Home Gadget Geeks

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 ones. Finally, we discussed the cost-effectiveness of Apple’s earbuds and the benefits of having multiple sets for different locations. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg623 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #623 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the

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 reliability issues. As Christian prepares for fatherhood, we look forward to ‘baby tech’ innovations for new parents and debate operating system security vulnerabilities among Windows, Mac, and Linux. We conclude by reflecting on the human elements of technology and celebrate Christian’s upcoming role as a parent and principal engineer. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions

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 trends in streaming services, discussing the recent StreamYard acquisition and comparing alternatives like Riverside and Zoom. Our conversation also touches on the evolution of content consumption, highlighting our preferences for engaging with media. We wrap the show with some updates on cryptocurrency, including insights on NiceHash’s new fee structure. Thanks for listening! Full show notes,

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 automation, including smart outdoor fans, and addresses ongoing electrical upgrades with Emporia Energy for monitoring electricity use. He also teases future episodes focused on home theater technology and shares DIY projects that balance ambiance and security. This engaging conversation offers practical advice for homeowners looking to elevate their smart living experiences. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on

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 amps and discusses the cost and benefits of different power solutions. They also explore the Mesh Tastic project, a DIY off-grid communication system using LoRa radios, which can create a mesh network for communication during power outages or emergencies. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video

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! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg618 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #618 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live

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-quality charcoal, proper airflow, and experimentation to find the right cooking methods for individual preferences. Mark emphasized the importance of trying new things and experimenting with different techniques to improve one’s skills in these areas. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg616 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #616 of Home

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 prepared for severe weather events, investing in reliable backup power sources, and upgrading to high-end 3D printers for improved print quality and faster print speeds. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg615 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #615 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE?

Jay Mattison is my guest this week. Jay discussed the latest gadgets, smart home automation, laptops, and processing power. He also talked about camera technology, including wireless microphones and road pros, and the limitations of wireless data transfer. He shared his preferences for audio equipment and home automation, and discussed the potential of large language models like ChatGPT. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg614 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #614 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for

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 accessories and apps he bought for the iPad, enhancing its streaming and productivity functionality at home and on the road. Ed also predicts Jim’s next Mac, can you guess what it is? Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg613 Join Jim

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-training device using variable resistance to build muscle faster than traditional weights and other home exercise equipment. We also explore ionbottles®, advanced hydrogen water generating bottles designed in Oregon for better hydration and healthier living. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video

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 Kamado Connected Joe smart charcoal grill, Erin’s review highlighted its impressive capabilities, transforming her into a confident cook despite her initial reservations about charcoal grilling. Lastly, we explored the automotive tech landscape with Erin’s exhilarating two-day test drive of the 2024 Chevy Traverse, demonstrating how advancements in auto tech are rapidly converging with smart home

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. He talks about his purchase of the Vaonis Vespera Passengers and how much it has made looking at the stars so much easier. We also talk about how Jim found his idea of a pop-up drone security

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’s remarkable journey, celebrating her as a light in the running community and those she serves who are suffering! Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg609 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #609 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe

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 for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg608 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #608 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live

This week I have Gavin Campell, TJ Huddleston and Seth Johnson, hosts of the HomeTech Podcast at HomeTech.fm and we discuss the current state of the home tech market, including challenges and strategies for hiding technology in home theater installations, integrating various smart home devices and systems, and the benefits and drawbacks of robot lawn mowers. They also shared their experiences with USB power and cable management, highlighting the need for longer cables and the potential of battery-powered millimeter wave sensors. They emphasized the importance of standardization, seamless control, and user-friendly interfaces, while acknowledging the challenges of keeping up with

Christian Johnson from MapleGrovePartners.com joins me this week. We open the show with some talk of the current state of hard drives and ask Christian what NAS he would buy in 2024. We talk about the current state of Wifi as well as some of the benefits of private 5G. We wrap it with a little AI discussion. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg606 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #606 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the

Jay Fraze from https://jayfranze.com/ is my guest. In this episode, cover listener feedback from last week. Jay has purchased a new Rode Wireless Pro mic set and a Zoom H6 and we get an update on Jay’s fire pit. Also, Jim is looking at a new Gazebo. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg605 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #605 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Find Us! Join us in the Facebook

I’m back in action after a much-needed Spring Break, and let me tell you, it’s been a whirlwind! With April 15th looming over our heads, I’ll dish out some insights into how I tackled my taxes and how it threw a wrench into my productivity. Plus, I’ve got some great news on the health front post-surgery—yep, December 5th feels like a lifetime ago, but I’m happy to report that all is well. And hey, we’ll also take a quick dive into the Hum Feeder from Birdfy because, you know me, always on the lookout for the latest gadgets. It’s a

Erin Lawrence from https://www.techgadgetscanada.com. is my guest this week. In this episode, we explore a range of innovative products, from the NextBase 4K iQ Dash Camera’s impressive features to Erin’s candid experiences with the Bird Buddy smart Bird Feeder, offering a cautionary tale about high-priced disappointments. But fear not, as we uncover a worthy contender in Birdfy. Additionally, we discuss the L’OR Barista pod coffee machine and the Moen Smart Sprinkler Controller and Wireless Soil Sensors, providing insightful commentary on their performance and practicality. Join us for an engaging discussion on the pros and cons of these cutting-edge gadgets, as

Jeff Sieh from http://socialmedianewslive.com/ and http://jeffsieh.com/ joins me this week as we get to know Jeff for the first time and spend some time talking about the new Apple Vision Pro. There’s lots of conversation, a hands-on review, and lots of commentary. Thanks for listening. Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg602 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #602 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Find Us! Join us in the Facebook

Gavin Campbell from HomeTech.fm joins me this week and after a short catch-up, we ask the question, in home automation, does Matter really Matter? The standard has picked up a lot of support in the last few years, but is it ready for primetime? Gavin has installed a new garage door opener control and lives to tell the tale. We chat about Logitech Harmoney remotes, and clothes dryer automation and wrap the show with some fun conversation that you will not want to miss. My face still hurts from laughing so much during this episode. Thanks for listening! Full show

Long-time listener Tony Raynor joins me this week as we talk about his new DGI Pocket 3 and he even uses it as a webcam for the show. We also discuss his love for photography and why he submits so many pictures to Google Maps. We also discuss his trip to Vegas and the U2 concert in the new Sphere. It’s always great to have Tony and thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg600 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #600 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average

Marv Bee from the IT Business Podcast is my guest this week. Marv and I discuss the question, “Are we getting too gadgetry in our lives?”  We also look at Marv’s new StreamDeck, discuss his recent purchase of the Logitech Mevo 3 Camera System and talk about why he is returning his Hero Pro 11. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg599 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #599 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live

Bob and Ryan from ThinkComputers.org join me as my guests. They are both off a successful CES 2024 and live to tell! Lots on monitors, memory and a new wearable from ASUS! Great to catch up with them and I am sure you will enjoy the show. Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg598 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #597 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for the show live each Thursday at 8pmC/9E/1UTC at http://theAverageGuy.tv/live Find Us!

Christian Johnson is back this week and catch up with him and his quest to complete his pilot’s license. We also get an update on his thoughts on LastPass and Bitwarden and wrap the show with some updates on AI. Bonus: Christian was recently in the news, but not for what you think. Check it all out and thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg597 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #597 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network. WANT TO SUBSCRIBE? http://theAverageGuy.tv/subscribe Join us for

In the latest Home Gadget Geeks episode, I had the pleasure of hosting Titania Jordan the CPO (Chief Parent Officer) from Bark.us —a leading digital safety company. Titania delved into Bark’s cutting-edge solutions, discussing AI-driven content monitoring and advanced threat detection. This episode unveils the synergy of technology and security, offering a glimpse into digital safety’s future. Tune in for a tech-savvy discussion that matters! Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg596 Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #596 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.

This week I am joined by TJ Huddleston from HomeTech.fm. We kick off the conversation by delving into the intricacies of TJ’s background, gaining valuable insights into the technological landscape that has shaped his journey. We look at the dynamic realm of Maker Spaces, exploring the symbiotic relationship between innovation and community through entities like Friends of the Library. Stepping into the realm of home automation, TJ shares his technical prowess in optimizing household tasks, highlighting experiences with advanced technologies such as the Litter Robot. Get ready for a preview of TJ’s upcoming venture—automating the intricacies of home watering systems.

A very special Home Gadget Geeks episode! Celebrating 13 years with Mike Wieger. Mike shares his home lab insights. Using a self-hosted git repo for documentation, he’s into Proxmox clusters alongside Unraid. He explores the merits of multiple servers, tried a Ceph storage cluster for high availability, and is diving into ZFS. Stay tuned at the end for a brief update on my recent surgery. Join us for a tech-packed episode with Mike Wieger, marking 13 years of Home Gadget Geeks! Thanks for listening! Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg594 Join Jim Collison /

Jay Franze is my guest this week. Jay continues to use ChatGPT and finds it helpful for drafting documents from bullet points. We talk about some limitations of ChatGPT and how prompt engineering could help improve it. The discussion then shifted to failed gadgets of 2023. I regret buying an Oculus VR headset that I rarely use. Jay discussed gadgets like a baby monitor that emails photos when motion is detected. Other topics included car remote start apps disconnecting, solar generators, and a mass air flow sensor. Toward the end, Jay and I debated internal home surveillance cameras. Monitors were