What are dark patterns online and how did the Trump campaign use them to trick supporters into donating millions more than they intended? Mike and John explain how to recognize when websites and other user interfaces have been engineered to trick or manipulate you into making choices you typically wouldn't. Most importantly, we discuss how to protect yourself from falling victim to dark patterns, even on seemingly trustworthy websites.

Heard of Twitch but still not sure what it is? And how are streamers making money on this platform? Mike and John speak with popular Twitch Streamer, Barnacules, to demystify Twitch and learn how you can make money on the platform. Spoiler alert: the platform is no longer just for gamers. 

Technology continues to create new opportunities across industries and the art world is no exception. With NFTs fuelling a crypto art boom, it's the perfect time for artists to embrace this new trend. Mike and John discuss how artists can create and mint their own NFTs by validating their information on the blockchain. Sound complicated? Not to worry, we'll demystify the process. 

NFTs are continuing to take the Internet by storm. We explain what they are, how they work, and how you can invest in them. We a discuss the environmental impact, which is bigger than you'd expect. 

We also speak with the CEO of a new startup revolutionizing the way electric vehicles, or EVs, are charged in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

The world is facing a computer chip shortage, dubbed Chipaggedon, that threatens the production of many popular consumer technology products. Melissa Chee, President and CEO of ventureLAB joins us to discuss how her company plans to help strengthen Canada's domestic hardware industry, instead of relying on imported chips. 

Don't forget to tune into next week's show when we learn about an innovative new approach to charging electric vehicles that can save drivers time. 

Looking for a new lockdown DIY project? The GetConnected team recently built a high-end custom gaming PC right in our studio. This week, our resident PC build expert joins us on the show to to discuss the build and what you need to know about building your own. 

Later in the show, we learn about cryptoart and why it's all the rage with investors, like Mark Cuban. 

The satellite technology behind Elon Musks Starlink internet service is cool, and it's bringing high-speed internet to users in remote areas in Canada and other parts of the world. But how does the service measure up for real users? Could it be the answer to bringing internet to every corner of the globe? Mike and John speak with one Canadian about his experience with the new broadband internet service. 

As we look to the light at the end of the tunnel of the pandemic, we'll continue to see new challenges and opportunities for both employees and employers. Looking beyond 2021, we'll likely see a move toward a hybrid work model where employees spend more time working remotely than they did before the pandemic, while still meeting in person from time to time. Speaking with Ed Rodriguez, General Manager for Canada of Citrix, makers of software solutions that enable enable remote and hybrid work models, we discuss how technology will support the new hybrid work model. 

As pandemic restrictions stretch on, many of us are working to build new workout routines. Aaron Fader, CEO of TUT Fitness joins Mike and John this week to introduce the company's revolutionary fitness tech, the TUT Trainer and TUT Rower. Developed in Canada, these devices offer an affordable full body workout at home with high intensity interval training (HIIT), resistance training, and time under tension training. Find out how TUT can change your home work outs and what the future holds for this innovative Canadian company as they take on giants in this space, like Peloton. 

Later in the show, we explore the the future of contactless payments with Mastercard. 

Almost a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have found ways to cope with restrictions and social isolation with the help of technology. In this episode of the GetConnected podcast, Dr. Ron Baecker, Professor Emeritus in Computer Science at the University of Toronto, joins us to discuss his new e-book "The COVID-19 Solutions Guide." He shares unique tips and insights for coping with life in the COVID era. 

Later in the show, Mike and John open up the mailbag and answer your tech questions!