Show cover of Techsploder

Techsploder

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 and creators to entrepreneurs, Jason invites guests to share their journey through tech and reflect on the triumphs and struggles of being immersed in the always-evolving tech landscape.New episodes every Friday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tracks

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/jasonhowellEarly computing experiences with Commodore PET and gamingTransition from filmmaking studies to tech entrepreneurshipDevelopment of Scorbit and pinball machine connectivityViews on startup metrics and entrepreneurship philosophyAI's role in modern programming and developmentLife transition from Silicon Valley to Michigan farm livingDefinitely check out Scorbit! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10/24/24 • 58:23

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/jasonhowellThe challenges of producing regular contentAndy's experience with TV appearances and tech commentaryThe importance of earning trust and delivering quality contentBalancing quantity vs. quality in content creationAndy's creative process and approach to deadlinesThe impact of generational differences on content creationAndy's early tech memories and introduction to computersThe Apple II Plus and its influence on Andy's interest in technologyThe evolution of Apple products and Andy's fascination with themAndy's journey into tech journalism and writing for Mac publicationsThe dawn of the internet and its impact on communicationEarly experiences with modems and online interactionsThe development of online communities and trust in the early internet eraHear Andy on the Material podcast.Also the MacBreak Weekly podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9/26/24 • 64:32

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/jasonhowellOwen's early experiences with technology and the internetThe current state of technology and fun in techThe loss of wonder in technology as people get olderOwen's father's influence on his tech journeyBuilding computers and HackintoshesOwen's daughter's relationship with technologyPolicing internet usage in householdsParenting in the digital ageWatching kids grow up through social mediaCatch Owen on IQMZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9/19/24 • 60:24

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 photographyCatch Sarah Lane on the Daily Tech News Show.Also the Apple Vision ShowAlso Have Such a Good Day Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9/12/24 • 55:17

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/jasonhowellDoc Rock's background in breakdancing and how it led to his interest in technologyThe connection between music creation and technologyThe importance of creativity and creating across different mediumsDoc Rock's childhood experiences with technology and his adoptive father's influenceThe technology landscape in Hawaii compared to mainland USADoc Rock's experiences selling and working with broadcast equipmentThe importance of font kerning and design mistakes in advertisingDoc Rock's love for Japan and its balance of urban and natural spacesStrategies for managing social media consumption and creating positive online experiencesThe development and launch of Doc Rock's microphone pop filters: Doc PoppsThe importance of maintaining a fun and inviting attitude towards technologyGet yourself some Doc Popps! https://docmerch.com/collections/doc-poppsWatch Doc Rock on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DocRock Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9/5/24 • 59:13

Jason Howell sits down with Michael Fisher aka MrMobile in person to explore the nostalgic days of early cell phones, critique current AI trends in smartphones, discuss the challenges of tech content creation, and the impact of tech burn-out.🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowellMichael's early experiences with technology and inspiration from shows like Inspector Gadget and Star TrekThe evolution of mobile phones and the excitement of early cell phone ownershipThe convergence of devices and the rise of smartphonesNostalgia for single-use gadgets and purpose-built devicesThe current state of smartphone innovation and AI featuresSkepticism towards AI-driven features in modern smartphonesThe usefulness of certain AI applications like call summaries and voice recording transcriptsConcerns about AI-generated content and fact-checkingThe shift from hardware improvements to software features in smartphone marketingMichael's background in acting and transition to tech journalismThe influence of Michael's acting background on his video production styleMichael's thoughts on potentially returning to actingWatch Michael Fisher on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheMrMobile Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8/29/24 • 44:43

Jason Howell talks with Scott Johnson, a pioneering figure in tech and culture podcasting, who shares his insights on the gaming industry, building online communities, and balancing family life with content creation.🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowellScott's early experiences with video games and arcadesThe importance of community in podcasting and content creationScott's transition from graphic design to full-time podcastingThe evolution of gaming technology and its impact on storytellingScott's involvement with Next Generation magazineThe creation of the Extra Life comic and its compilation bookInvolving family members in podcasting and content creationThe relaunch of "The Instance" podcastScott's current projects, including a potential zine and children's bookCheck out Scott's podcast network: http://www.frogpants.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8/22/24 • 53:38

