Episodes

  • #157 – This Is Fine, Everything Is Fine

    #157 – This Is Fine, Everything Is Fine
    Apr 4 2026
    Episode 157 opens with a VoiceOver volume bug on Michael's Mac that resets to 100 percent every time he command tabs. Damashe suggests the nuclear option: reset your VoiceOver settings. Back them up first. From there, Damashe gets into his Blindshell Classic 3 experiment. He's been using it as his actual work phone, which means carrying it when he leaves the house, taking calls on it, and finding out what it can and cannot do when theory meets reality. The short version: phone calls work fine, T9 input is usable with a tip Michael drops about the down arrow shortcut, Be My Eyes camera quality genuinely surprised him, and the dual SIM situation does not work. At all. Whatever is in SIM slot 2 does nothing. Switch the cards around and the other one works fine in slot 1. Damashe has a hypothesis. Blindshell, he is sending you this episode. He also paired a Bluetooth keyboard to the Blindshell, got his Meta Ray-Bans connected, and found out phone calls come through the glasses just fine. Screen reader audio does not, at least not by default. That test is still pending. A few other Blindshell notes worth knowing: there is no company name field in contacts, apps access your microphone without asking permission, and the lock screen keypad instructions are printed right on the lock screen, which is not exactly a security feature. Damashe is not bashing the phone. He is just reporting what he found. There is also a broader point he makes about what Blindshell missed. The community already named the product. They call it the shell phone. Blindshell should have listened to that, leaned into it, and used it to market the device beyond just the blind community. A well designed keypad phone with accessible Android underneath could appeal to a lot of people. Instead the branding closes the door before anyone outside the community even considers it. The Clix Communicator gets a mention here as a device that might actually do this right, if it ever ships. Then there is Graphene OS. Damashe has it running on a separate Android device, kept completely isolated, for reasons he will describe only as just in case. If that makes sense to you, run with it. If not, everything is fine. Messaging apps come up next. Damashe breaks down Signal versus WhatsApp in plain terms, including a genuinely useful explanation of metadata using a letter in the mail as the analogy. He also wants Signal to add device linking because it would make recommending it a lot easier. Michael mentions an ACB affiliate mailing list that uses Signal groups, which he did not know was a thing. Michael's OpenClaw setup gets a proper rundown. He is running the assistant named K on his Raspberry Pi, connected through Telegram, using three models depending on the task: OpenRouter free for simple back and forth, GPT-5.4 mini for emails and scheduling, and GPT-5.4 for deeper content work. He burned through $35 in a weekend before the API cut him off at negative two cents. The system now sends him a daily recap at 7:30 PM, manages its own memory, and archives previous days into markdown files. He has not set up the 1Password skill yet but it is on the list. Damashe spent the entire week not using AI and felt strange about it. Not unproductive, just strange. He also has thoughts about the Claude code leak and whether anyone is actually reviewing what gets pushed. He does not have answers. Neither does Michael. Proton Workspace gets a quick mention as a direct competitor to Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. If you use Proton Mail already and want to talk about it on the show, email them. The Keychron folding keyboard arrived. Damashe opened it, looked at it, and said it is not what he expected. He has not paired it to anything yet. Full report coming. Episode closes with a shout out to tip jar subscriber number six, whoever that is. Topics covered: VoiceOver volume reset bug and how to back up your VoiceOver settingsBlindshell Classic 3 as a daily work phone: what works and what does notDual SIM on the Blindshell Classic 3: broken, probably by designT9 input tip: down arrow shortcut to speed up letter entryBe My Eyes camera quality on the BlindshellMeta Ray-Bans paired to the Blindshell: calls yes, screen reader noBlindshell's missed opportunity: the shell phone name and broader market appealClix Communicator as a phone that might get this rightGraphene OS: no further questionsSignal vs WhatsApp: features, metadata, and why Damashe is on WhatsApp nowMetadata explained with a mail analogyMichael's OpenClaw setup: three models, one budget, daily recapsGPT-5.4 mini, GPT-5.4, and burning through $35 in a weekendThe Claude code leak and vibe coding concernsProton Workspace as a Google and Microsoft competitorKeychron folding keyboard: first impressions, not great Send feedback: feedback@technicallyworking.show Support the show: technicallyworking.show Follow on Mastodon: Michael: @payown@dragonscave.space Damashe: @damashe@technically.social Show bot: @tw@...
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • #156 – Streaks, Macs, and Smart Locks

    #156 – Streaks, Macs, and Smart Locks
    Mar 29 2026

    Episode 156 opens with some breaking Apple news: the Mac Pro is officially dead. Damashe breaks down why that decision probably came down to Apple Silicon's unified memory architecture and what it means for professionals who relied on the Mac Pro's expandability. We trace the full arc from the original cheese grater to the ill-fated trash can and back again, and talk about why the Mac Studio is likely where Apple thinks that story ends.

    From there, we get into recording setups. Michael is back in the garage with a rug, a mic stand from Damashe, and the Vocaster running into an OWC dock. Damashe is on the Zoom P4 Next, and he breaks down how that compares to the Vocaster for anyone thinking about a step up, including what he likes, what he doesn't, and why locking XLR ports matter more than you'd think.

    We also share a few honest tips for improving your recording environment without buying new gear. Rugs, soft surfaces, and where you point your microphone matter more than most people realize.

    Then: the Todoist situation. Michael came home from CSUN with a 114-day streak that didn't survive the trip. He explains what happened, how he's building back, and what his 7,000-plus completed tasks say about how he actually uses the app. Damashe broke his streak around the same time for a much more relatable reason.

    The back half of the episode is dedicated to a question from Chad, who just closed on his first house. Congratulations, Chad. He wanted follow-up on cameras and smart locks, so we go wide first: start with your ecosystem, know your priorities around cloud storage versus local recording, and think about who else in your home is going to be using this stuff.

    Damashe is using Reolink cameras with a network video recorder for fully local storage, a Level Lock Plus for his front door, and Aqara devices throughout the house. Michael is running Eufy cameras through HomeKit Secure Video and has had mixed results with the Level Bolt. Both of us agree: Aqara makes solid, affordable hardware, and if you own your home, power-over-ethernet cameras are worth planning for even if you can't run the cable today.

    We also make a case for water leak sensors, which are less exciting than smart lights but probably more important once you own the place.

    We close with a tease of something new coming likely by end of April. If you follow Michael on Mastodon, you'll probably hear about it there first.

    Topics covered:

    • Apple kills the Mac Pro: what it means and why it probably happened
    • Mac Pro history: cheese grater, trash can, 2019 refresh, and the M2 Ultra version that didn't save it
    • Apple Silicon unified memory and why it complicates expandability
    • Recording environment tips: rugs, soft surfaces, closets, and mic placement
    • Vocaster vs Zoom P4 Next: comparing two portable interfaces
    • Shure Beta 87A and why condenser vs dynamic matters for your space
    • Todoist streaks, gamification, and what 7,000 completed tasks looks like
    • Smart home ecosystem advice: start with what you're already in
    • Cameras: Reolink, Eufy, Ring (why Damashe won't recommend it), POE vs battery
    • HomeKit Secure Video and what it means for local vs cloud storage
    • Smart locks: Level Lock, Aqara retrofit deadbolts, U-Bolt (avoid)
    • Water leak sensors and why they matter if you own your home
    • New show incoming

    Send feedback: feedback@technicallyworking.show

    Support the show: technicallyworking.show (Support Us link)

    Follow on Mastodon:

    • Michael: @payown@dragonscave.space
    • Damashe: @damashe@technically.social
    • Show bot: @tw@technically.social

    Support Technically Working by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/technically-working

    Find out more at https://technically-working.pinecast.co

    Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/technically-working/4ecaf69e-1b6b-459e-85eb-66b367628ae9

    Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-431b7d for 40% off for 4 months, and support Technically Working.
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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • #155 – Walking In With Confidence: CSUN, Braille Displays, and Server Shenanigans

    #155 – Walking In With Confidence: CSUN, Braille Displays, and Server Shenanigans
    Mar 21 2026
    Damashe and Michael are back for episode 155 of Technically Working, and this one is packed. They start by addressing the episode 153 publishing mishap where Michael's audio track was accidentally left out of the Auphonic template, leaving listeners with a two-person conversation missing one of the people. They break down exactly what happened, how their podcast production workflow contributed to the issue, and what they're changing in their Dropbox and Auphonic setup to prevent it from happening again. Next up, the technically.social Mastodon instance went offline after a billing issue with masto.host. Damashe walks through the full story of how a separated email alias caused him to miss payment failure notifications, how the hosting provider cancelled the account with no option to reactivate, and how he rebuilt the Mastodon server on CloudRun. The Technically Working bot is back online, refederated, and ready for followers at @tw@technically.social. Damashe is recording on the Shure Beta 87A, and both hosts take time to explain why this super cardioid condenser microphone is their top recommendation for podcasters and content creators looking to upgrade to XLR. They cover the mic's pickup pattern, durability, price point (typically around $200 on sale), and how it compares to alternatives like the Samson Q2U, the Audio-Technica ATR 2100X, and a brand new Audio-Technica 2500X that neither host has tested. They also discuss the Focusrite Vocaster One and Vocaster Two as affordable audio interfaces with phantom power for anyone building a home podcast studio setup. Michael brings a detailed CSUN 2026 recap from Anaheim. His hands-on impressions cover a wide range of assistive technology and accessibility products including the Dot Pad X multi-line braille display from AT Guys, the Mnemonic portable Bluetooth braille labeler that embosses onto DYMO and metal tape from a phone app, and the Cadence, a 48-cell refreshable braille tablet with four lines of 12 cells, an impressive refresh rate, and the ability to daisy-chain up to four units together. Michael also visited the DOT and LG booth where they demonstrated a fully accessible self-checkout kiosk with speech output, headphone jack, and a 12-cell braille display built into the unit. LG showcased accessible home appliances including a washer, dryer, refrigerator, and dishwasher with braille labels, adaptive features for users with upper body limitations, and the ThinkQ smart home hub with voice control. Samsung's accessibility sticker program for appliances also gets a mention. On the braille display side, the episode covers the Thinkerbell Labs 40-cell braille display running Linux and targeting a $1,200 price point, the Orbit Flow (a USB-only 40-cell aluminum braille display, and the Orbit Strata with combined braille and speech output. Michael also shares his experience with the Orbit Optima and discusses the differences between Piezo and True Braille cell technology. Damashe and Michael discuss braille on business cards, why QR codes linking to vCard contact information should be the standard at conferences, and the challenge of scanning business cards accessibly. Damashe puts out a call to listeners for accessible business card scanning app recommendations. Damashe introduces changedetection.io, a self-hosted website monitoring tool he installed on CloudRun to track product pages for stock changes. He set it up to watch for Ubiquiti mobile routers that were out of stock, got a Pushover notification when they came back, and grabbed them before they sold out again. He explains how he's planning on using the routers with SIM cards to provide cellular Wi-Fi for security cameras at his rest area vending locations, and discusses the tradeoffs between rugged outdoor-rated routers and cheaper alternatives with 3D-printed enclosures. The episode wraps with a podcast download stats update: 31,092 total downloads, 409 in the last seven days, and 142 downloads for episode 154 in just three days. Damashe teases the new Technically Working website, confirms the URL structure will support direct episode links like technicallyworking.show/155, and shares plans to expand the show's social media presence to Blue Sky. They celebrate three years of weekly podcast publishing with no missed episodes and welcome new listeners who discovered the show at CSUN. Links and resources: Technically Working: technicallyworking.showSend feedback: feedback@technicallyworking.showAT Guys Braille Apps for Dot Pad: braille.atguys.comchangedetection.ioSupport the show: technicallyworking.show (tip jar link on podcast page)Mastodon bot: @tw@technically.socialDamashe on Mastodon: @damashe@technically.socialMichael on Mastodon: @payown@dragonscave.spaceHashtag: #TechnicallyWorking Support Technically Working by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/technically-working Find out more at https://technically-working.pinecast.co Send us your feedback online: https://...
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • #154 – Backing Up Right, The Vocaster Deep Dive, and How We Actually Got Started with AI

