MacVoices

The Road to Macstock and Macstock Conference and Expo takes us to Jill McKinley, who previews her upcoming talk on how Apple’s ecosystem helped her lose weight and build a healthier lifestyle. She will explain how the Apple Watch, Fitness+, and apps like MyNetDiary and Todoist make tracking effortless, with reminders and data centralization driving consistency. In typical Jill fashion, her session will guide attendees through the full range of Apple’s health tools with small, sustainable steps.  This edition of MacVoices is supported by MacVoices After Dark. What happens before and after the shows is uncensored, on-topic, off-topic, and always off the wall. Sign up as a MacVoices Patron and get access! http://patreon.com/macvoices Show Notes: Chapters: 00:07 Road to MacStock with Jill McKinley 01:26 Jill's Journey to Health 04:12 Apple Technology in Fitness 07:38 Impact of the Apple Watch 10:22 Apps for Health Tracking 13:42 Creating a Health Ecosystem 14:49 Upcoming Presentation Preview l17:55 Promoting Jill's Projects Links: Macstock Conference and Expo Save $50 with Chuck’s discount code: macvoices50 Guests: By day, Jill McKinley is an IT professional with deep experience in enterprise hospital software, server administration, and digital workflow optimization. With decades of hands-on work—from Windows environments to Apple ecosystems—she combines technology, usability, and human-centered design to make systems work smarter for real people. Outside of tech, Jill is the creator and host of multiple YouTube channels and podcasts, including Start with Small Steps and Buzz Blossom & Squeak. Her shows explore personal growth, productivity, and the wonders of the natural world—all through the lens of curiosity and exploration. Whether she’s automating her home, unpacking the meaning of ancient texts, or nerding out over bird migration, Jill brings energy, insight, and just the right amount of geekiness to everything she does. Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

The panel digs into the abrupt shutdown of the Arc browser and what it signals about user expectations and innovation fatigue in the browser space. Chuck Joiner, Dave Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Eric Bolden, and Jeff Gamet explore Opera’s foray into agentic AI and how it could redefine how we interact with the web. A deep dive into Getty Images’ aggressive lawsuit against Stability AI sparks a broader conversation about copyright, content ownership, and AI ethics. Meta’s surprising move to open physical retail stores invites skepticism and speculation, while a T-Mobile privacy issue raises concerns over default screen recording in its app. The group also touches on new app store laws and a Victoria’s Secret cybersecurity incident, wrapping up with updates on MacStock and personal projects.  Today’s MacVoices is supported by CleanMyMac by MacPaw, your ultimate solution for Mac control and care. Try CleanMyMac for 7 days free, then use the code “MacVoices20” for 20% off at CLNMY.com/MacVoices. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:10 Browsers and the Arc Debate 08:07 Opera's New Agentic Browser 12:19 Getty Images and AI Lawsuit 19:54 New App Store Laws in Texas 22:04 Meta's Retail Strategy 31:54 T-Mobile's Screen Recording Controversy 35:18 Victoria's Secret Security Incident 43:13 Brian's New Podcast Launch 46:58 Closing Remarks and Connections Links: Mac browser Arc being discontinued in favor of new Dia app https://9to5mac.com/2025/05/27/mac-browser-arc-being-discontinued-in-favor-of-new-dia-app/ Opera's new 'fully agentic' browser can surf the web for you https://www.engadget.com/ai/operas-new-fully-agentic-browser-can-surf-the-web-for-you-145035874.html Getty Images spending millions to battle a ‘world of rhetoric’ in AI suit, CEO says https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/28/getty-ceo-stability-ai-lawsuit-doesnt-cover-industry-mass-theft.html Texas just passed the App Store law that Tim Cook personally tried to stop https://9to5mac.com/2025/05/27/texas-app-store-law-tim-cook/ Meta plans to open its own physical stores like the Apple Store - 9to5Mac https://9to5mac.com/2025/05/28/meta-plans-to-open-retail-locations-like-the-apple-store/ T-Mobile's App Is Recording Your Screen by Default, and You Should Turn It Off https://lifehacker.com/tech/t-mobile-app-screen-recording What's happening with Victoria's Secret? Website down, stock falls after unspecified 'security incident’ https://www.fastcompany.com/91342878/victorias-secret-website-down-stock-falls-security-incident-whats-happening Guests: Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitter, by email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast. Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. Jeff Gamet is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. Previously, he was The Mac Observer’s Managing Editor, and the TextExpander Evangelist for Smile. He has presented at Macworld Expo, RSA Conference, several WordCamp events, along with many other conferences. You can find him on several podcasts such as The Mac Show, The Big Show, MacVoices, Mac OS Ken, This Week in iOS, and more. Jeff is easy to find on social media as @jgamet on Twitter and Instagram, jeffgamet on LinkedIn., @jgamet@mastodon.social on Mastodon, and on his YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/jgamet. Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,’ including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Jim Rea built his own computer from scratch in 1975, started programming in 1977, and has been an independent Mac developer continuously since 1984. He is the founder of ProVUE Development, and the author of Panorama X, ProVUE's ultra fast RAM based database software for the macOS platform. He’s been a speaker at MacTech, MacWorld Expo and other industry conferences. Follow Jim at provue.com and via @provuejim@techhub.social on Mastodon.   Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

In a first for both The Road to Macstock and Macstock Conference and Expo itself, Marty Jencius and his son Will Jencius team up for a father-son presentation on travel tech, inspired by their podcast Gear Up and Go. They share how tech frustrations while traveling sparked the idea, how two generations bring different perspectives to gear choices, and what attendees can expect from their interactive, audience-involving session.  MacVoices is supported by Take Control Books: The Answers You Need Now, From Leading Experts. Start your library today. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:09 Introduction to MacVoices 02:22 The Genesis of the Podcast 03:52 Traveling and Tech Frustrations 12:10 Preparing for the Presentation 19:01 Engaging the Audience at Macstock 27:21 Connecting with the PodTalk Community Links: Macstock Conference and Expo Save $50 with the Marty and Will's discount code: podtalk50 Save $50 with Chuck’s discount code: macvoices50 Guests: Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,’ including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Dr. Will Jencius is a recent Ph.D. graduate in Chemistry, a bit of a dreamer and dabbler in technology. He likes to share an occasional cigar with his dad as they talk over the latest tech. Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

The MacVoices Live! panel discusses Apple’s claims of saving users billions through App Store fraud prevention, questioning the methods and statistics behind the figures. They explore the implications for developers, consumer safety, and legal battles like Epic. Chuck Joiner, Dave Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Marty Jencius, Web Bixby, Eric Bolden, and Jeff Gamet also cover the new self-repair option for iPads, skepticism over third-party repairs, and Apple’s acquisition of the game developer behind Sneaky Sasquatch—hinting at a potential new direction in Apple’s gaming strategy.  This edition of MacVoices is supported by The MacVoices Slack. Available all Patrons of MacVoices. Sign up at Patreon.com/macvoices. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:28 Welcome and Introductions 15:14 App Store Billions Saved 15:41 Self-Repair for iPads 21:51 Third Party Repairs 25:57 Apple Acquires Game Developer Links: Apple says its App Store rules have saved users billions - 9to5Mac https://9to5mac.com/2025/05/27/apple-says-its-app-store-rules-have-saved-users-billions/ Customers can now fix their iPads at home with Self Service Repair https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/05/28/customers-can-now-fix-ipads-at-home-with-self-service-repair Apple acquires tiny two-person ‘Sneaky Sasquatch’ developer RAC7 https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/05/28/customers-can-now-fix-ipads-at-home-with-self-service-repair Guests: Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitter, by email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast. Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. Jeff Gamet is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. Previously, he was The Mac Observer’s Managing Editor, and the TextExpander Evangelist for Smile. He has presented at Macworld Expo, RSA Conference, several WordCamp events, along with many other conferences. You can find him on several podcasts such as The Mac Show, The Big Show, MacVoices, Mac OS Ken, This Week in iOS, and more. Jeff is easy to find on social media as @jgamet on Twitter and Instagram, jeffgamet on LinkedIn., @jgamet@mastodon.social on Mastodon, and on his YouTube Channel at YouTube.com/jgamet. Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,’ including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Jim Rea built his own computer from scratch in 1975, started programming in 1977, and has been an independent Mac developer continuously since 1984. He is the founder of ProVUE Development, and the author of Panorama X, ProVUE's ultra fast RAM based database software for the macOS platform. He’s been a speaker at MacTech, MacWorld Expo and other industry conferences. Follow Jim at provue.com and via @provuejim@techhub.social on Mastodon. Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

In this Road to Macstock Conference and Expo conversation we welcome longtime speaker Kirschen Seah to discuss her upcoming session, Passkeys Demystified. Kirschen explains the promise of passkeys as a more secure, user-friendly alternative to passwords, and why adoption has been slower than expected. She shares insights into how passkeys work using public key cryptography, addresses common concerns about biometric data, and outlines how password managers like Apple Keychain and 1Password integrate with the system. With real-world scenarios and practical examples, Kirschen aims to help attendees confidently adopt passkeys and understand the evolving standards behind them.  Show Notes: Chapters: 00:08 Introduction to MacVoices 00:45 Kirschen Seah Joins the Conversation 02:20 Passkeys Demystified 08:44 Managing Multiple Accounts 10:32 The Role of Password Managers 13:15 Preparing for the Session 15:55 Macstock Conference Details 17:51 The Value of Curiosity at Macstock Links: Macstock Conference and Expo Save $50 with the Kirschen's discount code: freerangecoder Save $50 with Chuck’s discount code: macvoices50 Guests: Kirschen Seah’s background is Computer Sciences with interests in Software Engineering, User Experience, and Mac OS X / iPhone OS development. She started programming with BASIC in 1978 on an Apple ][ and have over 30 years of experience in the field. Kirschen worked on OPENSTEP (precursor to Mac OS X Cocoa) graphical prototyping applications initially when she joined Rockwell Collins (now Collins Aerospace) in 1999, and was a Senior Principal Systems Engineer in the Flight Management Systems department focussed on the user interface for pilot interaction. Prior to joining Rockwell Collins Kirschen worked at Acuity (formerly ichat) developing interactive user interfaces for live chat customer service agents. Now retired, there’s now more time to share technical insights on her blog, develop useful scripts (Python, shell), and write Shortcuts. Kirschen is really motivated to share her experience to help fellow software practitioners develop better skills – be that in good design, implementation, or computer science fundamentals. As much as she can, Kirschen tries to share the delight in discovering how iOS and macOS applications for productivity and creativity have helped her do better in her personal and (former) work life. Connect with her on her web site, FreeRangeCoder Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Chuck Joiner, Marty Jencius, David Ginsburg, Jim Rea, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Eric Bolden, and Web Bixby discuss the black market for stolen iPhones, focusing on how even locked devices are shipped overseas and dismantled for parts—a revelation that challenges assumptions about smartphone security. The conversation then turns to Neal Stephenson’s thought-provoking ideas on coexisting with artificial intelligence, drawing parallels between AI and our relationships with animals. The panel reflects on how AI understands human intention and how we communicate with it. Also on the docket: the surprising $6 billion collaboration between Jony Ive and Sam Altman, raising questions about the future of AI hardware. This edition of MacVoices is supported by Notion, the best AI tool for work. Check it out at notion.com/macvoices. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:10 Stolen iPhones and Chop Shops 01:34 Living with AI 07:48 Coexisting with Non-Human Intelligences 18:43 Johnny Ive and Sam Altman Collaboration 19:31 The Future of AI Devices 35:14 Microsoft Advertising and Competition Links: How stolen and locked iPhones are being broken down in China for profit https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/05/21/how-stolen-and-locked-iphones-are-being-broken-down-in-china-for-profit From Animals to AI: Neal Stephenson on Coexisting with Non-Human Intelligences https://tidbits.com/2025/05/20/from-animals-to-ai-neal-stephenson-on-coexisting-with-non-human-intelligences/ Kuo: Jony Ive's Futuristic OpenAI Device Like a Neck-Worn iPod Shuffle https://www.macrumors.com/2025/05/22/ming-chi-kuo-on-openai-device-design/ Sam and Jony and skepticism https://sixcolors.com/post/2025/05/sam-and-jony-and-skepticism/ Microsoft blames Apple for blocking Xbox mobile store, as it supports Epic https://9to5mac.com/2025/05/21/microsoft-blames-apple-for-blocking-xbox-mobile-store-as-it-supports-epic/ Leaked Google database reveals its secret privacy and security failures https://www.engadget.com/leaked-google-database-reveals-its-secret-privacy-and-security-failures-183232983.html Microsoft ad uses an older MacBook Air for comparison: “We’re faster than a Mac” https://www.idownloadblog.com/2025/05/15/microsoft-ad-copilot-plus-windows-pc-macbook-air-comparison-cpu-speed-ai-performance/ Guests: Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitter, by email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast. Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud. David Ginsburg is the host of the weekly podcast In Touch With iOS where he discusses all things iOS, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and related technologies. He is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users. Visit his YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/daveg65 and find and follow him on Twitter @daveg65 and on Mastodon at @daveg65@mastodon.cloud. Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,’ including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net. Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. This is also co-host of The Vision ProFiles podcast. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC). Jim Rea built his own computer from scratch in 1975, started programming in 1977, and has been an independent Mac developer continuously since 1984. He is the founder of ProVUE Development, and the author of Panorama X, ProVUE's ultra fast RAM based database software for the macOS platform. He’s been a speaker at MacTech, MacWorld Expo and other industry conferences. Follow Jim at provue.com and via @provuejim@techhub.social on Mastodon. Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Mike Schmitz returns to the Road to Macstock Conference and Expo to discuss his session, “Think Different: Using AI as Your Creative Copilot.” He explains how he uses AI not to automate the end product, but to enhance the early stages of the creative process—particularly brainstorming and idea generation. By reframing “hallucinations” as sparks of inspiration, Mike shares how large language models help overcome creative bottlenecks, reduce friction, and support consistency without sacrificing originality. He also highlights specific tools that allow independent creators to scale their reach more effectively and thoughtfully.  http://traffic.libsyn.com/maclevelten/MV25171.mp3 This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Get access to the MacVoices Slack and MacVoices After Dark by joining in at Patreon.com/macvoices. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:07 Road to Mac Stock with Mike Schmitz 01:48 AI as Your Creative Copilot 03:48 Exploring AI's Creative Potential 09:52 Leveraging AI for Content Creation 13:59 Tools Revolutionizing Creativity 19:52 Removing Friction in Creation 21:04 Using AI to Ship More 21:54 MacStock Conference Details 22:44 Where to Find Mike Schmitz Links: stock Conference and Expo Save $50 with the Mike's discount code: practicalpkm Save $50 with Chuck’s discount code: macvoices50 Guests: Mike Schmitz  is a nerd and an independent creator who talks about the intersection of faith, productivity, and tech He’s a YouTuber, screencaster (ScreenCastsOnline), writer (The Sweet Setup), and co-hosts the Focused, Bookworm, and Intentional Family podcasts.His newest effort is PracticalPKM, where he teaches his personal approach to getting more done. Follow him on Twitter as _MikeSchmitz. Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Our conversation with MacPaw’s Senior Software Engineer Serhii Popov and Product Manager Pavlo Haidamak continues to explore the intersection of product development, ethical data practices, and user trust. The team shares their experience building CleanMyMac and Setapp, emphasizing the importance of transparency, responsible data handling, and thoughtful feature design—like their decision to bring back the Space Lens module after unexpected user outcry. With real-world examples, they unpack how customer feedback and cultural perspectives inform their work, and why they believe developers should treat users as collaborators—not data sources.  This edition of MacVoices is supported by Notion, the best AI tool for work. Check it out at notion.com/macvoices. Show Notes: Chapters: 00:08 Introduction to Developer Perspectives 14:02 Insights from Setapp Developers 23:30 Gathering Customer Feedback 31:18 Treating Customers as Team Members 36:51 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts Links: MacPaw Discord Server: https://discord.gg/eN4dX2RRkN Guests: Pavlo Haidamak is a Product Manager at MacPaw, currently leading the team behind CleanMyMac. With a background in Computer Science, Pavlo began his career as a QA engineer and has since managed acclaimed products such as Gemini 2, Setapp, and SpyBuster. As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), he is dedicated to driving innovation and making apps smarter and more accessible. Outside of technology, Pavlo is an avid painter and analogue photography enthusiast, with a particular love for Polaroid cameras. In his free time, he enjoys baking bread, vibe coding and spending time with his tiny chihuahua, Loretta. You can connect with him here: www.linkedin.com/in/haidamak Serhi Popovi is a Senior Software Engineer at MacPaw with more than 7 years of experience developing world-class multi-platform apps. An expert in Swift, Swift Multiplatform, MarketplaceKit, Accessibility and other technologies, he's worked on several projects like Setapp, Setapp software development kit, and Spark Email. As the engineering lead of Setapp Mobile, Serhii has lead his team to develop one of the first successful alternative marketplaces for iOS, all while contributing to the Apple developer community through conference presentations, advocacy, and education.You can connect with him here:  LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/serg-i  X: x.com/zaris__  Website: bysergi.com Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

