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In Episode 525 of Fishing Without Bait, Jim Ellermeyer welcomes Vic Costik for Part 1 of a conversation about community, authenticity, connection, and finding the courage to become more fully yourself. Vic is a designer, community advocate, and the creator of New Rust, a podcast exploring Pittsburgh's transformation through the individual stories of people doing interesting things throughout the city. Growing up surrounded by the enormous crowds of New York City, Vic expected proximity to people to create connection. Instead, it was moving to Pittsburgh that showed him what community could truly feel like. Vic talks with Jim about discovering Pittsburgh's LGBTQ community, building a found family, participating in the city's creative and wonderfully unusual spaces, and realizing how helping others can create a support network in return. From jam nights and local zines to simply meeting people doing something they care about, Vic explains why Pittsburgh's smaller communities became so important to him. The conversation also explores judgment, curiosity, and what can happen when we approach unfamiliar experiences with a willingness to listen instead of immediately forming conclusions. Vic shares stories of talking with coworkers who had little or no previous experience with transgender people and choosing conversation as an opportunity to create understanding. Vic also reflects candidly on his own journey toward authenticity. He discusses growing up without the language to understand what he was experiencing, repressing parts of himself, getting married to his high school sweetheart, and eventually recognizing that the life he was living did not feel like his own. As Vic puts it, transitioning allowed him to “meet myself for the 1st time.” What followed was more than a change in identity. Vic discovered a version of himself who loves being around people, participating in his community, sharing ideas, and embracing the wonderfully weird interests that make each person unique. This is Part 1 of our conversation with Vic Costik. The conversation continues in the next episode of Fishing Without Bait. Learn more about Vic's New Rust podcast at NewRustPodcast.com. Continue Your Fishing Without Bait Journey Subscribe to Fishing Without Bait on your favorite podcast player so you never miss an episode. Support the show on Patreon and receive ad-free episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/fishingwithoutbait Pick up “Learn to Fish Without Bait: A 365-Day Mindfulness Journal and Adult Coloring Book”: https://www.lulu.com/shop/james-ellermeyer-lpc-ma-ncc-lpc/learn-to-fish-without-bait/paperback/product-6n9rd8.html?page=1&pageSize=4
Send us Fan Mail This week on Greenfield's Finest Podcast, the guys break down Pittsburgh's smoky skies from the Canadian wildfires, a neighborhood buried in dumped mattresses, and a family that discovered a massive hidden void beneath their garage. The Pittsburgh Scanner is packed with chaos, including a dog sent home with the wrong owner, the world's slowest fist fight, a naked DoorDash customer, and bingo drama at a senior living community. They also react to bizarre headlines featuring a millionaire suing his bank over a mansion that ended up in the ocean, a controversial food truck slogan, a collapsing bridge people still drive across, and a parasite outbreak that's got everyone checking their stomachs. Plus, Brother in Arms, Gear Grinders, and What Would Greenfield Do?Everything GFP:https://linktr.ee/gfpSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7viuBywVXF4e52CHUgk1i5 Produced by Lane Media https://www.lanemediapgh.com/#greenfieldsfinest #GreenfieldsFinestPodcast #Pittsburgh #PittsburghPodcast #Yinzer #PittsburghNews #PittsburghScanner #CanadianWildfires #McKeesport #WestmorelandCounty #FunnyNews #ComedyPodcast #Jimothy #Raccoon #ChicagoSWAT #HeroStory #DoorDash #Bingo #UberStories #GearGrinders #WhatWouldGreenfieldDo
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
Send us Fan MailJoin us here at SIS as we dive into the 2026 declassified UFO files released by the U.S. government, unpacking newly revealed documents, eyewitness accounts, military encounters, and the questions that still refuse to go away.
Send us Fan MailThis week on Greenfield's Finest Podcast, the guys are back from the holiday break with plenty to unpack! They kick things off by talking about Pittsburgh's brutal heat wave before diving into the biggest local headlines, including Giant Eagle's shocking $1.65 billion sale to Kroger and Anthrocon celebrating 20 years in the Steel City with its own official holiday.As always, the Pittsburgh Scanner delivers some unbelievable calls—from a naked man dancing at the Greenfield overlook on the Fourth of July, to a panhandler gaming a crosswalk signal at the Liberty Tunnel, and a woman causing chaos on the train tracks at Station Square.The conversation only gets weirder from there. The crew debates Sony's decision to go all digital with PlayStation games, reacts to the internet's newest invention—the so-called "testicle bra," and laughs over a woman who learned the hard way that San Francisco's new BART fare gates aren't easy to beat.In Brother in Arms, the guys check in with the King of Polish Hill to discuss movies, then talk about the World Cup finally kicking off in the United States before discussing the daredevil who may have set a new standard for marriage proposals by illegally climbing to the top of the Empire State Building.They wrap things up with Gear Grinders and another round of What Would Greenfield Do?, tackling everything from everyday habits you've been doing wrong your whole life, to the three songs you'd want on a deserted island, and the one garage tool every man should own.Everything GFP:https://linktr.ee/gfpSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7viuBywVXF4e52CHUgk1i5 Produced by Lane Media https://www.lanemediapgh.com/#greenfieldsfinest #GreenfieldsFinestPodcast #Pittsburgh #PittsburghPodcast #Yinzer #GiantEagle #Kroger #Anthrocon #PittsburghScanner #WorldCup #PlayStation #GamingNews #PhysicalMedia #EmpireStateBuilding #MarriageProposal #FunnyNews #ComedyPodcast #PittsburghComedy #GearGrinders #WhatWouldGreenfieldDo #WeeklyPodcast
AwesomeChat welcomes Frédéric Guitton of iTargetGolf to talk about the future of interactive golf technology and how driving ranges are becoming more social, competitive, and game-like. Frédéric explains how iTargetGolf uses interactive targets, animated lights, in-bay feedback, and integrations with systems like Toptracer, TrackMan, and Inrange to make golf practice feel more like a real-life video game. We also discuss Cash Cup Golf, a new hole-in-one skills game using RFID-enabled balls and video validation to create prize-based golf challenges. This episode explores gamified sports, golf entertainment, customer engagement, worldwide virtual competitions, and the business of building technology for outdoor venues. Learn more about iTargetGolf at www.ITargetGolf.com
AwesomeChat welcomes Frédéric Guitton of iTargetGolf to talk about the future of interactive golf technology and how driving ranges are becoming more social, competitive, and game-like. Frédéric explains how iTargetGolf uses interactive targets, animated lights, in-bay feedback, and integrations with systems like Toptracer, TrackMan, and Inrange to make golf practice feel more like a real-life video game. We also discuss Cash Cup Golf, a new hole-in-one skills game using RFID-enabled balls and video validation to create prize-based golf challenges. This episode explores gamified sports, golf entertainment, customer engagement, worldwide virtual competitions, and the business of building technology for outdoor venues. Learn more about iTargetGolf at www.ITargetGolf.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.
This week on AwesomeCast 785, Sorg and Dave Podnar get geeky with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's massive 3,200-megapixel digital camera, Red Bull's world's fastest filming drone chasing a Formula 1 car, and the tech legacy of Martine Rothblatt for Pride Month. The hosts also dig into digital game ownership, GTA VI's physical copy controversy, Nintendo-style game key cards, Sorg's new AI video experiment “It Came From AI,” Meta and Snap's latest smart glasses, Apple price increases tied to AI hardware demand, hand-crafted animation, Minion singing contests, and a wild pro wrestling Nintendo moment involving an NES cartridge. Links discussed in this episode: Rubin Observatory space camera: https://www.space.com/astronomy/rubin-observatory-begins-filming-the-greatest-cosmic-movie-ever-beginning-a-new-era-of-astronomy https://rubinobservatory.org/ Red Bull F1 filming drone: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DaFPQ8pOEXN/ https://www.redbull.com/us-en/worlds-fastest-filming-drone-build Martine Rothblatt: https://achievement.org/achiever/martine-rothblatt-ph-d/ Chachi Says Video Game Minute: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjrg52egw1ro https://www.polygon.com/1000-dollar-game-steam-10-minutes-congratulations-on-your-purchase/ https://www.cbr.com/universal-five-nights-at-freddys-3-gary-dauberman-screenwriter/ It Came From AI: https://www.instagram.com/itcamefromai/reels/ Animation by dad for child: https://www.facebook.com/reel/3485866488230002 Meta AI glasses: https://www.meta.com/ai-glasses/meta-glasses/ Snap AR glasses: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/live/snap-specs-launch-live-latest-updates Apple price increases: https://www.cultofmac.com/news/ouch-apples-mac-and-ipad-price-hikes-brutal Minion singing contest: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8G67fFM/ Nintendo wrestling moment: https://apple.news/A2iJBMG51SlKOCgHFRwk6xA Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast and get exclusive aftertalk content for as little as $1 a month. AwesomeCast is part of the Sorgatron Media Podcast Network. Find more at https://sorgatronmedia.com/
This week on AwesomeCast 785, Sorg and Dave Podnar get geeky with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's massive 3,200-megapixel digital camera, Red Bull's world's fastest filming drone chasing a Formula 1 car, and the tech legacy of Martine Rothblatt for Pride Month. The hosts also dig into digital game ownership, GTA VI's physical copy controversy, Nintendo-style game key cards, Sorg's new AI video experiment “It Came From AI,” Meta and Snap's latest smart glasses, Apple price increases tied to AI hardware demand, hand-crafted animation, Minion singing contests, and a wild pro wrestling Nintendo moment involving an NES cartridge. Links discussed in this episode: Rubin Observatory space camera: https://www.space.com/astronomy/rubin-observatory-begins-filming-the-greatest-cosmic-movie-ever-beginning-a-new-era-of-astronomy https://rubinobservatory.org/ Red Bull F1 filming drone: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DaFPQ8pOEXN/ https://www.redbull.com/us-en/worlds-fastest-filming-drone-build Martine Rothblatt: https://achievement.org/achiever/martine-rothblatt-ph-d/ Chachi Says Video Game Minute: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjrg52egw1ro https://www.polygon.com/1000-dollar-game-steam-10-minutes-congratulations-on-your-purchase/ https://www.cbr.com/universal-five-nights-at-freddys-3-gary-dauberman-screenwriter/ It Came From AI: https://www.instagram.com/itcamefromai/reels/ Animation by dad for child: https://www.facebook.com/reel/3485866488230002 Meta AI glasses: https://www.meta.com/ai-glasses/meta-glasses/ Snap AR glasses: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/live/snap-specs-launch-live-latest-updates Apple price increases: https://www.cultofmac.com/news/ouch-apples-mac-and-ipad-price-hikes-brutal Minion singing contest: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8G67fFM/ Nintendo wrestling moment: https://apple.news/A2iJBMG51SlKOCgHFRwk6xA Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/awesomecast and get exclusive aftertalk content for as little as $1 a month. AwesomeCast is part of the Sorgatron Media Podcast Network. Find more at https://sorgatronmedia.com/
This week on AwesomeCast, Sorg is joined by Dave Podnar while Katie is on assignment. The crew digs into practical tech, gaming platforms, open-source operating systems, sports broadcast innovation, retro-inspired phones, and one very funny automated social media mistake involving DoorDash, soccer, and T-Pain. Stories and gadgets discussed: Dave's Awesome Thing of the Week: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones Dave finally upgrades from cheap running headphones to the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, praising the open-ear / bone-conduction-style design for running safety, comfort, sweat management, USB-C charging, and situational awareness. Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2HKCMBP?maas=maas_adg_api_582366218564361552_static_9_129&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas&aa_campaignid=lv_IGvrl5TTBxiweexlXK&aa_adgroupid=lv_fdLHIcjvJhpJZvQxFb&aa_creativeid=lv_MMLFRb8MTdZvGlnqFv&gad_campaignid=23921418215&gbraid=0AAAABDw_RJg26Vr6MY-sVAPsmwCxwK4mX&gclid=CjwKCAjw3ejRBhAdEiwADkqPn36qoEfzRElmQ3e9OXSxZdGKjw0DyckEdeqo82D8qqlMdTFDyLXuXhoCVn8QAvD_BwE&th=1 Valve opens the door to SteamOS installs on AMD PCs Sorg talks about Valve allowing SteamOS installs on normal PCs with AMD GPUs, giving PC gamers a way to build their own living-room Steam Machine instead of buying Valve's new box. The conversation also touches on Steam Deck, Linux gaming, Proton, GPU costs, tariffs, and the economics of gaming hardware. Link: https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/steam-machines/valve-greenlights-steamos-installs-on-normal-pcs-with-amd-gpus-so-you-can-go-make-your-own-steam-machine-if-you-dont-wanna-fork-over-usd1-049/?brid=YWdncwFV2uAIYy2jMECl21FxWfGS Bazzite as an open-source SteamOS-style alternative Sorg brings up Brother Sorg's recommendation of Bazzite, a Linux-based gaming OS with Steam gaming mode and support for launchers like Xbox Game Pass, Battle.net, EA, Epic Games Store, GOG, Rockstar, and Ubisoft Connect. Link: https://bazzite.gg/ Pride Month tech history: Jon “maddog” Hall Dave spotlights Jon “maddog” Hall, a major Linux and Unix figure, sharing stories about Hall's long programming history, his connection to Linus Torvalds, and the importance of recognizing LGBTQ contributors in technology history. Article: https://www.lpi.org/blog/2025/09/10/a-lifetime-in-code-jon-maddog-hall-reflects-at-linuxfest-northwest/ Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=758QuvXrttM Chachi Says Video Game Minute: GTA 6, Nex Playground, and Ubisoft news Chachi covers three gaming stories: GTA 6 cover art and pre-orders, the Nex Playground motion-based console for kids, and the death of Claude Guillemot, co-founder of Ubisoft. GTA 6: https://www.ign.com/articles/gta-6-cover-artwork-revealed-pre-orders-begin-june-25 