Techsploder

Jason Howell chats with Valentin, the European creator guy, about his path from growing up around cameras in Vienna to eight years in New York’s indie film scene, and ultimately to YouTube and community leadership. They discuss the realities of working solo versus in a team, and Valentin opens up about his motivation for Orbit for Creators, lessons learned from fostering a creator community, and the enduring appeal of classic gear. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor. CHAPTERS: 0:00:00 - Podcast episode kicks off 0:01:34 - Tips for managing multiple YouTube accounts for different interests 0:04:00 - Introducing Valentin and the Orbit for Creators community; motivation behind starting it 0:06:21 - The importance of social support and celebrating small victories as a solo creator 0:09:25 - Valentin’s background in television production and transition to YouTube 0:11:15 - Early influence of music videos and MTV on creative ambitions 0:12:28 - First job in live TV production and challenges of studio camera operation 0:14:25 - Moving to New York for film school and working in the indie film scene 0:17:17 - Returning to Vienna: reasons, quality of life, and career changes 0:19:35 - Working at a marketing agency for Canon and nostalgia for the DSLR revolution 0:20:25 - How the pandemic led to experimenting with YouTube and creative independence 0:21:25 - The natural progression from YouTube channel to building an online creator community 0:23:46 - The role of community in supporting creators, sharing real experiences, and overcoming failure 0:26:34 - Realities of freelance life vs. traditional employment and their trade-offs 0:29:40 - Lessons learned and surprises from running an online creator community 0:30:38 - Evolving role as a community leader and experimenting with new engagement formats 0:33:19 - Balancing priorities as a creator and making time for learning and community 0:34:54 - Valentin’s passion for camera gear, favorite equipment, and nostalgia for old devices 0:39:11 - The evolution of camera technology and the diminishing importance of specs in 2025 0:43:20 - Jason's unique teleprompter solution for his Osmo Pocket 3 0:45:25 - Managing gear acquisition syndrome, renting vs. buying, and selling unused equipment 0:49:43 - Valentin’s alternate universe interest in physics and research 0:52:19 - Be sure to check out Orbit for Creators! 0:53:03 - Thank you Valentin! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Howell sits down with tech creator Lexy Savvides to discuss her journey from CNET to creative independence, her passion for music tech, and the evolving landscape of media and community. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Podcast episode kicks off 01:47 - Guest Lexy Savvides joins the conversation 02:51 - Lexy shares her passion for headphones and reviewing them 07:47 - Lexy’s early days hosting music radio at FBI in Sydney 12:16 - What first inspired Lexy to pursue radio broadcasting 15:53 - Lexy reflects on listening back to her old broadcasts 18:40 - Looking back on the memorable “glory days” at CNET 19:42 - Lexy describes her move from CNET to independent creator 25:33 - Unexpected joys Lexy discovered in independent work 28:41 - How a supportive community shapes Lexy’s creative journey 32:21 - Two pivotal tech experiences from Lexy’s childhood 35:20 - Lexy’s first encounter with the Super Nintendo console 38:06 - How technology’s magic can fade as we grow older 40:06 - Lexy’s fascination with MiniDisc and music tech nostalgia 41:44 - Lexy reminisces about her beloved DiscMan 45:50 - Imagining Lexy’s life and career without technology 50:20 - Wrapping up the episode and final thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mikah Sargent joins Jason Howell to explore the nostalgic world of early 2000s tech, from the Kindle Keyboard to the Juice Box multimedia player, while also discussing Mikah's current tech interests and tech podcast career. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Show begins 01:51 - Catching up with Mikah Sargent 10:42 - Mikah's move to Portland and comparison to the Bay Area 15:49 - Mikah's early tech memories and influences 20:50 - The Kindle Keyboard as Mikah's tech awakening 28:39 - Mikah's journey from graphic design to tech journalism 30:25 - Mikah's history with smartphones and Apple devices 35:33 - Mikah recalls the Sanyo SCP2700 BlackBerry knockoff 38:22 - Discussion of the Ubiquiti Wi-Fi spectrum analyzer 45:47 - Tech Mikah wishes he still had: The Juice Box multimedia player 50:27 - Alternative universe career path: General contractor Catch Mikah on TWiT, Relay, and more: http://chihuahua.coffee/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the gold iPod Mini to the Rabbit R1, David Pierce and Jason Howell explore the tactile qualities of tech, the resurgence of physical media, and the challenges of staying organized in a digital world. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Podcast begins 1:36 - Introducing David Pierce! 2:20 - The Evolution of Computers from destinations to being ubiquitous 7:00 - David's early interest in technology 8:53 - The gold iPod mini experience 15:22 - The Resurgence of Tactile Technology 18:21 - Tangible vs. Digital Music 26:16 - Technology and Organization 35:51 - AI Impact on Education 39:48 - Current Tech in Reach (Rabbit R1, Humane AI Pin) Catch David on The Vergecast Podcast: https://www.theverge.com/the-vergecast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Howell sits down with Becca Farsace to explore her transition from The Verge to independent content creation, managing ADD as a creator, her nostalgic attachment to the iPod Touch, and her goals for 2025. Becca also shares her number one piece of advice for people looking to start a YouTube channel in 2025. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Podcast begins 02:05 - Introducing Becca Farsace! 03:28 - Authenticity in content creation and connecting with the audience 07:11 - Allowing children access to social media and technology 08:51 - Becca's first cell phone and early mobile devices 13:59 - The iPad Touch and its impact on Becca's interest in technology 17:40 - Raving about the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 21:18 - Becca's experience creating the iJustine video as her last project at The Verge 26:39 - Transitioning from working at The Verge to becoming an independent creator 28:21 - Octopus Arms analogy and goals for 2025 33:07 - Becca's approach to creativity and breaking the rules in video production 34:11 - Challenges of being an independent creator, including thumbnails and titles 35:40 - Becca's experience with ADD and how she manages her work 39:55 - How Becca moved from behind the camera to in front of it 42:39 - Becca's big tip on how to start a YouTube channel in 2025 43:57 - The Apple QuickTake 200 camera and nostalgic tech 49:51 - Discussion about Google Glass and the future of smart glasses 53:32 - The Unihertz Jelly smartphone and minimalist phone designs 55:14 - THANK YOU to Becca! 57:39 - Everything else you need to know about Techsploder Podcast Catch Becca on her awesome YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/BeccaFarsace Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Commodore PET gaming to revolutionizing pinball machines with Scorbit, Jay Adelson discusses his entrepreneurial journey (Equinix, Digg, Revision3) and shares wisdom on navigating the ever-changing tech landscape. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell Early computing experiences with Commodore PET and gaming Transition from filmmaking studies to tech entrepreneurship Development of Scorbit and pinball machine connectivity Views on startup metrics and entrepreneurship philosophy AI's role in modern programming and development Life transition from Silicon Valley to Michigan farm living Definitely check out Scorbit! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tech journalist Andy Ihnatko shares his journey from early computer enthusiast to respected industry voice, offering insights on content creation, Apple's evolution, and the dawn of the internet. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell The challenges of producing regular content Andy's experience with TV appearances and tech commentary The importance of earning trust and delivering quality content Balancing quantity vs. quality in content creation Andy's creative process and approach to deadlines The impact of generational differences on content creation Andy's early tech memories and introduction to computers The Apple II Plus and its influence on Andy's interest in technology The evolution of Apple products and Andy's fascination with them Andy's journey into tech journalism and writing for Mac publications The dawn of the internet and its impact on communication Early experiences with modems and online interactions The development of online communities and trust in the early internet era Hear Andy on the Material podcast. Also the MacBreak Weekly podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Howell chats with guest Owen JJ Stone aka OhDoctah on topics ranging from early internet experiences to raising kids in a tech-saturated world. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell Owen's early experiences with technology and the internet The current state of technology and fun in tech The loss of wonder in technology as people get older Owen's father's influence on his tech journey Building computers and Hackintoshes Owen's daughter's relationship with technology Policing internet usage in households Parenting in the digital age Watching kids grow up through social media Catch Owen on IQMZ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Howell explores the world of tech podcasting with Sarah Lane, delving into the process of content creation, the challenges of media preservation, and the importance of passion in pursuing a career in technology. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon! - Sarah's experience with Daily Tech News Show and podcast production - The time commitment required for producing podcast content - Sarah's discovery of engaging podcasts with extensive back catalogs - Sarah and Jason's shared alma mater: San Francisco State University - Sarah's initial college major in mathematics and transition to broadcasting - Sarah's childhood passion for technology and audio recording - The challenge of preserving old audio cassettes and digitizing content - The shift from tangible to digital heirlooms - The value of physical photographs versus digital images - Sarah's experience with film photography Catch Sarah Lane on the Daily Tech News Show. Also the Apple Vision Show Also Have Such a Good Day Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Howell chats with Doc Rock about how an early passion for music and technology led to a career spanning broadcast equipment, DJing, and product development. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell Doc Rock's background in breakdancing and how it led to his interest in technology The connection between music creation and technology The importance of creativity and creating across different mediums Doc Rock's childhood experiences with technology and his adoptive father's influence The technology landscape in Hawaii compared to mainland USA Doc Rock's experiences selling and working with broadcast equipment The importance of font kerning and design mistakes in advertising Doc Rock's love for Japan and its balance of urban and natural spaces Strategies for managing social media consumption and creating positive online experiences The development and launch of Doc Rock's microphone pop filters: Doc Popps The importance of maintaining a fun and inviting attitude towards technology Get yourself some Doc Popps! https://docmerch.com/collections/doc-popps Watch Doc Rock on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DocRock Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Howell sits down with Michael Fisher aka MrMobile in person to explore the nostalgic days of early cell phones, critique current AI trends in smartphones, discuss the challenges of tech content creation, and the impact of tech burn-out. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell Michael's early experiences with technology and inspiration from shows like Inspector Gadget and Star Trek The evolution of mobile phones and the excitement of early cell phone ownership The convergence of devices and the rise of smartphones Nostalgia for single-use gadgets and purpose-built devices The current state of smartphone innovation and AI features Skepticism towards AI-driven features in modern smartphones The usefulness of certain AI applications like call summaries and voice recording transcripts Concerns about AI-generated content and fact-checking The shift from hardware improvements to software features in smartphone marketing Michael's background in acting and transition to tech journalism The influence of Michael's acting background on his video production style Michael's thoughts on potentially returning to acting Watch Michael Fisher on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheMrMobile Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Howell talks with Scott Johnson, a pioneering figure in tech and culture podcasting, who shares his insights on the gaming industry, building online communities, and balancing family life with content creation. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell Scott's early experiences with video games and arcades The importance of community in podcasting and content creation Scott's transition from graphic design to full-time podcasting The evolution of gaming technology and its impact on storytelling Scott's involvement with Next Generation magazine The creation of the Extra Life comic and its compilation book Involving family members in podcasting and content creation The relaunch of "The Instance" podcast Scott's current projects, including a potential zine and children's book Check out Scott's podcast network: http://www.frogpants.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shannon Morse sits down with Jason Howell to share her experiences as a woman in tech, from building her first computer at age 9 to becoming a respected cybersecurity expert and advocate for women in technology. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell Shannon's early experiences with technology and computers Building her first computer at age 9 with her dad Experiences with early internet communities and websites Introduction to cybersecurity through music downloading and college experiences Joining the Hack5 team and living in the "Hack House" Developing a passion for cybersecurity and writing her own segments Advocating for women in technology and dealing with harassment Comparing experiences with male counterparts in the industry Alternative career paths if not in technology (voice acting, floral arrangement, photography, translation) Shannon's YouTube channels and current projects Watch Shannon on Morse Code on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ShannonMorse Watch Shannon on Sailor Snubs on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/SAILORSNUBS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Howell sits down with Florence Ion to discuss her evolution in tech journalism, from early writings for Mac|Life to organizing Tamagotchi meetups. They discuss virtual pets, Pokemon, and the future of tech writing using AI. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell - Florence's first professional opportunity in tech (internship at Mac|Life Magazine) - Using AI in journalism and writing - Florence's first computer (Macintosh Performa 460) - Childhood experiences with technology and parental support - Introduction to Tamagotchi and virtual pets - The resurgence of Tamagotchi and facilitating meetups - Pokemon fandom and its role in Florence's household - Pokemon Go and potential improvements for the Pokemon experience - Florence's passion for writing outside of technology Read Flo's work on Gizmodo: https://gizmodo.com/author/florenceion Listen to the Material podcast: https://www.relay.fm/material Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Howell sits down with Matteo Doni, a familiar voice from All About Android, to discuss his journey through the tech industry and the evolution of mobile technology. From growing up in Milan to running the Tech Travel Geeks YouTube channel, Matteo shares insights on how technology has shaped his life and career. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell - Matteo's background growing up in Milan, Italy - Early exposure to technology and computers in the 1990s - The evolution of mobile phones and text messaging in Europe vs. the US - Matteo's career path in mobile app testing and product development - The impact of open source software and Linux on Matteo's career - The origin of the "goats" theme on All About Android - Matteo's YouTube channel Tech Travel Geeks - Discussion of retro tech, including old Compaq desktop computers - The story behind Matteo's online handle "todoleo" - Oldest piece of technology Matteo still uses - The significance of the Palm Pre 2 and WebOS - How smartphones and power banks have improved travel experiences Watch Tech Travel Geeks on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/techtravelgeeks Follow Matteo on Twitter: http://www.x.com/todoleo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tech veteran Myriam Joire joins Jason Howell to share her fascinating journey from video game audio engineering to tech journalism, and being at the forefront of the birth of the modern smartwatch. Myriam shares invaluable tips on how to foster a successful career in technology and shares the many computers that painted her childhood experience in coding. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell Myriam's extensive background in video game audio engineering Transition from video games to tech journalism Experience working at Pebble Role in launching successful Kickstarter campaigns Journey into tech consulting and crowdfunding Early experiences with computers and programming Advice on career changes and flexibility Listen to the Mobile Tech Podcast Follow Myriam on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Abuelsamid works closely with the automotive industry as an analyst at Guidehouse Insights, giving him first-row access to the many ways that technology is influencing modern vehicle design. Sam discusses the spark that led to his career in the automotive industry, his lifelong curiosity in engineering, and his first smartphone. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell Sam's background and how he got interested in the automotive industry The influence of Road and Track magazine on Sam's interest in cars The intersection of transportation and technology in Sam's work The differences in car brands and models available in Europe versus the US Chinese automotive brands and their growing presence in Europe Sam's experience as an early adopter of technology, particularly smartphones The evolution of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in vehicles The evolution of digital photography and Sam's experience with early digital cameras GuideHouse Insights Wheelbearings podcast Sam's articles on Forbes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Father Robert Ballecer, aka The Digital Jesuit, lives two lives: One as a dedicated Jesuit priest working at the Vatican in Rome, and the other as a lifelong tech nerd. Here he explains why those seemingly different aspects of his life are actually one and the same. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/JasonHowell Father Robert's experience living in Rome and contrasts with more tech-centric cities Father Robert's role in the church and how it relates to his technology work Father Robert's childhood interest in technology and parental support Early experiences with dumpster diving for computer parts Fixing and selling TRS-80 computers Running a Bulletin Board System (BBS) as a youth Selling refurbished floppy disks through a BBS Early experiences with YouTube and content creation Monetization of YouTube content and optimization techniques Discussion of pre-iPod MP3 players and early consumer tech Father Robert's experiences with hacking school computer systems Phone phreaking and early hacking experiences Father Robert's interest in The Expanse sci-fi series and its realistic technology Discussion of fusion technology and energy conversion as potential future developments Fr. Robert Ballecer on Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/padresj Fr. Robert Ballecer on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DigitalJesuit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lamarr Wilson, the "CEO of Unboxings", shares his journey from teaching tech in schools to becoming a wildly popular tech content creator known for his enthusiastic unboxing videos and comedic persona. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/JasonHowell - Lamarr's background and how he got into tech/education - His early experiences with technology as a child - Discovering the internet and its impact - Transitioning from education to creating YouTube content - The origins of his YouTube channel and initial motivations - Developing a comedic persona and sense of humor on YouTube - Shifting focus to vertical video formats like TikTok and Instagram Reels - Motivations behind the format change and its impact on his career - The differences in effort between long and short-form content creation - How he approaches unboxing videos and the "CEO of Unboxings" moniker - His hopes for future smart home/AI technology advancements Lamarr Wilson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamarrwilson Lamarr Wilson on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOcE8WdQOSeqFczVxGatGKg Lamarr Wilson on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lamarrwilson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Jason Howell as he delves into the world of design with Liam Spradlin, discussing the subjective nature of design, the impact of generative AI, and Liam's experience creating the "Girasol" typeface. Please support this podcast on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell Design influence in Switzerland Material Design and deep personal meaning Everything in design is interfacial Does AI bypass intentional design? Has Material Design achieved its purpose? Where Liam's design sense began as a kid Liam's Typeface design Knowing when a design is done Why do we accept bad design in tech? Esthetic value of vintage interfaces Laim's most cherished technology Listen to the Design Notes podcast: https://designnotes.fm/ Read Liam's work on Interface Cade: https://interfacecafe.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices