Examining

Erik and Kris interview Dr. Tom O’Neill , an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary . This episode was originally released on August 4, 2020. We are revisiting Tom's interview where he discusses  ITP Metrics , a free online teamwork and behavioural assessment platform. Tom and his team created this platform to improve classroom team dynamics, and it has be...

In this episode, Erik and Kris Interview Soroush Sabbaghan an Associate Professor at the University of Calgary's Weklund School of Education. The interview centres around Soroush's interest in AI and how it can be ethically and appropriately used in education.  Soroush's website:  https://soroushsabbaghan.com/ Soroush's profile at UofC:  https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/soroush-sabbaghan CONTACT Websi...

In this episode, Erik and Kris discuss Apple’s MacBook Neo and what it may mean for the future of the iPad. They also look at OpenAI’s GPT-5.5 release, including benchmark results, agentic coding, AI in medical triage, and the strange story of ChatGPT’s “goblin” habit. Finally, they revisit the ongoing question of AI and jobs, from Jensen Huang’s advice to study engineering to a Chinese court ruli...

In this episode, Kris and Erik discuss the announcement that Tim Cook will be stepping down as Apple's CEO and turning over the role to John Ternus. Could this be a signal that Apple is returning to products with a hardware engineer at the helm? They discuss what it means for a tech industry focused on subscriptions. The co-hosts also discuss Anthropic's new Mythos model and how it has discovered...

In this episode, Kris and Erik interview Dr. Hadi Fariborzi, an Assistant Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Mount Royal University. His research is situated at the intersection of international entrepreneurship. Dr. Fariborzi co-founded Hub Meta — an AI powered tool for conducting systematic reviews.  SHOW NOTES Dr. Hadi Fariborzi Hub Meta Google Scholar CONTACT Website: examining.ca...

In this episode, Erik and Kris chat with Ross "Memphis" Pambrun about his unique path across healthcare, firefighting, technology, music, and media. They discuss how Ross built a career that spans public service, AI and cyber innovation through The Memphis Group, storytelling through Red River Gold, and performing with his band, Memphis and The Grande. SHOW NOTES Ross Pambrun The Memphis Group Mem...

In this episode, Erik and Kris discuss how trust keeps becoming the real story in tech. They look at Paul Thurrott’s skepticism about Microsoft’s latest promises to improve Windows, Anthropic’s massive global interview project on what people actually want from AI, OpenAI’s plan to nearly double its workforce as it pushes further into enterprise adoption, and the gamer backlash to Nvidia’s DLSS 5....

In this episode, Erik and Kris explore the growing gap between AI adoption and AI literacy, highlighting how institutions, governments, and workplaces are struggling to keep up. They discuss practical frameworks for using AI responsibly, the risks of poorly implemented automation, and the opportunity for skilled professionals to stand out. They also break down Apple’s March 2026 product lineup, wi...

Kris and Erik speak with Sasha Ivanov, creator of Maple Scan, a mobile app that helps Canadians identify products made in Canada while shopping. Sasha explains the motivation behind the project, how the app works, and what it reveals about Canadian manufacturing and supply chains. Maple Scan: https://maplescan.app/ CONTACT Website: examining.ca Twitter: @ExaminingPod Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder...

In this episode, Erik and Kris discuss the ongoing saga between Apple and Google, including the $20 billion deal that made Google the default search engine on Apple devices and the recent DOJ review of their partnership. Additionally, they explore how AI is changing the game for search behaviors and user expectations, citing a study from the NN Group. The co-hosts also share their personal experie...

*This episode was originally published on December 8, 2023 In this episode, Erik and Kris tackle the unfolding drama at OpenAI and its implications. Kris discusses his recent AI panel discussion at MRU, while Erik offers an overview of his latest home organization project. Both hosts will share their holiday gift guide tips, perfect for the tech-savvy and the organized. SHOW NOTES AI Soap Opera Op...

In this episode, Erik and Kris interview Randall Herd—VP Marketing at Arhket. Arhket is an AI driven prototyping tools that allows users to quicky get from ideation to prototype through a clever combination of visual wireframing tools and AI prompts. SHOW NOTES Arkhet :  https://arkhet.app/ *For those interesting a discount on the Arkhet platform, contact Randall on LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin...

In this episode Kris and Erik discuss Microsoft's latest report on global AI adoption trends, explore highlights from CES 2026 including LEGO's groundbreaking Smart Bricks, Samsung's triple-folding phone, and AMD's new AI-powered laptop processors. Plus, we check out Repebble's new smartwatches and voice-recording ring. SHOW NOTES Zorin OS https://zorin.com/os/ (Linux-based operating system design...

