in...
bradberens.substack.com/p/my-2025-in...
The new Dispatch is out! This time, a look back at "Trust is Analog," plus dating bootcamp, wearable brain tech, a hilarious "Hipster Barista Assessment," and more!
bradberens.substack.com/p/trust-is-a...
bradberens.substack.com/p/trust-is-a...
Trust is Analog, revisited
A handshake is worth 100 Zoom calls and a hug is worth 1,000. This has implications for going back to the office, building corporate culture, and democracy. (Issue #193)
bradberens.substack.com
December 29, 2025 at 1:04 AM
The new Dispatch is out! This time, a look back at "Trust is Analog," plus dating bootcamp, wearable brain tech, a hilarious "Hipster Barista Assessment," and more!
bradberens.substack.com/p/trust-is-a...
bradberens.substack.com/p/trust-is-a...
Corporations are creating storyteller positions, but can this work? Plus, the impact of SNAP reductions on grocers and retail media, best breakup lines, can Crocs be cool, and more!
bradberens.substack.com/p/do-we-real...
bradberens.substack.com/p/do-we-real...
Do We REALLY Need More Storytellers?
Corporations are creating storyteller positions, but can this work? Plus, the impact of SNAP reductions on grocers and retail media, best breakup lines, can Crocs be cool, and more! (Issue #192)
bradberens.substack.com
December 21, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Corporations are creating storyteller positions, but can this work? Plus, the impact of SNAP reductions on grocers and retail media, best breakup lines, can Crocs be cool, and more!
bradberens.substack.com/p/do-we-real...
bradberens.substack.com/p/do-we-real...
The new Dispatch is out! This time, the AI lies we tell ourselves. Plus, news on the news, more on smart glasses, romantasy, Aretha Franklin, and more!
bradberens.substack.com/p/the-ai-lie...
bradberens.substack.com/p/the-ai-lie...
The AI Lies We Tell Ourselves
We have to get real about when human skills are better than AI... and if anybody cares. Plus, news on the news, more on smart glasses, romantasy, Aretha Franklin, and more! (Issue #191
bradberens.substack.com
December 14, 2025 at 9:47 PM
The new Dispatch is out! This time, the AI lies we tell ourselves. Plus, news on the news, more on smart glasses, romantasy, Aretha Franklin, and more!
bradberens.substack.com/p/the-ai-lie...
bradberens.substack.com/p/the-ai-lie...
The new Dispatch is out! This time: a decade after Google Glass, are smart glasses finally becoming a thing? Plus, my takes on the Olivia Nuzzi/RFK Jr. imbroglio, Netflix buying Warner Bros., and lots more!
bradberens.substack.com/p/face-the-f...
bradberens.substack.com/p/face-the-f...
Face: The Final Frontier
A decade after Google Glass, are smart glasses finally becoming a thing? Plus, my takes on the Olivia Nuzzi/RFK Jr. imbroglio, Netflix buying Warner Bros., and lots more! (Issue #190)
bradberens.substack.com
December 7, 2025 at 9:39 PM
The new Dispatch is out! This time: a decade after Google Glass, are smart glasses finally becoming a thing? Plus, my takes on the Olivia Nuzzi/RFK Jr. imbroglio, Netflix buying Warner Bros., and lots more!
bradberens.substack.com/p/face-the-f...
bradberens.substack.com/p/face-the-f...
Ha!
December 2, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Ha!
The new Dispatch is out (a day late, but I hope worth the wait). This time, a basket of goodies... including selfies from my London/Paris trip.
bradberens.substack.com/p/from-heath...
bradberens.substack.com/p/from-heath...
From Heathrow: a Grab Bag
I’ve been on the road the last two Sundays. Now, with a moment to catch my breath, a batch of goodies while I’m waiting for my plane to board. (Issue #189)
bradberens.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:57 PM
The new Dispatch is out (a day late, but I hope worth the wait). This time, a basket of goodies... including selfies from my London/Paris trip.
bradberens.substack.com/p/from-heath...
bradberens.substack.com/p/from-heath...
The new Dispatch is out! This time, I'm launching a new thread about technologies that we *should* already have, but don't, starting with why streamers don't make it easier for us to watch things together. Plus lots of other goodies!
bradberens.substack.com/p/why-dont-w...
bradberens.substack.com/p/why-dont-w...
