Your Tech Makeover

Special Alert Episode!

💳 Gift cards make great gifts, but terrible payments.

With the holidays approaching, scammers are working overtime to trick people into using gift cards to pay fake bills, bogus tech support fees, and even phony family emergencies. In this special between-episode of Your Tech Makeover, I share how one simple flyer at Target, and a neighbor’s unfortunate experience, inspired a timely reminder about one of the m...

Batteries catching fire on airplanes? Unfortunately, it’s more common than you think.

In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, I dive into the rise in battery-related incidents on flights, and what you can do to stay safe and still fly with your tech. Whether you’re heading home for Thanksgiving or taking a winter getaway, this episode will help you avoid airport surprises and keep your gadgets (and seatmates) out of harm’s way.

This i...

I just wrapped up a six-part series on cloud storage, but if you missed an episode or still feel a little lost, this one’s for you. In this wrap-up, I’ll recap the highlights, share what I didn’t cover enough the first time, and give you a simple checklist you can use this week to finally take control of your files.

Whether you’re team Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, or iCloud Drive, this episode pulls it all together.

✨ What y...

In this short bonus episode, Frank shares something new forYour Tech Makeover listeners... the launch of the Your Tech Makeover Newsletter on Substack! 🎉

If you love the show but sometimes wish you could get quick, easy-to-read tech tips right in your inbox, this newsletter is for you. Every couple of weeks, Frank will send short posts with practical advice, helpful links, and behind-the-mic stories, all in plain English, just like...

You’ve heard the phrase “Move fast and break things” but what does it really mean for the tech we use every day?

In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, Frank Bravo explores the origins of this Silicon Valley motto and how it’s shaped the way tech companies build the tools we all rely on. From Facebook’s early days to modern AI rollouts, Frank looks at when moving fast fuels innovation, and when it leads to chaos.

Whether you’re a cas...

🧰 Feeling stuck with your tech? This episode is your go-to guide for fixing the most common tech problems—fast.

Whether your computer is frozen, your phone won’t charge, or your WiFi disappears at the worst possible time, basic troubleshooting can save the day. In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, host Frank Bravo shares his simple, real-world tips to help you get back up and running—without panic, guesswork, or a call to tech su...

Are you really getting the most out of iCloud Drive, or is it just another icon in your settings you don’t fully understand?

In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, I break down how iCloud Drive actually works, what it syncs (and what it doesn’t), how to share files and folders, and what to watch for when it comes to space and pricing. Whether you’re using just one Apple device or a whole family’s worth, this guide will help you clea...

This episode is part of our special series on cloud storage and syncing—helping you choose the right tool for storing, sharing, and accessing your files from anywhere. We’ve already covered Google Drive and Dropbox, and today we’re diving into a powerful but lesser-known option: Box.

Box is built with business users in mind, but it’s also a great choice for anyone who needs more control over how files are shared and secured. In this...

🎧 This episode is part of our special series on cloud storage and file syncing. Over several weeks, we’re covering the most popular tools—like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, and iCloud—to help you compare options, understand how they work, and feel confident using them. Whether you’re picking your first cloud service or getting the most out of one you already have, this series is here to help.

Tired of losing track of your f...

📂 Dropbox Demystified: Smart Ways to Share and Sync Your Files

This episode is part of our special Sharing & Syncing mini-series, where we explore the most popular cloud storage tools—and how to actually use them to make life easier. Each episode zooms in on one specific service to help you decide which one fits your needs best.

Today, we’re talking about Dropbox, one of the original file-sharing tools. Whether you’re organizing...

This episode is part of the “Sharing and Syncing Data” mini-series, where we explore the most popular tools to help you keep your files safe, accessible, and organized across all your devices. In this installment, we’re spotlighting Google Drive—the cloud storage tool you probably already have but may not be using to its full potential.

Google Drive is one of the most widely used cloud storage tools on the planet—but are you really ...

Ever emailed yourself a file just to open it somewhere else? There’s a better way—and in this kickoff to my 6-part mini-series, I’ll show you how. From cloud storage to cross-device syncing, we’ll explore the tools that make your digital life simpler, smoother, and way more connected.

This intro episode lays the foundation for upcoming deep dives into Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and iCloud Drive. But before we zoom in, let...

👵📱 Technology isn’t just for the young—it’s for the young-at-heart, too.

In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, I’m diving into how we can help seniors get comfortable with modern technology—and how families can make the transition easier, friendlier, and even fun.

Whether you’re a senior looking to get more out of your smartphone, or someone supporting a parent or grandparent who’s just starting to FaceTime or use email, this epis...

Think Apple AirPods are just for music and podcasts? Think again. In this episode, I explore how Apple has quietly turned AirPods into powerful tools for people with mild hearing loss—no audiologist required.

Whether you’re curious about Apple’s “Live Listen” and “Conversation Boost” features or wondering if these wireless earbuds could save you a trip to the hearing clinic, this episode has you covered. I’ll walk you through the te...

💡 Want to save money, reduce your energy use, and stay comfortable year-round?

A smart thermostat might be the easiest way to do all three. In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, I’ll explain what a smart thermostat is, how it works, and why it’s a worthwhile upgrade for nearly any home.

We’ll talk about how these devices:

✅ Learn your schedule automatically

✅ Optimize heating and cooling based on usage and weather

✅ Integrate with sma...

Cryptocurrency. It’s been called the future of money, internet gold, and… let’s be honest, a total mystery for most people.

In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, I’m breaking down what cryptocurrency really is — no hype, no jargon, just the essentials. We’ll talk about Bitcoin (and what makes it special), how blockchain works, how people actually get cryptocurrency, and why the prices seem to change faster than the weather.

Whether ...

Ever tried ChatGPT and felt like you weren’t getting the best results? In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, I’ll walk you through the best ways to interact with AI, including where to find ChatGPT, how to get better responses, and real-life examples of how I use it for everything from travel planning to writing code..

You’ll learn:

✅ Where to access ChatGPT (website, apps, macOS)

✅ The difference between free & paid versions

✅ Ho...

In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, Frank Bravo breaks down the buzz around encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and iMessage. Why are government officials using them for sensitive conversations—and what does that mean for the rest of us?

Frank dives into:

• What end-to-end encryption actually means

• How these popular apps compare (Signal vs. WhatsApp vs. Apple Messages and Google Chat)

• What recent headlines say about ho...

Today’s episode is a little different—and a lot of fun! I’m joined by Jonathan Bravo, Director of Marketing & Communications for the Fresno Grizzlies, a minor league baseball team and the Single-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies (and yes, my son). Jonathan shares how technology makes his life easier—both in marketing a baseball team and in everyday life.

We cover:

✔️ The best free tools for managing social media stress-free

✔️ H...