The Cognition Drift

S01E36 Building a Rendering Engine in a Month 20.06.2026 49m

AI music for a space game, a prompt on version 22, and the slow death of PowerPoint — not a bad hour.The episode opens with Suno and what it actually takes to generate music you'd willingly send to another person (answer: a lot of tracks you'd never send to anyone). From there, the conversation broadens into something both hosts are wrestling with from different angles — how do you take a process that's basically wired to your own brain and make it land for someone else?One of them is building a space game that's quietly turned into a crash course in 3D modelling, custom rendering engines, LoRA model training, and procedural audio. The other is on version 22 of a prompt designed to replicate his own strategic thinking ahead of a Q3/Q4 planning session for his entire team. Both projects got considerably more involved than intended.There's also a solid thread on ditching PowerPoint for interactive HTML, why attention spans in 2026 apparently cap out at two slides, and what happens to value when the cost of making something effectively hits zero.

S01E35 Sleeping on MMA Mats 20.06.2026 1h 33m

Andrew is building his asteroid game at 3am, Joe is napping on MMA mats, and somehow this turns into one of the more grounded conversations about AI and layoffs you'll hear right now.Once the chaos settles, Joe and the others get into something that's been quietly playing out across a lot of companies: the gap between the AI productivity gains that were promised and what's actually showing up in the work. Robert's Ferrari-and-bad-driver analogy makes an appearance — a junior designer burning through Claude tokens for six months, producing output a senior could spot as wrong in minutes. The tool wasn't the problem.Honest conversation, no tidy conclusions.

S01E32 - Hello Fellow Kids in Double Denim 16.05.2026 1h 37m

Double denim is apparently making a comeback, and that's genuinely the least surprising thing discussed in this episode.After a brief detour through fashion choices that will age poorly, the conversation settles into something more interesting: how the medium you use to communicate actually shapes how you think. Dictation versus typing, speaking versus writing — it's not just an output question, it turns out it changes the thinking itself. WhisperFlow gets a mention for anyone curious about AI-enabled dictation that doesn't make you sound like you're narrating a legal document.

S01E31 - Day One Is Just Day One 16.05.2026 46m

Two people who probably should have slept more sit down to catch up after a few weeks apart — and cover a lot of ground in the process.Starting on something a lot of teams are quietly wrestling with: whether the word "AI" itself has become so loaded that just calling them "new tools" would get better results. From there it sprawls into whether personal software is actually the future LinkedIn keeps promising, or whether most of what people are building is closer to a hobby project that'll get used twice and abandoned.

S01E30 - Peachy Keen on AI Fatigue 21.02.2026 47m

Join us in the latest episode of Cognition Drift, where we dive into a compelling discussion on the nuances of AI development and its unintended consequences in modern workflows. As the episode unfolds, the conversation reveals a critical exploration of how technological advancements, particularly AI, are reshaping productivity and the quality of output in various industries.

S01E29 - Is Execution really Free? 21.02.2026 41m

In this engaging episode of Cognition Drift,we turn our thoughts to idea generation and execution in the face of rapidly advancing technology. This conversation traverses the impact of digital tools that democratize the ability to bring ideas to life, arguably reducing the cost and complexity of execution. We consider whether this shift might invert traditional values attached to ideas versus their execution. Historically, execution was king; ideas were plentiful, but the capability to realize them was the bottleneck. We ponder whether we're entering an era where the execution becomes so streamlined and accessible that the originality and potential impact of the idea itself regains prominence.

S01E28 - Bulldoze with Purpose 21.02.2026 38m

In this revealing episode of Cognition Drift, our discussion centers around setting personal and professional targets for the year 2026. As the first episode of the new year, we look at our visions and resolutions in a candid conversation that explores the intersection of ambition, accountability, and personal growth. We also take some time to reflect on the personal motivations behind our professional goals: the psychological and emotional rewards of seeing tangible impacts from their work and the intrinsic satisfaction derived from overcoming challenges and driving change.

