Mr. Fred's Tech Talks

By Fred Aebli

Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks is your backstage pass to the world of coding, tinkering and technology made simple, fun, and family-friendly. Hosted by Mr. Fred (a former Marine officer turned college profe

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FAQs about Mr. Fred's Tech Talks:

How many episodes does Mr. Fred's Tech Talks have?

The podcast currently has 17 episodes available.

Mr. Fred's Tech Talks episodes:

February 22, 2026 Did AI Break the Final Exam? The Experiment That Won Best Track
What if the final exam is not broken because of AI, but because we never redesigned it for a world where AI exists?
In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, I share the story behind a classroom experiment I presented at an international conference. The session earned Best Track recognition, which was encouraging. More important, it confirmed something I almost talked myself out of trying.

Instead of banning AI, I redesigned my final exam to include it.

You will hear:
• Why traditional finals may not measure what matters anymore
• How I structured a two part exam with a foundational section and an open AI section
• What surprised me most about student behavior
• Why AI does not replace fundamentals, it reveals them
• How educators and parents can experiment without freezing

This episode is not about awards. It is about action. If you have an idea you have been overthinking, this may be your nudge to test it.
AI is not going away.

The question is whether we will design wisely around it.
CONNECT
Website: https://www.getmecoding.com
Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.com

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCoding
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11min
February 10, 2026Vibe Coding Explained for Everyone: Curiosity, Creativity, and Tech
What does it mean when people talk about “vibe coding”?

In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we take a human-centered look at vibe coding.....what the term means, where it came from, and why it resonates far beyond software development. You don’t need to be a programmer to follow along this episode.

Vibe coding describes a way of starting with curiosity, trying something small, and learning through feedback before everything is perfectly planned. It shows up in everyday life, from cooking and teaching to problem-solving and design.

We unpack:
What “vibe coding” really means in everyday terms
Where the term came from and why it took off
How experienced developers like Andrej Karpathy helped popularize the idea
Why understanding people and their needs still matters, even when you work loosely
How ideas get clearer after they exist, not before
Why cleaning things up later isn’t laziness, it’s part of the process

Along the way, we use relatable examples like cooking dinner, giving directions, and explaining games to show how creativity and structure naturally work together.
You’ll also get a simple, no-tech Build-Then-Explain Challenge you can try with kids, students, or coworkers to experience this mindset firsthand.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, leader, or lifelong tinkerer, this episode will help you rethink how learning and building really happen.
CONNECT
Website: https://www.getmecoding.com
Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.com

FOLLOW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCoding
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecoding
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCoding
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/
Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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18min
February 03, 2026Lost Tech Treasures: Yesterday’s Gadgets, Tomorrow’s Relics
What happens when yesterday’s cutting-edge technology becomes today’s forgotten artifact?

In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, Mr. Fred digs through the metaphorical (or maybe not) junk drawer of technology to uncover Lost Tech Treasures, old gadgets, habits, and tools that once shaped how we learned, tinkered, and problem-solved.

From floppy disks and dial-up internet to burned CDs and screen-free creativity, this episode explores what older technology forced us to understand—and what modern technology often hides behind sleek interfaces.

Then we flip the perspective and look ahead to Future Relics: the devices and habits we rely on today that may seem laughably outdated in just a few decades.
Along the way, Mr. Fred connects nostalgia to modern learning, curiosity, coding, and creativity especially for kids growing up in a world where technology increasingly “just works.”

This episode also brings back the Episode Tech Challenge, inviting listeners to rediscover old technology and reflect on what it taught us about thinking, building, and adapting.

Whether you grew up rewinding VHS tapes or handing kids an iPad, this episode is a reminder that technology changes but the mindset behind it shouldn’t.

The Lost Tech Treasure Challenge
Find an old piece of technology—a device, cable, disk, or gadget that’s no longer used.
Ask:
What problem was this solving?
What skills did it require to use?
What did it force people to understand?
Then flip it:
What replaces it today?
What skills are now hidden?
What might we be losing?
Bonus:
Have a kid explain modern tech to you—or explain old tech to a kid.
That conversation is the lesson.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow or subscribe to Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks so you don’t miss future conversations.

For hands-on coding ideas, tech challenges, toy guides, and ways to help kids think like creators not just consumers, visit GetMeCoding.com.
You can also follow along on social media for behind-the-scenes builds, experiments, and encouragement as we explore technology together.

Show Notes / Links
GetMeCoding Website: https://www.getmecoding.com
Courses & Workshops: https://courses.getmecoding.com
Podcast Page: https://www.getmecoding.com/podcast-mr-freds-tech-talks

CONNECT
Website: https://www.getmecoding.com
Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.com

FOLLOW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCoding
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecoding
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCoding
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/
Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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17min
January 28, 2026From Y2K to the Year 2038 Bug: When Time Breaks Computers | S2 Ep. 2
While cleaning out his office, Mr. Fred uncovers a 3.5-inch floppy disk labeled “Y2K Startup Disk”, a quiet reminder of a moment when computers around the world were about to be confused by time itself.

In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we revisit what the Y2K problem actually was, why it mattered, and how engineers addressed a design decision that had been quietly waiting to fail. From there, Mr. Fred connects that moment to the next major time-based computing challenge: the Year 2038 problem.

You’ll learn how Unix systems track time, why 32-bit limits matter, which systems could still be affected, and whether this issue is already being addressed. This episode is a thoughtful explainer for tech professionals, educators, students, and curious listeners who want to understand how past assumptions shape today’s technology.

Show Notes
In this episode, Mr. Fred explores how time can quietly break computers and what we can learn from it.
Topics include:
What a 3.5-inch floppy disk is and why it mattered
What the Y2K problem really was (and wasn’t)
Why early design shortcuts made sense at the time
How Unix systems store time
What the Year 2038 bug is and how it compares to Y2K
Which systems may still be affected
Whether engineers are already addressing the issue
A simple takeaway for younger listeners learning how computers work

This episode isn’t about fear, it’s about understanding systems, assumptions, and why good engineering means revisiting old decisions.
CONNECT
Website: https://www.getmecoding.com
Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.com

FOLLOW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCoding
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecoding
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCoding
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/
Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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13min
January 18, 2026The 2026 Coding Toy Idea Book: Where Play, Creativity, and AI Come Together
What makes a good coding toy in 2026?

Is it flashy tech… or something deeper?

In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, I walk parents, educators, and caregivers through the 2026 Coding Toy Idea Book which is a curated guide designed to help families choose tech toys that actually build creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills.

We talk about:
What separates real learning toys from gimmicks
How AI is quietly showing up in kids’ toys and how to introduce it safely
Why coding is about thinking, not screen time
How outdoor play and imagination support the same skills used in programming

This episode isn’t about buying the most expensive gadget.
It’s about choosing toys that grow with your child and creating space for curiosity, tinkering, and play.
Whether you’re shopping for the holidays or just trying to make sense of today’s tech-filled toy aisle, this episode will help you make confident, balanced choices.

🎁 Download the 2026 Coding Toy Idea Book
CONNECT
Website: https://www.getmecoding.com
Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.com

FOLLOW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCoding
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecoding
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCoding
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/
Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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16min
November 12, 2025 Passwords, Passphrases & Passkeys - The Next Generation of Login Security
Mr. Fred explains how we’re moving from passwords to passphrases ...and now to passkeys, the future of secure, password-free login. Learn how passkeys are stored, what end-to-end encryption really means, and how special hardware like TPM chips keeps your private keys safe. Plus, find out whether hackers are cracking the system (spoiler: they’re not).

Tech Tip: Explore passkeys in your device settings and try enabling one today.
CONNECT
Website: https://www.getmecoding.com
Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.com

FOLLOW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCoding
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecoding
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCoding
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/
Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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19min
October 13, 2025Oh Behave! Why We Click What We Click | Cybersecurity Awareness Month Special Ep. 11
This October, as the pumpkins glow and the phishing emails flow, Mr. Fred dives into the spooky side of cybersecurity!