Shannon Morse sits down with Jason Howell to share her experiences as a woman in tech, from building her first computer at age 9 to becoming a respected cybersecurity expert and advocate for women in technology.🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowellShannon's early experiences with technology and computersBuilding her first computer at age 9 with her dadExperiences with early internet communities and websitesIntroduction to cybersecurity through music downloading and college experiencesJoining the Hack5 team and living in the "Hack House"Developing a passion for cybersecurity and writing her own segmentsAdvocating for women in technology and dealing with harassmentComparing experiences with male counterparts in the industryAlternative career paths if not in technology (voice acting, floral arrangement, photography, translation)Shannon's YouTube channels and current projectsWatch Shannon on Morse Code on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ShannonMorseWatch Shannon on Sailor Snubs on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/SAILORSNUBS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8/15/24 • 60:21

Jason Howell sits down with Florence Ion to discuss her evolution in tech journalism, from early writings for Mac|Life to organizing Tamagotchi meetups. They discuss virtual pets, Pokemon, and the future of tech writing using AI.🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell- Florence's first professional opportunity in tech (internship at Mac|Life Magazine)- Using AI in journalism and writing- Florence's first computer (Macintosh Performa 460)- Childhood experiences with technology and parental support- Introduction to Tamagotchi and virtual pets- The resurgence of Tamagotchi and facilitating meetups- Pokemon fandom and its role in Florence's household- Pokemon Go and potential improvements for the Pokemon experience- Florence's passion for writing outside of technologyRead Flo's work on Gizmodo: https://gizmodo.com/author/florenceionListen to the Material podcast: https://www.relay.fm/material Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8/8/24 • 55:42

Jason Howell sits down with Matteo Doni, a familiar voice from All About Android, to discuss his journey through the tech industry and the evolution of mobile technology. From growing up in Milan to running the Tech Travel Geeks YouTube channel, Matteo shares insights on how technology has shaped his life and career.🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell- Matteo's background growing up in Milan, Italy- Early exposure to technology and computers in the 1990s- The evolution of mobile phones and text messaging in Europe vs. the US- Matteo's career path in mobile app testing and product development- The impact of open source software and Linux on Matteo's career- The origin of the "goats" theme on All About Android- Matteo's YouTube channel Tech Travel Geeks- Discussion of retro tech, including old Compaq desktop computers- The story behind Matteo's online handle "todoleo"- Oldest piece of technology Matteo still uses- The significance of the Palm Pre 2 and WebOS- How smartphones and power banks have improved travel experiencesWatch Tech Travel Geeks on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/techtravelgeeksFollow Matteo on Twitter: http://www.x.com/todoleo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8/1/24 • 56:12

Tech veteran Myriam Joire joins Jason Howell to share her fascinating journey from video game audio engineering to tech journalism, and being at the forefront of the birth of the modern smartwatch. Myriam shares invaluable tips on how to foster a successful career in technology and shares the many computers that painted her childhood experience in coding.🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowellMyriam's extensive background in video game audio engineeringTransition from video games to tech journalismExperience working at PebbleRole in launching successful Kickstarter campaignsJourney into tech consulting and crowdfundingEarly experiences with computers and programmingAdvice on career changes and flexibilityListen to the Mobile Tech PodcastFollow Myriam on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7/25/24 • 63:30

Sam Abuelsamid works closely with the automotive industry as an analyst at Guidehouse Insights, giving him first-row access to the many ways that technology is influencing modern vehicle design. Sam discusses the spark that led to his career in the automotive industry, his lifelong curiosity in engineering, and his first smartphone.🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowellSam's background and how he got interested in the automotive industryThe influence of Road and Track magazine on Sam's interest in carsThe intersection of transportation and technology in Sam's workThe differences in car brands and models available in Europe versus the USChinese automotive brands and their growing presence in EuropeSam's experience as an early adopter of technology, particularly smartphonesThe evolution of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in vehiclesThe evolution of digital photography and Sam's experience with early digital camerasGuideHouse Insights Wheelbearings podcastSam's articles on Forbes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7/18/24 • 59:07

Father Robert Ballecer, aka The Digital Jesuit, lives two lives: One as a dedicated Jesuit priest working at the Vatican in Rome, and the other as a lifelong tech nerd. Here he explains why those seemingly different aspects of his life are actually one and the same.🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/JasonHowellFather Robert's experience living in Rome and contrasts with more tech-centric citiesFather Robert's role in the church and how it relates to his technology workFather Robert's childhood interest in technology and parental supportEarly experiences with dumpster diving for computer partsFixing and selling TRS-80 computersRunning a Bulletin Board System (BBS) as a youthSelling refurbished floppy disks through a BBSEarly experiences with YouTube and content creationMonetization of YouTube content and optimization techniquesDiscussion of pre-iPod MP3 players and early consumer techFather Robert's experiences with hacking school computer systemsPhone phreaking and early hacking experiencesFather Robert's interest in The Expanse sci-fi series and its realistic technologyDiscussion of fusion technology and energy conversion as potential future developmentsFr. Robert Ballecer on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/padresjFr. Robert Ballecer on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DigitalJesuit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7/5/24 • 61:35

Lamarr Wilson, the "CEO of Unboxings", shares his journey from teaching tech in schools to becoming a wildly popular tech content creator known for his enthusiastic unboxing videos and comedic persona.🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/JasonHowell- Lamarr's background and how he got into tech/education- His early experiences with technology as a child- Discovering the internet and its impact- Transitioning from education to creating YouTube content- The origins of his YouTube channel and initial motivations- Developing a comedic persona and sense of humor on YouTube- Shifting focus to vertical video formats like TikTok and Instagram Reels- Motivations behind the format change and its impact on his career- The differences in effort between long and short-form content creation- How he approaches unboxing videos and the "CEO of Unboxings" moniker- His hopes for future smart home/AI technology advancementsLamarr Wilson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamarrwilsonLamarr Wilson on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOcE8WdQOSeqFczVxGatGKgLamarr Wilson on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lamarrwilson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6/28/24 • 52:46

Join Jason Howell as he delves into the world of design with Liam Spradlin, discussing the subjective nature of design, the impact of generative AI, and Liam's experience creating the "Girasol" typeface.Please support this podcast on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowellDesign influence in SwitzerlandMaterial Design and deep personal meaningEverything in design is interfacialDoes AI bypass intentional design?Has Material Design achieved its purpose?Where Liam's design sense began as a kidLiam's Typeface designKnowing when a design is doneWhy do we accept bad design in tech?Esthetic value of vintage interfacesLaim's most cherished technologyListen to the Design Notes podcast: https://designnotes.fm/Read Liam's work on Interface Cade: https://interfacecafe.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6/21/24 • 49:43

Join Jason Howell as he explores the world of "low-tech" through the eyes of MAD Magazine's Dick DeBartolo, a media legend and true gadget aficionado with a knack for finding humor in the strangest places.Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/JasonHowellCHAPTERS:- How Dick DeBartolo keeps his humor and fascination with technology, even for mundane gadgets.- Dick's early interest in technology and how it led to his work at Mad Magazine and game shows.- The story of how Dick started appearing on TV shows like Metro Media's Saturday Morning Live.- How Dick transitioned from TV to podcasting with Leo Laporte's TWiT network.- Dick's favorite gadgets, including the Slingbox and the world's first digital camera.- The nostalgia and ingenuity behind Dick's early 8mm films with sound effects.- A memorable story about a private train ride with Mad Magazine's publisher.- How technology has simplified video production and enabled remote appearances.Check out The Giz Wiz: https://gizwiz.tv/Visit Dick's website: http://www.gizwiz.biz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6/14/24 • 51:46

Christina Warren joins Jason Howell to talk about how nostalgia for the early Internet and failed technology companies has permeated her life in tech. From developer advocacy at Microsoft and Github to working in the tech journalism trenches at Mashable, Christina has stayed passionate about the possibilities of tech and its limitations.Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/JasonHowellChristina's experience of accidentally not hitting the "go live" button at the start of the interview, and the importance of redundancy in recordingHer early memories and passion for technology, sparked by video games, gadgets, and the internet in the 90sBuilding her first website on GeoCities as a 12-year-old unpaid "community leader"Her collectibles obsession, including shoes and merchandise from failed/infamous tech companies like Theranos, FTX, Pets.com etc.Reminiscing about the spectacular dot-com boom and bust, and companies like Webvan, Pets.com that didn't surviveDiscussing the decline of TiVo and how the DVR experience has arguably gotten worse over timeHer current role as a developer advocate at GitHub, and how to follow her work Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6/7/24 • 54:10