In this episode Kris provides a long-term review of the iPhone Air, our co-hosts discuss Time Magazine's person of the year—The AI Architects—and Erik discusses how to run AI locally using Ollama. SHOW NOTES TIME: Person of the Year 2025 — AI Architects https://time.com/7339685/person-of-the-year-2025-ai-architects/ (Overview of TIME’s 2025 Person of the Year selection, highlighting AI builders sh...

In this episode, Erik discusses Linux has never quite become the everyday desktop operating system, despite powering much of the modern Internet and having a passionate community behind it. He explores what has held Linux back from mainstream adoption, and looks at how the end of Windows 10 support is pushing people to explore alternatives. Erik highlights Zorin OS, a Linux distribution designed t...

In this episode, Erik dives into why prompting AI is hard, especially for those of us who have spent twenty years being trained to search the web with short, concise queries. He unpacks the shift from keyword-driven search habits to the more detailed, creative instructions AI systems require, and explains what this new “prompt literacy” means for everyday users, educators, and anyone working with...

In this episode, Erik talks about the rise of  Agentic Web Browsers . These "next generation" web browsers are the new hotness, and companies like OpenAI, Perplexity, and Microsoft claim they can save you time by doing tasks on your behalf. But do they actually work? What are the risks of letting an AI control your browser? SHOW NOTES Consumer Reports:  Should You Use an AI Browser Like ChatGPT At...

This episode was originally published on September 8, 2023 (Episode 60), during the AI hype cycle. What is still true today? Does Amazon still want to own the AI highway? Is higher education and business responding to ChatGPT the same way today? --- Examining is a technology-focused podcast that dives deep. Our co-hosts, Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans examine the technology industry, branding, pr...

This episode was originally published on February 1, 2022. In this episode, Kris and Erik return after their Winter break 'sabbatical.' Kris gives an update on the latest books he's read on work productivity, specifically those that force us to rethink how we work. Our co-hosts also discuss their work resolutions/goals for using technology and being productive. SHOW NOTES Books * The Four Hour Wor...

In this episode, Kris and Erik discuss the legacy of Windows 10 (successes and controversies), Windows' evolution, how to get an extra year of Windows 10 support for free, and our favourite Windows features. SHOW NOTES Bloomberg : Apple is enticing Windows 10 users to switch to Mac/iPad Paul Thurrott : Windows 10 Legacy Lex Fridman podcast : Dave Plummer interview (former Microsoft veteran) Dave’s...

In this episode, Erik and Kris discuss the new Sora 2 video generator from OpenAI and a startling Wired report about how public and government information was gathered from satellites using only $800 worth of equipment. SHOW NOTES Sora 2 AI video generator Wired: Satellites are leaking the world's secrets TIME STAMPS 00:02:51 - Sora 2 AI video generator 00:22:49 - Satellites are leaking the world'...

This episode was originally published September 21, 2021. ---- In this deep dive episode, Kris and Erik discuss Cal Newport's most recent book "A World Without Email." Newport argues that email and messaging apps (asynchronous communication) have led to what he calls "the hyperactive hive mind." Newport explains that email is taking up too much of our time at work and proposes several solutions to...

In this episode, Erik and Kris do their Fall 2025 productivity tips roundup and summarize some advice from author David Pink. They also compare sleep tracking apps, cover some mindblowing Microsoft data centre news, and share some early impressions of the new Apple Watch SE 3. SHOW NOTES AutoSleep app Streaks habit tracking Daniel Pink's advice Schedule Dr appointments in the morning Delay drinkin...

Following up on episode 74 on the September 2025 Apple event, Erik and Kris discuss Apple’s newly released operating systems for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and macOS. This year brings perhaps the largest design overhaul since 2013’s iOS 7. Across all its operating systems, Apple has introduced a new concept, “Liquid Glass,” a new material and design philosophy that is both new and old. The co-host...

In this episode, Kris and Erik break down the September, 2025 Apple event. Apple launched a new iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, the iPhone Air, new Apple Watches (Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3), and AirPod Pro 3.  SHOW NOTES: Watch the Sep 2025 Apple event PCMag: You Probably Missed These 7 iPhone Announcements at the Apple Event MacRumors: Apple Says iPhone Air is Another Step Towards ‘Singu...