MacStories Unwind

MacStories Unwind is a fun exploration of media and more.

Workflows and TV: Weekend Excursions, Dictation Apps, and Pluribus 11/14/2025

Workflows and TV: Weekend Excursions, Dictation Apps, and Pluribus This week, John shares how he plans weekend activities with Instagram and Apple Maps, Federico tests dictation apps, and both share their first impressions of the new Apple TV show Pluribus. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes John’s Weekend Excursion Workflow Instagram + Apple Maps Guides and the beta Places You’ve Been feature Federico’s Dictation App Experiments Joint Pick on Unwind Deal is just $7.99 in the TV app Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/39037815

Reality Obsessions, Rom-Com Returns, and Seafood Comas 11/07/2025

Reality Obsessions, Rom-Com Returns, and Seafood Comas This week, Ticci Ticci jump scare videos, a seafood feast and Federico’s latest fixation: X Factor Italy 2025. Plus, the return of a favorite Netflix rom-com series and an Apple TV comedy, and, of course, a special show-notes-only Unwind deal. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment X-Factor Italy Picks Federico’s Pick: , Season 2 on John’s Pick: , Season 3 on Unwind Deals With debuting on this week, Apple has great deals on two of his other shows: is just $29.99 in the TV app is on sale for $29.99 in the TV app, too. Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/38954140

From the Wilds of Alaska to Lumiose City 10/31/2025

From the Wilds of Alaska to Lumiose City This week, John explains why Notion is finally working for him, after which he and Federico share new Apple TV series and videogame picks. Plus, two Unwind deal picks. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Picks Federico's Pick: Available from: John's Pick: on Unwind Deal is just $4.99. 🎳🥛🕶️ A laid-back slacker gets dragged into a chaotic kidnapping caper after a case of mistaken identity. is $9.99 in the TV app. ⚔️🩸🌋 A Viking prince pursues a savage blood oath through myth and fire. Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/38859395

Notion Daily Notes and AI Browsers 10/24/2025

Notion Daily Notes and AI Browsers Links and Show Notes Notion Daily Notes AI Browsers Also mentioned Picks No picks this week. We’ll have a couple for everyone next week. Unwind Deal is $4.99 in the TV app is $7.99 in the TV app Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/38772440

Dishwasher Dreams and Gritty Crime Scenes 10/17/2025

Dishwasher Dreams and Gritty Crime Scenes This week, weekend outings and the chores we wish robots could do for us, plus Federico shares an anti-pick, and John is hooked on a gritty crime drama. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment robot mop and vaccuum Picks Federico’s Anti-Pick: John’s Pick: Unwind Deal , a time-jumping mob movie, is just $4.99 in the TV app Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/38622275

Unwinding Delayed But Not Denied 10/10/2025

Unwinding Delayed But Not Denied This week, John stumbles upon a restaurant with a thing for the Italian navy, Federico explores the Final Fantasy Tactics remake, and John has a movie pick. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment John visits , which is decorated with the Picks Federico’s Pick: John’s Pick: on Unwind Deal In honor of the release of … …both just $4.99 in the TV app Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/38542815

Nights, Weekends, and Holidays 10/03/2025

Nights, Weekends, and Holidays This week, Federico tries to recover from a rough week, John brings some Southern cooking to the show, Federico has a long backlog of videogames to attend to, and John has an Apple TV+ show and an album to share. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Southern Cooking Picks Federico’s Pick: John’s Pick: , Season 5 on by Michigander Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/38459450

Big Mike and the Extended Shower Lifestyle 09/26/2025

Big Mike and the Extended Shower Lifestyle This week, John visits Mike the shipping guy, Federico’s philosophy on hardware takes a turn, John declares Apple Watch charging in the shower a myth, and we share videogame and TV picks, plus a deal. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Big Mike’s Shipping Shoppe Charging the Apple Watch While Showering Picks Federico’s Pick: John’s Pick: on Hulu Unwind Deal TV Series, Complete Boxed Set in TV app for $11.99 for 4 seasons/40 episodes. Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/38372700

The Aftermath of Review Season: Recovery and Reflection 09/19/2025

The Aftermath of Review Season: Recovery and Reflection This week Federico and John reflect on the toll of the review process and the annual recovery process before Federico follows up on a TV series and John recommends a pair of albums. Plus, we have a great Marvel movie bundle deal for listeners. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes The Aftermath of Review Season Picks Federico’s Pick: on HBO Max John’s Picks: by Beach Bunny by HAIM Unwind Deal 🔨 for $19.99 Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/38284510

Two Beady Eyes Staring At Me 09/12/2025

Two Beady Eyes Staring At Me This week, John explains the art of the Southern storytelling with an example, reminding Federico to touch grass before sharing a classic movie deal and previewing some of the perks coming next week with his iOS and iPadOS 26 review. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Two Beady Eyes Staring At Me Unwind Deal for $4.99 in Apple’s TV app. Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/38201470