In this Cybersecurity Awareness Month special, we explore the Oh Behave! 2025-2026 report from Cybsafe & The National Cybersecurity Alliance revealing how people say they care about online safety but still make haunting mistakes. From zombie passwords and overconfident Gen Z users to privacy fatalism and AI-powered scams, we’re breaking down the human side of cyber risk.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why awareness doesn’t always change behavior
How overconfidence makes Gen Z a hacker’s dream
What “privacy fatalism” is and how to beat it
Easy daily habits to boost your protection

Tech Tip of the Episode: “Brush Your Digital Teeth” — simple nightly habits that keep your data fresh and secure.

👉 Visit GetMeCoding.com for more resources and downloads.

Stay curious. Stay safe. And remember to think before you click!
CONNECT
Website: https://www.getmecoding.com
Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.com

FOLLOW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCoding
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecoding
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCoding
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/
Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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8min
October 08, 2025 AI Graduation Day: Your Questions Answered | AI Series Pt. 5
In this final episode of the five part AI mini-series, Mr. Fred tackles three real-world questions: how AI affects learning in schools, what it means for medicine, and whether your prompts actually train chatbots.

Hear clear answers about how AI tools are changing our world and how curiosity and creativity keep us ahead of the machines.

Download the Prompt Guide and graduate from AI user to AI thinker!
🎓 Grab the free Prompt Guide → getmecoding.com/prompt-guide
CONNECT
Website: https://www.getmecoding.com
Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.com

FOLLOW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCoding
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecoding
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCoding
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/
Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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12min
September 29, 2025Prompting with Precision: Sharpening Your AI Skills | AI Series Pt. 4
In Episode 9 of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we continue our AI mini-series by tackling one of the most important skills you can build: prompting with precision.

Just like following a software specification or a cybersecurity checklist, details matter. Mr. Fred shares a story from his days navigating with topographic maps and a lensatic compass, proving that clarity and focus have always been survival tools.

We’ll break down the CRAFT acronym for effective prompting:
Clear – Be specific with your request.
Role – Give AI a perspective.
Add Details – Context strengthens results.
Format – Shape how output is delivered.
Tweak – Refine until it’s right.

Along the way, we add some nostalgic soundbites (yes, even Bill and Ted get a cameo) to make it fun and memorable.

This Episode’s Tech Tip: Treat every prompt like a specification document—precision pays off.
CONNECT
Website: https://www.getmecoding.com
Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.com

FOLLOW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCoding
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecoding
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCoding
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/
Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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11min
September 22, 2025How Do Large Language Models Learn? | AI Series Pt. 3
How does ChatGPT actually learn? In Episode 8 of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we go behind the curtain to explore how Large Language Models are trained and why the process isn’t as magical as it looks.

You’ll discover:
How Large Language Models train step by step, billions of rounds of “guess the next word.”
Why tokens are the LEGO bricks of AI learning.
How GPUs, servers, and warehouse-sized data centers form the backbone of AI training.
A simple library analogy that makes servers easy to understand.
What happens when training goes wrong: bias, hallucinations, and overfitting.

AI isn’t just software, it’s powered by huge amounts of energy, specialized hardware, and careful fine-tuning by humans. And while it’s powerful, it’s not perfect. These systems don’t “think” like we do they predict patterns, one token at a time.

💡 Tech Tip of the Episode: Try asking ChatGPT/CoPilot/Gemini/Grok etc. a simple question, then twist it:
“Who was the first person to walk on the moon?” → Neil Armstrong
“Who was the first person to walk on the sun?” → Watch how it tries to answer the impossible.

This little experiment shows why AI can amaze us one moment and confuse us the next.

Join me in Episode 8 to learn how AI models are trained, what really happens inside data centers, and why understanding this matters for parents, teachers, and anyone curious about the future of technology.
CONNECT
Website: https://www.getmecoding.com
Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.com

FOLLOW
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCoding
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecoding
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCoding
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/
Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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10min

FAQs about Mr. Fred's Tech Talks:

How many episodes does Mr. Fred's Tech Talks have?

The podcast currently has 17 episodes available.