MacStories Unwind

MacStories Unwind is a fun exploration of media and more.

Uncooked 01/24/2025

Uncooked This week, a neighborhood explosion, oats, root vegetables, and coffee, plus a classic sitcom, a unique videogame, and an action-packed movie. Links and Show Notes MacStories Uncooked Picks Federico’s Picks: Friends John’s Pick: Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/34998630

Trying to Reach All the Senses 01/17/2025

Trying to Reach All the Senses This week, John judges Southerners’ handling of snow, Federico is a game streaming convert, and John has a new favorite series about the Troubles in Ireland. Plus, we found a great deal on a favorite sitcom. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment The South and snow captures it well Picks Federico’s Pick: John’s Pick: The book MacStories Unwind Deal of the Week Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/34895385

Weird CES 01/10/2025

Weird CES This week, John fills in Federico about pod people, creepy robots, light masks, AI BBQ, and other weird and wonderful sights from CES 2025. Links and Show Notes Weird CES Cute and Creepy Robots Pod People Light Mask and Facial Recognition Mask Holograms Follow Us In… Plus, Federico is a co-host on , John a co-host on , and you can find us on social media as ‘viticci’ and ‘johnvoorhees’ /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/34807325

The Best Videogames of 2024 12/20/2024

The Best Videogames of 2024 This week, Federico and John share their favorite videogames of 2024. Links and Show Notes The Picks Federico’s Picks: Dragon Age: The Veilguard Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Dragon’s Dogma II Astro Bot Game of the Other Years:GOTOYs: Also mentioned episode of NPC John’s Picks: Buy Buy Peglin Dragon’s Dogma II The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Astro Bot GOTOY: Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/34551840

The Best TV Shows and Movies of 2024 12/13/2024

The Best TV Shows and Movies of 2024 This week, John shares a trio of his favorite movies of 2024 and he and Federico share several favorite TV shows from 2024. Links and Show Notes The Best Movies and TV Shows of 2024 John’s Pick: Movies TV Shows , Apple TV+ , Amazon Prime , Apple TV+ , Netflix , Netflix , Apple TV+ Federico’s Pick: TV Shows , Apple TV+ , season 4 , season 2 on CBS on Netflix Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Follow us on Bluesky Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram Affiliate Linking Policy: https://www.macstories.net/privacy-policy/ /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/34432500

The Best Music of 2024 12/06/2024

The Best Music of 2024 This week on MacStories Unwind, kick off the first of our annual ‘best of’ Unwind recaps with the best music releases of 2024. Links and Show Notes Songs from our picks and more: Picks Federico’s Pick 2024 Music Picks: Album of the Year: Top 5: Honorable Mentions: John’s Pick: Album of the Year: Top 5: Honorable Mentions: Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/34320765

The Infamous Cousin Dave 11/29/2024

The Infamous Cousin Dave This week, a Thanksgiving guessing game, neighborly pies, NotebookLM, the Infamous Cousin Dave’s emoji habits, and getting started with retro gaming. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment A traditional guessing game Do neighbors really ? Picks Federico’s Pick: featuring the Infamous Cousin Dave, who is bad at iMessage John’s Pick: MacStories Unwind Movie Deal (deal may not be available in all places) ($10, $5 off) Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/34204135

Wandering Through The Woods With a Battery 11/22/2024

Wandering Through The Woods With a Battery This week, Netflix is making sexy holiday movies, Federico is warming himself with GaN chargers and batteries, and John checks out the latest Deadpool movie in the Vision Pro, shares a new Apple Music playlist, and has a movie deal for listeners. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Picks Federico’s Pick: [ROG 140W USB-C GaN charger]((https://rog.asus.com/us/power-protection-gadgets/chargers-and-adapters/rog–140w-usb-c-gan-charger/) Also mentioned: John’s Pick: Excellent with the Vision Pro Apple Music Playlist Unwind Movie Deal (currently $18 off) Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/34109706

The Smell of Burning Plastic 11/15/2024

The Smell of Burning Plastic Links and Show Notes Picks John’s Pick: Bonus Pick: , the movie the movie on Apple TV+ Federico’s Pick: MacStories Unwind Movie Bargain - $4.99 to buy and $3.99 to rent Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/33945132

