
Techsploder
Join veteran tech podcaster Jason Howell as he sits down with intriguing tech minds for casual conversations that explore the human experience in a world engulfed by technology. From tech journalists and creators to entrepreneurs, Jason invites guests to share their journey through tech and reflect on the triumphs and struggles of being immersed in the always-evolving tech landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Mar 27, 2025 β’ 1h 1min
Mikah Sargent
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.π Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowellNote: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor.CHAPTERS:00:00 - Show begins01:51 - Catching up with Mikah Sargent10:42 - Mikah's move to Portland and comparison to the Bay Area15:49 - Mikah's early tech memories and influences20:50 - The Kindle Keyboard as Mikah's tech awakening28:39 - Mikah's journey from graphic design to tech journalism30:25 - Mikah's history with smartphones and Apple devices35:33 - Mikah recalls the Sanyo SCP2700 BlackBerry knockoff38:22 - Discussion of the Ubiquiti Wi-Fi spectrum analyzer45:47 - Tech Mikah wishes he still had: The Juice Box multimedia player50:27 - Alternative universe career path: General contractorCatch Mikah on TWiT, Relay, and more: http://chihuahua.coffee/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 17, 2025 β’ 52min
David Pierce
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.π Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowellNote: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Podcast begins1:36 - Introducing David Pierce!2:20 - The Evolution of Computers from destinations to being ubiquitous7:00 - David's early interest in technology8:53 - The gold iPod mini experience15:22 - The Resurgence of Tactile Technology18:21 - Tangible vs. Digital Music26:16 - Technology and Organization35:51 - AI Impact on Education39:48 - 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

Jan 3, 2025 β’ 1h 6min
Becca Farsace
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.π Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowellNote: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor.CHAPTERS:00:00 - Podcast begins02:05 - Introducing Becca Farsace!03:28 - Authenticity in content creation and connecting with the audience07:11 - Allowing children access to social media and technology08:51 - Becca's first cell phone and early mobile devices13:59 - The iPad Touch and its impact on Becca's interest in technology17:40 - Raving about the DJI Osmo Pocket 321:18 - Becca's experience creating the iJustine video as her last project at The Verge26:39 - Transitioning from working at The Verge to becoming an independent creator28:21 - Octopus Arms analogy and goals for 202533:07 - Becca's approach to creativity and breaking the rules in video production34:11 - Challenges of being an independent creator, including thumbnails and titles35:40 - Becca's experience with ADD and how she manages her work39:55 - How Becca moved from behind the camera to in front of it42:39 - Becca's big tip on how to start a YouTube channel in 202543:57 - The Apple QuickTake 200 camera and nostalgic tech49:51 - Discussion about Google Glass and the future of smart glasses53:32 - The Unihertz Jelly smartphone and minimalist phone designs55:14 - THANK YOU to Becca!57:39 - Everything else you need to know about Techsploder PodcastCatch 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

Oct 24, 2024 β’ 1h 4min
Jay Adelson
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.π 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

Sep 26, 2024 β’ 1h 10min
Andy Ihnatko
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.π 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

Sep 19, 2024 β’ 1h 6min
Owen JJ Stone
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.π 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

Sep 12, 2024 β’ 1h 1min
Sarah Lane
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.π 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 photographyCatch Sarah Lane on the Daily Tech News Show.Also the Apple Vision ShowAlso 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

Sep 5, 2024 β’ 1h 5min
Doc Rock
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.π 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-poppsWatch 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

Aug 29, 2024 β’ 49min
Michael Fisher
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.π 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

Aug 22, 2024 β’ 59min
Scott Johnson
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.π 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
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