Libsyn Directory

MacVoices #25296: 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #3 (1)

Release Date: 11/26/2025

MacVoices #26102: Live! - Switching AI Models, SetApp’s New Option, and Internet Information Sites Sold

MacVoices

The panel explores how users are moving data between AI platforms like Claude and ChatGPT to improve personalization and workflow efficiency. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Mark Fuccio, Web Bixby, and Eric Bolden examine evolving subscription options from Setapp, including à la carte pricing, react to the billion-dollar sale of internet tools like Speedtest and DownDetector, and close with real-world example of how hacked apps are being used in modern cyber warfare and psychological operations. Today's MacVoices is supported by TV+ Talk,...

MacVoices #26101: Live! - Hands-On With the MacBook Neo

MacVoices

Member of the MacVoices Live! panel dive into early hands-on impressions of the new MacBook Neo, highlighting its lightweight design, surprising performance, and emphasis on fun over raw power. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Web Bixby, Eric Bolden, and Jeff Gamet cover real-world workflows, battery life, portability, and compatibility, along with trade-offs like screen quality and speed limitations. Find out why the Neo is a hit with panel members, regardless of their use cases. This edition of...

MacVoices #26100: Live! - ByteDance Apps, Cosmic Orange, Tim Sweeney’s Credibility, and Predictive Markets

MacVoices

The opening discussion centers on restrictions affecting ByteDance apps and what that means for users and updates. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, Jim Rea, and Brian Flanigan-Arthurs also explore Apple TV production strategies, industry tensions over AI policy, and the rise of “cosmic orange” as a tech trend. The panel also discusses the credibility Tim Sweeney in relation to the settlement with Google, as well as social media bans for teens and the continued expansion of predictive markets. MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac from MacPaw....

MacVoices #26099: Live! - Acme Weather, Duck Duck Go’s AI, More on Privacy, and Microsoft’s Stumbles

MacVoices

A new weather app from the Dark Sky team sparks mixed reactions from Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, Jim Rea, and Brian Flanigan-Arthurs. The panel explores its predictive modeling, interface, and subscription models and privacy tradeoffs DuckDuckGo’s AI image tool, growing concerns around data usage, surveillance, smart devices, and recent Microsoft’s AI missteps add to the discussion on trust and responsibility. MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac from MacPaw. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code MACVOICES20 for 20% off at Show...

MacVoices #26098: Live! - Mac minis, iPods (Yes, iPods), and the New Tech Nostalgia

MacVoices

An update on the ongoing legal controversy surrounding tech leaker John Prosser kicks off this MacVoices Live!. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Jeff Gamet, Jim Rea, and Brian Flanigan-Arthurs look at Apple’s potential U.S. manufacturing of the Mac mini and what that could mean for production, tariffs, and supply chains. The group then dives into a wave of tech nostalgia, debating the reported resurgence of iPods and comparing it with renewed interest in film cameras, vinyl records, and other retro tech. MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac from MacPaw....

MacVoices #26097 - Live! - More Neo Analysis, Mac Studio Configuration Loss

MacVoices

The MacVoices panel continues their analysis of the MacBook Neo, pushing back against reviewers focused only on benchmarks rather than real-world usability. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Mark Fuccio, Web Bixby, and Eric Bolden discuss the machine’s intended audience, its value as an affordable entry into the Mac ecosystem, and its potential impact in education and retail markets. The conversation also examines Apple’s decision to remove a high-end Mac Studio configuration and what it might signal about supply constraints and product...

MacVoices #26096: Live! - The Appeal of the Mac Neo

MacVoices

The newly announced Macintosh Neo has met with surprising fervor from Apple fans and critics alike. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Marty Jencius, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Mark Fuccio, Web Bixby, and Eric Bolden discuss the impact of the low-cost MacBook, and why some panelists ordered one (or more). The highlights include its affordability, potential uses in education, travel, and everyday computing. The group also examines early reactions, speculation about performance, color choices, and how the Neo could reshape the relationship between Macs and mid-range iPads. This...

MacVoices #26095: TV+ Talk - Hijack, Apple TV Joins Roku, and F1

MacVoices

Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner discuss the appeal of Hijack season one, Apple TV’s expanding availability through Roku, and what that signals about Apple’s evolving content strategy. They also explore Formula One’s arrival on Apple TV, including the platform’s technical presentation, the Vision Pro factor, and how Apple may be rethinking sports access to attract more viewers and broaden its entertainment reach. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:18 Introduction to TV Plus Talk 03:22 The Intrigue of Hijack Season One 04:13 Wrexham’s FA Cup Adventure 08:42 Apple TV Joins Roku 12:13...

MacVoices #26094: Dmytro Bilkun from CleanMyMac Introduces Moonlock

MacVoices

Dmytro Bilkun, Lead Product Marketing Manager for , does a re-do of a lost interview from CES, explaining , a new Mac security tool designed to simplify cybersecurity. The discussion covers its antivirus capabilities, deeper malware detection than CleanMyMac’s built-in protection, quarantine features, network traffic blocking by region, real-time monitoring, and security recommendations. Dmytro and Chuck also discuss usability, performance considerations, evolving cyber threats, and the subscription pricing model. This edition of MacVoices is sponsored by Squarespace. Go to and...

