Steve Jobs noted during his 2005 Stanford commencement address that death is life's change agent, clearing out the old to make way for the new. That sentiment feels particularly relevant to the current state of certain Apple podcasts and websites.
These days, publications like Cult of Mac are increasingly trading respected editorial voices for outsourced freelance labor and AI generated slop. When Griffin and his former outlet parted ways, it felt less like a natural transition and more like a casualty of this unfortunate industry trend. If you followed the now-zombie like Cult of Mac podcast and website you already know he was the one who brought a real passion for Apple, and journalism, to be frank.
Friends of Griffin stands in sharp contrast to the current state of the old Cult of Mac podcast. Over there, Leander and the rest of the panel (including a camera aimed at a glass of water) lack any real passion, putting essentially zero effort into production values while looking bored, literally as though they would rather be anywhere else.
So, maybe the word I am looking for is respect. Griffin and friends deliver thoughtful, historically aware analysis that actually respects both the time and the intelligence of the listener. I will take human takes and engagement over reheated and AI spun Apple News any day.
As Steve Jobs said, the old leaves are being washed away. But in this case, that clearing of the brush has allowed a much stronger voice to take root. Friends of Griffin is a welcome and thoughtful new addition to my regular podcast rotation.
