Riverside FM – Official TechtalkRadio Blog

September 11, 2025September 11, 2025 Andy TaylorTechtalkRadio3D printer, AirPods Pro 3, Android vs Apple, Apple Event, Apple Intelligence, Apple Watch Series 11, BigBoxCollection, browser extensions, CD ripping, iPhone 17, iPhone Air, live translation, malware popups, Malwarebytes, Pixel 9, Riverside FM, TechtalkRadio, VLC, Watch Ultra 3

Episode 453: Apple’s Big Reveal – Awe Yeah or Yeah No?”

Andy and Shawn kick off this weeks TechtalkRadio with The Big Apple September hardware drop called The Awe Dropping Event, Shawn shares his excitement over the announcements which included, new AirPods Pro 3 (better ANC, on-bud heart-rate monitoring, and live translation via “Apple Intelligence”), three Apple Watch tiers (SE as the budget health watch, Series 11 adding hypertension and deeper sleep tracking, and Ultra 3 with satellite messaging and up to 72-hour battery), plus the iPhone 17 family. Highlights include a super-thin iPhone Air (~5.3mm, ceramic-coated glass, 120Hz), across-the-line 48MP cameras, Pro/Pro Max video chops (4K/120, ProRes RAW, timecode/Genlock via accessory), bigger batteries (Apple touts ~27–32 hrs video playback), a rechargeable MagSafe pack, and indicative pricing mentioned on-air ($799 base 256GB iPhone 17; Air ~$999; Pro ~$1,099; AirPods $249; watches “about the same” as current gen). The crew debates whether any of it is a must-upgrade and notes Apple’s limited AI story beyond translation.

Justin, not a fan of the Apple Products jumps in to compare live-translate (Pixel’s had versions for years), rave about Pixel zoom demos, and spotlight Denver’s newly announced high-tech retractable-roof stadium plan. The guys also cover the viral “Baseball Karen” meme saga (“the internet never loses”) and drop a nostalgia gem as Website of the Week: BigBoxCollection.com—gorgeous 3D scans of classic big-box PC games.

Listener Q&A:
• “McAfee” pop-ups without McAfee installed = likely malware or a rogue browser extension. Solution: review/remove extensions, run Malwarebytes (ideally from a clean USB), and avoid calling scam numbers.

• Ripping CDs at home: Windows Media Player or VLC still do it; then back up to cloud + an external drive (practice the 3-2-1 rule).

Production note: Andy shares why the show moved to Riverside FM—clean local tracks, transcripts/teleprompter, smart editing—and a jaw-dropper: AI profanity replacement that sounds like the host. Justin closes by unboxing plans for a new enclosed, auto-leveling 3D printer and what he’ll make first.

August 13, 2025August 13, 2025 Andy TaylorTechtalkRadioAI Home Security, AOL Call Center Stories, AOL Dial-Up Retirement, Gaming News 2025, Home Lab Setup, Internet History, Microsoft Extended Security Update Program, Nintendo Switch 2, Podcasting Tools, Repurposed Servers, Riverside FM, Smart Home Privacy, Streaming and Recording Platforms, Tech News and Discussion, Technology Nostalgia, technology podcast, TechtalkRadio, Windows 11 Alternatives, Windows 11 upgrade, Zoom vs Riverside

Episode 450 – Pixels, Packets, and Privacy: Taking Back Your Tech!

From ditching Zoom for a better recording platform, to debating Windows 11 upgrades, to reminiscing about the golden days of AOL dial-up, this week’s TechtalkRadio is packed with tech talk, nostalgia, and a few surprises—including a home lab build and a Nintendo Switch 2 that didn’t get the reaction anyone expected.

In this week’s episode of TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor, Matt Jones, Justin Lemme, and Shawn DeWeerd dive into the evolving tech landscape, starting with their recent move from Zoom to Riverside FM. They share why Zoom was no longer meeting their needs and how Riverside FM’s superior video quality, cleaner audio, and feature-rich platform have improved their workflow—making it the right choice for the show moving forward.

The conversation then shifts to the pros and cons of upgrading to Windows 11. The hosts share personal experiences, touching on hardware compatibility challenges, software update quirks, and the OS’s enhanced security and features. They also explore options for those who can’t—or don’t want to—upgrade, including Microsoft’s newly introduced Extended Security Update Program. These insights offer listeners practical guidance for making the right decision for their setup.

Nostalgia kicks in as the crew reflects on AOL’s decision to retire dial-up internet. They swap stories of early online adventures, the unforgettable connection sound, and how far we’ve come—from sluggish dial-up to lightning-fast fiber. Justin adds a personal twist, recalling his time working in an AOL call center and the unique challenges of supporting users in the early internet era. They also discuss the benefits of switching providers for improved speed and reliability.

Wrapping up, Matt takes listeners inside his home lab build, showcasing the repurposed servers, networking gear, and AI-driven security components that power his privacy-focused smart home. Justin follows with the story of tracking down and buying a Nintendo Switch 2 for his son—only to be surprised when it didn’t spark the excitement he expected. Together, these segments highlight the personal side of tech, from ambitious builds to unexpected reactions.

Audio Version

August 7, 2025August 7, 2025 Andy TaylorTechtalkRadioalternative operating systems, Battlefield 6 beta, board game trends, Daggerheart RPG, Dice Throne Slam, DJI Osmo 360, Everdell Silverfrost, gaming news, Gen Con 2025, Insta360 drone, Linux Mint, OneDrive issues, podcast video tools, Riverside FM, tabletop gaming, tech gadgets 2025, tech podcast, TechtalkRadio, Windows 11 S Mode

Episode 449 – Let the Dice Decide – What Shawn Checked out!

🎲 In this week’s episode of TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd reunite at the mic as Shawn returns from Gen Con 2025—America’s biggest tabletop gaming convention. He shares his epic haul of new games, including Everdell Silverfrost, Dice Throne Slamthrone, and the new RPG system Daggerheart from Darrington Press, the creators behind Critical Role. The two talk trends in tabletop gaming, cosplay highlights, and how accessible these games have become—even for beginners and families.

But that’s not all—Andy and Shawn also dive into the world of Linux, tackling myths about its complexity, the perception of toxic forums, and why distributions like Linux Mint can breathe new life into older PCs. They share listener reactions to last week’s Linux segment and thanked those that added input. Shawn and Andy also offer practical advice for new users, and shout out tools like AlternativeTo.net and even ChatGPT for making the transition easier.

On the tech side, the show covers a listener question from Dave in Tucson about removing Windows 11 S Mode and what it does, Andy shares frustrations with Microsoft OneDrive, and Shawn highlights some exciting new gear: the upcoming Insta360 drone titled AntiGravity and DJI’s first 360° camera, the Osmo 360.

Plus, if you’re a gamer, you’ll want to hear about the upcoming Battlefield 6 open beta starting August 9th—and how to get in on the action. Andy tests out Riverside FM as a new recording platform for higher-quality video segments. It’s a jam-packed episode filled with gaming, geekery, and gear!