Techsploder

From Commodore PET gaming to revolutionizing pinball machines with Scorbit, Jay Adelson discusses his entrepreneurial journey (Equinix, Digg, Revision3) and shares wisdom on navigating the ever-changing tech landscape.

🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell

• Early computing experiences with Commodore PET and gaming
• Transition from filmmaking studies to tech entrepreneurship
• Development of Scorbit and pinball machine connectivity
• Views on startup metrics and entrepreneurship philosophy
• AI's role in modern programming and development
• Life transition from Silicon Valley to Michigan farm living

Definitely check out Scorbit!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tech journalist Andy Ihnatko shares his journey from early computer enthusiast to respected industry voice, offering insights on content creation, Apple's evolution, and the dawn of the internet.

🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell

• The challenges of producing regular content
• Andy's experience with TV appearances and tech commentary
• The importance of earning trust and delivering quality content
• Balancing quantity vs. quality in content creation
• Andy's creative process and approach to deadlines
• The impact of generational differences on content creation
• Andy's early tech memories and introduction to computers
• The Apple II Plus and its influence on Andy's interest in technology
• The evolution of Apple products and Andy's fascination with them
• Andy's journey into tech journalism and writing for Mac publications
• The dawn of the internet and its impact on communication
• Early experiences with modems and online interactions
• The development of online communities and trust in the early internet era

Hear Andy on the Material podcast.

Also the MacBreak Weekly podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Howell chats with guest Owen JJ Stone aka OhDoctah on topics ranging from early internet experiences to raising kids in a tech-saturated world.

🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell

• Owen's early experiences with technology and the internet
• The current state of technology and fun in tech
• The loss of wonder in technology as people get older
• Owen's father's influence on his tech journey
• Building computers and Hackintoshes
• Owen's daughter's relationship with technology
• Policing internet usage in households
• Parenting in the digital age
• Watching kids grow up through social media

Catch Owen on IQMZ

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Howell explores the world of tech podcasting with Sarah Lane, delving into the process of content creation, the challenges of media preservation, and the importance of passion in pursuing a career in technology.

🔔 Please support our work on Patreon!

- Sarah's experience with Daily Tech News Show and podcast production

- The time commitment required for producing podcast content

- Sarah's discovery of engaging podcasts with extensive back catalogs

- Sarah and Jason's shared alma mater: San Francisco State University

- Sarah's initial college major in mathematics and transition to broadcasting

- Sarah's childhood passion for technology and audio recording

- The challenge of preserving old audio cassettes and digitizing content

- The shift from tangible to digital heirlooms

- The value of physical photographs versus digital images

- Sarah's experience with film photography

Catch Sarah Lane on the Daily Tech News Show.

Also the Apple Vision Show

Also Have Such a Good Day

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Howell chats with Doc Rock about how an early passion for music and technology led to a career spanning broadcast equipment, DJing, and product development.

🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell

• Doc Rock's background in breakdancing and how it led to his interest in technology
• The connection between music creation and technology
• The importance of creativity and creating across different mediums
• Doc Rock's childhood experiences with technology and his adoptive father's influence
• The technology landscape in Hawaii compared to mainland USA
• Doc Rock's experiences selling and working with broadcast equipment
• The importance of font kerning and design mistakes in advertising
• Doc Rock's love for Japan and its balance of urban and natural spaces
• Strategies for managing social media consumption and creating positive online experiences
• The development and launch of Doc Rock's microphone pop filters: Doc Popps
• The importance of maintaining a fun and inviting attitude towards technology

Get yourself some Doc Popps! https://docmerch.com/collections/doc-popps

Watch Doc Rock on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DocRock

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Howell sits down with Michael Fisher aka MrMobile in person to explore the nostalgic days of early cell phones, critique current AI trends in smartphones, discuss the challenges of tech content creation, and the impact of tech burn-out.

🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell

• Michael's early experiences with technology and inspiration from shows like Inspector Gadget and Star Trek
• The evolution of mobile phones and the excitement of early cell phone ownership
• The convergence of devices and the rise of smartphones
• Nostalgia for single-use gadgets and purpose-built devices
• The current state of smartphone innovation and AI features
• Skepticism towards AI-driven features in modern smartphones
• The usefulness of certain AI applications like call summaries and voice recording transcripts
• Concerns about AI-generated content and fact-checking
• The shift from hardware improvements to software features in smartphone marketing
• Michael's background in acting and transition to tech journalism
• The influence of Michael's acting background on his video production style
• Michael's thoughts on potentially returning to acting

Watch Michael Fisher on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheMrMobile

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Howell talks with Scott Johnson, a pioneering figure in tech and culture podcasting, who shares his insights on the gaming industry, building online communities, and balancing family life with content creation.

🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell

• Scott's early experiences with video games and arcades
• The importance of community in podcasting and content creation
• Scott's transition from graphic design to full-time podcasting
• The evolution of gaming technology and its impact on storytelling
• Scott's involvement with Next Generation magazine
• The creation of the Extra Life comic and its compilation book
• Involving family members in podcasting and content creation
• The relaunch of "The Instance" podcast
• Scott's current projects, including a potential zine and children's book

Check out Scott's podcast network: http://www.frogpants.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shannon Morse sits down with Jason Howell to share her experiences as a woman in tech, from building her first computer at age 9 to becoming a respected cybersecurity expert and advocate for women in technology.

🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell

• Shannon's early experiences with technology and computers
• Building her first computer at age 9 with her dad
• Experiences with early internet communities and websites
• Introduction to cybersecurity through music downloading and college experiences
• Joining the Hack5 team and living in the "Hack House"
• Developing a passion for cybersecurity and writing her own segments
• Advocating for women in technology and dealing with harassment
• Comparing experiences with male counterparts in the industry
• Alternative career paths if not in technology (voice acting, floral arrangement, photography, translation)
• Shannon's YouTube channels and current projects

Watch Shannon on Morse Code on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ShannonMorse

Watch Shannon on Sailor Snubs on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/SAILORSNUBS

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Howell sits down with Florence Ion to discuss her evolution in tech journalism, from early writings for Mac|Life to organizing Tamagotchi meetups. They discuss virtual pets, Pokemon, and the future of tech writing using AI.

🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell

- Florence's first professional opportunity in tech (internship at Mac|Life Magazine)

- Using AI in journalism and writing

- Florence's first computer (Macintosh Performa 460)

- Childhood experiences with technology and parental support

- Introduction to Tamagotchi and virtual pets

- The resurgence of Tamagotchi and facilitating meetups

- Pokemon fandom and its role in Florence's household

- Pokemon Go and potential improvements for the Pokemon experience

- Florence's passion for writing outside of technology

Read Flo's work on Gizmodo: https://gizmodo.com/author/florenceion

Listen to the Material podcast: https://www.relay.fm/material

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Howell sits down with Matteo Doni, a familiar voice from All About Android, to discuss his journey through the tech industry and the evolution of mobile technology. From growing up in Milan to running the Tech Travel Geeks YouTube channel, Matteo shares insights on how technology has shaped his life and career.

🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell

- Matteo's background growing up in Milan, Italy

- Early exposure to technology and computers in the 1990s

- The evolution of mobile phones and text messaging in Europe vs. the US

- Matteo's career path in mobile app testing and product development

- The impact of open source software and Linux on Matteo's career

- The origin of the "goats" theme on All About Android

- Matteo's YouTube channel Tech Travel Geeks

- Discussion of retro tech, including old Compaq desktop computers

- The story behind Matteo's online handle "todoleo"

- Oldest piece of technology Matteo still uses

- The significance of the Palm Pre 2 and WebOS

- How smartphones and power banks have improved travel experiences

Watch Tech Travel Geeks on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/techtravelgeeks

Follow Matteo on Twitter: http://www.x.com/todoleo

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tech veteran Myriam Joire joins Jason Howell to share her fascinating journey from video game audio engineering to tech journalism, and being at the forefront of the birth of the modern smartwatch. Myriam shares invaluable tips on how to foster a successful career in technology and shares the many computers that painted her childhood experience in coding.

🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell

• Myriam's extensive background in video game audio engineering
• Transition from video games to tech journalism
• Experience working at Pebble
• Role in launching successful Kickstarter campaigns
• Journey into tech consulting and crowdfunding
• Early experiences with computers and programming
• Advice on career changes and flexibility

Listen to the Mobile Tech Podcast

Follow Myriam on Twitter

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Abuelsamid works closely with the automotive industry as an analyst at Guidehouse Insights, giving him first-row access to the many ways that technology is influencing modern vehicle design. Sam discusses the spark that led to his career in the automotive industry, his lifelong curiosity in engineering, and his first smartphone.

🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell

• Sam's background and how he got interested in the automotive industry
• The influence of Road and Track magazine on Sam's interest in cars
• The intersection of transportation and technology in Sam's work
• The differences in car brands and models available in Europe versus the US
• Chinese automotive brands and their growing presence in Europe
• Sam's experience as an early adopter of technology, particularly smartphones
• The evolution of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in vehicles
• The evolution of digital photography and Sam's experience with early digital cameras

GuideHouse Insights

Wheelbearings podcast

Sam's articles on Forbes

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Father Robert Ballecer, aka The Digital Jesuit, lives two lives: One as a dedicated Jesuit priest working at the Vatican in Rome, and the other as a lifelong tech nerd. Here he explains why those seemingly different aspects of his life are actually one and the same.

🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/JasonHowell

• Father Robert's experience living in Rome and contrasts with more tech-centric cities
• Father Robert's role in the church and how it relates to his technology work
• Father Robert's childhood interest in technology and parental support
• Early experiences with dumpster diving for computer parts
• Fixing and selling TRS-80 computers
• Running a Bulletin Board System (BBS) as a youth
• Selling refurbished floppy disks through a BBS
• Early experiences with YouTube and content creation
• Monetization of YouTube content and optimization techniques
• Discussion of pre-iPod MP3 players and early consumer tech
• Father Robert's experiences with hacking school computer systems
• Phone phreaking and early hacking experiences
• Father Robert's interest in The Expanse sci-fi series and its realistic technology
• Discussion of fusion technology and energy conversion as potential future developments

Fr. Robert Ballecer on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/padresj

Fr. Robert Ballecer on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DigitalJesuit

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lamarr Wilson, the "CEO of Unboxings", shares his journey from teaching tech in schools to becoming a wildly popular tech content creator known for his enthusiastic unboxing videos and comedic persona.

🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/JasonHowell

- Lamarr's background and how he got into tech/education

- His early experiences with technology as a child

- Discovering the internet and its impact

- Transitioning from education to creating YouTube content

- The origins of his YouTube channel and initial motivations

- Developing a comedic persona and sense of humor on YouTube

- Shifting focus to vertical video formats like TikTok and Instagram Reels

- Motivations behind the format change and its impact on his career

- The differences in effort between long and short-form content creation

- How he approaches unboxing videos and the "CEO of Unboxings" moniker

- His hopes for future smart home/AI technology advancements

Lamarr Wilson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamarrwilson

Lamarr Wilson on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOcE8WdQOSeqFczVxGatGKg

Lamarr Wilson on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lamarrwilson

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Jason Howell as he delves into the world of design with Liam Spradlin, discussing the subjective nature of design, the impact of generative AI, and Liam's experience creating the "Girasol" typeface.

Please support this podcast on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell

• Design influence in Switzerland
• Material Design and deep personal meaning
• Everything in design is interfacial
• Does AI bypass intentional design?
• Has Material Design achieved its purpose?
• Where Liam's design sense began as a kid
• Liam's Typeface design
• Knowing when a design is done
• Why do we accept bad design in tech?
• Esthetic value of vintage interfaces
• Laim's most cherished technology

Listen to the Design Notes podcast: https://designnotes.fm/

Read Liam's work on Interface Cade: https://interfacecafe.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Jason Howell as he explores the world of "low-tech" through the eyes of MAD Magazine's Dick DeBartolo, a media legend and true gadget aficionado with a knack for finding humor in the strangest places.

Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/JasonHowell

CHAPTERS:

- How Dick DeBartolo keeps his humor and fascination with technology, even for mundane gadgets.

