The Technical Difficulties Podcast

In this episode of the Technical Difficulties Smart Home podcast, we talk with Rohan and Phil from the Home Assistant Podcast. They discuss the evolution of Home Assistant, the challenges faced with smart home devices, and the importance of community contributions in open-source development. The conversation also touches on personal experiences with home automation, accessibility features, and insights from CES. Additionally, they engage in a light-hearted cultural exchange about the game Duck Duck Gray Duck versus Duck Duck Goose, and reflect on their first smart home devices and their impact on their journeys into home automation.

Thank you to Zooz for sponsoring this podcast! For the best deals on Z-Wave smart home products you'll love:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

Home Assistant Podcast youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCIZrM2IwzgoXjKd6atiqJ6g
website: https://hasspodcast.io/

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Tech With Brett shares his journey from a tech enthusiast to the most viewed smart home YouTuber, discussing his experiences with various smart home devices, automation, and the challenges of content creation. He emphasizes the importance of user-friendly technology and the role of community in his success, while also exploring the future of AI in smart homes and the evolution of his YouTube channel.

Thank you to Zooz for sponsoring this podcast! For the best deals on Z-Wave smart home products you'll love:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

Guest ​ @ShaneCreates

In this episode of the Technical Difficulties Smart Home Podcast we interview Shane Watley, a prominent YouTube creator in the smart home space. Shane shares his journey into smart home technology, his experiences building a community through live streams, and his insights on the future of smart home ecosystems, particularly Apple Home and the Matter protocol. The conversation also touches on Shane's creative process, his favorite smart home devices, and the challenges of working with brands. Shane emphasizes the importance of having fun with smart home technology and offers valuable advice for beginners.

Thank you to Zooz for sponsoring this podcast! For the best deals on Z-Wave smart home products you'll love:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

Follow Shane Whatley:
https://youtube.com/@ShaneCreates
https://instagram.com/shanecreates
https://shanewhatley.com


Brandon's YouTube:
​⁠ @BrandonDoyleMN ​

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
04:35 Shane Watley's Journey into Smart Home Technology
07:27 The Evolution of Shane's YouTube Channel
10:19 Engagement and Community Building through Live Streams
13:14 Exploring Smart Home Ecosystems: Apple vs Others
16:22 The Future of Apple Home and Smart Home Solutions
19:00 Matter and Its Impact on Smart Home Devices
22:04 Reflections on CES and Smart Lock Innovations
24:16 Working with Brands and Audience Engagement
27:14 Passions in Smart Home Automation
30:12 Favorite Devices and Automations in Shane's Home
32:00 Smart Home Aesthetics and Lighting Innovations
33:06 Navigating Apple Home Automations
37:31 Creative Projects and Video Production Insights
52:59 Starting Your Smart Home Journey
55:32 Smart Home Fails and Lessons Learned

Steven Robles shares his experience building his smart home from scratch in his new house.  Steven also gives us his top Apple products and provides valuable insight on making life easier with Apple Home and Apple Shortcuts. Aspiring youtubers and podcasters will enjoy the story of his podcast career and rise to youtube success. 

Thank you to Zooz for sponsoring this podcast! For the best deals on Z-Wave smart home products you'll love:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

Stephen Robles
https://youtube.com/@beardfm
https://bsky.app/profile/stephenrobles.com
https://instagram.com/stephenrobles

In this episode, host Pete and co-hosts Brandon and Vinny welcome Michael Leen, a YouTube creator specializing in home automation. They discuss Michael's journey into the smart home space, his content creation strategies, and the evolution of smart home technology. The conversation covers various topics, including the challenges of managing a smart home, the importance of communication with family regarding automation, and the future trends in the industry, particularly the integration of AI and local control. Michael shares insights on his favorite devices, the impact of his first smart home products, and his plans for future content on his channel.

Thank you to Zooz for sponsoring this podcast! For the best deals on Z-Wave smart home products you'll love:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

In this episode of the Technical Difficulties Smart Home Podcast, we welcome George Langabeer, a leading voice in smart home security. George shares his journey from loss prevention manager to smart home technology expert, discussing the importance of security measures like cameras, locks, and lighting. He emphasizes the need for proactive security solutions and the role of reputable brands like Alibi in providing reliable systems. The conversation also touches on the challenges of smart home technology, the integrity of product reviews, and the realities of shoplifting and loss prevention.

Thank you to Zooz for sponsoring this podcast! For the best deals on Z-Wave smart home products you'll love:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

George Langabeer SocialMedia

Instagram @georgelangabeer
YouTube @georgelangabeer

Watch the Technical Difficulties Podcast and other Smart Home videos at:

https://www.youtube.com/@DIYSmartHomeGuy1

In this episode, Eric Welander shares his journey into the world of smart home automation, discussing his experiences with Apple Home, the Matter protocol, and the integration of various smart devices. He emphasizes the importance of user-friendly technology for busy families and explores the challenges and benefits of using Matter in a mixed ecosystem of smart devices. The discussion also touches on the practicality of smart smoke detectors and the role of robot vacuums in maintaining a clean home with children. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the evolving landscape of smart home technology, discussing personal experiences with various devices, the challenges of automation, and the importance of community engagement through live streaming. They explore the intersection of home theater systems and smart home tech, share insights on the best products of 2024, and reflect on their favorite Apple devices, highlighting the impact of technology on daily life.

Thank you to Zooz for sponsoring this podcast! For the best deals on Z-Wave smart home products you'll love:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

Erics youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@EricWelander 
Eric Welander's website: https://ericw.org/

Today we welcome Ryan from the This Smart House youtube channel. 
He his journey into the world of YouTube and smart home technology. The discussion covers insights from CES, trends in smart home devices, and the evolution of wireless charging. Ryan shares his experiences with various smart home products, including his favorite automations and the challenges of integrating technology into everyday life. The conversation also touches on recent updates in the smart home industry, including new products and features from major brands. In this engaging conversation, the participants delve into the world of smart home technology, discussing various innovations, integrations, and the challenges faced in networking and automation. They share personal experiences with devices, protocols, and the community surrounding smart home tech, highlighting the creativity and problem-solving involved in building a connected home.

Thank you to Zooz for sponsoring this podcast! For the best deals on Z-Wave smart home products you'll love:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

Ryan's Social Channels:
twitter.com/This_SmartHouse
instagram.com/thissmarthouse
facebook.com/thismarthouse
discord.gg/tjYJsECc

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CES 2025 has come and gone, but the podcast is back for season 3! We're breaking down all of the smart home and and home automation tech from CES 2025, including robot vacuums, robot mowers, smart locks, AI glasses, video doorbells and so much more. 

We'll share the latest 2025 product releases from brands like roborock, dreame, switchbot, Eureka, Samsung Smartthings, Aqara, lockly, ultraloq, Phillips, Govee, GHome and so many more. Even old school brands like RadioShack and Kodak are back!

We were excited to see so many other smart home youtube creators at the event. Thank you to Zooz for sponsoring dinner at the show.

And thank you to Zooz for sponsoring this podcast! For the best deals on Z-Wave smart home products you'll love:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

🎉 The YouTubies Award Show is Here! 🎉
This week on Technical Difficulties, we’re closing out Season 2 with a bang as we celebrate the best in smart home tech YouTube! From in-depth tutorials to laugh-out-loud creators, we’re handing out awards to the channels that make our homes smarter and our lives more fun. Expect banter, surprising winners, and yes, a few jabs at Pete (it wouldn’t be a finale without it!). Tune in and join the celebration!

The Technical Difficulties Podcast is sponsored by Zooz. Find the best deals on smart home products you'll love:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

Brandon shares his real estate expertise to help you get the most from your smart home when it is time to sell. 