Why Don't We Have This Already?—Streaming
In a new thread about technologies and services that should already exist, I ask why—with all the data streamers have about us—it's so hard to find something to watch together? (Issue #187)
bradberens.substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:54 PM
The new Dispatch is out! This time, I'm launching a new thread about technologies that we *should* already have, but don't, starting with why streamers don't make it easier for us to watch things together. Plus lots of other goodies!
bradberens.substack.com/p/why-dont-w...
bradberens.substack.com/p/why-dont-w...
I love coffee more than the average bear, but even *I* balk at paying $80 for a *half* pound of Jamaica Blue Mountain.
November 5, 2025 at 10:12 PM
I love coffee more than the average bear, but even *I* balk at paying $80 for a *half* pound of Jamaica Blue Mountain.
Reposted by Brad Berens
A large majority of U.S. adults now get news digitally, but nondigital news consumers are less likely to say they extremely often or often encounter inaccurate news.
Read more on Americans’ views of information accuracy and distinguishing truth from fiction:
Read more on Americans’ views of information accuracy and distinguishing truth from fiction:
Many Americans say they often come across inaccurate news – and have a hard time knowing what’s true
Those who report often encountering inaccurate news are more likely than those who rarely or never do to say it’s hard to know what is true (59% vs. 31%).
www.pewresearch.org
November 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM
A large majority of U.S. adults now get news digitally, but nondigital news consumers are less likely to say they extremely often or often encounter inaccurate news.
Read more on Americans’ views of information accuracy and distinguishing truth from fiction:
Read more on Americans’ views of information accuracy and distinguishing truth from fiction:
The new Dispatch is out! This time, an NSFW AI Deepfake Review! Plus, I dig into why these things are disturbing. Plus, lots of goodies.
bradberens.substack.com/p/not-safe-f...
bradberens.substack.com/p/not-safe-f...
Not-Safe-For-Work AI Deepfake Review
I look at fake Pixar previews, allegedly "banned" dirty song recordings, and a disturbingly-convincing Star Trek blooper. How long can reality last? (Issue #187)
bradberens.substack.com
November 2, 2025 at 7:40 PM
The new Dispatch is out! This time, an NSFW AI Deepfake Review! Plus, I dig into why these things are disturbing. Plus, lots of goodies.
bradberens.substack.com/p/not-safe-f...
bradberens.substack.com/p/not-safe-f...
I am monumentally frustrated by email today. Why, why, why won’t people change the subject line when they change the topic? This is the hill that I will die on. Grrr. bradberens.substack.com/p/3-simple-r...
3 Simple Rules to Make Email Suck Less
Too many emails overwhelm us all the time, but we can stop the madness or at least slow it down! Here are easy ways to reduce email volume and information overload. (Issue #161)
bradberens.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:16 PM
I am monumentally frustrated by email today. Why, why, why won’t people change the subject line when they change the topic? This is the hill that I will die on. Grrr. bradberens.substack.com/p/3-simple-r...
The new Dispatch is out! This time, I revisit and update my collection of killer productivity tools and how to use them. Plus entertainment news, two interesting AI stories, and a terrific, Star Wars-themed flash mob.
bradberens.substack.com/p/change-you...
bradberens.substack.com/p/change-you...
“Change Your Life” Productivity Tools & How to Use Them
In our age of information overload, here—newly revised and updated—are the everyday tools I use to manage the chaos. (Issue #186)
bradberens.substack.com
October 26, 2025 at 4:06 PM
The new Dispatch is out! This time, I revisit and update my collection of killer productivity tools and how to use them. Plus entertainment news, two interesting AI stories, and a terrific, Star Wars-themed flash mob.
bradberens.substack.com/p/change-you...
bradberens.substack.com/p/change-you...
I started experiencing profound relief every night when I powered down my smartphone. Why is that? Plus: news from the “We No Longer Know What is Real” Department, our quest to adopt a dog, and more! (Issue #185)
bradberens.substack.com/p/am-i-becom...
bradberens.substack.com/p/am-i-becom...
Am I Becoming an iPhone Recluse?
I started experiencing profound relief every night when I powered down my smartphone. Why is that? Plus: news from the “We No Longer Know What is Real” Department, our quest to adopt a dog, and more!
bradberens.substack.com
October 19, 2025 at 8:52 PM
I started experiencing profound relief every night when I powered down my smartphone. Why is that? Plus: news from the “We No Longer Know What is Real” Department, our quest to adopt a dog, and more! (Issue #185)
bradberens.substack.com/p/am-i-becom...
bradberens.substack.com/p/am-i-becom...
Justice does exist, sometimes:
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
Supreme Court rejects Alex Jones' appeal of $1.4-billion defamation judgment in Sandy Hook shooting
The Infowars host had argued that a judge was wrong to find him liable for defamation and infliction of emotional distress without holding a trial on the merits of allegations lodged by relatives of v...
www.latimes.com
October 14, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Justice does exist, sometimes:
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
www.latimes.com/world-nation...
The new Dispatch is out! This time, I continue my "Keywords" thread with "Satisficing." Plus little bits about TikTok, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Carol Burnett, and a bizarrely named establishment.
bradberens.substack.com/p/keyword-sa...
bradberens.substack.com/p/keyword-sa...
Keyword: Satisficing
There’s a difference between making “good enough” decisions and always trying to make the best decision, which is exhausting. (Issue #184)
bradberens.substack.com
October 12, 2025 at 8:44 PM
The new Dispatch is out! This time, I continue my "Keywords" thread with "Satisficing." Plus little bits about TikTok, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Carol Burnett, and a bizarrely named establishment.
bradberens.substack.com/p/keyword-sa...
bradberens.substack.com/p/keyword-sa...
The new Dispatch is out! This time, can we ever really be "off the grid" in today's technological society? Plus, my take on "Gen V," a delightful profile of Judd Apatow, how many Americans get news from TikTok (scary), and more!
bradberens.substack.com/p/off-the-gr...
bradberens.substack.com/p/off-the-gr...
Off the Grid: Is it Possible?
Until recently, evading some forms of digital surveillance was as easy as leaving your phone at home. That’s no longer the case. (Issue #183)
bradberens.substack.com
October 6, 2025 at 1:07 AM
The new Dispatch is out! This time, can we ever really be "off the grid" in today's technological society? Plus, my take on "Gen V," a delightful profile of Judd Apatow, how many Americans get news from TikTok (scary), and more!
bradberens.substack.com/p/off-the-gr...
bradberens.substack.com/p/off-the-gr...
Trix returns! When her CEO needs to chat with a privacy-protecting board member, Trix combines detective work with drones to find a way in. Plus, more on Kimmelgate, a PowerPoint about Hamlet, and a blast from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer past. (Issue #182)
bradberens.substack.com/p/the-ride-a...
bradberens.substack.com/p/the-ride-a...
The Ride, a Microfiction
Trix returns! When her CEO needs to chat with a privacy-protecting board member, Trix combines detective work with drones to find a way in. (Issue #182)
bradberens.substack.com
September 28, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Trix returns! When her CEO needs to chat with a privacy-protecting board member, Trix combines detective work with drones to find a way in. Plus, more on Kimmelgate, a PowerPoint about Hamlet, and a blast from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer past. (Issue #182)
bradberens.substack.com/p/the-ride-a...
bradberens.substack.com/p/the-ride-a...
Today's #DontMiss by Adam Serwer in The Atlantic: "Lower Than Cowards
The surrender of America’s elites." My favorite sentence: "As it turns out, you can’t sell your soul to Trump and keep your spine; they’re a package deal."
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
The surrender of America’s elites." My favorite sentence: "As it turns out, you can’t sell your soul to Trump and keep your spine; they’re a package deal."
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
Lower Than Cowards
The surrender of America’s elites
www.theatlantic.com
September 26, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Today's #DontMiss by Adam Serwer in The Atlantic: "Lower Than Cowards
The surrender of America’s elites." My favorite sentence: "As it turns out, you can’t sell your soul to Trump and keep your spine; they’re a package deal."
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
The surrender of America’s elites." My favorite sentence: "As it turns out, you can’t sell your soul to Trump and keep your spine; they’re a package deal."
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
