Then the crew gets into everything from simulated RC racing and Apple’s latest Macs to a life-size Grogu, Linux history, Pokémon fossils, GTA VI leaks, and gaming at Pittsburgh International Airport.

Topics discussed include:

• Remembering Dolly Parton – The crew reflects on Parton’s passing, her charitable legacy, her support of literacy programs, and the positive impact she made far beyond entertainment.
• RC racing meets full-size driving simulators – Sorg discovers first-person RC car racing setups that combine tiny vehicles, onboard cameras, and full simulator rigs. The conversation explores CloudRC, RC aircraft, and whether experiences like this could become the next arcade, mall, or Dave & Buster’s attraction.
• Apple updates the Mac mini and Mac Studio – Dave breaks down Apple’s new Mac hardware, including the M6 chip, pricing, local AI performance, and the ability to combine machines over Thunderbolt 5. The crew discusses why local AI processing could become increasingly important for businesses dealing with cloud costs, privacy, and sensitive data.
• Pokémon Fossils invade Chicago – Chachi reports from the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibit at Chicago’s Field Museum, where fossils inspired by the games are compared with real paleontology. The exhibit even includes Pokémon GO bonuses and limited merchandise.
• Dungeon Crawler Carl and 3D printing – Katie opens her mysterious box of 3D-printed creations from Chachi’s Plastic Fun Time shop, including Dungeon Crawler Carl characters, ornaments, magnets, Pokémon-inspired pieces, the infamous Rock Lobster, and more.
• Linux turns 35 – Dave traces the unlikely chain of events connecting AT&T antitrust action, UNIX, GNU, Linus Torvalds, and the operating system that became one of the foundations of modern computing. There’s even a bonus discussion about Linux running on a Sega 32X.
• Kingdom Hearts expands – Chachi’s Video Game Minute covers a 2027 release window for Kingdom Hearts 4 and a planned animated Kingdom Hearts series for Disney+.
• Mattel builds its own game studio – Mattel is expanding its internal video game operation with hundreds of developers and new games based on properties including UNO and Hot Wheels.
• GTA VI leaks and the digital ownership fight – The show looks at reported leaks of Grand Theft Auto VI material tied to protests over digital-only game distribution and the broader debate over whether players actually own their digital purchases.
• Transformers comes to Minecraft – Sorg and Katie explore the Transformers content available through the Minecraft Marketplace, including G1-inspired characters, story-based gameplay, combat modes, and plenty of temptation for Transformers fans.
• A nearly life-size Ultimate Grogu – Hasbro Pulse has a roughly 14.6-inch animatronic Grogu featuring movement, sounds, multiple interaction modes, cosplay-friendly settings, and a $599.99 price tag.
• Nature Calls restroom finder launches – The crowdsourced restroom-finding app discussed on an earlier AwesomeCast is now available, helping users locate bathrooms, water fountains, porta-potties, and other facilities.
• Gaming at Pittsburgh International Airport – Sorg checks out Gameway, a gaming lounge at Pittsburgh International Airport offering video games, snacks, drinks, and another option for travelers with time before a flight.
• Disney characters meet NFL teams – Disney and the NFL have teamed up for team-specific character merchandise. The Pittsburgh Steelers get Pete, while other combinations include Captain America with the Patriots, Thor with the Vikings, Darth Vader with the Raiders, and more.

The crew also checks in on their recent Pittsburgh Shootout adventures and previews more of what’s happening around the Sorgatron Media universe.

RC Racing / CloudRC
https://www.instagram.com/reels/Db2l4aVjpRO/
https://store.cloudrc.com/

Plastic Fun Time 3D Prints
https://plasticfuntime.etsy.com/

Apple Mac mini / Mac Studio Updates
https://www.wired.com/story/apple-announces-m6-and-m5-ultra-mac-mini-mac-studio/

35 Years of Linux
https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/linux-was-announced-by-linus-torvalds-35-years-ago-today-humble-os-started-with-10-000-lines-of-code-but-has-now-grown-to-40-million-dominates-global-infrastructure

Kingdom Hearts Announcements
https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/news/games-d23-digital-entertainment/

Mattel Game Studios
https://kotaku.com/the-toy-maker-behind-barbie-and-hot-wheels-wants-to-make-its-own-video-games-2000724968

GTA VI Leak Story
https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/hacker-leaks-gta-vi-gameplay-and-map-to-protest-digital-only-release-claims-pre-orders-are-a-legacy-of-physical-game-releases

Transformers Minecraft
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1056475313409694

Nature Calls Restroom Finder – iOS
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/find-toilets-nature-calls-run/id6790583853

Ultimate Grogu
https://www.hasbropulse.com/product/star-wars-ultimate-grogu/G44835S00

Pittsburgh Airport Gameway
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcbcVbCBU34/?igsi=MTJweXZ1N2N4cTZ1dg==
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1089385550715987

Disney x Pittsburgh Steelers
https://www.nflshop.com/pittsburgh-steelers/disney/t-36604861+c-1202616796+z-8-2894738209?ab=%7Bwt-static\_graphic%7D%7Bpt-TLP%7D%7Bal-HMB%7D%7Bct-Pittsburgh\_Steelers\_disney%7D

Software Updates & Hardware Challenges:

• Michael Sorg shares his recent experience of updating his iPhone and MacBook to the latest OS on day one. His MacBook recently had its logic board replaced, giving it a fresh start.

• Concerns with updates: Sorg recalls challenges from a previous update where video files in Final Cut Pro would glitch for months, impacting his productivity.

• Fear of similar glitches resurfacing has made Sorg hesitant about updating his Mac Mini, his production workhorse.

• Mention of MTS files and the complications they cause during editing due to poor compatibility with macOS, forcing extensive reprocessing work.

Katie Dudas’ Gadget Pick – Inflatable Hello Kitty Skeleton:

• Katie introduces her three-foot-tall inflatable Hello Kitty skeleton from Lowe’s priced at $35.

• The inflatable comes with a built-in fan for quick inflation, weighs down for stability, and includes stakes for outdoor setup.

• She describes it as high-quality and perfect for indoor or outdoor Halloween decoration.

The NotchedNook Gadget:

• Sorg discusses NotchedNook, a unique MacBook accessory and software that expands the use of the MacBook’s “notch” area.

• Features include a media player, shortcut tray, and mirror, allowing users to utilize the notch for extra functionality.

• Though the tool feels a bit gimmicky, Sorg appreciates its novelty and minor productivity improvements, recommending the lifetime version for $25 from io.cafe.

This episode is full of insightful tech talk, hilarious gadget reviews, and personal stories about the hosts’ tech challenges. Don’t miss it!

Links to Products Mentioned:

• Inflatable Hello Kitty Skeleton from Lowe’s: Check it out for $35 at Lowes.com.

• NotchedNook Software: Available at io.cafe for $25 lifetime access.une in to stay updated on the latest in tech, gadgets, and geek culture, all while supporting your favorite podcast network!

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• Katie discovered a new super power by cleaning her old Mac Mini to new freshness.
• Chilla discovers the RetroFlag Raspberry Pi cases for authentic retro gaming
• Sorg has the popcorn ready to watch the Fortnite based Epic Games vs Apple/Google battle!
• Maybe a Mask Gun will help you feel safer in public.
• Microsofts Surface Duo isn't enough for the price. Plus it doesn't have a satisfying flip to hang up function like on Scrubs
• Chilla is uneasy at the prospect of Facebook requiring their account for his Oculus
• Katie is interested in the Netflix Shuffle Play button
• Sorg is recommending Grindstone and Untitled Goose Game for his Nintendo Switch friends

• We do have our Microsoft representative to keep the Apple chatter in check this week.
• Krause is sharing the OnePlus 6T as his Awesome Thing of the Week.
• Most people walking around in the world don't NEED the crazy power that most of us have with our phones.
• Chilla is sharing the new iPad Pro as his Awesome Thing of the Week.
• Apple is talking about 5K support with announcements.
• Sorg is looking at the new Mac Mini as his Awesome Thing of the Week.
• Pittsburgh has some pretty cool tech, including a cute robotic kitten named Nybble!
• It seems like forever until MarioKart is coming to mobile.
• Live Photos + Motion Stills = a sweet video journal, directly on your iPhone.
• Playstation Classic game line-up has been announced!
• Your Xbox One can make the Taco Bell "bong" noise at startup.
• Pokemon GO will be utilizing Health Kit and Google Fit to track your steps when the app isn't open.
• Chilla is sharing some Apple Pencil updates from the Apple event announcements.
• Motorola and iFixit are teaming up to market an official DIY phone repair kit.

We’re getting into our Awesome Things of the Week with Katie sharing some insights on Comcast Xfinity’s “next episode” streaming update!
We’re doing a comparison between Comcast Xfinity streaming and Netflix / Hulu.
Sorg is getting the rundown from Katie about the commercial situation for Comcast Xfinity streaming.
Chilla is sharing a Microsoft Office 365 update as his Awesome Thing of the Week.
Sorg’s Awesome Thing of the Week might just be Guinness World Record worthy with a Battle Royal.
Thanks Amanda for pointing out the Astrohaus Freewrite – a distraction free laptop to help you focus on writing.
We talked about Samsung devices being used for Fortnite skins last week – well, this week, they’re asking you not to do that.
YOBO lets you rate places with photos and emojis.
Katie is excited to rate a place with a puke emoji or a poop emoji on YOBO.
Chilla is asking for restaurants to provide a scannable code so we can scan nutrient information when things don’t come pre-packaged.
We’re ushering in the QR code revival this week.
Ooooh, what does this do?
Acer has a game chair that looks almost like that one from Ready Player One – but not quite there yet.
Skype is adding an update with call recording – only 10 years after podcasters initially asked for it.
Google Chrome is getting a redesign.
It seems like a light tech news week. Next week will make up for it with the Apple announcement!
Katie is sharing some of the horrors that her iPhone has seen. You may want to take notes on what case she uses!
Sorg is on the hunt for a couple of new Mac mini units.
Katie has hacked social media for happiness.

After the show remember to:

Eat at Slice on Broadway (@Pgh_Slice) if you are in the Pittsburgh area! It is Awesome! (sliceonbroadway.com)

Want to be part of our studio audience? Hit us up at awesomecast@sorgatronmedia.com and we’ll save you a seat!

Join our AwesomeCast Facebook Group to see what we’re sharing and to join the discussion!

Follow these awesome people on Twitter: Katie Dudas (@kdudders), Chilla (@chilla) and Sorg (@Sorgatron)

Have you seen our AwesomeTips videos?

You can support the show at Patreon.com/awesomecast!

Remember to check out our friends at the River’s Edge (@RiversEdgePGH) and The 405 Media (@The405Radio) who replay the show on their stream throughout the week!

Also, check out sorgatronmedia.com and awesomecast.com for more entertainment; and view us livestreaming Tuesdays around 7:00 PM EST!