Podcasts about imessages

Mac Geek Gab 1148 hands you a fresh stack of Quick Tips you’ll actually use. You’ll find out how Mark recovered every one of his accidentally deleted iMessages with Control-Command-4 (or the Recently Deleted view), undo a botched Finder rename with a casual Command-Z, and automate Theater Mode on your Apple Watch so it goes dim and quiet at night without Sleep Focus. You’ll pick up several ways to email a Safari webpage or just its link, learn to strip out distracting page clutter before you share, and finally understand why Apple Music can hijack your Mac’s default speaker output. Then you’ll hear why speakers deserve real thought before you buy a Mac mini, how to coax a stubborn Time Machine disk into ejecting cleanly, and a low-tech trick for AirTags too slippery to grip at battery-change time. When Doug’s M4 Pro MacBook Pro started beach balling and pausing apps from low memory, you’ll get the full playbook for clawing back storage, from spotting the culprits in your menu bar to pruning Downloads and clearing out bloated Messages and Apple media. You’ll walk through Adam’s step-by-step approach to slimming down iMessage storage, learn how to stop copying and pasting invisible white-on-white text that haunts Contacts and email, and speed up a sluggish macOS Contacts app with a clean iCloud re-sync. Keep these moves in your back pocket and don’t get caught with a full drive and a spinning beach ball. 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1148 for Monday, June 29th, 2026 June 29th: National Bacon Burnt End Day MGG Monthly Giveaway – Win a license to SaneBox Quick Tips 00:00:01 Mark-QT-You can recover recently deleted iMessages ^Cmd-4 (not 5) 00:03:45 Scott-QT-Cmd-Z works to undo Finder Renames, too! 00:05:06 Larry-QT-Automate Theater Mode on Apple Watch 00:06:36 Hans-QT-Email a Safari Webpage to Someone 00:08:17 Russ-QT-Apple Music can override the Mac’s default speaker output Volumio 00:11:42 Adam-QT-More on Cmd-I (and Cmd-Shift-I) in Safari to mail a webpage (or the link) Likely based upon the web page's print.css Also File – Export as PDF 00:17:39 Safari – Hide Distracting Items The (no-longer-actively-developed) Printliminator 00:21:33 Doug-QT-Think about speakers when buying a Mac mini Insta360 Link 2 Pro 00:28:02 Bill-QT-Try Jettison, Mole, and more to eject resistant volumes 00:30:36 Dom-QT-Use tape or thimbles for slippery AirTags Sponsors 00:32:06 SPONSOR: Coveron. One scam can cost you everything. Tools reduce risk, Coveron reduces loss. Use code “macgeekgab” for up to 76% off at https://coveron.com/macgeekgab 00:33:55 SPONSOR: OneSkin. Born from over a decade of longevity research, OneSkin's OS-01 Peptide is proven to target the visible signs of aging, helping you unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code MGG at https://www.oneskin.co/MGG  #oneskinpod #ad 00:35:22 SPONSOR: BBEdit, the power tool for text from Bare Bones Software; now with integrated Notebooks and extended language support. Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! 00:36:49 Doug-Beach balling apps made me realize I ran out of storage…what do I do? iStat Menus to see free disk space in my menubar How to free up space on your Mac Run mole…regularly! Hazel to keep your downloads folder pruned Run CleanMyMac – Space Lens, especially Clear out your Apple media Manage your Email attachments Clean out Messages CCleaner Clean up local snapshots 00:50:51 Adam's process for cleaning up iMessage storage use 00:56:21 Steven-How can I avoid pasting white text on a white background on my iPhone? 01:02:55 Mark-Speed up macOS Contacts with an iCloud re-sync ~/Library/Application Support/AddressBook/Sources//AddressBook-v22.abcddb Cool Stuff Found 01:13:18 Adam-CSF-Dungeon Crawler Carl 01:18:36 MGG 1148 Outtro MGG Monthly Giveaway Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly Pilot Pete's Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) The Debut Film Podcast – Adam's new podcast! Dave's Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts MGG Merch is Available! Mac Geek Gab iOS app Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar This Week's MGG Premium Contributors MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews feedback@macgeekgab.com 224-888-GEEK Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List BackBeat Media Podcast Network

In this profound exploration of Matthew 22:1-14, we examine Jesus's parable of the wedding feast—one of the most theologically dense teachings in Scripture. This parable reveals the magnificent scope of God's gospel invitation extended to all humanity, the tragic reality of human rejection, and the sovereign grace that ensures God's purposes will not be thwarted. Through the imagery of a royal wedding banquet, Jesus addresses the religious leaders who challenged His authority while simultaneously unveiling timeless truths about salvation, election, and the nature of the Church. This episode unpacks the parable's layers of meaning, from the universal call of the gospel to the particular grace of election, equipping believers to understand both the urgency and the sovereignty of God's redemptive work. Key Takeaways The Universal Gospel Call Is Genuine and Urgent: God's invitation to salvation goes out indiscriminately to all people, regardless of ethnicity, social status, or moral condition. This external call is sincere, well-meant, and accompanied by genuine offers of grace. Human Rejection Is Willful and Culpable: The parable demonstrates that humanity's refusal of God's invitation is not due to insufficient information but to volitional rebellion. This rejection often progresses from indifference to active hostility against God and His messengers. God's Sovereign Purposes Cannot Be Frustrated: Despite widespread rejection, the wedding hall will be filled. God's redemptive plan includes the expansion of His covenant community beyond ethnic Israel to include Gentiles from every nation. The Wedding Garment Represents Imputed Righteousness: The garment required for the feast symbolizes the righteousness of Christ, received by faith alone, not earned through human effort. This illustrates the doctrine of justification by grace through faith. The Visible Church Contains Both Genuine and False Believers: The parable warns that not all who hear the gospel and enter the visible church possess true saving faith, distinguishing between the external call and the internal, effectual work of the Spirit. Eternal Punishment Is Real and Conscious: The parable's conclusion soberly affirms the doctrine of eternal, conscious punishment for those who reject Christ, depicted as "outer darkness" with "weeping and gnashing of teeth." "Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen": This foundational statement maintains the biblical tension between the universal external call of the gospel and the particular, effectual call of God that sovereignly draws the elect to salvation. Key Concepts The Nature of the Gospel Call: External and Effectual Reformed theology has carefully distinguished between two aspects of God's call. The external or general call is the sincere proclamation of the gospel to all without distinction, inviting everyone to faith and repentance. This call is genuine on God's part—He truly offers salvation to all who hear. However, due to total depravity, the natural person will not respond to this call on their own. The internal or effectual call is the sovereign, irresistible work of the Holy Spirit by which the elect are regenerated, have their wills renewed, and are infallibly brought to saving faith. This distinction preserves both human responsibility (we are culpable for rejecting a genuine offer) and divine sovereignty (God alone saves by His grace). The parable beautifully illustrates both realities: servants genuinely invite all they find on the highways, yet the King ultimately determines who is properly clothed for the feast. The Wedding Garment and Justification by Faith Alone The wedding garment represents one of the parable's most critical theological elements. In ancient Near Eastern culture, hosts often provided garments for wedding guests, making the lack of proper attire inexcusable. Theologically, this garment symbolizes the righteousness of Christ imputed to believers—a righteousness not produced by human effort but received through faith alone. This directly confronts any notion of works-righteousness or the idea that we can stand before God based on our own moral achievements, religious observances, or church membership. The man without the garment represents those who presume to approach God on the basis of their own righteousness rather than Christ's alien righteousness. His speechlessness before judgment illustrates that on the last day, no one will successfully argue their case on grounds of personal merit. This underscores the Reformation principle of sola gratia and sola fide—salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, clothing us in a righteousness that is entirely Christ's. The Tension Between Universal Call and Particular Election The parable's conclusion—"many are called, but few are chosen"—encapsulates one of theology's profound mysteries. This statement places two realities side by side without resolving the tension philosophically. The invitation truly goes to all (universal call), yet only some respond savingly (particular election). Reformed theology maintains this biblical tension rather than collapsing it in either direction. We don't limit the external call only to the elect (hyper-Calvinism), nor do we make the internal call dependent solely on human decision (Arminianism). Instead, we affirm that the gospel invitation is genuinely universal while the effectual drawing is sovereignly particular. This means Christians can proclaim unreservedly, "Christ has died for you" to any person, knowing the offer is sincere, while simultaneously trusting that God will infallibly save all His elect through that proclamation. Memorable Quotes "The most scandalous and tragic thing that could happen at a wedding or a wedding banquet is that nobody shows up. The guests don't come. Or in fact, not only do they not come, they don't want to come—they burn the invitations." "You don't bring anything to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary." "Many a man in this world will silence his own conscience with many a fair excuse. But in that day, there will be no excuse, no plea, no delay." - William Perkins Full Episode Transcript [00:00:58] Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 493 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse, and this is the podcast where we will talk about every single parable. Hey, brothers and sisters. So when was the last time that you were at a wedding? I think weddings are one of the most glorious of all kinds of human events and celebrations, and I think the solemness of the vows and the promises that are exchanged between a man and a woman in marriage in that ceremony, or maybe only equaled by the joy of those same vows and promises. And of course, the whole point of coming together to celebrate a, a wedding. Is to make that joy consummate and complete by having others participate in it. The seeing the union of a man and a woman become one, the excitement of that love expressed in promise and commitment. It's an incredible thing. And I was thinking about this recently because our wedding invitation is actually framed in, in our living room because one of the guests that we invited gave that to us as a really thoughtful gift. And so our wedding ceremony and the party that followed, and it was a. Amazing and awesome party, especially thanks to my in-laws and my parents who generously made sure that that was possible was an exceptional event that we still talk about all the time. Actually, you know, in my wedding when we had this grand kind of wedding banquet afterwards, we had a friend of ours who actually performed the song that we danced to on grand piano and sang for us, which is amazing. We had a DJ in one room and we had a live jazz band in another, and I specifically recall. That when we left late in the evening, my new wife and I, that there were still people on the dance floor having a good time. And I thought, this is the way it's supposed to be. I mean, this is a wedding. This is a wedding banquet. [00:02:58] Why No One Comes [00:02:58] Jesse Schwamb: And so it also made me think recently, especially as we find ourselves in Matthew chapter 22, continuing to look at all these incredible parables that Jesus gives to us, that perhaps the most scandalous and tragic thing that could happen at a wedding or a wedding banquet is that nobody shows up. The guests don't come. Or in fact, like not only do they not come, they don't want to come, they burn the invitations. They wanna have nothing to do with the celebration or the ceremony itself. And so Jesus has been doing all of this teaching that we've been tracking, and he's been responding to these leaders in the Jewish community, the people we call the Pharisees and the scribes who have challenged his authority. And he's been progressing in the way that he's almost ratcheting up the language that he's using, the indictments that he's bringing to them. And now he's about to bring in weddings and specifically the wedding banquet. And that is where we're gonna find ourselves in a Matthew Chapter 22. Now, by the way, I should also mention that because my wife is super popular lady and super lovable. We had a pretty large wedding. I think we had over 200 guests, and so. Because my father-in-law is retired military, we were actually able to have our whole wedding banquet, our whole celebration and party on a local army base. But because of that, it meant that before you could actually get onto the base, all of our guests. Had to be searched. So it's nothing like, you know, basically just shaken down your wedding guests before they show up. So that also was super fun.  [00:04:32] Reading Matthew 22 [00:04:32] Jesse Schwamb: But let's go to the scriptures, everybody. So here's Matthew chapter 22. Uh, listen to this as we take a look at what Jesus has to say and why he brings in weddings. Actually, it might be helpful to say or to give you something, rather to listen to or listen for before you even hear me read the scriptures because. This parable of this wedding banquet, it is definitely one of the most theologically dense parables in the entire synaptic tradition. It is set like we've been saying within the final week of Jesus' ministry in Jerusalem, and it's embedded in the sequence of confrontational exchanges that he's having with the Jewish leadership because they have challenged his authority. And so as you listen to this being read, I want you to clue in, key in as they say to a couple of things. See if you can find the, like the Christological proclamation in this. There's a, a covenantal poll. I think there's some sociological instruction and there's an eschatological warning. All of this happens as is Jesus's jam in the short span of several verses where he illuminates all of these principles of the sovereign grace of God and the summons of the gospel. Total depravity and culpability of this, these rebellious people who refuse the call, the historical judgment of God upon the covenant breaking Israel. And then of course, the subsequent expansion of that covenant into the community include to include the Gentiles. All of this is happening. In this parable, and so I want you just to listen for that as we together read. Or in my case, I guess I just read, especially if you're driving, do not read the parable that begins in the first part of Matthew chapter 22. Here's the word of God. And Jesus answered and spoke to them again in parables saying The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and he sent out his slaves to call those who had been called to the wedding feast and they were unwilling to come again. He sent out other slaves saying, tell those who have been called. Behold. I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fon livestock are all butchered and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast. But they paid no attention and went their way, one to his farm, another to his business, and the rest seized the slaves and mistreated them and killed them. But the king was enraged and he sent his armies and destroyed those murderers and set their city on fire. Then he said to his slaves, the wedding is ready, but those who were called were not worthy. Go, therefore, to the main highways and as many as you find there, call to the wedding feast. And those slaves went out into the streets and gathered together all they found both evil and good, and the wedding hall was filled with dinner guests. But when the king came in to look over the dinner guests, he saw a man there who is not dressed in wedding clothes, and he said to him, friend, how did you come in here without wedding clothes? And the man was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, bind him hand and foot and throw him into the outer darkness. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth for many are called, but few are chosen.  [00:07:50] Parable Context [00:07:50] Jesse Schwamb: Wow. So what an incredible. Story, what an incredible foundation or rubric or context in which so many rich theological concepts and pastoral concepts, doctrinal concepts are given to us from Jesus. And you'll notice that of course, chronologically here, this parable is following the parable of the two sons and the parable of the wicked tenants. Those are the vine growers that we were talking about over the last several episodes. And this one rounds everything out. It forms like a triptych of rejection parables directed against these chief priests and the Pharisees who keep coming after Jesus and his authority. And Matthew signals this kind of escalating tension. The Jewish leaders are now explicitly seeking to arrest Jesus. And Jesus responds not by treating their, not by retreating, of course, but by intensifying his indictment in this parabolic form. And here's where we arrive in Matthew 22. It's interesting to me, of course, that this is the approach that Jesus takes. He has already conveyed these two great stories, and at the end of the last one, Tony and I spoke about how this was where at least Matthew explains to us very directly that the, the Pharisees and the scribes, they understood, they discerned that Jesus was speaking about them, and yet Jesus says, I'm not done yet. I've got one more. And this is the culmination of all the things that he's been saying. And it starts again in verse one with Jesus saying, and again, he spoke to them in a parable. You know, it signals that the parable itself is still a reply. Not to a verbal question at this immediate moment, but to this ongoing posture of rejection exhibited by the religious leaders. You notice that what Matthew says here is very, I think, theologically significant in light of where Jesus explains that the parables both reveal and they conceal their instruments of divine judgment upon heart and hearts, even as they illuminate those with ears to hear. This is why I think it's just so important that as Christians. Even as we study God's word, as we participate in it, so to speak, as we let it read us, that we come with this posture of prayer, that we desperately need God's Holy, holy, holy Spirit to illuminate for us what the scriptures say, to lead us into the paths of righteousness and judgment, which are present in the scriptures, so that we may understand them with these spirit-filled eyes, with a spirit enabled brain with ears that have been unstopped by the spirit. So these parables are the mode by which Christ simultaneously honors and judges his audience. He shows indirectly what it would've been of no use to state plainly. And so the parable form itself is really part of the message here. I think that's something hopefully you picked up as we've been processing them all together, that Jesus opponents cannot arrest what they cannot fully comprehend, yet their incomprehension is itself their condemnation, right? This is, this is the mystery. Of the gospel of what God does, where there is this outward and full unbiased external call, and yet there is something that is efficacious by the power of the Holy Spirit for those whom God has chosen and called to himself so reformed to eus. Are attentive to the authorial intent in historical situatedness of each thing that Jesus says. That's one of the things I think is great about the way in which we kind of have organized our theological perspective and these parables function as a prophetic oracle of judgment. And certainly that's like in an Old Testament accent. I mean, that's the Old Testament jam. It's an Old Testament lawsuit kind of John. It's like law and order. If law and order were Moses, were doing it right. So notice that again, as Tony and I've said so many times before, what I kind of always find so phenomenal about these parables is that often we think of parables as having the main object of being a noun of some kind. It's a person, it's a place. It's a thing that is sometimes the case, but more often than not, it's one of those nouns associated with a verb.  [00:11:59] Kingdom And The King [00:11:59] Jesse Schwamb: And so we get that in verse two. The kingdom of heaven may be compared to what? To a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. And so it implies that the kingdom is being revealed and likened in a definitive act. We got verbs, loved ones. This is the classic. The ultimate, God does all the verbs because you're gonna hear her over and over again. God is going out. God is giving. God is seeking. God is going after, and these verbs are really the center of the parable itself. It's not just that it's the wedding banquet as maybe the title in your scripture gives you, but it's more about this giving of this event and it's preparing of this grand feast. And so the recurrence of this allegory seemed, I think, pretty straightforward to us. The the king is God, the Father, the Son is Christ, and the wedding banquet, which by the way in the Greek here is plural, is really emphasizing that it's a totality of an occasion. This is the Messianic feast. This is the eschatological consummation of the Covenant of Grace. And that image imagery draws like so deep from this Old Testament well and background of God as the husband and the bridegroom of Israel. Again, how lovely and amazing for Jesus and his thorough knowledge of the scriptures to draw in something that the audience would've been like, yes, I know what you're talking about. I'm totally down with that. And so the son's wedding is therefore not some kind of like incidental entertainment. It is the central event of all history, the installation of the Messianic king and the gathering of his bride. And of course, the people hearing this would've immediately gravitated toward that. I think they would've leaned in maybe even like smiled or smirked at one another, knowing that this was now all that veiled. What Christ was drawing on here was the classic presentation. Of the family of God represented in the children of Israel itself, being drawn back into consummate harmony with God the Father, where there was peace and unitedness, and a celebration of this fact that all things were now made and brought together, that God was restoring and bringing all those back to himself in his true and true kingdom that could not be thwarted. So the fact that the king gives the banquet, prepares it, sends servants, selects the guests, underscores this incredible modernistic character of salvation. I think it's impossible to miss here that God is literally doing all the verbs. The initiative at every point is divine. There's no hint here of synergism. The guests do not arrange their own invitations, literally. And so that's why in verse three, we see God, he sending out his servants. And of course that's a familiar theme. It should be to us. If you've been tracking with us the last several parables we've been speaking of because the servants represent the prophets of the Old Testament and subsequently the apostles and the ministers of the word. The invitation had already gone out to quote those who were invited. So it's this perfect passive parable in the Greek, it's, it's indicating a prior and standing invitation. This is the external or general call of the gospel going out through the preaching of the word. And notice that there is always a response. Even here, Jesus moves directly and quickly to here's what the response was. In other words, as the scripture has told us that God's word never goes out in returns void, there's always, as it were, a response here, that's illustrated for us very directly because the response is not so good.  [00:15:32] Invitation Refused [00:15:32] Jesse Schwamb: I mean, this is what would, this is horrible like wedding etiquette. They were not willing to come. And this verb I think is critical because it's volitional refusal. It's not mere ignorance. And reformed theology is insistent here against any kind of constellation that makes man's rejection of the gospel. A matter of insufficient information or circumstances we know better, right? We as people should know that we as Christians who have been changed, know that the natural man here is not natural, merely because he lacks the certain kind of information as if he could be restored or regenerated or reformed if we just knew more things. The will is in bondage to sin. And so as the Westminster Confession, faith says, man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation. This is classic Jonathan Edwards, like, you don't bring anything to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary. For some reason in my head, I said that with kind of a, a weird, almost like southern attitude, which I did not mean to convey. But the point is that this refusal is total, it's willing, it's culpable, it's damnable, it's precisely that, which makes it all the more grievous. The invitation is genuine, the refusal is genuine, and the guilt here is entirely real. So the invited in verse three, represent all of Israel. I, I would say like particularly the leaders here, Tony and I have been talking about the responsibility of these, these leaders in particular to, of course, lead Shepherd, grow these people in faith and a love toward God in a way that is toward freedom and now toward more conviction around extraneous rules or heavy burdens that they set up for them that they cannot perform. And so we have these leaders who had received the covenantal promises and the prophetic witness. I mean, that's like classic Romans nine. The rejection of the servants echoes the pattern of prophetic persecution throughout all of Israel's history. So this is sad stuff. It's a sad beginning to have this grand wedding feast prepared by this king for his son set in motion with the invitations already gone out. And essentially all of those who have been invited have Ally refused.  [00:17:49] Feast Is Ready [00:17:49] Jesse Schwamb: But what's so incredible about God and his loving kindness is still represented here in verse four. The king does not relent after the first refusal, which is remarkable. I mean, this is, again, going back to our proper understanding that we love because God first loved us. That love always leads to giving. And so therefore, God so loved the world that he gave his only son. And when did he give his son? At the fullness of time when we were still at enmity, when we were enemies with him still, he sent his son for us and he sends, therefore a second embassy with an even more urgent and elaborate message that he gives them. He puts into their mouth. And the feast, again, is not merely planned. It's prepared. It's ready. The oxen and fat and calves are images of this lavish like sacrificial celebration. Everything's all slaughtered. Everything is ready to go. Now, I don't know the last time you've been to like an epic feast. I do mean like epic over the top feast. I want you to look up something for me. When you have a chance, look up, just go to your browser of choice and type in shady maples smorgasbord. Now, I don't know if you know what a smorgasbord is, but it's like a, I guess it's like a buffet, but like if you took a buffet and multiply it by a million and then only serve like rich, decadent food and more food than you could possibly really imagine and close to where I live, there's a very famous Amish style. Buffet called Shady Maple Smoker Sport. Just go look it up. 'cause it's gonna be possible for you to describe, but all I can say to you is this isn't just like your standard buffet, it's not just like a potluck where it's like, Hey, we got ham. And, um, we've got some salads and, uh, we've got that, uh, what's that? That weird stuff. You can I, the ambrosia, like we, we've got your hydrox cookies for dessert. This is the last time I was there and uh, actually I was there with my parents and my wife and they treated us. And because this was at a part of my life where my gallbladder was trying to attack me and kill me, I remember just being so ill while I was there feeling so ill, and yet just being so disappointed and bummed out that I couldn't eat all this glorious food because there was filet mignon and lobsters. And shrimp and fish and ham like glazed ham and like carving stations. And then for desserts there was like custards and pies and ice cream and cookies and whoopee pies. And it was this over the top celebration of food. And you couldn't help but just feel like, wow, this thing that we're doing right now is like incredible. I've also, I don't think ever seen my father sample so many different desserts because it was special. This was a, a lavish and incredible celebration for us, and it was prepared, it was ready to go. And we find the same thing here. And so the second sending corresponds to this ministry of the Apostles and the early churches proclamation to Israel. The urgency of the messages come now. It reflects this eschatological pressure of the gospel. A good kind of pressure as if like there's a tea kettle on the stove and it's heating up, and now it's starting to whistle and then to boil over. The kingdom has arrived. Loved ones, the feast is set, delay is inexcusable, and, and so the language of readiness, I think is this glorious language of the gospel. The atonement has accomplished. Christ has been crucified, risen, and exalted, and the feast of salvation is prepared. And what I love is that the reformed tradition consistently insists on the sufficiency of Christ's work for all and the genuine freeness of that gospel offer. I like this is what I usually go back to, is that the cannons of dort affirm this in this way. This is the quote. The promise of the gospel is that whosoever believes in Christ, crucified shall not perish, but of everlasting life. This promise together with the command to repent and believe, ought to be declared and proclaimed to all the nations. The invitation is genuine and urgent. The feast is truly ready. [00:22:01] Mission To All [00:22:01] Jesse Schwamb: The church that I attend is part of the Christian Missionary Alliance denomination, and one of the many things I love about my church is that outward and continual focus on this very thing. That the invitation is genuine. It is urgent, and the feast is truly ready, and it is for all peoples. This freeness to, as we talked about before, scatter the seed of the gospel message unreservedly and without bias to all, all in your sphere of influence. All nations, all people, all tongues, all tribe. And my church is very serious about this. In fact, one of the things our pastor loves to do is oftentimes when he's giving it this kind of proclamation, in fact, just this Lord's day, he was speaking from Matthew 28 and about the Great Commission and the essential nature of that great commission is every Christian's promise to participate in that. It is something you and I are commissioned for and we ought to regularly evaluate our, what our prayers look like. What our finances look like and what our time looks like with respect to whether we are taking seriously that commission, which God has given to us. And so in reminding us of that very fact, one of the things he'll often say from the pulpit is he'll ask out to the congregation, he'll say, what is our middle name? And everybody will respond, missionary. And, and while it's a little bit trite, it reminds us that as part of like the essential ethos in DNA of who we are as Christians, and in fact in this particular year. One of the themes that the whole Christian Missionary Alliance nomination has been focusing on is all of Jesus for All the World takes all of us. I love that all of Jesus for all the world takes all of us. And so we have embedded in this parable here, so much of this intentionality of the gospel, of going out for all people, making this, this message and this mission available. Going out and speaking and preaching and witnessing and testifying of how great God is and what he has done in setting and preparing this gospel message for all people. But in verse five, we find out that even still with all of this, they paid no attention. They went off one to his farm and another to his business. In other words, the word here suggests this kind of contemptuous indifference rather than this active hatred that that actually comes a little bit later. But worldly affairs, a farm, some converse. All this displaces the invitation. And these are not wicked activities, of course, in themselves. Their wickedness consists in their displacement of what is the ultimate. And that I think is actually like very penetrating diagnosis of the human condition. The great enemy of the gospel, at least it seems to me, is not always, as you talk to people, like some kind of dramatic philosophical rejection, some well articulated hatred toward God. It's instead like a quiet absorption in the ordinary pursuits of life. It's like what I think Augustine called being curved inward upon oneself. The world is a great enchant. It be witches our souls, it distracts us. There are so many things that can pull us away from not only meditating on this gospel message, but coming alongside and appreciating. In participating in that great commission. There's so many things to distract us. It's, it's not as if we need a list. I think if I asked each one of you or you asked me, what are some things that you find distracting that pull you away from time and prayer time, studying God's word, time spent with my wife, time spent serving in my local church. I'm not gonna be hard pressed to find those things to say to you. So this idea that we have, whether it's the farm or this business pursuit here, I suppose it could be representative to at least great earthly loves. You have the land, kind of a agrarian rooted life, and then there's trade mercantile and acquisitive life. I mean, maybe these just suggests that the rejection spans all of our social and economic classes, both within Israel at the time and for us today. And so we move both from like this kind of cold indifference, this we'll have other things to do. I'm, I'm just too busy. And, uh, how many times do we really convince ourselves that we can justify our busyness when we feel the pull of the spirit that there is a need? We feel the pull of the gospel message because there's the gospel pressure to ensure that we are speaking truth and love to those around us. That we ourselves are responding to this invitation with our wholeheartedness, our mind, soul, and spirit, everything that we are, and we convince ourselves. Well, I just, you know, I have a lot going on right now. God, there's just so much that I need to do.  [00:26:34] Indifference Turns Violent [00:26:34] Jesse Schwamb: Now we get to verse six and things shift a little bit. Verse six reads, while the rest sees the servants and treated them shamefully and killed them. Now, what's interesting to me is the indifference, kinda just that cold lackadaisical ness of verse five escalates somehow into violence. In verse six, some of them invited not only ignore the servants, but actively persecute them. And so here we have them, basically are being told they treated them outrageously, shamelessly, they killed them, and, and that's really the language of the entire prophetic tradition, the killing of the prophets. In fact, this Greek word here is ris. It's a word for arrogance. Honor, violating, assault, a sin against the honor of both the messenger and the one who sent him both. Like the one who is the emissary and the one who grants power or vouch saves authority to that emissary. And so to assault the king's servant is of course, to come against the king, and this is an act of high treason. It's against the sovereign God of the entire universe. I, I like here something that Calvin notes about this kind of inexcusable aggregation of aggravation of Israel's sin. He writes, they not only rejected the grace, which was offered to them, but added cruelty to their contempt. That's incredible. Right? That's exactly what we do. We reject God. It's, it's of course like not only just taking all the gifts he gives us and pretending as if they're under our own authority or. Have been the result of our own talents or abilities. But instead, when we do this, we add cruelty to all of our contempt. And the reformed doctrine, of course, of total depravity is not merely the claim that humans are bad. It's the claim that following humanity left to itself moves progressively from the indifference. That we saw in the previous verse, verse five, two, hostility toward the living God in his gospel messengers, which we see in verse six. In other words, unless God constrain us, loved ones, that is the natural end of man to move from this place where I do not care about God till I hate him, and then I hate all those who represent him, all those who speak on his behalf. [00:28:46] Judgment On The City [00:28:46] Jesse Schwamb: And so the king's response here, as you might imagine, is one of anger. He's angry. He sends his troops and he destroys the scriptures, say those are murderers, and he burns their city. I mean, the verse is almost certainly this kind of pro prophecy filled in its intent and its content. It's I think, probably a transparent reference to the destruction of Jerusalem by Roman armies in 80, 70. And Matthew, even if we say he's writing after that event, or in like a conservative dating with prophetic anticipation, presents Christ as foreseeing and pronouncing the divine judgment upon the city. And this King's anger, of course, is not just, it's not anger that's looking for reciprocity. It's not just anger that's saying, this has made me upset and I'm responding viscerally and emotionally. It's not petulant rage. It is holy and righteous wrath of the sovereign whose grace has been despised and whose servants have been murdered. The destruction is complete. The murderers are destroyed, the city is burned to the ground, and there are foreign tradition kind of following. A covenantal hermeneutic, I think reads 80, 70 as this terminus of the old Covenant administration in many ways, and the judgment upon Nashville Israel for his rejection, for her rejection, rather of the Messiah, you know? While all of that is true, I think what this presents for us is a reminder of how serious our God's Holiness is. And that again, every time we sin, every time that we come against God and someone would challenge his authority as it were, either directly or indirectly, we put ourselves in the place of those who reject the gospel message. And in so doing, we ought to fall on our knees and ask for the kind of repentance that is necessary because we ourselves are putting our place, we're extending among. The murderers, and in this case, the, the message that Jesus has for those is only anger and again, is a righteous kind of anger. So one might imagine as we read in like the previous parables, that Jesus could have just entirely ended there. It almost sounds like we've drawn to a close.  [00:31:04] Invitation Rejected [00:31:04] Jesse Schwamb: Listen, there's a king. He has a wedding banquet for his son. He sent out last invitations. Nobody came. He goes to confronts the guests and not only do they say we're not interested, some of them are like, yeah, we burned all the invitations. And then the people that you sent to remind us, we killed those people. And it'll be right for the king to say. That's it. Everybody's done here. I'm shutting the whole thing down. And honestly, that could have happened in the garden. That could happen at the cross. Instead, we find something totally different. The parable goes on.  [00:31:33] Feast Still Happens [00:31:33] Jesse Schwamb: In fact, verse eight reads, then he said to his servants, the wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Notice loved ones that the feast does not get canceled. I mean, Christmas doesn't get canceled. It's just redirected. The king's purposes will not, cannot be frustrated, and this is a critical sociological and eschatological claim to me, at least. What we're seeing here is the refusal of the invited guests does not leave the wedding hall empty. Praise the Lord. It occasions the wider extension of the invitation.  [00:32:07] Gospel Offer Explained [00:32:07] Jesse Schwamb: And this idea of not worthy does not introduce a prior standard of merit by which the guests were found deficient. But instead, as you know, their unworthiness consists in their refusal To refuse the gospel is to demonstrate one's unworthiness of it. And so worthiness in this context is not some kinda like moral achievement, but it's a covenantal responsiveness. It's the openness of the creature to receive what the king graciously provides. It's why when we stand before God in the kind of judgment that we rightfully deserve, and he says something to the extent of, why should I let you into my heaven? Why should I let you enjoy eternal life with me? We should rightly say, because you promised. And because by the power of your Holy Spirit, through the faith you have given and instilled in me by this imputed righteousness, I can trust you at your promise. And so I think this verse is like so critical for understanding the well meant offer of the gospel. Again, we should together affirm that the gospel is offered to all without distinction, and that those who do not come are inexcusable. God does not will. The damnation of those who reject the gospel as a bare first intention, their damnation follows from their own culpable refusal.  [00:33:31] Mission To All Roads [00:33:31] Jesse Schwamb: And so the king says, listen guys, go out everywhere. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding piece. As many as you find. I don't know how you're envisioning. If you were listening to this story and you were like setting the actual scene, but I don't know, to me, I just find them, the, the servants or the slaves that they look at it one another and they're just like s go time and they just turn around and start going everywhere to all the places, uh, to anyone who will listen to all the like, stops that there were on the byways. All the highways, all the roads. They're just going through all the places. Wherever the road takes 'em, that's where they're going. And all along the way they're spreading this mission, this invitation, and the mission now. Is universal in scope. The main roads, literally the, the exits, the outlets of all these places. The thoroughfares, where the roads branch out of the city and the highways diverge in the countryside. This is representing, of course, like the ends of the earth, the places where any and all may be found. And the command here to as many as you find to go to those is of course, like a command of universal scope. It's for you and me, loved ones there. There's no prior qualification, rich or poor, Jewish, gentile, moral or immoral. This is the missio day, breaking through all ethnic and social boundaries, and in this loving way, in this pastoral way, it underpins the free and indiscriminate offer of the gospel. Again, like going back to the Westminster Confession and the shorter catechism, affirming this covenant of grace that is administered by the preaching of the word. And no matter where you work, like reform theology from like William Cur, David Bernard, like to the modern missionary movement, we're drawing from this mandate of precisely this kind of universal commission. You know, it's like Spurgeon, I think once said something effect of like, Christ has done more than give a general invitation. He has given an urgent, pressing, commanding invitation to all something like that. And I always remember that because when I think about what it means to step into this role of fulfilling the great commission of understanding what Jesus is saying here, it's not just as if we're saying, listen, the world is in a dire place. This is an emergency situation. And so for all of us in our sphere of influence. To bring forward this message of the indiscriminate offer of the gospel is to take God at his word and then to deliver that word to all of those, all the highways, all the byways, all the outplace, every tribe, Tong, nation. What a glorious thing that our God has given us and put us on mission in this way so that no matter who we meet, we know we might say Jesus loves you, that Jesus has died for you. This is, I think, one of the things that those who maybe are new to the reformed tradition and the theological perspective. Find a little bit interesting to parse out, or maybe sometimes if you've had conversations like I have people think that we're parsing the words too much, but there's something to be said for the death of Jesus being sufficient for all and efficacious for the elect, that we're not simply splitting words. There we're describing very discreetly, very cogently, very crisply. This indiscriminate gospel message while at the same time recognizing that it's God's sovereign choice and will to draw those whom he will to himself. And so in verse 10.  [00:36:54] Good And Bad Gathered [00:36:54] Jesse Schwamb: These servants go out to the roads and they gather all whom they found both good and bad. And so the wedding hall, guess what was filled with guests, because this is God's sovereign prerogative because he can do all these things because even those who have denied him does not remove him from power. That he does all the verbs and so the servants obey and the results are comprehensive. They gather in all of these, and Matthew's quick to say both the good and the bad, and I think like the good and the bad pairing is significant. I don't think this is necessarily meaning that there's the morally virtuous and the morally depraved, though that probably is included somewhere. But I think this, this more, this reflection that, once again, it's all kinds of people. For God's to love the world that whomsoever, all of those who believe in him should not perish, but have eternal life. The wedding hall is filled, it was filled, and it's filled by God's sovereign action through human instrumentality.  [00:37:53] Visible And Invisible Church [00:37:53] Jesse Schwamb: And there is, like I'd say, if you're tracking with this, you should notice that there is a, a kinda a tension here. It sits between verses 10 and 11, and it's going to resolve the banquet hall is full. But you'll notice that it's not all within, well, not everybody who's within it are truly saved. And we'll get to why that isn't just a second. But the filling of the hall through the universal gospel summons does produce a mixed company. We've already talked about the parable of the terrors in the wheat before, so this, this should be news if you've been listening to us for a little while, but it's precisely the condition of the visible church in this age. Again, I just think it's fantastic that when we go to the scriptures, one of the reasons we know it's true is because God tells us the truth about the way things are. And we know that this is the way that the church is today. We would call this the visible versus the invisible church. And of course there's a distinguishing between the visible church, which consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion from the invisible church, which is the totality of the elect, those who God has actually called to himself. So the hole is full. But not all in the hall are clothed. And this is fascinating how Jesus brings in this idea of dressing of not, I mean, not what you put on your salad, a smorgasbord, but like what you're actually wearing.  [00:39:07] Wedding Garment Meaning [00:39:07] Jesse Schwamb: So in verse 11, but the king came in to look at the guests and he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. So notice that the parable scene here kind of shifts dramatically all of a sudden because the king arrives suddenly. He's present. He was speaking, he was giving instructions, he was preparing, he was a character, kind of chilling in the background. But now there's this eschatological moment the king's coming to inspect. The guests corresponds to this final judgment, and what he finds is there's a man without a wedding garment. He's at the center, I think of this parables, theological climax. So what, what is this wedding garment? I would put it to you like, as you're thinking through this and maybe interpreting listening for yourself, what do you think the wedding garment is? And I would say like what most reformed interpreters have been unified on is that this really represents that imputed righteousness, the the righteousness of Christ that's credited to the believer and received by faith alone. And so by a wedding garment, I would understand this to mean the purity and the holiness of that transforms and regenerated life, which is required of all those who are brought inside the true and invisible church. And though he immediately qualifies this as like righteousness, that is inseparable from justification. It is not earned, but it is received. In fact, I think, uh, I have my Logos Bible software up as I'm talking to you, and I see that Matthew Henry comments on this by saying, the righteousness of Christ is the robe of righteousness, the garment of salvation in which true believers are closed. I mean. That's a great turn of phrase, brothers and sisters. I love this idea of what the scriptures tell us elsewhere of putting on these garments of praise or worship, the garments of Christ, of being exchanged out as it were, for what is dirty and unsuitable for something that suits the occasion that is given to you to wear by faith alone. And of course, this wedding garment is not a work that the guest has produced, but it's a garment provided, uh, presumably like the king's servants actually supplied it. Uh, I, I think that's like a detail implied by the ancient custom and the severity of the guest condemnation for lacking it. It's almost as if the king is saying. Uh, like you were, should have been provided. Why did you not put this on? Why did by faith you not accept this? And this underscores the so gratia and so fide. The righteousness by which we stand before God on the last day is not our own, but Christ, it's received through faith. And the man without the garment represents those who presume to stand before God on the basis of their own righteousness. Whether that's religious profession. Moral achievement, charitable giving, mere church membership rather. And instead of. That alien and beautiful righteousness of Christ. So the fact that this man is inside the hall, you know, he's come in through the general call confirms that the parable addresses not only those outside the church, but those within it who lack genuine saving faith. It's almost, to me, kind of like an intra ecclesial warning. It's, it's not merely a missional observation. I think that is for all of us. It's why Paul elsewhere says. Check test, confirm to see whether you yourselves are in this faith because it is by faith that we put on these wedding garments which are appropriate and suitable for this great eschatological Messianic wedding feast with the lamb. [00:42:48] Speechless Before Judgment [00:42:48] Jesse Schwamb: So in verse 12, the king says to him, friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment? And notice the man's response. I, I almost find this kind of funny because he just says, and he was speechless. Like there was, there was nothing for him, uh, to, to say it all. And of course, like this question that's posed here, this, how did you get in here without the winning government? It's not a real question, right? It's not a question of genuine puzzlement. It's the same way in which when we find God walking in the cool of the day, in the garden after the sin of Adam and E, where he says, Adam, where are you? It's not a genuine question of a quizzical nature. It's instead, this rhetorical structure is God questions through judgments. And when he says to Cain, where is Abel your brother, where is Abel, your brother? He's exposing and he's condemning. He's not merely inquiring. And so this man in response, sensing this condemnation, discerning this condemnation, this judgment that's been brought against him, I think this is why the Greek says he was muzzled. He was silenced, his mouth was shut up. He had no answer. Uh, it's not because the question was unfair. But because there was just no legitimate words that he could bring there, there was no argumentation. In other words, there's no poll mic. There was no great debate that he could have. In this moment. Every mouth will be stopped before God. I mean, that's like Romans three. The silence of the ungodly before the Divine Tribunal is a consistent biblical theme, and we find it here. Again, this is the eschatological end to those who are condemned. No one loved ones is gonna stand before God on the last day and successfully argue their case on the ground of personal merit. I love William Perkins on this topic. He was apparently really moved. I learned by this verse and by what he saw in the silence as a profound warning against false assurance. So he actually wrote many a man in this world. Silence is his own conscience. With many fair excuse. Do you hear that? I, I love that turn of phrase. So we're talking about silence. It's about being silence, but I love how he says it's very easy to, to silence, not yourself, not like somebody coming against you with debate, but your own conscience. So he writes, again, many a man in this world will silence his own conscience with many a fair excuse. But in that day, there will be no excuse, no plea, no delay. So that time of plea is now, it's in this life. It's by faith and repentance, which is why there's an urgency to this gospel message. And so the king.  [00:45:17] Outer Darkness Warning [00:45:17] Jesse Schwamb: In hearing this and knowing that this man has no excuse for his outer attire, he says to him, listen to the servants. Bind him hand and foot, cast him into outer darkness. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. The sentence is severe. It's total. Of the command is given to the servants and attendance maybe in this parable and parabolic form, likely the angelic executors of divine judgment and it is binding. It renders the condemned utterly helpless. It's a picture of total divine control over the destiny of the ate. He has cast into this outer darkness, outside the light and warmth of the banquet hall entirely. And I think it's incumbent upon us to take a second and to grieve the repercussions of what is being said here. That the death and destruction of the ATE should make us grieve. It should compel us to go out into the highways, the byways, and to share this message. Unreservedly. One of the ways we know really the full anguish of what this entails is this phrase, weeping and gnashing of teeth, actually occurs seven times in Matthew, and it functions as this refrain, this chorus, this common language of this eschatological condemnation, it combines interestingly in this wordplay here, both the anguish of grief with the rage of frustrated pride. It's a portrait, not of this just like regret, but continuing imp penitent, hostility against God and eternal punishment. And I think if Tony were here, he would agree with me that we have consistently affirmed the doctrine of eternal conscience punishment. You know, the Westminster Confession says, the wicked who know not God and obey not the gospel of Jesus Christ shall be cast into eternal torments. In other words, this outer darkness is not annihilation. The weeping and the gnashing continues. It implies an ongoing conscious existence. It's the image of a binding stands against the notion of this kind of postmortem repentance or universalism. The severity of that verse, I think, really must be allowed to stand in its canonical context without mitigation. The, the severity of this judgment ought to fill us with fear, not theological domestication. We, we shouldn't set this aside and be saying, well, this implies that there is nothing after that time. No, there continues to be only time with God in his presence, in eternal, consummate joy and harmony and peacefulness and celebration. Or there is literally. A weeping and a gnashing of teeth, an unresolved rage and anger where that is punished by God because he's absent where there's unmitigated pain and suffering because it is absent the presence and the mediation of God himself, who even now in this world, holds us back so that while we are sinful and we are not as bad as we could or ought to be because of his great kindness, all of us, even those. Who are not believers.  [00:48:37] Called Yet Chosen [00:48:37] Jesse Schwamb: And so because of that, it ends with these very famous in stock words in in verse 14, for many are called, but few are chosen. And that concluding aphorism is, I think, the theological linchpin of this entire thing. The contrast between this idea of called and chosen, you know, this is the vocabulary that is deliberately covenantal and elective, and we shouldn't shy away from that. Of course, it's referring to this external call, the universal proclamation of the gospel to all the hearers. The call is genuine, it's earnest, it's gentile, it's sufficient as an offer. It is the call that goes to all the highways, all who hear the gospel are truly called to repentance and faith. And for me, in my own journey of understanding what this means as God has allowed me to, that has been critical. This idea that this universal call means that it is sufficient as a call to repentance and faith for all those who hear it. And then it does become the responsibility of all those who hear it to respond to it. And so this idea then of this pairing then with the chosen and the elect is referring of course to those whom God has chosen from before the foundation of the world. The elect are those who not only receive the external call, but are effectually drawn by the eternal efficacious call of the Holy Spirit. We can look to Romans eight 30, those whom he predestined, he also called, and those whom he called, he also justified. And I say, because this is a Reformed Theological podcast, and this is what you came here for, I presume, brothers and sisters. Then it behooves us to at least mention again that the reformed tradition has classically distinguished between that external or general call, the sincere well meant proclamation of the gospel to all without distinction, inviting everybody to faith and repentance. That call is genuine on God's part and God's doing the verbs in that as well. And then again, we, we set that over in next two, the internal, what we call like effectual efficacious call. It's sovereign. It's irresistible work of the Holy Spirit by which the elect regenerated, have their will renewed and are infallibly brought to saving faith. All those whom God has predestined unto life and those only he's pleased in his appointed and accepted time to affectionately call by His word and his spirit out of the state of sin and death to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ. I was thinking recently of this idea of the narrow path and somewhere between like the scriptures there and pilgrim's progress, and paths and journeys. I had this image in my mind of the road on which we walk. And in this life, the natural man on that road encounters all these like intractable boulders, these things that cannot be traversed. These just great mountainous pieces of rock, which block the path. And so prevent us from at least accomplishing the thing that we would like. Like to live forever, to have peace with God, to be at peace with ourselves, to love our brothers and our sisters as much as we love ourselves to honor something that is greater than us. And those boulders are things like sin, death in the devil, which constantly invade us, which constantly thwart us, which constantly block us. And in Christ, what he has accomplished in salvation is not just, I think to remove those boulders, though that would've been good enough of course to just get them outta the way. Instead, it's as if he's taken them and he's crushed them, and now to the softest sand between our toes and we walk over them in victory by the power of his name through the Holy Spirit into eternal life. Into that grand wedding feast spoil, which we have been invited because he has done this because he loves us. And so verse 14 places these two realities side by side without resolving the tension. Philosophically, this is one of the great mysteries of theology. Uh, reformed theology does not collapse the distinction by limiting the external call to the elect alone as like maybe kind of a hyper Calvinist model, but it doesn't make the internal call dependent on a human decision. As like Armenian theology would instead, you know, the tension is, is biblical. This is here for us. It's here for us, because I believe that God wishes for us to submit our knowledge and our reasoning to him knowing that he is far and above us. And because this tension is biblical, it has to be maintained. The invitation is genuinely universal. The effectual drawing is sovereignly particular. How great is our God loved ones? There is no one like him. And so there's so much in this that I think we could spend all of the rest of our life thinking about, and that would be a noble, I was just thinking today that, um, you know, unless the Lord Terrys like, maybe this will be the last series me and Tony ever do, because there's so much that's rich and deep in these parables and there's so many of them, and the teaching of Christ is, is so complete of course, for us because it gives us everything that we need for life and salvation and godliness that. We find that the more that we look into them, the more that we ask the Holy Spirit to bathe us in a realization that comes from the spirit of God, the more that we will find. They challenge us. They encourage us. They equip us. So I'm thinking and praying for you all as I hope that you are for Tony and I as we continue to wrestle with these things as we continue to talk them out, because I'm asking God that he would equip us as we look at the teaching of his son in these parables with a firm understanding of the truth and equip us with his promises and with his encouragement so that. As he grows us in our faith, our faith for us would be like a thousand eyes and a thousand wings that we would find ourselves moving from glory to glory. Because we see in these parables the great work of God for us. What he has accomplished through his son and how he continues to be for us and the son who is given for us is with us. That we have his Holy Spirit within us and who discerns the mind of God, accept the spirits of God. So love us. Let's continue to get after what's being said in these parables here because there's so much for us here.  [00:55:14] Living The Commission [00:55:14] Jesse Schwamb: And might I add, just to tack onto the end, there's also so much for the world. I know that we're quick to say, or like colloquially Christians have said in the past like, Jesus is the answer, but you I think cannot necessarily fault the world for sometimes asking, well, what is the question? And unless we go forward with this proper understanding that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. That all are in need of this savior and that this gospel message is for, in fact, for all people without reservation. Full stop. I guess I ask for you and I and Tony who's editing this episode, are we going out into the highways and byways? What is the proof of the pudding in the eating look like when we examine our lives, but with specifically our finances and our time and our prayer closet and our service? Aren't we in fact concerned with the great commission that is reflected here? Are we concerned with the emergence and urgent need of this gospel message, which is for all people because God so loved the world that he gave his only forgotten son. That whosoever shall believe in him will not per but have everlasting life.  [00:56:27] Community And Support [00:56:27] Jesse Schwamb: So come hang out with us. Come talk about this parable. You know where to go. But I'm gonna tell you anyway because that's what we do. If you go to your browser, type in T Me Back slash Reform Brotherhood, t Me Back slash Reform Brotherhood, that link will take you to an app called Telegram. Telegram is just a messaging app. It's like, I dunno, iMessages for Apple or whatever you Android people are using these days. And there's just a little community that we've sectioned off there. And it's a community of listeners to the Reform Brotherhood who are talking about all kinds of things. You, you wanna be in that group? It is. It is a great group. Don't, don't reject the invitation. Don't reject it. Just, just come. I know you're thinking, listen, I got land. I got commerce I gotta deal with. That's fine. Come, come and join us. So go to t.me/reform brotherhood. One last thing. I would be remiss if I didn't thank all of those who make sure that this podcast still goes out to all the highways and the byways of the internet. That there is no Jericho paywall around it because it does cost money to put out there all the subscriptions, all the distribution. It's surprising, but there are. Intense fees with a lot of that stuff, and so I wanna say thank you, thank you, thank you to those who have listened and said, you know what? I would like to make sure. That this continues to go on. I've been blessed just by the conversation. God has done something here because again, he does all the verbs. Tony and I do zero verbs, and so because of that, they've gone to patreon.com Reform Brotherhood, and they've just decided to give a little bit of the kindness of their heart and generosity to the Lord. So if you're thinking, you know what? I've been listening for a while, and I do appreciate that this just magically, as it were, pops up in my feed and I continue to listen to it. Would you please consider helping us? Uh, Tony and I and so many other listeners who give a little bit just to make sure that together we can keep this thing going strong. And again, you can just go to patreon.com/reform brotherhood. There's also a website, uh, reform brother.com and all kinds of other fun stuff. But I will leave that to you. I, I didn't even bring it up. See, I'm just so glad that you mentioned it yourself 'cause it would've been awkward otherwise.  [00:58:31] Final Blessing [00:58:31] Jesse Schwamb: So loved ones. There are still so many more parables to go. They're all so good. So I hope that you all come back and join us next time as we continue to move through these parables. But until then, there's something that you should definitely do honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. 

this week on Delusional Diaries, Halley and Jaz are back, but they're not alone. Greta is also back behind the mic after all the love the first time around… but this time, they're still riding the high from their trip to Korea and Tokyo with enough stories, inside jokes, and energy to prove they absolutely should have started podcasting from abroad. from salmon sperm eye treatments that may or may not have done anything, to hand-sculpted Korean nail charms that sparked stranger conversations back home than any engagement ring ever could; this episode kicks off exactly how a good episode should: zero filter, zero agenda, and covering everything. the girls go deep on the things that really matter: what you'd actually bid on at a charity auction, whether you'd rather have ten nudes leaked or a year's worth of iMessages exposed, the lost art of Omegle sleepovers, and why blacking out around influencers hits completely different than it used to. there's also a very sincere debate about grandparent names (honey is taken, non-negotiable), a smash-or-pass round on every fashion trend you've been quietly judging, and a surprisingly earnest pitch for why Sabrina Carpenter must perform at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.of course, as always, the episode navigates so many tangents, chaotically in the best way: girls trip shenanigans, internet brain rot, niche humor that keeps getting resurrected, and the kind of couch conversation that turns into twenty different topics before anyone remembers the original point. if this episode proves one thing, it's that spending too much time together only makes these three funnier. this episode feels exactly like being trapped in a group FaceTime with your funniest friends for two hours. practically, it's very Halley, Jaz & Greta…Timestamps1:41 - Korea Recap 10:38 - Manifesting, sleepovers, and rain plans 34:43 - Putting something up for auction 42:41- Questions for Greta 50:42 - Fashion trends More of Delusional Diaries Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delusionaldiariespodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@delusionaldiariespodcastYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@DelusionaldiariespodcastSubstack: https://delusionaldiariespodcast.substack.com/Website: https://delusionaldiaries.com/More of Halley:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halleykmcg/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@halleykateMore of Jaz:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justjazzzyidk/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justjazzzyidkYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/justjazzzyidkMore of Greta:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretalouisetome/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gretalouisetomeLinks Ollie - Ollie. Feed the Obsession. Go to ollie.com/diaries and use code diaries to get 70% off your first box!Progressive - progressive.com Wayfair - wayfair.comQuince - quince.com/delusional for free shipping on your order and 365-day returnsApartments.com - apartments.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

n this Spotlight Session, we sit down with Aria Afshar, Co-founder and COO of Blooio LLC, to talk about integrating iMessage directly into HighLevel workflows and why it changes how agencies and field service businesses communicate with customers.With deep experience in messaging infrastructure and CRM integration, Aria breaks down the evolution of business messaging, from SMS in 1992 to iMessage in 2011 to RCS adoption and how Blooio snaps iMessage into HighLevel like any native communication channel.We dive into:

Look, we've played some weird stuff on Star 106.3, but Adam calling his ex, Steph, to ask for her Disney+ password—only to have her new bloke, Sebastian, answer the phone—might be a new high (or low) for us. We're also diving deep into the absolute mystery of the Opus safe. It's been locked for 15 years, and even after Jake brought in a "savant" to crack it, the result was a total Townsville-style disaster. Plus, "Tim Cook" stopped by to tell us why he's actually retiring, and it turns out he's just as obsessed with cash as he is with iMessages.We also get stuck into some of the grimmest wedding stories you've ever heard. We're talking about aunts hooking up with grooms, grooms hooking up with bridesmaids, and a poor kid at the RSL who caused a "footprint" situation that'll make you want to burn your carpet. From Bethany getting booted from a Japanese bathhouse to Jake failing his way through another week of promotions, this is the best (and weirdest) of the week.Full Chapter List[0:00] – Intro & The Ex-Files: Adam tries to keep his Disney+ access by calling his ex, Steph. It gets legendary levels of awkward when her new boyfriend picks up.[5:15] – Tim Cook Exclusive: The "Apple CEO" explains why he's stepping down and his secret preference for Android.[10:30] – The Opus Safe Mystery: 15 years, one locked vault under the old Townsville Bulletin building, and a "savant" who couldn't get the job done.[14:50] – Blame Game (Wedding Edition): A religious dry wedding, an aunt, and a $5,000 bar tab scandal.[19:22] – Ad Break 1[21:10] – Wedding Nightmare: The "lip-on-lip" moment between a groom and an aunt that ruined a family.[24:05] – Adam's Mowing Empire: Adam takes on the Amazon Rainforest (also known as Jake's backyard) and launches a business.[28:40] – Bathhouse Ban: Bethany Ross on why her tattoos cleared out a Japanese Onsen in record time.[33:15] – Ad Break 2[35:05] – The Daily Dribble: Naked naturalists vs. the Cumbria Nature Festival.[38:20] – Maggie Island Celeb Spotting: Dries Mertens at Island Burger and the accidental toddler "assault" that followed.[41:12] – One Word Project: Why one in five parents secretly regret the name they gave their kid.[44:50] – Friendship Court: Donny "sues" Bethany for not letting him dog-sit her two pups while she was in Japan.[48:30] – Wedding Horror Stories: Diaper leaks at the RSL and the "Lobster Liberator" who stole a pet.[51:45] – Jake's Redemption Challenge: Can Jake actually source a free wedding in less than 24 hours?[54:10] – Limo to School: The boys take the local kids to St. Benedict's in the most luxurious ride in Townsville.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-late-bloomers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 2310 - Kid welcomes back the unstoppable duo of Hat Trick and El Pres, and what follows is 70+ minutes of zero-filter fire: roasting Attorney General Pam "Bondage" Bondi into oblivion, diving headfirst into the latest Epstein file drops (including that insane jmail.world site), ripping apart the Super Bowl halftime hypocrisy, and—oh yeah—graphic play-by-play of monster-knot sex and snowy foot-fetish side hustles. 1. Pam Bondi Gets Roasted Harder Than a Bad Tinder Date Kid and crew go nuclear on AG Pam Bondi after her congressional hearing meltdown. She's supposed to be the top law enforcement officer protecting public interest and fighting human trafficking—not yelling about stock market gains like a deranged cheerleader for the Cheeto overlord. They pull up her actual job description (chief legal officer, DOJ head, consumer protection, anti-trafficking crusader) and contrast it with her performance: deflecting questions, zero survivor outreach, perjury vibes from Ted Lieu, and straight-up acting like Trump's personal attorney. Kid's AI-generated "Bondage Baby" art with exaggerated assets? Chef's kiss. The hypocrisy is thick, and the crew calls it like they see it: she's failing the American people spectacularly. 2. Epstein Files: jmail.world Is the Rabbit Hole We All Needed The real star? That mind-blowing site jmail.world—Epstein's actual emails recreated Gmail-style, complete with searchable photos, flights, iMessages, Amazon orders (so much lube), and 3D virtual tours of the island. Trump barely shows up (even the pedos thought he was a loser), but names like Bannon, Clinton, and more are everywhere. Recent 2026 DOJ drops (hundreds of GB) fuel the fire—dominoes falling slowly, Europe outpacing us, survivors ignored. Theories fly: Michael Jackson as a secret savior? It's wild, it's dark, and it's all there for you to spiral into. 3. Super Bowl Halftime Hypocrisy & Bad Bunny Unity Vibes Bad Bunny's full-Spanish headline set (with that "together we are America" closer listing the whole continent) did more uniting than anything Trump-era. Critics booed, Vance got roasted at the Olympics, and the anti-immigrant crowd lost it—despite Shakira/J.Lo/Bad Bunny collabs getting zero flak before. Kid Rock's pre-recorded money-grab flop? Artists bailing on tours? It's all exposure of the division machine. Bonus: "I should know more Spanish" energy hits hard. 4. The Filthy, Glorious Personal Chaos Hat Trick levels up big time: the legendary Dragon (that popcorn-sized knot dildo) finally fits after pregame solo sessions, vibrator assists, multiple Os, and creaming so hard it's "glazed donut" status. Legs shaking, fireman/Superman delivers rounds, dripping everywhere. Then the side hustle reveal—FeetFinder earnings from walking barefoot in freezing snow (daughter helps film the snow angel soles shot), $44 from one buyer obsessed with cold yellow toes. Dirty socks, sprain fetishes, potential mother-daughter customs? Niche gold. The crew floats dick-stamp canvas art ideas for the studio wall—tits, curves, interactive voting. Pure unhinged creativity. Final Takeaway This episode is peak Goi'Deep: rage at institutional failure, deep-dive conspiracy tools (hit jmail.world or creepsearch.com redirect), cultural takedowns, and shameless adult fun. Dominoes are falling—slowly—but hope flickers amid the shitstorm. Stay informed, stay horny, stay pissed.

Google launches the Pixel 10 lineup, now compatible with MagSafe devices, tons of AI features, Gemini AI coming to smart homes, Notion brings offline features, iPadOS 26 isn't perfect, and FineWoven making a comeback.Bonus Episode: Stephen's next app, and deleting iMessages. Listen here!------------------------------Sponsored by:CleanMyMac - Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code PRIMARYTECH for 20% off at clnmy.com/PrimaryTechnologyInsta360 GO Ultra - bag a free Sticky Tabs to help you mount the camera everywhere when you use promo code PRIMARY at: https://store.insta360.com------------------------------Show Notes via EmailSign up to get exactly one email per week from the Primary Tech guys with the full episode show notes for your perusal. Click here to subscribe.------------------------------Watch on YouTube!Subscribe and watch our weekly episodes plus bonus clips at: https://youtu.be/AApUoEIn7VY------------------------------Join the CommunityDiscuss new episodes, start your own conversation, and join the Primary Tech community here: social.primarytech.fm------------------------------Support the showGet ad-free versions of the show plus exclusive bonus episodes every week! Subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts or here if you want chapters: primarytech.memberful.com/join------------------------------Reach out:Stephen's YouTube Channel@stephenrobles on ThreadsStephen on BlueskyStephen on Mastodon@stephenrobles on XJason's Inc.com Articles@jasonaten on Threads@JasonAten on XJason on BlueskyJason on Mastodon------------------------------We would also appreciate a 5-star rating and review in Apple Podcasts and SpotifyPodcast artwork with help from Basic Apple Guy.Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: podcast@primarytech.fm------------------------------Links from the showMasimo Sues Customs Over Apple Watch's Restored Oxygen Tool (1)Google signs Stephen Curry to pitch its Pixel, health, and AI gear | The VergeEverything Google announced at the Pixel 10, Pixel Watch 4 eventThe best new features of the Pixel 10 lineup | The VergeThe Pixel 10 Pro puts generative AI right inside the camera | The VergeGoogle Pixel 10/Pro/Fold Impressions: Magnets! - YouTubeGoogle announces Gemini for Home | The VergeThe Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is the first fully dust-resistant foldable | The VergeOpenAI CFO: Computing power demand is biggest challengeWorking offline in Notion—Everything you need to knowiPhone 17 Pro case has surprising name after FineWoven mess, box hints at new Apple accessory - 9to5MacApple Finally Answers the Question: 'What If the iPad Were More Like the Mac?'Apple Unveils All New iBook - AppleApple introduces the new MacBook Air with the M4 chip and a sky blue color - Apple (00:00) - Intro (00:49) - Gaylord Texan (02:07) - Watch Blood Oxygen (07:44) - Stephen's Nemesis (09:42) - Pixel 10 Lineup (16:05) - Google's AI Camera (27:12) - Gemini Smart Home (32:52) - Pixel 10 Pro Fold (34:54) - Sponsor: CleanMyMac (37:18) - Sponsor: Insta360 (39:16) - OpenAI $1B Month (41:57) - Notion Offline (44:34) - FineWoven Comeback (47:44) - Is iPadOS 26 Good? (56:24) - Cable Preferences (58:49) - Notebook vs Laptop ★ Support this podcast ★

When is it an appropriate time to fight someone?

Nate has returned from Social Media Marketing World in San Diego. He breaks down what the trends are and why AI probably won't ruin social media. We've also got plenty of other tech news to get caught up on and some tips and picks to help you tech better. Watch on YouTube! - Visit Notpicks.com INTRO (00:00) MAIN TOPIC: Social Media Marketing World Recap (05:05) DAVE'S PRO-TIP OF THE WEEK:  iOS 18.4, 12 New Things (23:55) JUST THE HEADLINES: (31:45) Martian dust may pose health risk to humans exploring red planet, study finds Bloomberg's AI-Generated news summaries had at least 36 errors since January Scientists may have discovered how to extract power from the Earth's rotation FTC says 23andMe purchaser must uphold existing privacy policy for data handling Trump extends TikTok deadline for the second time Apple flew 5 flights full of iPhones from India and China in 3 days to beat Trump Tariffs iPhone farms sending more than 100,000 scam iMessages per day TAKES: Everything we know so far about the Nintendo Switch 2 - Nintendo's Switch 2 preorder process has strict requirements to thwart scalpers (35:10) Mozilla Thunderbird finally takes on Gmail with new email service (43:25) North Korean hackers cash out hundreds of millions from $1.5bn ByBit hack (46:35) BONUS ODD TAKE: TV Garden - Watch TV from around the world (48:50) PICKS OF THE WEEK: Dave: ArcEmu - Watch Emulator (52:35) Nate: Airmoto Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor - Air Pump For Car Tires with Digital Pressure Gauge, LED Light and Auto Shut-Off Function - Cordless Pump for Car, Motorcycle, Bicycle, Balls and More (57:35) RAMAZON PURCHASE - Giveaway! (01:05:00)

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple's Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by DREAME: Get up to $600 off intelligent robotic cleaners and effortless wet/dry vacs in DREAME's Spring Cleaning sale now. New episodes of 9to5Mac Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they're available. Stories discussed in this episode: iPhone farms sending more than 100,000 scam iMessages per day Trump tariffs attack key parts of the Apple supply chain, Apple stock drops 7% in after-hours trading iOS 18.5 makes it easier to get the old Apple Mail design back Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Overcast RSS Spotify TuneIn Google Podcasts Subscribe to support Chance directly with 9to5Mac Daily Plus and unlock: Ad-free versions of every episode Bonus content Catch up on 9to5Mac Daily episodes! Don't miss out on our other daily podcasts: Quick Charge 9to5Toys Daily Share your thoughts! Drop us a line at happyhour@9to5mac.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show.

In this Valentine's Day-themed episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard explore a few iOS apps and features perfect for sharing love and appreciation with others. From physical card-sending services to digital solutions and customizable widgets, they cover multiple ways to make Valentine's Day special using Apple devices. Felt: Physical card-sending app with various card styles, custom designs, and the ability to add special items like confetti, chocolates, and stickers to your mailings Ink: Another physical card service that offers photo cards, calendars, and customizable gifts like mugs and socks Widgetsmith: App for creating custom widgets, including countdown timers and photo displays perfect for showcasing loved ones on your home screen Givingli: Digital card and gift service that lets you send virtual cards with attached gift cards from popular retailers like Starbucks, Amazon, and Taco Bell Valentine's Gifts and Stickers: App offering themed stickers and GIFs for Messages, with both free and paid options Messages "Send Later" feature: Built-in iOS capability to schedule messages in advance for special occasions Shortcuts Corner Question about creating a shortcut to dynamically adjust sleep schedules based on bedtime routine. Plus, adorable dogs! Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

In this Valentine's Day-themed episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard explore a few iOS apps and features perfect for sharing love and appreciation with others. From physical card-sending services to digital solutions and customizable widgets, they cover multiple ways to make Valentine's Day special using Apple devices. Felt: Physical card-sending app with various card styles, custom designs, and the ability to add special items like confetti, chocolates, and stickers to your mailings Ink: Another physical card service that offers photo cards, calendars, and customizable gifts like mugs and socks Widgetsmith: App for creating custom widgets, including countdown timers and photo displays perfect for showcasing loved ones on your home screen Givingli: Digital card and gift service that lets you send virtual cards with attached gift cards from popular retailers like Starbucks, Amazon, and Taco Bell Valentine's Gifts and Stickers: App offering themed stickers and GIFs for Messages, with both free and paid options Messages "Send Later" feature: Built-in iOS capability to schedule messages in advance for special occasions Shortcuts Corner Question about creating a shortcut to dynamically adjust sleep schedules based on bedtime routine. Plus, adorable dogs! Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

In this Valentine's Day-themed episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard explore a few iOS apps and features perfect for sharing love and appreciation with others. From physical card-sending services to digital solutions and customizable widgets, they cover multiple ways to make Valentine's Day special using Apple devices. Felt: Physical card-sending app with various card styles, custom designs, and the ability to add special items like confetti, chocolates, and stickers to your mailings Ink: Another physical card service that offers photo cards, calendars, and customizable gifts like mugs and socks Widgetsmith: App for creating custom widgets, including countdown timers and photo displays perfect for showcasing loved ones on your home screen Givingli: Digital card and gift service that lets you send virtual cards with attached gift cards from popular retailers like Starbucks, Amazon, and Taco Bell Valentine's Gifts and Stickers: App offering themed stickers and GIFs for Messages, with both free and paid options Messages "Send Later" feature: Built-in iOS capability to schedule messages in advance for special occasions Shortcuts Corner Question about creating a shortcut to dynamically adjust sleep schedules based on bedtime routine. Plus, adorable dogs! Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

In this Valentine's Day-themed episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard explore a few iOS apps and features perfect for sharing love and appreciation with others. From physical card-sending services to digital solutions and customizable widgets, they cover multiple ways to make Valentine's Day special using Apple devices. Felt: Physical card-sending app with various card styles, custom designs, and the ability to add special items like confetti, chocolates, and stickers to your mailings Ink: Another physical card service that offers photo cards, calendars, and customizable gifts like mugs and socks Widgetsmith: App for creating custom widgets, including countdown timers and photo displays perfect for showcasing loved ones on your home screen Givingli: Digital card and gift service that lets you send virtual cards with attached gift cards from popular retailers like Starbucks, Amazon, and Taco Bell Valentine's Gifts and Stickers: App offering themed stickers and GIFs for Messages, with both free and paid options Messages "Send Later" feature: Built-in iOS capability to schedule messages in advance for special occasions Shortcuts Corner Question about creating a shortcut to dynamically adjust sleep schedules based on bedtime routine. Plus, adorable dogs! Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

In this Valentine's Day-themed episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard explore a few iOS apps and features perfect for sharing love and appreciation with others. From physical card-sending services to digital solutions and customizable widgets, they cover multiple ways to make Valentine's Day special using Apple devices. Felt: Physical card-sending app with various card styles, custom designs, and the ability to add special items like confetti, chocolates, and stickers to your mailings Ink: Another physical card service that offers photo cards, calendars, and customizable gifts like mugs and socks Widgetsmith: App for creating custom widgets, including countdown timers and photo displays perfect for showcasing loved ones on your home screen Givingli: Digital card and gift service that lets you send virtual cards with attached gift cards from popular retailers like Starbucks, Amazon, and Taco Bell Valentine's Gifts and Stickers: App offering themed stickers and GIFs for Messages, with both free and paid options Messages "Send Later" feature: Built-in iOS capability to schedule messages in advance for special occasions Shortcuts Corner Question about creating a shortcut to dynamically adjust sleep schedules based on bedtime routine. Plus, adorable dogs! Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv. Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Facilitator: Brad Topics:  Reading different things with Zoom  links in contacts;  Using zoom links in shortcuts;  Yearly subscriptions to Apple Music benefits?;  Guesters for using copy/paste commands with VoiceOver;  What is a container?;  Using Guesters with dictations; Not seeing saved emails in folders; Setting up multiple mail accounts;  Anyone used ChatGPT+ with AI?  Adjusting Guester speaking rate in quick settings;  Issues with continuous ding's while listing to news stations;  Setting up Sono Speakers on Apple TV;  How to cut and paste text to a new email;  If phone is lost in lake or river, can I find it with Find My app; Difference between Transparency Mode and Cancelation Mode on Earpods;  iBUG Bytes: Brad: Changes in IMessages with IOS 18 Messaging apps.

On a week where Florida got mauled by Milton, Elon unveiled a CyberTaxi and what looked like humanoid robots, Russians on YouTube unboxed alleged M4 MacBook Pros and AAA Gaming comes to Apple Silicon (sort of) Simon and Nick get together to talk about that, and lots more... MISSION TO SEAFARERS APPEAL The Mission to Seafarers is looking for donations of old, but working, smartphones and internet capable tablets to give seafarers far from home a way to talk to friends and family If you have any old smartphones or tablets cluttering your cupboard and drawers why not donate them to this worthy cause? If you are in the UK contact Vicar@felixparish.com or your nearest Mission to Seafarers Centre, or if you live outside the UK simply visit missiontoseafarers.org. Why not come and join the Slack community? You can now just click on this Slackroom Link to sign up and join in the chatter! Recorded 13th October 2024 On this week's show NICK RILEY Spligosh in the Slack Sutton Park Circuit church worship on YouTube Nick's church stream videos on You Tube NEMO'S HARDWARE STORE (5:56) Pitaka Aramid Woven Cases – Not just for iPhones 16... prices from about $50 USD / £50 UKP – Some products can be found on Amazon... Catalyst Cases from about $40 USD / £40 UKP or on Amazon US / Amazon UK Scosche Magic Mount Flask – $40 USD APPLE These M4 MacBook Pro leaks are a goldmine of secret info – Digital Trends iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro: Apple's latest smartphones compared – TechRadar I upgraded to the iPhone 16 Plusa nd I have thoughts – Macworld Is the iPhone 16 Plus going to be Apple's last Plus model? – Tom's Guide Apple officially cancels autonomous driving permit as Tesla unveils CyberCab – 9to5Mac Reasoning failures highlighted by Apple research on LLMs – Apple Insider Apple's cheapest iPads are still steeply discounted following Prime Day – The Verge Apple's New iPhone Update—Bad News Revealed For Millions Of Google Users – Forbes RCS on iOS 18: Which UK networks support it (and how to enable it) – Trusted Reviews RCS Arrives on iPhones: See which US Carriers Support the Feature – NextPit SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AAA gaming comes to Apple M1 thanks to the latest Asahi Linux build – Tom's Hardware SECURITY & PRIVACY Apple Intelligence privacy features: Here's what you should know – 9to5Mac Apple bug could expose personal info to your employer –MorningBrew VINNE & THE SQUIRRELS VS THE ANALYSTS Report: Cheaper Apple Vision headset to cost around $2000; drop EyeSight – 9to5Mac WORTH A CHIRP / ESSENTIAL TIPS iOS 18: How to send iMessages via satellite – BGR You can now change your Apple ID email, as of iOS 18.1 – Apple Insider Apple TV hidden features: 9 helpful tricks everyone should know – [BGR] JUST A SNIPPET For things that are not worth more than a flypast SuperDuper! Sequia update – ShirtPocket and so has Carbon Copy Cloner – Bombich iOS 18 fixed my motion sickness problem with one new feature – 9to5Mac Essential Apple Recommended Services: All Things Secured – Online security made simple by Josh Summers. Pixel Privacy – a fabulous resource full of excellent articles and advice on how to protect yourself online. Doug.ee Blog for Andy J's security tips. Ghostery – protect yourself from trackers, scripts and ads while browsing. Simple Login – Email anonymisation and disposable emails for login/registering with 33mail.com – Never give out your real email address online again. AnonAddy – Disposable email addresses Sudo – get up to 9 “avatars” with email addresses, phone numbers and more to mask your online identity. Free for the first year and priced from $0.99 US / £2.50 UK per month thereafter... You get to keep 2 free avatars though. ProtonMail – end to end encrypted, open source, based in Switzerland. Prices start from FREE... what more can you ask? ProtonVPN – a VPN to go with it perhaps? Prices also starting from nothing! Comparitech DNS Leak Test – simple to use and understand VPN leak test. Fake Name Generator – so much more than names! Create whole identities (for free) with all the information you could ever need. Wire and on the App Stores – free for personal use, open source and end to end encryted messenger and VoIP. Pinecast – a fabulous podcast hosting service with costs that start from nothing. Essential Apple is not affiliated with or paid to promote any of these services... We recommend services that we use ourselves and feel are either unique or outstanding in their field, or in some cases are just the best value for money in our opinion. Social Media and Slack You can follow us on: Twitter / Slack / EssentialApple.com / Soundcloud / Spotify / Facebook / Pinecast Also a big SHOUT OUT to the members of the Slack room without whom we wouldn't have half the stories we actually do – we thank you all for your contributions and engagement. You can always help us out with a few pennies by using our Amazon Affiliate Link so we get a tiny kickback on anything you buy after using it. If you really like the show that much and would like to make a regular donation then please consider joining our Patreon or using the Pinecast Tips Jar (which accepts one off or regular donations) And a HUGE thank you to the patrons who already do. Support The Essential Apple Podcast by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/essential-apple-show This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode, we will discuss Apple' introduction of Messenging via satellite on your iPhone that is now available with iOS18.  With all model of iPhone 14 or later, you can send iMessages or SMS messages via satellite when you're off the grid with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

The panel talks about the new iPhone 16s, with some having the devices in hand. Why was the Halide camera app initially rejected from the App Store? Apple has updated its vintage and obsolete list: Is your device on the list now? The upcoming 28 Years Later film was apparently shot on the iPhone 15. Apple TV+ got 10 Emmys. iFixit tears down the iPhone 16. From Ming-Chi Kuo: Estimates of first weekend of new iPhone sales. Halide rejected from the App Store because it doesn't explain why the camera takes photos. iPhone 16 firmware can now be restored wirelessly from another iPhone. Apple working to fix iPadOS 18 bug that bricked M4 iPad Pro. Firefox no longer works after upgrading to macOS Sequoia. Apple adds these 12 Macs to vintage and obsolete products lists. RCS-enhanced iMessage in iOS 18 still has security issues when adding Android users. Wear OS watches might soon have an edge when it comes to blood oxygen. Apple Vision Pro's eye tracking exposed what people type. Oprah buys back her Apple TV+ documentary to lock it away. 28 Years Later: Danny Boyle's new zombie flick was shot on an iPhone 15. Apple TV+ gets GLAAD's only failing grade in annual LGBTQ representation study. Apple TV+ bags 10 Emmys, including first for Slow Horses. Apple Music Classical 2.0 adds thousands of full album booklets. Picks of the Week: Andy's Pick: Flightaware Live iPhone Tracker Alex's Pick: The Noun Project Jason's Pick: Small USB to USB C Adapters for travel Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: zocdoc.com/macbreak

The panel talks about the new iPhone 16s, with some having the devices in hand. Why was the Halide camera app initially rejected from the App Store? Apple has updated its vintage and obsolete list: Is your device on the list now? The upcoming 28 Years Later film was apparently shot on the iPhone 15. Apple TV+ got 10 Emmys. iFixit tears down the iPhone 16. From Ming-Chi Kuo: Estimates of first weekend of new iPhone sales. Halide rejected from the App Store because it doesn't explain why the camera takes photos. iPhone 16 firmware can now be restored wirelessly from another iPhone. Apple working to fix iPadOS 18 bug that bricked M4 iPad Pro. Firefox no longer works after upgrading to macOS Sequoia. Apple adds these 12 Macs to vintage and obsolete products lists. RCS-enhanced iMessage in iOS 18 still has security issues when adding Android users. Wear OS watches might soon have an edge when it comes to blood oxygen. Apple Vision Pro's eye tracking exposed what people type. Oprah buys back her Apple TV+ documentary to lock it away. 28 Years Later: Danny Boyle's new zombie flick was shot on an iPhone 15. Apple TV+ gets GLAAD's only failing grade in annual LGBTQ representation study. Apple TV+ bags 10 Emmys, including first for Slow Horses. Apple Music Classical 2.0 adds thousands of full album booklets. Picks of the Week: Andy's Pick: Flightaware Live iPhone Tracker Alex's Pick: The Noun Project Jason's Pick: Small USB to USB C Adapters for travel Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: zocdoc.com/macbreak

Here are the topics covered in this episode, and the time in the file for each. Welcome to 304 0:00 Accessibility of LinkedIn 1:59 Facebook accessibility regressions 5:59 Some Air Fryers that can be used by a blind person 9:17 Surf Shark vs ExpressVPN 15:12 Going keto 16:27 Francesco Magisano talks about keeping fit with the help of Achilles 24:57 Blind people judging each other 44:49 Comments on episode 296 54:30 The use of the word blind in other languages 59:59 Sending audio iMessages 1:03:02 Chris Peterson talks about Penny Forward 1:05:05 Native versus custom OS solutions 1:43:41 Using Jira with JAWS 1:53:49 Closing 2:00:34 stay fit with Achilles, improve your financial literacy with Penny Forward, and when screen readers duplicate OS functionsA reminder that with Living Blindfully closing at the end of September, we are no longer seeking listener contributions, so we can get through those already received.

In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive deep into the newly released iOS 18 Public Beta. They explore exciting new features, customization options, and important considerations for users thinking about installing the beta. The hosts emphasize the importance of providing detailed feedback to Apple and being prepared for potential issues when running beta software. Introduction to the iOS 18 Public Beta: Explanation of what the public beta is and how to install it Beta testing considerations: Warnings about potential issues and the importance of providing detailed feedback Home screen customization: New options for app icon sizes, widget resizing, and free placement of icons Control Center redesign: New customization options and multi-page layout Text effects and Tap backs: New ways to add flair to messages and expanded emoji reactions Scheduled messages: New feature allowing users to schedule iMessages to send later App icon appearance: New options for automatic, dark, light, and tinted app icon styles Feedback and Shortcuts Corner: ParkPal app recommendation: An app that notifies users of shorter wait times at theme parks Chamberlain MyQ garage door control: Using IFTTT and Shortcuts to control a garage door with Siri Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Want access to the video version and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.

In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive deep into the newly released iOS 18 Public Beta. They explore exciting new features, customization options, and important considerations for users thinking about installing the beta. The hosts emphasize the importance of providing detailed feedback to Apple and being prepared for potential issues when running beta software. Introduction to the iOS 18 Public Beta: Explanation of what the public beta is and how to install it Beta testing considerations: Warnings about potential issues and the importance of providing detailed feedback Home screen customization: New options for app icon sizes, widget resizing, and free placement of icons Control Center redesign: New customization options and multi-page layout Text effects and Tap backs: New ways to add flair to messages and expanded emoji reactions Scheduled messages: New feature allowing users to schedule iMessages to send later App icon appearance: New options for automatic, dark, light, and tinted app icon styles Feedback and Shortcuts Corner: ParkPal app recommendation: An app that notifies users of shorter wait times at theme parks Chamberlain MyQ garage door control: Using IFTTT and Shortcuts to control a garage door with Siri Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Want access to the video version and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.

In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive deep into the newly released iOS 18 Public Beta. They explore exciting new features, customization options, and important considerations for users thinking about installing the beta. The hosts emphasize the importance of providing detailed feedback to Apple and being prepared for potential issues when running beta software. Introduction to the iOS 18 Public Beta: Explanation of what the public beta is and how to install it Beta testing considerations: Warnings about potential issues and the importance of providing detailed feedback Home screen customization: New options for app icon sizes, widget resizing, and free placement of icons Control Center redesign: New customization options and multi-page layout Text effects and Tap backs: New ways to add flair to messages and expanded emoji reactions Scheduled messages: New feature allowing users to schedule iMessages to send later App icon appearance: New options for automatic, dark, light, and tinted app icon styles Feedback and Shortcuts Corner: ParkPal app recommendation: An app that notifies users of shorter wait times at theme parks Chamberlain MyQ garage door control: Using IFTTT and Shortcuts to control a garage door with Siri Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Want access to the video version and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.

In this episode of iOS Today, hosts Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard dive deep into the newly released iOS 18 Public Beta. They explore exciting new features, customization options, and important considerations for users thinking about installing the beta. The hosts emphasize the importance of providing detailed feedback to Apple and being prepared for potential issues when running beta software. Introduction to the iOS 18 Public Beta: Explanation of what the public beta is and how to install it Beta testing considerations: Warnings about potential issues and the importance of providing detailed feedback Home screen customization: New options for app icon sizes, widget resizing, and free placement of icons Control Center redesign: New customization options and multi-page layout Text effects and Tap backs: New ways to add flair to messages and expanded emoji reactions Scheduled messages: New feature allowing users to schedule iMessages to send later App icon appearance: New options for automatic, dark, light, and tinted app icon styles Feedback and Shortcuts Corner: ParkPal app recommendation: An app that notifies users of shorter wait times at theme parks Chamberlain MyQ garage door control: Using IFTTT and Shortcuts to control a garage door with Siri Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard Want access to the video version and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord. You can also contribute to iOS Today by sending an email to iOSToday@TWiT.tv.

Big Up Goes To TheGetting Zero Votes In An Election Félix-Antoine Hamel is the The first candidate to receive a grand total of 0 votes in an election Let Down Goes To British Man Who Was Caught Cheating On iMessage A British man is suing apple after his wife discovered deleted messages to sex workers showing up on the family computerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris reviews the Aqara G4 Video Doorbell, Brent frees his Garmin from the cloud, and we discuss getting iMessages on Android. Special Guest: Brent Gervais.

Chris reviews the Aqara G4 Video Doorbell, Brent frees his Garmin from the cloud, and we discuss getting iMessages on Android.

Apple has reportedly ceased work on the next Vision Pro with a focus on releasing a cheaper model in 2025. More information about Apple Intelligence is starting to roll out. Cheaper Vision Pro, Apple Pay Later, Apple Watch. And it's hard to talk about rumors sometimes, but reportedly, the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 may get a larger screen and thinner design, according to Ming-chi Kuo. Apple's new AI is made in Google data centers. Apple to 'pay' OpenAI for ChatGPT through distribution, not cash. This is our best look yet at RCS working on an iPhone. Tim Cook may have met with Trump during WWDC to discuss second term priorities. Apple suspends work on next Vision Pro, focused on releasing cheaper model in late 2025. What are all these Apple executives doing with their legs? Steven Spielberg's Apple Watch keeps throwing false "Fall Detection" alerts during his packed talk Tribeca Film Festival; he throws it in desperation. US sues Adobe for 'deceiving' subscriptions that are too hard to cancel. Apple discontinuing Apple Pay Later, ahead of new features launching this fall. Ok, fine, here's Apple Intelligence. An accidental lock-in feature of the Apple ecosystem. Apple Watch Series 10 to get larger screen and thinner design, per Ming-chi Kuo. macOS Sequoia brings an unexpected update to Apple's Chess game. Howard Schultz, former Starbucks CEO, says Steve Jobs 'screamed in his face' telling him to fire his entire leadership team—and he was right. Apple refuses to notarize emulators in EU. Picks of the Week: Alex's Pick: Mix Effect Pro Andy's Pick: ODOSOLA Tablet Stand Jason's Pick: Zoom H6Essential Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: wix.com/studio cachefly.com/twit

Apple has reportedly ceased work on the next Vision Pro with a focus on releasing a cheaper model in 2025. More information about Apple Intelligence is starting to roll out. Cheaper Vision Pro, Apple Pay Later, Apple Watch. And it's hard to talk about rumors sometimes, but reportedly, the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 may get a larger screen and thinner design, according to Ming-chi Kuo. Apple's new AI is made in Google data centers. Apple to 'pay' OpenAI for ChatGPT through distribution, not cash. This is our best look yet at RCS working on an iPhone. Tim Cook may have met with Trump during WWDC to discuss second term priorities. Apple suspends work on next Vision Pro, focused on releasing cheaper model in late 2025. What are all these Apple executives doing with their legs? Steven Spielberg's Apple Watch keeps throwing false "Fall Detection" alerts during his packed talk Tribeca Film Festival; he throws it in desperation. US sues Adobe for 'deceiving' subscriptions that are too hard to cancel. Apple discontinuing Apple Pay Later, ahead of new features launching this fall. Ok, fine, here's Apple Intelligence. An accidental lock-in feature of the Apple ecosystem. Apple Watch Series 10 to get larger screen and thinner design, per Ming-chi Kuo. macOS Sequoia brings an unexpected update to Apple's Chess game. Howard Schultz, former Starbucks CEO, says Steve Jobs 'screamed in his face' telling him to fire his entire leadership team—and he was right. Apple refuses to notarize emulators in EU. Picks of the Week: Alex's Pick: Mix Effect Pro Andy's Pick: ODOSOLA Tablet Stand Jason's Pick: Zoom H6Essential Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: wix.com/studio cachefly.com/twit

Apple has reportedly ceased work on the next Vision Pro with a focus on releasing a cheaper model in 2025. More information about Apple Intelligence is starting to roll out. Cheaper Vision Pro, Apple Pay Later, Apple Watch. And it's hard to talk about rumors sometimes, but reportedly, the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 may get a larger screen and thinner design, according to Ming-chi Kuo. Apple's new AI is made in Google data centers. Apple to 'pay' OpenAI for ChatGPT through distribution, not cash. This is our best look yet at RCS working on an iPhone. Tim Cook may have met with Trump during WWDC to discuss second term priorities. Apple suspends work on next Vision Pro, focused on releasing cheaper model in late 2025. What are all these Apple executives doing with their legs? Steven Spielberg's Apple Watch keeps throwing false "Fall Detection" alerts during his packed talk Tribeca Film Festival; he throws it in desperation. US sues Adobe for 'deceiving' subscriptions that are too hard to cancel. Apple discontinuing Apple Pay Later, ahead of new features launching this fall. Ok, fine, here's Apple Intelligence. An accidental lock-in feature of the Apple ecosystem. Apple Watch Series 10 to get larger screen and thinner design, per Ming-chi Kuo. macOS Sequoia brings an unexpected update to Apple's Chess game. Howard Schultz, former Starbucks CEO, says Steve Jobs 'screamed in his face' telling him to fire his entire leadership team—and he was right. Apple refuses to notarize emulators in EU. Picks of the Week: Alex's Pick: Mix Effect Pro Andy's Pick: ODOSOLA Tablet Stand Jason's Pick: Zoom H6Essential Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: wix.com/studio cachefly.com/twit

Apple has reportedly ceased work on the next Vision Pro with a focus on releasing a cheaper model in 2025. More information about Apple Intelligence is starting to roll out. Cheaper Vision Pro, Apple Pay Later, Apple Watch. And it's hard to talk about rumors sometimes, but reportedly, the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 may get a larger screen and thinner design, according to Ming-chi Kuo. Apple's new AI is made in Google data centers. Apple to 'pay' OpenAI for ChatGPT through distribution, not cash. This is our best look yet at RCS working on an iPhone. Tim Cook may have met with Trump during WWDC to discuss second term priorities. Apple suspends work on next Vision Pro, focused on releasing cheaper model in late 2025. What are all these Apple executives doing with their legs? Steven Spielberg's Apple Watch keeps throwing false "Fall Detection" alerts during his packed talk Tribeca Film Festival; he throws it in desperation. US sues Adobe for 'deceiving' subscriptions that are too hard to cancel. Apple discontinuing Apple Pay Later, ahead of new features launching this fall. Ok, fine, here's Apple Intelligence. An accidental lock-in feature of the Apple ecosystem. Apple Watch Series 10 to get larger screen and thinner design, per Ming-chi Kuo. macOS Sequoia brings an unexpected update to Apple's Chess game. Howard Schultz, former Starbucks CEO, says Steve Jobs 'screamed in his face' telling him to fire his entire leadership team—and he was right. Apple refuses to notarize emulators in EU. Picks of the Week: Alex's Pick: Mix Effect Pro Andy's Pick: ODOSOLA Tablet Stand Jason's Pick: Zoom H6Essential Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: wix.com/studio cachefly.com/twit

Apple & Meta will likely face charges for failing to comply with EU rules. Can you play Apple Spatial audio files outside of Apple Music? How can you start learning how to program and develop an application? Plus, Rod Pyle talks about the Boeing Starliner launch, and Chris Marquardt goes over the past month's photo assignment of Minimalist! Apple WWDC24, Apple Intelligence, and RCS coming to iPhone. Apple, Meta set to face EU charges under landmark tech rules, sources say. Matthew calls in, asking if upgrading his network from 2.4GHz to 5GHz is worth it. Chris wants to know how to play his Apple Spatial audio files in other applications outside of Apple Music. Rod Pyle talks about the Boeing Starliner launch, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch, and China's Chang'e 6 mission. Kevin likes having everything on his Mac open up in one Finder window with multiple tabs. How can Kevin keep Finder from opening links he clicks on in iMessage on his Mac to opening in the same Finder window where he has his multiple tabs? Henry emails Leo and Mikah, wondering where he can go to start programming an app he has an idea for. After upgrading to Mac OS Sonoma, Steve gets a notification that "Steve's iPhone microphone is not available." He wants to know why he's constantly getting this notification and how to stop it? Randy writes that they have a music collection on Apple Music, but he wants to save those files on his iPhone in the Apple Music app without constantly paying for a subscription. Is there a way for Randy to do this? Chris Marquardt goes over the Minimalist photo assignment and assigns the next assignment! Patrick calls in with a problem about why, when he's sending text messages on his iPhone through iMessage, the messages go from the Apple standard blue bubbles to green bubbles randomly at times. Patrick also wonders why his Apple Watch is receiving notifications inconsistently from apps like iMessage and WhatsApp. Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent Guests: Rod Pyle and Chris Marquardt Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2029 Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys Sponsors: ZipRecruiter.com/Twit eufy.com

Apple & Meta will likely face charges for failing to comply with EU rules. Can you play Apple Spatial audio files outside of Apple Music? How can you start learning how to program and develop an application? Plus, Rod Pyle talks about the Boeing Starliner launch, and Chris Marquardt goes over the past month's photo assignment of Minimalist! Apple WWDC24, Apple Intelligence, and RCS coming to iPhone. Apple, Meta set to face EU charges under landmark tech rules, sources say. Matthew calls in, asking if upgrading his network from 2.4GHz to 5GHz is worth it. Chris wants to know how to play his Apple Spatial audio files in other applications outside of Apple Music. Rod Pyle talks about the Boeing Starliner launch, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch, and China's Chang'e 6 mission. Kevin likes having everything on his Mac open up in one Finder window with multiple tabs. How can Kevin keep Finder from opening links he clicks on in iMessage on his Mac to opening in the same Finder window where he has his multiple tabs? Henry emails Leo and Mikah, wondering where he can go to start programming an app he has an idea for. After upgrading to Mac OS Sonoma, Steve gets a notification that "Steve's iPhone microphone is not available." He wants to know why he's constantly getting this notification and how to stop it? Randy writes that they have a music collection on Apple Music, but he wants to save those files on his iPhone in the Apple Music app without constantly paying for a subscription. Is there a way for Randy to do this? Chris Marquardt goes over the Minimalist photo assignment and assigns the next assignment! Patrick calls in with a problem about why, when he's sending text messages on his iPhone through iMessage, the messages go from the Apple standard blue bubbles to green bubbles randomly at times. Patrick also wonders why his Apple Watch is receiving notifications inconsistently from apps like iMessage and WhatsApp. Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent Guests: Rod Pyle and Chris Marquardt Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2029 Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys Sponsors: ZipRecruiter.com/Twit eufy.com

Apple & Meta will likely face charges for failing to comply with EU rules. Can you play Apple Spatial audio files outside of Apple Music? How can you start learning how to program and develop an application? Plus, Rod Pyle talks about the Boeing Starliner launch, and Chris Marquardt goes over the past month's photo assignment of Minimalist! Apple WWDC24, Apple Intelligence, and RCS coming to iPhone. Apple, Meta set to face EU charges under landmark tech rules, sources say. Matthew calls in, asking if upgrading his network from 2.4GHz to 5GHz is worth it. Chris wants to know how to play his Apple Spatial audio files in other applications outside of Apple Music. Rod Pyle talks about the Boeing Starliner launch, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch, and China's Chang'e 6 mission. Kevin likes having everything on his Mac open up in one Finder window with multiple tabs. How can Kevin keep Finder from opening links he clicks on in iMessage on his Mac to opening in the same Finder window where he has his multiple tabs? Henry emails Leo and Mikah, wondering where he can go to start programming an app he has an idea for. After upgrading to Mac OS Sonoma, Steve gets a notification that "Steve's iPhone microphone is not available." He wants to know why he's constantly getting this notification and how to stop it? Randy writes that they have a music collection on Apple Music, but he wants to save those files on his iPhone in the Apple Music app without constantly paying for a subscription. Is there a way for Randy to do this? Chris Marquardt goes over the Minimalist photo assignment and assigns the next assignment! Patrick calls in with a problem about why, when he's sending text messages on his iPhone through iMessage, the messages go from the Apple standard blue bubbles to green bubbles randomly at times. Patrick also wonders why his Apple Watch is receiving notifications inconsistently from apps like iMessage and WhatsApp. Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent Guests: Rod Pyle and Chris Marquardt Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2029 Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys Sponsors: ZipRecruiter.com/Twit eufy.com

Apple & Meta will likely face charges for failing to comply with EU rules. Can you play Apple Spatial audio files outside of Apple Music? How can you start learning how to program and develop an application? Plus, Rod Pyle talks about the Boeing Starliner launch, and Chris Marquardt goes over the past month's photo assignment of Minimalist! Apple WWDC24, Apple Intelligence, and RCS coming to iPhone. Apple, Meta set to face EU charges under landmark tech rules, sources say. Matthew calls in, asking if upgrading his network from 2.4GHz to 5GHz is worth it. Chris wants to know how to play his Apple Spatial audio files in other applications outside of Apple Music. Rod Pyle talks about the Boeing Starliner launch, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch, and China's Chang'e 6 mission. Kevin likes having everything on his Mac open up in one Finder window with multiple tabs. How can Kevin keep Finder from opening links he clicks on in iMessage on his Mac to opening in the same Finder window where he has his multiple tabs? Henry emails Leo and Mikah, wondering where he can go to start programming an app he has an idea for. After upgrading to Mac OS Sonoma, Steve gets a notification that "Steve's iPhone microphone is not available." He wants to know why he's constantly getting this notification and how to stop it? Randy writes that they have a music collection on Apple Music, but he wants to save those files on his iPhone in the Apple Music app without constantly paying for a subscription. Is there a way for Randy to do this? Chris Marquardt goes over the Minimalist photo assignment and assigns the next assignment! Patrick calls in with a problem about why, when he's sending text messages on his iPhone through iMessage, the messages go from the Apple standard blue bubbles to green bubbles randomly at times. Patrick also wonders why his Apple Watch is receiving notifications inconsistently from apps like iMessage and WhatsApp. Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent Guests: Rod Pyle and Chris Marquardt Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2029 Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys Sponsors: ZipRecruiter.com/Twit eufy.com

Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent ask Sam Abuelsamid of the Wheel Bearings podcast what is going on at Tesla following Elon's dismissal of the supercharger team. Can you completely silence a group message in iMessage for a selected period? Is there a device that can automatically reboot a router following a network failure? Leo, Mikah, and others at TWiT also start talking about mechanical keyboards and their preferences following a listener's question about them. Apple nears deal with OpenAI to put ChatGPT on iPhone. Is the VPN security flaw following the Option 121 vulnerability a big issue after Steve Gibson's report on it? Sam Abuelsamid and what happened with the Tesla Supercharger team. A caller gives their recommendation for DeleteMe (a sponsor on the TWiT network). What WiFi system do Leo and Mikah recommend for a 7000 sq ft house with multiple levels? Is there a comparable service to ComiXology that can help sort comic books into different categories easily and quickly? Can you silence a group message in iMessage during a selected period? Are there devices that can automatically reboot a router? Are there mechanical keyboards that closely mimic an old IBM Selectric typewriter? Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent Guest: Sam Abuelsamid Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2024 Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys Sponsors: ZipRecruiter.com/Twit wix.com/studio

Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent ask Sam Abuelsamid of the Wheel Bearings podcast what is going on at Tesla following Elon's dismissal of the supercharger team. Can you completely silence a group message in iMessage for a selected period? Is there a device that can automatically reboot a router following a network failure? Leo, Mikah, and others at TWiT also start talking about mechanical keyboards and their preferences following a listener's question about them. Apple nears deal with OpenAI to put ChatGPT on iPhone. Is the VPN security flaw following the Option 121 vulnerability a big issue after Steve Gibson's report on it? Sam Abuelsamid and what happened with the Tesla Supercharger team. A caller gives their recommendation for DeleteMe (a sponsor on the TWiT network). What WiFi system do Leo and Mikah recommend for a 7000 sq ft house with multiple levels? Is there a comparable service to ComiXology that can help sort comic books into different categories easily and quickly? Can you silence a group message in iMessage during a selected period? Are there devices that can automatically reboot a router? Are there mechanical keyboards that closely mimic an old IBM Selectric typewriter? Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent Guest: Sam Abuelsamid Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2024 Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys Sponsors: ZipRecruiter.com/Twit wix.com/studio

Breaking news: Apple has canceled work on its electric car, shifting the team to work on generative AI instead. Apple gets post-quantum encryption in the iOS 17.4 update. Is Apple's FineWoven case any good? And did Microsoft try to sell its Bing search engine to Apple in 2018? - Apple cancels work on electric car, shifts team to generative AI. - Apple iOS 17.4: iMessage gets post-quantum encryption in new update. - It's apparently easy to crack the Apple Vision Pro's front screen. - Here's why the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro headset is so expensive. - Apple's FineWoven iPhone 15 case draws poor reviews, criticism. - Apple says iPhone 15 batteries have a longer lifespan than initially thought. - Google says Microsoft offered to sell Bing to Apple in 2018. - Apple Sports: A free iPhone app to get you the score, fast. - Simple complexity: Apple's trio of sports apps. - AppleCare support advisors testing new ChatGPT-like tool 'Ask'. - Crying in Apple Vision Pro. - Biden deputy press secretary leaving White House for Apple. - Major shareholders planning to force Apple to reveal use of AI. Picks of the Week: - Jason's Pick: Simple Scan - Andy's Pick: Solar Eclipse Glasses - Alex's Pick: Jambar Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Download StepDog zocdoc.com/macbreak https://www.wix.com/studio?utm_campaign=pa_podcast_studio_all_brnd_all_en_02/24_all__macbreakweekly%5E1&experiment_id=%5Eresponsive%5E%5Ehp cachefly.com/twit

Breaking news: Apple has canceled work on its electric car, shifting the team to work on generative AI instead. Apple gets post-quantum encryption in the iOS 17.4 update. Is Apple's FineWoven case any good? And did Microsoft try to sell its Bing search engine to Apple in 2018? - Apple cancels work on electric car, shifts team to generative AI. - Apple iOS 17.4: iMessage gets post-quantum encryption in new update. - It's apparently easy to crack the Apple Vision Pro's front screen. - Here's why the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro headset is so expensive. - Apple's FineWoven iPhone 15 case draws poor reviews, criticism. - Apple says iPhone 15 batteries have a longer lifespan than initially thought. - Google says Microsoft offered to sell Bing to Apple in 2018. - Apple Sports: A free iPhone app to get you the score, fast. - Simple complexity: Apple's trio of sports apps. - AppleCare support advisors testing new ChatGPT-like tool 'Ask'. - Crying in Apple Vision Pro. - Biden deputy press secretary leaving White House for Apple. - Major shareholders planning to force Apple to reveal use of AI. Picks of the Week: - Jason's Pick: Simple Scan - Andy's Pick: Solar Eclipse Glasses - Alex's Pick: Jambar Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Download StepDog zocdoc.com/macbreak https://www.wix.com/studio?utm_campaign=pa_podcast_studio_all_brnd_all_en_02/24_all__macbreakweekly%5E1&experiment_id=%5Eresponsive%5E%5Ehp cachefly.com/twit

Breaking news: Apple has canceled work on its electric car, shifting the team to work on generative AI instead. Apple gets post-quantum encryption in the iOS 17.4 update. Is Apple's FineWoven case any good? And did Microsoft try to sell its Bing search engine to Apple in 2018? - Apple cancels work on electric car, shifts team to generative AI. - Apple iOS 17.4: iMessage gets post-quantum encryption in new update. - It's apparently easy to crack the Apple Vision Pro's front screen. - Here's why the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro headset is so expensive. - Apple's FineWoven iPhone 15 case draws poor reviews, criticism. - Apple says iPhone 15 batteries have a longer lifespan than initially thought. - Google says Microsoft offered to sell Bing to Apple in 2018. - Apple Sports: A free iPhone app to get you the score, fast. - Simple complexity: Apple's trio of sports apps. - AppleCare support advisors testing new ChatGPT-like tool 'Ask'. - Crying in Apple Vision Pro. - Biden deputy press secretary leaving White House for Apple. - Major shareholders planning to force Apple to reveal use of AI. Picks of the Week: - Jason's Pick: Simple Scan - Andy's Pick: Solar Eclipse Glasses - Alex's Pick: Jambar Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Download StepDog zocdoc.com/macbreak https://www.wix.com/studio?utm_campaign=pa_podcast_studio_all_brnd_all_en_02/24_all__macbreakweekly%5E1&experiment_id=%5Eresponsive%5E%5Ehp cachefly.com/twit

Breaking news: Apple has canceled work on its electric car, shifting the team to work on generative AI instead. Apple gets post-quantum encryption in the iOS 17.4 update. Is Apple's FineWoven case any good? And did Microsoft try to sell its Bing search engine to Apple in 2018? - Apple cancels work on electric car, shifts team to generative AI. - Apple iOS 17.4: iMessage gets post-quantum encryption in new update. - It's apparently easy to crack the Apple Vision Pro's front screen. - Here's why the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro headset is so expensive. - Apple's FineWoven iPhone 15 case draws poor reviews, criticism. - Apple says iPhone 15 batteries have a longer lifespan than initially thought. - Google says Microsoft offered to sell Bing to Apple in 2018. - Apple Sports: A free iPhone app to get you the score, fast. - Simple complexity: Apple's trio of sports apps. - AppleCare support advisors testing new ChatGPT-like tool 'Ask'. - Crying in Apple Vision Pro. - Biden deputy press secretary leaving White House for Apple. - Major shareholders planning to force Apple to reveal use of AI. Picks of the Week: - Jason's Pick: Simple Scan - Andy's Pick: Solar Eclipse Glasses - Alex's Pick: Jambar Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: Download StepDog zocdoc.com/macbreak https://www.wix.com/studio?utm_campaign=pa_podcast_studio_all_brnd_all_en_02/24_all__macbreakweekly%5E1&experiment_id=%5Eresponsive%5E%5Ehp cachefly.com/twit

Jason published his review of the Apple Vision Pro on sixcolors.com! Are there privacy concerns when using the Apple Vision Pro? Jon Stewart says Apple canceled his show because of "things that might get me in trouble." And iOS 17.4 adds a 'virtual card number' feature to Apple Cash. Apple Vision Pro review: Eyes on the future. Apple shares an in-depth look at Vision Pro privacy in new paper. The Vision Pro's scary side effect: Apple's new VR goggles may rewire our brains in some unexpected ways. Seeing the World through Digital Prisms: psychological implications of passthrough video usage in mixed reality. Apple iMessage, Microsoft Bing dodge EU's big tech crackdown. FCC commissioner wants to investigate Apple over Beeper Mini shutdown. Jon Stewart says Apple TV+ canceled his show because 'They didn't want me to say things that might get me in trouble.' Apple overhauls its entire Windows app suite, including iCloud and Apple Music. Apple made an AI image tool that lets you make edits by describing them. iOS 17.4 adds new 'Virtual Card Number' feature to Apple Cash. Apple releases a new 15-minute short film, shot on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. $300 Vision Pro developer strap is just an expensive USB2 device. The Apple Vision Pro Developer Strap is Thunderbolt capable, not USB 2.0 only. Picks of the Week: Leo's Pick: A built-in workaround for applications hiding under the MacBook Pro notch. Jason's Pick: Dial M for Murder Andy's Pick: Superlist Alex's Pick: Stalman Clamp Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: robinhood.com/boost Download StressFace Melissa.com/twit

Jason published his review of the Apple Vision Pro on sixcolors.com! Are there privacy concerns when using the Apple Vision Pro? Jon Stewart says Apple canceled his show because of "things that might get me in trouble." And iOS 17.4 adds a 'virtual card number' feature to Apple Cash. Apple Vision Pro review: Eyes on the future. Apple shares an in-depth look at Vision Pro privacy in new paper. The Vision Pro's scary side effect: Apple's new VR goggles may rewire our brains in some unexpected ways. Seeing the World through Digital Prisms: psychological implications of passthrough video usage in mixed reality. Apple iMessage, Microsoft Bing dodge EU's big tech crackdown. FCC commissioner wants to investigate Apple over Beeper Mini shutdown. Jon Stewart says Apple TV+ canceled his show because 'They didn't want me to say things that might get me in trouble.' Apple overhauls its entire Windows app suite, including iCloud and Apple Music. Apple made an AI image tool that lets you make edits by describing them. iOS 17.4 adds new 'Virtual Card Number' feature to Apple Cash. Apple releases a new 15-minute short film, shot on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. $300 Vision Pro developer strap is just an expensive USB2 device. The Apple Vision Pro Developer Strap is Thunderbolt capable, not USB 2.0 only. Picks of the Week: Leo's Pick: A built-in workaround for applications hiding under the MacBook Pro notch. Jason's Pick: Dial M for Murder Andy's Pick: Superlist Alex's Pick: Stalman Clamp Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: robinhood.com/boost Download StressFace Melissa.com/twit

Jason published his review of the Apple Vision Pro on sixcolors.com! Are there privacy concerns when using the Apple Vision Pro? Jon Stewart says Apple canceled his show because of "things that might get me in trouble." And iOS 17.4 adds a 'virtual card number' feature to Apple Cash. Apple Vision Pro review: Eyes on the future. Apple shares an in-depth look at Vision Pro privacy in new paper. The Vision Pro's scary side effect: Apple's new VR goggles may rewire our brains in some unexpected ways. Seeing the World through Digital Prisms: psychological implications of passthrough video usage in mixed reality. Apple iMessage, Microsoft Bing dodge EU's big tech crackdown. FCC commissioner wants to investigate Apple over Beeper Mini shutdown. Jon Stewart says Apple TV+ canceled his show because 'They didn't want me to say things that might get me in trouble.' Apple overhauls its entire Windows app suite, including iCloud and Apple Music. Apple made an AI image tool that lets you make edits by describing them. iOS 17.4 adds new 'Virtual Card Number' feature to Apple Cash. Apple releases a new 15-minute short film, shot on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. $300 Vision Pro developer strap is just an expensive USB2 device. The Apple Vision Pro Developer Strap is Thunderbolt capable, not USB 2.0 only. Picks of the Week: Leo's Pick: A built-in workaround for applications hiding under the MacBook Pro notch. Jason's Pick: Dial M for Murder Andy's Pick: Superlist Alex's Pick: Stalman Clamp Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: robinhood.com/boost Download StressFace Melissa.com/twit

Jason published his review of the Apple Vision Pro on sixcolors.com! Are there privacy concerns when using the Apple Vision Pro? Jon Stewart says Apple canceled his show because of "things that might get me in trouble." And iOS 17.4 adds a 'virtual card number' feature to Apple Cash. Apple Vision Pro review: Eyes on the future. Apple shares an in-depth look at Vision Pro privacy in new paper. The Vision Pro's scary side effect: Apple's new VR goggles may rewire our brains in some unexpected ways. Seeing the World through Digital Prisms: psychological implications of passthrough video usage in mixed reality. Apple iMessage, Microsoft Bing dodge EU's big tech crackdown. FCC commissioner wants to investigate Apple over Beeper Mini shutdown. Jon Stewart says Apple TV+ canceled his show because 'They didn't want me to say things that might get me in trouble.' Apple overhauls its entire Windows app suite, including iCloud and Apple Music. Apple made an AI image tool that lets you make edits by describing them. iOS 17.4 adds new 'Virtual Card Number' feature to Apple Cash. Apple releases a new 15-minute short film, shot on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. $300 Vision Pro developer strap is just an expensive USB2 device. The Apple Vision Pro Developer Strap is Thunderbolt capable, not USB 2.0 only. Picks of the Week: Leo's Pick: A built-in workaround for applications hiding under the MacBook Pro notch. Jason's Pick: Dial M for Murder Andy's Pick: Superlist Alex's Pick: Stalman Clamp Hosts: Leo Laporte, Alex Lindsay, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: robinhood.com/boost Download StressFace Melissa.com/twit

Josh Herzig-Marx, founder of Knect, discusses the latest developments in his startup journey since his last appearance on the show. He emphasizes the program's value in helping founders like himself refine ideas and strategies. He particularly notes the program's effectiveness in addressing challenges unique to startups, such as managing professional networks and dealing with the rapid growth of online presence. The conversation also delves into AI's technical aspects and potential applications and the practicalities and ethical considerations of using it in professional networking. Josh and Jordyn explore various AI use cases, distinguishing between beneficial applications and those they deem undesirable. Transcript: LINDSEY: We are back for our Incubator update with Josh Herzig-Marx and his startup, Knect. I'm Lindsey Christensen. I do marketing things at thoughtbot. We are also joined by Jordyn Bonds, who runs our incubator and does product strategy for thoughtbot. And today, we're going to be catching up with Josh and learn what's new since last we checked in. But before we get to that, we have an exciting incubator update: our application window has just reopened. JORDYN: Yes. LINDSEY: You could be the next Josh. JORDYN: You could. JOSH: Don't be me. You should join the incubator. [laughter] JORDYN: Go to thoughtbot.com/incubator and apply. It's just that easy. The application doesn't take long, even though it's in Typeform, and we have gotten some feedback, including from Josh, that it's challenging to plan your application efforts because, as you all probably know, Typeform just gives you one question at a time. So, sorry, maybe we'll update that. But it won't take you very long. It's a pretty brief application. And we are looking for pre-product folks, so you don't have to have a lot. Don't worry about what you do or don't have. Just apply. LINDSEY: Pre-product founder trying to figure out, is this problem worth solving? Who is it for? Jordyn and the team can help you out. thoughtbot.com/incubator. JOSH: And me. LINDSEY: And Josh. JOSH: And if, for some reason, you want to ask somebody about the program who isn't directly affiliated with thoughtbot, you should reach out to me. I'd be happy to talk about my experience. LINDSEY: You should. JOSH: I'd be happy to tell you what I think would be some reasons to join and some reasons that it might not be a good fit for you. And I'd be happy to chat about any of those things. It'd be my pleasure, in fact. LINDSEY: That is a great offer. JORDYN: It is a great offer. You all should take Josh up on that offer. He is an excellent sounding board and mentor. And additionally, if you get into the incubator, you'll just be in a Slack channel with Josh for the rest of time, inside of thoughtbot's Slack. So, that's another [crosstalk 02:05] JOSH: Statistically, there's a good chance you already are. [laughter] JORDYN: You mean in a slack with you. That's true. Josh is in a lot of Slacks, not [crosstalk 02:14]. LINDSEY: Yeah. Once you go through the incubator, you're family for life. JORDYN: You're family. You're here. You're with us. You can't get rid of us. LINDSEY: And you're able to hit us up with the questions, talk to the other founders, so that's another great benefit of participating. All right, but topic of the hour, Josh, hey, how are you? How you doing? JOSH: Lindsey, I am floating right now. We had our end of incubator session last official meeting. And we reviewed how we started, what we hope to accomplish, what we actually did accomplish, and next steps, and it feels really awesome. LINDSEY: It does. That's so great to hear. And can you, at the top here, maybe remind folks who haven't listened before, you know, what was that beginning point that you came in the incubator or the problem that you were looking to solve? JOSH: So, I had this Josh problem, which is that I am overwhelmed by the number of places that I am online and by the rapid increase in my professional network, professional social network, I guess you could say, but in my professional network, you know, see that comment a few minutes ago about how we're probably already in multiple Slacks together, whoever you happen to be online. Plus, if you're on LinkedIn, we're probably at least secondary connections on LinkedIn. Like, there's an awful lot of people, and it's growing really, really fast. And as somebody with a whopping case of ADD, which just feels like making an excuse, as somebody in, like, this modern world, I was feeling overwhelmed, and I felt like I was dropping the ball. And my problem was somebody must have a solution to this. I cannot be the only one. I could not find a solution myself. And I thought, well, maybe if there is no existing solution, maybe we should just go ahead and build it. And that was the genesis of my application to the thoughtbot incubator, which was that even though I've done this once before, I had never done this alone. I don't want to do this alone. And I thought that, you know, because of my experience with thoughtbot in the past and my understanding of, like, thoughtbot's unique organizational skills and capacities, this would be a particularly good fit for the thing that I wanted to figure out. And when I say figure it out, there was really four things I was hoping to get from this program. Let's see if I can remember them all in order. Number one, is this a Josh problem, or is this a broader problem affecting more people? Number two, this is, like, a ladder of problems, right? Like a cascading set. Number two thing I was trying to figure out: if this isn't just a Josh problem, is there at least one identifiable and addressable set of people who think about this problem in a similar way with whom I could engage? Number three, if there is such a group, are they willing, ready, and able to, like, spend money on solving this problem? And then number four, which I guess is kind of orthogonal to the other ones, it's kind of alongside, is this thing to solve even technically feasible, right? Because you can have this, like, amazing opportunity, but you just can't build it. And, you know, is this a thing that we could build or that I could get built within the resources that I might have? And I came in with some hypotheses, with some ideas. It's not like I had never done any research in this at all. But coming out of it, we have four pretty good answers. And I would not have been able to reach those answers with the same level of confidence, certainly not within eight weeks, if I hadn't gone through the incubator, and it's a really nice way to end the year. LINDSEY: With a bow on it. The last time we talked, you had narrowed in, I think, on your starting target market. And you had also recently introduced a prototype into the mix. How has the prototype evolved? JOSH: It's...and this is going to be no surprise to either of you or anybody who's listening. But, like, the difference between, like, talking about something in the abstract and actually having, like, a thing in your hand is night and day. So, the prototype actually evolved pretty rapidly. You know, it allowed us to try using it, like, to put on our own empathetic user analog hats and try it ourselves and be like, "Well, this doesn't quite make sense." This doesn't actually flow right. And it allowed us to show it to a lot of people. I'll say, we are, by far, our own strongest critics, which is good. Mostly, when we showed it to people, people are like, "This is amazing." And they would ask us, like, really specific, weird questions like, "Where's, you know, your about page? Could I see your privacy policy?" which is, like, a really, really good thing to hear. Because if the only thing...one way to interpret that is the only thing keeping them from maybe, like, diving in and using it right now, besides it doesn't actually exist as a product, is, like, some questions around privacy because it seems maybe too good to be true. Like, that's a pretty good buy sign. You know, we were expecting, like, "The screen makes no sense. Why are we swiping here? Where does this data come from? Is this really complete?" They're like, "No, I'm pretty much ready to go." So, that was good, helpful feedback, though we evolved it ourselves a lot internally. It's really nice having a thing. Do we use the term Pinocchio prototype or Pinocchio test [crosstalk 06:58]? LINDSEY: Yes, I did hear that. JOSH: Yeah, I like that. If this was like, you know, this wooden toy wanted to be a real boy, like, two weeks ago, it really, really wants...I don't know, Lindsey, we should, you know, get you in front of it. You're going to be like, "Why can't I use this today?" [laughter] JORDYN: That's definitely what we're hearing from people. JOSH: And my answer would be, "Well, you can't, but maybe in a couple of weeks." [laughs] JORDYN: Yeah, exactly. I will say I want to say for anyone listening in, though, that that was not, getting to what Josh just described where folks weren't really...they didn't have any hang-ups about the functionality or the value prop. They were basically just like, "What's your privacy policy? And when is it going to be ready for me to use?" It's not like the first draft of this prototype that was what we jumped to. I want to be clear. The first time we showed someone, there was this interesting problem, which is that we were still talking to the wrong people, somewhat. And the prototype hadn't evolved to be the slam dunk that it is now. So, at first, it was like, we'd have these kinds of muddled conversations where people were like, "Well, I don't really understand what this is supposed to be, and I'm not sure about that. And this seems interesting," but then their interpretation of what that thing was would be, like, wildly off from what it was intended to be. I just want to make it clear: this was work and effort. And the team did a really great job of iterating quickly based on, like, every time we talked to someone and showed it to them, we'd come back and say, "Here's what I heard." And it really pushed our thinking forward. Like Josh said, like, we are our toughest critics, so, like, every new version unlocked some new insights in ourselves about what it was we were actually driving toward. Really, just there's nothing like having a thing to look at and bang on to, like, clarify your thinking. LINDSEY: There's nothing like having a thing. Jordyn, you touched on you were talking to the wrong people, maybe. How has that exploration of the core market evolved? Is it still the startup enthusiasts? Are you even more narrow in that? What are the updates there as our chief market focus get everyone thinking about this all the time, officer? JORDYN: Yes. So, you know, startup enthusiasts is still the umbrella. What you're looking for with this is that you can guarantee pretty much every time you talk to someone in a segment or a sub-segment you will know how the conversation is going to go. And we've gotten there with two sub-segments of startup enthusiasts, which is repeat founders, key, key kind of nuance there. Founders, sure, but repeat founders really have this problem, for reasons we could talk about, and then chiefs of staff at startups, which is a relatively new role that's sort of emerged over the last sort of several years. But those folks are really the people that you ask them about this pain point, and they immediately are, like, yes. They use the same words to talk about the pain point. That's another really strong signal. When folks are using the same vocabulary, and they say the same sentences in the same order, and you start to feel a little bit creeped out, like, you're like, "Did you see these questions before I...? What? Did someone pay you to say that?" is, like, how you start to feel [laughs] [crosstalk 09:59] LINDSEY: Also, a marketer's dream. Oh my gosh, here comes the messaging, right? JORDYN: Exactly. LINDSEY: [inaudible 10:04] JORDYN: It feels like a cheat code because you just get to reflect their language back to them. You don't have to write copy. They wrote the copy. You just show them it, and they're like, yes. And everyone's like, "Yes," and it works. LINDSEY: Any thoughts to add to that, Josh? JOSH: It's really good. I would say the bummer or the good thing about this point is we're getting diminishing returns from testing everything other than the actual product, which is good that we got there in eight weeks. But we're not going to learn, you know, keep on adjusting the prototype and making little tweaks and more user research. But the truth is, we're not going to get anything substantial until we get this into some users' hands. JORDYN: Like you say, this is sort of bad news, but it's good news. JOSH: Right. JORDYN: It's how you know, right? When you get to the point where the thing is so clear, and the way to talk about it with folks is so clear that you're not learning as much anymore, diminishing returns is the right way to frame it. You really just need people to get in there and use it. That's the only way you're going to keep learning. That's the moment to build. Hey, everyone out there, don't build before that. That's when you build. And then you really build the smallest thing you can conceive of building, and then whatever that thing is that you've conceived of building that's very small, scope it back by 50% [laughs]. Do it. JOSH: And it's a little humbling as someone who considers himself a founder but who had reasonable success as a founder and who has had pretty good success as, like a very, very early-stage, you know, zero to one and 1 to 10 product leader, has done this a bunch of times and actually coaches people in doing this, and came in with, I'm not going to lie, a pretty good vision in my head for how this stuff was supposed to work together. And it's so much better now. Going through a process actually makes things better. This wasn't just, like, wasting time. Like, going through a process, a thoughtful process actually makes us much better. Like, the thing we're talking about building is much more likely to be successful than the thing I was originally thinking about building, right, Jordyn? JORDYN: Yes. I guess it bears sort of diving into that a little bit, which is, you know, for all the founders out there or folks with a product idea kicking around your head, you're apt to have a little bit of everything we've talked about already. You have an idea of the solution you want to build. You have an idea of who it's for. You have an idea of what their pain points are. And you might be sitting there thinking to yourself, I don't need to do eight weeks of discovery. I already know the answers to all of these questions. And it's possible Josh felt that way coming into the incubator, but doing the work, gathering the data, talking to a ton of people, what you can't understand before doing that is how much more confident and at ease you will feel once you have done it and how much clarity you'll have about what it is you need to build first because likely, you're sitting there with a vision in your head for this product that is fully featured, fully formed. It is the 18th month. We just went into a hidey hole and built a really complex thing, thing. Cool, don't throw that out. But you got to begin somewhere, and you got to begin somewhere meaningful and valuable. And it's really hard to know where to begin without this discovery, without focusing on a specific person, talking to as many of those folks as you can. And really, it sort of writes itself. It does feel easy. But you've got to set aside the time and the effort to do the research, market research, whatever we call this, customer discovery. And it thrills me to no end, Josh, to hear that that is how it felt for you, that you probably felt like you already knew the answer. But it just feels different, having talked to, I mean, how many people, 100-plus people? We were looking at the stats. JOSH: Well over 100. LINDSEY: Josh was talking to a bunch of people before he came to the incubator, and all the founders that we accept have been doing that. Like, we want to know that you've been doing that research. But then, I guess, coming into the incubator, you're continuing that process and maybe in a more structured or a differently structured way where the thoughtbot team is helping you, maybe zero in far deeper on the segment. Is that accurate to say? Just kind of the difference between, like, maybe some of the pre-research and then the thoughtbot-specific user interviews that happen. JOSH: Yeah. I think they were more focused. They're both more focused from the audience, but also more focused from if it's not just you doing it; it forces you to have a more clear, here's the questions we're asking, and here's what we're trying to learn, all these conversations. It's also really nice to have some diversity in who's asking the questions. As good or bad as I am at user research and user discovery, I am only one person. And having people with different backgrounds professionally, who live in different countries, who have different feelings about social media, basically, who are not me in a variety of really interesting ways, I think, made the entire process more interesting. Caro, who is our lead designer on the project, handed off basically the summary document of, like, everything we learned, and she pulled out, like, little snippets from the interviews. First of all, that is not something I would have done had it been just me, like, let's be very, very clear. This is an incredibly valuable document, particularly as we consider adding additional people onto this project to be able to, like, translate insights. But also, like, this is, like, summarized in a way that, like, takes some real expertise. And I would have walked away with vibes, and instead, we walked away with like, structured learning. LINDSEY: Awesome. So, the last time we checked in, also, you were very excited because you had just maybe started a technical spike and were starting to dig into the, okay, like, how technically feasible is this product? And I think, at that point, you all were looking at circling around this target market. Here are the main tools they use to communicate. What does it even look like to connect with those APIs? How possible is it? Can you give us an update on some of that work? JOSH: The way that I framed the question in the very beginning was, is this a science project, or is this going to be engineering? And, for the most part, the answer is, it's going to be engineering, right? Some are a little bit easier; some are a little bit harder. But it isn't, like, reinventing new stuff, with one exception, and that is connecting up with iMessages, which has been in the news a little bit. And I honestly just hope the ghost of Steve Jobs comes back and haunts, you know, the Apple headquarters at Cupertino because, come on, guys, interoperability is sort of the future, and you're ruining it for everybody. But other than that, I think we have a pretty clear path. I'd like to test out some of these. Like, you don't really know until you do it. I think that's kind of the next step of what we're doing is to, like, demonstrate that it is possible for a person to connect up a couple of different accounts. It is possible for us to extract data and turn that into information and insights in the kinds of ways we thought we could and then present that back in a meaningful way. I think that would be the next step for us to do. Mostly, everything seems feasible, except for iMessages. LINDSEY: I've also, I think, heard some whispers of artificial intelligence for Knect. Is that true? Have you all looked at, you know, what AI's role could be in the solution? And how does that research look? JORDYN: We assume it will be part of the mix. That said, I don't know how to frame it exactly. It's not like it's not an essential ingredient. I think the work with large language models and the democratization of that work recently is absolutely going to make this product way better than it would have otherwise been. But there are a lot of heuristics we've, like, been able to, you know, draw out and come up with that are, frankly, algorithmic, and they're not AI necessarily. Now, the line between big data plus an algorithm and AI in the popular lexicon, like, there's a big difference between those two things. But, like, as people talk about it, yeah, where does one end and the other begin? But we definitely will be making use of a lot of the newest technologies, and we've dabbled in them. I've dabbled in them. I know, Josh, you've been playing around with some of them, too, to the point where we're like, okay, yeah, we can make use of this stuff. It will be a valuable kind of tool in our toolkit, but it will not be the sole basis of value. I guess that's the sort of nuanced answer. But maybe Josh has a more bite-sized hype machine answer to this. Yeah, AI to the moon, right? JOSH: Um, no. My only answer would be more cynical. Would anybody rightfully start a company in 2023 without having AI in there someplace? Maybe I'll say something different. One of the things that we've wondered is, there's more than a handful of companies that are adjacent to what we're doing that are definitely looking at similar kinds of problems and that aren't building the solution that, clearly, some market is, like, desperate for. And these are not, like, wildly successful companies that have grown astronomically and changed the market. And, like, trying to figure out, like, why is that? And one of the reasons is...I sound like a tech bro, right? There has been a paradigm shift in the technology world, but there really has been. What do, you know, publicly available LLMs like, you know, OpenAI's ChatGPT, like, what have they done? They have taken a whole set of problems that were once really, really complicated and allowed you to do a reasonable job of solving them much more easily than you ever could before. And it takes some amount of imagination, to realize that, to realize that these things are more than just, I mean, every product I have on my computer has some kind of OpenAI ChatGPT-style thing in there, right? It's, like, 16 different variations on give me a prompt, and I'll write your essay for you, and they all kind of suck. But those aren't the really exciting uses that I've seen. It's the more subtle things. There's a company called Booklet, which tries to replace, like, noisy email lists or noisy communities to something more calm. And one of its features is it'll send you a summary of what's been going on in the community since, like, the last time you checked in. And it gives you, like, two paragraphs to read, and they're really chill and really informative, and they don't make you feel FOMO. They don't make you feel stressed up. Like, okay, stuff's happened in the community. This is really neat. And it's all powered by OpenAI's APIs. And it's really kind of magical. And, like, you have to have a slightly different perspective to imagine these kinds of magical moments. So, that's what I'm excited about. There's a set of things that we would have had to do with, like, terrible, complicated queries and, like, pattern matching, and freaking grep, or whatever old-school tools we would have had, you know, for doing things in the past. And now you just get to, like, shove text in one end, and say how you want the results structured and get the results back in the other end. And it doesn't have to be perfect, but that's okay. Like, we're talking about human relationships, which are inherently imperfect. So, I'm fine with this. And it's kind of exciting. But we'll see in, you know, if we end up continuing going down this path. Like, that's the goal of the next stage is to be, like, okay, what are the easy things which we can generate out of this? Is there an intersection between, like, easy and meaningful? And if there is, this is pretty exciting. JORDYN: Can I add something to that? Which is that the problem Knect is trying to solve and the way that we're trying to solve it, the way we've thought of solving it that's differentiated, lends itself really well to the current landscape of AI tools in that, and you were kind of getting at this, Josh, but I feel like it bears drilling into a little bit, in that what we are proposing here is not a set of deterministic things. We're not going to give you a to-do list. It's not, like, a linear...deterministic is really the right word. Like, there's a to-do list. There are things that make the cut. You got to go address them, et cetera. We're way more trying to approximate the way a slightly more put-together person with more time would approach nurturing their relationships, which is just to remember more of it more of the time. It doesn't mean we need to remember all of it every time. That's not the kind of task this is, which makes it a really good task for the place that AI is at right now. And I think where folks have failed in the past is that they've either tried to turn it into a deterministic set of tasks, which then just feels like another to-do list, another inbox in a series of to-do lists and inboxes that you have in your life that just make you feel guilty and inadequate. That doesn't seem fun to us. We don't think you need another one of those. Or other places we've seen this fall down, which is that it takes the current sort of state of AI and tries to actually do the deterministic thing for you, but it doesn't do a good enough job right now. But where we've kind of landed in the middle is that, again, what we're trying to solve for is solvable in a way more probabilistic way. Like, can we get more of this accomplished more easily for you? It's never going to, like, completely, you know, do the task in this perfect deterministic way. But it is going to make you feel more confident and more relaxed à la Booklet, it sounds like, how to do that for this particular problem, which is a different bar and one we think we can clear. And that really does provide value. People are really longing for this. LINDSEY: Jordyn and Josh, building on those descriptions of, like, kind of maybe bad AI use case, good AI use case, could you give some specific examples of, like, what that might look like for Knect, like, how AI could be used in a good way or maybe what you're trying to avoid, more specifically? JOSH: Yeah. First, I'm going to start with what I want to avoid, which is, there are tools out there, and these may be interesting to some people listening, and if so, go find them. Good luck. But there are tools out there that say things like, "Keep in touch with your network at scale." And will use AI to write a message which you can send out to people without you ever having to, like, review it. That seems like creepy, futuristic sort of, you know, there's, like, a Black Mirror episode about that. Like, the whole point of having, like, a professional network of people who you care about is actually interacting with them. And having some service, like, write some prompt, maybe in its own voice, maybe if it's really good in your voice to, like, let them know that you care about them, let them know that you're thinking about them is, like, that's just bad. I think that's bad. And we don't have any plans to do that kind of thing, even though most uses for AI in the products that I use are writing three or four paragraphs in response to, like, a prompt. So, certainly, that's the common use case. It's not very appealing to us, and, frankly, in the people we were talking to, that wasn't one of the things that anybody ever suggested. It's obvious, but as far as we can tell, uninteresting, right? Just because it's obvious and just because it's straightforward doesn't mean it's interesting. The things we're imagining, for example, is, talk about Jordyn. Jordyn and I have known each other since 2020, I think. And we have, like, a whole history of text messages going back and forth, which, by the way, we actually could integrate because we both have Android phones, you know, shout-out for Open Internet. It might be interesting to, you know, summarize some of that, like, I know Jordyn pretty well, but other people who I might have not talked with in a while, sure, you could present me with a whole timeline of our communication. But that isn't necessarily useful. I'll have to read every bit of it. Why not, like, take all that and summarize, here's things you guys talk about. Here's things that, like, prompted your past few conversations: job change, got laid off, started a company, got a cat. Whatever those topics happen to be like, share some of those things. Bring me up to speed a little bit faster without having to literally review every word that could have been going back multiple years. That's a pretty good use of it. If you think about the way that messages work, right? Like, my kids are now at the age where they have phones, and I can now text my kids during the day. I will just tell you, like, this is, like, an incredibly joyful thing for me to be able to send, like, stupid memes to my kids or, like, what's exactly the right emoji to, like, send to them or for them to send to me. If every one of these things were, like, pushed to some kind of timeline, and I'm like, "What's going on with my kids?" Like, that's just, like, going back and reading through, like, your WhatsApp thread, which is something that isn't interesting necessarily, at least not from, like, a professional perspective. And there's, like, thousands of these things. Like, why do I want, like, a record in my, like, database of people who I talk to that says, "OMG," or "K," or "lol," or those sorts of things? Like, that's, like, a phrase. It isn't a conversation. And we could use an LLM to go summarize what the conversation was all about, which is, by the way, a way more interesting thing to persist over time than, like, my daughter typing "JK, JK, JK," which I think is 15-year-old for laughing at me, but I'm not entirely sure. LINDSEY: [laughs] Okay, so as you are...you mentioned wrapping up, and you did your last meeting, and you've got your kind of takeaway docs. You know, one, I'm curious, like, if there's, for your last, you know, days, hours of the program, if there's any final morsels you're trying to get out of it, and then how that kind of leads you into, like, what's next. What are you planning? JOSH: Let's do another one of these things in two weeks. [laughter] LINDSEY: Oh, okay. JOSH: Yeah. I'm inviting myself back on your show. We have one more day of school then, like so many folks, we get in a plane or get in a car and go do some travel and try to disconnect a little bit from our professional networks. So, I'm consciously not trying to say what's going to happen next. I would love to have this conversation again, maybe in two weeks, in the new year, about what comes next. I don't know that I could have a meaningful one right now. JORDYN: I will say what we are trying to send Josh off with into his R&R is what's it going to take to get to a viable MVP, not merely viable, but actually viable? Given what we know, given all this, you know, work that we've done in the last eight weeks, we now have, you know, the ability to envision what version one of something might be. And so, making that kind of argument: here's why it is what we're imagining it to be; here's what it is; here's what it would take to build that thing, gives Josh a lot of stuff to think about in the meantime in terms of how to accomplish that. And the thing that will happen in two weeks is understanding a little bit more about, like, the actual, okay, here's the actual plan. But the ingredients are there, which is super valuable and is a thing we have done every time at the end of every incubator we've done. It's essentially a...it is that what's next plan and why, why that thing. What's the ultimate upside of pursuing this product, and what's the near-term upside? And what's it going to take to get there? Because that's often a thing that founders, especially for some founders, which Josh is not, but what they often can't get their heads around is there's this little feeling if you've got this big vision over here, and you've got, like, the set of things you could do tomorrow, really tasky things really, like, operational things, oh, I need to, like, set up a C Corp, but I need to...whatever those things are, right? What's in between? What's that near-term path that's going to directionally head in the direction of that big vision? It's, so far, always, what we have sent founders off with. LINDSEY: So, if you weren't here at the very beginning of our session, we mentioned that the applications are now open for session 1 of 2024. I'm curious, Josh, what kind of founders would you recommend for the thoughtbot incubator? What's the profile of someone you might send our way? JOSH: I'm going to say something, and I don't think I match that profile, which is interesting, and folks should think about that, what that means. But I would say that if I had to, like, pick a profile, having gone through this, I would say somebody with an idea, of course; ideally, it's one that they have some connection to. They have some personal passion for but, not just because it's an abstract idea but a personal passion that comes from their own experience. And it's really great for somebody who hasn't been inside of a tech company before, at least on the tech, half the business. Tech companies have three halves: one half is, you know, the product building side of bit of it or the tech half, which is engineers, and product designers, and product managers. And the other half of that is the go-to-market side, like sales, and marketing, and customer success. And the third half would be, like, operations like HR and finance. So, if you have experience in, like, the sales, or the marketing, or the customer success side, or the HR, or the finance, or corporate operations or that part of it, and, you know, you're familiar with tech coming from that perspective but maybe haven't been on the actually building stuff side of them before, this is a really, really good process. Because what does thoughtbot do? It does the building in tech side of things: designers, product managers, and especially engineers. And it has this, like, legacy and this history and expertise, therefore, with, like, the journeyman program where they help, like, level people up in those areas and now are applying this to founders. Because as the founder, you do need to develop some ability to converse around engineering and technical stuff. And you really, really, really, really need to get good at the discovery side, especially of, like, product design and product management. And those are the things you're going to get to do and you're going to get to do with people who are themselves really, really good at it. And that's awesome. The flip side is if you're, you know, a founder who is super attached to every bit of your vision, and you think you have the strategy all laid out and you're just looking for, like, warm bodies to build it, I mean, is it the insight team? What's the right level at thoughtbot? I forget the names of things, but, like, thoughtbot has, like, a startup program where you can give thoughtbot money, and they will build things for you. And they're also really, really good at that, but that's not the incubator program. The incubator program is probably a step earlier. So, I think it is worth thinking, are you at the I'm so confident of my vision; I'm so confident in my strategy that I just want to get this thing built, then maybe don't sign up for the Incubator. But if you're at the stage of I think this is a problem; I'm pretty sure this is a problem; I really want it to get solved; I have some vision, but I know it's going to change, then I think the incubator is really ideal, especially if you're looking to upskill yourself, too, because you're going to walk away with the ability to be conversant around the technology stuff. And you're going to walk away with a crap ton of experience with the discovery, qualitative discovery, like user interviews, quantitative discovery, like, you know, running ads, and landing pages, and all that stuff. Like, you're going to be really solid with that stuff after eight weeks because you will have done it. LINDSEY: Jordyn, any thoughts? JORDYN: I love all that. I think it's accurate. I would only say to those of you sitting out there who are thinking, I'm in that other camp; I'm very confident about what it is I want to build; I would ask you to do a little soul-searching as to whether that's actually true. Like, what evidence do you have? If you needed to stand up in court and defend your conclusions and your vision, could you? And I say that as the person who, as a first-time founder, was deluded in that way. I thought I knew exactly what I was doing and for whom and why. And, boy, howdy, could I have used a program like this to actually get me to sit down and, like, talk to people, listen to them, figure out what was valuable and what wasn't, what a valuable, you know, initial market offering was going to be like. Ah, I wish really, really badly that I'd had something like this because I was pretty deluded. I don't even know, like, what the right word is. I just didn't know what I didn't know. So, like the way you described it, Josh, I know Jordyn of 2017 would have been like, "That's me. I know this thing that I need to do. LINDSEY: [laughs] JORDYN: So, I don't need to apply to this program because I don't need to do any of that discovery work." But I was wrong [laughs]. I was absolutely wrong. I was wrong to the tune of, you know, two years and $150,000 of angel investment. So, consider, it is not idly that I say this to you, person sitting out there who feels very confident in your vision right now. Perhaps you have done all those things already; in that case, [inaudible 33:43] you don't need this. And you just need to [inaudible 33:46] with the thing you already know to be true. But ask yourself, how do you know what you know? LINDSEY: Yeah, even if you...we can help you build the thing. But we're probably, also, still going to push you on [laughs] some of those things we [crosstalk 34:01]. JORDYN: Yeah, we're still going to ask. We're going to ask to see the receipts. LINDSEY: Yeah [laughs]. JORDYN: And maybe you have the receipts, which is great, but we're still going to ask you for them, I guess, is my point. Every team at thoughtbot will ask you for the receipts, by the way, not just mine [laughs]. LINDSEY: The other interesting thing you touched on, Josh, was, I think, where we kind of started the incubator was with that target profile that you just described, which is, like, the less technical founder, and maybe even, like, a first-time founder. And then over time and seeing, like, applications, we broadened that as we saw, like, oh, you know, actually, also, technical founders and repeat founders do still need, like, help with this and can use guidance. So, we've expanded a bit, and maybe that is still, like, the person who gets the most value at the end of the day is the non-technical who hasn't really done this before. But yeah, we've kind of expanded to those other profiles as well. JOSH: There's a reason that repeat founders are no more successful on average than first-time founders, and it's something really important that Jordyn said, which is, you may think you've done all this, but we're going to ask you for the receipts. Just because you've done this before doesn't mean you're going to be good at it. Chances are, if you've done this before, it's mostly because you got really, really lucky; ask me how I know. So, it's nice to have. I mean, I described a profile, and I said that wasn't me. But I'll just tell you, as somebody who, like, spent his entire career, almost his entire career, in the tech side of tech companies, and I think I'm pretty good at it, I'm certainly not the worst at it, thinks I'm pretty good at it, it's still really nice to have a team backing you up in this early moment. It's really nice to have a team. JORDYN: Yeah, I will say another thing that we've heard from every founder we've worked with is just how much more real and actionable their idea feels when they have a team sitting there with them taking them seriously, which is another thing, you know, I really would have benefited from is, like, suddenly, when you've got three or more industry professionals sitting there in a Zoom call with you, like, okay, what are we doing? Why are we doing this? How do we know? The feeling of being taken seriously in that way and then having a bunch of people working full-time with you for eight weeks, they're in it with you; they're asking the questions; they're talking to people; they're coming back and saying, "I just had the most amazing conversation with someone. Here's what I learned," it just takes your project to a different level of reality. Like, we're humans. We're social beings. We create reality together. And when you're working alone, you know, through force of will, you can do a lot, but with a group, it really feels like you're creating something together. And, like Josh said, having those other brains with other experiences in other contexts percolating on your idea it's like bringing a team to bear on something. There's just nothing quite like it, and it's a huge value of the program. Like, we can give you the programming and, in fact, you can go run the programming. It is published in our handbook. The things that we do together you can go do, but it is a whole other matter to do them with a team. It just feels different. LINDSEY: Great. Well, I think that's where we're going to end today. I mean, Josh is leaving us hanging a little bit. So, we might need to...we're going to figure out a way to get your final thoughts, conclusions in a few weeks because I know everyone would love to hear what the plan is for Knect. Josh and Jordyn, as always, thank you so much. Any final thoughts or farewells from you today? JOSH: I've really enjoyed it. I'm going to miss these folks. Though, apparently, I get to hang out in a special Slack channel forever. LINDSEY: Yeah, you get to hang out. JOSH: Which is nice. LINDSEY: Exactly. You can't get rid of us just yet. JOSH: Good. I wouldn't want to. LINDSEY: All right. Thanks, y'all. And thanks, everyone, for tuning in. Special Guest: Josh Herzig-Marx .

The Verge's Nilay Patel, David Pierce, and Alex Cranz discuss Apple responding to Beeper's iMessage for Android and the various other text-based platform news from this week. Sean Hollister joins the show to discuss his time covering the Epic v Google trial, and what we learned from it all. Further reading: The year Twitter died: a special series from The Verge Beeper vs. iMessage is a fight about how tech works — and who's really in charge  Apple responds to Beeper's iMessage for Android: ‘We took steps to protect our users' Beeper says Apple is blocking some iMessages, but there's a fix Google Messages might let you edit texts after they're sent  Threads is officially starting to test ActivityPub integration  Threads launches for nearly half a billion more users in Europe Adam Mosseri's Threads account is rocketing up the Mastodon followed lists. An X outage broke all outgoing links, again Epic win: Jury decides Google has illegal monopoly in app store fight  Epic CEO Tim Sweeney: the post-trial interview  20 things we learned from the Epic v. Google trial The Apple TV app now looks more like an all-purpose streaming hub E3 is officially over forever  Opera's gamer browser now has a ‘panic button' for when you're caught in the act Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nothing has come up with the first large scale way to send iMessages even if you're on Android. Those new OpenAI products are so popular, they're actually pausing your ability to use them. DeepMind has a model that can predict the weather more accurately than humans. And the Cadillac of web cameras has a new model.Sponsors:Miro.com/podcastMindbloom.com/techmeme and code techmemeLinks:Coming soon: A fix for the Android green-bubble problem (Washington Post)Intel fixes high-severity CPU bug that causes “very strange behavior” (ArsTechnica)OpenAI Pauses New ChatGPT Plus Subscriptions Due To Surge In Demand (Search Engine Journal)Apple extends free period for iPhone 14 satellite features (9to5Mac)AI outperforms conventional weather forecasting methods for first time (Financial Times)Opal's second camera is the Tadpole, a tiny webcam for laptops (The Verge)Ride Home AI Fund Syndicate Signup: https://venture.angellist.com/ride-home-ai-fund/syndicate?utm_campaign=syndicate_direct_linkRide Home Fund (Rolling Fund) Syndicate Signup: https://venture.angellist.com/ride-home-fund/syndicate?utm_campaign=syndicate_direct_linkSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I'm already sneaky, we can't both be on some sneaky shit! We're keeping it short, sweet, and straight to the point this week - just like when you pull out your vibrator for a quick sesh. This week Sofia is solo dolo talking about ALL the important things in the world. Like the new iPhone update where you will now be able to unsend AND edit iMessages. All my shady Sloots stand up! It's our time to shine! All my wholesome Sloots, I hope your partner is as wholesome as you because the dark days are HERE. Clearly Apple just lives for the drama because there are MANY other useful things they could've included in this update, but they chose violence instead. Speaking of unsending messages, Sofia gives her stance on guys who unsend DM's on Instagram after they've been curved. GUYS: stand your ground! You never know when the relationship she's in might end and she'll be returning your message only a few months later! Finally, we have a very Slooty (but necessary) Sloot University today: HOW TO MANAGE A SNEAKY LINK. Sofia is giving the FULL guidebook on how to manage your sneaky links expectations, hours of operation, social media rules, and so much more. If only Cassie and Nate could've followed these guidelines, maybe they wouldn't be public enemy number one! Sloots, we're all for health and wellness around here, but sometimes we just have to get into the nitty gritty. It's all about balance.  Follow Sofia on Instagram and Twitter @SofiaFranklyn Find merch HERE: https://sofiafranklyn.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices