Best AI Wizardry Podcasts (2026)

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AI-enhanced wizardry, iPhone storage fixes & esports insights - Best of (154, December 27, 2025) 1:45:22

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13d ago1:45:22

1:45:22

• Wizard of Oz immersive experience at the Sphere: The Las Vegas Sphere premiered a reimagined 1939 Wizard of Oz film using AI to enhance resolution, expand backgrounds, and add crowds for its massive 16K wraparound screen. Physical effects like wind, rumbling seats, falling apples, snow, and fire created intense immersion, making it a standout tec…

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Troy Went Rogue (And Told Authors to Take a Nap): Rest, Rust, and the Long Game of Being an Author 16:43

8h ago16:43

16:43

Stacey is at Disney. Troy went rogue. And instead of hustle culture, he brought a message most authors desperately need to hear: Take. A. Nap. In this solo episode of Pros Talking Prose, Troy Lambert digs into the often-ignored reality of the author life: burnout isn’t a badge of honor, exhaustion isn’t productivity, and grinding yourself into rust…

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Helping my dad untangle his tech, Galaxy A17 & removing people from photos (155, January 3, 2026) 1:49:36

7d ago1:49:36

1:49:36

Rich talked about helping his dad with his tech set up while home on Christmas vacation. Mike in Minneapolis asked about performing a factory reset on his Netgear router, but he couldn’t see the serial number because he’s visually impaired. Rich suggested using the Be My Eyes app to get visual help from a volunteer. Rich also mentioned the free pas…

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How Not to Gaslight Yourself With Author Goals: Metrics That Matter: Writing, Readers, Revenue 1:34:35

7d ago1:34:35

1:34:35

Are you setting ambitious author goals… or accidentally gaslighting yourself into burnout? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert kick off the new year with a no-BS conversation about realistic author goals, metrics that actually matter, and why chasing the wrong numbers is the fastest way to hate your writing life…

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Your Author Business in 2026 LIVE - What to prepare for now (broadcast 12/27/25) 1:30:00

11d ago1:30:00

1:30:00

2026 is closer than you think—and authors who prepare now will have a serious edge. Join Pros Talking Prose for a (broadcast 12/27/25) LIVE 2026 publishing outlook and Author Q&A, featuring special guest Vincent Zandri—bestselling author and industry veteran who’s seen publishing evolve through every major shift. This is an honest, no-fluff convers…

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Favorite apps of 2025, spam calls explanined & removing duplicate photos (153, December 20, 2025) 1:50:31

21d ago1:50:31

1:50:31

Rich went through his list of favorite apps for 2025. Mark wants to know how to get audio from his TV speakers and Bluetooth headphones simultaneously. Patricia in Massachusetts is getting too many political texts. How does she stop that? Larry in San Clemente says Avantree has great TV audio solutions. Rich says the Ray Ban Metas are the gadget of…

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The Industry is Rebooting & Authors Are Feeling It 1:15:17

22d ago1:15:17

1:15:17

Publishing didn’t explode in 2025. It didn’t collapse either. It… buffered. In this gloriously chaotic year-in-review episode, Stacey and Troy talk through what a lot of authors are quietly feeling but rarely saying out loud: the industry hit a reset button, AI showed up like a spicy autocomplete with opinions, reader culture got meaner, expectatio…

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Nordic Semiconductor nRF54L, Duke Nukem 3d on an Arduino Nano Matter, Open Source Touch eReader! 25:57

25d ago25:57

25:57

This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 173! Somehow Nordic Semiconductor made the nRF54L series twice as fast as the nRF52, but use less power. We talk about this, and the nRF Connect VSCode plugin, along with Duke Nukem 3D running on an Arduino Nano M…

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Amazon Echo home theater setup, best iPhone cleaner & privacy first wireless carrier Phreeli (152, December 13, 2025) 1:47:49

28d ago1:47:49

1:47:49

Rich talked about how he set up an instant surround-sound home theater system using Amazon Echo speakers and shared a tip on how to turn off autoplay ads on Fire TV devcies. Brian in Atlanta is wondering why his old iPads don’t connect to his new Wi-Fi router. Rich suggested deleting the old wifi network or doing a network settings reset. Instagram…

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The Industry is a Mess, Your Story Isn't 1:25:04

28d ago1:25:04

1:25:04

The publishing industry is chaotic, glitchy, and occasionally held together with duct tape—but your story? That part is solid. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy dig into the hidden work behind every book you hold—the invisible labor, emotional investment, and sheer number of moving pieces that go into getting a story from a wri…

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Holiday shopping cheat sheet, Slate EV, Voice transcription apps (151, December 6, 2025) 1:49:51

1M ago1:49:51

1:49:51

Rich shared his holiday shopping cheat sheet, packed with money-saving tips! Bonnie in Charleston asks for a good transcription app. Rich mentioned Wispr Flow, Willow Voice, Super Whisper, Monologue, Aqua Voice, Talktastic, Whisper Memos. Jeff Jablansky, with the startup Slate, will talk about their bare-bones EV that starts in the mid-20’s and let…

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Quantum breakthroughs, Apple talk with Brandon Butch & the best photo apps (150, Nov 29, 2025) 1:44:39

1M ago1:44:39

1:44:39

We’re off for the holiday weekend, so we’ve pulled together some of our favorite segments from past shows. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving! • Microsoft unveils Majorana 1 quantum chip: Microsoft introduced a groundbreaking quantum computing chip using a new material called topoconductor, a novel state of matter theorized for 100 years. The chip promis…

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Building a Reader Community: Because Amazon Alone is an Inbred Village 57:53

1M ago57:53

57:53

In this episode, Troy and Stacey dive into building a real reader community—because relying solely on Amazon is basically letting your author career grow up in an algorithmic inbred village. Sure, Amazon can boost sales… but it’s not a community. And if you’re serious about longevity, superfans, and NOT letting one tech giant decide your future, yo…

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On the floor of Maker Faire Shenzhen, Neuton.AI on Nordic hardware, Win a HuskyLens2! 24:37

1M ago24:37

24:37

This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 172! The Electromaker Show is back with news from our trip to Maker Faire Shenzhen, Nordic and Neuton.AI's merging and what it means for edgeAI, and our Product of the Week: The HuskyLens2! Tune in for the latest …

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What If It Wasn't Just One Thing? Understanding Complex Trauma with John Horton-Young 1:07:20

1M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

We often think of trauma as a single, defining event. But what if the real wound wasn’t one moment—it was a pattern? A long stretch of not feeling safe, loved, or even seen? In this episode, we sit down with John Young, a psychotherapist who specializes in Complex Trauma and Dissociative Identity Disorder. He’s also the founder of the Complex Traum…

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2025’s hottest tech gifts without overpaying, Android finally AirDrops iPhone, auto-clip every grocery coupon (149, Nov 22, 2025) 1:38:36

2M ago1:38:36

1:38:36

Pixel 10 phones can now share files with iPhones using AirDrop Roblox is now requiring facial ID checks so users can chat with people of similar ages. Ray in the San Fernando Valley wanted to know what makes a solid dash cam. Rich said to look for 4K video, a wide field of view, night vision, loop recording, and a G sensor. He pointed to Veo, VanTr…

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The Human Advantage: Why AI Can’t Kill Publishing 1:02:11

2M ago1:02:11

1:02:11

Are authors doomed? Is AI coming for your career? Is Skynet secretly drafting romance novels? Spoiler: Nope. Not even close. In this heart-forward episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy break down the REAL state of publishing in the age of AI—and why writers absolutely can keep calm and stay human. We talk about the industry shifts, the fea…

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Untangling Compulsion and Connection: Sex Addiction & Recovery w/ Tangle 50:42

2M ago50:42

50:42

Craving connection is human. But when that craving turns compulsive, it can quietly shape how we show up in sex, love, and intimacy. In this episode, Tangle joins us to share his story—of navigating depression, seeking spiritual healing, and finding recovery in a sex and love-focused 12-step program. We talk about honesty, service, attention, and w…

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Apple’s new Digital ID, OnePlus 15 review & Ring founder Jamie Siminoff (148, Nov 15, 2025) 1:43:38

2M ago1:43:38

1:43:38

• Tesla testing CarPlay support Bloomberg reports Tesla is experimenting with CarPlay in a windowed mode on its infotainment screen. If it ships, owners would finally get wireless CarPlay for Siri, maps, and music apps that Tesla’s system doesn’t offer today. • Apple introduces digital ID for travel iPhone and Apple Watch users can now add a digita…

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When Readers Attack (And Other A-Hole Adventures): Stacey Said WHAT? 52:01

2M ago52:01

52:01

Buckle up, writers—Stacey’s flying solo this week, and that means no Troy, no filter. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey dives into the now-infamous Author Nation Incident, breaks down why some folks in the writing world are acting like A-holes, and asks the big question: Is SHE the A-hole… or just the only one saying the quiet parts out…

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When the Spark Shifts: Desire in Long-Term Relationships w/ Nathan Serrato 59:59

2M ago59:59

59:59

Desire changes. And in long-term relationships, that shift can feel confusing or even shameful. In this episode, queer mindset coach and somatic practitioner Nathan Serrato joins us to explore why desire fades, how resentment often blocks intimacy, and what it takes to reconnect with ourselves and our partners over time.…

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Meta DM rumors, pet tracker & AI videos soar (147, Nov 8, 2025) 1:50:06

2M ago1:50:06

1:50:06

Rich talked about the viral warning that Meta will soon read your DM’s. Shelton in Covina is wondering if he should log out of websites after doing financial transactions. WhatsApp has launched a full Apple Watch app. Henry in Glendora is looking for some software to help manage MP3 ripping. Rich recommended Exact Audio Copy, MP3Tag, and MP3Gain. L…

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Our Author Nation Highlights: Update from the Largest Conference in the USA 35:01

2M ago35:01

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What happens when you drop two publishing pros into Las Vegas for Author Nation? Chaos. Camaraderie. And maybe a little karaoke. Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert as they broadcast straight from Author Nation 2025, running on caffeine, conference buzz, and too many industry secrets to count. From fangirling over Joanna Penn in the bathroom to plott…

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Finding Your True Voice: Vocal Embodiment with Colin Levin 1:07:21

2M ago1:07:21

1:07:21

What does it mean to truly sound like yourself? In this episode of The Circle, we’re joined by baritone and voice instructor Colin Levin—who has performed over 50 operatic roles—to explore how voice connects to breath, gender identity, and the stories we carry about how we should sound. We unpack gender-affirming voice work, vocal embodiment, and t…

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$20K humanoid robot, Santa phone & moving your computer data (146, Nov 1, 2025) 1:48:55

2M ago1:48:55

1:48:55

AI used to create fake receipts: Expense-report fraud is rising as employees use AI to generate realistic receipts. Companies report millions in fake submissions. Glasses that block facial recognition: Zenni Optical’s new ID Guard coating reflects infrared light, preventing facial recognition systems from identifying wearers. It also disables phone…

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Swifties, Secrets, and Shenanigans: Plotting Our Vegas Takeover 53:17

2M ago53:17

53:17

Taylor Swift may have her Eras Tour, but Stacey and Troy are kicking off their Vegas Era—and things are about to get delightfully chaotic. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, we spill the (iced) tea on our upcoming Author Nation adventures, dish out some not-so-secret secrets about the future of publishing, and talk writer retreats, renovation m…

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Celebrating One Year of the Circle Podcast: Reflections on Growth and Challenges 42:15

2M ago42:15

42:15

It’s our first birthday! In this anniversary episode, Eric and Tim look back on 58 conversations about men’s work, embodiment, and personal growth—told through a queer lens and grounded in community. We share surprising messages from listeners who felt less alone, and reflect on moments that changed us: Jonathan Scott’s “diamonds in the surf” tribu…

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GM’s eyes-off driving, digitizing old tapes & remote-controlled rentals (145, Oct 25, 2025) 1:48:23

3M ago1:48:23

1:48:23

Rich talked about GM’s Forward event in New York City where they announced their eyes-off driving. Jim in Sherman Oaks wants to know the best way to send Mast texts to folks and also put the information in their calendar. Rich mentioned Simple Texting and Textedly, along with Substack and Calendly. Amazon revealed it’s a software bug that caused th…

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Your Publisher is Out of Business - Now What?: Part 2 13:47

3M ago13:47

13:47

Part 2: “Fuzzy Handcuffs & Freedom In Part 2 of this mini series about when your publisher goes out of business, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert expose the sneaky “in print” clauses and fuzzy contract language that keep authors chained to old publishing deals. They share exactly how to fight back—professionally, persistently, and legally—so you c…

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Your Publisher is Out of Business: Now What? 13:23

3M ago13:23

13:23

Part 1: Reclaiming Your Power When the Publisher Pulls the Plug What do you do when your publisher suddenly closes its doors? In this special mini-episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert break down what every author needs to know when the press that published your book goes belly-up. From the first “don’t panic” moment to t…

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Unlearning Shame: Healing Internalized Homophobia and Reclaiming Worth 56:47

3M ago56:47

56:47

Many of us grew up absorbing quiet messages about who we’re allowed to be. Even after coming out, those messages can live on — shaping how we love, express, and even how we see ourselves. In this episode, we’re joined by therapist, author, and speaker Chris Tompkins (Raising LGBTQ Allies) for a conversation about internalized homophobia: how early …

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Japan tech, social media safety & travel pillow pick (144, Oct 18, 2025) 1:41:45

3M ago1:41:45

1:41:45

Rich talked about what he saw at CEATEC 2025. Watch my segments here and here. Here’s the Honda Uni-One that’s going viral. Plaud AI note recorder here. Apple launched an M5-powered 14-inch MacBook Pro. Amazon is hiring 250,000 workers for the holidays. Julia Storm, Digital Wellness Educator and founder of ReConnect, will help parents understand Ca…

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Every Book is Marketable: If you Know How to Package it. 56:47

3M ago56:47

56:47

Why do brilliant books sometimes flop while mediocre ones soar? In this candid episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert unpack the real difference between a “good book” and a marketable one. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about writing skill — it’s about packaging, positioning, and understanding your reader. In this episode, y…

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The Warrior Within: Courage, Discipline, and Heart with MJ Oshin 1:05:14

3M ago1:05:14

1:05:14

The Warrior archetype is one of the most iconic—and misunderstood—expressions of masculine energy. It’s the part of us that acts with courage, protects what’s sacred, and stays disciplined in pursuit of something greater than ourselves. But when disconnected from heart and purpose, the Warrior can turn destructive—hurting others or collapsing into …

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Top Prime Day gadgets, Windows recall privacy & scam exposing duo (143, Oct 11, 2025) 1:48:47

3M ago1:48:47

1:48:47

Rich talked about his Amazon Prime Day mishap and the products that you wanted the most. Rich also talked about his list of gadgets to keep an eye on this holiday season. Rich explained who’s eligible for the FTC’s Amazon Prime refund and warned listeners to watch out for scammers trying to take advantage of it. Nas in Los Angeles is wondering why …

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Tide Pods, Alien Probes, & Author Marketing: A Totally Normal Conversation 1:19:57

3M ago1:19:57

1:19:57

It's every author’s nightmare: you’ve written a book, hit “publish,” and… crickets. No sales, no clicks, no clue what to do next. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert (The Plot Dude) blow up the myth that there’s a magic formula to selling books. If you’ve ever: Spent more on ads than you made i…

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Q&A [Pt. 3/3] — What Is Men’s Intuition and How Do We Access It? 12:40

3M ago12:40

12:40

In the final episode of our three-part Q&A series, we explore the often-overlooked topic of men’s intuition—what it is, how it works, and why it matters. Tim challenges the idea that intuition is gendered, reframing it as a universal human capacity rooted in embodied awareness. Together, we unpack how cultural conditioning teaches men to distrust t…

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Amazon smart home devices, deepfake app Sora & Prime Day tips (142, October 4, 2025) 1:48:52

3M ago1:48:52

1:48:52

Rich talked about Amazon’s smart home announcements. Google is ending support for early Nest Thermostats. Daniel asks about using Apple Photos and Google Photos at the same time on his iPhone. Sue wants to track blood pressure on the iPhone. Trae Bodge, smart shopping expert at TrueTrae.com, will share how to score the best deals on Amazon Prime Bi…

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Stop Googling Your Career: Strategy vs. Tactics That Actually Work 1:15:46

3M ago1:15:46

1:15:46

Stop Googling your career and actually build one. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert (The Plot Dude) tackle the biggest trap authors fall into: confusing tactics with strategy. Should you go wide or stay exclusive with KDP Select? Redo your book cover or launch a special edition? Chase the NaN…

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Conscious Wizardry: AI, Archetypes, and the Magician’s Path with Stan Rain 1:00:11

3M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

This week on The Circle, we go all in on the Magician archetype through a queer lens with guest Stan Rain, founder of the Naked Dojo. Together we explore the Magician’s gifts of creativity, imagination, and transformation—and the shadow expressions of the manipulator and the innocent one—through real stories and Internal Family Systems. We also ste…

