

Hackaday Podcast
Hackaday
Hackaday Editors take a look at all of the interesting uses of technology that pop up on the internet each week. Topics cover a wide range like bending consumer electronics to your will, designing circuit boards, building robots, writing software, 3D printing interesting objects, and using machine tools. Get your fix of geeky goodness from new episodes every Friday morning.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 22min
Ep 334: Radioactive Shrimp Clocks, Funky Filaments, Owning the Hardware
Dive into the bizarre world of potentially radioactive shrimp hitting grocery stores! Explore the quirky results of the One Hertz Challenge featuring atomic clocks and timekeeping secrets. Discover tips for creating clear digital schematics, while also delving into innovative 3D printing materials. Learn how old smartphones can double as low-power servers and the sustainable future of circuitry. Plus, uncover the power of open-source firmware, allowing you to tweak your hardware and make it truly yours!

Aug 15, 2025 • 49min
Ep 333: Nightmare Whiffletrees, 18650 Safety, and a Telephone Twofer
Join the hosts as they dive into fascinating innovations in robotics, showcasing a talking robot that uses typewriter tech. Discover the challenges of bringing retro computers like the PDP-1 back to life, alongside safety discussions on battery usage. Get creative with unique projects like fluid simulation business cards and striking DIY designs. Plus, explore the limitations of smartphones and the intriguing history of early telephone broadcasting that laid the groundwork for today's podcasts. Don't miss this eclectic mix of tech and creativity!

Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 9min
Ep 332: 5 Axes are Better than 3, Hacking Your Behavior, and the Man Who Made Models
A new 5-axis 3D printer makes waves with its non-planar printing capabilities, eliminating overhangs. The hosts dive into the quirks of budget vs. premium digital microscopes, revealing surprising insights about their performance. They also tackle naming challenges in tech, shedding light on systemic issues for those with unique names. Plus, there's a nostalgic nod to model making and a reminder of lightning safety in aviation. And don't forget about the upcoming sci-fi Halloween party at Supercon—it's going to be a blast!

Aug 1, 2025 • 49min
Ep 331: Clever Machine Tools, Storing Data in Birds, and the Ultimate Cyberdeck
Another week, another Hackaday podcast, and for this one Elliot is joined by Jenny List, fresh from the BornHack hacker camp in Denmark. There's a definite metal working flavour to this week's picks, with new and exciting CNC techniques and a selective electroplater that can transfer bitmaps to metal. But worry not, there's plenty more to tease the ear, with one of the nicest cyberdecks we've ever seen, and a bird that can store images in its song. Standout quick hacks are a synth that makes sounds from Ethernet packets, and the revelation that the original PlayStation is now old enough to need replacement motherboards. Finally we take a closer look at the huge effort that goes in to monitoring America's high voltage power infrastructure, and some concerning privacy news from the UK. Have a listen!

Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 1min
Ep 330: Hover Turtles, Dull Designs, and K'nex Computers
Catch up on the wonders of vibe coding and a daring space repair near Jupiter! Discover innovative hacks like paste-extruded egg shells and a quirky 8-bit mechanical computer made from K'nex. Dive into the dull world of modern cell phone designs and learn how fresh fruit travels from farm to table in the winter. Plus, explore the fascinating complexities of the North American cold chain and the importance of reliable behind-the-scenes services that keep our lives running smoothly.

Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 13min
Ep 329: AI Surgery, a Prison Camp Lathe, and a One Hertz Four-Fer
Dive into the world of groundbreaking AI-assisted surgery with innovative robots transforming the medical field. Explore the fascinating realm of fusion reactors making strides in energy production. Discover quirky projects from the One Hertz Challenge, showcasing the community’s creativity. Unearth a remarkable story of ingenuity during WWII, where prisoners crafted prosthetic limbs in a clandestine shop. Plus, a look at the rise and fall of Blu-ray amid the streaming era – all packed into a treasure trove of technology and tales!

Jul 11, 2025 • 44min
Ep 328: Benchies, Beanies, and Back to the Future
The hosts dive into the thrilling One Hertz Challenge, encouraging listeners to get involved. They explore innovative 3D printing hacks, including a speedy Benchy and a realistic cowbell, sharing the humorous challenges faced along the way. A nostalgic look at tech from 'Back to the Future' is woven in alongside discussions of the unique Chisanbop math tool. Fun facts about the video game Half-Life lead to an engaging guessing game, promising a mix of creativity, nostalgia, and tech insights.

Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 9min
Ep 327: A Ploopy Knob, Rube-Goldberg Book Scanner, Hard Drives And Power Grids Oscillating Out Of Control
It's Independence Day here in the USA, but if you're not a fan of fireworks and hot dogs, Elliot and Dan's rundown of the best hacks of the week is certainly something to celebrate. Rest easy, because nothing exploded, not even the pneumatic standing desk that [Matthias] tore into, nor the electroplated 3D prints that [H3NDRIK] took a blowtorch to. We both really loved the Ploopiest knob you've ever seen, which would be even Ploopier in anodized aluminum, as well as an automatic book scanner that takes its job very seriously. We looked into the mysteries of the Smith chart, another couple of fantastic student projects out of Cornell, the pros and cons of service loops, and what happened when the lights went out in Spain last Spring. And what does Janet Jackson have against laptops anyway?

Jun 27, 2025 • 54min
Ep 326: A DIY Pockel Cell, Funny Materials to 3D Print With, and Pwning a Nissan Leaf
This week dives into impressive DIY projects, including a home-made Pockels cell light valve. Explore the fascinating world of 3D printing with innovative materials, and get insights into vulnerabilities in the Nissan Leaf’s cybersecurity. The hosts celebrate quirky winners from a recent pet hacks contest and introduce a new challenge that encourages creativity. Other topics include a look at the history of satellite phones and engaging with automotive sound quizzes, all while battling summer heat and noisy fans!

4 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 59min
Ep 325: The Laugh Track Machine, DIY USB-C Power Cables, and Plastic Punches
This week, the hosts dive into fascinating projects like DIY USB cables and innovative 3D printed clocks with interactive features. They discuss the intriguing roles of ham radio operators during WWII and the cultural impact of laugh tracks in comedy. Highlights include the legacy of NOAA's polar satellites, the evolution of manufacturing through 3D printing, and dreams of moon bases from the Cold War era. Plus, get insights into unique magnetic material designs and the latest in circuit board creativity.