Podcast appearances and mentions of katie dudas

Katie Dudas visits Pittsburgh Robotics & AI Discovery Day 2026 and catches up with Trevor Sibley, Marketing Manager at Pittsburgh-based HEBI Robotics, to meet a robot with a very Pittsburgh story. When the NFL Draft came to Pittsburgh, HEBI had the opportunity to appear on the main stage alongside Carnegie Mellon University. Naturally, they decided their robot needed a local upgrade: “PLAY RENEGADE” displayed right on the robot. HEBI CEO Bob Raida helped get the crowd going as “Renegade” played during the demonstration. Trevor also explains the technology behind the robot, including HEBI's modular platform and R-Series smart actuators. Their mobile robots are designed to carry tools and equipment into muddy, dirty and hard-to-reach environments while remaining easy to control. Katie also gets a look at HEBI's industrial robotics work and how the company uses robots to make dangerous jobs safer while keeping skilled human operators in control. It's Pittsburgh robotics, Pittsburgh football culture and a robot that knows exactly when it's time to Play Renegade.

Michael Sorg and Katie Dudas are joined by Sam Eitzen, CEO of Snapbar, for a deep dive into how artificial intelligence is changing experiential marketing, trade shows, conferences, brand activations, and the humble photo booth. Sam explains how Snapbar evolved from physically hauling hundreds of photo booths to events into building a web-based platform that lets brands create interactive experiences accessible from an iPad, touchscreen, QR code, or an attendee's own phone. What started as a necessary pandemic pivot has developed into AI photo experiences, highly personalized AI Stories, and new ways for brands to combine entertainment with lead generation. The conversation also gets beyond the AI hype. Sam discusses the unpredictability of image models, why prompt engineering still requires humans, how Snapbar tests and switches between different AI models, and why brands need to understand that generative AI is not simply automated Photoshop. Snapbar's system remains cloud-based, meaning connectivity and third-party model reliability are still real considerations for live events. Topics and products discussed: What experiential marketing actually means: Sam distinguishes traditional broadcast and digital advertising from interactive marketing designed to bring the audience into the experience through participation. Snapbar's origin story: The company began as a side-gig photo booth business before moving from weddings into conferences, trade shows, sporting events, product launches, festivals, and other B2B activations. The pandemic pivot: When physical events disappeared in 2020, a client asked whether Snapbar could bring its photo experiences online. That request became the foundation of the company's current web-based platform. World Cup fan activations: Sam describes branded soccer experiences that let attendees transform themselves into stylized or animated fans and players without improperly copying team intellectual property. QR codes instead of long lines: Experiences can run on event iPads while also letting thousands of attendees participate from their own phones by scanning a QR code. Understanding the audience: A soccer activation that works at the World Cup may flop at a legal conference. Sam says cybersecurity audiences, for example, often respond particularly well to gaming, fantasy, and trading-card concepts. Digital experiences as event swag: The group discusses whether personalized digital content can become an alternative to another pile of branded pens, bottles, and promotional giveaways. Snapbar's planned digital spinner wheel: Sam explains a digital version of the familiar trade-show prize wheel with customizable branding, prize probabilities, inventory management, QR control, redemption codes, and lead capture. The rise of the AI photo booth: Early image generation was unreliable, producing extra arms, heads, and other artifacts. As models improved, AI photo experiences became one of Snapbar's biggest products. AI Stories: Snapbar adds Mad Libs-like personalization to AI-generated experiences, allowing attendees to influence the resulting scene while brands maintain controls over the experience. Taking event tech into unusual environments: Sam recalls activations at music festivals, on boats, and experiences that attendees could even access while traveling because everything is web-based. Working across AI providers: Rather than building its own image models, Snapbar evaluates available third-party systems and can shift between models depending on prompt adherence, realism, animation style, and client needs. Why testing matters: AI models can regress or behave differently after updates. Snapbar's team tests experiences ahead of events, attempts to break them, adjusts prompts, and can intervene while an activation is live. Treat AI like a new team member: Sam suggests thinking of AI less like an infallible machine and more like a new employee that needs context, supervision, defined permissions, and an understanding of what it does well. AI is not automated Photoshop: Clients sometimes expect pixel-perfect control, but generative systems still involve prompting, probabilities, and outputs that cannot always be completely dictated. Why AI may not magically fix event networking: Sam pushes back on the idea that feeding hobbies and job titles into an AI matchmaking system automatically creates meaningful human connections. Event attendees ultimately want genuine personal and professional connection. The danger of easy AI startups: AI makes prototypes and products dramatically easier to build, but that also means competitors can build similar products just as quickly. Distribution becomes the advantage: Sam argues that customer relationships, audience access, SEO/AEO, reputation, and reaching the right buyers become even more important when everyone has access to powerful AI tools. Learn more about Snapbar at https://snapbar.com, which Sam specifically shares at the end of the interview.

Apple finally gave the tech world its foldable iPhone, and the biggest question on AwesomeCast 796 isn't whether it looks impressive. It's whether anyone needs a $1,999 phone. Sorg, Katie Dudas and Dave Podnar spend this week's episode looking at where Apple is going next, while also catching up on Nintendo, MapQuest, Pittsburgh technology and some unusually revealing internet analytics. Siri Gets Smarter — Eventually Dave upgraded to iOS 27 and came away impressed with its speed and stability, but the headline Siri AI features come with a catch: there's a waitlist. Apple's rollout includes a more capable Siri experience, improved Visual Intelligence and upgrades to Image Playground. Sorg, who had access earlier through the beta process, says Siri already appears better at understanding spoken requests and answering questions without immediately handing everything off elsewhere. More on the Siri AI rollout: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/09/15/ios-27-siri-ai-has-waitlist-how-to-join/ Apple's $1,999 Foldable Experiment Then there's the iPhone Duo. The foldable became one of the episode's biggest discussions after an unlikely piece of analytics showed just how much attention Apple's announcement received: Pornhub reported a significant traffic drop when Apple revealed the device. https://mashable.com/life/pornhub-apple-event-viewers-dropped-iphone-duo Beyond the jokes, there are intriguing ideas here. Apple is using matching aspect ratios between the outside and inside displays, potentially making life easier for developers. The larger format opens up interesting multitasking possibilities, and the crew sees potential for business users, presenters and some creators. The problem is impossible to ignore: $1,999 is a lot of money for a phone. Katie compares the experience to having a dual-monitor setup in your pocket but struggles to get past the cost. Sorg sees the Duo more as Apple's latest first-generation experiment — something that may eventually trickle down into less expensive devices after early adopters figure out what the form factor is actually good for. Apple Watch Solves the “What Did They Just Say?” Problem A smaller Apple announcement may prove more immediately useful. The crew discusses an Apple Watch listening feature that can help recover something you recently heard. The example involved replaying information like restaurant specials, but Sorg immediately saw a production use for it: remembering instructions received in a noisy event environment. Sometimes the best technology feature isn't spectacular. It simply fixes a small problem that happens constantly. Nintendo Looks Back — and Forward Chachi's Video Game Minute brings an update on the White House Tetris-style game, which has now been removed. https://www.forbes.com/sites/zacharyfolk/2026/09/08/white-house-removes-controversial-tetris-style-game-from-arcade-website/ Nintendo also showed gameplay for the Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, scheduled for November 5. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/nintendo-shares-the-first-gameplay-and-release-date-for-the-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time-remake/ Sorg continues the Nintendo discussion with Mario Kart World's newly accessible recreations of classic Super Nintendo tracks and a new Metroid announcement. Mario Kart update: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1711610297636885&set=gm.2640543926409864&idorvanity=234524630345151 Nintendo Direct roundup: https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-direct-september-2026-live-report-all-the-announcements-as-they-happen?utm_source=campaigner&utm_campaign=NL_FIX_Sep_09_2026&cmp=1&utm_medium=email&Ictg=46311792229 The larger question is whether Nintendo is leaning too heavily on remakes — even as genuinely new games continue arriving beside them. MapQuest Wins With Whimsy MapQuest's unexpected comeback continues, powered partly by something its bigger competitors often lack: personality. Katie introduces two more Questies — Corgi and Black Cat — along with Rufus, the dog who inspired the Corgi design, and the upcoming Jimothy character. Future MapQuest updates are also expected to include CarPlay, Android Auto and transit improvements. Corgi and Black Cat: https://www.instagram.com/p/DdNtRdGFMqk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Rufus: https://www.instagram.com/p/DdP_UXVG4bp/?img_index=2 Jimothy: https://www.instagram.com/p/DdUwv6mp_yC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== It's a reminder that a challenger brand doesn't always have to beat Google on pure scale. Sometimes giving people a reason to care about the product is enough to get another look. From CAPTCHA to Duolingo For Hispanic Heritage Month, Dave's Awesome History segment highlights Luis von Ahn. Von Ahn came from Guatemala to Carnegie Mellon, became one of the researchers behind CAPTCHA and later co-founded Duolingo. The discussion expands into the importance of university research and how work that begins without an obvious commercial product can eventually become foundational technology. https://www.invent.org/inductees/luis-von-ahn Wrestling in a Military Hangar Sorg's Awesome Thing of the Week comes from a very different kind of technology production. The Sidekick Media crew helped capture Prospect Pro Wrestling's “Banger in the Hangar” at the 911th Air Wing. Wrestlers entered through a huge cargo aircraft, Stormtroopers showed up, the Pirate Parrot got involved, and the production took place inside an enormous working hangar. Watch the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kqJY33amJ0 It is another episode that jumps from smartphones and video games to Pittsburgh production stories — exactly the kind of wonderfully strange technology mix AwesomeCast was built for. Support AwesomeCast at Patreon.com/AwesomeCast and find more shows at www.SorgatronMedia.com.

Xbox cloud gaming limits are changing Sorg's living-room setup, MapQuest is turning navigation into a pixel-art adventure, and a rooster alarm app wants you to work for your snooze button. On AwesomeCast 795, Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar explore gaming news, gadgets, apps, and geek culture from Pittsburgh. • Xbox Cloud Gaming limits: Sorg explains why he moved his Xbox Series S back downstairs. The hosts discuss the impact of monthly streaming allowances on long games and cloud-focused devices, plus a follow-up on Xbox's disc-to-digital licensing preview. https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-announces-big-changes-to-xbox-cloud-gaming-switches-to-monthly-hour-limits • Next-generation Xbox affordability: An interview about Project Helix sparks a conversation about efficiency, console prices, PC game compatibility, and unanswered disc-drive questions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txuYKwrbq1M • Retro cartridges on modern computers: Sorg discovers Epilogue's GB Operator and SN Operator. The discussion covers playing existing Game Boy and Super Nintendo collections, preserving cartridge saves, and a Game Boy Camera connection. https://apple.news/A9oaGgCU0QpqcvQLP7ttlKQ • MapQuest's 8-bit personality: Katie shares her experience with pixel-style maps, Questies character avatars, playful navigation voices, CarPlay, and live radio. • Star Trek at 60: Dave reflects on the franchise's cultural impact, diverse vision of the future, and connections to real-world technology, from communicators to tablet-like PADDs. • John Snow and disease mapping: Dave's Awesome History explores the Broad Street cholera outbreak and connects historical mapping with modern wastewater surveillance and community preparedness. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1854_Broad_Street_cholera_outbreak • Panic's tariff refunds: ChachiSays covers the Playdate company's decision to return tariff charges to customers. https://www.al.com/news/2026/08/tariff-refunds-sent-to-video-game-customers-not-our-money.html • The Tetris Company responds: Chachi discusses the company's statement about a Tetris-like game on the White House website. https://variety.com/2026/digital/news/tetris-company-trump-white-house-build-the-wall-game-copyright-1236851993/ • Zelda anniversary reactions: Sorg discusses the presentation's movie reveal, music-tour news, and Ocarina of Time remake footage. The hosts weigh remake pricing, revisit Nintendo memories, and talk Twilight Princess, Star Fox, and Super Mario Sunshine. https://www.theverge.com/games/991265/the-legend-of-zelda-40th-anniversary-direct • Street Fighter 6 meets the movies: Movie-actor challenger screens, including Roman Reigns as Akuma, spark excitement and memories of Street Fighter's earlier film and game crossover. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1755856245623451 • Snoopy at Starbucks: Katie highlights Great Pumpkin-inspired Peanuts merchandise, including mugs, travel cups, bags, and pins. https://about.starbucks.com/stories/2026/starbucks-and-peanuts-celebrate-fall-with-a-global-merch-collection-inspired-by-the-great-pumpkin/ • Dungeon Crawler Carl LEGO Ideas: Two fan proposals bring Carl, Princess Donut, and friends into brick form. The hosts explore a dungeon scene and larger character builds seeking community support. https://ideas.lego.com/product-ideas/eb3c3057-8646-45b4-86ba-dfc08ba7e7e8 https://ideas.lego.com/product-ideas/6e47b028-7cba-48bc-81d9-a1461bdd4d08 • Clucky's demanding wake-up call: Sorg sets up a rooster alarm app with snooze challenges, samples its loud sounds, and chooses a tilt-game mission. Katie explains how the app turns getting out of bed into an interactive routine. https://tryclucky.com Plus, Dave shares his Steelers 5K experience, and the hosts bring their usual mix of hands-on discoveries, gaming opinions, and Pittsburgh personality.

How do you preserve physical video games in a world increasingly designed around downloads? How much would you pay for a really good keyboard? And what exactly happens when you sort the Nintendo Switch store from cheapest to most expensive? Those questions—and several much stranger ones—come up on AwesomeCast 794 with Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar. Xbox Finds a New Use for the Game Disc One of the episode's biggest discussions centers on Microsoft's Xbox Discs to Digital initiative. The concept offers an interesting middle ground between physical and digital ownership. A supported Xbox disc can be authenticated and connected to a player's digital library, potentially giving players digital access while the disc itself continues to function as the transferable proof of ownership. That last part is important. If the disc is sold and authenticated by somebody else, the digital access moves with it. For Sorg, who has stacks of Xbox One games and a console with a failed optical drive, this could solve a very practical problem. It also opens possibilities for finding inexpensive used Xbox games at stores such as GameStop and turning them into accessible digital titles. There are still questions surrounding Xbox 360 compatibility, licensing, sports games, delisted games and publisher participation, but it is a fascinating attempt to bridge two very different eras of game ownership. https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/08/26/your-discs-now-also-digital/?ocid=Platform_soc_omc_xbo_fb_Photo_lrn_8.26.2 Gamers Say They Want Physical Games. Are They Buying Them? That question carries directly into this week's ChachiSays Video Game Minute. Chachi points to figures showing U.S. spending on physical video games falling to levels not seen since physical-game statistics began being tracked in 1995. Nintendo represented a sizable portion of the remaining physical market. The contradiction is hard to ignore: gamers regularly criticize publishers for abandoning physical media, but those products need enough buyers to justify continuing to manufacture and distribute them. https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/console-gaming/us-console-sales-fall-39-percent-in-july-as-memory-costs-push-average-price-to-542 Generative AI Comes to Gamescom Chachi also discusses reports of generative AI being used during development of multiple titles connected to Gamescom 2026. The larger concern is not simply whether AI tools exist inside game development. The segment focuses on how companies disclose that use, what work the systems replace, and whether developers are being transparent with their audiences. Project Zeta, Aion 2, Train Sim World 7, Crimson Desert and Crazy Taxi: World Tour are among the games brought up during the discussion. https://kotaku.com/opening-night-live-2026-genai-slop-games-geoff-keighley-2000728477 Roku City Quietly Remembers Three Entertainment Icons Katie highlights a much more thoughtful use of technology: the little visual Easter eggs hidden inside Roku City. The screensaver incorporated imagery referencing Dolly Parton and Tim Curry along with an Optimus Prime-inspired tribute to Peter Cullen. That leads the crew into memories of Cullen's massive voice-acting career and the strange experience of realizing, years later, just how many familiar childhood characters were voiced by the same small group of performers. https://www.instagram.com/p/DcrPR8alYG3/?img_index=1 From Hubble to the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Dave's Awesome History segment turns toward NASA and astronomer Nancy Grace Roman. Roman played an important role in pushing space-based astronomy forward, helping lay the groundwork for what ultimately became the Hubble Space Telescope. The telescope carrying her name represents another enormous leap in what astronomers can observe. The hosts discuss its much wider field of view, the search for exoplanets, dark matter and dark energy, as well as the unusual orbital environments used by major observatories. https://www.planetary.org/articles/the-nancy-grace-roman-space-telescope-launch It's Already LEGO Advent Calendar Season Katie has an annual public-service announcement: if you want a particular Advent Calendar, buy it when you see it. LEGO's 2026 calendars are already appearing, including traditional Christmas offerings alongside Star Wars, Marvel and Disney sets. Waiting until December is how you end up frantically checking every store in town for the one calendar somebody decided they absolutely had to have. https://www.lego.com/en-us/search?q=advent%20calendar%202026&suggestion=true The $100,000 Keyboard Dave then discovers a corner of technology that makes even premium mechanical keyboards look inexpensive. A social video begins with keyboards priced in the hundreds of dollars, moves into models costing thousands, and eventually reaches one sitting around the $100,000 mark. At that point, calling something a “computer accessory” may no longer adequately explain what is happening. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1593262308558803 Brütal Legend Honors Tim Curry for 666 Minutes Double Fine found an extremely appropriate way to honor Tim Curry by making Brütal Legend free for 666 minutes. The Xbox 360-era heavy-metal adventure stars Jack Black and features Curry among its memorable cast. Sorg recently returned to the game and found that, despite showing its age in places, it remains surprisingly enjoyable. https://www.ign.com/articles/double-fine-productions-makes-brutal-legend-free-for-666-minutes-to-honor-tim-curry?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=6a905803b9a113000189638d&utm_campaign=trueAnthem:+Trending+Content&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=facebook Donkey Kong Country: CGI From Another Time Speaking of things that have aged differently, Sorg rediscovers the computer-animated Donkey Kong Country television series from the late 1990s. The show provides an incredible time capsule of early television CGI: stiff animation, questionable lip synchronization and character models that can occasionally drift into nightmare territory. And yet there is something fascinating about seeing what creators were able to accomplish with 1990s rendering technology. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWpI4vahfIY Sort the Nintendo eShop From Cheap to Expensive. You Have Been Warned. There is another kind of digital archaeology available right now. Go to the Nintendo Switch store. Sort everything from lowest price to highest. Start scrolling. The result is a journey through inexpensive retro games, indie releases, zombie games, cat games, simulators, dating games, suspiciously AI-looking artwork and enough shovelware to keep the AwesomeCast crew entertained far longer than expected. There are legitimate bargains hiding in the pile—but finding them is part of the adventure. https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/sales-and-deals/#show=0&p=1&sort=pa&f=priceRangeFilter&priceRangeFilter=%240+-+%244.99 Commodore 64 Meets Cyberpunk The episode's final major retro-tech rabbit hole comes courtesy of a Cyberpunk-themed Commodore 64. The unusual crossover sends Katie and Dave back into memories of the original beige Commodore machines, while Dave recalls using GEOS for word processing and schoolwork long before the modern Windows experience became standard. https://commodore.net/store/commodore64/ Plus: Giant Medals, Slow USB-C Cables and Video Game Wrestling Dave also shows off the giant magnetic medals earned through the Pro Football Hall of Fame virtual race series. https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Canton/HOFRaceSeries Katie introduces what may become a recurring feature, “What Is Katie Labeling Now?”, after discovering one of her USB-C cables was charging her laptop dramatically slower than the others. And before any of that, the crew revisits Sorgstock and its real-life video game wrestling match, where the performers recreated all of the awkward movement, button mashing, missed attacks and controller confusion of playing a wrestling game when nobody remembers the controls. From the future of game ownership to 1980s computers and $100,000 keyboards, AwesomeCast 794 once again proves there is always something wonderfully strange happening in technology.

How do you preserve physical video games in a world increasingly designed around downloads? How much would you pay for a really good keyboard? And what exactly happens when you sort the Nintendo Switch store from cheapest to most expensive? Those questions—and several much stranger ones—come up on AwesomeCast 794 with Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar. Xbox Finds a New Use for the Game Disc One of the episode's biggest discussions centers on Microsoft's Xbox Discs to Digital initiative. The concept offers an interesting middle ground between physical and digital ownership. A supported Xbox disc can be authenticated and connected to a player's digital library, potentially giving players digital access while the disc itself continues to function as the transferable proof of ownership. That last part is important. If the disc is sold and authenticated by somebody else, the digital access moves with it. For Sorg, who has stacks of Xbox One games and a console with a failed optical drive, this could solve a very practical problem. It also opens possibilities for finding inexpensive used Xbox games at stores such as GameStop and turning them into accessible digital titles. There are still questions surrounding Xbox 360 compatibility, licensing, sports games, delisted games and publisher participation, but it is a fascinating attempt to bridge two very different eras of game ownership. https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/08/26/your-discs-now-also-digital/?ocid=Platform_soc_omc_xbo_fb_Photo_lrn_8.26.2 Gamers Say They Want Physical Games. Are They Buying Them? That question carries directly into this week's ChachiSays Video Game Minute. Chachi points to figures showing U.S. spending on physical video games falling to levels not seen since physical-game statistics began being tracked in 1995. Nintendo represented a sizable portion of the remaining physical market. The contradiction is hard to ignore: gamers regularly criticize publishers for abandoning physical media, but those products need enough buyers to justify continuing to manufacture and distribute them. https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/console-gaming/us-console-sales-fall-39-percent-in-july-as-memory-costs-push-average-price-to-542 Generative AI Comes to Gamescom Chachi also discusses reports of generative AI being used during development of multiple titles connected to Gamescom 2026. The larger concern is not simply whether AI tools exist inside game development. The segment focuses on how companies disclose that use, what work the systems replace, and whether developers are being transparent with their audiences. Project Zeta, Aion 2, Train Sim World 7, Crimson Desert and Crazy Taxi: World Tour are among the games brought up during the discussion. https://kotaku.com/opening-night-live-2026-genai-slop-games-geoff-keighley-2000728477 Roku City Quietly Remembers Three Entertainment Icons Katie highlights a much more thoughtful use of technology: the little visual Easter eggs hidden inside Roku City. The screensaver incorporated imagery referencing Dolly Parton and Tim Curry along with an Optimus Prime-inspired tribute to Peter Cullen. That leads the crew into memories of Cullen's massive voice-acting career and the strange experience of realizing, years later, just how many familiar childhood characters were voiced by the same small group of performers. https://www.instagram.com/p/DcrPR8alYG3/?img_index=1 From Hubble to the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Dave's Awesome History segment turns toward NASA and astronomer Nancy Grace Roman. Roman played an important role in pushing space-based astronomy forward, helping lay the groundwork for what ultimately became the Hubble Space Telescope. The telescope carrying her name represents another enormous leap in what astronomers can observe. The hosts discuss its much wider field of view, the search for exoplanets, dark matter and dark energy, as well as the unusual orbital environments used by major observatories. https://www.planetary.org/articles/the-nancy-grace-roman-space-telescope-launch It's Already LEGO Advent Calendar Season Katie has an annual public-service announcement: if you want a particular Advent Calendar, buy it when you see it. LEGO's 2026 calendars are already appearing, including traditional Christmas offerings alongside Star Wars, Marvel and Disney sets. Waiting until December is how you end up frantically checking every store in town for the one calendar somebody decided they absolutely had to have. https://www.lego.com/en-us/search?q=advent%20calendar%202026&suggestion=true The $100,000 Keyboard Dave then discovers a corner of technology that makes even premium mechanical keyboards look inexpensive. A social video begins with keyboards priced in the hundreds of dollars, moves into models costing thousands, and eventually reaches one sitting around the $100,000 mark. At that point, calling something a “computer accessory” may no longer adequately explain what is happening. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1593262308558803 Brütal Legend Honors Tim Curry for 666 Minutes Double Fine found an extremely appropriate way to honor Tim Curry by making Brütal Legend free for 666 minutes. The Xbox 360-era heavy-metal adventure stars Jack Black and features Curry among its memorable cast. Sorg recently returned to the game and found that, despite showing its age in places, it remains surprisingly enjoyable. https://www.ign.com/articles/double-fine-productions-makes-brutal-legend-free-for-666-minutes-to-honor-tim-curry?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=6a905803b9a113000189638d&utm_campaign=trueAnthem:+Trending+Content&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=facebook Donkey Kong Country: CGI From Another Time Speaking of things that have aged differently, Sorg rediscovers the computer-animated Donkey Kong Country television series from the late 1990s. The show provides an incredible time capsule of early television CGI: stiff animation, questionable lip synchronization and character models that can occasionally drift into nightmare territory. And yet there is something fascinating about seeing what creators were able to accomplish with 1990s rendering technology. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWpI4vahfIY Sort the Nintendo eShop From Cheap to Expensive. You Have Been Warned. There is another kind of digital archaeology available right now. Go to the Nintendo Switch store. Sort everything from lowest price to highest. Start scrolling. The result is a journey through inexpensive retro games, indie releases, zombie games, cat games, simulators, dating games, suspiciously AI-looking artwork and enough shovelware to keep the AwesomeCast crew entertained far longer than expected. There are legitimate bargains hiding in the pile—but finding them is part of the adventure. https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/sales-and-deals/#show=0&p=1&sort=pa&f=priceRangeFilter&priceRangeFilter=%240+-+%244.99 Commodore 64 Meets Cyberpunk The episode's final major retro-tech rabbit hole comes courtesy of a Cyberpunk-themed Commodore 64. The unusual crossover sends Katie and Dave back into memories of the original beige Commodore machines, while Dave recalls using GEOS for word processing and schoolwork long before the modern Windows experience became standard. https://commodore.net/store/commodore64/ Plus: Giant Medals, Slow USB-C Cables and Video Game Wrestling Dave also shows off the giant magnetic medals earned through the Pro Football Hall of Fame virtual race series. https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Canton/HOFRaceSeries Katie introduces what may become a recurring feature, “What Is Katie Labeling Now?”, after discovering one of her USB-C cables was charging her laptop dramatically slower than the others. And before any of that, the crew revisits Sorgstock and its real-life video game wrestling match, where the performers recreated all of the awkward movement, button mashing, missed attacks and controller confusion of playing a wrestling game when nobody remembers the controls. From the future of game ownership to 1980s computers and $100,000 keyboards, AwesomeCast 794 once again proves there is always something wonderfully strange happening in technology.

Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar are back for another round of geeky tech, gadgets, games, collectibles, and Pittsburgh happenings. The episode opens on a somber note with a tribute to Dolly Parton and the impact of her philanthropy, including her work supporting childhood literacy. Then the crew gets into everything from simulated RC racing and Apple's latest Macs to a life-size Grogu, Linux history, Pokémon fossils, GTA VI leaks, and gaming at Pittsburgh International Airport. Topics discussed include: Remembering Dolly Parton – The crew reflects on Parton's passing, her charitable legacy, her support of literacy programs, and the positive impact she made far beyond entertainment. RC racing meets full-size driving simulators – Sorg discovers first-person RC car racing setups that combine tiny vehicles, onboard cameras, and full simulator rigs. The conversation explores CloudRC, RC aircraft, and whether experiences like this could become the next arcade, mall, or Dave & Buster's attraction. Apple updates the Mac mini and Mac Studio – Dave breaks down Apple's new Mac hardware, including the M6 chip, pricing, local AI performance, and the ability to combine machines over Thunderbolt 5. The crew discusses why local AI processing could become increasingly important for businesses dealing with cloud costs, privacy, and sensitive data. Pokémon Fossils invade Chicago – Chachi reports from the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibit at Chicago's Field Museum, where fossils inspired by the games are compared with real paleontology. The exhibit even includes Pokémon GO bonuses and limited merchandise. Dungeon Crawler Carl and 3D printing – Katie opens her mysterious box of 3D-printed creations from Chachi's Plastic Fun Time shop, including Dungeon Crawler Carl characters, ornaments, magnets, Pokémon-inspired pieces, the infamous Rock Lobster, and more. Linux turns 35 – Dave traces the unlikely chain of events connecting AT&T antitrust action, UNIX, GNU, Linus Torvalds, and the operating system that became one of the foundations of modern computing. There's even a bonus discussion about Linux running on a Sega 32X. Kingdom Hearts expands – Chachi's Video Game Minute covers a 2027 release window for Kingdom Hearts 4 and a planned animated Kingdom Hearts series for Disney+. Mattel builds its own game studio – Mattel is expanding its internal video game operation with hundreds of developers and new games based on properties including UNO and Hot Wheels. GTA VI leaks and the digital ownership fight – The show looks at reported leaks of Grand Theft Auto VI material tied to protests over digital-only game distribution and the broader debate over whether players actually own their digital purchases. Transformers comes to Minecraft – Sorg and Katie explore the Transformers content available through the Minecraft Marketplace, including G1-inspired characters, story-based gameplay, combat modes, and plenty of temptation for Transformers fans. A nearly life-size Ultimate Grogu – Hasbro Pulse has a roughly 14.6-inch animatronic Grogu featuring movement, sounds, multiple interaction modes, cosplay-friendly settings, and a $599.99 price tag. Nature Calls restroom finder launches – The crowdsourced restroom-finding app discussed on an earlier AwesomeCast is now available, helping users locate bathrooms, water fountains, porta-potties, and other facilities. Gaming at Pittsburgh International Airport – Sorg checks out Gameway, a gaming lounge at Pittsburgh International Airport offering video games, snacks, drinks, and another option for travelers with time before a flight. Disney characters meet NFL teams – Disney and the NFL have teamed up for team-specific character merchandise. The Pittsburgh Steelers get Pete, while other combinations include Captain America with the Patriots, Thor with the Vikings, Darth Vader with the Raiders, and more. The crew also checks in on their recent Pittsburgh Shootout adventures and previews more of what's happening around the Sorgatron Media universe. RC Racing / CloudRC https://www.instagram.com/reels/Db2l4aVjpRO/ https://store.cloudrc.com/ Plastic Fun Time 3D Prints https://plasticfuntime.etsy.com/ Apple Mac mini / Mac Studio Updates https://www.wired.com/story/apple-announces-m6-and-m5-ultra-mac-mini-mac-studio/ 35 Years of Linux https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/linux-was-announced-by-linus-torvalds-35-years-ago-today-humble-os-started-with-10-000-lines-of-code-but-has-now-grown-to-40-million-dominates-global-infrastructure Kingdom Hearts Announcements https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/news/games-d23-digital-entertainment/ Mattel Game Studios https://kotaku.com/the-toy-maker-behind-barbie-and-hot-wheels-wants-to-make-its-own-video-games-2000724968 GTA VI Leak Story https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/hacker-leaks-gta-vi-gameplay-and-map-to-protest-digital-only-release-claims-pre-orders-are-a-legacy-of-physical-game-releases Transformers Minecraft https://www.facebook.com/reel/1056475313409694 Nature Calls Restroom Finder – iOS https://apps.apple.com/us/app/find-toilets-nature-calls-run/id6790583853 Ultimate Grogu https://www.hasbropulse.com/product/star-wars-ultimate-grogu/G44835S00 Pittsburgh Airport Gameway https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcbcVbCBU34/?igsi=MTJweXZ1N2N4cTZ1dg== https://www.facebook.com/reel/1089385550715987 Disney x Pittsburgh Steelers https://www.nflshop.com/pittsburgh-steelers/disney/t-36604861+c-1202616796+z-8-2894738209?ab=%7Bwt-static_graphic%7D%7Bpt-TLP%7D%7Bal-HMB%7D%7Bct-Pittsburgh_Steelers_disney%7D

Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar are back for another round of geeky tech, gadgets, games, collectibles, and Pittsburgh happenings. The episode opens on a somber note with a tribute to Dolly Parton and the impact of her philanthropy, including her work supporting childhood literacy. Then the crew gets into everything from simulated RC racing and Apple's latest Macs to a life-size Grogu, Linux history, Pokémon fossils, GTA VI leaks, and gaming at Pittsburgh International Airport. Topics discussed include: Remembering Dolly Parton – The crew reflects on Parton's passing, her charitable legacy, her support of literacy programs, and the positive impact she made far beyond entertainment. RC racing meets full-size driving simulators – Sorg discovers first-person RC car racing setups that combine tiny vehicles, onboard cameras, and full simulator rigs. The conversation explores CloudRC, RC aircraft, and whether experiences like this could become the next arcade, mall, or Dave & Buster's attraction. Apple updates the Mac mini and Mac Studio – Dave breaks down Apple's new Mac hardware, including the M6 chip, pricing, local AI performance, and the ability to combine machines over Thunderbolt 5. The crew discusses why local AI processing could become increasingly important for businesses dealing with cloud costs, privacy, and sensitive data. Pokémon Fossils invade Chicago – Chachi reports from the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibit at Chicago's Field Museum, where fossils inspired by the games are compared with real paleontology. The exhibit even includes Pokémon GO bonuses and limited merchandise. Dungeon Crawler Carl and 3D printing – Katie opens her mysterious box of 3D-printed creations from Chachi's Plastic Fun Time shop, including Dungeon Crawler Carl characters, ornaments, magnets, Pokémon-inspired pieces, the infamous Rock Lobster, and more. Linux turns 35 – Dave traces the unlikely chain of events connecting AT&T antitrust action, UNIX, GNU, Linus Torvalds, and the operating system that became one of the foundations of modern computing. There's even a bonus discussion about Linux running on a Sega 32X. Kingdom Hearts expands – Chachi's Video Game Minute covers a 2027 release window for Kingdom Hearts 4 and a planned animated Kingdom Hearts series for Disney+. Mattel builds its own game studio – Mattel is expanding its internal video game operation with hundreds of developers and new games based on properties including UNO and Hot Wheels. GTA VI leaks and the digital ownership fight – The show looks at reported leaks of Grand Theft Auto VI material tied to protests over digital-only game distribution and the broader debate over whether players actually own their digital purchases. Transformers comes to Minecraft – Sorg and Katie explore the Transformers content available through the Minecraft Marketplace, including G1-inspired characters, story-based gameplay, combat modes, and plenty of temptation for Transformers fans. A nearly life-size Ultimate Grogu – Hasbro Pulse has a roughly 14.6-inch animatronic Grogu featuring movement, sounds, multiple interaction modes, cosplay-friendly settings, and a $599.99 price tag. Nature Calls restroom finder launches – The crowdsourced restroom-finding app discussed on an earlier AwesomeCast is now available, helping users locate bathrooms, water fountains, porta-potties, and other facilities. Gaming at Pittsburgh International Airport – Sorg checks out Gameway, a gaming lounge at Pittsburgh International Airport offering video games, snacks, drinks, and another option for travelers with time before a flight. Disney characters meet NFL teams – Disney and the NFL have teamed up for team-specific character merchandise. The Pittsburgh Steelers get Pete, while other combinations include Captain America with the Patriots, Thor with the Vikings, Darth Vader with the Raiders, and more. The crew also checks in on their recent Pittsburgh Shootout adventures and previews more of what's happening around the Sorgatron Media universe. RC Racing / CloudRC https://www.instagram.com/reels/Db2l4aVjpRO/ https://store.cloudrc.com/ Plastic Fun Time 3D Prints https://plasticfuntime.etsy.com/ Apple Mac mini / Mac Studio Updates https://www.wired.com/story/apple-announces-m6-and-m5-ultra-mac-mini-mac-studio/ 35 Years of Linux https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/linux-was-announced-by-linus-torvalds-35-years-ago-today-humble-os-started-with-10-000-lines-of-code-but-has-now-grown-to-40-million-dominates-global-infrastructure Kingdom Hearts Announcements https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/news/games-d23-digital-entertainment/ Mattel Game Studios https://kotaku.com/the-toy-maker-behind-barbie-and-hot-wheels-wants-to-make-its-own-video-games-2000724968 GTA VI Leak Story https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/hacker-leaks-gta-vi-gameplay-and-map-to-protest-digital-only-release-claims-pre-orders-are-a-legacy-of-physical-game-releases Transformers Minecraft https://www.facebook.com/reel/1056475313409694 Nature Calls Restroom Finder – iOS https://apps.apple.com/us/app/find-toilets-nature-calls-run/id6790583853 Ultimate Grogu https://www.hasbropulse.com/product/star-wars-ultimate-grogu/G44835S00 Pittsburgh Airport Gameway https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcbcVbCBU34/?igsi=MTJweXZ1N2N4cTZ1dg== https://www.facebook.com/reel/1089385550715987 Disney x Pittsburgh Steelers https://www.nflshop.com/pittsburgh-steelers/disney/t-36604861+c-1202616796+z-8-2894738209?ab=%7Bwt-static_graphic%7D%7Bpt-TLP%7D%7Bal-HMB%7D%7Bct-Pittsburgh_Steelers_disney%7D

Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar explore an AI pocket pet that grows up with its owner, clues pointing toward camera-equipped Apple AirPods, TikTok's concerning voice-call feature, robots building electric vehicles, changes to YouTube view counts, retro Mario experiments, and more technology news from Pittsburgh. This week's stories and gadgets: Pittsburgh Shootout preview: Sorg and Katie prepare to photograph the independent Formula SAE-style event at Summit Point Motorsports Park after the former Pittsburgh Raceway property was sold for a data center. Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals: Katie arrives with McDonald's crossover toys and begins the hunt for the complete collection, including Hello Kitty Godzilla, Chococat with SpaceGodzilla, and Kuromi with Mechagodzilla. TikTok voice-call warning: Dave demonstrates how TikTok users can make direct voice calls and explains why parents should review the feature. Users can go to Profile, Settings and Privacy, Notifications, and Voice Calls to limit notifications to no one, people they follow, or everyone. The calling capability itself may still remain available. See the settings reference used during the show. Drive through Google Street View: Hop Earth turns real-world map data into a browser-based driving game. Sorg attempts to create a Pittsburgh route while discovering that the experimental experience can be demanding on a computer with too many open tabs. Awesome Person of the Week: Dave celebrates Pittsburgh-area chemist Stephanie L. Kwolek, whose persistence and polymer research at DuPont led to the development of Kevlar. ChachiSays Video Game Minute: Ohio is suing Roblox over allegations involving investor disclosures and protections for children. A real Freddy Fazbear's Pizza experience inspired by Five Nights at Freddy's is planned for a New Jersey mall in 2027. The FAA recruited more than 2,000 gamers as prospective air traffic controllers following a change in recruitment strategy. An AI Tamagotchi that grows up: Sweekar is an interactive AI pocket pet that progresses from baby to child, teenager, and adult. Its personality develops according to how its owner interacts with it, and it can recognize people, remember interests, offer reminders, tell stories, use an accompanying app, and wear collectible outfits. Apple's possible camera-equipped AirPods: A video discovered inside a macOS update appears to demonstrate visual intelligence through AirPods. The hosts discuss the possibility of tiny cameras helping users identify objects and places, along with the major privacy questions Apple would need to address. The product remains speculative. AllTrails Hidden Tracks: Katie highlights Hidden Tracks from AllTrails, a collection of crowdsourced alternatives to heavily visited national parks and trails. Fandom becomes a business: A creator turned a niche idea involving Dungeon Crawler Carl-themed commentary and cosplay into a successful subscription project. The hosts examine the creator's reported early results and the growing economy around fan-made merchandise and content. Super Mario Bros. Wonder on the SNES: The hosts play with a fan-made Super Nintendo-style demake featuring Wonder Flowers, Drill Mario, Bubble Mario, and a Bowser Jr. battle. Robots inside Hyundai's EV factory: Dave takes the show inside Hyundai's Georgia Metaplant, where autonomous sleds move vehicles between workstations and Boston Dynamics robot dogs assist with quality inspections. YouTube is changing how views appear: YouTube plans to align its public view counting more closely with TikTok and Instagram by counting a view when playback begins. Creator earnings will continue to depend on engaged Shorts views and watch hours, making engagement more important than the public total. Dave celebrates the iPhoneography Podcast passing 100,000 plays and shares highlights from a recent conversation with photographer Jefferson Graham. Support AwesomeCast and receive bonus aftertalk content at https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast.

Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar explore an AI pocket pet that grows up with its owner, clues pointing toward camera-equipped Apple AirPods, TikTok's concerning voice-call feature, robots building electric vehicles, changes to YouTube view counts, retro Mario experiments, and more technology news from Pittsburgh. This week's stories and gadgets: Pittsburgh Shootout preview: Sorg and Katie prepare to photograph the independent Formula SAE-style event at Summit Point Motorsports Park after the former Pittsburgh Raceway property was sold for a data center. Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals: Katie arrives with McDonald's crossover toys and begins the hunt for the complete collection, including Hello Kitty Godzilla, Chococat with SpaceGodzilla, and Kuromi with Mechagodzilla. TikTok voice-call warning: Dave demonstrates how TikTok users can make direct voice calls and explains why parents should review the feature. Users can go to Profile, Settings and Privacy, Notifications, and Voice Calls to limit notifications to no one, people they follow, or everyone. The calling capability itself may still remain available. See the settings reference used during the show. Drive through Google Street View: Hop Earth turns real-world map data into a browser-based driving game. Sorg attempts to create a Pittsburgh route while discovering that the experimental experience can be demanding on a computer with too many open tabs. Awesome Person of the Week: Dave celebrates Pittsburgh-area chemist Stephanie L. Kwolek, whose persistence and polymer research at DuPont led to the development of Kevlar. ChachiSays Video Game Minute: Ohio is suing Roblox over allegations involving investor disclosures and protections for children. A real Freddy Fazbear's Pizza experience inspired by Five Nights at Freddy's is planned for a New Jersey mall in 2027. The FAA recruited more than 2,000 gamers as prospective air traffic controllers following a change in recruitment strategy. An AI Tamagotchi that grows up: Sweekar is an interactive AI pocket pet that progresses from baby to child, teenager, and adult. Its personality develops according to how its owner interacts with it, and it can recognize people, remember interests, offer reminders, tell stories, use an accompanying app, and wear collectible outfits. Apple's possible camera-equipped AirPods: A video discovered inside a macOS update appears to demonstrate visual intelligence through AirPods. The hosts discuss the possibility of tiny cameras helping users identify objects and places, along with the major privacy questions Apple would need to address. The product remains speculative. AllTrails Hidden Tracks: Katie highlights Hidden Tracks from AllTrails, a collection of crowdsourced alternatives to heavily visited national parks and trails. Fandom becomes a business: A creator turned a niche idea involving Dungeon Crawler Carl-themed commentary and cosplay into a successful subscription project. The hosts examine the creator's reported early results and the growing economy around fan-made merchandise and content. Super Mario Bros. Wonder on the SNES: The hosts play with a fan-made Super Nintendo-style demake featuring Wonder Flowers, Drill Mario, Bubble Mario, and a Bowser Jr. battle. Robots inside Hyundai's EV factory: Dave takes the show inside Hyundai's Georgia Metaplant, where autonomous sleds move vehicles between workstations and Boston Dynamics robot dogs assist with quality inspections. YouTube is changing how views appear: YouTube plans to align its public view counting more closely with TikTok and Instagram by counting a view when playback begins. Creator earnings will continue to depend on engaged Shorts views and watch hours, making engagement more important than the public total. Dave celebrates the iPhoneography Podcast passing 100,000 plays and shares highlights from a recent conversation with photographer Jefferson Graham. Support AwesomeCast and receive bonus aftertalk content at https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast.

What happens when a PC gamer turns downloadable Steam games into physical cartridges? Sorg, Katie Dudas and Dave Podnar explore that inventive project alongside an AI-generated reality show starring romantic fruits, Xbox's possible plan for preserving physical game collections, Fitbit's long-awaited Apple Health support and a 9,000-pound rocket stage headed for the Moon. The crew also discusses a travel app that automatically tells stories based on your location, the staggering first imagery from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, Kevin Mitnick's legacy in cybersecurity and several troubling decisions from the video game industry. Stories, Gadgets and Topics Discussed Katie's Brother P-touch label maker: Katie shows how she is using built-in symbols—including cameras, computers and warning icons—to organize and identify equipment, drives and other technology. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory reveals an enormous view of the universe: Dave follows up on the observatory's 3.2-gigapixel LSST camera and an image containing approximately 650,000 galaxies. The hosts discuss the astonishing detail available when zooming into tiny sections of the image, the observatory's planned decade of data collection and how AI could help scientists examine datasets too large for humans to process manually. See the Vera C. Rubin Observatory imagery Wrinkles turns city exploration into a location-aware audio tour: Katie introduces Wrinkles, a travel app that automatically shares historical facts, local stories and hidden details as users walk through supported cities. The app uses AI-generated voices, but its information is drawn from curated sources such as historians, museums and local organizations. Creators and tourism groups may also be able to build their own tours and experiences. Explore the Wrinkles travel app A PC gamer creates physical Steam cartridges: Sorg examines a DIY project that stores individual Steam games on inexpensive 128GB, 2.5-inch SSDs. A script detects the drive when it is inserted, connects the game to the owner's Steam library and launches the title—creating something close to a modern PC game cartridge. The discussion considers storage costs, portability and whether physical presentation can make digital collections feel more permanent. See the DIY Steam cartridge project Kevin Mitnick and National Social Engineering Day: Dave looks back at famed hacker-turned-security-consultant Kevin Mitnick, whose birthday on August 6 inspired National Social Engineering Day. The hosts explain how attackers can bypass strong technology by manipulating employees, customer-service representatives and other people into revealing passwords, resetting accounts or granting access. Learn about National Social Engineering Day Read Kevin Mitnick's congressional testimony ChachiSays Video Game Minute—“Doubling Down on Dumb Decisions”: Sony acknowledges the backlash surrounding its move away from physical PlayStation discs but plans to continue moving in that direction. Read the Sony physical-media story Electronic Arts reportedly rewarded its CEO with a major compensation increase following the success of Battlefield 6 while developers responsible for the game faced layoffs. Read about the EA compensation and layoffs August Interactive is working with NASA on Moonbase Y, a game designed to encourage children to plan, collaborate and invent solutions for a future lunar colony. Learn about Moonbase Y Xbox considers converting physical games into digital licenses: A reported Xbox disc-to-digital program could allow owners of original Xbox and Xbox 360 discs to access compatible digital copies on newer hardware or PC. The hosts discuss game preservation, license transfer, resale and whether Microsoft's approach inspires more confidence in the long-term future of an Xbox library. Read about Xbox's reported disc-to-digital plan Fitbit data can finally sync with Apple Health: Fitbit users can now consolidate more of their fitness information inside Apple Health. The hosts discuss the convenience of keeping activity, blood-pressure readings and medical information in one location, while noting that some measurements—including heart-rate variability—may not transfer yet. Learn how to sync Fitbit with Apple Health A SpaceX rocket stage is headed for the Moon: A roughly 9,000-pound piece of space hardware is expected to strike the lunar surface. Although the collision is accidental and likely will not be visible to the naked eye, lunar orbiters may be able to document the crater and debris, turning the impact into an unexpected scientific experiment. Read about the lunar impact Fruit Love Island and the strange appeal of AI reality television: Sorg introduces an AI-generated dating show starring anthropomorphic fruits and vegetables. The hosts examine its bizarre character designs, inconsistent AI visuals, audience voting, reality-show storytelling and surprisingly organized production workflow. They also debate whether projects like this are disposable “AI slop” or useful experiments in storyboarding, character consistency and accessible video production. Watch Hasan Minhaj react to Fruit Love Island Visit Fruit Love Island Watch the Fruit Love Island video Support AwesomeCast and receive the ad-free edition at Patreon.com/AwesomeCast. AwesomeCast is supported by Slice on Broadway, serving Pittsburgh podcasting with the perfect pepperoni pizza for more than a decade. Visit SliceOnBroadway.com.

What happens when a PC gamer turns downloadable Steam games into physical cartridges? Sorg, Katie Dudas and Dave Podnar explore that inventive project alongside an AI-generated reality show starring romantic fruits, Xbox's possible plan for preserving physical game collections, Fitbit's long-awaited Apple Health support and a 9,000-pound rocket stage headed for the Moon. The crew also discusses a travel app that automatically tells stories based on your location, the staggering first imagery from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, Kevin Mitnick's legacy in cybersecurity and several troubling decisions from the video game industry. Stories, Gadgets and Topics Discussed Katie's Brother P-touch label maker: Katie shows how she is using built-in symbols—including cameras, computers and warning icons—to organize and identify equipment, drives and other technology. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory reveals an enormous view of the universe: Dave follows up on the observatory's 3.2-gigapixel LSST camera and an image containing approximately 650,000 galaxies. The hosts discuss the astonishing detail available when zooming into tiny sections of the image, the observatory's planned decade of data collection and how AI could help scientists examine datasets too large for humans to process manually. See the Vera C. Rubin Observatory imagery Wrinkles turns city exploration into a location-aware audio tour: Katie introduces Wrinkles, a travel app that automatically shares historical facts, local stories and hidden details as users walk through supported cities. The app uses AI-generated voices, but its information is drawn from curated sources such as historians, museums and local organizations. Creators and tourism groups may also be able to build their own tours and experiences. Explore the Wrinkles travel app A PC gamer creates physical Steam cartridges: Sorg examines a DIY project that stores individual Steam games on inexpensive 128GB, 2.5-inch SSDs. A script detects the drive when it is inserted, connects the game to the owner's Steam library and launches the title—creating something close to a modern PC game cartridge. The discussion considers storage costs, portability and whether physical presentation can make digital collections feel more permanent. See the DIY Steam cartridge project Kevin Mitnick and National Social Engineering Day: Dave looks back at famed hacker-turned-security-consultant Kevin Mitnick, whose birthday on August 6 inspired National Social Engineering Day. The hosts explain how attackers can bypass strong technology by manipulating employees, customer-service representatives and other people into revealing passwords, resetting accounts or granting access. Learn about National Social Engineering Day Read Kevin Mitnick's congressional testimony ChachiSays Video Game Minute—“Doubling Down on Dumb Decisions”: Sony acknowledges the backlash surrounding its move away from physical PlayStation discs but plans to continue moving in that direction. Read the Sony physical-media story Electronic Arts reportedly rewarded its CEO with a major compensation increase following the success of Battlefield 6 while developers responsible for the game faced layoffs. Read about the EA compensation and layoffs August Interactive is working with NASA on Moonbase Y, a game designed to encourage children to plan, collaborate and invent solutions for a future lunar colony. Learn about Moonbase Y Xbox considers converting physical games into digital licenses: A reported Xbox disc-to-digital program could allow owners of original Xbox and Xbox 360 discs to access compatible digital copies on newer hardware or PC. The hosts discuss game preservation, license transfer, resale and whether Microsoft's approach inspires more confidence in the long-term future of an Xbox library. Read about Xbox's reported disc-to-digital plan Fitbit data can finally sync with Apple Health: Fitbit users can now consolidate more of their fitness information inside Apple Health. The hosts discuss the convenience of keeping activity, blood-pressure readings and medical information in one location, while noting that some measurements—including heart-rate variability—may not transfer yet. Learn how to sync Fitbit with Apple Health A SpaceX rocket stage is headed for the Moon: A roughly 9,000-pound piece of space hardware is expected to strike the lunar surface. Although the collision is accidental and likely will not be visible to the naked eye, lunar orbiters may be able to document the crater and debris, turning the impact into an unexpected scientific experiment. Read about the lunar impact Fruit Love Island and the strange appeal of AI reality television: Sorg introduces an AI-generated dating show starring anthropomorphic fruits and vegetables. The hosts examine its bizarre character designs, inconsistent AI visuals, audience voting, reality-show storytelling and surprisingly organized production workflow. They also debate whether projects like this are disposable “AI slop” or useful experiments in storyboarding, character consistency and accessible video production. Watch Hasan Minhaj react to Fruit Love Island Visit Fruit Love Island Watch the Fruit Love Island video Support AwesomeCast and receive the ad-free edition at Patreon.com/AwesomeCast. AwesomeCast is supported by Slice on Broadway, serving Pittsburgh podcasting with the perfect pepperoni pizza for more than a decade. Visit SliceOnBroadway.com.

Can AI make you better at Photoshop instead of replacing Photoshop? Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar explore that question on AwesomeCast 789 as Sorg shares a workflow for turning AI-generated concepts into editable graphics while keeping control of the final design. The crew also gets into Pittsburgh technology history with plans to preserve Westinghouse's Atom Smasher, the impressive Commercial Street Bridge replacement, and the accessibility origins of the modern audiobook. Then the geekery kicks into high gear: Xbox expands its classic-game preservation efforts to PC, Hasbro combines Transformers with Jem and the Holograms, LEGO brings Smart Play to Star Trek, Robosen releases an Optimus Prime robot designed to reopen childhood wounds, and Universal plans movies based on ten Atari properties. Plus, Chachi has gaming headlines involving Hasbro, Steam Deck and Atari, and the crew discusses the backlash surrounding a $58,000 humanoid robot proposed for use in a New York school district. It's Pittsburgh technology, AI creativity, retro gaming, accessibility, robots and pop-culture nostalgia on AwesomeCast 789.

Can AI make you better at Photoshop instead of replacing Photoshop? Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar explore that question on AwesomeCast 789 as Sorg shares a workflow for turning AI-generated concepts into editable graphics while keeping control of the final design. The crew also gets into Pittsburgh technology history with plans to preserve Westinghouse's Atom Smasher, the impressive Commercial Street Bridge replacement, and the accessibility origins of the modern audiobook. Then the geekery kicks into high gear: Xbox expands its classic-game preservation efforts to PC, Hasbro combines Transformers with Jem and the Holograms, LEGO brings Smart Play to Star Trek, Robosen releases an Optimus Prime robot designed to reopen childhood wounds, and Universal plans movies based on ten Atari properties. Plus, Chachi has gaming headlines involving Hasbro, Steam Deck and Atari, and the crew discusses the backlash surrounding a $58,000 humanoid robot proposed for use in a New York school district. It's Pittsburgh technology, AI creativity, retro gaming, accessibility, robots and pop-culture nostalgia on AwesomeCast 789.

This week on AwesomeCast 788, Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar explore the growing appeal of retro technology, screen-free devices, customizable gadgets, and digital tools that give users more control. Katie begins with Mama's Night Off, a browser game inspired by Dungeon Crawler Carl and the Maeve Chocolate Dirty Shirley bar. Dave introduces Garmin's new screenless fitness tracker, an alternative to smartwatches and subscription-heavy wearables. Sorg shares his experience setting up RetroArch on Apple TV, including its wide range of supported systems, open-source games, ROM management, controllers, and the tinkering required to make everything work. The conversation expands into the tension between digital convenience and physical ownership. The hosts discuss GameStop's response to Sony's physical-media decisions, the rapid progress of PlayStation 5 emulation, and why consumers are returning to CDs, vinyl, cassettes, retro games, and other physical formats. They also have an extended discussion about generative AI, creative production, AI-assisted image editing, automation tools, corporate responsibility, electrical-grid pressures, and the rapid construction of data centers. The hosts examine the difference between rejecting AI entirely and learning how to use it responsibly while still demanding accountability from businesses and government. Later, the show looks at NASA's Psyche spacecraft capturing a Mars flyby, Pittsburgh movie history through the Pastfinders app, a minimalist flip phone for people who want fewer distractions, a development board that turns old Nintendo Wii Remotes into customizable controllers, and Google Photos restoring a traditional search option alongside Ask Photos. Stories and Gadgets Discussed Awesome Things of the Week Mama's Night Off and the Maeve Chocolate Dirty Shirley Bar Katie shares a browser-based game connected to Dungeon Crawler Carl. Players fire magical projectiles at cherries to help create Mama's Dirty Shirley. The hosts discuss the game's intentionally retro presentation and voice work by Jeff Hays. Play the game and view the chocolate bar: https://maevechocolate.com/products/virgin-dirty-shirley/?game Garmin's Screenless Fitness Tracker Dave introduces Garmin's wearable fitness tracker designed without a screen. The device offers health and activity tracking without requiring users to wear a full smartwatch. The hosts discuss its approximately ten-day battery life, Garmin Connect compatibility, optional Garmin Connect+ subscription, and Garmin's reputation for durable hardware and direct fitness feedback. Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2219713/garmin-finally-made-a-screenless-fitness-tracker/ Garmin product information: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1989182/#specs RetroArch on Apple TV Sorg explains how RetroArch can turn an Apple TV into a multi-system retro-gaming device. The software supports numerous systems, including Nintendo, Sega, arcade, PlayStation-era platforms, and older computer games. The hosts discuss Bluetooth controllers, open-source games, shareware versions of Doom and Wolfenstein, storage limitations, organizing ROM libraries, and troubleshooting incompatible files. Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/retroarch/id6499539433 Supported platforms: https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms Awesome Person of the Week Ralph Teetor and the Invention of Cruise Control Dave highlights engineer Ralph Teetor, who became blind as a child and later earned engineering degrees. Frustrated by the repeated acceleration and deceleration of drivers, Teetor developed an early version of cruise control. The hosts discuss the evolution from basic speed control to adaptive cruise control and its relationship to modern driver-assistance systems. Teetor later served as president of the Society of Automotive Engineers, and an SAE award for educators bears his name. Automotive Hall of Fame: https://automotivehalloffame.org/honoree/ralph-r-teetor/ Chachi Says Video Game Minute Playing GTA III and Vice City Inside GTA: San Andreas A PC mod allows players controlling CJ in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to walk up to an in-game television and launch GTA III or Vice City. The hosts compare the concept to a video-game version of Inception. https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/pc-gaming/gta-3-and-vice-city-are-now-playable-inside-san-andreas-a-mod-lets-you-revisit-liberty-city-and-vice-city-without-leaving-san-andreas GameStop's CEO Responds to the Decline of Physical Games GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen argues that Sony reducing physical-disc support will not significantly hurt the company because new video-game sales represent a relatively small portion of its business. The discussion includes GameStop's continued interest in eBay and the changing economics of physical game retail. https://www.ign.com/articles/gamestop-ceo-ryan-cohen-insists-sony-killing-physical-discs-doesnt-matter-at-all-because-video-game-sales-make-up-so-little-of-his-business PlayStation 5 Emulation Progress Developers are making progress booting PlayStation 5 titles through multiple emulation projects. Two-dimensional games are advancing more quickly, while fully rendering complex three-dimensional games remains a significant challenge. The story sparks a broader conversation about game preservation, physical ownership, digital licensing, and consumer distrust. https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/playstation/ps5-emulation-ramps-up-in-wake-of-sonys-end-to-physical-media-ps5-titles-now-booting-across-different-emulators-with-rapid-community-development-for-both-2d-and-3d-games AI, Creative Work and Data Centers The hosts discuss the growing use of AI-assisted tools in image editing, video production, business documents, email, captions, background extension, and design mockups. Sorg explains how AI can help reformat posters for different social-media dimensions without replacing the original creative work. The discussion distinguishes generative AI from other machine-learning tools, such as automated transcription, rotoscoping, search, and image organization. Dave raises concerns about social-media challenges potentially being used to gather free voice-training data. The group discusses how Google, Adobe, Canva, and other platforms increasingly build AI functions directly into existing software. The hosts argue that professionals cannot simply ignore the technology, but they should evaluate where it is appropriate and disclose its use when needed. The discussion also addresses the electrical demands of new data centers, corporate incentives, local government decisions, environmental protections, grid capacity, and the disproportionate placement of industrial infrastructure near lower-income communities. Their central argument is that rapid technological growth must be accompanied by accountability, regulation, public representation, and responsible development. NASA Psyche Mars Flyby NASA's Psyche spacecraft used a Mars flyby as a gravitational assist while traveling deeper into the solar system. The mission captured detailed images and a time-lapse view of Mars during the maneuver. Dave highlights the value of scientific exploration driven by curiosity and the desire to understand more about the universe. https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/psyche/2026/07/17/nasas-psyche-mission-delivers-mars-flyby-data-time-lapse-video/ Pittsburgh Bridges on Film and Pastfinders Sorg highlights a collaboration between Pastfinders and the Pittsburgh Film Office focused on Pittsburgh bridges featured in movies and television. Examples discussed include locations connected to Mayor of Kingstown, Sweet Girl, Jack Reacher, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Dark Knight Rises, Dogma, The Silence of the Lambs, and Mindhunter. The hosts discuss how the Pastfinders app sends location-based notifications about historical sites, movie locations, landmarks, and unusual local stories. Pastfinders: https://www.pastfinders.app/ Pittsburgh Film Office bridge-tour post: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1458603939638716&set=pcb.1458603999638710 The Light Flip Minimalist Phone The hosts examine a modern minimalist flip phone inspired by classic designs. It uses physical buttons, T9-style typing, a small screen, and a dedicated operating system rather than standard Android. The group discusses the appeal for people who want calls, messages, navigation, and limited apps without carrying a high-powered smartphone. They also consider whether younger users might adopt simpler phones to reduce social-media use and screen time. https://9to5google.com/2026/07/21/light-flip-minimalist-phone-announcement/ OpenMote: Repurposing the Nintendo Wii Remote Sorg introduces OpenMote, a drop-in development board that turns a Nintendo Wii Remote into a customizable controller. Demonstrations include pointing the remote at lamps to control them. The hosts brainstorm uses for smart-home controls, games, production equipment, lighting effects, custom 3D-printed controllers, and event technology. OpenMote: https://openmote.io/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio Instagram demonstration: https://www.instagram.com/reels/Da8p5B7PNKP/ OpenMote Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/openmote.io/ Google Photos Restores Classic Search Google Photos is adding an option that lets users choose between the newer Gemini-powered Ask Photos experience and a more traditional search interface. The hosts discuss why some users prefer entering straightforward terms rather than asking an AI-generated question. The change becomes an example of why providing a choice can reduce frustration when companies add AI to familiar products. https://9to5google.com/2026/07/20/google-photos-classic-search-toggle/ Also Discussed The return of CDs, vinyl records, cassettes, retro games, and physical media. The difference between owning digital media and licensing access to it. Consumer distrust of large technology companies. The space required to store large physical-media collections. Using Gemini to interpret business acronyms and generate a first draft of a statement of work. Severe-weather alerts and Katie briefly leaving the podcast during a tornado warning. Dave's upcoming races, including the Two-Face Race and Trick or Trot 5K. The next AwesomeCast interview with Spotter Global and its technology for detecting drones and identifying operators. Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast Discover more from the Sorgatron Media Podcast Network: https://sorgatronmedia.com

This week on AwesomeCast 788, Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar explore the growing appeal of retro technology, screen-free devices, customizable gadgets, and digital tools that give users more control. Katie begins with Mama's Night Off, a browser game inspired by Dungeon Crawler Carl and the Maeve Chocolate Dirty Shirley bar. Dave introduces Garmin's new screenless fitness tracker, an alternative to smartwatches and subscription-heavy wearables. Sorg shares his experience setting up RetroArch on Apple TV, including its wide range of supported systems, open-source games, ROM management, controllers, and the tinkering required to make everything work. The conversation expands into the tension between digital convenience and physical ownership. The hosts discuss GameStop's response to Sony's physical-media decisions, the rapid progress of PlayStation 5 emulation, and why consumers are returning to CDs, vinyl, cassettes, retro games, and other physical formats. They also have an extended discussion about generative AI, creative production, AI-assisted image editing, automation tools, corporate responsibility, electrical-grid pressures, and the rapid construction of data centers. The hosts examine the difference between rejecting AI entirely and learning how to use it responsibly while still demanding accountability from businesses and government. Later, the show looks at NASA's Psyche spacecraft capturing a Mars flyby, Pittsburgh movie history through the Pastfinders app, a minimalist flip phone for people who want fewer distractions, a development board that turns old Nintendo Wii Remotes into customizable controllers, and Google Photos restoring a traditional search option alongside Ask Photos. Stories and Gadgets Discussed Awesome Things of the Week Mama's Night Off and the Maeve Chocolate Dirty Shirley Bar Katie shares a browser-based game connected to Dungeon Crawler Carl. Players fire magical projectiles at cherries to help create Mama's Dirty Shirley. The hosts discuss the game's intentionally retro presentation and voice work by Jeff Hays. Play the game and view the chocolate bar: https://maevechocolate.com/products/virgin-dirty-shirley/?game Garmin's Screenless Fitness Tracker Dave introduces Garmin's wearable fitness tracker designed without a screen. The device offers health and activity tracking without requiring users to wear a full smartwatch. The hosts discuss its approximately ten-day battery life, Garmin Connect compatibility, optional Garmin Connect+ subscription, and Garmin's reputation for durable hardware and direct fitness feedback. Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2219713/garmin-finally-made-a-screenless-fitness-tracker/ Garmin product information: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1989182/#specs RetroArch on Apple TV Sorg explains how RetroArch can turn an Apple TV into a multi-system retro-gaming device. The software supports numerous systems, including Nintendo, Sega, arcade, PlayStation-era platforms, and older computer games. The hosts discuss Bluetooth controllers, open-source games, shareware versions of Doom and Wolfenstein, storage limitations, organizing ROM libraries, and troubleshooting incompatible files. Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/retroarch/id6499539433 Supported platforms: https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms Awesome Person of the Week Ralph Teetor and the Invention of Cruise Control Dave highlights engineer Ralph Teetor, who became blind as a child and later earned engineering degrees. Frustrated by the repeated acceleration and deceleration of drivers, Teetor developed an early version of cruise control. The hosts discuss the evolution from basic speed control to adaptive cruise control and its relationship to modern driver-assistance systems. Teetor later served as president of the Society of Automotive Engineers, and an SAE award for educators bears his name. Automotive Hall of Fame: https://automotivehalloffame.org/honoree/ralph-r-teetor/ Chachi Says Video Game Minute Playing GTA III and Vice City Inside GTA: San Andreas A PC mod allows players controlling CJ in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to walk up to an in-game television and launch GTA III or Vice City. The hosts compare the concept to a video-game version of Inception. https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/pc-gaming/gta-3-and-vice-city-are-now-playable-inside-san-andreas-a-mod-lets-you-revisit-liberty-city-and-vice-city-without-leaving-san-andreas GameStop's CEO Responds to the Decline of Physical Games GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen argues that Sony reducing physical-disc support will not significantly hurt the company because new video-game sales represent a relatively small portion of its business. The discussion includes GameStop's continued interest in eBay and the changing economics of physical game retail. https://www.ign.com/articles/gamestop-ceo-ryan-cohen-insists-sony-killing-physical-discs-doesnt-matter-at-all-because-video-game-sales-make-up-so-little-of-his-business PlayStation 5 Emulation Progress Developers are making progress booting PlayStation 5 titles through multiple emulation projects. Two-dimensional games are advancing more quickly, while fully rendering complex three-dimensional games remains a significant challenge. The story sparks a broader conversation about game preservation, physical ownership, digital licensing, and consumer distrust. https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/playstation/ps5-emulation-ramps-up-in-wake-of-sonys-end-to-physical-media-ps5-titles-now-booting-across-different-emulators-with-rapid-community-development-for-both-2d-and-3d-games AI, Creative Work and Data Centers The hosts discuss the growing use of AI-assisted tools in image editing, video production, business documents, email, captions, background extension, and design mockups. Sorg explains how AI can help reformat posters for different social-media dimensions without replacing the original creative work. The discussion distinguishes generative AI from other machine-learning tools, such as automated transcription, rotoscoping, search, and image organization. Dave raises concerns about social-media challenges potentially being used to gather free voice-training data. The group discusses how Google, Adobe, Canva, and other platforms increasingly build AI functions directly into existing software. The hosts argue that professionals cannot simply ignore the technology, but they should evaluate where it is appropriate and disclose its use when needed. The discussion also addresses the electrical demands of new data centers, corporate incentives, local government decisions, environmental protections, grid capacity, and the disproportionate placement of industrial infrastructure near lower-income communities. Their central argument is that rapid technological growth must be accompanied by accountability, regulation, public representation, and responsible development. NASA Psyche Mars Flyby NASA's Psyche spacecraft used a Mars flyby as a gravitational assist while traveling deeper into the solar system. The mission captured detailed images and a time-lapse view of Mars during the maneuver. Dave highlights the value of scientific exploration driven by curiosity and the desire to understand more about the universe. https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/psyche/2026/07/17/nasas-psyche-mission-delivers-mars-flyby-data-time-lapse-video/ Pittsburgh Bridges on Film and Pastfinders Sorg highlights a collaboration between Pastfinders and the Pittsburgh Film Office focused on Pittsburgh bridges featured in movies and television. Examples discussed include locations connected to Mayor of Kingstown, Sweet Girl, Jack Reacher, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Dark Knight Rises, Dogma, The Silence of the Lambs, and Mindhunter. The hosts discuss how the Pastfinders app sends location-based notifications about historical sites, movie locations, landmarks, and unusual local stories. Pastfinders: https://www.pastfinders.app/ Pittsburgh Film Office bridge-tour post: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1458603939638716&set=pcb.1458603999638710 The Light Flip Minimalist Phone The hosts examine a modern minimalist flip phone inspired by classic designs. It uses physical buttons, T9-style typing, a small screen, and a dedicated operating system rather than standard Android. The group discusses the appeal for people who want calls, messages, navigation, and limited apps without carrying a high-powered smartphone. They also consider whether younger users might adopt simpler phones to reduce social-media use and screen time. https://9to5google.com/2026/07/21/light-flip-minimalist-phone-announcement/ OpenMote: Repurposing the Nintendo Wii Remote Sorg introduces OpenMote, a drop-in development board that turns a Nintendo Wii Remote into a customizable controller. Demonstrations include pointing the remote at lamps to control them. The hosts brainstorm uses for smart-home controls, games, production equipment, lighting effects, custom 3D-printed controllers, and event technology. OpenMote: https://openmote.io/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio Instagram demonstration: https://www.instagram.com/reels/Da8p5B7PNKP/ OpenMote Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/openmote.io/ Google Photos Restores Classic Search Google Photos is adding an option that lets users choose between the newer Gemini-powered Ask Photos experience and a more traditional search interface. The hosts discuss why some users prefer entering straightforward terms rather than asking an AI-generated question. The change becomes an example of why providing a choice can reduce frustration when companies add AI to familiar products. https://9to5google.com/2026/07/20/google-photos-classic-search-toggle/ Also Discussed The return of CDs, vinyl records, cassettes, retro games, and physical media. The difference between owning digital media and licensing access to it. Consumer distrust of large technology companies. The space required to store large physical-media collections. Using Gemini to interpret business acronyms and generate a first draft of a statement of work. Severe-weather alerts and Katie briefly leaving the podcast during a tornado warning. Dave's upcoming races, including the Two-Face Race and Trick or Trot 5K. The next AwesomeCast interview with Spotter Global and its technology for detecting drones and identifying operators. Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast Discover more from the Sorgatron Media Podcast Network: https://sorgatronmedia.com

AwesomeCast 787 gets practical, futuristic and increasingly strange as Sorg, Katie Dudas and Dave Podnar explore family-safe phones, connected health gadgets, USB-C mysteries, robotic limbs, Instagram's latest AI privacy controversy and Fortnite's revealing new take on the DC Universe. Sorg also begins downloading the iOS 27 public beta during the show, despite Katie's warnings and a few concerns being saved for the Patreon aftertalk. Stories and Gadgets Discussed A wireless microphone saves the podcast: When Dave's regular microphone setup breaks, he switches to a compact dual wireless microphone system that connects through USB-C. The plug-and-play backup works with phones and laptops without a complicated setup. Omron 7 Series Bluetooth blood pressure monitor: Dave reviews a new connected blood pressure monitor after getting inconsistent readings from an older device. He highlights its larger arm cuff, support for two users, storage for multiple readings, three-reading averages, Apple Health integration and the ability to export results for a doctor. https://amzn.to/4yncwxY Pinwheel phones, watches and home phones for kids: Katie introduces Pinwheel's managed technology ecosystem for children and teenagers. Parents and caregivers can control approved contacts, monitor texts, restrict social media, set bedtime schedules, review locations and gradually unlock features as a child gets older. The company also offers a standalone smartwatch and a Wi-Fi-powered corded home phone that brings back the satisfaction of dramatically hanging up. https://www.pinwheel.com Kennywood's reopening and the mystery bag gamble: Sorg recounts a delayed visit to Kennywood after a water-main break interrupted opening day. His $5 mystery merchandise bag produced a Kennywood gaiter, a vintage postcard and a Jack Rabbit 100th-anniversary pin. Awesome Person of the Week — Rory Cooper: For Disability Pride Month, Dave profiles inventor, engineer and Paralympic medalist Rory Cooper. After becoming paralyzed while serving in the military, Cooper designed a lighter wheelchair and built a career improving mobility technology. His Pittsburgh work includes the Human Engineering Research Laboratories, a collaboration involving the University of Pittsburgh and the Department of Veterans Affairs. https://www.invent.org/inductees/rory-cooper WhatCable diagnoses confusing USB-C connections: Sorg tests a free Mac utility that reveals what connected USB-C cables, chargers, docks and ports can actually do. The app displays negotiated speeds, charging details, supported USB standards and potential bottlenecks—useful for anyone wondering why a drive, monitor or video device is underperforming. https://www.whatcable.uk/ LEGO's Fast & Furious Toyota Supra MK4: Katie finds a new LEGO Speed Champions version of Brian O'Conner's Toyota Supra from The Fast and the Furious. The set includes the bright orange movie car and a Brian O'Conner minifigure in his signature T-shirt and jeans. https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/the-fast-and-the-furious-toyota-supra-mk4-77260 Speed and racing technology at the Carnegie Science Center: The hosts preview an upcoming speed-focused exhibit featuring an interactive track and specialized vehicles connected to the Petersen Automotive Museum. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1PZqTmHP4J/?mibextid=wwXIfr Using AI to teach respectful sports camera work: The team examines guidelines designed to prevent women athletes from being sexualized through revealing angles and unnecessary slow-motion replays. Sorg discusses turning the concept into an AI-generated pro wrestling camera guide that can help videographers recognize respectful framing, understand consent and avoid exploitative shots. https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/1uwaxzx/some_of_the_new_guidelines_that_have_been/ Instagram reverses its public-profile AI remix feature: Dave explains the backlash surrounding a Meta AI feature that could use images from public Instagram profiles in AI creations without first requiring users to opt in. The hosts discuss predictable abuse, privacy risks and why technology companies need more diverse voices involved before launching features like this. Meta subsequently disabled the feature. https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2026/07/13/meta-disables-ai-feature-instagram-backlash/90899917007/ Jizai Arms bring Doctor Octopus technology closer to reality: A Japanese research project demonstrates wearable robotic arms that can be attached, removed and exchanged between users. The hosts debate whether the project represents meaningful cyborg research, performance art or technology created without enough consideration for how the public will interpret it. https://jizai-arms.com/ Additional commentary: https://www.instagram.com/refashionedhippie/ Fortnite launches “Hot Bat Summer”: Batman, Harley Quinn, Catwoman and Poison Ivy receive beach-ready DC skins in Fortnite. The discussion naturally turns toward the absurdity of a game where swimsuit Batman can share a battlefield with Bugs Bunny, Homer Simpson and an armed dog in a bee costume. https://www.polygon.com/fortnite-hot-bat-summer-skins-dc-batman-harley-quinn-catwoman-poison-ivy/ A shirtless protester attacks a Waymo vehicle: Video of a man climbing onto and damaging a Waymo in East Hollywood launches a wider conversation about autonomous vehicles, public surveillance, camera networks and the lack of privacy in modern public spaces. The hosts also discuss how easily hacked or deleted accounts can remove years of digital purchases. https://kotaku.com/shirtless-man-starts-butlerian-jihad-against-waymo-in-east-hollywood-2000715911 Support AwesomeCast and receive the Patreon aftertalk at: https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast AwesomeCast is part of the Sorgatron Media Podcast Network: https://www.sorgatronmedia.com Production services provided by Sidekick Media Services: https://www.sidekickmediaservices.com Supporting Pittsburgh podcasting with the perfect pepperoni pizza: https://www.sliceonbroadway.com

AwesomeCast 787 gets practical, futuristic and increasingly strange as Sorg, Katie Dudas and Dave Podnar explore family-safe phones, connected health gadgets, USB-C mysteries, robotic limbs, Instagram's latest AI privacy controversy and Fortnite's revealing new take on the DC Universe. Sorg also begins downloading the iOS 27 public beta during the show, despite Katie's warnings and a few concerns being saved for the Patreon aftertalk. Stories and Gadgets Discussed A wireless microphone saves the podcast: When Dave's regular microphone setup breaks, he switches to a compact dual wireless microphone system that connects through USB-C. The plug-and-play backup works with phones and laptops without a complicated setup. Omron 7 Series Bluetooth blood pressure monitor: Dave reviews a new connected blood pressure monitor after getting inconsistent readings from an older device. He highlights its larger arm cuff, support for two users, storage for multiple readings, three-reading averages, Apple Health integration and the ability to export results for a doctor. https://amzn.to/4yncwxY Pinwheel phones, watches and home phones for kids: Katie introduces Pinwheel's managed technology ecosystem for children and teenagers. Parents and caregivers can control approved contacts, monitor texts, restrict social media, set bedtime schedules, review locations and gradually unlock features as a child gets older. The company also offers a standalone smartwatch and a Wi-Fi-powered corded home phone that brings back the satisfaction of dramatically hanging up. https://www.pinwheel.com Kennywood's reopening and the mystery bag gamble: Sorg recounts a delayed visit to Kennywood after a water-main break interrupted opening day. His $5 mystery merchandise bag produced a Kennywood gaiter, a vintage postcard and a Jack Rabbit 100th-anniversary pin. Awesome Person of the Week — Rory Cooper: For Disability Pride Month, Dave profiles inventor, engineer and Paralympic medalist Rory Cooper. After becoming paralyzed while serving in the military, Cooper designed a lighter wheelchair and built a career improving mobility technology. His Pittsburgh work includes the Human Engineering Research Laboratories, a collaboration involving the University of Pittsburgh and the Department of Veterans Affairs. https://www.invent.org/inductees/rory-cooper WhatCable diagnoses confusing USB-C connections: Sorg tests a free Mac utility that reveals what connected USB-C cables, chargers, docks and ports can actually do. The app displays negotiated speeds, charging details, supported USB standards and potential bottlenecks—useful for anyone wondering why a drive, monitor or video device is underperforming. https://www.whatcable.uk/ LEGO's Fast & Furious Toyota Supra MK4: Katie finds a new LEGO Speed Champions version of Brian O'Conner's Toyota Supra from The Fast and the Furious. The set includes the bright orange movie car and a Brian O'Conner minifigure in his signature T-shirt and jeans. https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/the-fast-and-the-furious-toyota-supra-mk4-77260 Speed and racing technology at the Carnegie Science Center: The hosts preview an upcoming speed-focused exhibit featuring an interactive track and specialized vehicles connected to the Petersen Automotive Museum. https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1PZqTmHP4J/?mibextid=wwXIfr Using AI to teach respectful sports camera work: The team examines guidelines designed to prevent women athletes from being sexualized through revealing angles and unnecessary slow-motion replays. Sorg discusses turning the concept into an AI-generated pro wrestling camera guide that can help videographers recognize respectful framing, understand consent and avoid exploitative shots. https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/1uwaxzx/some_of_the_new_guidelines_that_have_been/ Instagram reverses its public-profile AI remix feature: Dave explains the backlash surrounding a Meta AI feature that could use images from public Instagram profiles in AI creations without first requiring users to opt in. The hosts discuss predictable abuse, privacy risks and why technology companies need more diverse voices involved before launching features like this. Meta subsequently disabled the feature. https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2026/07/13/meta-disables-ai-feature-instagram-backlash/90899917007/ Jizai Arms bring Doctor Octopus technology closer to reality: A Japanese research project demonstrates wearable robotic arms that can be attached, removed and exchanged between users. The hosts debate whether the project represents meaningful cyborg research, performance art or technology created without enough consideration for how the public will interpret it. https://jizai-arms.com/ Additional commentary: https://www.instagram.com/refashionedhippie/ Fortnite launches “Hot Bat Summer”: Batman, Harley Quinn, Catwoman and Poison Ivy receive beach-ready DC skins in Fortnite. The discussion naturally turns toward the absurdity of a game where swimsuit Batman can share a battlefield with Bugs Bunny, Homer Simpson and an armed dog in a bee costume. https://www.polygon.com/fortnite-hot-bat-summer-skins-dc-batman-harley-quinn-catwoman-poison-ivy/ A shirtless protester attacks a Waymo vehicle: Video of a man climbing onto and damaging a Waymo in East Hollywood launches a wider conversation about autonomous vehicles, public surveillance, camera networks and the lack of privacy in modern public spaces. The hosts also discuss how easily hacked or deleted accounts can remove years of digital purchases. https://kotaku.com/shirtless-man-starts-butlerian-jihad-against-waymo-in-east-hollywood-2000715911 Support AwesomeCast and receive the Patreon aftertalk at: https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast AwesomeCast is part of the Sorgatron Media Podcast Network: https://www.sorgatronmedia.com Production services provided by Sidekick Media Services: https://www.sidekickmediaservices.com Supporting Pittsburgh podcasting with the perfect pepperoni pizza: https://www.sliceonbroadway.com

This week on AwesomeCast 786, Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar talk practical gadgets, game streaming, refurbished tech, digital ownership, and the weird future of transportation. Katie brings a larger, easier-to-open pill organizer that solves real daily medication frustrations. Dave recommends Dell Refurbished for affordable business-class computers, and Sorg shares how Aeroplay brings NVIDIA GeForce Now streaming to Apple TV, with a few login caveats. The crew also highlights Herman Hollerith for Disability Pride Month, reacts to Sony's reported physical disc and digital library controversies, explores functional LEGO F1 cars, checks out Pittsburgh's upcoming Science of Speed exhibit, watches a Waymo drive through fireworks, and discovers the surprisingly adult world of Fisher-Price Little People collector sets. Get geeky. Get awesome.

This week on AwesomeCast 786, Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar talk practical gadgets, game streaming, refurbished tech, digital ownership, and the weird future of transportation. Katie brings a larger, easier-to-open pill organizer that solves real daily medication frustrations. Dave recommends Dell Refurbished for affordable business-class computers, and Sorg shares how Aeroplay brings NVIDIA GeForce Now streaming to Apple TV, with a few login caveats. The crew also highlights Herman Hollerith for Disability Pride Month, reacts to Sony's reported physical disc and digital library controversies, explores functional LEGO F1 cars, checks out Pittsburgh's upcoming Science of Speed exhibit, watches a Waymo drive through fireworks, and discovers the surprisingly adult world of Fisher-Price Little People collector sets. Get geeky. Get awesome.

Sorg and Katie are back on the road in Michigan, Dave Podnar joins from the Pod Cave, and Missy keeps the studio running from Pittsburgh for this travel-heavy episode of AwesomeCast. This week, the crew talks about Niagara Falls adventures, World Cup watch parties, international visitors discovering American mega-stores, the Strong Museum of Play, Nerdvana, Google Gemini Pro, electric vehicle camouflage, and video game news from Chachi Says. Stories and gadgets discussed: World Cup travelers discovering America Dave shares TikTok reactions from international soccer fans experiencing Walmart, Waffle House, Costco, ranch dressing, school buses, Bucky's, and oversized American everything. Link: https://www.tiktok.com/@josievlogsthings/video/7651983684060613890?lang=en Niagara Falls World Cup watch party Sorg and Katie stumble into a World Cup viewing party at Niagara Falls with giant screens, fans, fireworks, and the falls lit up at night. The 26th-floor IHOP at Niagara Falls Katie highlights the surreal breakfast experience of eating IHOP with a panoramic view of Niagara Falls, before the space transforms into a steakhouse at night. This Week in Pride History: Sophie Wilson Dave spotlights Sophie Wilson, a computing pioneer connected to the development of ARM processor architecture, which powers phones, Macs, and many modern devices. Link: https://www.marks-clerk.com/insights/latest-insights/102k16g-celebrating-lgbt-history-month-sophie-wilson-computing-pioneer-inventor-and-advocate-for-inclusion/ Chachi Says Video Game Minute Crazy Taxi, Ocarina of Time, TMNT: The Last Ronin, and Marvel's Wolverine game news. A sealed Super Mario Bros. copy reportedly sells for $3 million. Tupac appears in Stranger Than Heaven, a prequel to the Like a Dragon series. Links: https://www.creativebloq.com/3d/video-game-design/switch-2-zelda-ocarina-of-time-remake-is-making-some-fans-regret-what-they-wished-for https://www.inverse.com/gaming/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-the-last-ronin-platinum-games-ps5-xbox https://kotaku.com/copy-of-super-mario-bros-sells-for-3-million-in-auction-2000706228 https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/tupac-video-game-stranger-than-heaven-9.7232112 Strong Museum of Play and Video Game Hall of Fame Sorg and Katie visit the Strong Museum in Rochester, New York, including the Video Game Hall of Fame, giant Donkey Kong, Oregon Trail, Street Fighter, Sonic, Sesame Street, Peanuts, Hello Kitty, Dungeons & Dragons, and interactive game exhibits. Nerdvana The crew talks about the restaurant across from the Strong Museum where guests can play Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, or board games while eating. Ford's hidden QR code in EV camouflage Dave discusses Ford hiding a QR code inside the camouflage pattern on a prototype electric pickup, turning spy photos into promotion. Link: https://www.theautopian.com/the-30000-ford-ev-pickup-we-photographed-was-hiding-a-qr-code-on-its-camouflage-heres-where-it-takes-you/ Google Gemini Pro and Google One Sorg discovers Google AI Pro access connected to Google storage plans and talks through Gemini, Google Forms automation, vibe coding, AI tools, NotebookLM, Flow, and possible app development. Link: https://gemini.google/us/subscriptions/?hl=en&brid=YWdncwHVFyhYRkb6SzEgcIU3w1kG Support AwesomeCast on Patreon for exclusive aftertalk content: https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast Thanks to our supporters: Brian Crawford, Cynthia Closkey, John DeGore, and Dave Podnar.

Sorg and Katie are back on the road in Michigan, Dave Podnar joins from the Pod Cave, and Missy keeps the studio running from Pittsburgh for this travel-heavy episode of AwesomeCast. This week, the crew talks about Niagara Falls adventures, World Cup watch parties, international visitors discovering American mega-stores, the Strong Museum of Play, Nerdvana, Google Gemini Pro, electric vehicle camouflage, and video game news from Chachi Says. Stories and gadgets discussed: World Cup travelers discovering America Dave shares TikTok reactions from international soccer fans experiencing Walmart, Waffle House, Costco, ranch dressing, school buses, Bucky's, and oversized American everything. Link: https://www.tiktok.com/@josievlogsthings/video/7651983684060613890?lang=en Niagara Falls World Cup watch party Sorg and Katie stumble into a World Cup viewing party at Niagara Falls with giant screens, fans, fireworks, and the falls lit up at night. The 26th-floor IHOP at Niagara Falls Katie highlights the surreal breakfast experience of eating IHOP with a panoramic view of Niagara Falls, before the space transforms into a steakhouse at night. This Week in Pride History: Sophie Wilson Dave spotlights Sophie Wilson, a computing pioneer connected to the development of ARM processor architecture, which powers phones, Macs, and many modern devices. Link: https://www.marks-clerk.com/insights/latest-insights/102k16g-celebrating-lgbt-history-month-sophie-wilson-computing-pioneer-inventor-and-advocate-for-inclusion/ Chachi Says Video Game Minute Crazy Taxi, Ocarina of Time, TMNT: The Last Ronin, and Marvel's Wolverine game news. A sealed Super Mario Bros. copy reportedly sells for $3 million. Tupac appears in Stranger Than Heaven, a prequel to the Like a Dragon series. Links: https://www.creativebloq.com/3d/video-game-design/switch-2-zelda-ocarina-of-time-remake-is-making-some-fans-regret-what-they-wished-for https://www.inverse.com/gaming/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-the-last-ronin-platinum-games-ps5-xbox https://kotaku.com/copy-of-super-mario-bros-sells-for-3-million-in-auction-2000706228 https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/tupac-video-game-stranger-than-heaven-9.7232112 Strong Museum of Play and Video Game Hall of Fame Sorg and Katie visit the Strong Museum in Rochester, New York, including the Video Game Hall of Fame, giant Donkey Kong, Oregon Trail, Street Fighter, Sonic, Sesame Street, Peanuts, Hello Kitty, Dungeons & Dragons, and interactive game exhibits. Nerdvana The crew talks about the restaurant across from the Strong Museum where guests can play Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, or board games while eating. Ford's hidden QR code in EV camouflage Dave discusses Ford hiding a QR code inside the camouflage pattern on a prototype electric pickup, turning spy photos into promotion. Link: https://www.theautopian.com/the-30000-ford-ev-pickup-we-photographed-was-hiding-a-qr-code-on-its-camouflage-heres-where-it-takes-you/ Google Gemini Pro and Google One Sorg discovers Google AI Pro access connected to Google storage plans and talks through Gemini, Google Forms automation, vibe coding, AI tools, NotebookLM, Flow, and possible app development. Link: https://gemini.google/us/subscriptions/?hl=en&brid=YWdncwHVFyhYRkb6SzEgcIU3w1kG Support AwesomeCast on Patreon for exclusive aftertalk content: https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast Thanks to our supporters: Brian Crawford, Cynthia Closkey, John DeGore, and Dave Podnar.

This week on AwesomeCast 781, Sorg, Katie, and Podnar are recording from the road in Ann Arbor, Michigan, while covering the AutoDrive Challenge and breaking down a packed week in tech, gaming, AI, gadgets, and local Pittsburgh creativity. Stories & Gadgets Discussed: He-Man movie excitement and Denny's tie-in menu https://www.dennys.com/promotions/he-man-movie Sorg and Katie talk Masters of the Universe hype, themed shirts, Skeletor, nostalgia, and the wild Denny's promotional food lineup. USB-C wireless lavalier microphone from TikTok Shop https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP92fEduBXyNW-MWMCM/ Podnar shows off a budget two-pack wireless lav mic with charging case, USB-C receiver, magnetic clips, pass-through charging, and easy phone/computer setup. Pride History Month: Alan Turing https://www.alanturing.net Podnar highlights Alan Turing's role in breaking Enigma, early computing, artificial intelligence, the Turing Test, and his importance during Pride Month. ChachiSays Video Game Minute: Steam Deck price increase https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz725d5d1x7o Chachi covers a reported 40% Steam Deck price jump and the larger conversation around gaming hardware costs. Modern Warfare's next story setting https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9q391y5088o The next Modern Warfare game is discussed with a plot centered around Korea and the North/South conflict. Unreal Engine 6 announced https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/epic-announces-unreal-engine-6-which-will-run-the-next-era-of-rocket-league/ Epic's Unreal Engine 6 announcement gets spotlighted, including its connection to the next era of Rocket League. NVIDIA-linked mini AI data centers for the home https://www.inc.com/moses-jeanfrancois/nvidia-mini-ai-data-center-house/91340588?brid=YWdncwHdllWCngoYfFZ4UgdFmvNg The crew discusses the idea of installing small AI data centers at homes, possible monthly compensation, energy concerns, smart panels, solar power, and whether distributed AI infrastructure makes sense. Virtual Boy games added to Nintendo Switch Online https://www.vgchartz.com/article/467822/5-virtual-boy-games-added-to-nintendo-switch-online/ Sorg talks about trying the new Virtual Boy library on Switch, including Space Invaders, Jack Bros, Tetris, Mario Clash-style gameplay, and the weird legacy of Nintendo's red-and-black headset. Donkey Kong 64 coming to Nintendo Switch Online https://www.ign.com/articles/donkey-kong-64-confirmed-for-nintendo-switch-online Donkey Kong 64 is joining Nintendo Switch Online, giving Sorg another retro Nintendo title to revisit. Google fake call detection for AI impersonation scams https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/02/google-rolls-out-fake-call-detection-to-protect-against-ai-deepfake-impersonation-scams/ Katie explains Google's Phone by Google fake call detection, device verification, RCS, and why families may need modern “secret word” safety plans to combat AI voice scams. Squonk's Joy Machine at Three Rivers Arts Festival https://www.wesa.fm/arts-culture/2026-06-02/pittsburghs-squonk-joy-machine-three-rivers-arts-festival Katie spotlights Pittsburgh performance group Squonk and their interactive Joy Machine street puppet installation at the Three Rivers Arts Festival. Microsoft Scout AI agent https://www.wired.com/story/meet-microsoft-scout-your-ai-coworker-that-never-logs-off/ Podnar discusses Microsoft's move toward smaller AI agents built into Office, Teams, calendars, and workplace tools. Michigan fireball https://www.mlive.com/weather/2026/06/bright-fireball-flared-out-over-michigan-monday-night-did-you-find-debris-in-your-yard.html Podnar shares reports of a bright fireball over Michigan and Ohio, meteor debris, and how these events remind us we are part of a much bigger universe.

Sorg is on the road in Michigan for Wrestling Mayhem Show 1004, joined by Rizz, Mad Mike, and Producer Missy for a chaotic week in pro wrestling. The crew breaks down WWE Backlash, Asuka's possible farewell, Danhausen and Minihausen's breakout WWE moment, Lil Yachty's surprisingly great wrestling energy, the John Cena Classic announcement, WWE/TKO roster cuts, creator reaction-stream takedowns, and AEW's golf course wrestling experiment with Darby Allin and PAC.

Sorg is on the road in Michigan for Wrestling Mayhem Show 1004, joined by Rizz, Mad Mike, and Producer Missy for a chaotic week in pro wrestling. The crew breaks down WWE Backlash, Asuka's possible farewell, Danhausen and Minihausen's breakout WWE moment, Lil Yachty's surprisingly great wrestling energy, the John Cena Classic announcement, WWE/TKO roster cuts, creator reaction-stream takedowns, and AEW's golf course wrestling experiment with Darby Allin and PAC.

Sorg, Katie, and Podnar are back for AwesomeCast 778 with Apple Silicon Mac tips, Katie's hands-on thoughts on the MacBook Neo, Fortnite's Star Wars takeover, robot companions from the creator of Roomba, AI in wrestling promos, GameStop's rumored eBay bid, and a spotlight on skyscraper engineering pioneer Fazlur Khan for AAPI Month. Plus: Pittsburgh Marathon stories, Dungeon Crawler Carl audiobook talk, Chachi's Video Game Minute, and why Fortnite might secretly be every game now. Support AwesomeCast at patreon.com/awesomecast.

Sorg, Katie, and Podnar are back for AwesomeCast 778 with Apple Silicon Mac tips, Katie's hands-on thoughts on the MacBook Neo, Fortnite's Star Wars takeover, robot companions from the creator of Roomba, AI in wrestling promos, GameStop's rumored eBay bid, and a spotlight on skyscraper engineering pioneer Fazlur Khan for AAPI Month. Plus: Pittsburgh Marathon stories, Dungeon Crawler Carl audiobook talk, Chachi's Video Game Minute, and why Fortnite might secretly be every game now. Support AwesomeCast at patreon.com/awesomecast.

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and Mike dive into the transformative power of gratitude and what it means to live as a “high-frequency” person. Drawing from principles rooted in 12-step recovery and mindfulness, Jim explains how shifting your mindset—away from comparison, criticism, and complaint—can fundamentally change your thinking, relationships, and even your brain chemistry. Together, they explore how gratitude isn't just a feeling, but a disciplined practice that reshapes perspective and attracts more positive, authentic connections. The conversation also tackles real-world challenges: handling gossip, navigating negativity in professional environments, and learning the “graceful art of leaving” situations that no longer serve you. Through relatable examples and practical techniques—like redirecting conversations or simply saying “I don't need to know”—listeners gain tools to set boundaries without conflict. Jim introduces a powerful mindfulness exercise centered on prioritizing who and what you “nourish” in your life, emphasizing the importance of investing energy into supportive relationships rather than draining ones. This episode is a reminder that everyone is in recovery from something—and that choosing gratitude, awareness, and intentional action can lead to a more fulfilling life. Check out Katie Dudas' story at https://www.fishingwithoutbait.com/search?q=katie%20dudas ⸻

In this episode of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer and Mike dive into the transformative power of gratitude and what it means to live as a “high-frequency” person. Drawing from principles rooted in 12-step recovery and mindfulness, Jim explains how shifting your mindset—away from comparison, criticism, and complaint—can fundamentally change your thinking, relationships, and even your brain chemistry. Together, they explore how gratitude isn't just a feeling, but a disciplined practice that reshapes perspective and attracts more positive, authentic connections. The conversation also tackles real-world challenges: handling gossip, navigating negativity in professional environments, and learning the “graceful art of leaving” situations that no longer serve you. Through relatable examples and practical techniques—like redirecting conversations or simply saying “I don't need to know”—listeners gain tools to set boundaries without conflict. Jim introduces a powerful mindfulness exercise centered on prioritizing who and what you “nourish” in your life, emphasizing the importance of investing energy into supportive relationships rather than draining ones. This episode is a reminder that everyone is in recovery from something—and that choosing gratitude, awareness, and intentional action can lead to a more fulfilling life. Check out Katie Dudas' story at https://www.fishingwithoutbait.com/search?q=katie%20dudas ⸻

