https://theaverageguy.tv From Facebook to Google, Microsoft to Oracle, Windows to OSX, Android to iPhone, YouTube to LiveStream, iPad to Galaxy Tab, SSD to SATA, Antivirus to Malware, Bing to IE, Cloud Storage to Home Server Storage, Rasperry Pi to Xeon Servers, Drobo to Dropbox, Newegg to Best Buy, we cover it all, for the Average Guy. Don't be intimidated by Technology, learn more about it here! Host Jim Collison and the Guys are LIVE each week on Thursday nights, 8pmC/9E at http://theAverageGuy.tv Sat, 25 Jul 2026 12:56:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 True Jim Collison no podcast https://theaverageguy.tv/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpg https://theaverageguy.tv TV-G Financial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,toTips and Tricks for the Average GuyTips and Tricks for the Average Guypodcast@theaverageguy.tvJim Collison https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/25/hgg685-tj-huddleston-smart-gardens-solar-shed-home-assistant-ai/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/25/hgg685-tj-huddleston-smart-gardens-solar-shed-home-assistant-ai/#respond Sat, 25 Jul 2026 12:32:25 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=20267 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/25/hgg685-tj-huddleston-smart-gardens-solar-shed-home-assistant-ai/feed/ 0 full 1:23:12 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noT.J. Huddleston joins me to talk pollinator gardens, smart irrigation, a solar-powered shed, and using Hermes to build safer Home Assistant tools.Jim CollisonT.J. Huddleston joins me to talk pollinator gardens, smart irrigation, a solar-powered shed, and using Hermes to build safer Home Assistant tools.Financial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/18/openclaw-model-routing-ai-trust-permission-boundary/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/18/openclaw-model-routing-ai-trust-permission-boundary/#respond Sun, 19 Jul 2026 01:11:17 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=20224 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/18/openclaw-model-routing-ai-trust-permission-boundary/feed/ 0 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison) https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/18/christian-johnson-passkeys-self-hosted-bitwarden-guardrails-ai-agents-hgg684/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/18/christian-johnson-passkeys-self-hosted-bitwarden-guardrails-ai-agents-hgg684/#comments Sat, 18 Jul 2026 12:29:07 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=20214 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/18/christian-johnson-passkeys-self-hosted-bitwarden-guardrails-ai-agents-hgg684/feed/ 1 full 1:23:13 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noChristian Johnson joins Jim Collison for Home Gadget Geeks 684 to talk about passkeys, Bitwarden, Vaultwarden, managed container hosting through Maple Grove Partners and the guardrails needed when AI agents begin doing real operational work.Jim CollisonChristian Johnson joins Jim Collison for Home Gadget Geeks 684 to talk about passkeys, Bitwarden, Vaultwarden, managed container hosting through Maple Grove Partners and the guardrails needed when AI agents begin doing real operational work.Financial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/12/smaller-keys-clearer-lanes-ai-managers-openclaw-hermes/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/12/smaller-keys-clearer-lanes-ai-managers-openclaw-hermes/#comments Sun, 12 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=20154 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/12/smaller-keys-clearer-lanes-ai-managers-openclaw-hermes/feed/ 2 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison) https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/11/lepro-lights-revisited-diy-storm-guard-safer-ai-agents-hgg683/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/11/lepro-lights-revisited-diy-storm-guard-safer-ai-agents-hgg683/#respond Sat, 11 Jul 2026 12:30:30 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=20159 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/11/lepro-lights-revisited-diy-storm-guard-safer-ai-agents-hgg683/feed/ 0 full 57:50 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noJim revisits the LEPRO permanent outdoor lights after six months, then walks through two OpenClaw projects in depth: a DIY Home Assistant Storm Guard for EcoFlow and BLUETTI batteries — tested during a real severe-weather event — and an Amazon Affiliate Manager for TheAverageGuy.tv. He shares what he has learned about AI agent authority, batch size, observable state, gold-standard workflows and conversational memory, along with notes on AI costs, hardware and adapting the OpenClaw series for Medium.Jim CollisonJim revisits the LEPRO permanent outdoor lights after six months, then walks through two OpenClaw projects in depth: a DIY Home Assistant Storm Guard for EcoFlow and BLUETTI batteries — tested during a real severe-weather event — and an Amazon Affiliate Manager for TheAverageGuy.tv. He shares what he has learned about AI agent authority, batch size, observable state, gold-standard workflows and conversational memory, along with notes on AI costs, hardware and adapting the OpenClaw series for Medium.Financial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/08/safe-write-access-openclaw-ai-managers-earned-permission/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/08/safe-write-access-openclaw-ai-managers-earned-permission/#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2026 11:00:00 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=20153 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/08/safe-write-access-openclaw-ai-managers-earned-permission/feed/ 1 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison) https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/04/ring-4k-cameras-robot-mowers-coffee-gear-travel-tech-erin-lawrence-hgg682/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/04/ring-4k-cameras-robot-mowers-coffee-gear-travel-tech-erin-lawrence-hgg682/#comments Sun, 05 Jul 2026 03:53:20 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=20120 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/07/04/ring-4k-cameras-robot-mowers-coffee-gear-travel-tech-erin-lawrence-hgg682/feed/ 1 full 1:28:02 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noErin Lawrence joins HGG682 to compare Ring 4K cameras, robot mowers, coffee gear, travel cameras, smart lighting and review workflows.Jim CollisonErin Lawrence joins HGG682 to compare Ring 4K cameras, robot mowers, coffee gear, travel cameras, smart lighting and review workflows.Financial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/29/managers-need-memory-ai-feedback-loops/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/29/managers-need-memory-ai-feedback-loops/#comments Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:58:08 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=20107 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/29/managers-need-memory-ai-feedback-loops/feed/ 1 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison) https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/24/openclaw-assistants-to-managers/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/24/openclaw-assistants-to-managers/#comments Thu, 25 Jun 2026 01:03:10 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=19690 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/24/openclaw-assistants-to-managers/feed/ 1 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison) https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/20/ai-at-work-fiber-at-home-mountain-e-bikes-mike-wieger-hgg681/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/20/ai-at-work-fiber-at-home-mountain-e-bikes-mike-wieger-hgg681/#respond Sat, 20 Jun 2026 12:49:31 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18853 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/20/ai-at-work-fiber-at-home-mountain-e-bikes-mike-wieger-hgg681/feed/ 0 full 1:13:44 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noMike Wieger joins me for HGG681 — AI at work in a regulated M&A environment, OpenClaw and Hermes at home, new fiber internet, mountain e-bikes, and a real update on MeshCore and Meshtastic in the Omaha/Lincoln mesh community.Jim CollisonMike Wieger joins me for HGG681 — AI at work in a regulated M&A environment, OpenClaw and Hermes at home, new fiber internet, mountain e-bikes, and a real update on MeshCore and Meshtastic in the Omaha/Lincoln mesh community.Financial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/17/what-the-dashboard-couldnt-know-first-weeks-running-openclaw/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/17/what-the-dashboard-couldnt-know-first-weeks-running-openclaw/#respond Thu, 18 Jun 2026 01:05:47 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18849 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/17/what-the-dashboard-couldnt-know-first-weeks-running-openclaw/feed/ 0 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison) https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/11/constrained-by-design-openclaw-environment/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/11/constrained-by-design-openclaw-environment/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:49:05 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18838 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/11/constrained-by-design-openclaw-environment/feed/ 3 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison) https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/10/authority-before-autonomy-staging-openclaw-before-first-real-access/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/10/authority-before-autonomy-staging-openclaw-before-first-real-access/#comments Thu, 11 Jun 2026 03:52:45 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18819 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/10/authority-before-autonomy-staging-openclaw-before-first-real-access/feed/ 5 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison) https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/05/openclaw-vs-hermes-ai-agents-for-home-assistant-hgg680/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/05/openclaw-vs-hermes-ai-agents-for-home-assistant-hgg680/#comments Fri, 05 Jun 2026 23:10:36 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18770 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/06/05/openclaw-vs-hermes-ai-agents-for-home-assistant-hgg680/feed/ 2 full 1:27:06 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noJim Collison and Gavin Campbell compare OpenClaw, Hermes, Home Assistant agents, local LLMs, Docker isolation, and safe approval workflows for home-lab automation.Jim CollisonJim Collison and Gavin Campbell compare OpenClaw, Hermes, Home Assistant agents, local LLMs, Docker isolation, and safe approval workflows for home-lab automation.Financial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/05/16/ai-in-managed-services-ringconn-health-tracking-and-smarter-cable-management-hgg679/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/05/16/ai-in-managed-services-ringconn-health-tracking-and-smarter-cable-management-hgg679/#respond Sat, 16 May 2026 11:45:29 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18723 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/05/16/ai-in-managed-services-ringconn-health-tracking-and-smarter-cable-management-hgg679/feed/ 0 full 1:14:41 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noJim Collison and Marv Bee discuss AI in managed services, including virtual agents, automation, memory across conversations and where human experience still matters. They also cover soundbar buying advice, RingConn health and sleep tracking, USB-C cable testers, surge protectors and practical power gear for everyday tech setups.Jim CollisonJim Collison and Marv Bee discuss AI in managed services, including virtual agents, automation, memory across conversations and where human experience still matters. They also cover soundbar buying advice, RingConn health and sleep tracking, USB-C cable testers, surge protectors and practical power gear for everyday tech setups.Financial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/04/25/tech-bbq-and-the-blackstone-lifestyle-with-mark-robson-hgg678/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/04/25/tech-bbq-and-the-blackstone-lifestyle-with-mark-robson-hgg678/#respond Sat, 25 Apr 2026 12:24:32 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18716 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/04/25/tech-bbq-and-the-blackstone-lifestyle-with-mark-robson-hgg678/feed/ 0 full 1:25:32 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noWhat happens when technology troubleshooting meets backyard cooking, meal planning, and a growing obsession with grills? This week, Mark Robson returns to Home Gadget Geeks for a relaxed conversation that blends home tech, networking stories, pellet grills, Blackstone cooking, pizza ovens, and the routines that make outdoor cooking such an addictive hobby. From fixing a broken cable that disrupted a mesh network to experimenting with dry brining, reverse searing, and maple syrup in savory dishes, this episode covers the overlap between gadgets, workflow, and food culture. If you enjoy cooking, grilling, home labs, or simply building better systems around hobbies,Jim CollisonWhat happens when technology troubleshooting meets backyard cooking, meal planning, and a growing obsession with grills? This week, Mark Robson returns to Home Gadget Geeks for a relaxed conversation that blends home tech, networking stories, pellet grills, Blackstone cooking, pizza ovens, and the routines that make outdoor cooking such an addictive hobby. From fixing a broken cable that disrupted a mesh network to experimenting with dry brining, reverse searing, and maple syrup in savory dishes, this episode covers the overlap between gadgets, workflow, and food culture. If you enjoy cooking, grilling, home labs, or simply building better systems around hobbies,Financial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/04/18/ai-that-thinks-dewain-robinson-on-agents-copilot-and-whats-next-hgg677/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/04/18/ai-that-thinks-dewain-robinson-on-agents-copilot-and-whats-next-hgg677/#comments Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:23:33 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18702 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/04/18/ai-that-thinks-dewain-robinson-on-agents-copilot-and-whats-next-hgg677/feed/ 1 full 1:22:50 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noWhat happens when AI stops being just a chatbot and starts to reason, plan, and actually do useful work? This week, Dewain Robinson joins me for a conversation on Copilot Studio, AI agents, reasoning models, vibe coding, and the future of software development. We go beyond the usual AI hype and into the practical side, how these tools are already changing workflows, helping with real tasks, and forcing all of us to rethink what productive work looks like. From Microsoft’s internal shift after ChatGPT to real-world examples like managing email, building demo data, handling calendars, and guiding software creation, thisJim CollisonWhat happens when AI stops being just a chatbot and starts to reason, plan, and actually do useful work? This week, Dewain Robinson joins me for a conversation on Copilot Studio, AI agents, reasoning models, vibe coding, and the future of software development. We go beyond the usual AI hype and into the practical side, how these tools are already changing workflows, helping with real tasks, and forcing all of us to rethink what productive work looks like. From Microsoft’s internal shift after ChatGPT to real-world examples like managing email, building demo data, handling calendars, and guiding software creation, thisFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/04/11/should-you-trust-openclaw-on-your-network-with-christian-johnson-hgg676/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/04/11/should-you-trust-openclaw-on-your-network-with-christian-johnson-hgg676/#comments Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:57:51 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18672 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/04/11/should-you-trust-openclaw-on-your-network-with-christian-johnson-hgg676/feed/ 1 full 1:36:24 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noWhat happens when a practical conversation about AI tools turns into a deeper discussion about autonomy, cybersecurity, local models, and the future of the internet? This week, Christian Johnson joins me to talk about OpenClaw, the rapid rise of open-source AI agents, and why this new generation of tools feels very different from traditional chat-based AI. From local LLMs and hardware choices to plugin trust, sandboxing, and the risks of giving agents access to real systems, this episode explores both the promise and the danger of the current AI moment. Thanks for listening! Why This Episode Matters A lot ofJim CollisonWhat happens when a practical conversation about AI tools turns into a deeper discussion about autonomy, cybersecurity, local models, and the future of the internet? This week, Christian Johnson joins me to talk about OpenClaw, the rapid rise of open-source AI agents, and why this new generation of tools feels very different from traditional chat-based AI. From local LLMs and hardware choices to plugin trust, sandboxing, and the risks of giving agents access to real systems, this episode explores both the promise and the danger of the current AI moment. Thanks for listening! Why This Episode Matters A lot ofFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/03/21/a-hard-look-at-openclaw-is-it-safe-to-use-this-ai-right-now-hgg675/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/03/21/a-hard-look-at-openclaw-is-it-safe-to-use-this-ai-right-now-hgg675/#comments Sat, 21 Mar 2026 13:46:35 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18661 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/03/21/a-hard-look-at-openclaw-is-it-safe-to-use-this-ai-right-now-hgg675/feed/ 1 full 1:15:48 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noIs the AI future helpful or just plain dangerous? This week, Gavin Campbell from HomeTech.fm and I take a hard look at OpenClaw, “vibe coding,” and what it really takes to run autonomous AI agents safely in your home lab. I’m trying to find out if you can actually let AI do the work without losing control of your network… or getting roasted by your own creations. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison is joined by Gavin Campbell from HomeTech.fm to take a hard look at one of the fastest-moving areas in technology today:Jim CollisonIs the AI future helpful or just plain dangerous? This week, Gavin Campbell from HomeTech.fm and I take a hard look at OpenClaw, “vibe coding,” and what it really takes to run autonomous AI agents safely in your home lab. I’m trying to find out if you can actually let AI do the work without losing control of your network… or getting roasted by your own creations. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison is joined by Gavin Campbell from HomeTech.fm to take a hard look at one of the fastest-moving areas in technology today:Financial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/03/14/upgrading-an-older-home-heat-pumps-air-sealing-and-smart-energy-hgg674/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/03/14/upgrading-an-older-home-heat-pumps-air-sealing-and-smart-energy-hgg674/#respond Sat, 14 Mar 2026 12:40:32 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18641 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/03/14/upgrading-an-older-home-heat-pumps-air-sealing-and-smart-energy-hgg674/feed/ 0 full 1:31:59 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noPaul Braren from TinkerTry.com joins me this week to discuss energy-efficient home technology, including heat pumps, air sealing, and upgrading older homes for modern HVAC systems. They explore the real-world costs of improving home energy efficiency, the role of smart electrical panels and lithium-ion battery backups, and how modern monitoring tools help homeowners better understand their energy usage. The conversation also covers robotics, network upgrades, and the growing role of AI in everyday technology troubleshooting. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison welcomes Paul Braren, founder of TinkerTry.com and a long-time advocate for energy-efficient homeJim CollisonPaul Braren from TinkerTry.com joins me this week to discuss energy-efficient home technology, including heat pumps, air sealing, and upgrading older homes for modern HVAC systems. They explore the real-world costs of improving home energy efficiency, the role of smart electrical panels and lithium-ion battery backups, and how modern monitoring tools help homeowners better understand their energy usage. The conversation also covers robotics, network upgrades, and the growing role of AI in everyday technology troubleshooting. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison welcomes Paul Braren, founder of TinkerTry.com and a long-time advocate for energy-efficient homeFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/02/28/how-ai-is-disrupting-songwriting-and-the-music-business-with-jay-franze-hgg673/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/02/28/how-ai-is-disrupting-songwriting-and-the-music-business-with-jay-franze-hgg673/#respond Sat, 28 Feb 2026 13:57:20 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18629 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/02/28/how-ai-is-disrupting-songwriting-and-the-music-business-with-jay-franze-hgg673/feed/ 0 full 1:12:22 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noJay Franze joins me to talk about how AI is showing up in real songwriting workflows, not just as a toy, but as a tool people are actually using. We unpack how we built the new Home Gadget Geeks theme, what’s happening in Nashville studios, and whether AI makes music more creative or more predictable. Along the way, we hit crypto regret, bourbon country, and the bigger question: what happens when anyone can make a full song in minutes? Thanks for listening! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Home Gadget Geeks #673 – AI, Songwriting & the Music Industry What is HomeJim CollisonJay Franze joins me to talk about how AI is showing up in real songwriting workflows, not just as a toy, but as a tool people are actually using. We unpack how we built the new Home Gadget Geeks theme, what’s happening in Nashville studios, and whether AI makes music more creative or more predictable. Along the way, we hit crypto regret, bourbon country, and the bigger question: what happens when anyone can make a full song in minutes? Thanks for listening! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Home Gadget Geeks #673 – AI, Songwriting & the Music Industry What is HomeFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/02/21/ring-4k-doorbell-tested-amazon-art-tv-announced-alexa-early-access-with-erin-lawrence-hgg672/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/02/21/ring-4k-doorbell-tested-amazon-art-tv-announced-alexa-early-access-with-erin-lawrence-hgg672/#respond Sat, 21 Feb 2026 13:35:46 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18623 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/02/21/ring-4k-doorbell-tested-amazon-art-tv-announced-alexa-early-access-with-erin-lawrence-hgg672/feed/ 0 full 1:24:58 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noErin Lawrence from https://www.techgadgetscanada.com/ joins me this week to break down Ring’s new 4K doorbell, the real impact of AI in consumer tech after CES 2026, Amazon’s move into the Art TV market, and Alexa+ early access. We separate meaningful upgrades from marketing hype and talk through where smart home tech is actually headed. Thanks for listening! In Home Gadget Geeks 672, I’m joined by Erin Lawrence to unpack the biggest smart home trends emerging after CES 2026. While artificial intelligence dominated the headlines, our focus is on what’s actually improving products versus what may simply be driving up costs.Jim CollisonErin Lawrence from https://www.techgadgetscanada.com/ joins me this week to break down Ring’s new 4K doorbell, the real impact of AI in consumer tech after CES 2026, Amazon’s move into the Art TV market, and Alexa+ early access. We separate meaningful upgrades from marketing hype and talk through where smart home tech is actually headed. Thanks for listening! In Home Gadget Geeks 672, I’m joined by Erin Lawrence to unpack the biggest smart home trends emerging after CES 2026. While artificial intelligence dominated the headlines, our focus is on what’s actually improving products versus what may simply be driving up costs.Financial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/02/14/andrew-morris-returns-solar-in-brisbane-nas-frustrations-unifi-networking-garmin-tech-hgg671/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/02/14/andrew-morris-returns-solar-in-brisbane-nas-frustrations-unifi-networking-garmin-tech-hgg671/#respond Sat, 14 Feb 2026 13:06:06 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18617 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/02/14/andrew-morris-returns-solar-in-brisbane-nas-frustrations-unifi-networking-garmin-tech-hgg671/feed/ 0 full 1:19:13 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noAndrew Morris returns to Home Gadget Geeks this week. We revisit the early days of HGG, catch up on his move from Melbourne to Brisbane, and dive deep into solar upgrades, NAS decisions, hardware pricing, Unifi networking, broadband realities, Garmin health tech, and the growing temptation of a Bambu Lab 3D printer. Thanks for listening!Jim CollisonAndrew Morris returns to Home Gadget Geeks this week. We revisit the early days of HGG, catch up on his move from Melbourne to Brisbane, and dive deep into solar upgrades, NAS decisions, hardware pricing, Unifi networking, broadband realities, Garmin health tech, and the growing temptation of a Bambu Lab 3D printer. Thanks for listening!Financial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/02/07/solar-sheds-smart-gardens-and-a-reality-check-from-ces-2026-with-tj-huddleston-hgg670/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/02/07/solar-sheds-smart-gardens-and-a-reality-check-from-ces-2026-with-tj-huddleston-hgg670/#respond Sat, 07 Feb 2026 12:43:47 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18608 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/02/07/solar-sheds-smart-gardens-and-a-reality-check-from-ces-2026-with-tj-huddleston-hgg670/feed/ 0 full 1:10:19 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noThis week I am joined by TJ Huddleston for a wide-ranging conversation that blends real-world winter weather, practical home technology, and insights from CES 2026. From navigating a rare Level 3 snow emergency in Ohio to installing a solar-powered backyard shed using an EcoFlow battery, the discussion stays focused on what actually works. Along the way, Jim and TJ dig into smart irrigation, weather stations, automation strategies, and why CES continues to be more about people and perspective than breakthrough products. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison is joined by TJ Huddleston for aJim CollisonThis week I am joined by TJ Huddleston for a wide-ranging conversation that blends real-world winter weather, practical home technology, and insights from CES 2026. From navigating a rare Level 3 snow emergency in Ohio to installing a solar-powered backyard shed using an EcoFlow battery, the discussion stays focused on what actually works. Along the way, Jim and TJ dig into smart irrigation, weather stations, automation strategies, and why CES continues to be more about people and perspective than breakthrough products. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison is joined by TJ Huddleston for aFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/01/31/tapo-smart-devices-unifi-home-networking-and-a-gadget-detox-hgg669/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/01/31/tapo-smart-devices-unifi-home-networking-and-a-gadget-detox-hgg669/#respond Sat, 31 Jan 2026 14:43:22 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18600 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/01/31/tapo-smart-devices-unifi-home-networking-and-a-gadget-detox-hgg669/feed/ 0 full 1:28:42 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noMarv Bee returns this week for a practical conversation about unified home networking and modern tech habits. The discussion provides a closer look at Ubiquiti’s UniFi ecosystem and why it’s becoming more approachable for home users, along with strategies for simplifying complex networks, utilizing VLANs to enhance security, and managing the constant pressure to upgrade. Along the way, the episode also explores smart home automation, Amazon shopping behaviors, and Marv’s ongoing gadget detox—offering a thoughtful balance between embracing new technology and keeping it under control. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, the conversation explores the real-worldJim CollisonMarv Bee returns this week for a practical conversation about unified home networking and modern tech habits. The discussion provides a closer look at Ubiquiti’s UniFi ecosystem and why it’s becoming more approachable for home users, along with strategies for simplifying complex networks, utilizing VLANs to enhance security, and managing the constant pressure to upgrade. Along the way, the episode also explores smart home automation, Amazon shopping behaviors, and Marv’s ongoing gadget detox—offering a thoughtful balance between embracing new technology and keeping it under control. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, the conversation explores the real-worldFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/01/24/oscar-hedaya-with-smart-safes-and-reinventing-home-security-with-space-hgg668/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/01/24/oscar-hedaya-with-smart-safes-and-reinventing-home-security-with-space-hgg668/#respond Sat, 24 Jan 2026 13:45:29 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18571 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/01/24/oscar-hedaya-with-smart-safes-and-reinventing-home-security-with-space-hgg668/feed/ 0 full 1:43:16 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noIn this episode, I speak with Oscar Hedaya, founder of Space, about how smart safes are redefining home security through modern technology. We explore Oscar’s entrepreneurial journey and how his experiences led to rethinking a traditionally overlooked household product for today’s connected lifestyles. Our conversation highlights the innovative features of the Space smart safe, including a touchscreen interface, motion detection, app connectivity, and the PanicPin emergency alert system. Oscar explains why consumer expectations have shifted toward app-integrated devices and why usability must remain front and center, even as products become more advanced. We also discuss the realities of building andJim CollisonIn this episode, I speak with Oscar Hedaya, founder of Space, about how smart safes are redefining home security through modern technology. We explore Oscar’s entrepreneurial journey and how his experiences led to rethinking a traditionally overlooked household product for today’s connected lifestyles. Our conversation highlights the innovative features of the Space smart safe, including a touchscreen interface, motion detection, app connectivity, and the PanicPin emergency alert system. Oscar explains why consumer expectations have shifted toward app-integrated devices and why usability must remain front and center, even as products become more advanced. We also discuss the realities of building andFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/01/17/celebrating-15-years-of-home-gadget-geeks-with-lepro-outdoor-lighting-ai-hardware-shifts-and-crypto-signals-hgg667/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/01/17/celebrating-15-years-of-home-gadget-geeks-with-lepro-outdoor-lighting-ai-hardware-shifts-and-crypto-signals-hgg667/#comments Sat, 17 Jan 2026 14:03:45 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18539 https://theaverageguy.tv/2026/01/17/celebrating-15-years-of-home-gadget-geeks-with-lepro-outdoor-lighting-ai-hardware-shifts-and-crypto-signals-hgg667/feed/ 1 full 1:22:40 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noChristian Johnson joins me this week to celebrate the 15-year anniversary of the show while exploring today’s evolving tech landscape. They discuss AI hardware trends, rising consumer component costs, and NVIDIA’s latest enterprise advancements, along with a hands-on look at programmable outdoor LED lighting. We also look into cryptocurrency, comparing Ethereum and Bitcoin, before wrapping up with immersive tech and Microsoft Flight Simulator. Thanks for listening! In Episode 667 of Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison is joined by long-time friend and technologist Christian Johnson for a wide-ranging conversation that blends reflection, hands-on experience, and forward-looking analysis. The episode opens withJim CollisonChristian Johnson joins me this week to celebrate the 15-year anniversary of the show while exploring today’s evolving tech landscape. They discuss AI hardware trends, rising consumer component costs, and NVIDIA’s latest enterprise advancements, along with a hands-on look at programmable outdoor LED lighting. We also look into cryptocurrency, comparing Ethereum and Bitcoin, before wrapping up with immersive tech and Microsoft Flight Simulator. Thanks for listening! In Episode 667 of Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison is joined by long-time friend and technologist Christian Johnson for a wide-ranging conversation that blends reflection, hands-on experience, and forward-looking analysis. The episode opens withFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/12/20/jay-franze-talks-writing-songs-with-ai-creativity-without-limits-hgg666/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/12/20/jay-franze-talks-writing-songs-with-ai-creativity-without-limits-hgg666/#respond Sat, 20 Dec 2025 15:12:26 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18339 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/12/20/jay-franze-talks-writing-songs-with-ai-creativity-without-limits-hgg666/feed/ 0 full 1:57:46 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noIn this episode, I’m joined by Jay Franze, a seasoned music producer, to explore how AI is transforming music creation. Jay shares his experiment using AI as a virtual studio—producing songs that rival human-recorded tracks and often sound indistinguishable from traditional productions. We compare AI and studio recordings, discuss songwriting, ethics, and ownership, and explore how these tools can empower musicians and podcasters alike. The episode closes with a look toward future collaborations and the potential for AI-crafted theme music. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joined by Jay Franze, a music industry veteran withJim CollisonIn this episode, I’m joined by Jay Franze, a seasoned music producer, to explore how AI is transforming music creation. Jay shares his experiment using AI as a virtual studio—producing songs that rival human-recorded tracks and often sound indistinguishable from traditional productions. We compare AI and studio recordings, discuss songwriting, ethics, and ownership, and explore how these tools can empower musicians and podcasters alike. The episode closes with a look toward future collaborations and the potential for AI-crafted theme music. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joined by Jay Franze, a music industry veteran withFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/11/29/sammie-collison-on-unpacking-a-remarkable-year-through-grit-growth-and-gratitude-hgg665/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/11/29/sammie-collison-on-unpacking-a-remarkable-year-through-grit-growth-and-gratitude-hgg665/#respond Sat, 29 Nov 2025 13:17:44 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=18330 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/11/29/sammie-collison-on-unpacking-a-remarkable-year-through-grit-growth-and-gratitude-hgg665/feed/ 0 full 1:01:31 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noEvery year on Black Friday, Home Gadget Geeks pauses the tech talk just long enough to look at where life and technology intersect, and this year’s episode with Sammie Collison might be the most grounded one yet. From returning to college as a full-time library para to managing finances, mental bandwidth, and school in the age of cloud tools and tactile hobbies, Sammie gives us a real-world look at what it takes to navigate modern adulthood with limited time and limited money — and still find room for creativity, connection, and growth. Technology is in the mix, but seldom theJim CollisonEvery year on Black Friday, Home Gadget Geeks pauses the tech talk just long enough to look at where life and technology intersect, and this year’s episode with Sammie Collison might be the most grounded one yet. From returning to college as a full-time library para to managing finances, mental bandwidth, and school in the age of cloud tools and tactile hobbies, Sammie gives us a real-world look at what it takes to navigate modern adulthood with limited time and limited money — and still find room for creativity, connection, and growth. Technology is in the mix, but seldom theFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/11/22/warped-boards-wired-homes-catching-up-with-dave-mccabe-hgg664/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/11/22/warped-boards-wired-homes-catching-up-with-dave-mccabe-hgg664/#respond Sat, 22 Nov 2025 13:02:25 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17646 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/11/22/warped-boards-wired-homes-catching-up-with-dave-mccabe-hgg664/feed/ 0 full 1:14:45 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noDave McCabe joins me this week to reminisce about 17 years of podcasting, dive into smart home gadgets, and explore Dave’s woodworking journey with Warped Boards. From CNC upgrades and handcrafted cutting boards to candid talk on men’s health, this episode blends tech, creativity, and community. Thanks for listening! Chapters:[0:00] Weather, Lawn Talk and Show Opening[3:00] Podcasting Since 2007[4:42] Blogging, Social Media and Changing Tech[7:15] Phones, MacBooks and Home Servers[10:01] Home Assistant, Smart Plugs and DIY Tech[17:25] CNC Machines, Materials and Woodworking[33:15] Etsy, Cutting Boards and Product Ideas[1:04:42] Health, Checkups and Men’s Health[1:07:55] CNC Upgrades and Future Plans[1:08:10] Black FridayJim CollisonDave McCabe joins me this week to reminisce about 17 years of podcasting, dive into smart home gadgets, and explore Dave’s woodworking journey with Warped Boards. From CNC upgrades and handcrafted cutting boards to candid talk on men’s health, this episode blends tech, creativity, and community. Thanks for listening! Chapters:[0:00] Weather, Lawn Talk and Show Opening[3:00] Podcasting Since 2007[4:42] Blogging, Social Media and Changing Tech[7:15] Phones, MacBooks and Home Servers[10:01] Home Assistant, Smart Plugs and DIY Tech[17:25] CNC Machines, Materials and Woodworking[33:15] Etsy, Cutting Boards and Product Ideas[1:04:42] Health, Checkups and Men’s Health[1:07:55] CNC Upgrades and Future Plans[1:08:10] Black FridayFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/11/15/smart-fridges-clean-windows-and-virtual-fairways-tech-that-simplifies-life-hgg663/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/11/15/smart-fridges-clean-windows-and-virtual-fairways-tech-that-simplifies-life-hgg663/#respond Sat, 15 Nov 2025 14:32:36 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17637 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/11/15/smart-fridges-clean-windows-and-virtual-fairways-tech-that-simplifies-life-hgg663/feed/ 0 full 1:27:08 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noI am joined this week by Erin Lawrence and Mike Wieger to explore tech innovations that enhance daily living. They review the Mydea One Touch Autofill Refrigerator, the Ecovacs WinBot W2 window-cleaning robot, and dive into golf simulator technology. The episode wraps with Black Friday deals, hard drive upgrades, battery backup solutions, and camping tech innovations—all with humor and practical insights for the average gadget enthusiast. Thanks for listening! I am joined by Erin Lawrence and Mike Wieger to explore the latest technological innovations and gadgets that can enhance our daily living experiences. Recorded on November 13th, 2025, we diveJim CollisonI am joined this week by Erin Lawrence and Mike Wieger to explore tech innovations that enhance daily living. They review the Mydea One Touch Autofill Refrigerator, the Ecovacs WinBot W2 window-cleaning robot, and dive into golf simulator technology. The episode wraps with Black Friday deals, hard drive upgrades, battery backup solutions, and camping tech innovations—all with humor and practical insights for the average gadget enthusiast. Thanks for listening! I am joined by Erin Lawrence and Mike Wieger to explore the latest technological innovations and gadgets that can enhance our daily living experiences. Recorded on November 13th, 2025, we diveFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/11/08/the-20k-slate-ev-linux-mint-recycle-pcs-and-smart-battery-upgrades-with-kevin-schoonover-hgg662/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/11/08/the-20k-slate-ev-linux-mint-recycle-pcs-and-smart-battery-upgrades-with-kevin-schoonover-hgg662/#respond Sat, 08 Nov 2025 13:02:22 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17628 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/11/08/the-20k-slate-ev-linux-mint-recycle-pcs-and-smart-battery-upgrades-with-kevin-schoonover-hgg662/feed/ 0 full 1:22:37 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noIn this week’s episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joined by Kevin Schoonover for a packed discussion that jumps from health and fitness to EV trucks, from Windows 10’s sunset to ARM’s rise, and all the way down to the small stuff — batteries, smart home gear, and the realities of modern tech maintenance. Thanks for listening! Episode Summary We open the show by talking about the weather rolling into Omaha and catching up on the World Series, before Kevin dives into something a little different — his personal health journey. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a few years ago,Jim CollisonIn this week’s episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joined by Kevin Schoonover for a packed discussion that jumps from health and fitness to EV trucks, from Windows 10’s sunset to ARM’s rise, and all the way down to the small stuff — batteries, smart home gear, and the realities of modern tech maintenance. Thanks for listening! Episode Summary We open the show by talking about the weather rolling into Omaha and catching up on the World Series, before Kevin dives into something a little different — his personal health journey. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a few years ago,Financial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/11/01/gavin-campbell-with-smart-yard-automation-unraid-7-2-enhancements-and-the-rise-of-local-ai-hgg661/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/11/01/gavin-campbell-with-smart-yard-automation-unraid-7-2-enhancements-and-the-rise-of-local-ai-hgg661/#respond Sat, 01 Nov 2025 13:58:48 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17620 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/11/01/gavin-campbell-with-smart-yard-automation-unraid-7-2-enhancements-and-the-rise-of-local-ai-hgg661/feed/ 0 full 1:09:27 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noGavin Campbell joins this week and we covered winter weather, his strong early results with the Segway Navimow robot mower, the improved sound and smart-home functionality of the Echo Dot Max, and his Unraid 7.2 upgrade that boosted responsiveness. We discussed how we are using local AI for automation, troubleshooting, and coding, along with bigger questions around AI’s economics and infrastructure. We closed with notes on CES planning, upcoming guests, and a quick update on Sammy’s library-science studies, plus an invitation to keep the conversation going in our Discord. Thanks for listening! Episode Overview In this episode of Home GadgetJim CollisonGavin Campbell joins this week and we covered winter weather, his strong early results with the Segway Navimow robot mower, the improved sound and smart-home functionality of the Echo Dot Max, and his Unraid 7.2 upgrade that boosted responsiveness. We discussed how we are using local AI for automation, troubleshooting, and coding, along with bigger questions around AI’s economics and infrastructure. We closed with notes on CES planning, upcoming guests, and a quick update on Sammy’s library-science studies, plus an invitation to keep the conversation going in our Discord. Thanks for listening! Episode Overview In this episode of Home GadgetFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/10/18/ecoflow-and-eco-worthy-solar-setup-updates-using-local-ai-at-home-hgg660/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/10/18/ecoflow-and-eco-worthy-solar-setup-updates-using-local-ai-at-home-hgg660/#comments Sat, 18 Oct 2025 14:00:56 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17610 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/10/18/ecoflow-and-eco-worthy-solar-setup-updates-using-local-ai-at-home-hgg660/feed/ 1 full 58:04 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noIn this episode, we discuss the latest with my solar setup (EcoFlow battery, Eco-Worthy panels) and take a deep dive into local AI — exploring LLMs you can run at home, privacy implications, and practical use cases. We also field live chat questions, talk about Ollama, LM Studio, voice cloning, and more. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I share the latest updates from my ongoing solar power experiment — including new insights from my EcoFlow Delta 3 battery system and a fresh set of Eco-Worthy 100-watt solar panels mounted to the front porch. I breakJim CollisonIn this episode, we discuss the latest with my solar setup (EcoFlow battery, Eco-Worthy panels) and take a deep dive into local AI — exploring LLMs you can run at home, privacy implications, and practical use cases. We also field live chat questions, talk about Ollama, LM Studio, voice cloning, and more. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I share the latest updates from my ongoing solar power experiment — including new insights from my EcoFlow Delta 3 battery system and a fresh set of Eco-Worthy 100-watt solar panels mounted to the front porch. I breakFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/10/11/lutron-smart-plug-airpods-pro-3-iphone-17-and-a-switch-to-visible-hgg659/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/10/11/lutron-smart-plug-airpods-pro-3-iphone-17-and-a-switch-to-visible-hgg659/#respond Sat, 11 Oct 2025 13:57:38 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17585 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/10/11/lutron-smart-plug-airpods-pro-3-iphone-17-and-a-switch-to-visible-hgg659/feed/ 0 full 53:18 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noIn this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I spent some time diving into a few recent tech updates and sharing a bit of what’s been going on with me. I started with a look at the Lutron PD-150UTB-BL smart outdoor plug — it’s built like a tank and performs great outdoors, but at $85, it’s hard to call it a good value. From there, I talked about Apple’s new AirPods Pro 3, which I recently picked up. The upgraded noise cancellation is noticeably better, and the new translation features are surprisingly effective for multilingual conversations. I also shared a fewJim CollisonIn this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I spent some time diving into a few recent tech updates and sharing a bit of what’s been going on with me. I started with a look at the Lutron PD-150UTB-BL smart outdoor plug — it’s built like a tank and performs great outdoors, but at $85, it’s hard to call it a good value. From there, I talked about Apple’s new AirPods Pro 3, which I recently picked up. The upgraded noise cancellation is noticeably better, and the new translation features are surprisingly effective for multilingual conversations. I also shared a fewFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/09/27/airpods-to-ai-tech-crypto-and-life-updates-with-christian-johnson-hgg658/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/09/27/airpods-to-ai-tech-crypto-and-life-updates-with-christian-johnson-hgg658/#respond Sat, 27 Sep 2025 11:58:53 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17577 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/09/27/airpods-to-ai-tech-crypto-and-life-updates-with-christian-johnson-hgg658/feed/ 0 full 58:22 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noIn this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joined by Christian Johnson. We start with a discussion about the new Apple AirPods Pro 3, which I’ve purchased and am waiting to try once they arrive. From there, Christian shares updates on life as a new father and his progress toward earning a pilot’s license. The second half of the conversation focuses on cryptocurrency and blockchain, with Christian explaining his changing perspective on the space, especially the role of Ethereum and its connection to the growth of AI technologies. Thanks for listening! n this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joinedJim CollisonIn this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joined by Christian Johnson. We start with a discussion about the new Apple AirPods Pro 3, which I’ve purchased and am waiting to try once they arrive. From there, Christian shares updates on life as a new father and his progress toward earning a pilot’s license. The second half of the conversation focuses on cryptocurrency and blockchain, with Christian explaining his changing perspective on the space, especially the role of Ethereum and its connection to the growth of AI technologies. Thanks for listening! n this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joinedFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/09/08/getting-the-most-out-of-eco-worthy-100w-bifacial-panels-with-bluetti-ac180/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/09/08/getting-the-most-out-of-eco-worthy-100w-bifacial-panels-with-bluetti-ac180/#comments Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:33:35 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17548 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/09/08/getting-the-most-out-of-eco-worthy-100w-bifacial-panels-with-bluetti-ac180/feed/ 2 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison) https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/09/06/ai-and-assistive-technology-in-education-insights-with-dr-brian-friedlander-hgg657/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/09/06/ai-and-assistive-technology-in-education-insights-with-dr-brian-friedlander-hgg657/#comments Sat, 06 Sep 2025 14:06:28 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17561 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/09/06/ai-and-assistive-technology-in-education-insights-with-dr-brian-friedlander-hgg657/feed/ 1 full 1:19:11 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noOn this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Brian Friedlander to talk about how AI is changing the landscape of assistive technology. We covered everything from tools like AOA, Brisk, and Magic School AI that support students in the classroom, to innovations in note-taking, E Ink devices, and even brain-computer interfaces. It was a fascinating conversation about where accessibility meets technology, and how sometimes the simplest solutions end up being the most powerful. Thanks for listening! In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brian Friedlander, an expert in assistive technology andJim CollisonOn this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Brian Friedlander to talk about how AI is changing the landscape of assistive technology. We covered everything from tools like AOA, Brisk, and Magic School AI that support students in the classroom, to innovations in note-taking, E Ink devices, and even brain-computer interfaces. It was a fascinating conversation about where accessibility meets technology, and how sometimes the simplest solutions end up being the most powerful. Thanks for listening! In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brian Friedlander, an expert in assistive technology andFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/08/31/bluetti-ac180-vs-ecoflow-delta-3-real-world-review-and-why-i-favor-the-ecoflow/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/08/31/bluetti-ac180-vs-ecoflow-delta-3-real-world-review-and-why-i-favor-the-ecoflow/#comments Mon, 01 Sep 2025 02:51:36 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17541 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/08/31/bluetti-ac180-vs-ecoflow-delta-3-real-world-review-and-why-i-favor-the-ecoflow/feed/ 2 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison) https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/08/26/review-lutron-smart-outdoor-plug-for-caseta-smart-lighting-pd-15out-bl-built-to-last-outdoors/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/08/26/review-lutron-smart-outdoor-plug-for-caseta-smart-lighting-pd-15out-bl-built-to-last-outdoors/#comments Wed, 27 Aug 2025 01:07:15 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17507 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/08/26/review-lutron-smart-outdoor-plug-for-caseta-smart-lighting-pd-15out-bl-built-to-last-outdoors/feed/ 2 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison) https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/08/23/books-beats-batteries-jay-franze-with-mac-upgrades-and-solar-questions-hgg656/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/08/23/books-beats-batteries-jay-franze-with-mac-upgrades-and-solar-questions-hgg656/#respond Sat, 23 Aug 2025 11:27:32 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17502 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/08/23/books-beats-batteries-jay-franze-with-mac-upgrades-and-solar-questions-hgg656/feed/ 0 full 1:34:02 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noJay Franze is back, and we talk about his new book, Stand Out or Fade Out. Jay considers upgrading his Mac Mini and shares updates on home projects and a new service dog for his daughter. Jim updates his solar setup, switching to an EcoFlow Delta 3, and they discuss solar power for camping, home use, and RVs, covering costs, efficiency, and practical uses. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I reconnect with Jay Franze, an accomplished podcaster and author, to explore the intersection of technology and personal interests. Our conversation kicks off with a playfulJim CollisonJay Franze is back, and we talk about his new book, Stand Out or Fade Out. Jay considers upgrading his Mac Mini and shares updates on home projects and a new service dog for his daughter. Jim updates his solar setup, switching to an EcoFlow Delta 3, and they discuss solar power for camping, home use, and RVs, covering costs, efficiency, and practical uses. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I reconnect with Jay Franze, an accomplished podcaster and author, to explore the intersection of technology and personal interests. Our conversation kicks off with a playfulFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/08/09/tech-gadgets-galore-erin-lawrences-latest-reviews-and-innovations-hgg655/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/08/09/tech-gadgets-galore-erin-lawrences-latest-reviews-and-innovations-hgg655/#respond Sat, 09 Aug 2025 11:37:28 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17491 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/08/09/tech-gadgets-galore-erin-lawrences-latest-reviews-and-innovations-hgg655/feed/ 0 full 1:20:36 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noErin Lawrence joins me this week for a wide-ranging conversation on home, lawn, and automotive gadgets. We dig into the future of lawn care with the Segway Navimow robot lawn mower, discuss battery brand ecosystems in power tools, and explore must-have car tech like portable jump starters and tire inflators. Erin shares her innovative smart blinds laundry room makeover, reviews fun kitchen gadgets like the Ninja Creami soft serve maker and slushy machines, and talks about her Mazda CX-50 Hybrid test drive. The duo also cover solar power considerations for RVs, portable power stations for off-grid camping, and what’s nextJim CollisonErin Lawrence joins me this week for a wide-ranging conversation on home, lawn, and automotive gadgets. We dig into the future of lawn care with the Segway Navimow robot lawn mower, discuss battery brand ecosystems in power tools, and explore must-have car tech like portable jump starters and tire inflators. Erin shares her innovative smart blinds laundry room makeover, reviews fun kitchen gadgets like the Ninja Creami soft serve maker and slushy machines, and talks about her Mazda CX-50 Hybrid test drive. The duo also cover solar power considerations for RVs, portable power stations for off-grid camping, and what’s nextFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/08/02/when-smart-gets-smarter-lighting-lawn-care-and-diy-solar-systems-hgg654/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/08/02/when-smart-gets-smarter-lighting-lawn-care-and-diy-solar-systems-hgg654/#respond Sat, 02 Aug 2025 12:16:58 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17487 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/08/02/when-smart-gets-smarter-lighting-lawn-care-and-diy-solar-systems-hgg654/feed/ 0 full 1:16:48 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noGavin Campbell joins me this week for a deep dive into smart home automation, solar experimentation, and the latest in robotic lawn care. Jim shares updates and lessons learned from his Bluetti solar setup and how he’s trying to integrate it with Home Assistant for smarter energy use. Gavin brings insights on millimeter wave technology in light switches, POE-powered Zigbee/Z-Wave hubs, and the benefits of RTF grass and robotic mowers. The two also explore smart watering systems, the rise of LiDAR in lawn robotics, and cap things off with a candid chat on Sonos headphones and the ongoing power toolJim CollisonGavin Campbell joins me this week for a deep dive into smart home automation, solar experimentation, and the latest in robotic lawn care. Jim shares updates and lessons learned from his Bluetti solar setup and how he’s trying to integrate it with Home Assistant for smarter energy use. Gavin brings insights on millimeter wave technology in light switches, POE-powered Zigbee/Z-Wave hubs, and the benefits of RTF grass and robotic mowers. The two also explore smart watering systems, the rise of LiDAR in lawn robotics, and cap things off with a candid chat on Sonos headphones and the ongoing power toolFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/07/26/from-prime-day-to-power-play-jims-solar-experiment-begins-hgg653/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/07/26/from-prime-day-to-power-play-jims-solar-experiment-begins-hgg653/#respond Sat, 26 Jul 2025 12:37:41 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17481 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/07/26/from-prime-day-to-power-play-jims-solar-experiment-begins-hgg653/feed/ 0 full 48:35 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noI recently kicked off a solar power project at home to test the efficiency of two 100-watt, 18-volt bi-facial panels I picked up for $99 each during Prime week. The goal is to see how they perform in different areas of my property and learn how to optimize small-scale solar setups. I’ve added some essential tools to my kit—crimping tools, wire strippers, and connectors—and I’m running everything through a Bluetti AC180 inverter with a 500-watt MPPT controller. I chose to wire the panels in parallel to ensure that shading on one doesn’t compromise the output of the other. To monitorJim CollisonI recently kicked off a solar power project at home to test the efficiency of two 100-watt, 18-volt bi-facial panels I picked up for $99 each during Prime week. The goal is to see how they perform in different areas of my property and learn how to optimize small-scale solar setups. I’ve added some essential tools to my kit—crimping tools, wire strippers, and connectors—and I’m running everything through a Bluetti AC180 inverter with a 500-watt MPPT controller. I chose to wire the panels in parallel to ensure that shading on one doesn’t compromise the output of the other. To monitorFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/06/28/smart-tech-smarter-conversations-ai-robot-mowers-and-power-on-the-go-with-dave-hamilton-hgg652/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/06/28/smart-tech-smarter-conversations-ai-robot-mowers-and-power-on-the-go-with-dave-hamilton-hgg652/#respond Sat, 28 Jun 2025 12:50:51 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17467 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/06/28/smart-tech-smarter-conversations-ai-robot-mowers-and-power-on-the-go-with-dave-hamilton-hgg652/feed/ 0 full 1:03:24 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noDave Hamilton joins me this week. After a quick Mac lightning round, Dave shares how he uses ChatGPT for long-form conversations while driving and discusses his Eufy Robot Lawn Mower E15, which navigates with onboard cameras and mows daily for a consistently clean lawn. They also review the Ampace Andes 1500 portable power station and the Boost Hero jump starter—both handy tools for outages and emergencies. The episode wraps with reflections on our long-running podcasts and how tech continues to shape our shows. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison welcomes Dave Hamilton for aJim CollisonDave Hamilton joins me this week. After a quick Mac lightning round, Dave shares how he uses ChatGPT for long-form conversations while driving and discusses his Eufy Robot Lawn Mower E15, which navigates with onboard cameras and mows daily for a consistently clean lawn. They also review the Ampace Andes 1500 portable power station and the Boost Hero jump starter—both handy tools for outages and emergencies. The episode wraps with reflections on our long-running podcasts and how tech continues to shape our shows. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison welcomes Dave Hamilton for aFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/06/21/the-future-of-podcasting-co-hosting-with-an-ai-hgg651/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/06/21/the-future-of-podcasting-co-hosting-with-an-ai-hgg651/#respond Sat, 21 Jun 2025 12:36:21 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17462 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/06/21/the-future-of-podcasting-co-hosting-with-an-ai-hgg651/feed/ 0 full 1:01:02 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noThis week, I experiment with integrating AI into podcasting by introducing Microsoft’s Co-Pilot, Mick, as a co-host. I dive into the real-world challenges of blending AI with human conversation. Covering everything from audio quality quirks to the absence of non-verbal cues that shape natural dialogue, we unpack the strengths of AI, like consistency, speed, and on-demand knowledge, while also exploring its limitations in emotional nuance, spontaneity, and authentic connection. This episode is a candid look at the evolving relationship between humans and AI in creative spaces and a commitment to shaping that partnership thoughtfully in episodes to come. Thanks forJim CollisonThis week, I experiment with integrating AI into podcasting by introducing Microsoft’s Co-Pilot, Mick, as a co-host. I dive into the real-world challenges of blending AI with human conversation. Covering everything from audio quality quirks to the absence of non-verbal cues that shape natural dialogue, we unpack the strengths of AI, like consistency, speed, and on-demand knowledge, while also exploring its limitations in emotional nuance, spontaneity, and authentic connection. This episode is a candid look at the evolving relationship between humans and AI in creative spaces and a commitment to shaping that partnership thoughtfully in episodes to come. Thanks forFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/06/14/fiber-wars-fast-networks-and-smarter-health-tech-with-mike-wieger-hgg650/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/06/14/fiber-wars-fast-networks-and-smarter-health-tech-with-mike-wieger-hgg650/#respond Sat, 14 Jun 2025 13:23:33 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17457 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/06/14/fiber-wars-fast-networks-and-smarter-health-tech-with-mike-wieger-hgg650/feed/ 0 full 1:24:27 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noMike Wieger joins me to talk through the latest in home tech and personal gadgets. We cover his switch from Cox to MetroNet fiber and compare Omaha’s evolving internet options, including T-Mobile and Great Plains. Mike shares his 2.5 and 10 Gbps networking upgrades, covers DIY repairs, and explores self-hosting with Oracle VPS and VPNs via Tailscale. We also break down his experience with the WHOOP fitness tracker, from sleep and recovery data to hardware upgrades. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, we dive into a range of captivating topics with Mike Wieger, exploring innovations inJim CollisonMike Wieger joins me to talk through the latest in home tech and personal gadgets. We cover his switch from Cox to MetroNet fiber and compare Omaha’s evolving internet options, including T-Mobile and Great Plains. Mike shares his 2.5 and 10 Gbps networking upgrades, covers DIY repairs, and explores self-hosting with Oracle VPS and VPNs via Tailscale. We also break down his experience with the WHOOP fitness tracker, from sleep and recovery data to hardware upgrades. Thanks for listening! In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, we dive into a range of captivating topics with Mike Wieger, exploring innovations inFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/06/07/the-fix-it-space-repairing-repurposing-and-community-tech-solutions-with-kevin-schoonover-hgg649/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/06/07/the-fix-it-space-repairing-repurposing-and-community-tech-solutions-with-kevin-schoonover-hgg649/#respond Sat, 07 Jun 2025 12:57:07 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17448 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/06/07/the-fix-it-space-repairing-repurposing-and-community-tech-solutions-with-kevin-schoonover-hgg649/feed/ 0 full 1:17:24 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noKevin Schoonover is my guest this week as we look into the growing “fix-it” movement, exploring how repairing everyday items—like lamps, sewing machines, and coffee makers—can save money and reduce waste. Kevin shares his experience with local fix-it clinics in Minnesota and the rise of repair culture amid economic pressures. We also discuss 3D printing for custom parts, the power of community involvement, and the impact of donating and repurposing through organizations like Buy Nothing and Bridging. Thanks for listening! Jim Collison and Kevin Schoonover discussed the FIX IT market, emphasizing the importance of repairing items to save costs amidstJim CollisonKevin Schoonover is my guest this week as we look into the growing “fix-it” movement, exploring how repairing everyday items—like lamps, sewing machines, and coffee makers—can save money and reduce waste. Kevin shares his experience with local fix-it clinics in Minnesota and the rise of repair culture amid economic pressures. We also discuss 3D printing for custom parts, the power of community involvement, and the impact of donating and repurposing through organizations like Buy Nothing and Bridging. Thanks for listening! Jim Collison and Kevin Schoonover discussed the FIX IT market, emphasizing the importance of repairing items to save costs amidstFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/05/31/tech-gardens-and-gadgets-a-conversation-with-tj-huddleston-from-hometech-fm-hgg648/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/05/31/tech-gardens-and-gadgets-a-conversation-with-tj-huddleston-from-hometech-fm-hgg648/#respond Sat, 31 May 2025 12:26:40 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17437 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/05/31/tech-gardens-and-gadgets-a-conversation-with-tj-huddleston-from-hometech-fm-hgg648/feed/ 0 full 1:36:09 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noThis week, I am joined by T.J. Huddleston, a home automation pro from HomeTech.fm. We discuss how smart home gear has become significantly more affordable and easier to use, especially compared to the clunky systems of the past. T.J. shares how he’s using smart irrigation in his garden to save time and water, pretty cool stuff for anyone with a green thumb. We also get into the latest in home security with smarter surveillance cameras and how AI is making all of it more useful and less of a hassle. T.J. gives us the inside scoop on organizing the HomeJim CollisonThis week, I am joined by T.J. Huddleston, a home automation pro from HomeTech.fm. We discuss how smart home gear has become significantly more affordable and easier to use, especially compared to the clunky systems of the past. T.J. shares how he’s using smart irrigation in his garden to save time and water, pretty cool stuff for anyone with a green thumb. We also get into the latest in home security with smarter surveillance cameras and how AI is making all of it more useful and less of a hassle. T.J. gives us the inside scoop on organizing the HomeFinancial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/05/24/45-drives-co-founder-doug-milburn-hgg647/ https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/05/24/45-drives-co-founder-doug-milburn-hgg647/#respond Sat, 24 May 2025 12:01:57 +0000 https://theaverageguy.tv/?p=17428 https://theaverageguy.tv/2025/05/24/45-drives-co-founder-doug-milburn-hgg647/feed/ 0 full 1:06:00 podcast@theaverageguy.tv (Jim Collison)noDoug Milburn, co-founder of 45 Drives, joins me as we talk about the evolving storage server industry. We discuss the shift towards efficient data management solutions for both enterprises and home lab enthusiasts. Doug shares insights from his journey in computing, highlights the demand for high-reliability storage systems, and explains the advantages of using enterprise-grade components. We look at the current trends, including the move back to on-premises storage and the importance of RAID configurations. Finally, Doug previews upcoming innovations from 45 Drives aimed at enhancing performance for developers and video editors. Thanks for listening! Doug Milburn, co-founder of 45Jim CollisonDoug Milburn, co-founder of 45 Drives, joins me as we talk about the evolving storage server industry. We discuss the shift towards efficient data management solutions for both enterprises and home lab enthusiasts. Doug shares insights from his journey in computing, highlights the demand for high-reliability storage systems, and explains the advantages of using enterprise-grade components. We look at the current trends, including the move back to on-premises storage and the importance of RAID configurations. Finally, Doug previews upcoming innovations from 45 Drives aimed at enhancing performance for developers and video editors. Thanks for listening! Doug Milburn, co-founder of 45Financial,Fitness,Home,Tech,Technology,Windows,Office,Live,running,racing,computers,help,how,to