🎙️ Episode 006: Focus, Flights, and Flip Phones

In this jam-packed episode of On the Desk of Brian, I explore the fine balance between classroom engagement and cell phone use, how to actually save money while traveling, and what’s going on in Arizona sports — from Suns contract updates to the Diamondbacks’ playoff hopes and ASU’s standout quarterback move.

You’ll also hear:

• 📱 A no-nonsense breakdown of how one high school is successfully limiting cell phone distractions.

• ✈️ Common travel mistakes that cost you more than they save — and how to avoid them.

• 🏀 Suns’ big money moves and roster reshuffling.

• ⚾️ Dbacks trade deadline drama.

• 🏈 A feel-good story from Arizona State football.

• 🍎 A recap of my time at Macstock 9, plus some love for the Apple tech community.

• 🤖 A productivity tip that will make you rethink how you give feedback.

• 📺 Streaming picks: the spy-thriller Slow Horses and the dark drama Hand of God — plus a curious lack of iPhones in the latter.

And don’t miss this week’s satirical “Not a Sponsor” commercial — a cheeky jab at classroom cellphone chaos.

Whether you’re here for the insight or the entertainment, there’s something for everyone on this week’s desk.

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Sources:

Education:

https://www.edweek.org/technology/how-one-principal-got-kids-to-pay-attention-in-class/2025/07

Economics:

https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/common-mistakes-people-make-when-theyre-trying-to-save-money-on-their-vacation

Sports:

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/devin-booker-contract-suns-star-agrees-to-two-year-max-extension-worth-up-to-145-million-per-report/

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45755171/bradley-beal-agrees-buyout-suns-join-clippers

https://arizonasports.com/character-counts-blogs/asu-sam-leavitt/3590606/

Productivity:

https://www.levelman.com/why-constant-correction-backfires-and-what-to-do-instead/

Technology:

https://macstockconferenceandexpo.com

https://www.formaceyesonly.com/2025/07/19/for-mac-eyes-only-454-reaction-time-macstock-9-rewind/

Entertainment:

https://tv.apple.com/us/show/slow-horses/umc.cmc.2szz3fdt71tl1ulnbp8utgq5o

https://www.amazon.com/Hand-Of-God-Season-1/dp/B08B49FXST

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If you would like to support my work, please consider becoming a patron on patreon.com/brian8944 

If you liked what you heard today, please be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss any episodes.  If you want to find me between episodes, I am often on MacVoices Live, which records on Tuesday evenings 8PM eastern, 5PM pacific.

Please visit my website, brian8944.com so you can keep up with all my ongoing and upcoming projects.  You can also contact me there with any feedback you may have.

📌 Episode Summary:

In this episode of On the Desk of Brian, we explore the intersection of education, economics, and entertainment—with a dash of sports & satire for good measure.

🧠 Education & AI

We dive into Sarah Hernholm’s Forbes article on the growing AI education gap. With most schools lacking clear policies on AI use, Brian reflects on the need for better training and professional development for both educators and students to navigate emerging technologies responsibly.

💰 Economics Spotlight

A closer look at the unintended consequences of “Buy American” campaigns. We examine the trade-offs between domestic job growth & higher consumer prices, & reflect on global examples like France’s nationalist food policies and Renault/Nissan merger drama.

🥣 Not a Sponsor: Freedom Flakes

Introducing our latest satirical ad segment—Freedom Flakes, the overpriced, proudly domestic breakfast cereal that’s subsidized by nostalgia. It’s the most American way to overpay for corn.

🏀 NBA Draft Recap

Brian breaks down the Suns’ recent draft moves, promising, & the head-scratching tradition of wrong draft-night hats that ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt wants fixed.

⚾ Diamondbacks & Chase Field

Arizona makes headlines with a $1.2B upgrade plan for Chase Field, while the team hovers around .500 and battles injuries.

🏈 NFL Offseason Favorite

Brian highlights the Insider Inbox, a Packers fan’s paradise of offbeat football Q&A. A must-read for any NFL fan in the offseason.

🖥️ Tech Tools: Setapp Picks

Brian shares three standout apps from his Setapp subscription:

• CleanMyMac: declutter and secure your Mac

• Paste: a robust clipboard manager

• KeyCue: keyboard shortcut wizardry for power users

✅ Productivity Tip

Fast Company’s article on the 3 cognitive habits of high performers - actionable advice for anyone looking to level up their workflow.

📺 Streaming Updates

• Strange New Worlds (Paramount+), Season 3 warps in July 17

• Foundation (Apple TV+), Season 3 debuts July 11

• The Bear (Hulu), Season 4 serves up emotional storytelling in Chicago’s finest kitchen

🎮 Xbox Shakeups

Unfortunately, Microsoft is making major cuts across its gaming division, cancelling multiple titles and shuttering studios. Brian breaks down the news and shares concern for the creatives affected.