Nex Playground: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx50rrz7zro Claude Guillemot: https://apnews.com/article/france-assassins-creed-ubisoft-plane-crash-2df2ea469c3fca0a45c38ae8805a6033 Baja SAE filmed on a “gas station camera” Sorg highlights a low-fi, retro-looking Baja SAE reel from Fairfield University, celebrating the charm of VHS-style and “bad camera” aesthetics in modern social media content. Link: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZ6BjfCtzo-/ World Cup referee technology, digital twins, sensors, and 3D body scans Sorg discusses advanced soccer officiating tech, including camera sensors, player tracking, digital twins, and automated offside detection that can help reduce blown calls and give officials faster alerts. Link: https://apple.news/ABeSFqwyjRpehEy0x8Nc9nQ Ribbie turns MLB games into pixel-art broadcasts Dave shares Ribbie, a fan-built project that uses real-time Major League Baseball data to recreate live games as a retro 16-bit-style baseball broadcast. The conversation connects it to vibe coding, AI-assisted development, and new ways fans can build creative sports experiences. Link: https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/23/ribbie-turns-real-time-baseball-stats-into-arcade-like-pixel-art-broadcasts/ Commodore phone brings retro branding to a distraction-light flip phone Dave and Sorg look at the Commodore phone, a Sailfish OS-based flip phone designed as a step above a dumbphone, with calls, texting, maps, music apps, Uber/Lyft, classic Commodore games, and limited/no social media access. Link: https://order.commodore.net/callback-audio/?brid=YWdncwHwIXnsUg8Nsyh9q_45Lj2C DoorDash accidentally tags T-Pain in soccer posts The episode wraps with a funny social media fail where DoorDash appears to tag T-Pain instead of soccer player Tim Payne during World Cup-related posts. Sorg and Dave discuss automation, agency workflows, social scheduling, and why T-Pain's response made the whole situation better. Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ56tKCnedX/?brid=YWdncwG5YHkt5InxWn1IZ1Apa3Gc&img_index=2
This week on AwesomeCast, Sorg is joined by Dave Podnar while Katie is on assignment. The crew digs into practical tech, gaming platforms, open-source operating systems, sports broadcast innovation, retro-inspired phones, and one very funny automated social media mistake involving DoorDash, soccer, and T-Pain. Stories and gadgets discussed: Dave's Awesome Thing of the Week: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones Dave finally upgrades from cheap running headphones to the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, praising the open-ear / bone-conduction-style design for running safety, comfort, sweat management, USB-C charging, and situational awareness. Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2HKCMBP?maas=maas_adg_api_582366218564361552_static_9_129&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas&aa_campaignid=lv_IGvrl5TTBxiweexlXK&aa_adgroupid=lv_fdLHIcjvJhpJZvQxFb&aa_creativeid=lv_MMLFRb8MTdZvGlnqFv&gad_campaignid=23921418215&gbraid=0AAAABDw_RJg26Vr6MY-sVAPsmwCxwK4mX&gclid=CjwKCAjw3ejRBhAdEiwADkqPn36qoEfzRElmQ3e9OXSxZdGKjw0DyckEdeqo82D8qqlMdTFDyLXuXhoCVn8QAvD_BwE&th=1 Valve opens the door to SteamOS installs on AMD PCs Sorg talks about Valve allowing SteamOS installs on normal PCs with AMD GPUs, giving PC gamers a way to build their own living-room Steam Machine instead of buying Valve's new box. The conversation also touches on Steam Deck, Linux gaming, Proton, GPU costs, tariffs, and the economics of gaming hardware. Link: https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/steam-machines/valve-greenlights-steamos-installs-on-normal-pcs-with-amd-gpus-so-you-can-go-make-your-own-steam-machine-if-you-dont-wanna-fork-over-usd1-049/?brid=YWdncwFV2uAIYy2jMECl21FxWfGS Bazzite as an open-source SteamOS-style alternative Sorg brings up Brother Sorg's recommendation of Bazzite, a Linux-based gaming OS with Steam gaming mode and support for launchers like Xbox Game Pass, Battle.net, EA, Epic Games Store, GOG, Rockstar, and Ubisoft Connect. Link: https://bazzite.gg/ Pride Month tech history: Jon “maddog” Hall Dave spotlights Jon “maddog” Hall, a major Linux and Unix figure, sharing stories about Hall's long programming history, his connection to Linus Torvalds, and the importance of recognizing LGBTQ contributors in technology history. Article: https://www.lpi.org/blog/2025/09/10/a-lifetime-in-code-jon-maddog-hall-reflects-at-linuxfest-northwest/ Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=758QuvXrttM Chachi Says Video Game Minute: GTA 6, Nex Playground, and Ubisoft news Chachi covers three gaming stories: GTA 6 cover art and pre-orders, the Nex Playground motion-based console for kids, and the death of Claude Guillemot, co-founder of Ubisoft. GTA 6: https://www.ign.com/articles/gta-6-cover-artwork-revealed-pre-orders-begin-june-25 Nex Playground: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx50rrz7zro Claude Guillemot: https://apnews.com/article/france-assassins-creed-ubisoft-plane-crash-2df2ea469c3fca0a45c38ae8805a6033 Baja SAE filmed on a “gas station camera” Sorg highlights a low-fi, retro-looking Baja SAE reel from Fairfield University, celebrating the charm of VHS-style and “bad camera” aesthetics in modern social media content. Link: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZ6BjfCtzo-/ World Cup referee technology, digital twins, sensors, and 3D body scans Sorg discusses advanced soccer officiating tech, including camera sensors, player tracking, digital twins, and automated offside detection that can help reduce blown calls and give officials faster alerts. Link: https://apple.news/ABeSFqwyjRpehEy0x8Nc9nQ Ribbie turns MLB games into pixel-art broadcasts Dave shares Ribbie, a fan-built project that uses real-time Major League Baseball data to recreate live games as a retro 16-bit-style baseball broadcast. The conversation connects it to vibe coding, AI-assisted development, and new ways fans can build creative sports experiences. Link: https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/23/ribbie-turns-real-time-baseball-stats-into-arcade-like-pixel-art-broadcasts/ Commodore phone brings retro branding to a distraction-light flip phone Dave and Sorg look at the Commodore phone, a Sailfish OS-based flip phone designed as a step above a dumbphone, with calls, texting, maps, music apps, Uber/Lyft, classic Commodore games, and limited/no social media access. Link: https://order.commodore.net/callback-audio/?brid=YWdncwHwIXnsUg8Nsyh9q_45Lj2C DoorDash accidentally tags T-Pain in soccer posts The episode wraps with a funny social media fail where DoorDash appears to tag T-Pain instead of soccer player Tim Payne during World Cup-related posts. Sorg and Dave discuss automation, agency workflows, social scheduling, and why T-Pain's response made the whole situation better. Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ56tKCnedX/?brid=YWdncwG5YHkt5InxWn1IZ1Apa3Gc&img_index=2
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.