An Audio Unboxing 11/08/2024

An Audio Unboxing This week, Federico attempts to make audio unboxings a trend, plus he recommends a TV show and videogame, while John encourages listeners to try a decade-old cartoon. Links and Show Notes An Audio Unboxing Picks Federico’s Picks: on Hulu John’s Pick: Additional Reading: Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/33851897

That Ain't Spooky 11/01/2024

That Ain't Spooky This week, the differences between U.S. and Italian Halloween, plus game, app, and TV recommendations. We also share a spooky season movie bundle deal. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Happy Halloween Picks John’s Pick: Federico’s Picks: , Season 4 MacStories Unwind Deal of the Week Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/33737177

How We're Using Our iPad minis 10/25/2024

How We're Using Our iPad minis This week, Federico and John share how they use their iPad minis along with a couple of TV shows. Links and Show Notes How We’re Using Our iPad minis Apps Discussed TV Picks John Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/33614117

Paying in the Black 10/18/2024

Paying in the Black This week, Federico suspects his new vacuum cleaner is the victim of corporate foul play, and John is denied a donut and apple cider slushie thanks to his reliance on technology. Links and Show Notes A Vacuum Dilemma cordless vacuum cleaner sold out for Federico’s balcony Paying in the Black Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/33515517

Hot Rabbi 10/11/2024

Hot Rabbi This week, John shares a spooky story, Federico and he both have TV show picks, and they update listeners on their progress in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. Links and Show Notes A Spooky Story Picks John’s Pick: on Apple TV Check In Federico’s Pick on Netflix Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/33422157

I Look Like an Apple Promotional Photo 10/04/2024

I Look Like an Apple Promotional Photo This week, Federico gets some help tackling cable management and John does hard time at the DMV, but still had time for a gritty new crime drama. Links and Show Notes Federico Gets Help with Cable Management Federico’s new white microphone arm: John Does Hard Time at the DMV Pick John’s Pick: Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/33330207

'I Want to Be Friendly With All Animals' 09/27/2024

'I Want to Be Friendly With All Animals' This week, an unexpected return to the wild kingdom, John’s iPhone 16 Pro Max first impressions, and movie and videogame picks. Show Notes Links and Show Notes A Return to the Animal Kingdom Picks John’s Pick: Rent on and Stream on Federico’s Pick: On Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/33233722

The Tail Unwinding the Dog 09/20/2024

The Tail Unwinding the Dog This week, Federico and John unwind on air about how they’re doing post-review week, preview Federico’s Playstation Portal theory, and share family members’ reactions to iOS 18. Links and Show Notes Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/33145497

Are We There Yet? 09/13/2024

Are We There Yet? This week, as we approach the release of Apple’s updated OSes, Federico and John check in on where their reviews stand and the one distraction they’ve both allowed themselves in the final stretch. Links and Show Notes An OS Review Vibe Check Picks Federico and John’s Joint Pick: on the PS5 Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/33046212

An Official Weather Apology 09/06/2024

An Official Weather Apology This week, a surprise apology for rain, an update on our annual OS reviews and what we plan to do with our free time once they’re finished, and a TV pick. Links and Show Notes Italy apologizes for the weather Federico and John are nearing the OS review finish line and have some feelings John: Good, but frustrated and tired Federico: Feeling great Saved media for after review season: Federico coming to Apple Arcade September 26, 2024 Games to finish: Editor’s Note: Yes, Federico is planning to play all the games of 2024 this fall John on Apple TV+ Also mentioned: on Apple TV+ Picks Federico’s Pick: , Season 4 on Disney+/Hulu Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/32943877

Too Dive-y, Even for Me 08/30/2024

Too Dive-y, Even for Me This week, John researches a local dive bar, as you do, before recommending gadgets that aren’t computers or videogame consoles and chatting about Loot, Season 2. Links and Show Notes Too Dive-y It doesn’t get much divier than . Favorite Gadgets That Aren’t Computers or Videogame Consoles John’s Picks Federico Picks John’s Pick: on Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/32809527

The Limits of Public Gadget Testing 08/23/2024

The Limits of Public Gadget Testing This week, John and Federico discuss peanut butter, the limits of testing gadgets in public, and Federico’s latest Spotify experiment before turning to a movie and two music recommendations. This episode is sponsored by: – The popular app designed for tracking intermittent fasting, created by Funn Media, the developers behind other successful health & fitness apps like WaterMinder, Calory or FitnessView. Links and Show Notes Peanut Butter Sandwiches The Limits of Public Gadget Testing Revisiting Spotify Picks John’s Pick: Furiosa Federico’s Picks: by Post Malone by Charly Bliss Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/32715862