🔗 Stay Connected

Like what you heard? Subscribe & visit brian8944.com to follow all of Brian’s latest projects, or reach out with feedback and ideas.

🎧 Thanks for listening!

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahhernholm/2025/06/27/the-ai-education-gap-why-schools-need-policies-now/

https://fee.org/articles/economic-nationalism-means-empty-wallets/

https://www.nba.com/news/2025-nba-draft-order

https://www.si.com/media/espn-scott-van-pelt-nba-draft-hats

https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/governor-hobbs-signs-12-billion-funding-bill-for-chase-field-d-backs-ceo-tells-12news-that-big-changes-are-ahead-for-fans-arizona/75-f2ddcc7a-5d8b-43c1-9bab-f236b489eb8c

https://www.packers.com/news/insider-inbox

https://setapp.com/pricing

https://www.fastcompany.com/91344976/3-cognitive-habits-of-people-who-get-things-done-cognitive-habits-high-achievers

https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/streaming/paramount-plus-with-showtime-is-dead-meet-paramount-plus-premium

https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/star-trek-strange-new-worlds/news/1010940/star-trek-strange-new-worlds-season-3-release-date-cast/

https://parade.com/tv/foundation-season-3-apple-tv

https://www.tvinsider.com/1161552/the-bear-season-4-trailer-premiere-date-cast-plot/

https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-cancels-at-least-three-xbox-games-guts-forza-studio-and-shuts-down-another/

https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-makes-significant-layoffs-across-gaming-division-xbox-boss-phil-spencer-confirms-in-memo-to-staff

You & I both get a free month of Setapp with a paid subscription:

https://go.setapp.com/invite/f12ydwun 

Please consider becoming a patron on patreon.com/brian8944 

In this episode of On the Desk of Brian, Brian dives into the growing impact of AI in education, including how colleges are bringing back Blue Books to combat AI-assisted cheating and how K-12 teachers are using AI as a thought partner to enhance classroom learning. In the economics segment, Brian reviews creative ways parents can teach kids about money management, including comparison shopping, lemonade stands, and understanding brands vs. ownership.

Sports fans get updates on the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, trade discussion surrounding Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns, and the Arizona Diamondbacks’ push for a playoff spot despite injury setbacks.

In technology news, Brian highlights new iOS 26 features coming to Apple’s Reminders and Passwords apps, and covers Microsoft’s partnership with AMD for its next-generation Xbox hardware. The episode also features a fun “Not a Sponsor” segment spotlighting Roaring Spring Blue Books, plus streaming picks from Apple TV+ and Hulu, and gaming insights from The Verge.

Subscribe now for the latest on AI, education, personal finance, NBA trades, Apple updates, gaming tech, and more!

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Resources:

https://gizmodo.com/ai-cheating-is-so-out-of-hand-in-americas-schools-that-the-blue-books-are-coming-back-2000607771

https://www.edutopia.org/article/ai-thought-partner-teachers

https://www.drstephenday.com/p/grading-the-experts-money-advice

https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/17/heres-everything-new-in-reminders-with-ios-26/

https://www.macrumors.com/2025/06/13/apples-passwords-app-gains-version-history-feature/

https://www.theverge.com/news/688407/microsoft-next-gen-xbox-cloud-amd

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Please visit my website, brian8944.com so you can keep up with all my ongoing and upcoming projects.  You can also contact me there with any feedback you may have.

You can also find me as a panelist most Tuesday evenings on the MacVoices podcast, hosted by Chuck Joiner.

In addition, I’ll be presenting at Macstock in Crystal Lake, Illinois on Sunday, July 13th.  If you aren’t familiar, Macstock is a great technology conference focused on the Apple ecosystem.  It has an incredible lineup of presenters, who will be presenting over its three days - July 11th through the 13th.  If you are interested in attending, and also saving fifty dollars, register using my code, BRIAN8944.  This offer expires July 10th. 

⁠https://macstockconferenceandexpo.com/register/⁠ - use code BRIAN8944 to save $50 (good through 7/10/2025)

If you would like to support my work, please consider becoming a patron on patreon.com/brian8944 

In this jam-packed episode, Brian dives into a mix of sports, tech, and entertainment news that made headlines this week. Kicking things off with the Phoenix Suns’ hiring of Jordan Ott as their new head coach, he connects the dots to Michigan State ties and what it might mean for the team’s future. In baseball, he highlights the Arizona Diamondbacks’ rollercoaster week and the loss of ace Corbin Burnes to injury. Plus, the NFL shake-up continues as Aaron Rodgers becomes the new QB for the Pittsburgh Steelers, setting up an intriguing Week 8 showdown with his former team.

On the tech side, Brian recaps Apple’s WWDC announcements, spotlighting the new “Liquid Glass” design language across Apple platforms, meaningful updates to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and more. He shares personal takes on features like iMessage polls, iPad multitasking, Spotlight improvements, and iPhone mirroring.

