Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast

Ever wondered how to turn a passion into a successful podcast? Join us as we chat with Rafael Ruiz, the charismatic host of the Subie & YOU! podcast, which has amassed over 140 episodes and an impressive 100,000+ downloads. Discover how Rafael harnessed the power of Instagram and the enthusiastic Subaru community to create an engaging and popular podcast. We get under the hood of his podcasting journey, exploring how he cleverly used collaborations and guest features to rev up his listener numbers.

Listen in as Rafael gives us a peek into his podcast production process, sharing valuable insights gleaned from recording, editing and managing his hit show.  So buckle up and get ready for a ride along with Rafael.

Show links:

Subie & YOU! Podcast
Subie & YOU! on Instagram
Rafael's Crosstrek Instagram Page
Subie Adventures on Instagram
Subie Adventures Newsletter
Accentrek Designs
CapCut App

Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!

Support the show

Contact Us

• Drop us a line at [email protected]
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
• Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!

• Review on Apple Podcasts
• Rate on Spotify
• Recommend in Overcast

Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen

• Apple Music
• Spotify

Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.

Jeff upsized to the iPhone 15 Pro Max in titanium titanium (what?) and has some thoughts, and perhaps just a tiny bit of buyer's remorse. We talk Action button, new cameras, and weight and size comparisons with his previous iPhone 13 Pro. Is it all enough to justify his upgrade? Maybe not.

Speaking of remorse, Tom ain't happy with some of the changes Apple has made in watchOS 10. With a new way to switch watch faces, removal of Favorites from the Timers app, giving Control Center a dedicated button, a silly change in the Workout app, and the double press of the Digital Crown no longer being an App Switcher, there's a lot different, and not necessarily in a good way.

We also talk a little about macOS Sonoma and iOS 17.

Links from the show:

iPhone 15: A Photographers Review - Tyler Stalman
watchOS - 10 Things I Hate About You - Reddit

Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!

Support the show

Contact Us

• Drop us a line at [email protected]
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
• Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!

• Review on Apple Podcasts
• Rate on Spotify
• Recommend in Overcast

Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen

• Apple Music
• Spotify

Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.

Hey there tech enthusiasts! Ready to immerse yourself in a refreshing conversation about the latest Apple watches and iPhones? Good! Because we're about to recap Apple's Wonderlust event and help you understand their features and decide if they're worth your hard-earned money. We kick off with a humorous yet enlightening chat about a Washington Post quiz that questions the necessity of a smart watch. But hey, we love our Apple watches, and we're not afraid to tell you why!

Let's turn the gears a notch; we're diving into the heart of the matter — Apple Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches. We scrutinize privacy concerns with the new Siri features, discuss the double-tap gesture convenience, brighter displays, and new bands (and a new material, FineWoven). We also explore the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro, their new color options, the transition from Lightning to USB-C, and new cameras.

Links from the show:

WaPo: Is a smartwatch right for you? Our quiz can help you decide.
Bullstrap MagSafe iPhone Cases
iOS 17
iPadOS 17
watchOS 10
macOS Sonoma
Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Ultra 2
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Pro

Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!

Support the show

Contact Us

• Drop us a line at [email protected]
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
• Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!

• Review on Apple Podcasts
• Rate on Spotify
• Recommend in Overcast

Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen

• Apple Music
• Spotify

Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.

Are you ready for a trip down memory lane? We kick things off with a discussion on the resurgence of USENET, exploring why it's making a comeback and how it has evolved over the years. Join us as we unravel the history and significance of this online forum, shedding light on its enduring relevance in the digital age.

We'll also give you the latest news from around the Apple world, including Apple putting the 2017 MacBook Pro into "Vintage" status, and a preview of the "Wonderlust" event coming up on September 12th, where Apple will announce new models of the iPhone and Apple Watch, and tell us the release dates for the new operating systems. Speaking of those, Jeff gives us an update on how the betas are progressing.

We wrap up our discussion by exploring the potential of the iPad as an "only computer" device. Should you do it? Can you do it? Well, it depends, and we're here to help you figure it all out.

Links from the show:

USENET, the OG social network, rises again like a text-only phoenix
2017 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar now considered ‘vintage’ and won’t get macOS 14
Apple Event
Giving up the iPad-only travel dream

Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!

Support the show

Contact Us

• Drop us a line at [email protected]
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
• Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!

• Review on Apple Podcasts
• Rate on Spotify
• Recommend in Overcast

Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen

• Apple Music
• Spotify

Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.

How often do you find yourself wishing for a better way to manage your work and productivity, and mental well-being? Well, we've got you covered! Embrace the wonders of the Session app, a fantastic tool that not only keeps a diary of your work but also provides you with a meaningful insight into your daily productivity. Get ready to revolutionize the way you schedule your activities and quantify your work.

Then we dive headfirst into the mesmerizing world of video games on the Nintendo Switch. Engage in an experience that's very different from your traditional PC or Mac gaming. We'll share our thoughts on games like Firewatch and Breath of the Wild and explain why they provide a satisfaction quite unlike any other. Moreover, we'll also discuss how the Nintendo Switch can be a fantastic tool to bond with friends and family online. Prepare to embark on an enthralling gaming adventure!

Links from the show:
Session App
Nintendo Switch
Basic AF Episode 14: The Art of Automation and Productivity with Adam Olson

Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!

Support the show

Contact Us

• Drop us a line at [email protected]
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
• Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!

• Review on Apple Podcasts
• Rate on Spotify
• Recommend in Overcast

Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen

• Apple Music
• Spotify

Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.

Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!

Support the show

Contact Us

• Drop us a line at [email protected]
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
• Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!

• Review on Apple Podcasts
• Rate on Spotify
• Recommend in Overcast

Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen

• Apple Music
• Spotify

Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.

Are you prepared to conquer the chaos of daily tasks? Today, we're thrilled to be joined by our old friend and tech aficionado, Adam Olson. Adam brings an arsenal of efficiency-boosting tips and tricks, from using iOS features like the double-tap open command to managing complex automation collections. 

Our conversation takes a detour into the world of app integration and preferences, discussing how we can best streamline our daily tasks using apps and automation. With features such as Siri integration, and apps like OmniFocus and Things, we delve into the GTD method and its benefits. We talk Apple's Calendar app and Outlook for watch integration, and even touch on the contentious topic of subscription models.

The final leg of our journey explores the realm of productivity apps and methods. We talk about apps like SwitchResX, TextExpander, Sessions, and HoudahSpot that can simplify those tedious tasks and boost productivity. Then, we turn the spotlight on Keyboard Maestro, a tool that proves indispensable for automating daily tasks. So, listen in and prepare to revolutionize the way you navigate your digital life.

Links from the show:

• Federico Viticci's Shortcuts at MacStories
• Keyboard Maestro
• Session - Focus App
• OmniFocus
• Things
• Getting Things Done
• Highland 2 App
• Scrivener
• HoudahSpot 6

Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!

Support the show

Contact Us

• Drop us a line at [email protected]
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
• Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!

• Review on Apple Podcasts
• Rate on Spotify
• Recommend in Overcast

Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen

• Apple Music
• Spotify

Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.

Ready to unravel the tapestry of tech? As the drama with Twitter continues, Meta smells blood in the water and releases its new Threads service, which has taken off like a SpaceX rocket. We've used it, and have some thoughts on its current state, and what's to come.

Shifting gears, we shine the spotlight on Apple as we anticipate the public beta season. There are new features in macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS that we're excited about! Let's chat about everything - screensavers, live photos on iPad lock screens, or the enhanced screen picker feature for video conferencing. Beyond the aesthetics, we also dig into the nitty-gritty details of improved password management and better screen sharing options. 

We leave no stone unturned in exploring the upcoming features of the next generation of operating systems from Apple. Be it the new Standby feature for iPhones, the Stage Manager improvements for iPads or the ability to use an external camera for FaceTime, we've got the complete lowdown. So, gear up for an enlightening discussion!

Links from the show:

• Meta’s Threads Becomes the Most Quickly Downloaded App Ever
• macOS Sonoma Preview
• iPadOS 17 Preview
• iOS 17 Preview
• watchOS 10 Preview

Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!

Support the show

Contact Us

• Drop us a line at [email protected]
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
• Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!

• Review on Apple Podcasts
• Rate on Spotify
• Recommend in Overcast

Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen

• Apple Music
• Spotify

Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.

What if AI could replace your creativity? Discover the implications of artificial intelligence in education and creative fields as we sit down with graphic artist Benjamin Jancewicz and Dr. Devon Taylor, Ed.D., from Shenandoah University. Listen in as they share their insights into using AI in academia, supporting students, and preparing them for the workforce.

Explore the potential dangers of AI taking over creative work, the ethics of labor and automation, and the importance of teaching younger generations how to use AI as a tool. Our guests also discuss the positive side of AI, enabling more creative expression, and tackling bigger issues in the world. We dive into the complexities of AI and its impact on various industries, highlighting the essential role of the human element in this ever-evolving technological landscape.

As the use of AI continues to grow, we touch upon the potential implications of this technology in the 2024 US election, including the risks associated with deep fakes, imagery, and video manipulation. Join us for an engaging conversation that delves deep into the world of AI, creativity, and the future of our industries.

More from Benjamin:

Business: Zerflin.com, @Zerflin on all socials
Art: Art.Zerflin.com
Personal: BenJancewicz.com, @BenJancewicz on all socials

More from Devon:
Twitter
LinkedIn

Links from the show:

• A.I.: Actually Insipid Until It’s Actively Insidious
• ChatGPT Wrote (Most of) This Letter
• The People Onscreen Are Fake. The Disinformation Is Real.
• DALL-E 2 and Midjourney can be a boon for industrial designers
• Generative media won't kill creators — It’ll make a new type of creative.

More: Tom's site.

Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!

Support the show

Contact Us

• Drop us a line at [email protected]
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
• Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!

• Review on Apple Podcasts
• Rate on Spotify
• Recommend in Overcast

Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen

• Apple Music
• Spotify

Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.

In this episode:

• Did our wishes come true? (Only Tom’s!)
• MacBook Air 15”, updated Mac Studio, Mac Pro with Apple Silicon
• iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, macOS Sonoma, tvOS
• Apple Vision Pro 

Links from the show:

• 15” MacBook Air
• Mac Studio
• Mac Pro
• Apple Vision Pro
• First Impressions of Vision Pro and VisionOS
• Vision Pro: I just tried Apple’s first spatial computer, and here’s what I think
• Apple Vision Pro: Computing Without Borders
• Apple Vision Pro Impressions!
• WWDC Keynote on YouTube
• Moon Patrol, Celsius 7

Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!

Support the show

Contact Us

• Drop us a line at [email protected]
• You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky
• Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads
• Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks.
• Tom has a new YouTube channel
• Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design

Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating!

• Review on Apple Podcasts
• Rate on Spotify
• Recommend in Overcast

Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen

• Apple Music
• Spotify

Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness.