Marty and Will check up on his travels and talk about how and what to download content to take with you when you travel.

General Tips for Offline Entertainment • Download Before Departure: Always prep your content the night before traveling while connected to Wi-Fi.

• Check Storage: Make sure you have enough storage space—especially for video and map files.

• Use Cloud/Device Syncing: Sync across devices if using multiple ones—e.g., download audiobooks on both your phone and tablet.

• Think Diversely: Mix media types—movies, podcasts, books, games—for flexibility depending on your energy or mood.

• Use Airplane Mode Early: Test downloaded media while still on Wi-Fi to make sure it’s accessible offline.

Video and Streaming Services

Netflix – https://www.netflix.com

Amazon Prime Video – https://www.primevideo.com

Disney+ – https://www.disneyplus.com

YouTube Premium – https://www.youtube.com/premium

Podcasts and Audiobooks

Pocket Casts – https://www.pocketcasts.com

Overcast – https://www.overcast.fm

Audible – https://www.audible.com

Libby by OverDrive – https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby

Ebooks and Reading Material

Kindle App – https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/fd/kcp

Apple Books – https://www.apple.com/apple-books/

Maps and Navigation Tools

Google Maps – https://www.google.com/maps

Gaia GPS – https://www.gaiagps.com

HERE WeGo – https://wego.here.com

Other Offline Fun Apple Arcade – https://www.apple.com/apple-arcade/

Good Sudoku / Mini Metro / Monument Valley – Games that are small in size but high on engagement during downtime.

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July 11–13, 2025

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Marty and Will talk about Will’s extended stay and how he is managing food on a budget. Apps and ideas for getting good food that is reasonable while traveling.

Essential Food Apps for Travelers

While Yelp, DoorDash, and Uber Eats are popular choices, consider these additional apps to enhance your food experience:

HappyCow: Ideal for vegetarians and vegans seeking plant-based dining options worldwide. - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/happycow-vegan-food-near-you/id435871950

Too Good To Go: Discover surplus food from local restaurants at discounted prices, reducing food waste and saving money. - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/too-good-to-go-end-food-waste/id1060683933

AroundMe: Quickly locate nearby restaurants, cafes, and other points of interest based on your current location. - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aroundme/id290051590

Highway Dining: Find restaurants along your driving route, helping you plan meal stops efficiently. - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/highway-dining/id564396379

LocalEats: Focuses on locally owned restaurants, offering curated lists of top dining spots across the U.S. - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/local-eats-deliveries/id1207860698

Meal Planning and Preparation Tips

Pre-Trip Meal Prep: Prepare and freeze meals like meatballs or casseroles before your trip. Transport them in a cooler for easy reheating upon arrival.

Pack Smart Snacks: Bring along high-protein and high-fiber snacks such as trail mix, granola bars, and cut vegetables to keep hunger at bay. 

Utilize Accommodations: If staying in a hotel or Airbnb with a kitchen, plan simple meals to cook, reducing the need to eat out for every meal.

Grocery Store Stops: Upon arrival, visit a local grocery store to stock up on essentials, allowing for healthier and more cost-effective meals.

Packing Essentials for Food on the Go

Cooler or Insulated Bag: Keeps perishable items fresh during transit.

Reusable Containers: Ideal for storing leftovers or prepped meals.

Portable Utensils: Compact forks, spoons, and knives for meals on the go.

Travel-Friendly Appliances: Consider a small blender or electric kettle for quick meal prep. (Meal Planning for Travelers)

Embracing Local Cuisine

Research Ahead: Identify must-try local dishes and reputable eateries before your trip.

Balance is Key: Enjoy indulgent local foods in moderation, complemented by healthier meals.

Cultural Experiences: Engage in local cooking classes or food tours to immerse

yourself in the culinary culture.

Additional Resources

Healthy Eating on the Go: A Guide to Dining Out, Traveling, and More

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/healthy-eating-on-the-go

Vacation Meal Prep: How To Have Fun, Eat Healthy (And Save Money)

https://workweeklunch.com/vacation-meal-prep/

Meal Planning for Travelers: Six Ways to Stay Healthy on the Go

https://dhwblog.dukehealth.org/meal-planning-for-travelers-six-ways-to-stay-healthy-on-the-go/

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Marty and Will cover packing list apps to assist you putting together your travel gear, but start with Will’s extended stay in a hotel for work.

Key Features of Packing List Apps:

Customization:
Many apps allow you to create custom lists based on your trip details, including location, dates, and activities. 

Automatic List Generation:
Some apps can automatically generate packing lists based on your destination, weather, and planned activities. 

Categorization:
Apps often organize items into categories (e.g., clothing, electronics, toiletries) for easy organization. 

Checklists:
You can check off items as you pack, ensuring nothing is forgotten. 

Sharing:
Many apps allow you to share your packing lists with others, like travel companions. 

App Suggestions for Packing Organization

Packr - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/packr-travel-packing-list/id1208312901 

PackPoint (iOS/Android) - packpnt.com

Best for: Automated packing lists based on weather, length of stay, and planned activities.

Why it’s helpful: Makes packing almost foolproof by using trip context to build your list.

PackTeo - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.createo.packteo 

TripList (iOS) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-trip-list/id1586213948 

Best for: Visual list-makers and repeat travelers.

Why it’s helpful: Reusable lists streamline future travel.

Google Keep / Apple Notes (Cross-platform) - keep.google.com

Best for: Simplicity and syncing.

Why it’s helpful: Easy, no-frills solution that many already use.

Things 3 / Todoist (iOS/Android/macOS) - culturedcode.com

Best for: Packing as part of a broader task management system.

LuggageHero - luggagehero.com

Why it’s helpful: Find a secure place to leave your luggage for a few hours.

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You save 50$ with using the discount code “PODTALK50”

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Will is headed on another trip and he and Marty talk about how to manage hotel wifi safely.

Websites

Is Hotel Wi-Fi Safe? How To Stay Secure While Traveling

https://www.aura.com/learn/is-hotel-wi-fi-safe

Stay Safe on Hotel WiFi: Best Practices for Data Protection

https://www.getroamify.com/blogs/stay-safe-on-hotel-wifi-best-practices-for-data-protection/

How to use public Wi-Fi safely: 5 things to know before you connect

https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-use-public-wi-fi-safely/ 

Protect your web browsing with iCloud Private Relay on iPhone

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph499d287c2/ios 

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Where to Find Us

Podcasts on all major podcast platforms

Video and podcasts on: https://YouTube.com/@GUAGPodcast

More shows at: https://www.thepodtalk.net

Will and Marty cut another ride home from the airport episode with back-and-forth trivia.

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Will is taking another trip so that means a in the car recording. We do travel tech trivia during the ride.

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Will and Marty talk about headphones and earbuds for traveling situations. 

Things to Consider When Choosing Headphones/Earbuds for Travel

Noise Cancellation

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Great for flights and loud environments.

Passive Noise Isolation: Helps in lower-noise settings.

Comfort & Fit

Over-ear vs. in-ear: Which is more comfortable for long periods?

Do they come with different ear tip sizes or memory foam tips?

Portability

Foldable design or compact charging case.

Space they take up in a carry-on or personal item.

Battery Life

For earbuds: Total battery life with case + per charge.

For headphones: Hours per charge, quick charge options.

Can they last an international flight?

Sound Quality

Balance between bass, treble, and mids.

Custom EQ profiles or presets available?

Microphone Quality

Good for calls or voice memos during travel.

Background noise filtering for clearer calls.

Bluetooth & Connectivity

Multipoint support (connect to phone + laptop simultaneously).

Strong connection in crowded environments like airports.

Wired Option / Adapter

Can they be used with airplane entertainment systems (3.5mm jack)?

Included adapters or cables?

Durability

How well do they hold up to being tossed in a bag?

Are they sweat- or water-resistant?

Smart Features

Auto-pause when removed.

Touch controls vs. physical buttons.

Voice assistant integration (e.g., Siri, Google Assistant).

Price vs. Value

Budget-friendly options vs. premium travel features.

Warranty and brand reputation.

Security / Risk of Loss

Easier to lose (earbuds) vs. harder to misplace (headphones).

Tracking via app (e.g., Find My for AirPods).

Style & Aesthetics

Discreet for travel or do you prefer bold design?

Neutral colors that don’t attract attention in transit.

SITES

Marty’s Choices

Bone Conduction Shokz Open Run Pro 2 (180$)
https://shokz.com/pages/openrunpro2 

Earbuds
Apple AirPod Pro 2 (249$)

https://www.apple.com/airpods-pro/ 

AirPods 4 (129$)

https://www.apple.com/airpods-4/ 

Over the ear HeadphonesBose Active Noise Cancelation

https://www.bose.com/c/headphones/noise-cancelling

Apple Airpod Max
https://www.apple.com/airpods-max/

Loop Switch 2

https://us.loopearplugs.com/collections/all 

Will’s Choices

Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Stealth-Wireless-Multiplatform-Amplified-Headset/dp/B0DB9HZVZV/

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/swarm-ii/id6468891260

Sony XM5 (XM4 replacement)

https://electronics.sony.com/audio/headphones/headband/p/wh1000xm5-b

Hyper X Cloud II

hyperx-cloud-ii

Earbuds
Apple AirPod Pro 2 (249$)

https://www.apple.com/airpods-pro/ 

Pixel Buds II ($179)

https://a.co/d/hVF40R5 

Walker Ear Buds

https://a.co/d/8IIbavG 

SITES for Reviews

Headphone Reviews 

https://www.techgearlab.com/t/headphones 

How to Choose the Right Pair of Earbuds and Headphones

https://www.techgearlab.com/topics/audio/best-earbuds/buying-advice

The 14 Best Earbuds of 2025

https://www.techgearlab.com/topics/audio/best-earbuds 

The 5 Best Over Ear Headphones 

https://www.techgearlab.com/topics/audio/best-over-ear-headphones 

The 4 Best Gaming Headsets of 2025

https://www.techgearlab.com/topics/audio/best-gaming-headset 

Macstock

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July 11,12, 13 

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Marty and Will record a show in the car coming back from the airport. Marty describes the tech he used and didn’t use on this trip.  

DJI Mic Mini

https://www.dji.com/mic-mini

Plaud recording devices

Plaud.ai 

Simo Solis 5G hotspot

https://soliswifi.co/products/solis-5g-hotspot-power-bank

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Marty and Will talk about the usefulness of VPNs and their experiences with them.

Security and Privacy 

Look for a strict no-logs policy and strong AES-256 encryption.

Choose VPNs that support secure protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN.

Essential features: kill switch and DNS leak protection.

Server Network 

A large number of servers across many countries ensures better access and speed.

Make sure they have servers in regions relevant to your needs (e.g., US for Netflix).

Speed and Performance 

Look for VPNs known for fast, stable connections, especially if streaming or gaming.

WireGuard protocol often offers the best speed-to-security balance.

Streaming and Torrenting 

Confirm support for major streaming services and P2P file sharing.

Some VPNs offer optimized servers for these tasks.

Device Compatibility 

Should support all major platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux.

Check how many devices can connect simultaneously.

Ease of Use and Support 

Simple setup and clean user interface are key.

24/7 customer support and clear guides are helpful for troubleshooting.

Pricing and Value 

Look for reasonable long-term plans with a money-back guarantee.

Be cautious of free VPNs unless they're reputable (e.g., ProtonVPN).

Trust and Transparency 

Prioritize services with strong reputations and independent security audits.

Transparency reports and third-party reviews add credibility.

SITES

Everything You Need to Know About VPNs and How They Work

https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/what-is-a-vpn/ 

Best VPN Service for 2025: Our Top Pick in a Tight Race

https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn/ 

The best VPN service in 2025 

https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-vpn 

About iCloud Private Relay

https://support.apple.com/en-us/102602 

Set up iCloud Private Relay on all your deviceso

https://support.apple.com/guide/icloud/set-up-icloud-private-relay-mm7dc25cb68f/icloud 

Macstock

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Will and Marty talk about mobile hotspot devices and how we’ve used them when traveling.

Top 5 Portable wifi hotspots

https://bestconsumerinsight.com/top-portable-wifi-hotspots/ 

Top 8 portable wifi hotspots

https://www.monito.com/en/wiki/best-portable-wifi-hotspot-for-travel 

LEO Options Starlink, visat, oneweb

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/starlink-mini-kit-ac-dual-band-wi-fi-system-white/6589861.p 

Traveling Soon? Here's How to Get Secure, Free Wi-Fi Anywhere

https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/get-free-wifi-while-traveling

Marty’s Solis 5G device (mentioned in episode)

https://soliswifi.co/products/solis-5g-hotspot-power-bank 

Macstock 9 - 2025

https://macstockconferenceandexpo.com/ 

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