Secrets of Technology

Secrets of Technology episodes:

• 06.13.2024

  Is Apple Intelligence Enough?

  Apple revealed its latest software strategy this week, including its latest approach to artificial intelligence. Dom Bettinelli and Joanne Mercier take an in-depth look at the announcements as indicators of where consumer application of this tech could go. The post Is...

  
• 05.30.2024

  Master Safe Surfing: Tips for Secure and Private Internet Browsing

  Protect yourself. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Patrick Mason discuss tips for keeping you safe and private on the web, from VPNs to public wifi to avoiding social media scams and more. Plus the problem of web rot and link...

  
• 05.23.2024

  Tech for the Faithful: Empowering Parish Pastoral Care with Modern Tools

  Pastoral care is a person-to-person ministry, but as Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercer, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss, tech tools from remote meeting software to streaming video boxes to online messaging apps all provide essential assistance to parish staffs in reaching...

  
• 05.16.2024

  Stream Smart: Comparing Music Services for Every Budget and Need

  You probably have a music streaming service but is it the best one for you? Dom Bettinelli and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss the 4 big music streamers (and a couple small ones), their prices and features, and how to decide which...

  
• 05.09.2024

  Digital Shields Up: Defense Against Identity Theft and Breaches

  With identity theft and data breaches becoming more common, Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss proactive security measure to protect yourself and what to do if your identity or privacy are compromised or if you think it has. The...

  
• 05.02.2024

  Lessons from Father Justin AI

  Catholic Answers made a big splash with its AI-powered apologetics chatbot with good and bad reactions. Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the lessons to learn about AI and its best uses as well as how the...

  
• 04.25.2024

  Our Tech Every Day Carry in 2024

  What's in your pockets? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss the tech they carry in their pockets, wallets, keychains, and tech bags or as wearables. Plus dangerous USB accessories; health data breaches; and obsolete critical tech. The post...

  
• 04.18.2024

  The Dead-Internet Theory

  A conspiracy theory claims that that nothing on the Internet is real, but is just psyop. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss why the theory is not entirely wrong; plus why Find My is not a good basis...

  
• 04.11.2024

  Ready Your Tech to Recycle or Resell

  When it's time to get rid of old tech, wait! Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss the steps you need to take to safeguard your data and privacy BEFORE you dispose of old phones, tablets, and computers. The...

  
• 04.04.2024

  Demystify Home Networking Basics

  Most homes have broadband but are you getting the most for your buck? Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss the basics of home networking, the common bottlenecks, and some tips and tricks for getting the most from...

  
• 03.21.2024

  Buy Used and Refurbished Tech

  Buying used tech gear can often make a lot of sense and save you money. Dom Bettinelli and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss where to get the best deals, how to evaluate the deals, the kinds of tech to buy used, how...

  
• 03.14.2024

  Emails Tools and Extensions

  Email is a fact of life and Dom Bettinelli and Joanne Mercier look at some email tools and software to help us better manage the flow of email in our inboxes. Plus Roku's draconian TOS rollout; why not to put...

  
• 03.07.2024

  Capturing Memories: Mastering Photo Editing & Storage Solutions

  Once you've taken photos on your phone, what next? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Victor Lams discuss software and workflows for editing and storing your precious photos securely. Plus, AI sacred art; parish podcasts; and America's last Morse code...

  
• 02.29.2024

  A Marketplace of Girl Influencers

  Protect the girls. Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the exploitation of girls on Instagram in accounts managed by moms and stalked by men and what we should do about it. Plus, Joanne's Vision Pro experience, the...

  
• 02.22.2024

  What’s in your Software EDC?

  What's in your software toolkit? Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss the software utilities and apps that keep them productive every day in their personal and work lives. Plus IRS e-file and why piracy is surging again. The post...

  
• 02.15.2024

  Find Reliable News Sources Online

  Tired of fake news? Dom Bettinelli and Pat Scott discuss how to find reliable news sources online to avoid disinformation, silos, and anxiety, by using critical thinking, a broad-based diverse approach, and helpful online tools. The post Find Reliable News Sources...

