

MacStories Unwind+
viticci@macstories.net (The MacStories Team)
A fun exploration of media and more
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 4, 2025 • 19min
Coyote Fall
As the weather cools, wildlife encounters spice up personal stories, including a memorable coyote sighting. The hosts share insights into their running tech, discussing gadgets like smartwatches and earbuds that elevate their fitness routines. Comedy shines with a recommendation for the HBO Max series 'Hacks', showcasing the quirky bond between a seasoned comic and a novice writer. Lastly, they dive into the Marvel flick 'Thunderbolts', exploring its unique take on misfit superheroes grappling with real-world themes.

Aug 28, 2025 • 14min
Sports Comedies and the Return of MacStories Deals
This week, John and Federico return from break to chat about how they spent their time off, the new MacStories Deals social accounts, two sports-related comedies, and a great deal on a favorite TV series. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Summer Break and MacStories Deals MacStories Deals returns after seven years Follow it on Mastodon or Bluesky: Mastodon: https://mastodon.macstories.net/@MacStoriesDeals#. Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/macstoriesdeals.macstories.net Picks John’s Pick: Stick on Apple TV+ Federico’s Pick: Running Point on Netflix Unwind Deal Futurama, Seasons 1–10 for $24.99 Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

Aug 7, 2025 • 22min
Workout Buddies, Comedies, Videogame Podcasts, and Godzilla
Jonathan Reed, a tech writer and watchOS 26 preview expert, joins John to explore exciting features like the 'workout buddy' tool that enhances exercise experiences. They discuss the humor behind classic comedies like The Naked Gun and King of the Hill, emphasizing their timeless appeal. The conversation also dives into new media initiatives like Wavelengths, promising exclusive content, and a unique black-and-white adaptation of Godzilla Minus One. Get ready for laughs and tech insights!

8 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 22min
Oasis and Superheroes
Experience the thrill of attending an Oasis concert at Wembley Stadium, complete with memorable performances and emotional moments. Discover how rock bands like Oasis resonate across generations, bringing diverse crowds together post-COVID. Dive into a discussion about the new 'Fantastic Four' film and its retro-futuristic charm. Plus, get nostalgic with a spotlight on the classic comedy 'Happy Gilmore' as it makes its return to Netflix, highlighting personal anecdotes and excitement for the upcoming sequel.

Jul 24, 2025 • 21min
Banana!
This week, the hosts dive into their tech challenges, with one struggling to update an Apple TV and HomePods. They also share their excitement over a new Nintendo game, Donkey Kong Bananza, discussing its engaging mechanics and stunning graphics. The conversation shifts to enhancing home entertainment with retro gaming and the latest in TV technology. They explore the evolution of viewing habits, combining fun gaming experiences with practical tech tips. Tune in for a delightful mix of gaming and tech updates!

5 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 22min
Shifting Workflows and a Dark Comedy
Federico discusses his new workflow experiments after leaving Apple apps, while John humorously reviews the dark comedy film 'Friendship.' They delve into enhancements in Claude's Model Context Protocol, simplifying user experiences and introducing developer opportunities. Security risks associated with agentic browsers are highlighted. Additionally, they critique the pacing and dialogue of a popular TV series, expressing hope for future improvements. The conversation also features a fun recommendation for zombie movie enthusiasts with a spotlight on 'Zombieland.'

Jul 10, 2025 • 19min
Our Updated Gear Setups
This week, Federico and John discuss the updates to their work and play tech gear setups. Links and Show Notes Our Gear Setups Federico’s Pick: ASUS ROG PG27UCDM monitor with built-in KVM Nintendo Switch 2 Mac Studio Coiled USB-C to USB-C Cable Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Controller Viture Pro XR glasses Viture Mobile dock John’s Pick: Arylic LP10 AirPlay 2 Wireless Music Streamer GL.iNet GL-BE3600 (Slate 7) Portable Travel Router tomtoc Sling Bag Crossbody Backpack MOFT Invisible Laptop Stand Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

Jul 3, 2025 • 21min
Tending Your HomeKit Garden
This week, automation crimes, HomeKit gardens, tattoo crime shows, and videogames. It’s a packed episode, just in time for the long holiday weekend in the U.S. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Automation and HomeKit Crimes HomeKit-Compatible Kasa Smart Plugs HDHomeRun Love Island (USA and Italy) ‘Montoya, por favor!’ the viral Spanish clip that could change reality TV for ever Television The Guardian ‘Montoya Por Favor!’ Picks John’s Pick: Blindspot on Netflix Federico’s Picks: Mario Kart World Fast Fusion Fantasy Life i Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

Jun 26, 2025 • 17min
The Big Update You Probably Didn't Even Notice
This week, Federico and John dig into MacStories’ big infrastructure update, John tours Wilmington, NC TV locations, and they both have TV, movie, and music picks, plus two movie deals. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment MacStories gets an under-the-hood makeover Wilmington, NC TV Dawson’s Creek One Tree Hill The Waterfront on Netflix Picks Federico’s Pick: Idols by Yungblud And Just Like That, Season 3 on HBO John’s Pick: Mountainhead on HBO Unwind Deal Independence Day and Independence Day Resurgence 2-Pack $7.99 instead of $24.99 Furiosa Black and Chrome Edition - $4.99 usually $20 Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy

Jun 19, 2025 • 18min
Beta Season and Crime Dramas
This week, John installs macOS Tahoe, he and Federico each recommend a recent crime drama, and we have a Daredevil Unwind deal. Also available on YouTube here. Links and Show Notes Unplugged Segment macOS Tahoe macOS Tahoe Press Release macOS Tahoe: The MacStories Overview Apple’s upcoming transcription API Hands-On How Apple’s New Speech APIs Outpace Whisper for Lightning-Fast Transcription - MacStories Yap Picks Federico’s Pick: Your Friends and Neighbors on Apple TV+ John’s Pick: Department Q on Netflix Unwind Deal Daredevil, Seasons 1–3 – lowest price ever on Apple TV for $34.99 Leave Feedback for John and Federico MacStories Unwind Feedback Form Follow us on Mastodon MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Follow us on Bluesky MacStories Unwind MacStories Federico Viticci John Voorhees Affiliate Linking Policy