You didn't hand over your life to big tech, but your smart devices did it for you. In this episode, Kurt breaks down the five most alarming privacy clauses buried inside the smart home gadgets most of us already own: your TV, your Ring doorbell, your Amazon Echo, and yes, even your car. The revelations are infuriating — and most of it was turned on by default the moment you plugged in. The good news? Kurt walks you through exactly how to shut every single one of these down, step by step, without getting rid of any of your devices.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• How your smart TV is watching what you watch and selling it to advertisers in real time
• Why your Ring doorbell has built a detailed map of your daily routine — including when you leave for work
• What it means that real Amazon employees can listen to recordings from inside your home
• How one automaker was logging your vehicle speed 25 times per second — and selling it to your insurance company
• Why your Amazon Echo has been saving every conversation you've had since the day you bought it
• How to turn off smart TV tracking on Roku and Samsung in under two minutes
• The exact steps to lock down your Ring app, delete your Alexa history, and opt out of car data sharing
• Why these devices are priced so low — and what you're actually paying with

Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.

Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.

Dorothy Rhode got a text that looked exactly like a legitimate Apple Pay fraud alert. She called the number in the message, and the man who answered already knew her name, her address, and which banks she used. 

He told her she'd been targeted by corrupt bank employees, that he was working with the FBI and FDIC, and that she needed to pull $15,000 in cash immediately and tell no one. She got in her car and drove to the bank. What happened next is the reason she's telling this story. Kurt breaks down how this scam works, why even sharp people fall for it, and exactly what to do if it happens to you.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How a text message that looks completely real can be the opening move of a $15,000 scam

• Why scammers already know your name, address, and bank before they call you — and how to stop that

• What to say to a bank teller if you ever feel something's wrong, even mid-transaction

• How to set a daily withdrawal limit on your account so scammers can't drain it even if they get in

• Why hanging up without saying a word is almost always your best defense

• How to filter unknown callers and unknown text senders on your iPhone so scam messages never reach you

• Why the "Do Not Call Registry" does nothing — and what actually works instead

• What real red flags look like: urgency, secrecy, and any request involving cash

Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.

Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail. 

In this episode of Beyond Connected, we dive deep into the world of AI-powered toys and the risks they pose for children. AI companies insist their chatbots aren’t meant for kids, yet third-party developers are creating toys that put these chatbots directly into the hands of children. RJ Cross, a researcher from the Public Interest Research Group PIRG joins the show to uncover the loopholes, risks, and what parents need to know.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are not designed for children, yet appear in toys.

• How third-party developers exploit loopholes to insert AI into toys without proper safeguards.

• Real examples of AI toys giving dangerous instructions or engaging in inappropriate conversations.

• The lack of transparency around AI models and privacy policies leaves parents in the dark.

• How revenue incentives drive companies to allow AI in kids’ toys despite safety risks.

• The role of legislators, lobbyists, and potential solutions like citizen tech oversight boards.

• Practical takeaways for parents: how to evaluate AI toys, identify risks, and protect children.

Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.

Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail. 

Today on Beyond Connected, we’re answering your biggest cybersecurity questions - from suspicious texts to deepfake scams and outdated computers.

Are you unknowingly putting your personal data at risk? Let’s break it all down.

• Is this text message a scam? Here’s how to find out.

• Is a dedicated financial computer a smart idea? If you do it right, yes!

• How do I saved my loved one from a deepfake impersonation or romance scam? This one’s tricky...I’ll walk you through it.

• Shouldn’t the FTC help with these impersonation scams? Yes, but it’s not that simple.

• How do I know if my computer is too old? I’ve got a nifty list you can reference to find out if your operating system is too old. And if it is, you may be at risk. 

Thanks for sending in these fantastic questions! If you have a question about data privacy, technology, cybersecurity, or scams, feel free to leave us a message! Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail. 

Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.

In this episode of Beyond Connected, we speak with Chrisanna Elser, whose life took a shocking turn when a police officer knocked on her door and accused her of stealing a package from a nearby home.

Lucky for her, she was the perfect person to fight this kind of case. Using footage from her dash cam, surveillance systems, and even her Google Timeline, she quickly assembled the evidence to prove her innocence. 

What began as a simple misunderstanding quickly revealed deeper questions about how surveillance technology is used, how much we rely on it, and what happens when the system gets it wrong.

In this episode, we explore

• How license plate reader technology identified the wrong person

• What happened when police refused to review evidence that proved innocence

• How personal technology helped build a defense

• The surprising role of Google Timeline in clearing her name

• Why surveillance tools need guardrails and oversight

• The hidden risks of modern surveillance technology

• What you should do to protect yourself if technology falsely accuses you

Chrisanna’s story raises a powerful question for the digital age.

If technology can be used to accuse you, should you also be using technology to defend yourself?

Watch the full conversation to hear how one woman turned the tables on a false accusation and what we can all learn about privacy, surveillance and digital evidence.

Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to ⁠www.getbeyondconnected.com⁠ to find the show on other platforms.

Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.

What would it feel like to perform a duet with your 14-year-old self?

In this episode, we sit down with entertainment icon Donny Osmond to talk about the surreal experience of sharing the Las Vegas stage with an AI powered digital version of himself. Using archival photos, voice samples from his teenage years, and next-generation stage technology, Donny is literally performing with his younger self in front of a live audience.

But this conversation goes far beyond nostalgia. 

Donny isn’t just embracing new technology, he truly understands it. From AI and digital twins to fan apps and social media strategy, he’s deeply engaged with the tools shaping hte future of entertainment. It’s a fascinating look at how a legendary performer continues to reinvent himself in a world powered by technology.

We dive deep into AI ethics, artist rights, deepfake risks, fan apps, social media, space travel, and what it really means to reinvent yourself in the digital age.

This is a masterclass in staying relevant in a world powered by AI.

If you care about technology, creativity, AI ethics, digital twins, celebrity reinvention, or the future of entertainment, this one is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• How AI recreated 14-year-old Donny for a live Vegas show

• The technology behind the holobox stage illusion

• The ethics of AI in music and protecting artists

• Whether AI is helping or hurting creative industries

• Launching a dedicated fan app instead of relying only on social media

• Thoughts on space travel and modern tech billionaires

• Favorite gadgets, security upgrades, and smart home privacy

Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.

Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.

In this powerful episode of Beyond Connected, we sit down with wellness icon Susan Powter for one of the most raw and inspiring conversations we've ever had. After disappearing from the spotlight at the height of her fame, Susan opens up about financial collapse, exploitation, isolation, and surviving rock bottom.

And there's one huge reason why this story belongs on our show: technology did not destroy her life. It helped save it.

This episode is about how digital platforms, technological autonomy, and direct to audience technology allowed Susan to rebuild her identity, income, and voice in a world that had moved on without her.

This is not just a comeback story. It is a survival story powered by the internet.

In this episode, we explore:

• How Susan started her viral infomercial career

• Why she walked away at the height of her fame

• How gig economy tech was her lifeline for years

• The creator economy as a tool for independence and ownership

• Turning audience connection into digital ownership

• Why technology can be a tool for survival not distraction

Susan shares how she now uses TikTok, Instagram, podcasts, digital storefronts, and direct distribution to own her work, control her content, and rebuild on her terms.

"Stop the Insanity: Finding Susan Powter," executive produced by Jamie Lee Curtis, is now streaming on Amazon Prime. And her new book "And Then Em Died..." is available on Amazon for purchase. 

Follow Susan on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/susanpowter/?hl=en

Follow Susan on Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@susanpowter

Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.

Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.

Chapters

0:30 - Intro

2:00 - Stop the Insanity

3:25 - Welcome Susan Powter

5:10 - How Susan Got Started

7:16 - Behind-the-Scenes Issues

7:55 - Susan Walked Away

8:51 - The Original Influencer

9:36 - Celebrity Encounter

10:57 - Joan Rivers' Influence

12:22 - Susan's New Documentary

15:23 - Hitting Rock Bottom

18:31 - Susan's Energy Saved Her

20:22 - Reclaiming Her Voice 

21:39 - New Doc Opening Doors

22:12 - How Susan Stayed Fit

23:51 - New Tech Fueled Comeback

24:40 - Inside Susan's New Book

Online scams are evolving fast, and everyday people are paying the price.

