MacStories Unwind

MacStories Unwind is a fun exploration of media and more.

Is It the Shoes? 05/15/2026

Is It the Shoes? This week on MacStories Unwind, an Italian movie dubbing controversy, the role of tech in the first-ever sub-two hour marathon, John's high-tech running shoes, and a jangle-pop EP for your listening pleasure. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes running shoes Picks John’s Pick: by Unwind Deal is down to $29.99 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/41310995

Screaming Peacocks and Roving Coyotes 05/08/2026

Screaming Peacocks and Roving Coyotes This week on MacStories Unwind, Federico wins the wild kingdom award, John is defending against vultures and has a creepy new show to recommend, and Federico closes with a TV check-in. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes It's Springtime and the Animals Are Back North Carolina wildlife update is a relatively recent addition to North Carolina and is considered a squirrel. John took the right approach Apparently there are two approaches to dealing with coyotes in North Carolina Peacocks invade Punta Marina in Revenna Picks John’s Pick: - Federico’s Pick: Unwind Deal is $9.99 in the TV app. When two business colleagues (Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien) become stranded on a deserted island as the only survivors of a plane crash, they must overcome past grievances and work together to stay alive. But they're not in the office anymore, and an unsettling, wryly humorous battle of wills and wits begins in this original, darkly comedic psychological thriller. Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/41218225

Bridges, Beaches, and Blockbusters 05/01/2026

Bridges, Beaches, and Blockbusters This week on MacStories Unwind, Federico and John get ready for the summer with a conversation about vacation bridging, bringing your dog to the beach, and cooling off in the mountains. Then John shares a blockbuster movie recommendation and a movie bundle deal. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Holiday bridging John’s Pick: Unwind Deal for $19.99 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/41120495

Smoked Meats and Weekend Watches 04/24/2026

Smoked Meats and Weekend Watches This week on MacStories Unwind, John schools Federico on the differences between Eastern and Western North Carolina BBQ before they both share several TV show and album picks for the weekend. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes BBQ School in Lexington, NC Picks John’s Pick: at the show's premiere by Federico’s Pick: , Season 1 , Season 5 by Unwind Deal A movie ahead of its time, is on sale in the TV app for $9.99 Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/41006925

Hue and Heist 04/17/2026

Hue and Heist This week on MacStories Unwind, pets, pints, Hue smart plugs, and a heist TV show. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Picks John’s Pick: Federico’s Pick: , Season 2 on Unwind Deal is just $4.99 in the TV app right now. Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/40914590

Frames, Finales, and Foreign Drama 04/10/2026

Frames, Finales, and Foreign Drama This week on Unwind, Federico has a sneak peak at a big update to his Apple Frames shortcut and they both share a couple of favorite Apple TV shows. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Apple Frames 4 stay tuned to MacStories next week for the Apple Frames 4 shortcut and CLI Picks Federico’s Pick: John’s Pick: on Apple TV Unwind Deal In , a rom-com in which a Brooklyn woman's whirlwind marriage to an oligarch's son unravels $4.99 in the TV app (affiliate link) Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/40804140

Moonshots, Time Machines, and Workflows 04/03/2026

Moonshots, Time Machines, and Workflows This week on MacStories Unwind, space exploration, workflow shakeups, a buddy movie, and more. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Artemis II Workflows and Tools Picks Federico John Unwind Deal for $14.99 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/40725720

Foldables, Hubs, and Weekend Picks 03/27/2026

Foldables, Hubs, and Weekend Picks This week on MacStories Unwind, Federico and John share the highlights of their recent MacStories Setups update. Plus, John has an offbeat movie pick and Federico is revisiting a game that's an old favorite. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes MacStories Setups Update Picks Federico’s Pick: John’s Pick: Unwind Deal . A funny private investigator buddy movie starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe is $9.99 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/40646060

Xcode for Mobile: It's Time 03/20/2026

Xcode for Mobile: It's Time This week on MacStories Unwind, John argues that it's time to bring Xcode to the iPad and iPhone before he and Federico share a hardware and TV pick for the weekend. Plus, a quirky movie pick for your weekend unwind. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Xcode on Mobile Picks Federico’s Pick: Currently $50 off John’s Pick: on NBC/Peacock Also available as a Unwind Deal : $9.99 on Apple TV Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/40561790

A Brave Neo World 03/13/2026

A Brave Neo World This week on MacStories Unwind, Federico shares his hands-on impressions of the MacBook Neo, John whips up an iPhone app when Shortcuts fails, and they both have media picks and an Unwind deal to start the weekend off right. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Federico's First Days with the MacBook Neo John Wonders About Shortcuts in an AI Coded World Tools mentioned A look at Picks Federico’s Pick: John’s Pick: , Season 2 on Apple TV Unwind Deal for $9.99 Forrest Gump Catch Me If You Can The Terminal Road to Perdition Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/40446845

From Press Releases to Pokopia 03/06/2026

From Press Releases to Pokopia This week on MacStories Unwind, John explains the web app he built for covering Apple announcements, plus Emily winds up in Rome while John tends to his Pokémon. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes A Look at John’s Picks Federico’s Pick: , Season 5 John’s Pick: Unwind Deal is just $19.99 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/40343845

Cartridges, Vinyl, and Italian Rocky 02/27/2026

Cartridges, Vinyl, and Italian Rocky This week on MacStories Unwind, John and Federico debate physical versus digital media and the Italian art of dubbing movies. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Digital Versus Physical Media Italian Dubbing of Hollywood Movies Unwind Deal , Stanley Kubrick’s darkly hilarious classic about nuclear madness is a must for any classic comedy collection. Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/40255075

Blues, Bloodsuckers, and Binge-Watching in Paris 02/20/2026

Blues, Bloodsuckers, and Binge-Watching in Paris This week on MacStories Unwind, John has an F1 racing theory about the Vision Pro and shares a vampire movie, while Federico has been binging a popular Netflix series. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Picks Federico’s Pick: on Netflix John’s Pick: “Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. “You keep dancing with the devil, one day he’s gonna follow you home.”” Unwind Deal is just $7.99 in the TV app, which is a new low price. Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/40177570

Pizza, Marmalade Mysteries, and a Hulu Hack 02/13/2026

Pizza, Marmalade Mysteries, and a Hulu Hack This week on MacStories Unwind, Super Bowl traditions, Federico’s very hungry plumber, some High Potential follow-up, and the latest season of Shrinking. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes on Unwind Deal Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is just $4.99 in the TV app. Marvel’s epic martial arts adventure introducing a new hero is a steal. Affiliate link: Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/40100935

From Roman Parking Wars to Korean Kitchen Battles 02/06/2026

From Roman Parking Wars to Korean Kitchen Battles This week on MacStories Unwind, John survived a bomb cyclone, Federico explains the fine art of parking in Rome, and John rounds out the episode with a reality TV show from Korea along with an Unwind deal you’ll find in the show notes. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes A Roman Parking Wars John’s Pick: on Netflix Unwind Deal 🏎️ is just $49.99 in the TV app. Get the complete 10 movie collection for high octane action and street racing thrills. Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/40021815

Florida or Freeze, the Club Comes Home, and Idris Elba on Rails 01/30/2026

Florida or Freeze, the Club Comes Home, and Idris Elba on Rails This week on MacStories Unwind, John escaped the big freeze, the Club came home to MacStories, plus TV picks, and Brendon Bigley dropped in to say “hi” and share a pick. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Club MacStories is Now on MacStories.net Picks Federico’s Pick: John’s Pick: on Brendon Bigley’s Impromptu Pick on Netflix Unwind Deal 🌊 The Lighthouse is just $4.99 in the TV app. Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe star in this acclaimed psychological horror from the director of The Witch. Affiliate link: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/the-lighthouse/umc.cmc.2gh13feg8tcy7lr2fzv2q09b7?at=1001l3bhP&ct=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/39937100

Snowmageddon, Billionaire Blackmail, and Water Beds 01/23/2026

Snowmageddon, Billionaire Blackmail, and Water Beds This week on MacStories Unwind, John shrugs off a once-in-a-decade winter storm and watches a great movie, while Federico has a returning comedy series to share. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Snowmageddon Picks Federico’s Pick: on Netflix John’s Pick: Unwind Deal 🍄 is just $9.99 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/39850330

Clawdbot, Animal Crossing, and Mark Wahlberg 01/16/2026

Clawdbot, Animal Crossing, and Mark Wahlberg This week on MacStories Unwind, Federico unpacks Clawdbot, a Claude-based personal assistant and recommends an Apple TV move, while John revisits an old favorite on the Nintendo Switch. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment Picks Federico’s Pick: on John’s Pick: Unwind Deal : Paul Thomas Anderson’s critically acclaimed coming-of-age tale follows Alana Kane and Gary Valentine as they navigate love and life in 1973 San Fernando Valley. This Academy Award nominated film features breakout performances and Anderson’s signature nostalgic storytelling style. Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/39763355

The Wonderful Weirdness of CES 01/09/2026

The Wonderful Weirdness of CES This week, Federico and John share how they unwound during their holiday break, John has a report on CES 2026, Federico recommends Avatar Fire and Ash, and John does a Parks and Rec rewatch and has a superhero movie deal for listeners. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes CES Weirdness Picks Federico’s Pick: John’s Pick: Unwind Deal One of John’s 2025 best movies of the year picks Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/39677790

The Best Music of 2025 12/19/2025

The Best Music of 2025 This week, Federico and John close out the year by sharing their favorite music of 2025. The Best Albums of 2025 Federico’s Picks by Slowly Slowly by Youngblud by The Paradox by Yellowcard by We Are Scientists Album of the Year: by Moving Mountains John’s Picks by Chloe Moriando by Chloe Qisha by Hayley Williams by Lord Huron by Beach Bunny Album of the Year: by fanclubwallet 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/39470435

Best Videogames of 2025 12/12/2025

Best Videogames of 2025 This week, Federico and John share their favorite videogames of 2025. Also available on YouTube . This episode is sponsored by: – Track Now. Enjoy Later. Links and Show Notes 2025’s Best Videogames Federico’s Backlog: Hollow Knight: Silksong John’s Backlog: Federico’s Top Games: Federico’s No. 1 Game: John’s Top Games: Ball x Pit John’s No. 1 Game: Unwind Deal 🕹️🌐⚡️ Catch up on the for just $39.97 in the TV app. Enjoy three neon-soaked sci-fi adventures where humans get pulled into a digital world of deadly games, rogue programs, and high-speed light cycles. Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/39387775

The Best TV Shows and Movies of 2025 12/05/2025

The Best TV Shows and Movies of 2025 This week, Federico and John share their favorite TV shows and movies of 2025. Also available on YouTube . This episode is sponsored by: – Track Now. Enjoy Later. Links and Show Notes 2025’s Best Movies and TV Shows John’s Movie Pick: Federico’s Picks: Pre–2025 Shows: 2025 Releases: on John’s TV Picks: on Unwind Deal Today’s Apple’s Holiday Box Set of the Day is a great one: for just $14.99. A teenage girl secretly battles vampires and other monsters while trying to survive high school and growing up. If you’ve never watched Buffy, it’s worth checking out or revisiting if you’ve already seen it. Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/39294090

Turkey Trots, TV Affiliates, and Holiday Watch Plans 11/28/2025

Turkey Trots, TV Affiliates, and Holiday Watch Plans This week, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, Federico is curious about American TV and has a TV pick, while John follows up on a couple of TV shows and other media he’s looking forward to in the coming weeks. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes U.S. TV Affiliate System Picks Federico’s Pick: John’s Follow Up Picks and Upcoming Media Plans: and - both on rewatch 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/39200835

Tech Nostalgia 11/21/2025

Tech Nostalgia This week, Federico and John explore tech nostalgia and the importance of tech history before picking a new TV series and music artist. Also available on YouTube . Links and Show Notes Tech Nostalgia Versus Tech History NPC: Next Portable Console, Picks John’s Pick: on Federico’s Pick: by Unwind Deal John’s Favorite Christmas Movies (It’s early, I know, but there are some great deals right now.) Classics Comedy Wait, That’s a Christmas Movie: So Bad It’s Good Leave Feedback for John and Federico Follow us on Mastodon Follow us on Bluesky /episode/index/show/4a9c6b5a-ec38-4b0d-a27a-8bcc69e44dd7/id/39128670

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

MacStories Unwind

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