Behind the Scenes: The Verge's Latest Creations and Obsessions

Introduction to Ruthless Self-Promotion Week

Welcome to a special edition of our regular roundup, where we turn the spotlight inward. During what we've playfully dubbed Ruthless Self-Promotion Week, the team at The Verge is dedicating nearly all of this issue to showcasing the projects, hobbies, and cultural rabbit holes we've been immersed in. From building new content series to rediscovering classic TV shows, here's a closer look at what we've been making and consuming.

Podcasts and Media We're Building

The Tesla Diner Phenomenon

Our obsession with the intersection of technology and pop culture led us deep into the story of the Tesla diner—a futuristic drive-in and restaurant concept that Elon Musk hinted at. We've been analyzing how this blends retro Americana with electric vehicle culture, and we're planning a deeper dive piece on what it means for the future of roadside dining. Keep an eye on our podcasts section for upcoming episodes on this topic.

Exploring Intellectual Depth: Dwarkesh Patel and 'The Rest Is History'

Podcast recommendations are a staple of our newsletter, but during this self-promotion week, we want to highlight two shows that have shaped our editorial thinking: Dwarkesh Patel's podcast and The Rest Is History. Patel's long-form interviews on AI, economics, and philosophy have sparked several internal debates, while the historical deep dives from Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook have informed our approach to long-term tech trends. You can find our curated list of must-listen episodes on this page.

TV and Film: Rewatches and Robot Injuries

Ted Lasso Season 4 Prep

With the announcement of Ted Lasso Season 4, our team has embarked on a full rewatch of the series from the beginning. We're cataloguing character arcs, standout moments, and the show's unique blend of optimism and wit. This rewatch isn't just nostalgia—it's preparation for a comprehensive analysis we'll publish when the new season drops. Check back for our episodic breakdowns.

A Robot, a Reporter, and a Mishap

In a lighter vein, we've been captivated by a viral clip of a robot accidentally injuring Joanna Stern during a demo. This incident raised fascinating questions about robot safety and human-robot interaction, which we've explored in a short video and article. The moment was both alarming and hilarious, and it's part of our ongoing series on the reality of robotics today.

Stationery Obsession and Fashion Finds

The Rabbit Hole of Japanese Stationery

Several of us have fallen deep into the world of gorgeous Japanese stationery. From fountain pens with intricate nibs to washi tapes and high-quality paper, this niche has become a meditative counterpoint to our digital work. We've been testing products from brands like Pilot, Sailor, and Midori, and will soon publish a buyer's guide. For now, you can see our initial impressions in this section.

Are Those Cool Shoes Worth It?

Fashion tech is another area we're building content around. One of our editors has been wondering about the latest wave of cool shoes that blend style with wearable tech features. We're evaluating whether these sneakers—which integrate fitness tracking or adaptive materials—actually deliver on their promises. Expect a review roundup soon.

What We're Building Next

This Ruthless Self-Promotion Week is just the beginning. We're planning a series of columns, videos, and interactive guides that stem from these personal projects. Whether it's the Tesla diner deep dive, a Ted Lasso analysis hub, or a dedicated stationery channel, our goal is to turn our obsessions into valuable resources for you, our readers. Stay tuned to this space for updates.

And as always, if you're new here, you can browse all past editions of this newsletter at the Installer homepage. We also recommend checking out Calvin Klein's latest skirt collection—trust us, it's a style move worth making.