In this episode, we invited Philip Martin, the Chief Security Officer at Coinbase, to chat about cybersecurity best practices and how to avoid the proliferation of scams online. We dig into how modern cybercrime actually works, from password reuse and data breaches to bank impersonation scams and social engineering attacks. You'll even hear a real-world story of a bank fraud scam that used two-factor authentication manipulation, identity theft tactics, and psychological pressure to steal money in minutes.

We explore how technology, AI, and cryptocurrency are changing the cybersecurity landscape, and why blockchain transparency is actually a threat to criminals, especially in the highly-publicized kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie. 

In this episode, you will learn:

• How scammers use leaked passwords and data breaches to access bank accounts
• Why reusing passwords is one of the biggest cybersecurity risks today
• How bank impersonation scams and social engineering actually work
• Why you should never trust inbound calls or texts about your finances
• How two-factor authentication can protect you and how it can be exploited
• The safest ways to verify calls from banks and financial institutions
• Why password managers are essential for online security
• How authenticator apps and security keys improve digital safety
• How blockchain transactions are traceable and used in cybercrime investigations
• The role of law enforcement, data privacy, and digital forensics in stopping fraud

This episode is a must-watch for anyone who uses online banking, mobile payments, cryptocurrency, social media, or digital services.

If you care about cybersecurity, online scams, identity theft, data privacy, and protecting your digital life, this conversation is for you.

Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.

Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.

Chapters

0:30 - Intro

3:41 - Scams Are #1 Threat

4:18 - Impersonation Scams 

6:56 - Everyone is Vulnerable

7:31 - Call Your Bank Directly 

9:28 - Good Password Etiquette

10:39 - Use Password Managers

11:24 - Use Authentication Apps

12:04 - Consider a Security Key

13:58 - Authentication Apps 101

14:38 - Antivirus Recommendations

15:41 - Simplify Your Computer

16:10 - Nancy Guthrie Case

16:53 - Crypto is Transparent

18:58 - Is Crypto Traceable?

What really happens when a school decides to take smartphones out of students' hands?

In this episode, we sit down with an education leader who made a bold move 2 years ago: removing smartphones from the school day. What followed was a huge increased in student focus, connection, and a complete shift in student culture.

This is a real conversation about technology, attention, parenting, education, and how digital habits are shaping the next generation.

If you care about tech, privacy, kids, mental health, learning, or modern digital life, this episode will change how you see screens forever.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why smartphones were hurting learning and focus in school
  
  

• How schools can convince parents and students to get on board
  
  

• How phone-free policies reduce gossip, anxiety, and conflict
  
  

• What changed in student engagement and attention
  
  

• How schools can implement phone-free policies without chaos
  
  

• The impact on student confidence and self-esteem
  
  

• What parents are really saying about phone-free schools
  
  

• How technology can support learning without controlling it 

Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.

Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail. 

Chapters

(0:30) - Intro

(2:45) - Meet Lori Kennedy 

(5:15) - Student Engagement Down

(5:33) - Researching & Planning

(7:55) - Enforcing the Rule

(10:30) - How Parents Reacted 

(11:20) - How Students Reacted

(12:30) - Did it Work?

(14:30) - Less Bullying & Gossip

(15:50) - Policy Attracting New Kids

(16:50) - How Do I Implement This Rule?

Online scams are exploding and identity theft at an unprecedented rate. In this episode of Beyond Connected, I'm breaking down five common myths about identity theft and explaining how scammers easily manipulate people using personal data, technology, and psychological pressure.

This conversation dives into how cybercrime actually works today and why smart, careful people are still getting scammed every day.

 In this episode, you will learn: 

• Why identity theft usually starts quietly, with personal data you did not realize was public

• How data brokers collect, sell, and resell your information without you noticing

• Why not being part of a major data breach does not mean you are safe

• How scammers use urgency, fear, and familiarity to trick victims into acting fast

• Why retirees and families are among the most targeted groups for online scams

• The truth about credit monitoring and what it does and does not protect

• How strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and data removal services reduce risk

• Why removing your information from data broker sites is one of the most powerful defenses

• How deepfakes, voice cloning, and AI are making scams more convincing than ever. 

If you care about cybersecurity, online scams, data privacy, identity theft protection, or how technology is shaping your digital life, this episode is a must-listen.

 Enjoying the show? Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe. Head over to www.getbeyondconnected.com to find the show on other platforms.

 Have a question for Kurt? Call 877-655-KURT and leave a voicemail.