

Mac Power Users
Relay
Learn about getting the most from your Apple technology with focused topics and workflow guests. Creating Mac Power Users since 2009, one conversation at a time. Hosted by David Sparks and Stephen Hackett.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 3, 2022 • 1h 22min
621: Sparky Freedom
Experience a journey of transformation as one speaker pivots from a stable legal career to embrace creativity full-time. Discover the power of asking pivotal questions that reshape life choices and the support found within friendships. Learn about the vision behind Max Sparky Labs, a new hub for content creation, and the challenges of maintaining fitness while pursuing passion projects. With reflections on quality content and career shifts, the conversation encourages listeners to seek fulfillment and authenticity in their professional lives.

Dec 26, 2021 • 2h 19min
620: The State of Apple in 2021
As the year ends, the hosts analyze Apple's market position and innovations, emphasizing the shift to Apple Silicon and examining the evolution of the Mac. They spotlight the iPhone’s dominance in revenue and discuss the importance of iPad's unique identity. Future tech is explored, including audio innovations and the potential of augmented reality. Challenges with macOS and internal resource management during remote work are addressed, alongside enhanced services like iCloud and Apple TV Plus. The conversation is a mix of optimism for future developments and reflections on past successes.

Dec 19, 2021 • 1h 53min
619: Home Studio Updates
David shares his journey of moving his home office, while Stephen discusses building a cabin. They compare their evolving home studios, touching on the challenges of working remotely with family around. Upgrades like custom keyboards and ergonomics are highlighted, along with the benefits of mobile computing. The conversation dives into soundproofing, efficient storage solutions, and the joy of personalizing workspaces. They also explore technology's role in fostering creativity, emphasizing the balance between functionality and personal significance.

Dec 12, 2021 • 1h 45min
618: Making Movies at Pixar, with John Soliman
John Soliman, a Second Assistant Editor at Pixar Animation Studios, shares his journey from medicine to the animation industry. He dives into the unique workflows and collaborative culture at Pixar, emphasizing the balance between creativity and technology. The conversation highlights Pixar's use of Google tools for team coordination and explores the rendering process using RenderMan. Listeners will enjoy insights into the editing techniques and software evolution, including Avid and Final Cut Pro, that shape the animation magic they love.

Dec 5, 2021 • 2h 1min
617: Back in Whack
In this engaging discussion, Jeremy Butcher from Apple, a key player in the Business Essentials program, shares insights on how it aims to simplify device management for small businesses, enhancing productivity. The conversation also touches on Siri customization, the benefits of on-site repair services, and optimizing iCloud storage for Macs. Additionally, they explore email management with Fastmail and the smooth transition from Intel to Apple Silicon, offering valuable tips for a seamless upgrade.

Nov 28, 2021 • 1h 59min
616: The Quality Will be Ensured, with Daniel Jalkut
Daniel Jalkut, an indie software developer known for MarsEdit and FastScripts, joins the discussion to share his journey in app development. He reflects on the evolution of Mac technology and the challenges developers face today. The conversation covers insights into Apple Silicon, the balance between SwiftUI and AppKit, and the impact of subscription models on app pricing. Daniel also delves into productivity tools like TextExpander and discusses his experiences with MarsEdit and the importance of the indie developer community.

4 snips
Nov 21, 2021 • 1h 29min
615: The Clipboard Manager Roundup
Discover the world of clipboard managers that can elevate your copy-paste game on macOS and iOS. The hosts share their top app recommendations, highlighting the functionality of tools like TextExpander and Pastebot. They humorously recount live presentation mishaps and delve into the benefits of retaining multiple clipboard items for a streamlined workflow. The conversation also critiques the design and usability of various clipboard managers, emphasizing the unique capabilities that enhance productivity and organization. Tune in for insights and tips!

Nov 14, 2021 • 1h 34min
614: The 2021 MPU Gift Guide
It's holiday gift guide time! The hosts dive into their favorite tech picks, including the M1 MacBook Air and iPad Mini, emphasizing performance and practical accessories like AirTags. They reminisce about childhood gifts and explore affordable tech tools that enhance efficiency. The conversation flows to versatile MagSafe pop sockets and essential iPad accessories that boost creativity. They highlight quality desk accessories that enhance productivity and share joyful anecdotes about gift-giving, showing how thoughtful gifts can bring delight.

6 snips
Nov 7, 2021 • 1h 44min
613: The Future of Work, with Sean McCabe
In this conversation, Sean McCabe, founder of Sean Wes Media and author of 'Overlap', shares his insights on running a Mac-based business, emphasizing productivity through seamless integration of apps and cloud services. He discusses turning long-form content into engaging social media clips and strategies for effective podcast promotion. The importance of automation in remote collaboration and the transformative power of personal sabbaticals for work-life balance are also highlighted, encouraging listeners to leverage innovative tools and prioritize self-care.

7 snips
Oct 31, 2021 • 1h 49min
612: macOS Monterey & MacBook Pro Impressions
The hosts dive into the exciting features of macOS Monterey, highlighting improvements like Universal Control and Quick Note. They discuss the impact of the new MacBook Pro models, noting the fantastic performance of M1 Pro and M1 Max chips. Listeners get insights into enhanced security features and the productivity boosts from the Shortcuts app. Personal anecdotes add a fun twist as they explore the new design elements and battery life. Overall, it's a fascinating look at the latest in the Mac ecosystem!