Automating Journaling with iOS Shortcuts: A Conversation with Josh Kincaid

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From logging moods with colors to saving daily newspaper front pages, this episode explores creative ways to streamline journal entries. The discussion covers making journaling more consistent, the impact of looking back on past entries, and how small automations can enhance a daily writing habit.

Episode Links & Resources

Josh’s How I Journal Interview

Josh’s iOS Shortcuts:

Today’s New York Times
https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/b1028dae3b4d492a91dcbe1c65a12679

Times Capsule (For backlogging NYT)
https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/76434b053b4a4a5981c7b2214b6f1cff

Color Log
https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/9ae841b1b41d40c5a482605bdac97b1f

Handwritten Entry (best on iPad)
https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/57106edf49734349b5ec31dccbc8413c

Random Prompts
https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/adb3e94227f449e480d151843266160c

Random GPT Prompt
https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/f74568a89d7544e690bded7ae72f8707

Marriage Laughs (optional, but shows how simple these can be!)
https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/13d485c09c6d422f9f0df7031d616f46

Dream Log (almost identical to marriage laughs)
https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/4f01122bbe904c108417acf10818feaa

Way Back Machine (renamed from first interview)
https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/2c06ce73caf44240a7af6d18b87793c9

Apple Frames (Credit: Federico Viticci)
https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/5aa7f44d9e1d4f569a6ca188d0af3242Creators

Josh’s Favorites Shortcut Creators

Stephen Robles
https://www.youtube.com/@beardfm

Federico Viticci
https://www.macstories.net

Christopher Lawley
https://youtube.com/@chrislawley

Matthew Cassinelli
https://matthewcassinelli.com/sirishortcuts/

Rosemary Orchard (Day One Podcast link)
https://youtu.be/CLSOq4Nzjvc

Repositories & Communities

MacStories Shortcuts Archive
https://www.macstories.net/shortcuts/

r/Shortcuts
https://www.reddit.com/r/shortcuts

Routine Hub
https://www.routinehub.co

Matthew Cassinelli
https://www.macstories.net/shortcuts/

About Josh Kincaid

Josh Kincaid is a longtime Day One user who has mastered the art of automating his journaling practice with iOS Shortcuts. From tracking moods with color-coded entries to automatically saving the front page of The New York Times every day, his creative approach makes journaling more seamless and fun. Based in North Carolina, Josh works as a financial planning principal, reviewing plans submitted by advisors. Outside of work, he’s an iPhone Mini enthusiast, a fledgling five-string banjo player, and an amateur pizza chef—complete with a dedicated pizza journal. He’s also an active member of the Day One Facebook group, where he shares his knowledge and helps others get more out of their journaling practice.

💡 Have an idea for the Day One podcast?
We’re always looking for new topics and inspiring guests to feature! If you have a Day One journaling-related idea or know someone with a great story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your suggestions at dayoneapp.com/podcastideas.

Episode Links & Resources

Josh’s iOS Shortcuts:

Josh’s Favorites Shortcut Creators

Repositories & Communities

About Josh Kincaid

Capture life’s moments, anytime, anywhere.