Libsyn Directory

MacVoices #25298: 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #4 (1)

Release Date: 11/28/2025

MacVoices #25322: Kirk McElhearn Takes Control of Apple Media Apps (1)

MacVoices

Kirk McElhern discusses the latest edition of , covering what’s new—and what isn’t—in Music, TV, Podcasts, and Books. He critiques the “Liquid Glass” look, notes small updates like AutoMix and pinned items, and argues the apps have reached maturity. The conversation includes accessibility issues, managing personal video libraries, and why Spotify’s appeal isn’t just playlists. (Part 1) MacVoices is supported by The Antigravity A1. Get off the ground like never before with the Antigravity A1. You have to see the results to believe them. Find out everything you need to...

MacVoices #25321: Live! - Implications of Apple's AI Talent Losses

MacVoices

A wide-ranging discussion examines the implications of leadership changes and talent loss within Apple’s AI organization following delays to promised Siri features. Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, and Jim Rea debate whether Apple’s struggles reflect internal turmoil, unrealistic timelines, or a deliberate partnering with external AI options. Privacy, on-device capabilities, and regulatory pressure all factor into a candid assessment of Apple’s AI strategy and credibility. MacVoices is...

MacVoices #25320: Live! - The MacVoices Live! Panel's Holiday Purchases

MacVoices

In response to the inevitable shower of deals and special offers on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and beyond, Chuck Joiner, David Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius, Eric Bolden, and Jim Rea share some of their holiday acquisitions and why the made them. The panel also covers “fake” discounts, deal fatigue, and why loyal customers often miss out while still celebrating the fun of finding genuinely useful gear. MacVoices is supported by The Antigravity A1. Get off the ground like never before with the Antigravity A1. You have to...

MacVoices #25319: 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #8 (3)

MacVoices

In the final segment of the 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, Kelly Guimont, Jim Rea, Chuck Joiner, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Kirk McElhearn out with bigger comfort and productivity picks: a portable lamp with battery power, a TSA-friendly Leatherman, along with a charging station, a long-running text utility, and a travel accessory for cramped flights. (Part 3) This edition of MacVoices is supported by , our free magazine on Flipboard. Updated daily with the best articles on the web to help you do more with your Apple gear and adjacent tech, access MacVoices Magazine content on , on the web,...

MacVoices #25318: 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #8 (2)

MacVoices

The second part of our final 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide delivers a mix of low-tech problem solvers and smart power picks. Kelly Guimont, Jim Rea, Chuck Joiner, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, and Kirk McElhearn select an interior windshield cleaner, a MagSafe ring mount for comfortable caseless use at home, and suction-based phone chargers/stands to keep devices charged and easy to find. The picks also include a USB-C rechargeable numeric pad, experience gifts like concert tickets, a rechargeable electric candle lighter, and a fun gaming recommendation. (Part 2) This edition of MacVoices...

MacVoices #25317: 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #8 (1)

MacVoices

Kelly Guimont, Jim Rea, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Kirk McElhearn and Chuck Joiner wrap up the 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guides wraps up with “best of the rest” episodes, packed with practical picks and plenty of laughs. Highlights include keyboard travel cases, socks, portable power options, dictation software, a motorized TV mount, a light, and compact multi-port chargers. (Part 1) MacVoices is supported by The Antigravity A1. Get off the ground like never before with the Antigravity A1. You have to see the results to believe them. Find out everything you need to know to get...

MacVoices #25316: TV+ Talk - Year-End Apple TV Analysis & Favorite Shows

MacVoices

Charlotte Henry and Chuck Joiner wrap up 2025 with a look at Apple TV’s momentum, awards recognition, and strategy. They preview upcoming releases like F1 and returning series Hijack and Tehran, debate sports rights and bundles, and share favorite picks including Slow Horses, Prime Target, The Morning Show season 4, the finale of Mythic Quest, and Foundation—arguing 2025 may be the service’s strongest year yet. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:00 Year-end wrap and what’s ahead 01:03 F1 release and Hijack season return 01:53 AFI “best shows” list and Apple TV’s strategy 06:01...

MacVoices #25315: 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #7 (2)

MacVoices

The 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide continues with Brittany Smith, Mike Potter, and Chuck Joiner making the picks. They include an affordable Bluetooth blood pressure monitor that syncs to Health, a whimsical LEGO gingerbread Star Wars piece, and a double recommendation of an Audible subscription and a book that covers Apple from a different angle. An app pick, a feline-oriented calendar, and a push to learn large language models responsibly finishes off this guide. (Part 2) MacVoices is supported by the 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guides. Tech and more you want to give and get. Find...

MacVoices #25314: 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #7 (1)

MacVoices

The 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Gide #7 kicks off with Brittany Smith, Mike Potter, and Chuck Joiner sharing practical and fun picks. Highlights include a fandom-themed backpack, a powerful multi-port charger, compact multi-purpose cables, an iPhone mini alternative, an AI-powered webcam, and a tool for repurposing old Macs. (Part 1) MacVoices is supported by The Antigravity A1. Get off the ground like never before with the Antigravity A1. You have to see the results to believe them. Find out everything you need to know to get off the ground with Antigravity A1 — the world’s first 8K 360...

MacVoices #25313: Jeff Carlson Takes Control of Apple Watch (2)

MacVoices

Jeff Carlson dives deeper into watchOS 26 changes as we continue our discussion about . From a redesigned Workout app and expanded customization to Workout Buddy’s friendly audio updates, Jeff covers some of the most interesting and important updates. He also points out new Control Center options, Smart Stack hints, Focus-based watch face switching, and Ultra 3 satellite support. (Part 2) MacVoices is supported by The Antigravity A1. Get off the ground like never before with the Antigravity A1. You have to see the results to believe them. Find out everything you need to know to get...

More Episodes

This 2025 MacVoices Holiday Gift Guide #4 features Norbert Frassa, Rosemary Orchard, Mike Schmitz, and Chuck Joiner sharing thoughtful tech gift ideas that range from a projection alarm clock, device decor, sleep tech, open-ear headsets, and much more. (Part 1)

In the Take Control Books Black Friday sale, you can save 25% on all full-price titles. Or, save 50% on all ebooks, including upgrades, for a full year with a Take Control Premium membership for $14.99. Plus, if your order total including Premium is at least $34.99, you'll get a free ebook of your choice! The sale runs through December 3. For complete details, go to takecontrolbooks.com/blackfriday25.

Show Notes:

Chapters:

[0:00] Holiday Gift Guide #4 introduction and Take Control Books promo
[0:41] Format of the gift guides and master pick lists overview
[2:07] Panel introductions: Norbert Frossa, Rosemary Orchard, Mike Schmitz
[3:06] Norbert’s first pick: projection alarm clock with ceiling and wall time
[5:34] Why projected time is so useful at home and in hotels
[7:17] Rosemary’s first pick: Festivitas decorative lights app for Mac and iOS
[8:43] Customizing lights, themes, and year-round holiday visuals
[9:31] Mike’s first pick: Anker Soundcore sleep earbuds for white noise
[10:59] Travel use, side sleeping comfort, and noise masking
[11:31] Chuck’s white noise clock app and sleep sound preferences
[13:09] Norbert’s second pick: Shokz OpenMeet UC open-ear headset
[13:31] Dual-device pairing, work-from-home calls, and battery life
[16:22] Rosemary’s second pick: Satechi USB-C lanyard and phone anchor
[19:32] Security, comfort, and power delivery limits for the lanyard cable
[21:06] Mike’s second pick: Rodecaster Video S HDMI and audio switcher
[23:52] Comparing to the larger Rodecaster Video and 1080p streaming use
[25:24] Chuck’s pick: OWC Thunderbolt hub and multi-dock setups
[27:37] Multiple hubs, workspaces, and the lure of more ports and Stream Decks
[29:21] Closing thanks, Patreon, and sponsor acknowledgments

Links:

Norbert Frassa:

Mesqool Projection Alarm Clock
https://amzn.to/48D3IJi

Shokz OpenMeet UC
https://amzn.to/4pyj47A

Rosemary Orchard:

Festivas App
https://mac.festivitas.app

Satechi OntheGo USB-C Lanyard Cable, 60W Fast Charging, 480Mbps Data Transfer, Built-in Crossbody Strap
https://amzn.to/48iBcLQ

Mike Schmitz:

Soundcore Sleep A20 by Anker Sleep Earbuds, 30dB High-Frequency Noise Reduction, Small Earplugs for Side Sleepers, 80H Playtime
https://amzn.to/4io1GjD

soundcore Sleep A30 by Anker Sleep Earbuds, Smart Active Noise Cancelling Sleep Headphones, Adaptive Snore-Masking System, Ultra-Comfort for Side Sleepers, 45H Playtime
https://amzn.to/4okbjB8

RodeVideo S
https://rode.com/en-us/products/rodecaster-video-s

Chuck Joiner:

White Noise App (full version)
https://www.tmsoft.com/white-noise/

OWC Thunderbolt Hub Docking Station
https://amzn.to/4pEl4eQ

Guests:

Norbert Frassa is a technology “man about town”. Follow him on Twitter and see what he’s up to.

Rosemary Orchard is a nerd, automator, and chocaholic. When she’s not making Shortcuts or podcasting about them, you’ll frequently find her discussing her love of iPads and other Apple technology on RosemaryOrchard.com, Automators, Nested Folders, The Sweet Setup, and ScreenCastsOnline. She is runs WhenWorks to help you schedule appointments more efficiently. Originally from the UK she now calls Vienna, Austria, home…until she returns to the U.K. Follow her on Twitter.

Mike Schmitz is a nerd and an independent creator who talks about the intersection of faith, productivity, and tech He’s a YouTuber, screencaster (ScreenCastsOnline), writer (The Sweet Setup), and co-hosts the Focused, Bookworm, and Intentional Family podcasts. Follow him on Twitter as _MikeSchmitz.