We're Back

Summary of We're Back

by Ben Jaffe and Katie Malone

2mFebruary 16, 2026

Overview of We're Back (Linear Digressions)

Katie Malone announces the return of the podcast Linear Digressions with a relaunch episode titled "We're Back." The show resumes because of the rapid developments in AI; Katie wants to help listeners really understand how and why AI, machine learning, and data science systems work—not just follow headlines. Episodes resume February 22nd.

Host update

  • Host: Katie Malone (returning).
  • Former co-host Ben (mentioned in earlier episodes) now goes by Phoebe. Phoebe supports the relaunch and may co-host occasional episodes going forward.
  • Katie expresses gratitude for past seasons and excitement about continuing the show.

Purpose and tone of the podcast

  • Goal: Teach core concepts of AI, ML, and data science in a way that builds real familiarity—not simplified fluff, but accessible explanations.
  • Intended audience:
    • Curious non-technical listeners who want a solid, intuitive grasp of underlying ideas.
    • Technical listeners who want to discover new "little corners" or deepen understanding.
    • Decision-makers (teams, organizations, personal) who need foundational knowledge to reason about AI.
  • Tone: Clear, explanatory, curiosity-driven, and practical.

Key points and main takeaways

  • AI is advancing rapidly and reshaping work, decision-making, and information flow—making understanding its mechanisms important.
  • Linear Digressions aims to be a reliable resource to learn the why and how behind AI, not just the headlines.
  • The show will balance accessibility with substance—no dumbing down, emphasis on usable conceptual foundations.

Logistics — when and how to listen

  • First episode of the relaunch drops February 22nd.
  • Available wherever you get podcasts.
  • Website: LinearDigressions.com
  • Contact / feedback: hello@LinearDigressions.com
  • Call to action: Subscribe so new episodes appear automatically.

Notable quotes

  • "AI, I don't know if you heard this. It's the new hotness."
  • "Not dumbed down but it is important to me that these concepts be accessible."
  • "I want to give you foundational knowledge that you can actually think with."

Action items / next steps for listeners

  • Subscribe to Linear Digressions on your podcast platform before February 22nd.
  • Visit LinearDigressions.com for updates and episode archives.
  • Email hello@LinearDigressions.com with feedback, topic suggestions, or questions.

If you enjoyed the original run, expect the same deep-dive explanatory approach, updated for today’s fast-moving AI landscape, with occasional guest appearances by Phoebe (formerly Ben).