MacStories Unwind

MacStories Unwind is a fun exploration of media and more.

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

Vibe Coding in Another Life, a Live Album, and an Emo Tribute 03/21/2025

Vibe Coding in Another Life, a Live Album, and an Emo Tribute This week, Federico wonders whether John would have been a vibe coder if he started building an app today, and they share music picks along with a movie trilogy deal. Links and Show Notes A Vibe Coder Before the Term Was Coined Picks John’s Pick: by The National Federico’s Pick: by Your Broken Hero Unwind Deal $12.99 down from $30 Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/35807535

Escape From the Echo Chamber 03/14/2025

Escape From the Echo Chamber This week John is tricked by Daylight Savings, Federico and he reflect on how to avoid getting stuck in a creative echo chamber, share movie and music picks, along with a movie deal, and digress into the world of European cartoon theme songs before calling it a day. Links and Show Notes Avoiding the Creative Echo Chamber Picks Federico’s Pick: Live action remake of on Disney+ in the Italian version of ‘Under the Sea’ who plays Sebastian in the Italian version of The Little Mermaid John’s Pick: by Grace Enger Also: Compare the theme songs of to Unwind Deal - Jesse Eisenberg and Kirin Culkin movie $7.99 - just $2 more than renting Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/35699980

From Red Beans and NPC's Expansion to British Spies 03/07/2025

From Red Beans and NPC's Expansion to British Spies This week, Cajun cooking, behind-the-scenes of the launch of NPC XL, another great British spy drama, and a classic sci-fi deal. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment John Cooks Red Beans and Rice Introducing NPC XL - More NPC, Every Week is now weekly for everyone. Enjoy a new episode packed with handheld gaming news and other topics every Tuesday. NPC has . Please subscribe. We introduced , a brand-new, members-only version of NPC with extra content, available exclusively through our new Patreon at $5/month. NPC has joined the with a dedicated channel for community feedback and participation. Picks John’s Pick: on Peacock Unwind Deals ($19.99 -> $9.99) 2-movie bundle: for $11.99 Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/35578120

A Question of Character 02/28/2025

A Question of Character This week, Federico questions John’s character before discovering the joy of audiobooks, while John has been listening to more podcasts and has a question for listeners about which TV show he should watch next. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Federico digs into John’s history as a sports fan. Picks Federico’s Pick: Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick Audiobook version on Audible Digital John’s Pick: Which should I watch: Unwind Deal Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/35482765

A Food Extremist 02/21/2025

A Food Extremist This week on Unwind, Federico and John offer a peek behind what it’s like to wait for an Apple press release to drop, Federico critiques an Italian’s recommendations of what to buy at Costco and shares a videogame pick, and John has a new movie for listeners. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Costco recommendations from an Italian 👍👎? Picks John’s Pick: on Apple TV+ Federico’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/35377645

Not Cuddly at All 02/14/2025

Not Cuddly at All This week, John takes listeners back to the animal kingdom, before he and Federico share a couple of TV recommendations. Plus, John shows off a recent dream device acquisition. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Armadillos in the North Carolina mountains Picks Federico’s Pick: , Season 2 John’s Pick: , Season 4 John’s Surprise Transparent Follow us on Mastodon - Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/35287345

Never Bored 02/07/2025

Never Bored This week on Unwind, John makes a Kuzu discovery that may amuse Italian listeners, we explore bars and aperitivo, and we share a music and TV show pick, along with a great deal. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Follow-Up: Bars, Coffee Shops, and Bottle Shops A decent definition of Picks Federico’s Pick: by John’s Pick: on Apple TV+ Unwind Deal 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/35192735

Pursuing Pasta Perfection 01/31/2025

Pursuing Pasta Perfection This week, Federico and John do some regional grocery shopping, Federico pursues pasta perfection, plus a documentary and podcast recommendation. Show Notes Links and Show Notes Unplugged Shop the Pig: Grocery Store Names Regional Grocery Stores Kuzu Picks John’s Pick: on Max Federico’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/35098165

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

MacStories Unwind

TOPICS