Sorg and Podnar open with one of the week’s best feel-good tech stories: Artemis 2 made it home successfully, and Dave shares the unexpectedly charming story of the mission mascot RISE. In a week that needed some good news, the conversation lands on something larger than space hardware alone. This was about optimism, engineering, and a rare moment of collective excitement. 

Then the show pivots back to Earth with the kind of story that feels custom-made for AwesomeCast: yes, someone got early Mac OS X running on a Nintendo Wii. It is not practical. It is not necessary. It is absolutely wonderful. That same spirit carries into Sorg’s hands-on experiment with Mythic, a tool aimed at helping M-series Mac users access Windows games through the Epic ecosystem. The conversation explores how much better Apple Silicon has become for compatibility, even if some rough edges still show up in real-world testing. 

A big chunk of the episode also digs into Amazon Luna’s latest changes. Sorg reacts to the platform ending game purchases and outside store access, and the discussion quickly becomes about more than Luna itself. It becomes a conversation about trust in digital platforms, cloud gaming ownership, and what happens when convenience gets taken away after users have already bought in. It is one of the sharpest segments in the episode because it blends personal use with a bigger industry trend. 

There is also a lighter side this week. Dave shares The Weather Channel’s retro weather experience, which sends both hosts into a funny and surprisingly thoughtful conversation about the old cable era, nostalgic interfaces, and how channels drift from their original purpose. On the more practical side, they also touch on Overcast’s new transcript support and Waymo’s plan to help cities identify potholes using vehicle data. That latter topic turns into a very Pittsburgh-flavored discussion about 311 systems, local government tech, and whether cities are really taking advantage of the tools they have.

Finally, Dave closes with his Arab American History Month spotlight on Tony Fadell, best known for his work on the iPod and Nest. It is a fitting end to an episode that is really about the many layers of tech: breakthrough engineering, strange experimentation, product design, infrastructure, nostalgia, and how all of it shapes everyday life.  Links from this episode:

Artemis / RISE: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/how-artemis-2-commander-reid-wiseman-saved-the-missions-moon-mascot-its-hard-not-to-love-this-little-guy-i-cant-let-rise-out-of-my-sight

macOS on Wii: https://apple.news/AJdU3eghQT2-jfhrGvzI2_g

Mythic: https://getmythic.app/

Amazon Luna: https://www.ign.com/articles/amazon-luna-will-no-longer-allow-owners-to-buy-games-access-game-stores-or-third-party-subscriptions-starting-today?utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A+Manual&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=facebook

Amazon Luna alt link: https://apple.news/A2cb25SwgQX-AuvSPHdRsHw

Waymo potholes: https://apple.news/AnxW6o9QWQJOcCGLqCsW6XQ

Overcast transcripts: https://9to5mac.com/2026/04/08/overcast-launches-podcast-transcripts-in-new-app-update-for-iphone/

Retro Weather Channel: https://weather.com/retro/

Tony Fadell: https://design.mit.edu/community/people/tony-fadell

Subscribe for more tech talk from Pittsburgh and support the show at Patreon.

Sorg, Katie, and Dave Podnar kick things off with their Awesome Things of the Week, and the lineup is wonderfully varied. Dave looks ahead to Artemis II, the upcoming crewed moon mission that will send astronauts beyond low Earth orbit for the first time in decades. The conversation covers how the mission works, why the far side of the moon still creates communication challenges, and why “just rebuilding Apollo” is not nearly as simple as some people assume.

Katie’s pick is much closer to home, at least for Pittsburghers: Heinz Verified. The new site helps users find restaurants that serve Heinz ketchup, making it both practical and hilarious for anyone who has ever been personally offended by mystery catsup in a diner bottle. The crew immediately starts checking cities they’ll be traveling to and appreciates that users can nominate restaurants for inclusion.

Sorg’s pick highlights Chachi’s 3D-printing Etsy shop, Plastic Fun Time. From the now-famous bag of Fs to the Rock Lobster and other fun prints, it’s a cool look at somebody taking a maker hobby and turning it into a real side business. It also turns into a broader appreciation for creative small-scale production and clever product design.

The middle of the episode gets more serious with a discussion around a Stanford study on AI chatbot advice. Katie explains how researchers tested large language models against stories from the “Am I the Asshole?” subreddit and found that chatbots often validated problematic behavior more than humans did. That opens the door to a bigger conversation about AI agreeability, emotional dependency, digital literacy, and what it means when people begin treating chatbots like close confidants instead of tools.

The AI thread continues with What’s Up With That, a browser extension built to help readers analyze articles, pull out new signals, simplify jargon, and better connect ideas across sources. For anyone doing research-heavy work, the crew sees real promise in the concept.

On the creative side, Dave shares Adobe Illustrator’s Project Turntable, which can rotate 2D vector art in 3D space. That sparks a discussion about animation workflows, creative accessibility, and the kinds of production bottlenecks tools like this might reduce.

The episode also finds time for ChannelSurfer.tv, a retro-TV style interface for YouTube, plus a look at Apple’s TikTok presence, where the company seems to be leaning into a Finder-inspired mascot to help explain macOS features in a more playful way.

Dave also wraps up Women’s History Month by spotlighting several women who shaped space science, leading to a thoughtful discussion about visibility, representation, and why stories like these matter.

And then, in true AwesomeCast fashion, the crew ends up hyped about LEGO Zelda sets, including Ocarina of Time: The Final Battle and the Great Deku Tree, prompting nostalgia, sticker shock, and renewed debate over whether Sorg finally needs to properly play Ocarina of Time.

If you like your tech podcasts with equal parts curiosity, commentary, and chaos, this is a great episode.

Links from this episode
Chachi’s Etsy shop / Plastic Fun Time
https://www.etsy.com/shop/plasticfuntime/?etsrc=sdt
Heinz Verified
https://www.heinz.com/heinzverified
Artemis II launch article
https://www.wired.com/story/artemis-ii-countdown-how-and-when-to-watch-the-launch-of-the-manned-mission-to-the-moon/
Women who shaped our understanding of space
https://womenshistory.si.edu/blog/five-women-who-shaped-our-understanding-space
Channel Surfer
https://channelsurfer.tv/?ch=14
What’s Up With That
https://whatsupwiththat.app/practice/
Adobe Illustrator Project Turntable article
https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/30/adobe-illustrator-now-lets-you-rotate-2d-vectors-in-3d-space/
Apple on TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@apple?_r=1&_t=ZP-959iBFWcaSN
LEGO Ocarina of Time: The Final Battle
https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/ocarina-of-time-the-final-battle-77093?cmp=PSO-FBIG-AMS-EN-RE-PO-LPV-LR_EXCLUSIVE_PRODUCT_LAUNCH-SHOP-HA-LkAd-PRS-Always_On-GAMINGZ_P&utm_campaign=120242713322920054&utm_content=120245958217060054&utm_id=120242713322920054&utm_medium=paid&utm_source=fb&utm_term=120242713322930054
LEGO Great Deku Tree 2-in-1
https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/great-deku-tree-2-in-1-77092

Then the crew hits a surprisingly heartfelt app story with “Are You Dead?”, a daily check-in safety app built for modern life when friends and family live far apart.  We also get into the rise of cozy “chore games” like PowerWash Simulator and other satisfyingly organized gaming obsessions. 

On the creator side, we break down Apple’s new Creator Studio approach—what it could mean for Final Cut, Logic, Motion, and Compressor—and why AI-assisted editing features are starting to matter for everyday workflows.  Plus: OpenAI’s push toward age prediction and the complications that come with automated verification. 

Show notes + links: (include the link list above)

Animal Crossing
• Animal Crossing video (Katie segment) (no URL listed in the sheet row; included as an on-show segment)

“Chore games” / cozy games
• A Game About Digging a Hole (Xbox): https://www.xbox.com/en-US/play/games/a-game-about-digging-a-hole/9NGLST31DG26
• A Game About Digging a Hole (Nintendo): https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/a-game-about-digging-a-hole-switch/
• PowerWash Simulator (Apple App Store): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/powerwash-simulator/id6477445344

“Are You Dead?” app
• BGR story: https://www.bgr.com/2074610/are-you-dead-top-paid-iphone-app-china/
• DeMumu app listing: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/demumu/id6745099872

ChachiSays Video Game Minute items (from the sheet)
• David Rosen / Sega co-founder (Tom’s Hardware): https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/sega-co-founder-david-r…d-former-us-airman-set-up-sega-after-his-service-ended-in-japan
• Assassin’s Creed Netflix casting (Deadline): https://deadline.com/2026/01/assassins-creed-tanzyn-crawford-cast-netflix-series-1236658813/
• John Wick universe AAA game (Tech4Gamers): https://tech4gamers.com/aaa-john-wick-game-development/

AI / OpenAI / Sora
• Mattel on Sora profile: https://sora.chatgpt.com/profile/mattel
• OpenAI age prediction (Engadget): https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-is-launching-age-prediction-for-chatgpt-accounts-222650340.html
• ChatGPT Health page: https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-health/

Creator tools
• Apple Creator Studio (Apple Newsroom): https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/01/introducing-apple-creator-studio-an-inspiring-collection-of-creative-apps/
• Adobe Premiere AI updates (Engadget): https://www.engadget.com/ai/adobe-unveils-new-ai-powered-vide…vlq1gStDzB9i-clNMdAMo4O0o4ro8ohtbVXETV41pRXvEFAQZh6nDH-1vO91dYLO

This week, Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar dive into:

Sorg’s first week living with a Telly free TV and its always-on ad bar

Dave’s emergency Lasko Whirlwind space heater run when his furnace dies

Katie’s Amazon storage bins that completely changed how she organizes clothes

A heartfelt ChachiSays Video Game Minute tribute to game dev legend Rebecca Heineman

Katie’s beloved Cat Wars calendar and a detour into She-Ra villain Catra toy nostalgia

Quick hits on Disney’s robotic Olaf, a 40th anniversary Voltron collector set, and the future of park animatronics & high-end geek collectibles

🔗 Episode links from the show notes:
Telly TV – https://www.telly.com/

Storage bins – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFQKX3NV?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Rebecca Heineman article – https://gaymingmag.com/2025/11/gayming-icon-and-lgbtq-games-pioneer-rebecca-heineman-has-died/

Top gadgets of 1992 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BpWD8pkteM

Robotic Olaf – https://disneyparksblog.com/disney-experiences/robotic-olaf-marks-new-era-of-disney-innovation/

Voltron collector set – https://toynamishop.com/voltron-40th-anniversary-collectors-set/

Threads “bad movie theaters” post – https://www.threads.com/@kcharlesross/post/DRdjnSrDrJB?hl=en

Follow us and share what tech you’re thankful for with #AC759.

We also explore Disney’s Star Wars Life Day Gift Guide, the wild GameStop Trade Anything Day, a Minecraft rebuild of Pittsburgh’s legendary Century III Mall, and Google’s rollout of Gemini 3. Plus: which AI model would you trust on your iPhone?

Join us for gadgets, games, tech talk, and holiday chaos—Pittsburgh-style.

This Week’s Awesome Topics
• 🧠 OpenAI’s new ChatGPT Atlas browser — Dave tries the AI-powered browser built to summarize and interact with the web itself. openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-atlas
• 🎮 Keeper on Game Pass — Sorg shares his pick for the week: a haunting, cinematic puzzle game where your lighthouse walks on spider legs. xbox.com/en-US/games/keeper
• 🧸 Casio’s MOFLIN AI Pet — Katie explores the fuzzy, learning pet robot that’s way too cute to ignore. casio.com/us/moflin
• 🛍️ Walmart partners with ChatGPT — The team discusses how AI is about to change the way you shop online. apnews.com/article/openai-walmart-chatgpt-shopping-partnership
• 🧱 Sesame Street in Roblox — What happens when Elmo goes digital? Roblox link
• 🎬 Chachi’s Video Game Minute — Netflix adds real games to your TV app.
• 📺 Not Awesome: Telly TV’s “free” set might cost more than you think. tiktok.com/@verge/video/7557015639102098702
• 💾 Throwback Corner: Remember 3dfx graphics cards? The golden age of gaming returns. wikipedia.org/wiki/3dfx

🎙️ Support the show on Patreon for ad-free episodes and exclusive after-talk:
👉 patreon.com/awesomecast

And don’t miss Sorg’s Game Pass tip to save $$$ before prices go up.

🎥 Full video & more: AwesomeCast.com
🧠 Support us: patreon.com/awesomecast

Katie returns with stories from the waves as she shares her inspiring First Descents surf adventure in Santa Cruz, designed for cancer survivors. Meanwhile, the team gives a full behind-the-scenes breakdown of their latest wild production at Baja SAE Carolina — from broadcasting out of a U-Haul van to dealing with dusty terrain, wireless camera chaos, and even a GoPro that didn’t survive.

Plus:
• Microsoft raises Game Pass prices again
• Minecraft gets educational about climate change
• AI-generated chaos with OpenAI’s Sora
• Why you must log out of your Airbnb streaming accounts…

Hosted by Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, Missy Sorg & Dave Podnar
🎥 Watch the video version & more at AwesomeCast.com

⸻

Plus:
• Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses demo disaster (and why it failed)
• Live transcription, translation & privacy risks with smart eyewear
• watchOS & iOS 17 tips: CarPlay widgets, Fitness+, Notes on Apple Watch
• Chachi’s Video Game Minute on how shows like Fallout boost game sales
• Reflex 240mm lens for mobile pros
• Intern Mac drops knowledge on Apple vs Meta AI features

📲 Support the show: patreon.com/awesomecast

👉 Find links and more at AwesomeCast.com

In this spooky and tech-filled episode of AwesomeCast, Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar delve into scary video games, cutting-edge mobile photography, and the latest Apple Mac rumors. Whether it’s surviving Five Nights at Freddy’s or enhancing your iPhone’s camera with Reflex lenses, there’s something for every tech enthusiast. The team also shares tips on when to buy your next Mac. Check out the links below for more info on the gadgets and games discussed.

• Spooky Game Night with Five Nights at Freddy’s and More:

• The co-hosts explore a variety of spooky games, including Five Nights at Freddy’s, Dead by Daylight, and Friday the 13th. Katie recounts her jump-scare moments, while the group laughs about in-game experiences.

• Five Nights at Freddy’s: This simple yet terrifying game keeps players on edge with animatronics coming to life.

• Link: Five Nights at Freddy’s on Steam https://store.steampowered.com/app/319510/Five_Nights_at_Freddys/ 

• Dead by Daylight and Friday the 13th: Multiplayer survival horror games where players try to avoid being caught by a killer. Friday the 13th is known for its classic Jason characters.

• Link: Dead by Daylight on Steam https://store.steampowered.com/app/381210/Dead_by_Daylight/ 

• Vampire Survivor Multiplayer Fun:

• The hosts dive into Vampire Survivor, a thrilling bullet-hell game available on Game Pass and Apple Arcade. They share their experience playing together and battling through waves of enemies.

• Vampire Survivor: A fun, cooperative game filled with crazy power-ups and chaotic gameplay.

• Link: Vampire Survivor on Xbox Game Pass https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/vampire-survivors/9MV0J6R3T0CM 

• Reflex 240mm Lens for iPhone:

• Dave Podnar discusses the Reflex 240mm telephoto lens for iPhone, which enhances the zoom capabilities of iPhone 15 Pro Max to a 10x zoom. This lens is part of a highly successful Kickstarter campaign.

• Reflex 240mm Lens: Perfect for long-distance photography and macro shots, this lens transforms the iPhone into a professional-grade camera.

• Link: Reflex 240mm Lens Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/reflexcamera/reflex-lenses 

• Apple Mac Rumors: New M4 Chips:

• The hosts dive into the latest rumors about Apple’s new M4 MacBook Pros and iMacs. They suggest holding off on purchasing a Mac right now to wait for the new models, which are expected to feature more ports and upgraded chips.

• Apple Mac Mini Rumor: A redesigned Mac Mini with the new M4 chip could be announced soon.

• Link: Latest Apple Mac Rumors https://www.apple.com/newsroom/ 

Be sure to tune in for more tech tips, quirky event stories, and gadget talk, and don’t miss out on all the fun at www.sorgatronmedia.com.Subscribe to the Podcast: awesomecast.com

Sorgatron Media Podcast Network Feed: sorgatronmedia.fireside.fm

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

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

Special Thanks to kidmental for the new AwesomeCast Sounds! Visit him at www.kidmental.com

Join our live show Tuesdays around 7:00 PM EST on AwesomeCast Facebook, Youtube and Sorgatron Media Twitch!

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!

Subscribe to the Podcast: awesomecast.com

Sorgatron Media Podcast Network Feed: sorgatronmedia.fireside.fm

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

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

Special Thanks to kidmental for the new AwesomeCast Sounds! Visit him at www.kidmental.com

Join our live show Tuesdays around 7:00 PM EST on AwesomeCast Facebook, Youtube and Sorgatron Media Twitch!

Picklesburg Recap:

• Katie Dudas shares her experience at Picklesburg, featuring pickle drinking contests and the fun with the Jagoff crew.

• Highlights include a 32-ounce pickle juice drinking contest and various pickle-related activities.

Lumen Metabolism Tracker:

• Missy Sorg introduces Lumen, a device that helps track metabolism by analyzing breath. She discusses her experience with the device over the past five days, how it helps her understand her body’s fat-burning process, and how it integrates with other health apps.

• Link: https://www.lumen.me/ 

• Guide: AI Tutorial Tool:

• Dave Podnar talks about Guide, a browser-based tool that creates step-by-step tutorials with AI-generated captions and voiceovers. He explains how it simplifies the process of creating instructional content.

• Link: https://app.guidde.com/ 

Mac Whisper: AI Transcription Tool:

• Michael Sorg reviews Mac Whisper, a transcription app for Mac users. He discusses its functionality, the local processing of audio files, and how it aids in creating accurate transcriptions for podcasts and other content.

• Link: https://goodsnooze.gumroad.com/l/macwhisper

Brother Label Maker:

• Katie Dudas shares her love for the Brother label maker, highlighting its utility in organizing tech gear and adding a bit of fun to everyday tasks.

• Link: https://www.amazon.com/Brother-P-Touch-PTD220-Label-Maker/dp/B07XV76BQV 

Olympic Coverage Innovations:

• Discussion on NBC’s coverage of the upcoming Olympics, including live streaming on Peacock and unique commentary from Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson. Also, learn about AI-generated recaps featuring Al Michaels.

• Links:

• Olympics on Peacock https://www.peacocktv.com/watch/2024-paris-olympics

• Kevin Hart commentary https://www.peacocktv.com/watch/asset/tv/olympic-highlights-with-kevin-hart-and-kenan-thompson/9144924783355040112

• Snoop will carry the torch https://www.wave3.com/2024/07/23/snoop-dogg-will-carry-olympic-torch-paris/

Goblin Tools for Task Management:

• Introduction to Goblin Tools, a set of AI-powered tools that help break down tasks, judge email tones, and formalize messages. Learn how these tools can assist with managing tasks and improving productivity.

• Link: https://goblin.tools/ 

The Planets Today:

• A quick look at The Planets Today website, a tool for space enthusiasts to visualize the current positions of planets in the solar system.

• Link: https://www.theplanetstoday.com/ 

Tune in for a fun and informative episode filled with geeky insights and practical tech tips!

Subscribe to the Podcast: awesomecast.com

Sorgatron Media Podcast Network Feed: sorgatronmedia.fireside.fm

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

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

Special Thanks to kidmental for the new AwesomeCast Sounds! Visit him at www.kidmental.com

Join our live show Tuesdays around 7:00 PM EST on AwesomeCast Facebook, Youtube and Sorgatron Media Twitch!