They Can't Slalom, But They're Good at Downhill 08/16/2024

They Can't Slalom, But They're Good at Downhill This week, Federico and John discuss alligator races and distraction free E-Ink thermostats for writers, plus a TV show pick and three videogame recommendations. Links and Show Notes Alligator and E-Ink Follow-Up Here are some more survival tips from various wildlife departments and other experts: If you can escape on land, . Experts debunk the advice to zig-zag. Gators can move really fast on land, but only in short bursts and distances before they tire out. Picks John’s Pick: on ATV Federico’s Picks: Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/32613457

Two Weeks Is an Eternity 08/09/2024

Two Weeks Is an Eternity This week, John and Federico return to the animal kingdom and share their E-ink device hot takes, along with a movie pick. Snakes, Alligators, and Bears, Oh My! E-Ink Readers Picks John’s Pick: Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/32517992

Media Tracking Apps and Picks with Special Guest Devon Dundee 08/02/2024

Media Tracking Apps and Picks with Special Guest Devon Dundee This week, John is joined by Devon Dundee to talk about media tracking strategies and share three TV series picks. Links and Show Notes Media Tracking Strategies Devon’s Shortcut: Also mentioned: Picks Devon’s Picks: John’s Pick: Follow Devon Dundee’s Work Website: Podcast: Mastodon: Threads: Follow John and Federico on Mastodon Follow John and Federico on Threads Follow John and Federico on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/32400832

Summer Travel Edition 07/19/2024

Summer Travel Edition This week, John decides to take the iPad-only travel plunge, and Federico advises on which gaming handhelds to bring on a trip. Links and Show Notes Summer Travel and Tech John’s Tavel Setup (Use JOHN64205 for $3 off) Federico’s Travel Setup for the Steam Deck The latest update to the Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/32215792

An 'H' But in the Wrong Place 07/12/2024

An 'H' But in the Wrong Place This week, John is joined by Jonathan Reed for some travel picks for John’s upcoming trip to London, plus a movie, TV show, and Irish band. Links and Show Notes Jonathan’s London Travel Picks Walk down the Southbank, from Greenwich to Westminster Thames Clipper, from Greenwich to Westminster The view from Primrose Hill Abbey Road Tate Modern Four Quarters The Barbican Columbia Flower Market London Fields Pophams Bakery – around the corner from the Hackney Empire John’s Pick: Jonathan’s Picks: On Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/32113567

To Catch a Bay Leaf Thief 07/05/2024

To Catch a Bay Leaf Thief This week, the Umarell return and a bay leaf mystery must be solved with technology. Plus, we have summertime movie and TV picks. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Picks John’s Pick: on Netflix Federico’s Pick: , Season 3 on Hulu Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/32023702

Mid-Year Top Picks 06/28/2024

Mid-Year Top Picks This week, Federico and John look back at the first half of 2024 and pick their favorite TV shows, movies, videogames, music, and gadgets. This episode is sponsored by: – Be More Intentional with Your Downtime Best Mid-Year Picks Our Mid-Year 2024 Top Media Picks TV John on Amazon Prime on Apple TV+ - Federico , final season Games Federico John Movies John Music Federico by Shout Out Louds by Bring Me the Horizon John by Jelani Aryeh by Kindsight Gadget Federico John Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/31926947

A Feature, Not a Product 06/20/2024

A Feature, Not a Product This week, John and Federico explain how they unwind after WWDC and how they think about MacStories’ family of podcasts before recommending a comedy series, action movie, and album. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Unwinding after WWDC A Feature Not a Product Related episode of Picks Federico’s Pick: The Neighborhood, Season 1 - 6 Streaming on , , and John’s Pick: by Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/31828147

Trapped Inside Apple Park 06/14/2024

Trapped Inside Apple Park This week, John is joined by Jonathan Reed and Sigmund Judge for an explanation of how John missed his first episode of AppStories in seven years this week, an update from Sigmund on what’s coming to tvOS and Apple TV+, plus a bunch of picks from everyone. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment You can enter Apple Park, but you may never leave tvOS and TV+ with Sigmund Judge Picks Jonathan’s Picks: by The Eels Sigmund’s Pick , Season 1 John’s Pick: Related: Next week’s episode of Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Threads Follow us on Instagram /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/31746922

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