    #154 – Backing Up Right, The Vocaster Deep Dive, and How We Actually Got Started with AI
    Mar 16 2026

    Michael and Damashe open with a hard-learned lesson about database backups after an update to the Builder tool wipes fresh data, and why separating your database from your app files matters more than you think.

    From there, the episode shifts into the next chapter of the audio gear mini-series: a thorough look at the Focusrite Vocaster 1 and 2. The hosts cover what makes these interfaces stand out for screen reader users, including the accessible Vocaster Hub software, auto gain, the bidirectional aux port, Bluetooth on the Vocaster 2, and one major trade-off you need to know about before you unplug your laptop.

    Listener feedback from Chris leads to a candid conversation about how Michael and Damashe each got started using AI tools and writing code. Michael traces his path from a 2024 Python class through GitHub Copilot to building accessible desktop apps with PySide6. Damashe reflects on using LLMs to debug server logs, review code, and solve real problems without spending hours in Stack Overflow. Together they make the case for starting simple, finding a problem worth solving, and not letting the hype push you somewhere you're not ready to go.

    The episode wraps with thoughts on the Samsung event, Apple's AI missteps, Google I/O timing, and the launch of an AI-powered Mastodon bot for the show.

    Send feedback to feedback@technicallyworking.show. Support the show through TipJar . Find Michael on Mastodon at @payown@dragonscave.space and Damashe at @damashe@Technically.social. Follow the show bot at @tw@technically.social using #TechnicallyWorking.

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    Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-431b7d for 40% off for 4 months, and support Technically Working.
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • #153 – Feeling It: A Deep Dive into Multi-Line Braille Displays

    #153 – Feeling It: A Deep Dive into Multi-Line Braille Displays
    Mar 8 2026
    Episode Summary

    This week, Michael and Damashe are joined by Chris, an assistive technology professional who is one of the few people in the accessibility community using both of the major multi-line Braille displays currently on the market: the APH Monarch and the DotPad X. The conversation covers what these devices do, how they compare, and how Chris is using them in her teaching and personal life in ways that go well beyond what most people have imagined.

    The episode also gets into AI tools for everyday work, recording gear, iPhone versus Android as a daily driver, and some genuinely great audience feedback about the show.

    Support Technically Working by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/technically-working

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    Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/technically-working/2f66eef8-9020-4d1b-b95f-6726125b8766

    Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-431b7d for 40% off for 4 months, and support Technically Working.
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • #152 – Mics, Passwords, and Postmark: Getting Your Tech Stack Right

    #152 – Mics, Passwords, and Postmark: Getting Your Tech Stack Right
    Mar 2 2026
    2. Show Notes Episode 152 - Technically Working Michael and Damashe are back with a packed episode covering gear, passwords, transactional email, and how to get the most out of your AI tools. Plus, Mike hits a milestone and there's a guest teased for next week. Topics covered: Mic Talk (Mini-Series Continues) Damashe is back on the Audio-Technica ATR 2005 over USB, and explains why this style of mic remains a solid starter or travel option. The ATR 2100x and Samson Q2U both offer USB and XLR connections, making them flexible picks for new podcasters or anyone who wants a good-sounding mic for Zoom calls. Neither is recommended for run-and-gun situations, but both shine at a desk. Password Managers One Password recently raised prices for individual and family accounts. Michael's annual plan jumped from $35.88 to $47.88. That sparked a longer conversation about where people's passwords actually end up, spread across multiple apps and browsers. The guys walk through several options, including 1Password, Bitwarden (free tier available, $10 per year paid), ProtonPass, Apple Passwords, and KeePass. Apple Passwords works well for people deep in the Apple ecosystem, but the sharing and permission structure has limitations. ProtonPass got a positive accessibility mention from a listener. If you're cross-platform, 1Password and Bitwarden are still the strongest picks. Tip from a listener named Scout: ProtonPass is accessible. AI Tools and How to Use Them Well Both hosts have been using Claude heavily for scripting, Google Apps Script, and Python work. Key prompting tip: don't lead the AI with your assumptions. Instead of asking if a specific approach will work, describe what you want to accomplish and ask for options. Then interrogate the answer. Even if you don't know the subject well, asking "are you sure?" causes the model to recheck itself. This tip came from Matt Geek Gal and both hosts have been applying it regularly. Postmark: Transactional Email Made Approachable Damashe has been setting up Postmark for transactional email and invited Michael to explore it together. Key concepts broken down: servers in Postmark are essentially folders, not web servers. You verify your domain by adding two DNS records, a DKIM record and a return path record. Postmark puts new accounts in a sandbox that limits sending to verified addresses only, protecting their deliverability reputation. Getting out of the sandbox was quick, with a human review and approval happening overnight. Postmark separates transactional and bulk email into streams, and you can add additional streams for testing or staging environments. Inbound email routing is also supported. For 10,000 emails per month, pricing runs around $18 to $20. Siri and ChatGPT Siri's integration with ChatGPT has made both hosts more willing to ask quick questions by voice. Answers now come back summarized rather than handing off to a browser link. Still not perfect, especially with home automation commands, but noticeably better than two years ago. Milestone As of this recording, Michael has been with ACB for one year. Damashe points out he's automated himself into more work, not less, which is exactly the kind of employee you want to keep. Listener News A new listener was recruited by Michael while on a phone call. Shoutout to Chris for pioneering the one-time Tip Jar option. Another tip came in since then. Monthly subscribers are appreciated too. Next Week A guest is joining the show. No hints were dropped, but Damashe will be on different gear. Links and Resources Postmark: postmark.comBitwarden: bitwarden.com1Password: 1password.comProtonPass: proton.me/passSamson Q2U micAudio-Technica ATR 2100xSubscribe on your favorite podcast app and search Technically Working Follow the hosts: Michael: @payown@dragonscave.spaceDamashe: @damashe@technically.socialShow bot: @tw@technically.socialHashtag: #TechnicallyWorking (capitalize the T and W on Mastodon) Support Technically Working by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/technically-working Find out more at https://technically-working.pinecast.co Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/technically-working/1576a4b8-1626-4323-bbd9-a22f3c8a14f7 Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-431b7d for 40% off for 4 months, and support Technically Working.
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • #151 – Mic Check: Video Mics, Audio Interfaces, and Vibe Coding Wins

    #151 – Mic Check: Video Mics, Audio Interfaces, and Vibe Coding Wins
    Feb 22 2026

    This week, Damashe and Michael dive into a hands-on comparison of the DJI Mic Mini and DJI Mic 2, talking through what makes these wireless lapel mics shine for video content and where they fall short for audio-only podcasting. You'll hear Damashe's mic in action throughout the episode.

    Damashe kicks off a new series where he'll rotate through several audio interfaces, using the same Beta 87A microphone as a constant, so listeners can hear real differences and eventually land on a recommended setup alongside Michael. This episode features the DJI Mic Mini. Future episodes will feature the Vocaster One, the Zoom H5 Studio, the Soundcraft MTK 12, and others.

    Damashe also reveals that his go-to recording microphone has been the Earthworks Ethos condenser, and explains why he picked it over the Beta 87A as his studio mic while keeping the 87A as a travel option. For most listeners, his current recommendation for a podcasting mic is the Beta 87A, typically found between $200 and $215.

    On the tech side, the guys talk about vibe coding updates, including how Michael used Claude in planning mode to shrink his Builder app's load time from around 30 seconds down to about two seconds by switching to lazy module loading. They also discuss IFTTT webhooks, Pushover notifications, and how Damashe built a system to get push alerts whenever the podcast gets a new tip or reaches a download milestone.

    Other topics include Bluetooth auto-connect annoyances and how to fix them on Mac, the Project Hail Mary movie coming to Prime, and a quick update on Damashe's MacBook Pro and iPad mini repair situation with Apple.

    Marketing Plan Notes (not written out yet, just the approach):

    When you're ready to build the marketing content, the main angles to plan around are:

    • The audio interface series as an ongoing hook, giving people a reason to tune in each week
    • The vibe coding / Claude planning mode moment as a standalone clip or short
    • The DJI Mic Mini review content, which plays well for video creator and accessibility audiences
    • The IFTTT + Pushover automation walkthrough as a practical tip post or thread
    • Listener shoutouts and the tip jar mention as community engagement touchpoints

    Let me know when you want to build that out.

    Support Technically Working by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/technically-working

    Find out more at https://technically-working.pinecast.co

    Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/technically-working/9b72d4fb-7c95-4540-b721-aaafad285f0a

    Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-431b7d for 40% off for 4 months, and support Technically Working.
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • #150 – Fixing VoiceOver Menus, Audio Hijack Deep Dives, and Our Social Media Marketing Strategy

    #150 – Fixing VoiceOver Menus, Audio Hijack Deep Dives, and Our Social Media Marketing Strategy
    Feb 14 2026

    Episode 150 - Published February 15, 2026 Michael and Damashe celebrate episode 150 with a technical troubleshooting session that turns into a masterclass on VoiceOver settings, Audio Hijack experimentation, and podcast marketing strategies. In This Episode: VoiceOver Menu Fix (Critical for Mac Users)

    The solution to broken menu bar navigation in VoiceOver Why "Mouse pointer follows VoiceOver cursor" causes problems How to configure VoiceOver Utility settings properly When mouse tracking is useful vs. problematic

    Audio Hijack Exploration

    Real-time compression testing and audio processing Setting up test sessions to experiment with effects The difference between recording with effects vs. applying post-production Tips for session documentation and organization

    Hardware Updates

    Damashe's DJI Mic Mini purchase and setup ($80 with charging case) Insta360 Flow 2 Pro gimbal for iPhone video content Loupedeck controller for podcasting workflows Apple repair adventures with MacBook Pro and iPad Mini 6

    Podcast Marketing Strategy

    Using Claude AI to identify clip-worthy moments from transcripts Creating video shorts with AI-generated visuals Buffer integration for multi-platform scheduling Open Claw (ClaudBot) automation coming soon YouTube growth plans and content strategy

    Shout Outs

    Christopher Sims - Thank you for the Tip Jar support! All our Tip Jar subscribers - You make this show possible

    Mentioned Resources

    Audio Hijack by Rogue Amoeba DJI Mic Mini (2 transmitters + receiver + charging case) Insta360 Flow 2 Pro gimbal Buffer for social media scheduling VoiceOver Utility settings

    Contact & Support Email: feedback@technicallyworking.show Mastodon:

    Michael: @payown@dragonscave.space Damashe: @damashe@technically.social Bot: @TW@technically.social

    Hashtag: #TechnicallyWorking (please capitalize the T, T, and W) Support the show: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/technically-working

    Support Technically Working by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/technically-working

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    Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/technically-working/2134cc23-ed56-489d-a590-a3019dc674a0

    Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-431b7d for 40% off for 4 months, and support Technically Working.
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    1 hr and 16 mins