Senior Software Engineer Serhii Popov and Product Manager Pavlo Haidamak, both of MacPaw, offer an inside look at how CleanMyMac is built with user trust, transparency, and security at the forefront. They discuss how evolving regulations like GDPR and Apple’s system restrictions have changed the way software is developed, tested, and updated. The conversation explores balancing user control with ease of use, why informed permission requests matter, and how user feedback directly shapes product improvements. With examples from their own workflows and challenges, they highlight what it means to build responsible software in an age of heightened privacy concerns.0:09 Introduction to MacPaw's Perspective (Part 1)  This edition of MacVoices is supported by Notion, the best AI tool for work. Check it out at notion.com/macvoices. Show Notes: Chapters: 01:49 Roles and Responsibilities at MacPaw 03:58 Evolving Demands in Software Development 04:50 Trust and Security in Software 09:36 Educating Customers on Data Privacy 13:21 Permission Requests and User Experience 17:17 Customer Experience with CleanMyMac 20:47 The Importance of User Feedback 32:31 Closing Thoughts on User Control Links: MacPaw Discord Server: https://discord.gg/eN4dX2RRkN Guests: Pavlo Haidamak is a Product Manager at MacPaw, currently leading the team behind CleanMyMac. With a background in Computer Science, Pavlo began his career as a QA engineer and has since managed acclaimed products such as Gemini 2, Setapp, and SpyBuster. As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), he is dedicated to driving innovation and making apps smarter and more accessible. Outside of technology, Pavlo is an avid painter and analogue photography enthusiast, with a particular love for Polaroid cameras. In his free time, he enjoys baking bread, vibe coding and spending time with his tiny chihuahua, Loretta. You can connect with him here: www.linkedin.com/in/haidamak Serhi Popovi is a Senior Software Engineer at MacPaw with more than 7 years of experience developing world-class multi-platform apps. An expert in Swift, Swift Multiplatform, MarketplaceKit, Accessibility and other technologies, he's worked on several projects like Setapp, Setapp software development kit, and Spark Email. As the engineering lead of Setapp Mobile, Serhii has lead his team to develop one of the first successful alternative marketplaces for iOS, all while contributing to the Apple developer community through conference presentations, advocacy, and education.You can connect with him here:  LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/serg-i  X: x.com/zaris__  Website: bysergi.com Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss

We wrap up our NAB Show 2025 coverage with Terry Morgan and Caroline Scott of Luma Touch, who share insights on how AI is being integrated into video editing without stifling creativity. While AI offers efficiency, concerns remain about homogenized content and the loss of personal storytelling. They emphasize the importance of editorial choices that bring emotion and uniqueness, warning against over-reliance on AI-generated results.  Show Notes: Chapters: 00:08 Welcome to NAB Show 2025 00:12 Impressions from NAB Show 02:58 The Role of AI in Editing 05:32 The Importance of Creativity 06:47 Closing Thoughts and Farewells Support:      Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon      http://patreon.com/macvoices      Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal Connect:      Web:      http://macvoices.com      Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner      http://www.twitter.com/macvoices      Mastodon:      https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner      Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner      MacVoices Page on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/      MacVoices Group on Facebook:      http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice      LinkedIn:      https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/      Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/ Subscribe:      Audio in iTunes      Video in iTunes      Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:      Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss      Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss