Ever since I turned off the television, my productivity has skyrocketed. Still, I missed being able to engage in casual conversations about the latest reality show scandal or “Desperate Housewives” storyline.

The solution: VH1’s “Best Night Ever” vodcast. In less than five minutes, a (normally humorous) host takes you through the best five clips from last night’s television lineup. Once a week, they also post the half-hour “Best Week Ever” show straight from VH1 — but without the commercials.

After almost a year of subscribing, I’ve been able to make small talk in the grocery store line without a problem.