How Zapier and other middlemen fit into MCP workflows

This week, Federico and John demystify Model Context Protocol (MCP), covering how it works, where it’s heading, and practical examples of what it can do.

On AppStories+, Federico and John experiment with whether AI can make sense of the information firehose.

We deliver AppStories+ to subscribers with bonus content, ad-free, and at a high bitrate early every week.

To learn more about an AppStories+ subscription, visit our Plans page, or read the AppStories+ FAQ.

---

Links and Show Notes

• Background
  • Model Context Protocol (MCP)
  • MCP Documentation
  • MCP GitHub Repository
  • Claude Desktop Extensions One-click MCP server installation for Claude Desktop
  • Getting Started with Custom Connectors Using Remote MCP
  • ChatGPT Developer mode
  • Simon Willison on MCP Security
• Apps and Services
  • Smithery.ai
  • Zapier MCP Integration
  • Shortwave Email Client
  • Notion MCP Server
• Club MacStories on MCP
  • HyperContext
  • Behind the Scenes of My iOS and iPadOS 26 Review
  • Why I Landed on Shortwave for Email and Stuck with It

Visit AppStories.net to learn more about the extended, high bitrate audio version of AppStories that is delivered early each week and subscribe.

Check out our Desk Setups

Leave Feedback for John and Federico

• AppStories Feedback Form

Follow us on Mastodon

• AppStories
• Federico Viticci
• John Voorhees

Follow us on Bluesky

• AppStories
• MacStories
• Federico Viticci
• John Voorhees

Affiliate Linking Policy

Leave Feedback for John and Federico

• AppStories Feedback Form

Follow us on Mastodon

• AppStories
• Federico Viticci
• John Voorhees

Follow us on Bluesky

• AppStories
• MacStories
• Federico Viticci
• John Voorhees