From writing for late-90s dot com boom websites to catching her break on TechTV, to podcasting at TWiT and back to writing, Megan Morrone shares her insights on the promise and peril of AI, navigating social media, and the challenges of parenting in the digital age.Support the Techsploder Podcast on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/JasonHowellMegan Morrone vs Megan Moroney.Megan's time in the 90s at LookSmart and CitySearch.Why TechTV was different.Technology influences as a child.Parenting in the digital age: Now vs. Then.Megan's experience with social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn.Megan's thoughts on the promise and peril of AI and its impact on various aspects of life.The tech that lets Megan down.Megan's approach to tech cleanse and stepping away from technology.Subscribe to the AI+ Newsletter: https://www.axios.com/signup/ai-plus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5/31/24 • 52:51

From his childhood fascination with the Apple II Plus to publishing a zine and co-founding iFanboy, Ron Richards opens up about his lifelong love for technology and how it has shaped his career, culminating in the development of the Scorbit pinball app.Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/JasonHowellRon's early memories of technology and the internetDiscovering bulletin board systems (BBS) and computer game piracyThe birth of the World Wide Web and Netscape's IPODesktop publishing and creating a zine in collegeDiscovering the pinball community and developing ScorbitBalancing passion projects with workThe technology behind Disney's immersive experiencesCheck out Scorbit: https://scorbit.io/Listen to iFanboy: https://ifanboy.com/Listen to Android Faithful: http://androidfaithful.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5/24/24 • 54:56

Alex Kantrowitz, author of "Always Day One," talks about his transition from political journalism to covering the tech industry, and how he applies lessons from tech giants' ability to reinvent themselves to his own business with Big Technology.Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/JasonHowell- Alex's journey from BuzzFeed to starting his own independent media company, Big Technology.- The experience of working at BuzzFeed and the challenges of being a serious news outlet within a site known for listicles and memes.- Writing the book "Always Day One" and the process of researching and interviewing tech giants like Amazon, Facebook, Google, Apple, and Microsoft.- Interviewing Mark Zuckerberg and the approach to asking insightful questions.- Applying lessons from tech giants' ability to reinvent themselves to his own business.- Alex's early career in politics and government work, and how it prepared him for covering tech.- Memorable moments from his youth that sparked his interest in journalism and technology.- The importance of taking chances and not waiting for the perfect opportunity.Check out Big Technology: http://www.bigtechnology.comRead "Always Day One": https://alexkantrowitz.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5/17/24 • 49:32

Jason Howell chats with Eddy Barker, an electrical engineer who grew up fascinated by science fiction television. That passion led him working with AT&T as he helped create DSL technology in the 1990's, paving the way for high-speed Internet in the homes of millions.Support this show via Patreon: patreon.com/JasonHowellHow Eddy started his time at AT&T and if developing DSL was his first projectEddy's early interest in communications technology like telephones, radio, and TVThe challenges AT&T faced with dial-up internet and long connection durationsHow the idea of using existing telephone lines for DSL data came aboutValidating the DSL concept and any resistance faced during developmentThe rise of companies like eBay, Amazon, and Napster enabled by DSLCommon challenges between DSL and modern fiber deploymentsEddy's vision for how technologies like the metaverse, AI, and high bandwidths will converge in the next decadeA piece of technology from Eddy's youth that shaped his love for the field Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5/10/24 • 32:50

Long-time tech podcasters Jason Howell and Tom Merritt take a trip down memory lane, sharing their career origins and the pivotal moments that shaped their paths in the world of tech.Support this show via Patreon: patreon.com/JasonHowellJason expressing appreciation for Tom as a collaborator and friend in the tech industry"Sliding door" moments in the professional lives of Tom and Jason.Tom's origin story of how he got into tech journalism at ZDTV/TechTVThe creation of the Buzz Out Loud podcast at CNET in 2005The Buzztownarchive.com project preserving the Buzz Out Loud episodesThe importance of the community built around their showsSeeing fans' lives progress over many years through their interactionsSome of Tom's fondest early Internet memories.Tom's fanzine and early Internet websites including Subbrilliant.comPatron question: How Tom feels about his content being a part of generative AI databases.Follow Tom's work:Daily Tech News Show: dailytechnewsshow.comSubstack: techtom.substack.comWebsite: tommerritt.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5/3/24 • 47:03

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 and creators to entrepreneurs, Jason invites guests to share their journey through tech and reflect on the triumphs and struggles of being immersed in the always-evolving tech landscape. New episodes every Friday!Episode 1 drops on Friday, May 3, 2024!Support Techsploder on Patreon at patreon.com/JasonHowell.Subscribe to the Techsploder YouTube channel at youtube.com/@Techsploder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4/21/24 • 02:37