Coyote Fall 09/05/2025

Coyote Fall This week, the weather has begun to change, coyotes are on the loose, and John shares his running tech. Plus Federico has a TV comedy for listeners, and John has a superhero movie pick. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes John’s Running Kit Picks Federico’s Pick: Hacks John’s Pick: Thunderbolts Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/38103945

Sports Comedies and the Return of MacStories Deals 08/29/2025

Sports Comedies and the Return of MacStories Deals This week, John and Federico return from break to chat about how they spent their time off, the new MacStories Deals social accounts, two sports-related comedies, and a great deal on a favorite TV series. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Summer Break and MacStories Deals MacStories Deals returns after seven years Follow it on Mastodon or Bluesky: Mastodon: . Bluesky: Picks John’s Pick: on Federico’s Pick: on Netflix Unwind Deal Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/38022310

Workout Buddies, Comedies, Videogame Podcasts, and Godzilla 08/08/2025

Workout Buddies, Comedies, Videogame Podcasts, and Godzilla This week, John is joined by Jonathan Reed to recap the watchOS 26 public beta, and share a trio of comedies old an new, along with Brendon Bigley’s new project and a classic monster movie deal. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes A watchOS 26 Preview Picks Jonathan’s Picks: (original movie) and on Hulu/Disney+ on John’s Pick: Wavelengths Announcement Post: Unwind Deal (49.99 down from $14.99) Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/37735050

Oasis and Superheroes 08/01/2025

Oasis and Superheroes This week, Federico recounts his trip to London to see Oasis play Wembley Stadium, and John recommends the new Fantastic Four movie plus a great deal on a classic comedy. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Picks Federico’s Pick: John’s Pick: Unwind Deal Warm up for with the original: , released in 1996, is available in the TV app for just $7.99 Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/37635890

Banana! 07/25/2025

Banana! This week, John struggles to update an old Apple TV and two HomePod minis, Federico sets up OTA TV, and they both go bananas over Donkey Kong Bananza. Also available on YouTube . This episode is sponsored by: : The Exceptionally Useful Weather App for iOS, Totally Redesigned for 2025 Links and Show Notes Unplugged Topics John struggles to update an Apple TV and HomePod minis Federico installs an for OTA TV Picks John and Federico’s Joint Pick: Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/37549375

Shifting Workflows and a Dark Comedy 07/18/2025

Shifting Workflows and a Dark Comedy This week, Federico’s return to Apple system apps has ended and new workflow experiments have begun. Plus, John shares a dark comedy, and Federico has an anti-pick. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Federico’s Evolving Workflow: MCP and More Mentioned: Picks John’s Pick: Federico’s Anti-Pick: Unwind Deal Note: Sadly since recording, has returned to $14.99 but is still available as a $3.99 rental. Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/37457660

Our Updated Gear Setups 07/11/2025

Our Updated Gear Setups This week, Federico and John discuss the updates to their work and play tech gear setups. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Our Gear Setups Federico’s Pick: with built-in KVM John’s Pick: Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/37377905

Tending Your HomeKit Garden 07/04/2025

Tending Your HomeKit Garden This week, automation crimes, HomeKit Gardens, tattoo crime shows, and videogames. It’s a packed episode, just in time for the long holiday weekend in the U.S. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Automation and HomeKit Crimes Love Island ( and ) Picks John’s Pick: on Netflix Federico’s Picks: Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/37284825

The Big Update You Probably Didn't Even Notice 06/27/2025

The Big Update You Probably Didn't Even Notice This week, Federico and John dig into MacStories’ big infrastructure update, John tours Wilmington, NC TV locations, and they both have TV, movie, and music picks, plus two movie deals. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment MacStories gets an under-the-hood makeover Wilmington, NC TV on Netflix Picks Federico’s Pick: by Yungblud , Season 3 on HBO John’s Pick: on HBO Unwind Deal $7.99 instead of $24.99 - $4.99 usually $20 Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/37178200

Beta Season and Crime Dramas 06/20/2025

Beta Season and Crime Dramas This week, John installs macOS Tahoe, he and Federico each recommend a recent crime drama, and we have a Daredevil Unwind deal. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment macOS Tahoe Apple’s upcoming transcription API Picks Federico’s Pick: on Apple TV+ John’s Pick: on Netflix Unwind Deal – lowest price ever on Apple TV for $34.99 Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/37081630

Dropping Dropbox 05/30/2025

Dropping Dropbox This week, John quits Dropbox, Federico wraps up Friends, and John recommends a pair of movies and a Quentin Tarantino movie deal. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes John Quits Dropbox for Google Drive Picks Federico’s Picks: Friends John’s Double Feature Pick: Unwind Deal Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/36789165

