

Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast
Tom Anderson & Jeff Battersby
Spilling trash, talk, tech, and tea (though Tom says no politics). Plus, games, plenty of Apple tech, or whatever else comes into our heads. It’s a show where we get to hang out and talk tech, talk shit, and have fun every couple of weeks (and sometimes more often - only your podcast app knows for sure). We'll give you the lowdown on the gear we're using, some knowledge bombs to help you use your gear better, and answer listener questions.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 16, 2023 • 1h 9min
Riding Shotgun: Inside the Subie & YOU! Podcast with Rafael Ruiz
Ever wondered how to turn a passion into a successful podcast? Join us as we chat with Rafael Ruiz, the charismatic host of the Subie & YOU! podcast, which has amassed over 140 episodes and an impressive 100,000+ downloads. Discover how Rafael harnessed the power of Instagram and the enthusiastic Subaru community to create an engaging and popular podcast. We get under the hood of his podcasting journey, exploring how he cleverly used collaborations and guest features to rev up his listener numbers. Listen in as Rafael gives us a peek into his podcast production process, sharing valuable insights gleaned from recording, editing and managing his hit show. So buckle up and get ready for a ride along with Rafael. Show links:Subie & YOU! PodcastSubie & YOU! on InstagramRafael's Crosstrek Instagram PageSubie Adventures on InstagramSubie Adventures NewsletterAccentrek DesignsCapCut AppQuestion or Comment? Send us a Text Message!Contact Us Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks. Tom has a new YouTube channel Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating! Review on Apple Podcasts Rate on Spotify Recommend in Overcast Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen Apple Music Spotify Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness....

Oct 2, 2023 • 1h
iPhone 15 Pro Max First Impressions, watchOS 10 Upgrade Remorse
Jeff upsized to the iPhone 15 Pro Max in titanium titanium (what?) and has some thoughts, and perhaps just a tiny bit of buyer's remorse. We talk Action button, new cameras, and weight and size comparisons with his previous iPhone 13 Pro. Is it all enough to justify his upgrade? Maybe not.Speaking of remorse, Tom ain't happy with some of the changes Apple has made in watchOS 10. With a new way to switch watch faces, removal of Favorites from the Timers app, giving Control Center a dedicated button, a silly change in the Workout app, and the double press of the Digital Crown no longer being an App Switcher, there's a lot different, and not necessarily in a good way. We also talk a little about macOS Sonoma and iOS 17. Links from the show:iPhone 15: A Photographers Review - Tyler StalmanwatchOS - 10 Things I Hate About You - RedditQuestion or Comment? Send us a Text Message!Contact Us Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks. Tom has a new YouTube channel Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating! Review on Apple Podcasts Rate on Spotify Recommend in Overcast Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen Apple Music Spotify Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness....

Sep 18, 2023 • 60min
Apple Event: New Apple Watches & iPhones, Buying Recommendations
Hey there tech enthusiasts! Ready to immerse yourself in a refreshing conversation about the latest Apple watches and iPhones? Good! Because we're about to recap Apple's Wonderlust event and help you understand their features and decide if they're worth your hard-earned money. We kick off with a humorous yet enlightening chat about a Washington Post quiz that questions the necessity of a smart watch. But hey, we love our Apple watches, and we're not afraid to tell you why! Let's turn the gears a notch; we're diving into the heart of the matter — Apple Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches. We scrutinize privacy concerns with the new Siri features, discuss the double-tap gesture convenience, brighter displays, and new bands (and a new material, FineWoven). We also explore the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro, their new color options, the transition from Lightning to USB-C, and new cameras.Links from the show:WaPo: Is a smartwatch right for you? Our quiz can help you decide.Bullstrap MagSafe iPhone CasesiOS 17iPadOS 17watchOS 10macOS SonomaApple Watch Series 9Apple Watch Ultra 2iPhone 15iPhone 15 ProQuestion or Comment? Send us a Text Message!Contact Us Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks. Tom has a new YouTube channel Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating! Review on Apple Podcasts Rate on Spotify Recommend in Overcast Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen Apple Music Spotify Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness....