  
• 02.08.2024

  Getting Started With Smart Home Automation

  Smart home tech is ever more accessible, but if you're just getting started where do you begin? Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss the basic considerations, where to start, and why thinking of the others in your...

  
• 02.01.2024

  The Future of Farming

  Techie Farmer Matt Clark returns to talk to Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Thomas Sanjurjo about how climate change affects farms, the importance of connectivity to farms, population growth, and alternative proteins on the market. Plus headlines and picks of...

  
• 01.18.2024

  The Big Tech Trends for 2024

  What are the big tech trends we can expect in 2024? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter look at what was big at the Consumer Electronics Show (and on product that wasn't there) to see what we can...

  
• 01.11.2024

  Our Favorite Tech of 2023

  Every year, tech geeks get new software and gadgets, so Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Victor Lams discuss their favorite tech from 2023, including retro gaming, home appliances, and more. Plus the problems of zombie scientific studies and other...

  
• 01.04.2024

  Your Devices Aren’t Listening to You

  A marketing company has claimed it can listen in on people's smartphones and digital assistants. Dom Bettinelli and Joanne Mercier discuss why it is likely untrue, but also how we can all do more to protect our privacy and be...

  
• 12.21.2023

  Christmas Gift Guide with Pat and Fr. Andrew

  In our last Christmas gift guide of 2023, Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter give some ideas for last-minute gifts (or early Epiphany gifts!) Plus, they discuss Microsoft pushing OneDrive; DoorDash pushing tipping; and Google Maps pushing legibility. The...

  
• 12.07.2023

  Christmas Gift Guide with Joanne and Fr. Cory

  It's stocking stuffer time! Dom Bettinellli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha come up with a list of tech gifts perfect to put in those stockings hung by the chimney with care this Christmas. The post Christmas Gift Guide with Joanne...

  
• 12.07.2023

  A special message from StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli

  StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for listeners as we approach the Christmas season. We need to hear from you this Advent and Christmas at sqpn.com/give The post A special message from StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli appeared first on...

  
• 11.30.2023

  Christmas Gift Guide with Thomas and Jack

  On week 2 of our Christmas Gift Guide, Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini give some ideas of tech gifts that everyone from kids to grandparents would gladly receive. Plus, a look at the latest headlines and the picks...

  
• 11.16.2023

  Christmas Gift Guide with Pat and Fr. Joseph

  It's time again to start thinking about Christmas gifts, so Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Joseph Sund offer some gift ideas in the area of virtual and mixed reality entertainment and home automation. Plus news on UFOs, the Vision...

  
• 11.09.2023

  Must-Have Bare Minimum Smartphone Apps

  If you had to pare down the apps and features on your phone to the bare minimum, what would make the cut? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss their lists and criteria. Plus, AI and the dignity...

  
• 11.02.2023

  Thrifty Tech Spending

  Every dollar counts these days and we want to be good stewards of our goods so Dom Bettinelli and Jack Baruzzini discuss their top tips and advice for sensible, thrifty spending on tech. Plus, New York's rules for AirBnB and...

  
• 10.26.2023

  Debunking Bad Science and More Headlines

  We delve into the headlines this time. Dom Bettinelli and Pat Scott look at AI used to debunk science fraud; More AI used to keep people from becoming homeless; Meta being sued by states and its plans to charge for...

  
• 10.19.2023

  Clean Your Tech

  Your technology gets dirty. Filthy even. Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss tips, techniques, and tools for cleaning smartphones, computers, TVs, and more, safely and effectively. Plus, iPhone 12 radiation, Microsoft printer drivers, and net neutrality. The post...

  
• 10.12.2023

  Accessibility for Everyone

  Every operating system has accessibility features for those who need extra assistance. However, Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha explore how those same features can also benefit those who don't have the same accessibility issues. The post Accessibility for...

  
• 10.05.2023

  Home Maintenance Tech

  Whether you own a house or rent an apartment, your home needs regular maintenance. Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss high and low tech tools, gadgets, software, and tips for maintaining your home in top condition. The post Home...

  
• 09.28.2023

  Health and Wellness Tech

  We have lots of tech dedicated to helping us get healthier. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss some tech to help us lose weight, eat healthier, track our vitals, and sleep better. Plus canceling phantom subscriptions and...

  
• 09.21.2023

  Steam Deck Isn’t Just for Gaming

  The Steam Deck is an amazing portable, handheld gaming console, but it's also a full-fledged miniature Linux computer. Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss many non-gaming uses for the versatile Steam Deck. The post Steam Deck Isn’t Just...

  
• 09.14.2023

  A message from Dom Bettinelli of Starquest

  We need your help to continue to produce our great Catholic shows that explore the intersection of faith and modern culture and look at the world from a uniquely Catholic perspective. The post A message from Dom Bettinelli of Starquest appeared...

  
• 09.14.2023

  iPhone turns 15

  What's new from Apple? Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss Apple's announcements of new phones and watches. What's new? Should you upgrade? And what about Apple's values-based touting of health and safety and environmental benefits? The post iPhone...

  
• 09.07.2023

  How We Use ChatGPT

  ChatGPT can be an incredible tool that helps at both work and home. Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss the specific ways that ChatGPT helps them every day; explain why we don't have to be afraid of this...

  
• 08.31.2023

  Email Security

  Your email account is the golden ticket for scammers and crooks. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss how to secure your email accounts with tips, hints, best practices, software, and services. Plus TSA facial rec; why we're...

  
• 08.24.2023

  Parish Management Tech

  Catholic parishes have the tech needs of small businesses, charities, clubs, and schools are rolled into one. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Fr. Joseph Sund take a first step into parish tech, starting with communications, websites, and parishioner management. The...

  
• 08.10.2023

  Digital Detox

  A periodic digital detox can be beneficial to your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss the benefits and the steps to take that can reduce stress and anxiety from the effects of...

  
• 08.03.2023

  Best Features of Apple’s Public Betas

  Get the scoop on the Apple public betas this summer from Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Pat Scott. It's safer than ever to install the betas, although there are still some cautions. Plus they discuss the features they think really...

  
• 07.13.2023

  Migrating to Linux from Windows and Mac

  Tired of walled gardens and ready to give it up for the freedom of open source? Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo talk about taking the plunge by giving up Mac or Windows and making Linux your operating system...

  
• 07.06.2023

  Browser Extensions and Content Blockers

  Browser extensions and content blockers can make your web browsing safer, fun, and more efficient. Dom Bettinelli and Pat Scott discuss their favorites and give tips on how to improve your browsing. Plus power from space; doctors use AI; and...

  
• 06.29.2023

  Tech for Grilling and BBQ

  With warm weather, we want to get outside to grill and barbecue. Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss tech for this outdoor cooking, from grills to thermometers and more. Plus, Netflix password crackdown, GPS woes, and Uber...

  
• 06.22.2023

  Tech for Travel

  Whether you're taking a road trip or getting on a plane, Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier have gadgets, software, services, and travel tips to make your travel easier and to help you manage all the gear we...

  
• 06.15.2023

  Curate Your Social Media for Mental and Spiritual Health

  Social media has a big impact on our well-being in the digital age. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss 12 steps to curating our social meda for greater mental and spiritual health. Plus, Steam Decks go to war;...

  
• 06.08.2023

  Another Apple Revolution?

  Apple has introduced its AR headset, and Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Joanne Mercier discuss the Vision Pro and its promise and pitfalls, along with other Apple announcements, as well as news about the Vatican's own Earth-orbiting satellite. The post...

  
• 06.01.2023

  The Latest on Teens and Social Media

  The US Surgeon General's new report on teens and social media offers even more dire warnings about the consequences for children. Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss the report and recommendations for what families can do. The post...

  
• 05.25.2023

  Subscriptions vs. Purchases

  The old way of acquiring technology was through a straightforward purchase, but in recent years, subscriptions have become the norm. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss the pros and cons of each approach, as well as some...

  
• 05.18.2023

  Google IO 2023 Highlights

  Google's latest announcements of new hardware and software show where personal tech is going. However, Dom Bettinelli and Jack Baruzzini discuss the ethics and philosophy of how we use that technology in general. Plus, copyright's limitations on the internet and...