MacVoices #26093: Live! - Privacy Questions Around Security Cameras, OpenClaw Creator Joins OpenAI

MacVoices

A discussion of privacy, ethics, and technology was prompted after reports that Google recovered Nest camera footage believed to be deleted. Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, Jim Rea, Eric Bolden, Jeff Gamet, and Web Bixby review how cloud data is actually erased, the role of backups and mirrored servers, and the difficult balance between privacy promises and aiding law enforcement. The conversation expands into broader concerns about surveillance technology, online data permanence, and how companies should handle sensitive information in critical situations. This edition of...

More Episodes

The MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #3 brings together Jill McKinley, Joe Kissell, Brett Terpstra, and Chuck Joiner to share practical and quirky gift picks. Recommendations range from massage balls and USB-C cable testers to bidets, Matter-compatible smart plugs, lights, multi-tools, pry bars, and more. (Part 1)

This edition of MacVoices is supported by MacVoices After Dark. What happens before and after the shows is uncensored, on-topic, off-topic, and always off the wall. Sign up as a MacVoices Patron and get access!
http://patreon.com/macvoices

Show Notes:

Chapters:

[0:00] Holiday Gift Guide #3 introduction and format
[0:26] Panel introductions: Joe McKinley, Joe Kissell, Brett Terpstra
[2:10] Theragun vibrating massage ball and “peanut” back relief
[4:07] Tennis ball wall trick and self-massage discussion
[4:48] BLE CABRE-Q USB-C cable tester and why cable specs matter
[7:00] Testing USB-A to USB-C and active vs passive cables
[8:49] BioBidet Slim Twist: low-cost, cold-water bidet pick
[10:08] Bathroom ergonomics, installation, and daily use
[11:21] Kasa Matter smart plugs and the importance of Matter support
[12:37] HomeKit, Google, and Alexa compatibility considerations
[13:47] Govee strip and neon rope lights for custom wall designs
[15:25] Govee ecosystem, temperature and water sensors at home
[17:20] Tool talk: Leatherman Arc multi-tool and bit driver kits
[20:27] Everyday carry, knife quality, and magnetic locks
[22:41] Mighty Bar mini pry tool as a minimalist multi-tool
[24:34] Echo Glow smart lamp as simple, colorful ambient lighting
[27:32] Using smart lamps for sunrise effects and routines
[28:45] Closing remarks and supporter acknowledgments

Links:

Jill McKinley

Therabody WaveSolo - Handheld Bluetooth Enabled Massage Device, Ultra Portable Vibration Therapy Ball
https://amzn.to/4rcJeyj

AstroAI S8 Ultra 4000A Jump Starter, 24000mAh Car Starter(All Gas, Up to 12L Diesel Engine), 12V Auto Battery Booster Pack, Jump Box with USB Quick Charge and DC/Type C Port, LED Light, Jumper Cable
https://amzn.to/4if3sn1

Joe Kissell:

BLE CaberQU
https://amzn.to/4ptgYGj

Leatherman Arc: https://www.leatherman.com/collections/bestsellers/products/arc

Hollyland Lark M2S Wireless Lavalier Microphone: https://amzn.to/3KihRSW

Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It
https://amzn.to/4iicxM0

Brett

Bio Bidet SlimTwist Bidet Attachment for Toilet, Non Electric, Retractable Dual Nozzles, Adjustable Water Pressure, Splash Guard
https://amzn.to/4ii708c

The Mighty Bar - Heavy Duty Keychain Prybar EDC Pry Bar for Every Day Carry Small Stainless Steel Key Chain Multitool Prybar for Keys
https://amzn.to/486YwvR

Chuck Joiner

Kasa Matter Smart Plug w/ Energy Monitoring, Compact Design, 15A/1800W Max, Super Easy Setup, Works with Apple Home, Alexa & Google Home, UL Certified, 2.4G Wi-Fi Only, White, KP125M (4-Pack)
https://amzn.to/3MfXne5

Echo Glow - Multicolor smart lamp
https://amzn.to/43Vb6gx

[5 Pack] Flat Plug Short Power Extension Cord - 6inch Black Low Profile Flat Head 3 Prong Grounded Indoor Extension Cord
https://amzn.to/4ogKoq5

Guests:

Joe Kissell is the publisher of Take Control ebooks, as well as the author of over 60 books on a wide variety of tech topics. Keep up with him if you can on his personal site, JoeKissell.com, on Bluesky, and Mastodon.

By day, Jill McKinley is an IT professional with deep experience in enterprise hospital software, server administration, and digital workflow optimization. With decades of hands-on work—from Windows environments to Apple ecosystems—she combines technology, usability, and human-centered design to make systems work smarter for real people.

Outside of tech, Jill is the creator and host of multiple YouTube channels and podcasts, including Start with Small Steps and Buzz Blossom & Squeak. Her shows explore personal growth, productivity, and the wonders of the natural world—all through the lens of curiosity and exploration.

Whether she’s automating her home, unpacking the meaning of ancient texts, or nerding out over bird migration, Jill brings energy, insight, and just the right amount of geekiness to everything she does.

Brett Terpstra is a coder, writer and web developer. He works behind the scenes at blogs including Engadget, Joystiq and The Unofficial Apple Weblog. He also writes for The Unofficial Apple Weblog, and contributes to Macworld. Brett develops Marked for Mac and recently co-authored “60 Mountain Lion Tips” with David Sparks for the iBookstore. He discusses all things “nerd” on his podcasts, Systematic and Overtired.You can find Brett as “ttscoff” on Twitter, and at his website, brettterpstra.com.

Support:

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http://patreon.com/macvoices

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Connect:

Web:
http://macvoices.com

Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner
http://www.twitter.com/macvoices

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Facebook:
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MacVoices Page on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/

MacVoices Group on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/

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https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/