Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast
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
It’s easy to lose track of subscriptions, and Tom and Jeff are feeling it too. In this episode, they unpack the apps, services, and streaming platforms they’re paying for — the good, the bad, and the ones they forgot they even had. They swap stories about accidental renewals (looking at you, $250 “oops”), spotlight useful apps, and talk through a few tricks for managing subscriptions smarter. It’s a fun and slightly painful look at...
We sit down with writer and user researcher Leah Reich to explore the complex relationship between technology and the humans who use it. Leah shares insights from her newsletter and writing career before diving into the evolving landscape of user research in tech companies, including her time at Slack, Spotify, and Meta/Instagram.
We discuss the delicate balance between serving user needs and business goals, and examine the concerni...
In this episode:
- Apple announces WWDC will be June 9-13
- Jeff is experimenting with Gentler Streak and having a bit of nostalgia with Notebook Artillery
- A subtle AirPods Pro experience
- The boys continue to argue over AI
- Ethan Mollick highlights study that finds legit benefits of AI at work
Links from the show:
Apple has updated the iPad Air, iPad, MacBook Air, and Mac Studio. The new Apple Immersive Metallica experience is phenomenal; is it a turning point for Apple's immersive content? And what in the world is going on at Apple with Siri?
Links from the show:
Something Is Rotten in the State of Cupertino
Apple’s (AAPL) Siri Chief Calls AI Delays Ugly and Embarrassing, Promises...
There’s a new iPhone 16 family member, new betas, a new Apple News+ feature, and Jeff has a new thing going in Apple Notes using the Forever*Notes framework.
Links from the show:
Brace yourself for Deep Water Solo. The next episode of Adventure.
Question or Comment? Send us a Text Message!
Contact Us
- Drop us a line at feedback@basicafshow.com
- You’ll find Jeff at @reyespoint on T...
Jeff and Tom are joined by Bill McLean for a great discussion on third-party calendar app subscriptions, extending the capabilities of Apple Notes with Forever Notes, and a round-up of AI tools that Bill uses.
Where to find more from Bill McLean:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BillMcLean
Web: https://www.williambmclean.com
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@williambmclean
Links from the show:
There's not a lot of tech in this one, but there's a ton of nerdy goodness as Jeff and Tom are joined by the fabulous cast of the Dungeons in the Attic podcast!
Where to find Dungeons in the Attic:
Question 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 @tomander...
The boys are joined by Benjamin Jancewicz and Joe Moyer for a fun discussion on Apple TV+.
Looking for something to watch? Benjamin, Joe, and Jeff have plenty of recommendations. In fact, so many they wouldn't fit here, so we've posted them on our website: https://www.basicafshow.com/apple-tv-with-benjamin-jancewicz-and-joe-moyer/
Where to find Benjamin:
BenJancewicz.com (icons on bottom list all so...
In this episode of Basic AF, hosts Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby welcome back guest Adam Jones to discuss the latest features of Apple Intelligence.
Topics include:
• Privacy Concerns
• Integration of ChatGPT
• Evolving Role of Siri
• Genmojis
• Image Playground
• Summaries in Messages and Mail
• Audio Recording and Transcription in Notes
• Visual Intelligence Features of iPhone 16 Series
• Overall Impressions and Grad...
In this special holiday episode of Basic AF, Jeff Battersby and Tom Anderson share their favorite picks from 2024, blending tech, books, music, and apps. The duo kicks off with lighthearted banter about recording struggles, holiday vibes, and their signature cranky humor before diving into their curated favorites.
Jeff highlights the Beetle X31 SSD, a sleek and reliable portable storage device, and shares his literary recommendation...
In our 50th episode, Chris Freitag returns to explore the world of iPhone 16 Pro photography. We discuss the new Camera Control features and usability in real-world scenarios, and how Apple’s new Photographic Styles tools can elevate your mobile photography. The conversation also covers the latest December OS updates, Apple’s acquisition of Pixelmator and its impact on creative workflows, and a closer look at Chris’s favorite gear ...
In this episode of Basic AF, hosts Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby welcome back Gannon Nordberg for a jam-packed conversation. Mark Gurman says Apple is working on a more conversational Siri, similar to ChatGPT's Voice mode, plus there are new critical OS updates.
Gear up for the holidays with Gannon’s top travel tech tips, including must-have gadgets like the Anker Nano charger, Twelve South Butterly charger, and VEEKTOMX Mini...
Join Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby in this episode as they unpack Apple’s latest announcements, with a nostalgic nod to an internet legend. Highlights include:
Farewell, Elwood “You’ve Got Mail!” Edwards
The voice that welcomed us to the internet in the ’90s, Elwood Edwards, has passed. Tom and Jeff share memories of the AOL era.
New M4 iMacs: Fresh Colors and Powerful Specs
Apple’s M4 iMac arrives with updated colors, an impressive ...
Ever wondered if journaling could make a difference in your life? This week’s guest, Joe Moyer, believes it can. Joe shares his personal journey with journaling and practical advice on how to build a habit—even if you only have five minutes a day. We cover gratitude journaling, the benefits of recording daily thoughts, and how to avoid the “perfect journal” trap. He also provides tips for those who are new to journaling, with simpl...
In this episode of Basic AF, Tom and Jeff cover a mix of Apple news, including minor OS updates, Apple’s immersive content plans for Vision Pro, and Submerged, Apple’s first short film for the Vision Pro. They also touch on Jeff’s new obsession—The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on the Nintendo Switch.
Here’s what you can expect:
- No Apple Ring in Sight (for Now): Jeff reacts to a report by Mark Gurman suggesting that Apple cu...
In this episode:
- Jeff’s new iPhone case and Apple Watch band
- Tom's first impressions of his iPhone 16 Pro Max
- The new Camera Control button
- What to do with the Action button
- Tom's having fun with the new Photographic Styles
- A quick-hit on our thoughts so far on the new operating systems
Links from the show:
The Action Button Threads Post
Stephen Robles - Master Your iPhone 16 Action Button: 15 Shortc...
It's the Apple Glowtime event recap! Jeff and Tom are joined by Joe Moyer from 24Letters.net to recap all of the announcements at Apple's recent annual iPhone event. Is it a September to remember?
Join us as we breakdown the new AirPods and hearing related features for AirPods Pro 2, the Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 in Satin Black. The new iPhone 16 looks excellent, and the iPhone 16 Pro lineup is more "pro"...
Jeff and Tom have a delightful conversation with Marc Palmer, developer of the Shareshot app! We learn how Marc got started with computers and developing software, other apps he's made and works on, the story behind the creation of Shareshot, and the challenges faced today by developers with regards to pricing strategies. To wrap things up, we have a quick roundtable discussion on the upcoming Apple iPhone Event!
Link...
Jeff and Tom discuss new apps and a return to an old writing companion, as well as update their experience with iPad screen covers.
- NotchNook: Making the most of your Mac's notch, even if it doesn't have one!
- Shareshot: An easy way to share screenshots with style. Fantastic utility!
- Tom revisits his note-taking journey and explains why Craft is again becoming his go-to app despite Bear's simplicity. The discussion t...
It’s time to check in on the Apple Public Betas! Jeff is running the latest builds of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and watchOS 11, while he and Tom are both running the latest macOS Sequoia beta. There’s a lot to like, and we’ll share our experiences with the new Home Screen features, Control Center, Mac window tiling, the Passwords app, and much more!
Links
Apple results: Quarterly record, all-time high in Services
See Appl...
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