
Mac Power Users
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.
Latest episodes

90 snips
Jan 26, 2025 • 1h 11min
781: The 2025 Productivity Field Guide
Discover the revamped 2025 Productivity Field Guide, filled with user insights and feedback. Explore the fascinating intersection of nostalgia, retro gaming, and modern productivity tools. Dive into unique philosophies on personal productivity and the importance of strong password management. Learn how redefining goals and documenting personal roles can lead to fulfillment. Time tracking and evolving course content play crucial roles in effective strategies. Plus, enjoy reflections on a journey of growth and communication in the Mac ecosystem.

168 snips
Jan 19, 2025 • 1h 29min
780: Our Home Screens & Focus Modes
The hosts discuss the significance of home screens and focus modes for productivity. They share personal strategies for optimizing their devices to enhance daily efficiency. A light-hearted debate on icon sizes arises, tapping into design preferences and vision challenges. Insights into app organization reveal how separating work and personal apps boosts clarity. The evolution of Apple's mobile interface and air quality monitoring features are also explored, emphasizing the need for customized tech use to simplify life.

149 snips
Jan 12, 2025 • 1h 10min
779: An AirPods Launcher
Dive into the world of AI-powered dictation solutions and hear personal tales about navigating Apple’s safety features. Discover innovations like Mac Whisper for seamless transcription, and get tips on tech setup for family members. Enjoy humorous anecdotes about AirPods mishaps and the effectiveness of the Find My feature. Plus, practical advice on drying wet devices and insights into modern printing challenges. This episode balances tech tips with entertaining stories, proving that technology can be both useful and amusing.

188 snips
Jan 5, 2025 • 1h 20min
778: Exploring the Task Management Environment
Dive into the latest trends in task management as hosts examine 2024's top tools. They discuss the evolution of apps like Apple Reminders and OmniFocus, exploring their functionalities and how they enhance productivity. Customization features of GoodTask and the balance between digital and analog methods are highlighted. Insights on effective strategies like time blocking and personal preferences enrich the conversation. Whether you're a fan of seamless syncing or analog approaches, there's something for everyone!

24 snips
Dec 29, 2024 • 30min
777: Setup Nostalgia
The hosts dive into a heartfelt reminiscence of their college days, sharing stories about their beloved Mac setups that shaped their lives. They explore the transformative power of devices like the Titanium PowerBook and the iPod, revealing how these tools influenced their social and professional journeys. Nostalgia takes center stage as they discuss the early Macintosh, celebrating its innovative design and educational impact. Personal anecdotes blend with a holiday message, evoking a warm sense of family and cherished memories.

219 snips
Dec 22, 2024 • 1h 24min
776: Tech That Worked in 2024
Reflecting on tech from the past year, the hosts highlight the impact of AI and tools like Notebook LM on productivity. They delve into the surge of linked note-taking apps, discussing preferences for Obsidian and NotePlan. Email management strategies emerge with a focus on Gmail and frustrations with Apple Mail. The conversation shifts to Apple's evolving productivity applications and features unique to the iPhone. Finally, they envision the fusion of analog and digital methods, pondering the future of immersive technology and AI.

278 snips
Dec 15, 2024 • 1h 6min
775: File Automation with Hazel and DEVONthink
Discover the secrets of digital file management with cutting-edge tools like Hazel and DEVONthink. Learn how automation can streamline organization, saving both time and effort. Explore advanced features such as OCR capabilities and workflow enhancements that boost productivity. Uncover the unique strengths of DEVONthink's database structure, and its superior document retrieval and export capabilities. Plus, find out how these tools integrate seamlessly within the Mac ecosystem for an even smoother user experience!

82 snips
Dec 8, 2024 • 1h 15min
774: Answering Common Tech Support Questions
As holiday gatherings approach, tech questions abound! The hosts share essential tips for tackling family tech support challenges, focusing on iCloud and storage management. They discuss modern backup solutions and their limitations, and the importance of guiding non-tech-savvy relatives through data backup practices. Exploring common printer issues, enhancing Wi-Fi performance, and managing digital legacies also take center stage. Plus, there's a lighthearted take on keeping family tech conversations respectful, all while raising awareness about scams and cybersecurity.

15 snips
Dec 1, 2024 • 2h 2min
773: 2024 State of the Platforms (Part 2)
A deep dive into Apple’s evolving platforms reveals the impressive performance of the M4 chip and the future of Mac hardware. The discussion centers on the Vision Pro's potential and challenges for immersive experiences, alongside the growing content offerings of Apple TV. Insights into iCloud's limitations contrast with Apple’s service enhancements, while the Apple One bundle showcases the rising importance of services revenue. Personal anecdotes about streaming and reading preferences enrich the conversation, hinting at advancements on the horizon.

26 snips
Nov 24, 2024 • 1h 34min
772: 2024 State of the Platforms (Part 1)
The hosts dive into the transformative journey of the iPhone, highlighting its hardware evolution like USB-C and titanium. They discuss iOS 18's customization options, particularly the new action button. The evolution of the iPad since its launch is examined, with critiques on software limitations versus user expectations. The Apple Watch's health features are scrutinized, especially post-COVID updates. Finally, the discussion touches on the advancements in AirPods and HomePods, showcasing the future of Apple's audio technology amidst user reliance and concerns.