Pretty Much as You Remember Me: A French-Inspired RPG and 70s-Era Crime Drama 05/23/2025

Pretty Much as You Remember Me: A French-Inspired RPG and 70s-Era Crime Drama This week Federico and John, share the news that they’ll be at WWDC together for the first time since 2023. Then, Federico recommends Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, an RPG that has taken a lot of gamers by surprise, and John is into Duster, a new JJ Abrams TV show set in the 70s. All that, plus a Raiders of the Lost Ark deal. Also available Fridays on YouTube . This episode is sponsored by: – Boost Productivity and Gain Insights with AI-Powered Intelligence Tools Links and Show Notes WWDC Here We Come! Picks Federico’s Pick: John’s Pick: on HBO Max Unwind Deal , including Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, The Last Crusade, and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull $20 instead of $50, an all time low Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/36689695

Beverley Hills Blogger: Behind the Scenes at Airbnb's Media Event and More 05/16/2025

Beverley Hills Blogger: Behind the Scenes at Airbnb's Media Event and More This week, Federico quizzes John about Airbnb’s media event and how it compares to an Apple event, and John shares a superhero TV show and TV deal. Also available Fridays on YouTube . Links and Show Notes John Enters the Influencer Ring at the Airbnb Media Event Stay tuned for a special Airbnb interview on Monday, May 19th. Picks John’s Pick: Unwind Deal , Seasons 1–3 for $19.99, which is a 50% discount Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/36596940

Voze and Iticci: The AI Spelling Challenge 05/09/2025

Voze and Iticci: The AI Spelling Challenge This week, find out if we successfully podcasted our way to a new Pope. Learn just how poorly AI can spell Voorhees and Viticci. And, enjoy an audiobook pick, thoughts on Friends, and a Marvel movie bundle deal. Also available on YouTube every Friday . Links and Show Notes Unplugged: Picks John’s Pick: The Wayward Pines Trilogy Book 1: Pines and on Apple Books Federico’s Pick: follow up Unwind Deal $17.99 down from $40 Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/36512180

A Return to the Animal Kingdom and Outdoor Spaces 05/02/2025

A Return to the Animal Kingdom and Outdoor Spaces This week, John and Federico compare wildlife notes, John is set up to work outdoors, Federico has an album to share, and John recommends a movie about ancient Rome. Also available on YouTube . This episode is sponsored by: : The Powerful Code Editor for iPad and iPhone — Now Free to Try Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Picks Federico’s Pick: by Linkin Park John’s Pick: on Amazon Prime Video Also on the Unwind Deal for $14.99 for $14.99 Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/36414575

He's Acting Like a Bird 04/25/2025

He's Acting Like a Bird This week, Federico gets silly with the Vision Pro, and John learns about crypto – typical Unwind stuff. Links and Show Notes Goodwill for Electronics Picks Federico’s Pick: John’s Pick: by Zeke Faux Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/36308045

You Look Great in OLED 04/18/2025

You Look Great in OLED This week, Federico shares all the details about his new 4K OLED display, and John is obsessed with documentaries about the Barkley Marathons. Links and Show Notes Picks Federico’s Pick: John’s Pick: The Barkley Marathons Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/36225345

Bio Grifters and Side Quests 04/11/2025

Bio Grifters and Side Quests This week, we consider whether the dire wolf has actually been “de-extincted” and recommend a show on Apple TV+ and an excellent four-movie bundle. This episode is sponsored by: : Makers of incredibly useful audio tools for your Mac. Use the code MS2504 through the end of April to get 20% off Rogue Amoeba’s apps. Links and Show Notes The Dire Wolf Picks John’s Pick: Unwind Deal on Apple TV in 4K 50% off ($14.99 instead of $29.99) Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/36095635

Switch 2 Tech, Games, and Cutting-Edge Battery Packs 04/04/2025

Switch 2 Tech, Games, and Cutting-Edge Battery Packs This week, the latest on the NVIDIA tech driving the Switch 2 and a new Donkey Kong game brings back podcast memories, plus Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and a super-slim Qi battery pack for your iPhone. Links and Show Notes Nintendo Switch 2 and NVIDIA Donkey Kong Bananza on Relay Picks John’s Picks: Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/36007960

Summertime Drinks, A Tech Gear Update, Media Picks, and More 03/28/2025

Summertime Drinks, A Tech Gear Update, Media Picks, and More This week, Federico and John each share a couple of drink discoveries and John has updated his video recording and gaming setups, before they share a TV show, documentary, and movie deal. This episode is sponsored by: – All-In-One AI Chat Client for macOS. Download it on the today. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Dropping the Drinks Picks Federico’s Pick: John’s Pick: Unwind Deal Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/35911880

MacStories Unwind

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