Home Gadget Geeks

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg633 Jon Biggs joins me this week as we talk about enhancing daily life through tech gadgets and healthier living. He shares his experiences with MeshTastic, a local mesh networking technology, and his efforts in building solar-powered communication nodes. Jon discusses the benefits of improved sl...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg632 Dave McCabe joins me this week as we talk about the fascinating realm of home tech gadgets, exploring his custom 3D-printed creations and the journey of running an Etsy store. We discuss the impact of modern 3D printers, particularly the Bamboo Labs models, and share tips on sourcing material...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg631 Christian Johnson joins me this week. After looking back at 14 years of Home Gadget Geeks, we focus on security and privacy concerns, particularly around using SMS and RCS messaging protocols. The FBI and CISA have warned about vulnerabilities in these protocols, leading Jim Christian to advi...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg630 Sammie joins me this week to reflect on her eventful year. We discuss her recent car accident and lessons learned from navigating the car-buying process, focusing on reliable options like Honda Civics and Subarus. Sammie also shares her experiences as a high school library paraprofessional, o...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg629 Just me this week! I explore the latest home tech gadgets while reflecting on my daughter’s recent car accident (she is okay) and our vehicle search to replace the 2006 Honda. I share my experience with the Mac Mini M4, discussing its setup and design changes. I also detail my outdoor lightin...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg628 Gavin Campbell joins me this week to discuss home automation, focusing on the Home Assistant platform. We explore seasonal impacts on automation, the importance of using entity IDs for easy device replacements and share personal experiences with smart technology. Gavin introduces innovative A...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg627 Bob Buskirk and Ryan Kerschner from ThinkComputers.org join this week as we discuss the latest consumer technology. We review Intel's new Core Ultra processors and their efficiency compared to AMD, while addressing the challenges of ARM technology in enterprise computing. We explore consum...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg626 Mike Wieger is my guest this week! Mike shares his experience with MeshTastic, a mesh networking system, noting a significant increase in nodes in Omaha and their use for local communication. He also discusses running a local instance of ChatGPT using Ollama and Open Web UI, highlighting its...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg625 Dan LeFebvre from the  Based on a True Story podcast  about the benefits of using teleprompters, specifically the Elgato model. Dan shares insights on technology’s evolution in video production, the significance of eye contact, and the potential role of AI in content creation. We also reflect...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theaverageguy.tv/hgg624 This week, I share my journey in questioning my personal data management, spurred by an unexpected failure of my Morrow Data Box. This experience pushed me to prioritize valuable data and confront the issue of digital hoarding, leading to the deletion of outdated files and a streamlined appro...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg623 Marv Bee joined me this week as we discussed backup solutions, with Jim considering using a Synology box to access data on Backblaze B2. Marv recommends Synology for its performance and ease of use. We also compare earbuds, with Marv finding Apple’s wired earbuds as good as Bose’s wireless on...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg622 Christian Johnson joins me this week as we talk about home technology trends, starting with seasonal changes and their effects on our gardens. We discuss AI’s role in enhancing podcast show notes and dive into cybersecurity, highlighting a recent CrowdStrike incident that underscores software...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg621   Jay Franze is my guest this week. We talk about smart home technology and the benefits of energy-efficient gadgets, particularly in air conditioning. We share personal experiences with DIY home wiring, weighing the pros and cons of tackling electrical projects. We dive into the latest trend...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg620 T.J. Huddleston from  HomeTech.fm  returns to discuss his latest home automation projects. He shares insights on adaptive lighting systems that enhance comfort and energy efficiency and explores smart irrigation techniques using the Aquaflower device. T.J. highlights the importance of outdoor...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg619   Mike Wieger is my guest this week. Mike shares his experience installing a generator outlet and interlock kit for backup power, detailing the wiring and safety measures. He also talks about using a Jackery portable battery for minor power outages. Jim plans to upgrade his generator to 50 am...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg618 It’s a solo show this week. Last week’s show was canceled due to a 100-hour power outage at  theAverageGuy.tv  studios. What did I do? What gadgets did we use? How did it go and how did we stay cool? All that and plenty of links in the show notes. Thanks for listening!   Join Jim Collison / ...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg616   Mark Robson is my guest this week. We discussed various topics, including extreme weather patterns in Canada, grilling and cast iron cooking techniques, barbecue techniques and ingredients, and culinary creativity and experimentation. Mark shared his experiences and insights on using high-q...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg615   Gavin Campbell from  HomeTech.fm  podcast is my guest this week. We discussed various topics, including severe weather preparedness,   home automation , tech updates, data storage, and 3D printing. Gavin shared his experiences and recommendations, highlighting the importance of being prepar...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg614 Jay Mattison is my guest this week and we discussed the latest gadgets, smart home automation, laptops, and processing power. We also talked about camera technology, including wireless microphones and road pros, and the limitations of wireless data transfer. Jay shared his preferences for audi...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theaverageguy.tv/hgg613   Ed Sullivan joins me this week! We discussed his collection of Apple devices, including an iMac Pro, 16” MacBook Pro, iPhone 12 Pro, and Apple Watch Series 8. We discuss his decision to purchase his first iPad, a 13” 1TB model with nano-texture glass and a Magic Keyboard. We cover the acces...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg612   Dr. Adam Hickman is my guest this week. Adam is the Vice President of Org Development and Cast Members at Partners, a Walt Disney Company, and a former co-worker of mine at Gallup. We catch up over drinks and then dive into the show. We discuss The X3 Bar, a highly effective strength-traini...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg611   Erin Lawrence from  Tech Gadgets Canada  joined me this week. We delved into a variety of tech topics, starting with the Birdfy Hum Feeder, where Erin shared her mixed experiences, praising the seed feeder but expressing disappointment with the Hum feeder’s performance. Moving on to the Kam...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg610   In one of my favorite episodes yet this year, we catch up with Rich Hay. Rich talks about his decision to purchase a VW EV and all that he has loved about it (that was in preshow, now at the end). In the show, we catch up with Rich and talk about what he has been up to over the last 2 years...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg609   My guest this week is Gretchen Schoenstein, a half marathon enthusiast who has completed more than one hundred half marathons. With unwavering dedication and passion, Gretchen has conquered diverse courses, inspiring countless others with her determination. Join us as we delve into Gretchen...

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at  http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg608   Marv Bee from  ITBusinessPodcast.com  joins me this week as we open the show with listener email. Some thoughts on routers, printers, Subaru upgrades and home server storage. We wrap the show with the question, “Is the PC dead?” Marv is not too sure, and Jim says yes. What say you? Thanks f...