Sep 4, 2023 • 55min
iPhone Event Preview, Betas Update, and Can the iPad Be Your Only Computer?
Are you ready for a trip down memory lane? We kick things off with a discussion on the resurgence of USENET, exploring why it's making a comeback and how it has evolved over the years. Join us as we unravel the history and significance of this online forum, shedding light on its enduring relevance in the digital age.We'll also give you the latest news from around the Apple world, including Apple putting the 2017 MacBook Pro into "Vintage" status, and a preview of the "Wonderlust" event coming up on September 12th, where Apple will announce new models of the iPhone and Apple Watch, and tell us the release dates for the new operating systems. Speaking of those, Jeff gives us an update on how the betas are progressing.We wrap up our discussion by exploring the potential of the iPad as an "only computer" device. Should you do it? Can you do it? Well, it depends, and we're here to help you figure it all out. Links from the show:USENET, the OG social network, rises again like a text-only phoenix2017 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar now considered ‘vintage’ and won’t get macOS 14Apple EventGiving up the iPad-only travel dreamQuestion or Comment? Send us a Text Message!Contact Us Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks. Tom has a new YouTube channel Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating! Review on Apple Podcasts Rate on Spotify Recommend in Overcast Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen Apple Music Spotify Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness....

Aug 21, 2023 • 1h 2min
Switchin' It Up with Nintendo and Gaining Focus with the Session App
How often do you find yourself wishing for a better way to manage your work and productivity, and mental well-being? Well, we've got you covered! Embrace the wonders of the Session app, a fantastic tool that not only keeps a diary of your work but also provides you with a meaningful insight into your daily productivity. Get ready to revolutionize the way you schedule your activities and quantify your work.Then we dive headfirst into the mesmerizing world of video games on the Nintendo Switch. Engage in an experience that's very different from your traditional PC or Mac gaming. We'll share our thoughts on games like Firewatch and Breath of the Wild and explain why they provide a satisfaction quite unlike any other. Moreover, we'll also discuss how the Nintendo Switch can be a fantastic tool to bond with friends and family online. Prepare to embark on an enthralling gaming adventure!Links from the show:Session AppNintendo SwitchBasic AF Episode 14: The Art of Automation and Productivity with Adam OlsonQuestion or Comment? Send us a Text Message!Contact Us Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks. Tom has a new YouTube channel Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating! Review on Apple Podcasts Rate on Spotify Recommend in Overcast Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen Apple Music Spotify Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness....

Aug 7, 2023 • 56min
The Best Tech for Back to School
Are you prepared for the upcoming academic year? Having the right tech tools at your disposal can make all the difference in your productivity and success. This episode is packed with insights into the maze of back-to-school tech choices, dissecting the pros and cons of various educational tech optionsWe begin by dissecting educational tech options, ranging from iMacs and Mac minis, to the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, and discussing their suitability for different age groups. Then, we advise on how best to future-proof your selections while maintaining cost-efficiency. We investigate whether an iPad alone is sufficient for academic pursuits, evaluating its utility as a workstation for writing, streaming, and even programming. Can the transformative power of the Apple Pencil in the classroom and for creative projects tip the scale in its favor?Our exploration doesn't end there. We tread on the soil of note-taking options, weighing the pros and cons of using electronic devices versus traditional pen and paper, and discuss how apps like Notability and Good Notes can revolutionize your note-taking process. We also assess the reliability of cloud storage options like iCloud and Google Drive and the potential of Pages, Numbers, and Keynote to boost productivity. With our guidance, you'll be ready to conquer the academic year with top-notch tech at your fingertips. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion to maximize your productivity with the right tech tools.Links from the show:LiveScribe SmartpensApple Education StoreGoodNotesNotabilityQuestion or Comment? Send us a Text Message!Contact Us Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks. Tom has a new YouTube channel Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating! Review on Apple Podcasts Rate on Spotify Recommend in Overcast Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen Apple Music Spotify Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness....

Jul 24, 2023 • 1h 13min
The Art of Automation and Productivity with Adam Olson
Are you prepared to conquer the chaos of daily tasks? Today, we're thrilled to be joined by our old friend and tech aficionado, Adam Olson. Adam brings an arsenal of efficiency-boosting tips and tricks, from using iOS features like the double-tap open command to managing complex automation collections. Our conversation takes a detour into the world of app integration and preferences, discussing how we can best streamline our daily tasks using apps and automation. With features such as Siri integration, and apps like OmniFocus and Things, we delve into the GTD method and its benefits. We talk Apple's Calendar app and Outlook for watch integration, and even touch on the contentious topic of subscription models.The final leg of our journey explores the realm of productivity apps and methods. We talk about apps like SwitchResX, TextExpander, Sessions, and HoudahSpot that can simplify those tedious tasks and boost productivity. Then, we turn the spotlight on Keyboard Maestro, a tool that proves indispensable for automating daily tasks. So, listen in and prepare to revolutionize the way you navigate your digital life.Links from the show:Federico Viticci's Shortcuts at MacStoriesKeyboard MaestroSession - Focus AppOmniFocusThingsGetting Things DoneHighland 2 AppScrivenerHoudahSpot 6Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!Contact Us Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks. Tom has a new YouTube channel Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating! Review on Apple Podcasts Rate on Spotify Recommend in Overcast Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen Apple Music Spotify Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness....

Jul 10, 2023 • 59min
What We Think We Like in the New Apple Operating Systems
Ready to unravel the tapestry of tech? As the drama with Twitter continues, Meta smells blood in the water and releases its new Threads service, which has taken off like a SpaceX rocket. We've used it, and have some thoughts on its current state, and what's to come.Shifting gears, we shine the spotlight on Apple as we anticipate the public beta season. There are new features in macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS that we're excited about! Let's chat about everything - screensavers, live photos on iPad lock screens, or the enhanced screen picker feature for video conferencing. Beyond the aesthetics, we also dig into the nitty-gritty details of improved password management and better screen sharing options. We leave no stone unturned in exploring the upcoming features of the next generation of operating systems from Apple. Be it the new Standby feature for iPhones, the Stage Manager improvements for iPads or the ability to use an external camera for FaceTime, we've got the complete lowdown. So, gear up for an enlightening discussion!Links from the show:Meta’s Threads Becomes the Most Quickly Downloaded App EvermacOS Sonoma PreviewiPadOS 17 PreviewiOS 17 PreviewwatchOS 10 PreviewQuestion or Comment? Send us a Text Message!Contact Us Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks. Tom has a new YouTube channel Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating! Review on Apple Podcasts Rate on Spotify Recommend in Overcast Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen Apple Music Spotify Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness....

Jun 26, 2023 • 1h 7min
AI and Creativity: Exploring the Impact on Education, Art, and the Workforce
What if AI could replace your creativity? Discover the implications of artificial intelligence in education and creative fields as we sit down with graphic artist Benjamin Jancewicz and Dr. Devon Taylor, Ed.D., from Shenandoah University. Listen in as they share their insights into using AI in academia, supporting students, and preparing them for the workforce.Explore the potential dangers of AI taking over creative work, the ethics of labor and automation, and the importance of teaching younger generations how to use AI as a tool. Our guests also discuss the positive side of AI, enabling more creative expression, and tackling bigger issues in the world. We dive into the complexities of AI and its impact on various industries, highlighting the essential role of the human element in this ever-evolving technological landscape.As the use of AI continues to grow, we touch upon the potential implications of this technology in the 2024 US election, including the risks associated with deep fakes, imagery, and video manipulation. Join us for an engaging conversation that delves deep into the world of AI, creativity, and the future of our industries.More from Benjamin:Business: Zerflin.com, @Zerflin on all socialsArt: Art.Zerflin.comPersonal: BenJancewicz.com, @BenJancewicz on all socialsMore from Devon:TwitterLinkedInLinks from the show:A.I.: Actually Insipid Until It’s Actively InsidiousChatGPT Wrote (Most of) This LetterThe People Onscreen Are Fake. The Disinformation Is Real.DALL-E 2 and Midjourney can be a boon for industrial designersQuestion or Comment? Send us a Text Message!Contact Us Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks. Tom has a new YouTube channel Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating! Review on Apple Podcasts Rate on Spotify Recommend in Overcast Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen Apple Music Spotify Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness....

Jun 10, 2023 • 59min
WWDC & Apple Vision Pro
In this episode:Did our wishes come true? (Only Tom’s!)MacBook Air 15”, updated Mac Studio, Mac Pro with Apple SiliconiOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, macOS Sonoma, tvOSApple Vision Pro Links from the show:15” MacBook AirMac StudioMac ProApple Vision ProFirst Impressions of Vision Pro and VisionOSVision Pro: I just tried Apple’s first spatial computer, and here’s what I thinkApple Vision Pro: Computing Without BordersApple Vision Pro Impressions!WWDC Keynote on YouTubeMoon Patrol, Celsius 7Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!Contact Us Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on Threads and reyespoint.bsky.social on Bluesky Find Tom at @tomanderson on Threads Join Tom’s newsletter, Apple Talk, for more Apple coverage and tips & tricks. Tom has a new YouTube channel Show artwork by the great Randall Martin Design Enjoy Basic AF? Leave a review or rating! Review on Apple Podcasts Rate on Spotify Recommend in Overcast Intro Music: Psychokinetics - The Chosen Apple Music Spotify Transcripts and some images are AI generated and may contain errors and general silliness....