This week's AwesomeCast brought together one of those classic mixes that makes the show so much fun: real tech questions, weird internet discoveries, nostalgic gaming talk, and a strong dose of Pittsburgh personality. Sorg, Katie, and Dave Podnar kick things off with their Awesome Things of the Week, and the lineup is wonderfully varied. Dave looks ahead to Artemis II, the upcoming crewed moon mission that will send astronauts beyond low Earth orbit for the first time in decades. The conversation covers how the mission works, why the far side of the moon still creates communication challenges, and why “just rebuilding Apollo” is not nearly as simple as some people assume. Katie's pick is much closer to home, at least for Pittsburghers: Heinz Verified. The new site helps users find restaurants that serve Heinz ketchup, making it both practical and hilarious for anyone who has ever been personally offended by mystery catsup in a diner bottle. The crew immediately starts checking cities they'll be traveling to and appreciates that users can nominate restaurants for inclusion. Sorg's pick highlights Chachi's 3D-printing Etsy shop, Plastic Fun Time. From the now-famous bag of Fs to the Rock Lobster and other fun prints, it's a cool look at somebody taking a maker hobby and turning it into a real side business. It also turns into a broader appreciation for creative small-scale production and clever product design. The middle of the episode gets more serious with a discussion around a Stanford study on AI chatbot advice. Katie explains how researchers tested large language models against stories from the “Am I the Asshole?” subreddit and found that chatbots often validated problematic behavior more than humans did. That opens the door to a bigger conversation about AI agreeability, emotional dependency, digital literacy, and what it means when people begin treating chatbots like close confidants instead of tools. The AI thread continues with What's Up With That, a browser extension built to help readers analyze articles, pull out new signals, simplify jargon, and better connect ideas across sources. For anyone doing research-heavy work, the crew sees real promise in the concept. On the creative side, Dave shares Adobe Illustrator's Project Turntable, which can rotate 2D vector art in 3D space. That sparks a discussion about animation workflows, creative accessibility, and the kinds of production bottlenecks tools like this might reduce. The episode also finds time for ChannelSurfer.tv, a retro-TV style interface for YouTube, plus a look at Apple's TikTok presence, where the company seems to be leaning into a Finder-inspired mascot to help explain macOS features in a more playful way. Dave also wraps up Women's History Month by spotlighting several women who shaped space science, leading to a thoughtful discussion about visibility, representation, and why stories like these matter. And then, in true AwesomeCast fashion, the crew ends up hyped about LEGO Zelda sets, including Ocarina of Time: The Final Battle and the Great Deku Tree, prompting nostalgia, sticker shock, and renewed debate over whether Sorg finally needs to properly play Ocarina of Time. If you like your tech podcasts with equal parts curiosity, commentary, and chaos, this is a great episode. Links from this episode Chachi's Etsy shop / Plastic Fun Time https://www.etsy.com/shop/plasticfuntime/?etsrc=sdt Heinz Verified https://www.heinz.com/heinzverified Artemis II launch article https://www.wired.com/story/artemis-ii-countdown-how-and-when-to-watch-the-launch-of-the-manned-mission-to-the-moon/ Women who shaped our understanding of space https://womenshistory.si.edu/blog/five-women-who-shaped-our-understanding-space Channel Surfer https://channelsurfer.tv/?ch=14 What's Up With That https://whatsupwiththat.app/practice/ Adobe Illustrator Project Turntable article https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/30/adobe-illustrator-now-lets-you-rotate-2d-vectors-in-3d-space/ Apple on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@apple?_r=1&_t=ZP-959iBFWcaSN LEGO Ocarina of Time: The Final Battle https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/ocarina-of-time-the-final-battle-77093?cmp=PSO-FBIG-AMS-EN-RE-PO-LPV-LR_EXCLUSIVE_PRODUCT_LAUNCH-SHOP-HA-LkAd-PRS-Always_On-GAMINGZ_P&utm_campaign=120242713322920054&utm_content=120245958217060054&utm_id=120242713322920054&utm_medium=paid&utm_source=fb&utm_term=120242713322930054 LEGO Great Deku Tree 2-in-1 https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/great-deku-tree-2-in-1-77092

This week's AwesomeCast brought together one of those classic mixes that makes the show so much fun: real tech questions, weird internet discoveries, nostalgic gaming talk, and a strong dose of Pittsburgh personality. Sorg, Katie, and Dave Podnar kick things off with their Awesome Things of the Week, and the lineup is wonderfully varied. Dave looks ahead to Artemis II, the upcoming crewed moon mission that will send astronauts beyond low Earth orbit for the first time in decades. The conversation covers how the mission works, why the far side of the moon still creates communication challenges, and why “just rebuilding Apollo” is not nearly as simple as some people assume. Katie's pick is much closer to home, at least for Pittsburghers: Heinz Verified. The new site helps users find restaurants that serve Heinz ketchup, making it both practical and hilarious for anyone who has ever been personally offended by mystery catsup in a diner bottle. The crew immediately starts checking cities they'll be traveling to and appreciates that users can nominate restaurants for inclusion. Sorg's pick highlights Chachi's 3D-printing Etsy shop, Plastic Fun Time. From the now-famous bag of Fs to the Rock Lobster and other fun prints, it's a cool look at somebody taking a maker hobby and turning it into a real side business. It also turns into a broader appreciation for creative small-scale production and clever product design. The middle of the episode gets more serious with a discussion around a Stanford study on AI chatbot advice. Katie explains how researchers tested large language models against stories from the “Am I the Asshole?” subreddit and found that chatbots often validated problematic behavior more than humans did. That opens the door to a bigger conversation about AI agreeability, emotional dependency, digital literacy, and what it means when people begin treating chatbots like close confidants instead of tools. The AI thread continues with What's Up With That, a browser extension built to help readers analyze articles, pull out new signals, simplify jargon, and better connect ideas across sources. For anyone doing research-heavy work, the crew sees real promise in the concept. On the creative side, Dave shares Adobe Illustrator's Project Turntable, which can rotate 2D vector art in 3D space. That sparks a discussion about animation workflows, creative accessibility, and the kinds of production bottlenecks tools like this might reduce. The episode also finds time for ChannelSurfer.tv, a retro-TV style interface for YouTube, plus a look at Apple's TikTok presence, where the company seems to be leaning into a Finder-inspired mascot to help explain macOS features in a more playful way. Dave also wraps up Women's History Month by spotlighting several women who shaped space science, leading to a thoughtful discussion about visibility, representation, and why stories like these matter. And then, in true AwesomeCast fashion, the crew ends up hyped about LEGO Zelda sets, including Ocarina of Time: The Final Battle and the Great Deku Tree, prompting nostalgia, sticker shock, and renewed debate over whether Sorg finally needs to properly play Ocarina of Time. If you like your tech podcasts with equal parts curiosity, commentary, and chaos, this is a great episode. Links from this episode Chachi's Etsy shop / Plastic Fun Time https://www.etsy.com/shop/plasticfuntime/?etsrc=sdt Heinz Verified https://www.heinz.com/heinzverified Artemis II launch article https://www.wired.com/story/artemis-ii-countdown-how-and-when-to-watch-the-launch-of-the-manned-mission-to-the-moon/ Women who shaped our understanding of space https://womenshistory.si.edu/blog/five-women-who-shaped-our-understanding-space Channel Surfer https://channelsurfer.tv/?ch=14 What's Up With That https://whatsupwiththat.app/practice/ Adobe Illustrator Project Turntable article https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/30/adobe-illustrator-now-lets-you-rotate-2d-vectors-in-3d-space/ Apple on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@apple?_r=1&_t=ZP-959iBFWcaSN LEGO Ocarina of Time: The Final Battle https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/ocarina-of-time-the-final-battle-77093?cmp=PSO-FBIG-AMS-EN-RE-PO-LPV-LR_EXCLUSIVE_PRODUCT_LAUNCH-SHOP-HA-LkAd-PRS-Always_On-GAMINGZ_P&utm_campaign=120242713322920054&utm_content=120245958217060054&utm_id=120242713322920054&utm_medium=paid&utm_source=fb&utm_term=120242713322930054 LEGO Great Deku Tree 2-in-1 https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/great-deku-tree-2-in-1-77092

Sorg and Dave Podnar are back with a fresh AwesomeCast packed with mobile photography gear, geeky discoveries, video game updates, and big questions about AI. This week they dig into a massive new iPhone telephoto lens concept, Sorg's dive into Webtoons and Dungeon Crawler Carl, a digital tabletop gaming system from Board.fun, NASA's shift toward a lunar base, and whether anyone should trust Claude to control their computer. Plus: Chachi Says Video Game Minute and a great Women's History Month spotlight on engineer Judith Love Cohen.

This week on AwesomeCast, Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar bring a travel-heavy, tech-friendly episode that starts with a massive field report from Epic Universe in Orlando and ends with a handful of clever tech and gaming stories. The big headline is simple: if you've been wondering whether Epic Universe is worth the hype, this episode gives you a real user's perspective instead of polished marketing copy.  Sorg and Katie spend a big chunk of the episode walking through their experience at Epic Universe and Islands of Adventure. They talk strategy for entering the park without early-access privileges, how they navigated long waits, why some online advice helped and some of it only created anxiety, and which lands felt the most immersive. Their coverage includes Dark Universe, Harry Potter's Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, and the How to Train Your Dragon area, which may have stolen the show. Food gets plenty of love too, with shoutouts to the butterbeer crepe, mac-and-cheese cone, and Toadstool Cafe.    They also compare Universal's newest park design choices with Disney's standards, especially when it comes to ride throughput, theming detail, and visible wear-and-tear. Later, the conversation expands to Islands of Adventure, where they touch on the nostalgia of Toon Lagoon, the legal oddity of the Marvel section, and the thrills of Hagrid's and Velocicoaster.  Dave Podnar keeps things lighter with his Awesome Thing of the Week: the new McDonald's Happy Meal Crocs. Tiny? Yes. Silly? Absolutely. Weirdly great? Also yes. The team has fun showing off the miniature details, “sport mode,” and QR-game tie-in.  Then comes Chachi Says Video Game Minute, which this week covers a Mario gathering in New York that won't count as a record because Guinness wasn't notified, updated PEGI rating guidance for paid random-item mechanics and blockchain-related content, and a SAG-AFTRA move against Capcom over union protections tied to Mega Man voice work.  The episode also includes a smart Women's History Month spotlight on Hedy Lamarr, with Dave explaining how her work on frequency-hopping communication connects to the foundations of Wi-Fi and wireless communication. It's a great reminder that tech history is full of people whose contributions weren't fully recognized in their own time.  Rounding things out, the crew talks about seeing LEGO smart blocks at Disney Springs, a Switch 2 update that boosts original Switch games in handheld mode, and Payphone Go, a California-only game that turned public payphones into a live scavenger hunt. It's a very AwesomeCast mix: theme parks, gadgets, gaming, weird internet projects, and a little tech history all in one place. 

This week on AwesomeCast, Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar bring a travel-heavy, tech-friendly episode that starts with a massive field report from Epic Universe in Orlando and ends with a handful of clever tech and gaming stories. The big headline is simple: if you've been wondering whether Epic Universe is worth the hype, this episode gives you a real user's perspective instead of polished marketing copy.  Sorg and Katie spend a big chunk of the episode walking through their experience at Epic Universe and Islands of Adventure. They talk strategy for entering the park without early-access privileges, how they navigated long waits, why some online advice helped and some of it only created anxiety, and which lands felt the most immersive. Their coverage includes Dark Universe, Harry Potter's Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, and the How to Train Your Dragon area, which may have stolen the show. Food gets plenty of love too, with shoutouts to the butterbeer crepe, mac-and-cheese cone, and Toadstool Cafe.    They also compare Universal's newest park design choices with Disney's standards, especially when it comes to ride throughput, theming detail, and visible wear-and-tear. Later, the conversation expands to Islands of Adventure, where they touch on the nostalgia of Toon Lagoon, the legal oddity of the Marvel section, and the thrills of Hagrid's and Velocicoaster.  Dave Podnar keeps things lighter with his Awesome Thing of the Week: the new McDonald's Happy Meal Crocs. Tiny? Yes. Silly? Absolutely. Weirdly great? Also yes. The team has fun showing off the miniature details, “sport mode,” and QR-game tie-in.  Then comes Chachi Says Video Game Minute, which this week covers a Mario gathering in New York that won't count as a record because Guinness wasn't notified, updated PEGI rating guidance for paid random-item mechanics and blockchain-related content, and a SAG-AFTRA move against Capcom over union protections tied to Mega Man voice work.  The episode also includes a smart Women's History Month spotlight on Hedy Lamarr, with Dave explaining how her work on frequency-hopping communication connects to the foundations of Wi-Fi and wireless communication. It's a great reminder that tech history is full of people whose contributions weren't fully recognized in their own time.  Rounding things out, the crew talks about seeing LEGO smart blocks at Disney Springs, a Switch 2 update that boosts original Switch games in handheld mode, and Payphone Go, a California-only game that turned public payphones into a live scavenger hunt. It's a very AwesomeCast mix: theme parks, gadgets, gaming, weird internet projects, and a little tech history all in one place. 

Sorg, Katie, and Dave Podnar hit the week's tech and geek headlines: Nintendo's Virtual Boy revival on Switch, Apple's latest product wave (including iPhone 17e and iPad Air updates), and a troubling report about Meta AI smart glasses and human review. Plus Dunkin's giant drink bucket, MuppetVision in VR, Adobe's AI video-editing experiments, Pokémon nostalgia gadgets, Xbox 1440p cloud streaming, a Marvel retro collection, and a Women's History Month spotlight on Grace Hopper.

Sorg, Katie, and Dave Podnar hit the week's tech and geek headlines: Nintendo's Virtual Boy revival on Switch, Apple's latest product wave (including iPhone 17e and iPad Air updates), and a troubling report about Meta AI smart glasses and human review. Plus Dunkin's giant drink bucket, MuppetVision in VR, Adobe's AI video-editing experiments, Pokémon nostalgia gadgets, Xbox 1440p cloud streaming, a Marvel retro collection, and a Women's History Month spotlight on Grace Hopper.

This week on AwesomeCast 768, Sorg, Dudders, and Podnar dig into the tech and culture behind the headlines: Apple Podcasts bringing video, Olympics drone chase-cam production, and the real-world challenges of taking a smartphone on a lunar mission. Plus: Sorg's time with Riot's 2XKO, Dudders' 6-in-1 air safety monitor, and a wave of Nintendo cuteness with Hatchin' Yoshi and the Mario Wonder Talking Flower. We also share an EFF privacy self-check with Cover Your Tracks, and a surprisingly useful event tool: StageCue for managing video playback on venue screens. 

This week on AwesomeCast 768, Sorg, Dudders, and Podnar dig into the tech and culture behind the headlines: Apple Podcasts bringing video, Olympics drone chase-cam production, and the real-world challenges of taking a smartphone on a lunar mission. Plus: Sorg's time with Riot's 2XKO, Dudders' 6-in-1 air safety monitor, and a wave of Nintendo cuteness with Hatchin' Yoshi and the Mario Wonder Talking Flower. We also share an EFF privacy self-check with Cover Your Tracks, and a surprisingly useful event tool: StageCue for managing video playback on venue screens. 

After a busy weekend bouncing between time zones and community events, Sorg, Katie “Dudders” Dudas, and Dave Podnar are back with a packed episode that blends creator tools, gadget talk, and pop-culture tech—from an arcade full of adoptable cats to AI-generated music you can actually license. AwesomeCast 767 LIVE! Sangawa Project highlights (Pittsburgh) The crew opens with a quick recap of Sangawa Project: what stood out, what they enjoyed, and why the event's community energy made it a win. AwesomeCast 767 LIVE! Awesome Things of the Week Catcade (Chicago): A cat rescue that doubles as a cat lounge—complete with arcade games and clever “cat-fied” cabinets. Link: https://www.thecatcade.org Suno (AI music): Sorg jumps into Suno for the first time, building a song around “I dream about wrestling all day,” and talks through licensing and real-world promo use. Links: https://suno.com/create?signup_source=splashpage&referrer=%2Fhome&redirected_from=signin https://suno.com/s/V5QWfrxZndcduHJX Moment iPhone lenses: Podnar shares hands-on impressions of Moment's lens ecosystem (portrait tele, wide, macro) and why real glass still matters. Link: https://www.shopmoment.com/articles/moments-t-series-mobile-lens-guide?srsltid=AfmBOoor-0pyHIQh7daYRVEuf13_G8tYtu_pRbjlI1WpszNUYhtTCgHH Video Game Minute: Tecmo Bowl movie + Switch 2 numbers Chachi drops the headlines: a Tecmo Bowl movie in the works and Switch 2 sales hitting a huge milestone. Links: https://variety.com/2026/gaming/news/tecmo-bowl-movie-tongal-football-video-game-1236650837/ https://www.mediaplaynews.com/nintendos-video-game-console-switch-2-tops-17-million-unit-sales/ Super Bowl ads, AI vibes, and halftime logistics They dig into the feel of this year's ads (including AI reactions), the Dunkin' marketing/merch chaos, and the production nerd joy of halftime logistics and camera timing. Links: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ad-meter/2026/02/08/dunkin-super-bowl-commercial-good-will-hunting-affleck-brady/88556931007/ https://www.tiktok.com/@wired/video/7604695226376146189?_r=1&_t=ZT-93lsbdbtjp8 Black History spotlight: Marie Van Brittan Brown A reminder that modern “Ring camera culture” has roots: Marie Van Brittan Brown's home security and surveillance concepts helped shape what became everyday tech. Link: https://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/marie-van-brittan-brown#:~:text=In%201966%2C%20Brown%2C%20along%20with,door%20at%20a%20safer%20distance . AwesomeCast 767 LIVE! Creator tip: Download YouTube video, audio, and subtitles with Downie Sorg shares a workflow for grabbing a full-quality YouTube file (and even pulling subtitles/SRT) to speed up editing, transcription, and repurposing.

After a busy weekend bouncing between time zones and community events, Sorg, Katie “Dudders” Dudas, and Dave Podnar are back with a packed episode that blends creator tools, gadget talk, and pop-culture tech—from an arcade full of adoptable cats to AI-generated music you can actually license. AwesomeCast 767 LIVE! Sangawa Project highlights (Pittsburgh) The crew opens with a quick recap of Sangawa Project: what stood out, what they enjoyed, and why the event's community energy made it a win. AwesomeCast 767 LIVE! Awesome Things of the Week Catcade (Chicago): A cat rescue that doubles as a cat lounge—complete with arcade games and clever “cat-fied” cabinets. Link: https://www.thecatcade.org Suno (AI music): Sorg jumps into Suno for the first time, building a song around “I dream about wrestling all day,” and talks through licensing and real-world promo use. Links: https://suno.com/create?signup_source=splashpage&referrer=%2Fhome&redirected_from=signin https://suno.com/s/V5QWfrxZndcduHJX Moment iPhone lenses: Podnar shares hands-on impressions of Moment's lens ecosystem (portrait tele, wide, macro) and why real glass still matters. Link: https://www.shopmoment.com/articles/moments-t-series-mobile-lens-guide?srsltid=AfmBOoor-0pyHIQh7daYRVEuf13_G8tYtu_pRbjlI1WpszNUYhtTCgHH Video Game Minute: Tecmo Bowl movie + Switch 2 numbers Chachi drops the headlines: a Tecmo Bowl movie in the works and Switch 2 sales hitting a huge milestone. Links: https://variety.com/2026/gaming/news/tecmo-bowl-movie-tongal-football-video-game-1236650837/ https://www.mediaplaynews.com/nintendos-video-game-console-switch-2-tops-17-million-unit-sales/ Super Bowl ads, AI vibes, and halftime logistics They dig into the feel of this year's ads (including AI reactions), the Dunkin' marketing/merch chaos, and the production nerd joy of halftime logistics and camera timing. Links: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ad-meter/2026/02/08/dunkin-super-bowl-commercial-good-will-hunting-affleck-brady/88556931007/ https://www.tiktok.com/@wired/video/7604695226376146189?_r=1&_t=ZT-93lsbdbtjp8 Black History spotlight: Marie Van Brittan Brown A reminder that modern “Ring camera culture” has roots: Marie Van Brittan Brown's home security and surveillance concepts helped shape what became everyday tech. Link: https://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/marie-van-brittan-brown#:~:text=In%201966%2C%20Brown%2C%20along%20with,door%20at%20a%20safer%20distance . AwesomeCast 767 LIVE! Creator tip: Download YouTube video, audio, and subtitles with Downie Sorg shares a workflow for grabbing a full-quality YouTube file (and even pulling subtitles/SRT) to speed up editing, transcription, and repurposing.

AwesomeCast goes live from Sangawa Project with a special panel episode recorded in front of a studio audience. The hosts share their first-time experiences at the event, explore the Media Museum's deep dive into decades of technology, and discuss standout moments from the show floor. Topics range from retro video formats and immersive exhibits to Japanese tech innovations focused on accessibility, urban efficiency, and human connection. The conversation blends hands-on tech curiosity with pop culture, history, and playful experimentation — capturing the spirit of Sangawa Project and what makes events like it so energizing. A relaxed, exploratory episode that celebrates discovery, community, and the joy of getting hands-on with technology.

If your feeds feel like they're equal parts tech news, AI tools, and “wait… is that real?” videos, you're not alone. In AwesomeCast 766, Sorg, Dudders, and Podnar bounce between practical creator tools, gaming industry headlines, and some extremely Pittsburgh local gems. The “free for now” AI moment One of the big conversations this week is around Adobe Firefly opening the gates for unlimited image and video generations—at least until mid-March. The crew talks about why companies do this (get you hooked), but also why it's still worth exploring right now if you're creating promos, openers, or social clips.  AI hits gaming: the Project Genie ripple Chachi's Video Game Minute drops a bigger question: what happens when generative tools reduce the need for traditional creative labor, and how does the industry react when that shift feels immediate?  Pittsburgh corner: arcade church + LEGO skyline dreams On the local front, a new arcade opens inside an old church in Duquesne with a one-time entry fee and a whole lot of machines set to free play—instantly landing on the crew's “we should go there” list.  And then there's the LEGO Ideas “Pittsburgh” build: the skyline, the incline, the vibe… and yes, a “bus in a sinkhole.” The crew makes the case for voting it into existence.  Gadget pick: Cell2Jack = landline nostalgia, modern convenience Dudders' Awesome Thing of the Week is Cell2Jack—letting your cell phone ring through a home handset so you can stop missing calls and bring back that “anyone can answer the house phone” feeling.  Switch 2 upgrades: worth it or nah? The crew breaks down what “Switch 2 Editions” even mean in practice (and how pricing/extra content is landing), using Mario Wonder's multiplayer design as a touchpoint.  Black History Month spotlight: James West Podnar's spotlight highlights inventor James West and how the electret microphone helped make modern microphones small, practical, and everywhere—like, literally in your phone. 

This week on AwesomeCast 764, cohosts Michael Sorg, Dave Podnar, and Katie Dudas dive into the week's biggest tech and creator stories—plus a special Animal Crossing 3.0 update field report from Charlotte. Katie checks in with her Animal Crossing–obsessed niece Charlotte to break down what's new, what's addictive, and how “slumber islands” change the way you build and share your island adventures.  Then the crew hits a surprisingly heartfelt app story with “Are You Dead?”, a daily check-in safety app built for modern life when friends and family live far apart.  We also get into the rise of cozy “chore games” like PowerWash Simulator and other satisfyingly organized gaming obsessions.  On the creator side, we break down Apple's new Creator Studio approach—what it could mean for Final Cut, Logic, Motion, and Compressor—and why AI-assisted editing features are starting to matter for everyday workflows.  Plus: OpenAI's push toward age prediction and the complications that come with automated verification.  Show notes + links: (include the link list above) Animal Crossing • Animal Crossing video (Katie segment) (no URL listed in the sheet row; included as an on-show segment) “Chore games” / cozy games • A Game About Digging a Hole (Xbox): https://www.xbox.com/en-US/play/games/a-game-about-digging-a-hole/9NGLST31DG26 • A Game About Digging a Hole (Nintendo): https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/a-game-about-digging-a-hole-switch/ • PowerWash Simulator (Apple App Store): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/powerwash-simulator/id6477445344 “Are You Dead?” app • BGR story: https://www.bgr.com/2074610/are-you-dead-top-paid-iphone-app-china/ • DeMumu app listing: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/demumu/id6745099872 ChachiSays Video Game Minute items (from the sheet) • David Rosen / Sega co-founder (Tom's Hardware): https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/sega-co-founder-david-r…d-former-us-airman-set-up-sega-after-his-service-ended-in-japan • Assassin's Creed Netflix casting (Deadline): https://deadline.com/2026/01/assassins-creed-tanzyn-crawford-cast-netflix-series-1236658813/ • John Wick universe AAA game (Tech4Gamers): https://tech4gamers.com/aaa-john-wick-game-development/ AI / OpenAI / Sora • Mattel on Sora profile: https://sora.chatgpt.com/profile/mattel • OpenAI age prediction (Engadget): https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-is-launching-age-prediction-for-chatgpt-accounts-222650340.html • ChatGPT Health page: https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-health/ Creator tools • Apple Creator Studio (Apple Newsroom): https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/01/introducing-apple-creator-studio-an-inspiring-collection-of-creative-apps/ • Adobe Premiere AI updates (Engadget): https://www.engadget.com/ai/adobe-unveils-new-ai-powered-vide…vlq1gStDzB9i-clNMdAMo4O0o4ro8ohtbVXETV41pRXvEFAQZh6nDH-1vO91dYLO

This week on AwesomeCast 764, cohosts Michael Sorg, Dave Podnar, and Katie Dudas dive into the week's biggest tech and creator stories—plus a special Animal Crossing 3.0 update field report from Charlotte. Katie checks in with her Animal Crossing–obsessed niece Charlotte to break down what's new, what's addictive, and how “slumber islands” change the way you build and share your island adventures.  Then the crew hits a surprisingly heartfelt app story with “Are You Dead?”, a daily check-in safety app built for modern life when friends and family live far apart.  We also get into the rise of cozy “chore games” like PowerWash Simulator and other satisfyingly organized gaming obsessions.  On the creator side, we break down Apple's new Creator Studio approach—what it could mean for Final Cut, Logic, Motion, and Compressor—and why AI-assisted editing features are starting to matter for everyday workflows.  Plus: OpenAI's push toward age prediction and the complications that come with automated verification.  Show notes + links: (include the link list above) Animal Crossing • Animal Crossing video (Katie segment) (no URL listed in the sheet row; included as an on-show segment) “Chore games” / cozy games • A Game About Digging a Hole (Xbox): https://www.xbox.com/en-US/play/games/a-game-about-digging-a-hole/9NGLST31DG26 • A Game About Digging a Hole (Nintendo): https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/a-game-about-digging-a-hole-switch/ • PowerWash Simulator (Apple App Store): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/powerwash-simulator/id6477445344 “Are You Dead?” app • BGR story: https://www.bgr.com/2074610/are-you-dead-top-paid-iphone-app-china/ • DeMumu app listing: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/demumu/id6745099872 ChachiSays Video Game Minute items (from the sheet) • David Rosen / Sega co-founder (Tom's Hardware): https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/sega-co-founder-david-r…d-former-us-airman-set-up-sega-after-his-service-ended-in-japan • Assassin's Creed Netflix casting (Deadline): https://deadline.com/2026/01/assassins-creed-tanzyn-crawford-cast-netflix-series-1236658813/ • John Wick universe AAA game (Tech4Gamers): https://tech4gamers.com/aaa-john-wick-game-development/ AI / OpenAI / Sora • Mattel on Sora profile: https://sora.chatgpt.com/profile/mattel • OpenAI age prediction (Engadget): https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-is-launching-age-prediction-for-chatgpt-accounts-222650340.html • ChatGPT Health page: https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-health/ Creator tools • Apple Creator Studio (Apple Newsroom): https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/01/introducing-apple-creator-studio-an-inspiring-collection-of-creative-apps/ • Adobe Premiere AI updates (Engadget): https://www.engadget.com/ai/adobe-unveils-new-ai-powered-vide…vlq1gStDzB9i-clNMdAMo4O0o4ro8ohtbVXETV41pRXvEFAQZh6nDH-1vO91dYLO

The new year kicks off with a deep dive into Nintendo's ecosystem as Michael Sorg, Dave Podnar, and Katie Dudas share hands-on impressions of the Nintendo Switch 2, explore standout games like Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and break down why Nintendo exclusives still hit differently. Plus, Animal Crossing finally gets a long-awaited update—bringing hotels, better crafting, Dream Islands, and a renewed sense of community. All this as CES season begins and tech news ramps up. AwesomeCast is part of the Sorgatron Media Podcast Network.

In this end-of-year AwesomeCast, hosts Michael Sorg and Katie Dudas are joined by original AwesomeCast co-host Rob De La Cretaz for a wide-ranging discussion on the biggest tech shifts of 2025 — and what's coming next. The panel breaks down how AI tools became genuinely useful in everyday workflows, from content production and health tracking to decision-making and trend analysis. Rob shares why Bambu Labs 3D printers represent a turning point in consumer and professional 3D printing, removing friction and making rapid prototyping accessible for creators, engineers, and hobbyists alike. The episode also covers the evolving role of AI in media creation, concerns around over-reliance and trust, and why human-made content may soon become a premium feature. Intern Mac reflects on changing career paths into media production, while the crew revisits their 2025 tech predictions, holds themselves accountable, and locks in bold forecasts for 2026. Plus: Chachi's Video Game Minute, AI competition heating up, Apple Vision Pro speculation, and why “AI inside” may need clearer definitions moving forward.

Fortnite's wildest crossover ever, Samsung's tri-fold phone, and Red Dead Redemption on Netflix — all in one snowy night. This week on AwesomeCast 760, Michael Sorg (@Sorgatron), Katie “Dudders” Dudas, and Dave Podnar brave the Pittsburgh snow (plus the frozen tundra of Verona) to geek out over: Samsung's Galaxy Z Tri-Fold — a three-screen foldable that opens into a 10" tablet and costs about as much as a decent gaming PC. Is this the future of phones or just flex tech? Cloud gaming from the couch — Sorg uses OneCast, GeForce Now, and Xbox Cloud Gaming to turn an Apple TV and Chromecast into a console-free living room, streaming everything from Mortal Kombat 1 to Marvel's Midnight Suns. Netflix Games leveling up — from Red Dead Redemption (2010) going mobile-only on Netflix to a WWE 2K “Netflix Edition” and Stranger Things puzzle games trying to lure the 99% of subscribers who never touch the games tab. Marvel arcade goodness & Fortnite insanity — we punch through Marvel's Cosmic Invasion on Game Pass and recap Fortnite's giant event featuring Homer Simpson, Godzilla, Kong, Superman, Voltron, K-pop Demon Hunters, Kill Bill, Back to the Future and more. Weird future tech — Hideo Kojima's idea for a blood-scented floppy disk, BHaptics VR suits you can actually buy at Best Buy, and why we're both fascinated and slightly terrified. Shopping & robotaxis — Amazon's 30-minute delivery pilot in Seattle and Philly, Katie's Walmart turning into a gig-worker warehouse, and a Waymo robo-car that casually drives through an active LAPD stop. Plus: birthday love for long-time supporter John “Diggy” DeGore, vintage Star Wars comics, and interns Tony and Mac discovering just how weird tech can get.

Free TV, robot snowmen, space heaters, and Voltron nostalgia – we're packing a lot into AwesomeCast 759. This week, Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar dive into: Sorg's first week living with a Telly free TV and its always-on ad bar Dave's emergency Lasko Whirlwind space heater run when his furnace dies Katie's Amazon storage bins that completely changed how she organizes clothes A heartfelt ChachiSays Video Game Minute tribute to game dev legend Rebecca Heineman Katie's beloved Cat Wars calendar and a detour into She-Ra villain Catra toy nostalgia Quick hits on Disney's robotic Olaf, a 40th anniversary Voltron collector set, and the future of park animatronics & high-end geek collectibles

This week on AwesomeCast 758, Sorg, Katie, and Podnar unwrap a pile of geeky goodness! Chachi surprises the crew with custom 3D-printed AT-@-AT Star Wars sculptures, Dave reviews the Bissell CrossWave hard-floor cleaner, and we break down the newest gaming news including the Steam Machine reboot, a DDR world record, and Netflix's surprisingly strong push into console-quality games like WWE 2K25. We also explore Disney's Star Wars Life Day Gift Guide, the wild GameStop Trade Anything Day, a Minecraft rebuild of Pittsburgh's legendary Century III Mall, and Google's rollout of Gemini 3. Plus: which AI model would you trust on your iPhone? Join us for gadgets, games, tech talk, and holiday chaos—Pittsburgh-style.

This week, Michael Sorg and Dave Podnar dive into: • Apple's iPhone “Pocket” sling (Issey Miyake) — a 3D-knit, cross-body way to carry your iPhone that channels the designer behind Steve Jobs' turtlenecks. Is this fashion-meets-tech or iPod Socks 2.0?   • Fortnite's Springfield takeover — an entire Simpsons-styled map, Battle Pass skins, and Sidekicks (pet-like companions). We compare Crew pricing to Game Pass and why this might be the cheapest way to stay current.   • Robotics & AI Discovery Day — we produced a rooftop live demo with SKA Robotics showing AI-assisted corrosion detection on local bridges. Here's what worked, what wind ruined, and why this matters for infrastructure. Watch the talks via PRN.   • iPad Pro at 10 — the unrealized potential vs. real-world utility (monitors, comics, control apps) from a decade-old device that still pulls its weight.   • Pittsburgh International's new terminal — what's changing for travelers, especially those checking oversized gear.   • Chachi's Video Game Minute — Zelda filming news, GTA 6 date chatter, RDR2 sales movement, Switch 2 momentum. (As heard in-show.)  • AI browsers & privacy — early takeaways after dog-fooding an agent-powered browser.  Watch / Subscribe: Tuesdays, 7pm ET. Tag #AC757 with your thoughts.