The author of The Cut’s Brooding column returns to roll out version 2.0 of “friction-maxxing,” the term that went viral earlier this year and earned her her first Wikipedia page. We talk AI, why she will die on the “turn off location your sharing” hill and the “slurrification” of time to which we are all passively consenting. Plus, the lies we tell ourselves about sleeping arrangements at the AirBnb and new shows, books, and movies!

LINKS:

* Kathryn’s new book, The Story Of Your Life

* In 2026, We Are Friction-Maxxing (The Cut)

* Jim Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Brother

* Zach Galifinakis’ show, This Is A Gardening Show

* Taskmaster (Sarah’s recommends Series 4)

* Claire Dederer’s Poser

* Adult Braces on audio and the discourse around Adult Braces

* Brawler by Lauren Groff

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