Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting Bring Your Own Dog
You’re in for a fast-paced ride with Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton as they dive into power-user Quick Tips that’ll change your Apple game. From lightning-fast navigation in Notes to creating Spotify-style stations in Apple Music, and securing your Time Machine volumes inside encrypted APFS containers, this episode is loaded. You’ll rearrange CarPlay apps like a pro, check your battery with Siri, and streamline iCloud Mail aliases. And if you haven’t played with ChatGPT’s new voice mode recently, you’re missing out—it’s weirdly friendly.
Then it’s a hard turn into real-world snags, like when JP’s HomePod stopped being a Home Hub—Don’t Get Caught like he did. Adam tries—and fails—to merge his Apple IDs, raising red flags for developer account holders. Cool Stuff Found includes retro-modern turntables from Victrola (this month’s MGG giveaway!) and a handy AirPods noise guide. Listener questions dig into hostname quirks and CarPlay glitches, and the crew weighs in on Apple’s 2026 OS betas. Pilot Pete gives iOS 26 a solid 95%, so maybe it’s time to test the waters—maybe just not on your main device?
- 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1097 for Monday, July 7th, 2025
- July 7th: World Chocolate Day
- Police Code 10-97 – Arrived at Scene
- MGG Monthly Giveaway – Victrola Turntable
- The MGG Merch Store is Live!
- We’ll be doing MGG Live at Macstock on Saturday, July 12th! Join us, and use our coupon code: MACGEEKGAB50 to save $50!
- Quick Tips
- 00:00:01 Dan-QT-Tab from Notes List to get to Start of Note
- 00:04:44 Tony-QT-Apple Music Create Station – Spotify also
- 00:06:06 Allen-QT-Encrypt your Time Machine Volumes inside an APFS container
- 00:08:18 Joe-QT-Apple iCloud Mail Aliases
- 00:11:08 Steve-QT-With CarPlay (or not) you can ask Siri for your iPhone’s battery percentage
- 00:13:24 Who is using Alexa+ Early Access?
- 00:17:39 ChatGPT’s voice mode…is friendlier
- 00:18:40 Gary-QT-ReArrange Apps in CarPlay to suit your needs!
- 00:19:59 Tim-QT-Show alternate directions in Apple Maps CarPlay
- Sponsors
- 00:21:06 SPONSOR: Fireflies AI. Fireflies is the number one AI teammate that transcribes, summarizes, and analyzes your conversations so you can get the most out of every meeting. Get 2 months free at Fireflies.ai/mgg.
- 00:22:34 SPONSOR: Strawberry.me. Own Your Future. Discover what’s possible with a professional coach by your side. Visit Strawberry.me/MGG or use code MGG to claim your $50 credit today.
- Don’t Get Caught
- 00:23:53 JP-I got caught with my HomePod stopping acting as a HomeHub
- 00:30:49 Fr-John-DGC Follow Up-CleanMyMac Not as effective as MacUpdater
- 00:31:48 Bob-CSF-Latest lets you check for software updates on your Mac
- On Merging Your Apple IDs
- 00:33:11 Adam could NOT merge his two Apple IDs, possibly because he has a developer account?
- Sponsors
- 00:44:07 SPONSOR: Caldera Lab. Guys, don’t settle for drugstore junk or steal your partner’s products—elevate your routine with skincare made for you. Head to CalderaLab.com/MGG and use MGG at checkout for 20% off your first order.
- 00:45:45 SPONSOR: K12 can help your child start reaching their full potential in life now – and give you the support you need to get them there! Go to K12.com/MGG today to find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you and enroll now
- 00:47:19 PODCAST: The 5 AM Miracle. Every Monday morning, The 5 AM Miracle is here to help you dominate your day before breakfast, create powerful lifelong habits, and tackle your grandest goals with extraordinary energy.
- Cool Stuff Found
- 00:48:12 CSF-Victrola Stream Onyx Turntable
- 00:52:18 CSF-Victrola Revolution GO 3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Rechargeable Record Player with Built-in Speakers
- 00:54:35 PJ-CSF-AirPods Noises Reference Page
- 00:56:06 Deborah-CSF-1096-OWC’s Thunderbolt Dual DisplayPort Adapter
- Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!
- 00:59:36 Alan-Why does my Mac’s local hostname keep adding and increasing numbers at the end?
- 01:06:06 Tim-Why Cellular Connectivity Issue with CarPlay
- Apple’s Upcoming 2026 OSes
- 01:11:37 rnDoug-Before you install iPadOS 26 beta…
- 01:13:32 Adam’s having a good iPadOS 26 beta experience…for the most part
- 01:14:23 Pilot Pete gives iOS 26 beta a 95% rating
- 01:17:27 MGG 1097 Outtro
- MGG Monthly Giveaway – Victrola Turntable
- Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly
- Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
- The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!
- Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
- MGG Merch is Available!
- Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page
- Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar
- This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors
- MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews
- feedback@macgeekgab.com
- 224-888-GEEK
- Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List
- BackBeat Media Podcast Network