Send us Fan MailThis week the boys break down the Morgan Wallen controversy after his Pittsburgh concert was suddenly canceled, leaving fans frustrated and city officials claiming they were never contacted about the decision. Fortunately, the Washington Wild Things stepped up and offered free tickets to disappointed concertgoers. The Pittsburgh Scanner delivers another all-time lineup of insanity, including a barber allegedly beating up a customer over a bad online review, a reported tiger loose on a balcony that turned out to be a chunky house cat, and perhaps the greatest scanner call of the year—a man riding a motorbike through Pittsburgh with a monkey on his back while allegedly macing pedestrians.Corndick of the Week features a tragic and bizarre story involving industrial-strength glue being used as a substitute for a condom, plus a police officer who went viral after ticketing a one-handed woman for allegedly holding a cellphone while driving. Brother in Arms brings the laughs with a Florida man desperately searching for his stolen seven-foot pet shark, a Louisiana fugitive who survived an alligator attack and still kept running from police, and eight students rescued after spending hours stranded 100 feet in the air on a stalled roller coaster. Throw in Gear Grinders and another ridiculous round of What Would Greenfield Do, and you've got one of the wildest episodes of the year.Everything GFP:https://linktr.ee/gfpSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7viuBywVXF4e52CHUgk1i5 Produced by Lane Media https://www.lanemediapgh.com/#greenfieldsfinest #GreenfieldsFinest #PittsburghPodcast #PittsburghNews #MorganWallen #PittsburghScanner #MonkeyWithAMace #CorndickOfTheWeek #BrotherInArms #OddNews #StolenShark #AlligatorAttack #RollerCoasterRescue #GearGrinders #WhatWouldGreenfieldDo #PodcastClips
Send us Fan MailThis week the boys break down the return of Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers for what he says will officially be his final NFL season. They also react to the Steelers being selected to play in the first-ever NFL Paris Game against the Saints and dive into another legendary batch of Pittsburgh Scanner calls — including a mysterious “Cocaine Van” rolling through Carrick, a man hiding from the rain while hookers repeatedly approach his car, and an elderly woman getting kicked out of Goodwill who decided to moon employees on her way out.Corndick of the Week gets ridiculous with a bank robber caught after allegedly using a third grader's homework as his robbery note, Walmart somehow shipping 165 pool noodles in 165 separate boxes, and an Englishman claiming he became the first person to pull a police car with his dong while on fire. The guy, not his johnson.. Brother in Arms features the launch of the controversial Enhanced Games where athletes openly use steroids while competing for million-dollar bonuses, plus a 98-year-old WWII veteran setting a world record by completing a wing walk for charity. Add in Gear Grinders and another brutal round of What Would Greenfield Do, and you've got one hell of an episode.Everything GFP:https://linktr.ee/gfpSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7viuBywVXF4e52CHUgk1i5 Produced by Lane Media https://www.lanemediapgh.com/#greenfieldsfinest #PittsburghPodcast #Steelers #AaronRodgers #NFLParisGame #PittsburghNews #PittsburghScanner #CorndickOfTheWeek #EnhancedGames #OddNews #BrotherInArms #PodcastClips #GearGrinders #WhatWouldGreenfieldDo #NFL
Sorg and Dave Podnar are back for AwesomeCast 780 with a packed tech talk covering retro cameras, AI announcements, accessibility breakthroughs, gaming news, and a little 1986 Transformers nostalgia. This week, Sorg dives into the new Dungeon Crawler Carl graphic novel release and how the series has become a multi-format obsession across audiobooks, print books, Webtoon, and comics. Dave shares Dazz Cam, a retro iPhone camera app that recreates vintage film, disposable camera, VHS, and analog looks for photos and video. They also spotlight Ajay Bhatt for AAPI Heritage Month, recognizing his role leading Intel's USB development team and how USB changed everyday computing. Stories and Gadgets Discussed Dungeon Crawler Carl graphic novel Sorg talks about the physical release of the Dungeon Crawler Carl comic/graphic novel and how it compares to the Webtoon, audiobooks, and print editions. Link: https://amzn.to/4dy0nfR Dazz Cam retro iPhone camera app Dave highlights Dazz Cam, an iPhone app that simulates vintage cameras, film looks, VHS-style video, borders, and analog-style photos. Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dazz-cam-vintage-camera/id1422471180 Ajay Bhatt and the invention of USB For AAPI Heritage Month, Dave discusses Ajay Bhatt, who helped lead the Intel team behind USB and made modern plug-and-play devices possible. Link: https://news.sparkfun.com/6774 Apple accessibility features for iOS 27 Dave covers Apple's upcoming accessibility features powered by Apple Intelligence, including visual intelligence-style phone assistance, live captions, better voice control, and accessibility hardware support. Link: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/05/apple-unveils-new-accessibility-features-and-updates-with-apple-intelligence/ Google I/O 2026 and agentic AI Sorg and Dave discuss Google I/O's heavy focus on AI agents, Gemini, AI-powered search, Workspace tools, shopping/cart assistance, Android XR, and smart glasses. Links: https://9to5google.com/2026/05/19/google-io-2026-news/ https://www.theverge.com/tech/933415/google-io-2026-biggest-announcements-ai-gemini Transformers: The Movie Apology Tour Sorg gets nostalgic about the 1986 Transformers movie, the Optimus Prime trauma, the 40th anniversary re-release, soundtrack editions, vinyl, and pink cassette release. Links: https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/product/transformers-movie-soundtrack-reformatted-edition-bbts-exclusive-hot-rod-red-vinyl-lp-189634 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1506127744310466&set=pcb.1506127774310463 Fortnite returns to iOS Dave notes that Fortnite is back on the iOS App Store around much of the world after years of legal battles. Link: https://www.epicgames.com/site/news/fortnite-is-back-on-the-app-store-around-the-world-as-the-final-battle-approaches Chachi Says Video Game Minute Chachi covers GameStop's failed eBay offer, Amazon canceling its Lord of the Rings MMO, and Dodi Repacks stepping back from piracy.
Sorg and Dave Podnar are back for AwesomeCast 780 with a packed tech talk covering retro cameras, AI announcements, accessibility breakthroughs, gaming news, and a little 1986 Transformers nostalgia. This week, Sorg dives into the new Dungeon Crawler Carl graphic novel release and how the series has become a multi-format obsession across audiobooks, print books, Webtoon, and comics. Dave shares Dazz Cam, a retro iPhone camera app that recreates vintage film, disposable camera, VHS, and analog looks for photos and video. They also spotlight Ajay Bhatt for AAPI Heritage Month, recognizing his role leading Intel's USB development team and how USB changed everyday computing. Stories and Gadgets Discussed Dungeon Crawler Carl graphic novel Sorg talks about the physical release of the Dungeon Crawler Carl comic/graphic novel and how it compares to the Webtoon, audiobooks, and print editions. Link: https://amzn.to/4dy0nfR Dazz Cam retro iPhone camera app Dave highlights Dazz Cam, an iPhone app that simulates vintage cameras, film looks, VHS-style video, borders, and analog-style photos. Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dazz-cam-vintage-camera/id1422471180 Ajay Bhatt and the invention of USB For AAPI Heritage Month, Dave discusses Ajay Bhatt, who helped lead the Intel team behind USB and made modern plug-and-play devices possible. Link: https://news.sparkfun.com/6774 Apple accessibility features for iOS 27 Dave covers Apple's upcoming accessibility features powered by Apple Intelligence, including visual intelligence-style phone assistance, live captions, better voice control, and accessibility hardware support. Link: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/05/apple-unveils-new-accessibility-features-and-updates-with-apple-intelligence/ Google I/O 2026 and agentic AI Sorg and Dave discuss Google I/O's heavy focus on AI agents, Gemini, AI-powered search, Workspace tools, shopping/cart assistance, Android XR, and smart glasses. Links: https://9to5google.com/2026/05/19/google-io-2026-news/ https://www.theverge.com/tech/933415/google-io-2026-biggest-announcements-ai-gemini Transformers: The Movie Apology Tour Sorg gets nostalgic about the 1986 Transformers movie, the Optimus Prime trauma, the 40th anniversary re-release, soundtrack editions, vinyl, and pink cassette release. Links: https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/product/transformers-movie-soundtrack-reformatted-edition-bbts-exclusive-hot-rod-red-vinyl-lp-189634 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1506127744310466&set=pcb.1506127774310463 Fortnite returns to iOS Dave notes that Fortnite is back on the iOS App Store around much of the world after years of legal battles. Link: https://www.epicgames.com/site/news/fortnite-is-back-on-the-app-store-around-the-world-as-the-final-battle-approaches Chachi Says Video Game Minute Chachi covers GameStop's failed eBay offer, Amazon canceling its Lord of the Rings MMO, and Dodi Repacks stepping back from piracy.
Send us Fan MailThis week the boys dive into some Pittsburgh news, including the Mon Incline shutting down. The crew debates the future of the iconic incline while the Pittsburgh Scanner delivers chaos as usual — from a woman allegedly huffing canned air inside Vento's Pizza to people driving around Homewood in a fake garbage truck trying to collect trash like some kind of low-budget sanitation heist.Corndick of the Week gets dark with an Arkansas principal and teachers getting arrested over a “child fight club” incident, while in Hawaii a tourist who threw a rock at an endangered monk seal got a street-level lesson from a local man who wasn't having it. Brother in Arms features a woman suing after losing her job over an airplane seat controversy, UK kids effortlessly fooling online age verification systems with fake mustaches and video game characters, a Lamborghini driver shutting down internet outrage by revealing his prosthetic leg, and a group of seniors pulling off an all-time prank by cutting a car in half and making it look like it crashed into their school. Plus Gear Grinders and another absolutely cursed round of What Would Greenfield Do.Everything GFP:https://linktr.ee/gfpSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7viuBywVXF4e52CHUgk1i5 Produced by Lane Media https://www.lanemediapgh.com/#GreenfieldsFinest #PittsburghPodcast #PittsburghNews #MonIncline #PittsburghScanner #CorndickOfTheWeek #BrotherInArms #OddNews #SeniorPrank #InternetFails #PodcastClips #GearGrinders #WhatWouldGreenfieldDo #WildNews #ComedyPodcast
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.
Send us Fan MailThe boys break down a massive week in Pittsburgh, starting with the NFL Draft shattering records with over 800,000 people in attendance and authorities cracking down on counterfeit merch. They dive into the Steelers' full draft class, give their takes on the new additions, and hit on the Penguins clawing back in their playoff series. The Pittsburgh Scanner delivers classic chaos — including a suspect running face-first into a pole mid-chase, some risky train-hopping activity, and two grown men allegedly squaring up with a group of 10-year-olds… only for everyone to admit it was just “play fighting.”Corndick of the Week brings the madness with a lawsuit from the PNC Park belt-whipping incident, a groom showing up to his wedding in a full Adidas tracksuit, and a woman using AI to bring her late husband back as a hologram for his own funeral. Brother in Arms gets even wilder with Mike Tomlin heading to NBC and dropping classic Tomlin-isms, and the debut of the “Sperm Racing World Cup” — a full-blown bracket-style competition for microscopic swimmers with a $100K prize. Plus Gear Grinders and another completely unhinged round of What Would Greenfield Do.Everything GFP:https://linktr.ee/gfpSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7viuBywVXF4e52CHUgk1i5 Produced by Lane Media https://www.lanemediapgh.com/ #GreenfieldsFinest #PittsburghPodcast #NFLDraft #Steelers #PittsburghNews #Penguins #PittsburghScanner #CorndickOfTheWeek #MikeTomlin #OddNews #SpermRacing #BrotherInArms #PodcastClips #GearGrinders #WhatWouldGreenfieldDo
Send us Fan MailThe boys announce a big change as Greenfield's Finest moves to an every-other-Thursday schedule to keep things fresh while still bringing the chaos. They catch up on life, The Masters, and a loaded week in Pittsburgh — from Penn Brewery filing Chapter 11 (don't worry, they're still pouring) to the Pirates randomly dominating, and the Penguins punching their ticket back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. With the NFL Draft right around the corner, the city is buzzing, and the Pittsburgh Scanner delivers classics — including a gun found in some hedges, a finger stuck in a sweeper, and a full-blown investigation into whether a couple was “repopulating” inside a stuck elevator.Corndick of the Week brings the madness with a Florida bus driver driving through a train crossing with kids onboard, a viral TikTok trend of people running into Scientology buildings, and insane stadium foods like a 1-pound “Glizzilla” hot dog and nachos you can wear as a hat. Brother in Arms keeps things rolling with space history as the Artemis II mission wraps up, a 91-year-old woman too locked in on video games to answer a police welfare check, and a massive archive of rare live concert recordings finally being shared with the world. Plus Gear Grinders and a wild round of “What Would Greenfield Do” featuring rats, mayo, and some truly cursed food scenarios.Everything GFP:https://linktr.ee/gfpSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7viuBywVXF4e52CHUgk1i5 Produced by Lane Media https://www.lanemediapgh.com/ #GreenfieldsFinest #PittsburghPodcast #PittsburghNews #NFLDraft #Penguins #Pirates #PittsburghScanner #CorndickOfTheWeek #Glizzilla #OddNews #BrotherInArms #ArtemisII #PodcastClips #GearGrinders #WhatWouldGreenfieldDo
Sometimes an episode of AwesomeCast really shows the full range of what makes the show fun. Episode 775 goes from the emotional high of a successful Artemis 2 splashdown all the way to the absurd joy of seeing someone force macOS onto an original Nintendo Wii. Sorg and Podnar open with one of the week's best feel-good tech stories: Artemis 2 made it home successfully, and Dave shares the unexpectedly charming story of the mission mascot RISE. In a week that needed some good news, the conversation lands on something larger than space hardware alone. This was about optimism, engineering, and a rare moment of collective excitement. Then the show pivots back to Earth with the kind of story that feels custom-made for AwesomeCast: yes, someone got early Mac OS X running on a Nintendo Wii. It is not practical. It is not necessary. It is absolutely wonderful. That same spirit carries into Sorg's hands-on experiment with Mythic, a tool aimed at helping M-series Mac users access Windows games through the Epic ecosystem. The conversation explores how much better Apple Silicon has become for compatibility, even if some rough edges still show up in real-world testing. A big chunk of the episode also digs into Amazon Luna's latest changes. Sorg reacts to the platform ending game purchases and outside store access, and the discussion quickly becomes about more than Luna itself. It becomes a conversation about trust in digital platforms, cloud gaming ownership, and what happens when convenience gets taken away after users have already bought in. It is one of the sharpest segments in the episode because it blends personal use with a bigger industry trend. There is also a lighter side this week. Dave shares The Weather Channel's retro weather experience, which sends both hosts into a funny and surprisingly thoughtful conversation about the old cable era, nostalgic interfaces, and how channels drift from their original purpose. On the more practical side, they also touch on Overcast's new transcript support and Waymo's plan to help cities identify potholes using vehicle data. That latter topic turns into a very Pittsburgh-flavored discussion about 311 systems, local government tech, and whether cities are really taking advantage of the tools they have. Finally, Dave closes with his Arab American History Month spotlight on Tony Fadell, best known for his work on the iPod and Nest. It is a fitting end to an episode that is really about the many layers of tech: breakthrough engineering, strange experimentation, product design, infrastructure, nostalgia, and how all of it shapes everyday life. Links from this episode: Artemis / RISE: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/how-artemis-2-commander-reid-wiseman-saved-the-missions-moon-mascot-its-hard-not-to-love-this-little-guy-i-cant-let-rise-out-of-my-sight macOS on Wii: https://apple.news/AJdU3eghQT2-jfhrGvzI2_g Mythic: https://getmythic.app/ Amazon Luna: https://www.ign.com/articles/amazon-luna-will-no-longer-allow-owners-to-buy-games-access-game-stores-or-third-party-subscriptions-starting-today?utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A+Manual&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=facebook Amazon Luna alt link: https://apple.news/A2cb25SwgQX-AuvSPHdRsHw Waymo potholes: https://apple.news/AnxW6o9QWQJOcCGLqCsW6XQ Overcast transcripts: https://9to5mac.com/2026/04/08/overcast-launches-podcast-transcripts-in-new-app-update-for-iphone/ Retro Weather Channel: https://weather.com/retro/ Tony Fadell: https://design.mit.edu/community/people/tony-fadell Subscribe for more tech talk from Pittsburgh and support the show at Patreon.
Sometimes an episode of AwesomeCast really shows the full range of what makes the show fun. Episode 775 goes from the emotional high of a successful Artemis 2 splashdown all the way to the absurd joy of seeing someone force macOS onto an original Nintendo Wii. Sorg and Podnar open with one of the week's best feel-good tech stories: Artemis 2 made it home successfully, and Dave shares the unexpectedly charming story of the mission mascot RISE. In a week that needed some good news, the conversation lands on something larger than space hardware alone. This was about optimism, engineering, and a rare moment of collective excitement. Then the show pivots back to Earth with the kind of story that feels custom-made for AwesomeCast: yes, someone got early Mac OS X running on a Nintendo Wii. It is not practical. It is not necessary. It is absolutely wonderful. That same spirit carries into Sorg's hands-on experiment with Mythic, a tool aimed at helping M-series Mac users access Windows games through the Epic ecosystem. The conversation explores how much better Apple Silicon has become for compatibility, even if some rough edges still show up in real-world testing. A big chunk of the episode also digs into Amazon Luna's latest changes. Sorg reacts to the platform ending game purchases and outside store access, and the discussion quickly becomes about more than Luna itself. It becomes a conversation about trust in digital platforms, cloud gaming ownership, and what happens when convenience gets taken away after users have already bought in. It is one of the sharpest segments in the episode because it blends personal use with a bigger industry trend. There is also a lighter side this week. Dave shares The Weather Channel's retro weather experience, which sends both hosts into a funny and surprisingly thoughtful conversation about the old cable era, nostalgic interfaces, and how channels drift from their original purpose. On the more practical side, they also touch on Overcast's new transcript support and Waymo's plan to help cities identify potholes using vehicle data. That latter topic turns into a very Pittsburgh-flavored discussion about 311 systems, local government tech, and whether cities are really taking advantage of the tools they have. Finally, Dave closes with his Arab American History Month spotlight on Tony Fadell, best known for his work on the iPod and Nest. It is a fitting end to an episode that is really about the many layers of tech: breakthrough engineering, strange experimentation, product design, infrastructure, nostalgia, and how all of it shapes everyday life. Links from this episode: Artemis / RISE: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/how-artemis-2-commander-reid-wiseman-saved-the-missions-moon-mascot-its-hard-not-to-love-this-little-guy-i-cant-let-rise-out-of-my-sight macOS on Wii: https://apple.news/AJdU3eghQT2-jfhrGvzI2_g Mythic: https://getmythic.app/ Amazon Luna: https://www.ign.com/articles/amazon-luna-will-no-longer-allow-owners-to-buy-games-access-game-stores-or-third-party-subscriptions-starting-today?utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A+Manual&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=facebook Amazon Luna alt link: https://apple.news/A2cb25SwgQX-AuvSPHdRsHw Waymo potholes: https://apple.news/AnxW6o9QWQJOcCGLqCsW6XQ Overcast transcripts: https://9to5mac.com/2026/04/08/overcast-launches-podcast-transcripts-in-new-app-update-for-iphone/ Retro Weather Channel: https://weather.com/retro/ Tony Fadell: https://design.mit.edu/community/people/tony-fadell Subscribe for more tech talk from Pittsburgh and support the show at Patreon.
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
Send a textThis week on Sisters in Space, we dive into the mysterious Hudson Valley UFO Sightings, one of the largest and most well-documented UFO waves in American history. From baffled residents to investigators, the phenomenon sparked national attention and left many asking the same question: what exactly were people seeing?Were these sightings experimental military craft? Mass misidentification? Or something far stranger visiting our skies?Tune in as the Sisters explore eyewitness accounts, strange patterns in the sightings, and the theories that still surround this enduring UFO mystery.
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Send us a textThis week on Greenfield's Finest Podcast, the boys are back with a loaded episode! Mike talks about hosting Impractical Jokers' Joe Gatto at the Pittsburgh Improv, while the crew breaks down the Steelers' rollercoaster 2 weekS — a win over the Colts, a loss to the Chargers, and a roster shake-up that sent fan-favorite Beanie Bishop packing. They also weigh in on George Pickens' taunting penalty, Jayden Daniels' gnarly elbow injury, and Antonio Brown's latest headline-grabbing arrest.Over in the ‘Burgh, College GameDay's rolling into town, the Mon Incline went full “Die Hard rescue mission,” and the Pittsburgh Scanner is absolutely unhinged — naked greeters, mooning neighbors, and a dude with an axe in the Strip. The guys also roast TikTok's “onion feet” trend, discuss Leslie Jones calling out Tony Hinchcliffe, and say goodbye to Ridiculousness after 14 years. Stick around for Brother in Arms and What Would Greenfield Do? — where the boys debate Christmas decorations, old wives' tales, and the most overrated beer on the market.Check out our upcoming events, social media, and merch sale at the link below https://linktr.ee/GFP Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7viuBywVXF4e52CHUgk1i5 Produced by Lane Media https://www.lanemediapgh.com/
Send us a textThis week we have a compilation for you from 21 past episodes.Check out our upcoming events, social media, and merch sale at the link below https://linktr.ee/GFP Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7viuBywVXF4e52CHUgk1i5 Produced by Lane Media https://www.lanemediapgh.com/
Send us a text The Boys Plus Jack are in the building—it's Episode 300! Greenfield's Finest Podcast hits a massive milestone this week, and Eagle Tits surprises the crew with a special gift to celebrate 300 episodes of chaos, laughs, and Pittsburgh pride. The gang looks back on six years of GFP—over 30,000 minutes of content—and dives into everything from Steelers heartbreak and weird Pittsburgh scanner calls to plastic surgery in Silicon Valley, Apple's glitchy new update, and America's cheese obsession. They recap the Steelers' loss to Green Bay, look ahead to the Colts matchup, and debate how much cheese they really eat in a year. The guys also discuss a new study that says men should hang out with their friends twice a week, NASA's confirmation of a new “mini moon,” and the latest breakthrough that could finally cure baldness. It's a packed 300th episode full of laughs, wild news, and hometown nonsense—don't miss this one!
Send us a textThis week on Greenfield's Finest Podcast, the boys are back breaking down the Steelers loss to the Bengals. Mike Tomlin called out the Browns' GM over that Joe Flacco trade. Broderick Jones made headlines after tackling his own Aaron Rodgers, Jerry Jones got fined for flipping off Jets fans (allegedly by accident), and NBC's B1G SATURDAY banner had some... unfortunate placement.In this week's Pittsburgh Scanner Report, someone called 911 after taking 500mg of edibles, another guy got flashed on Wood Street, and the city's gone so quiet that cops are handling parking complaints. The guys also talk about airlines charging to recline seats, China's 24-hour traffic jam, Kim K not knowing what milk costs, Gen Z's “rawdogging life” challenge, and a new study claiming masturbation might lower prostate cancer risk. A Pittsburgh teacher breaks a Steel Curtain record, MTV shuts down its music channels, and a 69-year-old grandpa literally commits a crime just to hang out with his grandson in prison.All that and more on this week's episode of Greenfield's Finest Podcast!Check out our upcoming events, social media, and merch sale at the link below https://linktr.ee/GFP Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7viuBywVXF4e52CHUgk1i5 Produced by Lane Media https://www.lanemediapgh.com/
Send us a textIt's the Greenfield's Finest Podcast 300th Episode Celebration!
In Episode 487 of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer is joined by producer Mike Sorg for a heartfelt conversation rooted in the enduring wisdom of Fred Rogers. Together, they explore themes of uncertainty, emotional resilience, and self-acceptance through the lens of full-impact mindfulness. This episode dives into Mr. Rogers' most impactful quotes, including “I like you just the way you are,” and how these simple yet profound affirmations can guide us through fear, overwhelm, and self-doubt. Jim and Mike reflect on the concept of “leveling up” in life like a video game—gaining experience, becoming more resilient, and making meaningful choices. Listeners will hear discussions on: • Managing emotions by making them “mentionable and manageable” • Accepting life's challenges without needing immediate solutions • The importance of being a helper—or recognizing helpers around you • The difference between kindness and being “right” • Embracing who you are and offering that same grace to others End your day with a moment of mindfulness, self-kindness, and the reminder that you already have something valuable to offer the world.
In Episode 487 of Fishing Without Bait, host Jim Ellermeyer is joined by producer Mike Sorg for a heartfelt conversation rooted in the enduring wisdom of Fred Rogers. Together, they explore themes of uncertainty, emotional resilience, and self-acceptance through the lens of full-impact mindfulness. This episode dives into Mr. Rogers' most impactful quotes, including “I like you just the way you are,” and how these simple yet profound affirmations can guide us through fear, overwhelm, and self-doubt. Jim and Mike reflect on the concept of “leveling up” in life like a video game—gaining experience, becoming more resilient, and making meaningful choices. Listeners will hear discussions on: • Managing emotions by making them “mentionable and manageable” • Accepting life's challenges without needing immediate solutions • The importance of being a helper—or recognizing helpers around you • The difference between kindness and being “right” • Embracing who you are and offering that same grace to others End your day with a moment of mindfulness, self-kindness, and the reminder that you already have something valuable to offer the world.