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Windows 10 end of life, photo off an old phone & Alexa+ (141, September 27, 2025) 1:48:32

3M ago1:48:32

1:48:32

Rich mentioned you should take photos of your rental car from all four sides to avoid disputes over damage. Rich mentioned his scanner project that sends files straight to Google Drive—convenient, but keep privacy in mind. Rich mentioned TikTok will keep operating in the U.S. under new ownership and tighter security rules. Rich mentioned Amazon Pri…

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The Publishing Team That Could Make or Break You: How to Choose Wisely 1:42:56

4M ago1:42:56

1:42:56

Building a book is bigger than just writing—it’s about choosing the right team to bring your story to life. Buckle up, this is a long one. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert (The Plot Dude) pull back the curtain on what really matters when hiring editors, designers, and other key publishing pr…

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Q&A [Pt. 2/3] — What Does It Mean to Be a Man and What Is a Queer Man? 14:34

4M ago14:34

14:34

In part two of our three part Q&A series, we turn to two of the biggest questions our listeners ask: what does it mean to be a man? And what do we mean when we say queer men? Tim shares how his definition of manhood has evolved from fear and rigidity to a more expansive, skillful, and authentic engagement with life. Together, we explore how gender …

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iPhone 17 review, iOS 26 best features & Anker power bank recall (140, September 20, 2025) 1:48:24

4M ago1:48:24

1:48:24

Rich shared his review of the new iPhone 17 models and talked about notable new features in iOS 26. Dave in Long Beach wants to rip music from his CD’s and listen to them via a flash drive in his car. Rich recommended Exact Audio Copy and YouTube Music. Victoria Song, senior reviewer for The Verge and author of the Optimizer newsletter, will talk a…

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The Author's Responsibility in a Divided World 1:20:06

4M ago1:20:06

1:20:06

In the wake of recent events, free speech is once again under fire. But what does that mean for authors? In this episode, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert dive deep into the role writers play in shaping conversations, protecting humanity, and telling stories that challenge perspectives without silencing voices. We’ll tackle: Why free speech and bo…

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Nourishment as Devotion w/ Chef Ava Malazian: Scan with Love, Serve with Heart 49:37

4M ago49:37

49:37

What does it mean to truly nourish someone—body and soul? Chef Ava Malazian joins us to explore cooking as a sacred practice, where structure creates safety and play brings the meal to life. We talk about scanning the room with love (not fear), setting intentions for others and for ourselves, and how mastery lets the right-brain “dance” in the kitc…

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iPhone 17 first impressions, passkeys & easy travel insurance app (139, September 13, 2025) 1:45:39

4M ago1:45:39

1:45:39

Rich shares his thoughts on the new iPhone 17 lineup. Caller Carmen in Hollywood can’t save her Google Docs. The issue is likely full storage. Head to one.google.com to check and free up space. Brian Tong, YouTube tech creator, will help break down Apple’s big iPhone 17 announcements. Rich shared an update on his recent accident. Jim in Northern Ar…

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Anthropic Settlement Shocker: Why Most Authors Won’t See a Dime (Unless You Did THIS) 1:01:27

4M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

Anthropic Settlement Shocker! The motion for settlement in the Anthropic lawsuit has the author world buzzing—but here’s the truth no one’s telling you: most authors won’t see a dime unless they took the right steps before their books were pirated by AI. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert brea…

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Q&A [Pt. 1/3] — What Is Embodiment and Why Does It Matter in Men’s Work? 13:25

4M ago13:25

13:25

This is part one of our three-part Q&A series, where we answer the questions you’ve been sending since we launched The Circle. We start with the big one: what is embodiment, and why does it matter in men’s work? Tim unpacks embodiment as the practice of listening to the body’s wisdom—our inner dashboard of sensations, emotions, and signals. Eric co…

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CEDIA 2025 smart home tech, Windows 11 upgrade check & Gemini photo tricks (138, September 6, 2025) 1:47:06

4M ago1:47:06

1:47:06

Rich shares highlights from CEDIA 2025 in Denver, a major home tech show featuring the latest in smart TVs, pro-grade audio, outdoor gear, and futuristic home automation. Rich also talked about his visit to Denver, mentioning how much he enjoyed the city and a memorable dinner at Guard and Grace, where he had one of the best steaks he’s ever tasted…