This week I am joined by TJ Huddleston for a wide-ranging conversation that blends real-world winter weather, practical home technology, and insights from CES 2026. From navigating a rare Level 3 snow emergency in Ohio to installing a solar-powered backyard shed using an EcoFlow battery, the discussion stays focused on what actually works. Along the way, Jim and TJ dig into smart irrigation, weather stations, automation strategies, and why CES continues to be more about people and perspective than breakthrough products. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison is joined by TJ Huddleston for a

Marv Bee returns this week for a practical conversation about unified home networking and modern tech habits. The discussion provides a closer look at Ubiquiti’s UniFi ecosystem and why it’s becoming more approachable for home users, along with strategies for simplifying complex networks, utilizing VLANs to enhance security, and managing the constant pressure to upgrade. Along the way, the episode also explores smart home automation, Amazon shopping behaviors, and Marv’s ongoing gadget detox—offering a thoughtful balance between embracing new technology and keeping it under control. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, the conversation explores the real-world

In this episode, I speak with Oscar Hedaya, founder of Space, about how smart safes are redefining home security through modern technology. We explore Oscar’s entrepreneurial journey and how his experiences led to rethinking a traditionally overlooked household product for today’s connected lifestyles. Our conversation highlights the innovative features of the Space smart safe, including a touchscreen interface, motion detection, app connectivity, and the PanicPin emergency alert system. Oscar explains why consumer expectations have shifted toward app-integrated devices and why usability must remain front and center, even as products become more advanced. We also discuss the realities of building and

Christian Johnson joins me this week to celebrate the 15-year anniversary of the show while exploring today’s evolving tech landscape. They discuss AI hardware trends, rising consumer component costs, and NVIDIA’s latest enterprise advancements, along with a hands-on look at programmable outdoor LED lighting. We also look into cryptocurrency, comparing Ethereum and Bitcoin, before wrapping up with immersive tech and Microsoft Flight Simulator. Thanks for listening! In Episode 667 of Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison is joined by long-time friend and technologist Christian Johnson for a wide-ranging conversation that blends reflection, hands-on experience, and forward-looking analysis. The episode opens with

In this episode, I’m joined by Jay Franze, a seasoned music producer, to explore how AI is transforming music creation. Jay shares his experiment using AI as a virtual studio—producing songs that rival human-recorded tracks and often sound indistinguishable from traditional productions. We compare AI and studio recordings, discuss songwriting, ethics, and ownership, and explore how these tools can empower musicians and podcasters alike. The episode closes with a look toward future collaborations and the potential for AI-crafted theme music. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joined by Jay Franze, a music industry veteran with

Every year on Black Friday, Home Gadget Geeks pauses the tech talk just long enough to look at where life and technology intersect, and this year’s episode with Sammie Collison might be the most grounded one yet. From returning to college as a full-time library para to managing finances, mental bandwidth, and school in the age of cloud tools and tactile hobbies, Sammie gives us a real-world look at what it takes to navigate modern adulthood with limited time and limited money — and still find room for creativity, connection, and growth. Technology is in the mix, but seldom the

What happens when a longtime tech conversation grows into something deeper about making, friendship, and the projects that keep life interesting? This week, Dave McCabe joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about 17 years of podcasting, smart home tech, woodworking, and the creative work behind his Warped Boards shop. From Home Assistant dashboards and CNC upgrades to handcrafted cutting boards and honest talk about men’s health, this episode blends gadgets, craftsmanship, and community in a way that feels both practical and personal. Thanks for listening! Why This Episode Matters Some of the best tech conversations are no longer just about

What happens when smart home tech actually makes life easier instead of just adding another app to your phone? This week, Erin Lawrence and Mike Wieger join me to talk through a lineup of gadgets that aim to solve real-world problems—from a smart refrigerator that fills your glass automatically, to a robot that cleans windows, to golf simulator tech that brings the course indoors. We also dig into Black Friday gear planning, hard drive upgrades, battery backup options, and camping tech that can make life on the road a little more manageable. If you like practical gadget talk with a

In this week’s episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joined by Kevin Schoonover for a packed discussion that jumps from health and fitness to EV trucks, from Windows 10’s sunset to ARM’s rise, and all the way down to the small stuff — batteries, smart home gear, and the realities of modern tech maintenance. Thanks for listening! Audio Only 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 2x 0:00 … The $20K Slate EV, Linux Mint, Recycle PCs and Smart Battery Upgrades with Kevin Schoonover – HGG662 Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsPlayer EmbedShare Leave a ReviewListen in a New WindowDownloadSoundCloudStitcherSubscribe on AndroidSubscribe via RSSSpotifyAudioboomSpreakerOther Options Episode

Gavin Campbell joins this week and we covered winter weather, his strong early results with the Segway Navimow robot mower, the improved sound and smart-home functionality of the Echo Dot Max, and his Unraid 7.2 upgrade that boosted responsiveness. We discussed how we are using local AI for automation, troubleshooting, and coding, along with bigger questions around AI’s economics and infrastructure. We closed with notes on CES planning, upcoming guests, and a quick update on Sammy’s library-science studies, plus an invitation to keep the conversation going in our Discord. Thanks for listening! Episode Overview In this episode of Home Gadget