KMUD - Tech Mud

This month Garth and Rick talk local internet headaches when your fiber goes dark and nobody has answers, the showdown between Anthropic and OpenAI over Pentagon AI contracts and who gets to decide when machines pull the trigger, why AI hallucinations should keep you skeptical no matter how smart the response sounds, surveillance creep from hacked traffic cams to your car's tire pressure sensors, rising component costs and supply chain trouble that isn't going away anytime soon, and a book recommendation on how Apple helped fast-track China's manufacturing revolution.

In this episode of Tech Mud, Garth and Rick focus on digital privacy in 2026 and how surveillance tech, AI systems, traffic cameras, and everyday apps are collecting more data than most people realize. The discussion is shaped by live caller questions about monitoring, data tracking, and practical ways to protect personal information. As always, it is a grounded look at the good, the bad, and the downright paranoid of technology.

In this episode of Tech Mud, Garth and Rick dig into real-world tech topics shaped by listener call-ins, including questions about security cameras, traffic monitoring, and how surveillance tech is increasingly showing up in everyday life. They also reflect on where AI landed in 2025, what proved useful, and what didn’t. From privacy concerns to practical tech decisions, the conversation stays grounded, local, and focused on how technology actually affects people day to day.

In this episode of Tech Mud, Garth and Rick look back at the AI landscape of 2025, what actually mattered, and what turned out to be hype. Along the way, they dig into real-world tech issues, cybersecurity concerns, and everyday device headaches, while taking live calls and listener questions. As always, it’s an honest look at the good, the bad, and the downright paranoid of technology.

Garth & Rick discuss the pros and cons of Linux, including how it can revive old hardware and keep it out of the e-waste pile. They also dive into what we can look forward to—or fear—in the tech world under the new presidential administration. Big local news: Garberville and Redway are officially getting fiber-to-the-home! It’s not just a rumor—high-speed internet is coming. Plus, we explore emerging technology trends, cybersecurity concerns, and digital privacy issues. Tune in for insights, debates, and live tech Q&A from the KMUD audience!