Techsploder

Techsploder

By Jason HowellNewsTechnologyTech News
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Techsploder episodes

  • Valentin on Why Community Matters More Than Algorithms

    Jason Howell chats with Valentin, the European creator guy, about his path from growing up around cameras in Vienna to eight years in New York’s indie film scene, and ultimately to YouTube and community leadership. They discuss the realities of working solo versus in a team, and Valentin opens up about his motivation for Orbit for Creators, lessons learned from fostering a creator community, and the enduring appeal of classic gear.


    🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell


    Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor.


    CHAPTERS:

    0:00:00 - Podcast episode kicks off

    0:01:34 - Tips for managing multiple YouTube accounts for different interests

    0:04:00 - Introducing Valentin and the Orbit for Creators community; motivation behind starting it

    0:06:21 - The importance of social support and celebrating small victories as a solo creator

    0:09:25 - Valentin’s background in television production and transition to YouTube

    0:11:15 - Early influence of music videos and MTV on creative ambitions

    0:12:28 - First job in live TV production and challenges of studio camera operation

    0:14:25 - Moving to New York for film school and working in the indie film scene

    0:17:17 - Returning to Vienna: reasons, quality of life, and career changes

    0:19:35 - Working at a marketing agency for Canon and nostalgia for the DSLR revolution

    0:20:25 - How the pandemic led to experimenting with YouTube and creative independence

    0:21:25 - The natural progression from YouTube channel to building an online creator community

    0:23:46 - The role of community in supporting creators, sharing real experiences, and overcoming failure

    0:26:34 - Realities of freelance life vs. traditional employment and their trade-offs

    0:29:40 - Lessons learned and surprises from running an online creator community

    0:30:38 - Evolving role as a community leader and experimenting with new engagement formats

    0:33:19 - Balancing priorities as a creator and making time for learning and community

    0:34:54 - Valentin’s passion for camera gear, favorite equipment, and nostalgia for old devices

    0:39:11 - The evolution of camera technology and the diminishing importance of specs in 2025

    0:43:20 - Jason's unique teleprompter solution for his Osmo Pocket 3

    0:45:25 - Managing gear acquisition syndrome, renting vs. buying, and selling unused equipment

    0:49:43 - Valentin’s alternate universe interest in physics and research

    0:52:19 - Be sure to check out Orbit for Creators!

    0:53:03 - Thank you Valentin!

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    58 min
  • Lexy Savvides on Leaving CNET & Building Her Own Tech Empire

    Jason Howell sits down with tech creator Lexy Savvides to discuss her journey from CNET to creative independence, her passion for music tech, and the evolving landscape of media and community.


    🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell


    Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor.


    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 - Podcast episode kicks off

    01:47 - Guest Lexy Savvides joins the conversation
    02:51 - Lexy shares her passion for headphones and reviewing them
    07:47 - Lexy’s early days hosting music radio at FBI in Sydney
    12:16 - What first inspired Lexy to pursue radio broadcasting
    15:53 - Lexy reflects on listening back to her old broadcasts
    18:40 - Looking back on the memorable “glory days” at CNET
    19:42 - Lexy describes her move from CNET to independent creator
    25:33 - Unexpected joys Lexy discovered in independent work
    28:41 - How a supportive community shapes Lexy’s creative journey
    32:21 - Two pivotal tech experiences from Lexy’s childhood
    35:20 - Lexy’s first encounter with the Super Nintendo console
    38:06 - How technology’s magic can fade as we grow older
    40:06 - Lexy’s fascination with MiniDisc and music tech nostalgia
    41:44 - Lexy reminisces about her beloved DiscMan
    45:50 - Imagining Lexy’s life and career without technology
    50:20 - Wrapping up the episode and final thoughts

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    56 min
  • Mikah Sargent

    Mikah Sargent joins Jason Howell to explore the nostalgic world of early 2000s tech, from the Kindle Keyboard to the Juice Box multimedia player, while also discussing Mikah's current tech interests and tech podcast career.


    🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell


    Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor.


    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 - Show begins

    01:51 - Catching up with Mikah Sargent

    10:42 - Mikah's move to Portland and comparison to the Bay Area

    15:49 - Mikah's early tech memories and influences

    20:50 - The Kindle Keyboard as Mikah's tech awakening

    28:39 - Mikah's journey from graphic design to tech journalism

    30:25 - Mikah's history with smartphones and Apple devices

    35:33 - Mikah recalls the Sanyo SCP2700 BlackBerry knockoff

    38:22 - Discussion of the Ubiquiti Wi-Fi spectrum analyzer

    45:47 - Tech Mikah wishes he still had: The Juice Box multimedia player

    50:27 - Alternative universe career path: General contractor


    Catch Mikah on TWiT, Relay, and more: http://chihuahua.coffee/

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    59 min
  • David Pierce

    From the gold iPod Mini to the Rabbit R1, David Pierce and Jason Howell explore the tactile qualities of tech, the resurgence of physical media, and the challenges of staying organized in a digital world.


    🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell


    Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor.


    CHAPTERS:

    0:00 - Podcast begins

    1:36 - Introducing David Pierce!

    2:20 - The Evolution of Computers from destinations to being ubiquitous

    7:00 - David's early interest in technology

    8:53 - The gold iPod mini experience

    15:22 - The Resurgence of Tactile Technology

    18:21 - Tangible vs. Digital Music

    26:16 - Technology and Organization

    35:51 - AI Impact on Education

    39:48 - Current Tech in Reach (Rabbit R1, Humane AI Pin)


    Catch David on The Vergecast Podcast: https://www.theverge.com/the-vergecast

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    50 min
  • Becca Farsace

    Jason Howell sits down with Becca Farsace to explore her transition from The Verge to independent content creation, managing ADD as a creator, her nostalgic attachment to the iPod Touch, and her goals for 2025. Becca also shares her number one piece of advice for people looking to start a YouTube channel in 2025.


    🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell


    Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor.


    CHAPTERS:

    00:00 - Podcast begins

    02:05 - Introducing Becca Farsace!

    03:28 - Authenticity in content creation and connecting with the audience

    07:11 - Allowing children access to social media and technology

    08:51 - Becca's first cell phone and early mobile devices

    13:59 - The iPad Touch and its impact on Becca's interest in technology

    17:40 - Raving about the DJI Osmo Pocket 3

    21:18 - Becca's experience creating the iJustine video as her last project at The Verge

    26:39 - Transitioning from working at The Verge to becoming an independent creator

    28:21 - Octopus Arms analogy and goals for 2025

    33:07 - Becca's approach to creativity and breaking the rules in video production

    34:11 - Challenges of being an independent creator, including thumbnails and titles

    35:40 - Becca's experience with ADD and how she manages her work

    39:55 - How Becca moved from behind the camera to in front of it

    42:39 - Becca's big tip on how to start a YouTube channel in 2025

    43:57 - The Apple QuickTake 200 camera and nostalgic tech

    49:51 - Discussion about Google Glass and the future of smart glasses

    53:32 - The Unihertz Jelly smartphone and minimalist phone designs

    55:14 - THANK YOU to Becca!

    57:39 - Everything else you need to know about Techsploder Podcast


    Catch Becca on her awesome YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/BeccaFarsace


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    1 hr 4 min
  • Jay Adelson

    From Commodore PET gaming to revolutionizing pinball machines with Scorbit, Jay Adelson discusses his entrepreneurial journey (Equinix, Digg, Revision3) and shares wisdom on navigating the ever-changing tech landscape.


    🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell


    • Early computing experiences with Commodore PET and gaming
    • Transition from filmmaking studies to tech entrepreneurship
    • Development of Scorbit and pinball machine connectivity
    • Views on startup metrics and entrepreneurship philosophy
    • AI's role in modern programming and development
    • Life transition from Silicon Valley to Michigan farm living


      • Definitely check out Scorbit!



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      1 hr 2 min
    • Andy Ihnatko

      Tech journalist Andy Ihnatko shares his journey from early computer enthusiast to respected industry voice, offering insights on content creation, Apple's evolution, and the dawn of the internet.


      🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell


      • The challenges of producing regular content
      • Andy's experience with TV appearances and tech commentary
      • The importance of earning trust and delivering quality content
      • Balancing quantity vs. quality in content creation
      • Andy's creative process and approach to deadlines
      • The impact of generational differences on content creation
      • Andy's early tech memories and introduction to computers
      • The Apple II Plus and its influence on Andy's interest in technology
      • The evolution of Apple products and Andy's fascination with them
      • Andy's journey into tech journalism and writing for Mac publications
      • The dawn of the internet and its impact on communication
      • Early experiences with modems and online interactions
      • The development of online communities and trust in the early internet era


        • Hear Andy on the Material podcast.

        Also the MacBreak Weekly podcast.


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        1 hr 9 min
      • Owen JJ Stone

        Jason Howell chats with guest Owen JJ Stone aka OhDoctah on topics ranging from early internet experiences to raising kids in a tech-saturated world.


        🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell


        • Owen's early experiences with technology and the internet
        • The current state of technology and fun in tech
        • The loss of wonder in technology as people get older
        • Owen's father's influence on his tech journey
        • Building computers and Hackintoshes
        • Owen's daughter's relationship with technology
        • Policing internet usage in households
        • Parenting in the digital age
        • Watching kids grow up through social media


          • Catch Owen on IQMZ



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          1 hr 4 min
        • Sarah Lane

          Jason Howell explores the world of tech podcasting with Sarah Lane, delving into the process of content creation, the challenges of media preservation, and the importance of passion in pursuing a career in technology.


          🔔 Please support our work on Patreon!


          - Sarah's experience with Daily Tech News Show and podcast production

          - The time commitment required for producing podcast content

          - Sarah's discovery of engaging podcasts with extensive back catalogs

          - Sarah and Jason's shared alma mater: San Francisco State University

          - Sarah's initial college major in mathematics and transition to broadcasting

          - Sarah's childhood passion for technology and audio recording

          - The challenge of preserving old audio cassettes and digitizing content

          - The shift from tangible to digital heirlooms

          - The value of physical photographs versus digital images

          - Sarah's experience with film photography


          Catch Sarah Lane on the Daily Tech News Show.

          Also the Apple Vision Show

          Also Have Such a Good Day


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          59 min
        • Doc Rock

          Jason Howell chats with Doc Rock about how an early passion for music and technology led to a career spanning broadcast equipment, DJing, and product development.


          🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell


          • Doc Rock's background in breakdancing and how it led to his interest in technology
          • The connection between music creation and technology
          • The importance of creativity and creating across different mediums
          • Doc Rock's childhood experiences with technology and his adoptive father's influence
          • The technology landscape in Hawaii compared to mainland USA
          • Doc Rock's experiences selling and working with broadcast equipment
          • The importance of font kerning and design mistakes in advertising
          • Doc Rock's love for Japan and its balance of urban and natural spaces
          • Strategies for managing social media consumption and creating positive online experiences
          • The development and launch of Doc Rock's microphone pop filters: Doc Popps
          • The importance of maintaining a fun and inviting attitude towards technology


            • Get yourself some Doc Popps! https://docmerch.com/collections/doc-popps

            Watch Doc Rock on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DocRock


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            1 hr 3 min

          About Techsploder

          From the publisher's feed

          Join veteran tech podcaster Jason Howell as he sits down with intriguing tech minds for casual conversations that explore the human experience in a world engulfed by technology. From tech journalists…