Brandon's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonDoyleMN
Vince's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DYIwithADD

Follow Zooz on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/zoozsmarthome/
https://www.tiktok.com/@zoozsmarthome
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXJYEDvj3qYDRC3za5DhPQQ

The Technical Difficulties Podcast is sponsored by Zooz. Find the best deals on smart home products you'll love:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

We take a look back at the year in smart homes. Our favorite devices and least favorite releases. Plus we learn about robot lawn mowers with guest Matt Granis from Midwest Turf. 

Brandon's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonDoyleMN
Vince's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DYIwithADD

Follow Zooz on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/zoozsmarthome/
https://www.tiktok.com/@zoozsmarthome
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXJYEDvj3qYDRC3za5DhPQQ

The Technical Difficulties Podcast is sponsored by Zooz. Find all the best deals on quality Zooz smart home products you can depend on at:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

Let's talk about what not to do with your smart home, shall we? 

Brandon's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonDoyleMN
Vince's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DYIwithADD

Follow Zooz on social media:
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https://www.tiktok.com/@zoozsmarthome
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXJYEDvj3qYDRC3za5DhPQQ

The Technical Difficulties Podcast is sponsored by Zooz. Find all the best deals on quality Zooz smart home products you can depend on at:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

Energy efficiency, energy savings, smart home news and more are on the docket today on the Technical Difficulties Podcast. 

Brandon's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonDoyleMN
Vince's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DYIwithADD

The Technical Difficulties Podcast is sponsored by Zooz. Get huge savings during the Zooz Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale now through Dec 10 at:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

Agnes from Zooz joins the podcast to share the latest z-wave releases and tips on smart home holiday shopping. Plus we're running down a holiday must have list. 

Brandon's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonDoyleMN
Vince's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DYIwithADD

Follow Zooz on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/zoozsmarthome/
https://www.tiktok.com/@zoozsmarthome
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXJYEDvj3qYDRC3za5DhPQQ

The Technical Difficulties Podcast is sponsored by Zooz. Find all the best deals on quality Zooz smart home products you can depend on at:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

AI is everywhere. Is AI going to bring us to smart home nirvana and bring automation to the masses or is it going to destroy us all?

Brandon's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonDoyleMN
Vince's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DYIwithADD

The Technical Difficulties Podcast is sponsored by Zooz. Find all the best deals on quality Zooz smart home products you can depend on at:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

We're talking Christmas lights, holiday lights, smart home holiday automations and smart home news on the podcast today.

Brandon's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonDoyleMN
Vince's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DYIwithADD

The Technical Difficulties Podcast is sponsored by Zooz. Find all the best deals on quality Zooz smart home products you can depend on at:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

On Today's podcast we discuss the latest smart home news and dive deep into LED strip lighting. 

Brandon's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonDoyleMN
Vince's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DYIwithADD

Follow Zooz on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/zoozsmarthome/
https://www.tiktok.com/@zoozsmarthome
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXJYEDvj3qYDRC3za5DhPQQ

The Technical Difficulties Podcast is sponsored by Zooz. Get huge savings during the Zooz Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale now through Dec 10 at:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

Today we discuss bridging our different smart home systems into a single, unified glorious smart home. 

Brandon's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonDoyleMN
Vince's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DYIwithADD

Follow Zooz on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/zoozsmarthome/
https://www.tiktok.com/@zoozsmarthome
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXJYEDvj3qYDRC3za5DhPQQ

The Technical Difficulties Podcast is sponsored by Zooz. Get huge savings during the Zooz Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale now through Dec 10 at:
https://www.thesmartesthouse.com

We're talking news. We're talking blinds. We're going to set you straight on the best smart blinds and automations for your home. 

Brandon's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonDoyleMN
Vince's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DYIwithADD

Follow Zooz on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/zoozsmarthome/
https://www.tiktok.com/@zoozsmarthome
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXJYEDvj3qYDRC3za5DhPQQ