S01E27 - Old School Snow Cones 21.02.2026 44m

In this engaging episode of "Cognition Drift," we focus on the transformation from specialized roles to a more generalist approach, and explore how the industry's demands have shifted over the years, particularly with the integration of AI and various digital tools. We also look at the concept of design systems, emphasizing the importance of these frameworks not only from a design perspective but as a crucial part of engineering. We review the common misconceptions about job roles within the design and technology sectors, stressing the importance of comprehensive understanding over narrow specialization.

S01E26 - Conversations as Catalysts 21.02.2026 37m

In episode 26 of "Cognition Drift," we delve into the essence and impact of this podcasting journey, exploring the intersection of technology, AI, and personal growth through conversation. We contemplate the role of a consultant or designer in an age where AI can automate many of the technical aspects of design and decision-making, and ponder whether the true value they offer is becoming less about producing numerous deliverables and more about setting strategic rules and frameworks that guide intelligent systems.

S01E25 - Native or Not - that is the Question 21.02.2026 39m

In this episode of "Cognition Drift," join our discussion on the transformative role of AI in business and the challenges inherent in shifting from service-based to product-based models. We look at the impact AI is having across various industries, questioning whether established companies can truly adapt to become AI-first or if the future belongs to new, agile startups born in the AI era. They discuss the concept of "AI-native" companies and compare them to the adaptability and innovation seen in younger tech enthusiasts who might be shaping the next big tech revolution from their bedrooms.

S01E24 - Sleepless Nights & AI Insights 21.02.2026 39m

In this episode of "Cognition Drift," join our discussion on the transformative role of AI in business and the challenges inherent in shifting from service-based to product-based models. We look at the impact AI is having across various industries, questioning whether established companies can truly adapt to become AI-first or if the future belongs to new, agile startups born in the AI era. They discuss the concept of "AI-native" companies and compare them to the adaptability and innovation seen in younger tech enthusiasts who might be shaping the next big tech revolution from their bedrooms.

S01E23 - Dopamine and IDEs 21.02.2026 44m

In episode 23 of "Cognition Drift," we dig into a variety of thought-provoking topics, from the mundane adventures of finding a favorite drink in Dubai to the complexities of moving houses, and the intriguing world of AI and technology. We look at digital habits, particularly the constant dopamine hits from activities like scrolling through TikTok or watching short videos along with a a broader examination of a new AI-powered Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that controversially uses short engaging clips to supposedly maintain productivity during loading times. Join us as we talk about how these often dystopian elements are subtly weaving into the fabric of everyday life.

S1E22 - Cotton Candy Robot 21.02.2026 40m

In episode 22 of Cognition Drift, hosts Andrew Dunbar and Joe Fletcher delve into the nuanced impacts of artificial intelligence on craftsmanship and productivity in the digital age. The core of their discussion centers on how AI and digital tools, despite their promise to enhance productivity, might be contributing to a dip in craftsmanship quality. Andrew expresses concern over the potential loss of foundational skills. Joe challenges this perspective by suggesting that AI could democratize access to information and skills.

S1E21 - Friction and Pizza 16.11.2025 36m

In episode 21 of "Cognition Drift," Joe Fletcher is joined by 10X founder, Robert Ziky to focus on user experience in digital applications. Throughout the discussion, they look at the difference between application usability, user stickiness, and the impact of privacy concerns on user engagement. Robert starts the conversation by sharing his switch from using Kareem to Talabat for food delivery, igniting a broader discussion on what creates friction in user experience. The dialogue then shifts towards a more profound topic concerning the development of AI technologies that cater specifically to Middle Eastern users. They discuss the potential and challenges of creating an Arabic language AI model that understands and respects cultural nuances and dialectical variations within the Arab world. This part of the conversation highlights the importance of culturally aware AI systems that can genuinely resonate with local users' needs and expectations. Furthermore, Robert and Joe touch upon the implications of AI personality and its adaptability based on user interaction context. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, developer, or just curious about the future of AI, join Robert and Joe as they unpack these complex topics with insightful observations and relatable anecdotes.

S1E20 - Why not automate everything? 16.11.2025 42m

In this episode of "Cognition Drift," hosts Andrew Dunbar and Joe Fletcher look at project estimations and how we can use AI in streamlining workflows, particularly. The duo also explores the potential of AI to revolutionize the way digital solutions are crafted, discussing how established components from a design system could be dynamically assembled by AI to produce hundreds of screens efficiently. Thus reshaping the role of designers towards verifying outputs and focusing on enhancing key user experiences. They speculate on how emerging technologies might integrate more deeply into our daily digital interactions, potentially transforming basic operational models across industries.

S01E19 - Jump Rope at the airport 19.10.2025 40m

In this episode of "Cognition Drift," hosts Andrew Dunbar and Joe Fletcher dive into the peculiarities and unexpected challenges of international travel, and the oddities of travel regulations across different countries.The discussion transitions into a broader dialogue beyond dealing with airport authorities, and peculiar international checkpoints and into the implications on personal privacy, design differentiation, pitching to clients and the differences in product design versus service companies. What does this mean in the evolving world of Digital Transformation for both consultancies and brands looking to stay ahead of the curve?

S01E18 - What Nonsense Are You Drinking This Week? 19.10.2025 41m

Join hosts Andrew Dunbar and Joe Fletcher as they look at the evolving landscape of technology, work culture, and AI's impact on strategic decision-making. Episode 18 offers listeners a blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights that make for a compelling discussion.Andrew talks about his visit to the Infosys campus in Bangalore. Joe contrasts this with his time in Hyderabad, sparking a conversation on how different environments can influence work habits and productivity.The discussion quickly pivots to the essence of adding value in a hyper-busy world, emphasizing the importance and the common pitfalls of modern meeting culture, such as unnecessary attendees and lack of clear agendas, which often lead to inefficiency.Tune in to "Cognition Drift" for this and more discussions that challenge the conventional, explore new perspectives, and redefine what it means to be productive in the modern world.

S01E17 - Chaos and Coffee 19.10.2025 35m

In episode 17 of "Cognition Drift," hosts Andrew Dunbar and Joe Fletcher embark on a meandering exploration of artificial intelligence, and the seemingly mundane moments that encapsulate life's chaotic essence. The conversation kicks off with a casual chat about their morning routines involving exotic coffees and energy drinks, setting the stage for a deeper dialogue on how everyday intricacies intertwine with broader technological themes.As they delve into the topic, Andrew and Joe discuss the implications of AI in both personal and professional realms, then shifting towards practical applications of AI in consulting, where both speakers, drawing from their rich backgrounds in the field, critique the current state of AI implementations in business. They ponder the potential shift from efficiency-driven applications to creations that could enhance personal and communal experiences, suggesting a future where AI could personalize interactions to unprecedented levels, weaving digital and real-world experiences seamlessly.

S01E16 - Scarcity in a World of Abundance 19.10.2025 36m

In this episode Joe Fletcher and Andrew Dunbar take a look at value creation in the age of artificial intelligence and digital proliferation. "In a world where AI can produce infinitely, what truly holds value?" This inquiry sets the stage for a thought-provoking conversation about the nature of scarcity and abundance. Throughout the episode, Andrew and Joe explore how value is perceived and created in different fields, from digital product design to live experiences like sports and arts. Tune in to this engaging episode of "Cognition Drift" to explore how we might navigate a future where the lines between digital abundance and human-crafted scarcity blur, creating new paradigms for value and meaning in our lives.

S01E15 - The Barista Dilemma 13.09.2025 34m

In episode 15, Andrew Dunbar and Joe Fletcher discuss the nuances of craftsmanship, user experience design, and the impact of AI on industry standards. The conversation kicks off with a mundane chat about the importance of skill and dedication, regardless of the profession. Andrew and Joe use the barista's role as a metaphor to discuss broader themes in technology and design. They question whether the democratization of tools through AI leads to a dilution of quality, drawing parallels between a barista mastering their craft and a designer or coder honing their skills. The talk focuses on how businesses often aim for 'good enough' rather than striving for excellence and later, ethical considerations in AI and data usage, reflecting on how technology often advances at the expense of smaller players and less protected regions. The takeaway message is to think about the value of excellence in a world that often settles for convenience.