HeyJaredRobot or Not?
Jason Snell asks John Siracusa to rule on the meaning of various words and concepts. It’s not just about robots anymore.Have a question for John? Email robot@theincomparable.com.
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 8
- Latest publication
- Aug 31, 2026
- Audience
- Checking…
- Earliest in this view
- Jul 7, 2026
Latest episodes
Robot or Not? 361: Car Wash (opens the original)
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Is a car wash a building with machinery in it or a robot? This question allows us to flip the “episodes since ‘Robot or Not’ was about robots” sign back to zero. - John Siracusa and Jason Snell.
Robot or Not? 360: Douglas Adams (opens the original)
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The Encyclopedia Galactica defines a robot as a mechanical apparatus designed to do the work of a man. The marketing division of the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation defines a robot as “Your Plastic Pal Who’s Fun to Be With.” The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy defines the marketing division of the Sirius Cybernetic Corporation as “a bunch of mindless jerks who’ll be the first against the wall when the revolution comes.” - John Siracusa and Jason Snell.
Robot or Not? 359: Overseas (opens the original)
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Is a place overseas if you don’t have to go over a sea to get there? - John Siracusa and Jason Snell.
Robot or Not? 358: (Parenthetical) Song Titles (opens the original)
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If you can’t hear part of this episode it’s because that part was in parentheses. Thanks to (Listener) Charlie for sending in this question. - John Siracusa and Jason Snell.
Robot or Not? 357: More Boats (opens the original)
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Listener Joseph is unclear about where rafts fit into the whole boat hierarchy. We also toss some kayaks, canoes, and submarines into the water. - John Siracusa and Jason Snell.
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