Episode 465 – Pricey RAM and Scams That Sleigh Your Wallet

We have been running behind so wanted to make sure we share these episodes that Aired but have not been posted. Hope you enjoy them!



This week on TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd kick things off in full holiday mode with a look at Microsoft’s latest seasonal merch drop—highlighting the surprisingly steep price tag on the new “ugly sweater,” the retro logos packed into the design (and a few questionable modern additions), plus the equally head-scratching 50th anniversary Crocs and other oddball collectibles on Microsoft’s revamped merchandise site. The conversation rolls naturally into Shawn’s Christmas wish list—everything from retro gaming gear and board-game storage to soldering tools, ham radio accessories, and FPV drones—along with the realities of finding certain tech items in stock (or even available) right now.

From there, the show pivots to timely safety and consumer tech advice. Andy shares warnings tied to “Dangerous December,” reinforcing how critical it is to keep browsers and mobile devices updated during peak online shopping season, when older devices and outdated software can become easy targets. The duo also addresses a growing concern around romance scams, outlining common red flags—like refusing video calls or pushing for money—and reminding listeners how easily scammers can use public online details to build trust and manipulate victims.

We get a chance to answer a listener question from Cecilia in Tucson about a dropped laptop with a shattered screen—explaining how adding an external monitor can often bring the machine back to life, and walking through common steps to enable an external display if it doesn’t switch automatically. That discussion expands into practical habits for everyday computing, including whether to shut down systems overnight, what “update and shut down” really means in the real world, and how different devices (home rigs, servers, and work machines) have very different expectations for uptime and maintenance.

Later, Andy welcomes Linda Chorney—Grammy-nominated artist, filmmaker, and self-described DIY “rebel”—to talk about her new audiobook, It Ain’t Over Till the Indie Sings. Linda shares the remarkable story behind her career, how technology and persistence helped her navigate the industry, and how she taught herself production workflows—from editing and syncing audio to recording in Pro Tools and meeting modern audiobook standards. The episode closes with gaming news for Tomb Raider fans and a nostalgic holiday wrap-up, as Shawn recounts a weekend of in-person gaming, board games, and Lord of the Rings marathons—celebrating the kind of face-to-face tech friendship and shared experiences that many of us miss in today’s always-online world.

Episode 454 – “Apple’s New iOS, AI Shenanigans, and Roku Lights Up the Room!”

This week on TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd unpack iOS 26 after Apple’s recent wave of updates. Shawn—who’s been living on the beta—explains why the OS now feels “built for two-handed use,” with core actions and search shifting to the bottom of the screen. For anyone returning from Android or upgrading older iPhones, it’s less about flashy features and more about retraining muscle memory: new-message buttons, close icons, and search live where your thumbs naturally are.

From there, the conversation widens to the state of AI. Andy contrasts the speed and usefulness of Google’s Gemini for quick studio lookups with Siri’s slower responses, while both hosts wrestle with where AI is genuinely helpful versus where it still feels off. Practical wins include Lightroom’s AI noise reduction, using AI to wrangle manuals and code snippets, and Google’s NotebookLM—now with interactive “ask-as-you-listen” study sessions. On the flip side: AI-generated images still struggle with fine details and text, and accuracy gaps make “AI slop” risky for mission-critical work.

In smart home talk, Shawn revisits Wyze’s value gear—cameras, bulbs, and a new palm-vein recognition lock—plus the subscription math behind Cam Plus. He argues for a simple but powerful upgrade: first-class RTSP so users can record to their own NAS and keep footage off the cloud by default. Listener Q&A rolls through texting mysteries (blue vs. green bubbles and how RCS now bridges some features with Android), and the looming Windows 10 end-of-support date. They weigh Extended Security Updates versus buying new machines, and when Rufus can help install Windows 11 on borderline hardware—while warning that not every system will make the cut.

To cap it off, the guys look at Roku’s first projector (1080p with Roku OS, auto-focus/keystone, Bluetooth private listening), share a handy tip for listening through headphones via the Roku app, and flag a recent Plex security incident—change your password and be cautious with the latest Roku Plex app update if you’re seeing stutters or crashes.

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Episode 299 – The Kid Passed Out on the Floor! New Radioshow Posted!

In this Weeks TechtalkRadio Show, Andy Taylor, Shawn DeWeerd, Justin Lemme chat about a recent report from Go.Verizon on the most dangerous states when it comes to data phishing. A blizzard type storm runs through Denver where Justin is based in and he tells us about preparations for the storm. The guys talk about Weather Reporting and Sites for gathering information on weather. Andy tries to mention the name of a site for getting weather but as usual screws it up, weather from Tupac?

