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 9 episodes available.

Mr. Fred's Tech Talks episodes:

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

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCoding
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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/
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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10min
September 15, 2025Large Language Models: Teaching the Parrot to Talk | AI Series Pt. 2
In Episode 7 of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, I dive deeper into Large Language Models (LLMs) and explore how they’re trained. Using the fun analogy of a parrot that never stops practicing, Mr. Fred explains the 9-step training pipeline: from collecting massive datasets and tokenizing text, to neurons, weights, backpropagation, GPUs, fine-tuning, and safety alignment...but in a LOW TECH JARGON way.

I’ll also talk about probability math, why LLMs don’t really “understand” but instead predict the most likely next word, like rolling loaded dice. Along the way, enjoy some nostalgic sound bites from movies and TV that connect the dots between memory, patterns, and AI.

🎧 Highlights:
The parrot analogy for LLMs
What AI “neurons” are (tiny math functions, not brain cells)
Why data quality and fine-tuning matter
Probability explained with dice and jokes
Tech Tip: Ask AI how it got its answer

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, student, or just curious about AI, this episode will give you a fun and clear view of how language models actually learn.
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!
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10min
September 08, 2025What Is Artificial Intelligence? The First Step to ChatGPT
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for science fiction anymore...it’s all around us. From Netflix recommending your next favorite show to Siri answering your questions, AI is already part of everyday life. But what is Artificial Intelligence, really?

In Episode 6 of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, I kick off a brand-new AI series that leads straight to ChatGPT. In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ The simple definition of Artificial Intelligence
✅ The difference between Narrow AI and General AI
✅ How algorithms act like recipes for machines
✅ Why machine learning is practice for computers
✅ The programming languages (Python, C++, CUDA) that bring Large Language Models to life
✅ How GPUs—the same graphics cards used in video games—make AI training possible

Whether you’re a student, parent, or teacher, this episode will help you understand how AI really works without the jargon. It’s the perfect first step into a series where we’ll dive deeper into Large Language Models and explore how tools like ChatGPT are changing the way we learn, work, and create.

Tune in now and subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode in this AI journey!
Learn more at GetMeCoding.com
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 01, 2025Teamwork, AI, and the LEGO Chicken Challenge
In Episode 5 of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we dive into the fun (and sometimes frustrating) world of teamwork with the LEGO Chicken Challenge.

This popular activity challenges teams to build a LEGO chicken—but with one big twist: the person who’s seen the design can’t touch the bricks, only describe it. The results are often hilarious, but the lessons are powerful: clear communication, trust, and collaboration matter more than ever.

Mr. Fred then connects this challenge to today’s world of artificial intelligence, where working with AI requires the same skills—clear instructions, teamwork, and creativity.

Highlights:
What the LEGO Chicken Challenge is and why it works so well in classrooms, clubs, and teams
How the challenge pushes us to communicate clearly and listen carefully
The connection between teamwork and how we collaborate with AI tools
3 big lessons: communication, collaboration, and confidence
Tech Tip: How to treat AI like a teammate in your next project

Try the LEGO Chicken Challenge for yourself! Visit GetMeCoding.com or the course at Courses.GetMeCoding.com.
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!
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14min
August 20, 2025Why Learn to Code? | Skills for Problem-Solving, Creativity, and the AI Era
"Why should you learn to code — especially now, when artificial intelligence can write code for you?

In Episode 4 of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we dig into the real reasons coding matters:
✅ Building problem-solving superpowers
✅ Unlocking creativity
✅ Opening career opportunities in any field

I’ll also share my favorite puzzle analogy for why coding is worth learning even if you never become a programmer and explain how it gives you an advantage when using AI tools.

Plus: this week’s Tech Tip to explore coding and AI at the same time.

Links & Resources:
Blog post: Why Learn to Code
Blog post: What Is Coding? (Episode 3)
Scratch with AI Extensions: https://resources.scratch.mit.edu/www/lessons/en/ScratchLearningResource_ScratchAILesson.pdf

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
August 12, 2025What Is Coding? A Simple Guide from Mr. Fred
Ever wondered what ‘coding’ actually means? In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we strip away the tech jargon and explain coding in a way that anyone can understand. You’ll learn how coding is like writing a recipe for a computer, discover where it shows up in your daily life, and explore the different ‘flavors’ of coding languages.

We’ll also share a Tech Tip of the Week to help you try coding today without installing a thing.

This episode is based on my GetMeCoding.com blog post ‘What is Coding?’, perfect for beginners of all ages. And stick around, because next time we’ll answer the big follow-up question: Why Learn to Code?

Links & Resources:
Blog post: What is Coding?
Try Microsoft MakeCode Arcade: https://arcade.makecode.com/
Visit Scratch: https://scratch.mit.edu
Ada Lovelace Book Review: https://www.getmecoding.com/ada-lovelace/
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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20min
August 01, 2025 Moonshots & Milestones: July’s Double Celebration
In this special July episode, I mark two momentous occasions: my own birthday and the anniversary of Apollo 11’s historic Moon landing. Join us as we highlight four surprising “nuggets” from the Apollo 11 guidance computer’s software -things you probably didn’t know. These are based on my deep-dive blog post. Learn how a 64 KB computer and real-time error recovery made lunar history, and discover how those lessons can supercharge your own coding projects.

👉 Read the full article:
https://www.getmecoding.com/the-apollo-11-software-4-things-you-probably-didnt-know/

👉 Watch the YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03cSAwOC8X0

Plus, stick around for our Tech Tip of the Day—“Learning from Legacy Code”
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
July 31, 2025 Launch Code: Welcome to Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks
In this kickoff episode, I introduce myself....a college professor-turned-tech tinkerer and introduce Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, the new podcast from GetMeCoding.com. You’ll learn what to expect from my bi-weekly 10 to 15 minute (a longer from time to time) bite-sized deep dives into coding, AI, and hands-on tech projects—without the jargon.

Plus, get a behind-the-scenes peek at our virtual coding camps, discover our “Tech Tip of the Day,” and find out how you can join the conversation and start building confidence in technology, one byte at a time.

Ready to dive deeper? Explore our full catalog of hands-on courses at courses.getmecoding.com, and turn your curiosity into real-world skills.
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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5min

FAQs about Mr. Fred's Tech Talks:

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

The podcast currently has 9 episodes available.