Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

Bring Your Own Dog

Jul 7, 2025

Join the hosts as they unveil power-user tips for mastering your Apple devices. Learn how to navigate Notes swiftly and create personalized music stations in Apple Music. They tackle real-world tech snags, like troubleshooting a HomePod mishap and the woes of merging Apple IDs. Discover cool finds, from vintage turntables to AirPods sound insights. Plus, hear fresh takes on the latest beta releases and tech innovations, ensuring you're always ahead in the Apple ecosystem.

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ADVICE

Quick Notes Navigation Shortcuts

Press Command-Enter in Notes to toggle between the note editor and the notes list quickly.
Press Tab in the notes list to jump the cursor to the start of the selected note.

ADVICE

Create Stations From Songs

In Apple Music on Mac, right-click a song and choose Create Station to get similar tracks.
In Spotify, open Liked Songs, tap the three dots and choose Song Radio to generate a similar-playlist.

ADVICE

Encrypt Time Machine Volumes

Put Time Machine backups in encrypted APFS volumes inside a container to keep backups separate and secure.
Encrypt each Time Machine volume individually when you create it in Disk Utility.

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Bring Your Own Dog — Mac Geek Gab 1097 episode image

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
  - 2TB Crucial X9 Pro SSD
- 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
  - iDoing Android Head Unit
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