Send us a textThis week on Greenfield's Finest Podcast we've got special guest comedian Matt Light hanging with the boys. Z-Bird breaks down his week of standup and Burgh Bus chaos before we dive into the Steelers' loss to the Seahawks, James Harrison being spotted riding the escalator like a regular Yinzer, and why social media is ruining player comradery. We also take a detour into Danny DeVito's wild coke story about Arnold Schwarzenegger, and—because we're mature adults—reminisce about seeing our first boobs on TV and figuring out the art of “self-discovery.” Oh, and in peak Pittsburgh fashion, someone on Craigslist is offering cash for a wedding crasher armed with eggs.From there we hit Corndick of the Week, with Tom Brady announcing his big comeback—not to the NFL, but to a flag football tournament in Saudi Arabia featuring Gronk, Tyreek Hill, Saquon Barkley, and Kevin Hart hosting. In Brother in Arms, we look back at a Florida man who survived a hang gliding nightmare after realizing mid-air he wasn't strapped in. We also break down a Publishers Clearing House winner getting cut off after cashing $3 million, a Disneyland firework gone wrong, and MrBeast taking a gut punch from Mike Tyson. As always, we wrap with “What Would Greenfield Do?”—like who'd crush a tough mudder, biggest celebs we've met, and what Pittsburgh really needs.All that and more on this week's episode of Greenfield's Finest Podcast.Check out our upcoming events, social media, and merch sale at the link below https://linktr.ee/GFP Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7viuBywVXF4e52CHUgk1i5 Produced by Lane Media https://www.lanemediapgh.com/
Send us a textThe boys are back and Z-Bird is celebrating a huge milestone—10 years sober! John even surprised him with a Cameo from undercover legend Joe Pistone, aka Donnie Brasco. From there, it's all Pittsburgh chaos: Kennywood's 21+ nights are officially canceled after too many fights, parents and kids are brawling outside Clayton Academy, a crossing guard calls in about a kid refusing school, and someone in Larimer needs the cops to kick their grass guy off the lawn.Then it's on to the wild stuff: a Polish millionaire steals a hat from a kid at a tennis match, Will Smith fakes his crowds with A.I., and Rampage Jackson's son Raja goes off-script at a wrestling show, breaking a guy's jaw. Brother in Arms brings us dating drama with 9 kids, cops apologizing for clowning on adult toys, The Rock slimming down into “The Pebble,” and a German dude who somehow kept a WWII tank in his basement. The boys wrap things up with Gear Grinders and some big “What Would Greenfield Do?” hypotheticals, like stealing autographs from kids, saving your top three items in an explosion, and bringing back a long-lost Pittsburgh bar for one more week.All that and more on this week's episode of Greenfield's Finest Podcast.Check out our upcoming events, social media, and merch sale at the link below https://linktr.ee/GFP Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7viuBywVXF4e52CHUgk1i5 Produced by Lane Media https://www.lanemediapgh.com/
Send us a textThis week the boys are joined by special guest Johnny Pittsburgh, and things get wild fast. The crew breaks down the Steelers' win over the Panthers, Shilo Sanders getting cut for throwing hands, and Kenny Pickett already packing his bags for team number four. Back home, the Millvale Hardee's shuts its doors after 52 years, and Pittsburgh's scanner delivers absolute chaos—from raccoon street fights to naked fugitives to sword-wielding dudes dancing in Shadyside.From new dating terms like “Shrekking,” to Cracker Barrel's questionable logo change, to a girl in China selling her boyfriend into a scam compound, the guys cover it all. Brother in Arms highlights a kid who tried to start his own country and Christian Bale's massive foster-care project. Plus—burnt ribeye steaks on the highway, underrated Steelers debates, and the all-important question: how many raccoons could you realistically fight barehanded?All that and more on this week's episode of Greenfield's Finest Podcast.Check out our upcoming events, social media, and merch sale at the link below https://linktr.ee/GFP Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7viuBywVXF4e52CHUgk1i5 Produced by Lane Media https://www.lanemediapgh.com/
AwesomeCast 747 – Floating Bars, Hello Kitty Games, and AI Colleagues Hosts Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar are joined by Kit Mueller of SkillBuilder.io to explore the latest tech, gaming, and Pittsburgh innovations. • Pittsburgh's new Riverlife “Shore Thing” floating pop-up on the Allegheny, run by Brew Gentlemen. More info • Nintendo Switch's Hello Kitty and Friends: Freeze Tag Party launching Nov 2025. Game details • AppleCare One: bundling device protection under one plan. Apple announcement • Google Gemini's new Flash Image editor for smarter, consistent AI photos. Ars Technica coverage • Chachi's Video Game Minute: Fallout Season 2 trailer + LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight reveal. • Viral cat-subway build, Apple Watch + AI coaching rumors, and more. • Kit Mueller's spotlight: how SkillBuilder.io is powering “AI colleagues” across Pittsburgh organizations.
AwesomeCast 747 – Floating Bars, Hello Kitty Games, and AI Colleagues Hosts Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar are joined by Kit Mueller of SkillBuilder.io to explore the latest tech, gaming, and Pittsburgh innovations. • Pittsburgh's new Riverlife “Shore Thing” floating pop-up on the Allegheny, run by Brew Gentlemen. More info • Nintendo Switch's Hello Kitty and Friends: Freeze Tag Party launching Nov 2025. Game details • AppleCare One: bundling device protection under one plan. Apple announcement • Google Gemini's new Flash Image editor for smarter, consistent AI photos. Ars Technica coverage • Chachi's Video Game Minute: Fallout Season 2 trailer + LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight reveal. • Viral cat-subway build, Apple Watch + AI coaching rumors, and more. • Kit Mueller's spotlight: how SkillBuilder.io is powering “AI colleagues” across Pittsburgh organizations.
Send us a textThe Steelers took a tough playoff loss to the Bucs, but rookie Will Howard is winning hearts by turning down big-money endorsements to focus on proving himself in Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, the South Side's biggest clock got a fresh Iron City makeover, and the scanner was busy as ever with pantsless drunks, watermelon heists, and people trying to collect paychecks from jobs they don't have.From Putin's poop suitcase to a woman finally saying “yes” after 43 proposals, we dive into some truly bizarre headlines. The guys debate Howard Stern's infamous “Buttaface Contest,” laugh about Tommy Fleetwood's lucky fly assist, and react to Sydney Sweeney's Super Bowl promise, Jamie Lee Curtis' internet-breaking video, and a woman who pooped her way into United Airlines history. Plus, the fellas close things out with Brother in Arms, Gear Grinders, and the always-chaotic “What Would Greenfield Do?”All that and more on this weeks episode of Greenfield's Finest Podcast!Check out our upcoming events, social media, and merch sale at the link below https://linktr.ee/GFP Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7viuBywVXF4e52CHUgk1i5 Produced by Lane Media https://www.lanemediapgh.com/
Send us a textSisters in Space returns with a wild journey into the mysteries of Mount Shasta—aliens, sky people, yetis, and yes… even pooping on paper. This episode truly has it all.
Send us a textThis week on Sisters in Space, we're diving into the mysterious and controversial Dulce Wars. Join us as we explore the chilling tales of underground bases, secret alien experiments, and government conspiracies. Is it truth, fiction, or something in between? Tune in to find out!
Send us a textThis week Sisters in Space is back with an all new episode about some incredible incidents in Brazil involving the strangest alien "technology" that we've ever heard of. This week also involves a lot of human looking aliens, which begs the question... Was this even aliens? Buckle up for a wild ride filled with mystery, bizarre encounters, and plenty of laughs. This one is out there, and you won't want to miss it!
Send us a textWARNING: FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY. UNDER 17 REQUIRES ADULT SUPERVISION. This week we're excited to talk about "Slither" (2006)! What a banger, right? Please join us and if you want to watch along with us, this bad boy is streaming on Tubi! Stay tuned and stay nasty! instagram: @queensofnc17music: @tobaxxo
Send us a textWARNING: FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY. UNDER 17 REQUIRES ADULT SUPERVISION. This week we have a Wes Craven original, "Shocker" (1989), and this entire episode is inspired by and dedicated to someone from our AOL Instant Messenger past, who's screen name was "Shocker" and we all thought it was referring to you know what. But it wasn't. This episode is literally fuckin buzzing y'all, we really hope you enjoy!Stay tuned and stay NASTY! instagram: @queensofnc17music: @tobaxxo