A clever “Not a Sponsor” segment pokes fun at Apple’s flair for shiny design upgrades and feature repackaging.

Then it’s over to the gaming world, where the Xbox Showcase impressed with titles like The Outer Worlds 2, Clockwork Revolution, and Aphelion. Brian gives early thoughts on these anticipated games and discusses the reveal of the ASUS ROG Ally X handheld—Microsoft’s growing presence in the portable gaming space.

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If you liked you heard today, please be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss any episodes.  Also, please consider leaving a five star rating.  We’ll be back in a couple weeks with another episode.

Please visit my website, brian8944.com so you can keep up with all my ongoing and upcoming projects.  You can also contact me there with any feedback you may have.

I’ll also be at Macstock in Crystal Lake, Illinois July 11th through 13th.  If you’d like to save $50, please visit https://macstockconferenceandexpo.com/register/ - use code BRIAN8944 to save $50 (good through 7/10/2025)

If you would like to support my work, please consider becoming a patron on patreon.com/brian8944 

Sources:

• https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/hornets_interviewing_assistant_jordan_ott_for_head_coach_opening/s1_17074_40243693?utm_source 
• https://www.espn.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&sportCat=ncb&id=4044481
• https://www.packers.com/schedule/
• https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/10/wwdc-2025-everything-that-apple-sherlocked-this-time/
• https://www.apple.com
• https://www.xbox.com/en-US/

🎙️ On the Desk of Brian – Episode 002: Playoffs, Predictions, and PowerWashing

In this episode, Brian covers a wide mix of sports, tech, and entertainment—from court-side upsets to cloud-based apps. Tune in as he unpacks the NBA playoffs, shares thoughts on the Phoenix Suns’ coaching search, and breaks down the Hall of Fame buzz surrounding Pete Rose. You’ll also get the latest on the struggling Arizona Diamondbacks, the newly released NFL schedule, and a Packers fan’s cautious optimism.

On the tech side, Brian shares updates to his personal setup, thoughts on Setapp, and previews what to expect from Apple’s upcoming WWDC—including possible iPad and Health app innovations. He also highlights his upcoming presentation at Macstock 2025 (use code BRIAN8944 to save $50!).

Entertainment-wise, Brian dives into major changes coming to NBA broadcasting (hello again, “Roundball Rock” 🎶), and offers a sneak peek at the June Xbox Showcase—including his hopes for Fable and Perfect Dark. Plus, he shares a fake-but-funny “Not a Sponsor” spot for the Chicago Bears.

Mentioned in this episode:

• NBA playoffs and surprises in both conferences

• Pete Rose’s potential path to the Hall of Fame

• Diamondbacks’ struggles and what might be next

• NFL’s 2025 international games and Rodgers rumors

• Apple WWDC 2025 preview: visual updates, iPad productivity, AI fitness coach

• Macstock Conference in July

• New NBA streaming partnerships (ABC/ESPN, Peacock, Amazon)

• Xbox Showcase hopes and current gaming pick: PowerWash Simulator

📬 Visit brian8944.com to follow Brian’s projects and send feedback.

Sources:

https://www.espn.com/nba/playoff-bracket

https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2025/5/25/24437066/phoenix-suns-head-coach-search-2025-finalists-candidates-interviews-gambadoro-update

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6360650/2025/05/16/pete-rose-baseball-hall-of-fame-voting/

https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/mlb-hall-of-fame-what-are-the-criteria-for-induction-today

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/standings/

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/nflschedulerelease-45025218/2025-nfl-schedule-release-bold-predictions-takeaways-revenge-games-all-32-teams

https://media.nfl.com/news-and-releases/international/nfl-announces-schedule-for-2025-international-games

https://www.nfl.com/news/qb-aaron-rodgers-provides-hint-he-might-end-up-playing-for-steelers

https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/4-things-we-expect-to-see-at-wwdc-2025-and-2-we-dont/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=DigitalTrends/magazine/Smart+Home+Living

https://developer.apple.com/wwdc25/

https://www.si.com/nba/everything-to-know-nba-tv-deal-abc-espn-nbc-peacock-amazon

https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/michael-jordan-joins-nba-on-nbc-broadcast-team-details

https://www.xbox.com/en-US/events/xbox-games-showcase

https://insider-gaming.com/xbox-games-showcase-2025/

Hello, I’m Brian! Welcome to the very first episode of On the Desk of Brian — an easygoing podcast where I explore a mix of my professional and personal interests.

Please consider following or subscribing on your favorite podcatcher, so you will automatically receive new episodes when they are released.

And, if you’d like to support my work, please subscribe on Patreon. Support My Work on Patreon

Please also consider visiting my website Brian8944.com where you will find all my projects, and ways to contact me with any questions or feedback.

Registration for Macstock IX July 11-13, 2025 Use code BRIAN8944 by July 10th to save $50.