- Dick's early interest in technology and how it led to his work at Mad Magazine and game shows.

- The story of how Dick started appearing on TV shows like Metro Media's Saturday Morning Live.

- How Dick transitioned from TV to podcasting with Leo Laporte's TWiT network.

- Dick's favorite gadgets, including the Slingbox and the world's first digital camera.

- The nostalgia and ingenuity behind Dick's early 8mm films with sound effects.

- A memorable story about a private train ride with Mad Magazine's publisher.

- How technology has simplified video production and enabled remote appearances.

Check out The Giz Wiz: https://gizwiz.tv/

Visit Dick's website: http://www.gizwiz.biz

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christina Warren joins Jason Howell to talk about how nostalgia for the early Internet and failed technology companies has permeated her life in tech. From developer advocacy at Microsoft and Github to working in the tech journalism trenches at Mashable, Christina has stayed passionate about the possibilities of tech and its limitations.

Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/JasonHowell

• Christina's experience of accidentally not hitting the "go live" button at the start of the interview, and the importance of redundancy in recording
• Her early memories and passion for technology, sparked by video games, gadgets, and the internet in the 90s
• Building her first website on GeoCities as a 12-year-old unpaid "community leader"
• Her collectibles obsession, including shoes and merchandise from failed/infamous tech companies like Theranos, FTX, Pets.com etc.
• Reminiscing about the spectacular dot-com boom and bust, and companies like Webvan, Pets.com that didn't survive
• Discussing the decline of TiVo and how the DVR experience has arguably gotten worse over time
• Her current role as a developer advocate at GitHub, and how to follow her work

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From writing for late-90s dot com boom websites to catching her break on TechTV, to podcasting at TWiT and back to writing, Megan Morrone shares her insights on the promise and peril of AI, navigating social media, and the challenges of parenting in the digital age.

Support the Techsploder Podcast on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/JasonHowell

• Megan Morrone vs Megan Moroney.
• Megan's time in the 90s at LookSmart and CitySearch.
• Why TechTV was different.
• Technology influences as a child.
• Parenting in the digital age: Now vs. Then.
• Megan's experience with social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn.
• Megan's thoughts on the promise and peril of AI and its impact on various aspects of life.
• The tech that lets Megan down.
• Megan's approach to tech cleanse and stepping away from technology.

Subscribe to the AI+ Newsletter: https://www.axios.com/signup/ai-plus

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From his childhood fascination with the Apple II Plus to publishing a zine and co-founding iFanboy, Ron Richards opens up about his lifelong love for technology and how it has shaped his career, culminating in the development of the Scorbit pinball app.

Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/JasonHowell

• Ron's early memories of technology and the internet
• Discovering bulletin board systems (BBS) and computer game piracy
• The birth of the World Wide Web and Netscape's IPO
• Desktop publishing and creating a zine in college
• Discovering the pinball community and developing Scorbit
• Balancing passion projects with work
• The technology behind Disney's immersive experiences

Check out Scorbit: https://scorbit.io/

Listen to iFanboy: https://ifanboy.com/

Listen to Android Faithful: http://androidfaithful.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Kantrowitz, author of "Always Day One," talks about his transition from political journalism to covering the tech industry, and how he applies lessons from tech giants' ability to reinvent themselves to his own business with Big Technology.

Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/JasonHowell

- Alex's journey from BuzzFeed to starting his own independent media company, Big Technology.

- The experience of working at BuzzFeed and the challenges of being a serious news outlet within a site known for listicles and memes.

- Writing the book "Always Day One" and the process of researching and interviewing tech giants like Amazon, Facebook, Google, Apple, and Microsoft.

- Interviewing Mark Zuckerberg and the approach to asking insightful questions.

- Applying lessons from tech giants' ability to reinvent themselves to his own business.

- Alex's early career in politics and government work, and how it prepared him for covering tech.

- Memorable moments from his youth that sparked his interest in journalism and technology.

- The importance of taking chances and not waiting for the perfect opportunity.

Check out Big Technology: http://www.bigtechnology.com

Read "Always Day One": https://alexkantrowitz.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.