Crypto continues to be a fascinating story for news outlets to cover yet most may not understand what it is about. Justin recommends following Tim Pace for info on the technology. Microsoft deals with an Exchange server problem and Shawn breaks down some of the problems around it. Andy shares the Terryza PocketPC he featured on KMSB Fox 11

Andy talks about Google Pixel users now being able to get unlimited storage with those devices on the Photo site. Justin talks about his upgrade to the Pixel 5 and what he likes and what he misses. Shawn tells us the story about a video he shot that went viral in 2014. It is an easy video to locate, “I didn’t make this kid pass out on the floor.” Shawn shares with us the background of the Video and how it went all over including Jimmy Kimmel and CNN. Justin tells us a similar story about Fox 5 in San Diego with a Water powered Jetpack which is found as a epic news failure. we have the videos shared on our blog at TechtalkRadio.

Shawn was the Cameraman on this Video
Justin shared this News Fail

We welcome Rosemary Roller, Communication Specialist with Go.Verizon to the show. Rosemary tells us about a recent study on telecommuters and safety and security while working from home. She reveals to us the study’s findings in States which are considered the most problematic for users and those phishing for information. We also learn the factors involved which also surround the laws to protect users.

https://go.verizon.com/resources/safest-most-dangerous-states-telecommuting

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New Show Added! Episode 293 – Streaming Jackhammers!

In this Weeks TechtalkRadio Show, Andy Taylor, Shawn DeWeerd, Justin Lemme and Broadway and Amanda welcome RyaStream back to the show. Always a blast to have Ryan on the Show, Broadway is a bit jealous at the incredible sound out of his microphone. Ryan is a streaming gamer on the Facebook platform and talks about his first time streaming and what happened when people began to watch. We share thoughts on what makes a popular streamer in this genre. Ryan talks about the immense fun he has and the importance of being interactive.


RyaStream tells us about the technology behind the stream and how in the past year has the Tech worked for making it easier for the Gamer Streaming. Ryan tells us about Streamdeck and how that has helped. Ryan tells us about the software OBS for streaming and how GoXLR has really enhanced the audio for the sound of the stream. The crew talks about Graphics Cards and how Justin is seeking out the RTX3080.

Shawn asks Ryan if he stays away from spoilers when a game is released? Also, what does he look for in a game? Ryan tells us about a game title which really surprised him is Firefighting Simulator the Squad from Astragon and how amazing the gameplay and graphics are in the game. Ryan tells us how SCS Software put his logo in the DLC for American Truck Simulator for Idaho. We also find out what RyaStreams favorite show is. It is the Simpsons.

The crew talks about the blooper from Mandalorian (Jeans Guy – Which at airtime has been edited out). Ryan talks about the Mario Cart with AR and Shawn tells us about Star Wars Squadrons with the Oculus headset VR is amazing. Amanda had been honored with the Award from CUE (Computer Using Educators) The Inland Area CUE Innovator of the Year Award. Broadway tells us about his thoughts on the Importance of Coding.

Justin shares another website to help find hard to find items, https://www.hotstock.io Ryan is trying to find the Honeycomb Bravo as a flight controller. Shawn and Ryan talk about the New world of Warcraft.

Find Ryan at https://www.facebook.com/Ryastream

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Latest Radio Show! Episode 291 – It’s a Mandalorian Thing…You Wouldn’t Understand!

In this Weeks TechtalkRadio Show, Andy Taylor, Shawn DeWeerd, Justin Lemme, Broadway and Amanda are all together on the show. We share news that Ryan of RyaStream should be coming back on the show soon to talk about Streaming, Video Games and Simulations and what he’s has been doing since he last appeared on the show. A Couple of Weeks ago, we got word that Broadway testing positive for Covid-19. He is recovering and visits the show to talk about what has happened since that diagnoses, how he discovered it and where he felt it could have been contracted. Shawn tells us about covering the Notre Dame vs Clemson game and how many people ran onto the field and now concerns that the number of people which took to the field on the win have alerted health officials. Amanda tells us about Distance Learning and some of the problems that can arise. Justin gives us a status update about his newly purchased TV and the best show he has watched on it. The Mandalorian Season 2, Episode 1. Amanda tells us about AMSR and how calming the channel can be and how to find it. Justin talks about his FireTV device and how lately it seems to be failing.

The Crew pays respect to the passing of Alex Trebek and Andy shares word that Alex’s last project outside Jeopardy was an appearance in Free Guy, and upcoming movie starring Ryan Reynolds. Lots of talk about people checking out Parler. Shawn is still off Social Media and talks about how refreshing the step back has been.

The talk focuses on the Xbox and with the release this week, which one to chose from. A Walk down memory lane has everybody sharing the first console experiences. Andy talks about iOS 14.2 out now and how some have found the Secret Button, Back Tap. Justin shares a website, Nasa’s Interactive Fire Map. A map which shows any wildfires throughout the world.