Brad & Will Made a Tech Pod.
Technology
About
Each Sunday, Brad Shoemaker and Will Smith discuss a new technology topic. Come for the long-form conversations about virtual reality, space travel, electric cars, refresh rates, and a whole lot more. Support the pod on Patreon: http://patreon.com/techpod
Episodes
- 338: Everything for Everything
This episode of Brad & Will Made a Tech Pod covers various tech news topics, such as AMD bringing HDMI 2.1 to Linux, Microsoft's efforts to open-source its history, and small hardware makers releasing source assets. It also includes discus…
- 337: They're 3D-Printing Shoes Now
Brad and Will discuss various tech projects, including the Steam Controller, high polling rate mice, 3D printing experiences, and 2D printers. They share insights and experiences from their time with these different technologies.
- 336: When Triple Redundancy Isn't Enough
This episode of Brad & Will Made a Tech Pod covers various tech topics such as the MacBook Neo, Windows running on Linux, the Artemis flight control system, and the use of Home Assistant. They also discuss technical jargon, Apple's 50th an…
- 335: With Craft and Focus
In this episode, the hosts discuss Microsoft’s recent plans to improve Windows 11, covering potential changes to the taskbar, Start Menu, File Explorer, and more. They further offer their own perspectives on how to refine the Windows exper…
- 334: We Nailed the Math!
Kishore Hari joins the hosts to discuss NASA's Artemis program, covering topics such as mission technology, the history and politics of lunar exploration, and the goals for a sustained human presence on the Moon.
- 333: I Used To Do a Podcast
Norman Chan joins Will to discuss the current state of 3D printing. The conversation covers FDM and resin printers, as well as resources for finding and editing 3D models.
- 332: Shout Out to the 1979 Lady Kenmore
In this episode, the hosts answer listener questions covering topics such as auto-generated podcast features, computer class-action lawsuits, PC relocation, and the risks of vacuuming computers. They also discuss permanent standard time an…
- 331: More Teddy Ruxpin, Less Chucky
In this episode, Brad and Will share tech tips and tools for improving their workflow, including discussions on tiling window managers, Windows utilities, and hardware recommendations for the future.
- 330: Our E-Cores Are Better Than Your P-Cores
This episode covers a range of recent hardware news, including Microsoft's Project Helix, Intel's Arrow Lake CPUs, the MacBook Neo, and developments in upscaling technology for the PS5 Pro and NVIDIA DLSS 4.5. The hosts also discuss Valve'…
- 329: A Plaid Decade
Brad and Will revisit the April 2001 issue of Maximum PC to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the GeForce 3. They discuss the history of programmable pixel shaders, early Wi-Fi, Windows XP, and other retro technology updates from that er…
- 328: Shared Resources, Shared Problems
This monthly Q&A episode covers a wide range of listener questions, including topics such as HDMI switchers, vintage televisions, MikroTik networking, PCIe clips, Unix desktops, ESP32 projects, and the evolution of cell phone usage and pho…
- 327: Two Hours of War
The hosts discuss recent tech news, including Discord's global age verification policy, the compromise of Notepad++ by state-level actors, and the effects of the computing supply crisis. They also cover the incident involving an autonomous…
- 326: Quantumly Entangled Keyboard Switches
In this episode, Brad and Will discuss the rising use of magnetic switches in gaming mice and mechanical keyboards. They explain the underlying technology, addressing questions about wear, electrical bouncing, and the future of input devic…
- 325: renderDEEZ128
In this episode, Brad and Will provide a 2026 update on their home networking and server infrastructure. The hosts discuss various components of their homelab setups, including Linux NAS configurations, hardware choices, and software tools…
- 324: The Intel Batman
In this supplemental Q&A episode, the hosts answer listener questions covering topics including EV mileage, iOS low battery mode, desk network racks, shell environments, and Intel's product naming conventions.
- 323: Ignore All Previous Instructions
In this Q&A episode of Brad & Will Made a Tech Pod, the hosts cover a range of listener questions spanning retro computing, technical concepts like volt-amps, and modern AI tools. Topics include Gateway 2000 boxes, ENIAC mystery, data stor…
- 322: It Was DNS
In this episode, the hosts discuss various home computing projects, including home networking challenges with Raspberry Pis, power management issues with a UPS, and using an Xbox console as a Moonlight client.
- 321: How to Charge Your Knife
The hosts discuss various announcements from CES 2025, covering hardware from Intel, AMD, and Nvidia, along with new consumer electronics such as smart Legos, solid-state battery vehicles, and keyboard-integrated PCs. They also address ind…
- 320: Maybe Somebody Hates Brian Eno
In this episode, the hosts conclude their ranking of startup sounds, covering consoles, Windows operating systems, handheld devices, and other platforms. They finalize their tier list of these technological audio sequences.
- 319: An Amuse-bouche for Your Device
In this two-part episode of Brad & Will Made a Tech Pod, the hosts rank startup sounds from various video game consoles, handhelds, and computer operating systems. This first installment initiates a tier list of these audio sequences.
- 318: System B or systemd?
In this year-in-review episode, the hosts reflect on positive tech topics from 2025, including Linux desktop experiences, electric vehicles, and hardware preferences. They also share listener nominations and personal opinions on several in…
- 317: Schrödinger's AirPod
In this episode, the hosts cover a variety of micro-topics including fire alarms, temperature-controlled beds, Windows 11 updates, and the NixOS operating system. They also discuss the nuances of taking naps and experiences with tech-relat…
- 316: I Don't Like the Sparkle
This episode explores the closure of RAM and SSD brand Crucial, the implications for the PC-building market, and the conflict between open platforms and HDMI standards. Additionally, the hosts discuss workarounds for AI features in Firefox…
- 315: Work-in-Progress Till I Die
In this episode, the hosts answer listener questions covering topics such as navigating corporate support, CPU maintenance, all-sky cameras, text expansion, and networking advice. They also discuss consumer tech trends and video game voice…
- 314: We Hope, We Wish, We Ask, We Request
This news roundup discusses rising RAM and SSD prices, Microsoft's plans for AI agents in Windows, Google's discontinuation of first-gen Nest thermostats, and compatibility issues with third-party Switch 2 docks. The hosts also share tech…
- 313: Chan's on the Move
In this episode, Norm Chan of Tested.com joins the podcast to discuss his hands-on experience with new Valve hardware, including the Steam Machine, the Steam Frame VR headset, and the updated Steam Controller.
- 312: The Original Tree Puncher
In this episode, the hosts discuss the history of online multiplayer gaming, tracing its evolution from early network gaming and console connectivity to the advancements of MMOs like Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies. The conversation i…
- 311: The Fab Floor
Adam Patrick Murray from PC World joins the hosts to discuss a recent trip to Intel's 18A chip fabrication facility in Arizona. The conversation covers Panther Lake architecture, chiplet interconnects, core scheduling, and the logistics of…
- 310: Target Has a GitHub Account
In this episode, the hosts answer listener questions covering topics such as medical device data privacy, CD-ROM speeds, operating system preferences, and retail-developed open source software. They also discuss display technology, documen…
- 309: Tivoization
In this episode, Brad and Will discuss several products and services that have recently reached end-of-life status, including the TiVo DVR line, Windows 10 support, AOL dial-up, and the retail market for BD-ROM drives.
- 308: NEW Lake???
In this episode, Brad and Will share a collection of tech tools and tricks, ranging from USB-C-to-SATA adapters and PC mounting solutions to high-endurance SD cards for Raspberry Pi and developments in Windows Mixed Reality and PlayStation…
- 307: I Hate Smishing
This episode covers recent news, including the rise of SMS spam rings and threats to infrastructure. The hosts also discuss concerns from an iRobot founder regarding humanoid robots and review the end of support for 32-bit Windows and Stea…
- 306: The Worst Thing About Bluetooth Is "Sometimes"
This episode covers a variety of tech topics, including Steam Deck homebrew, university network support, smartphone trade-ins, game engine controversies, software storefront stability, home server energy monitoring, and identifying drop-sh…
- 305: Hardly an Off-the-Shelf Knob
This episode covers topics including Windows Defender's response to fan control software vulnerabilities, managing fan beat frequencies, and practical advice on powering hard drives with ATX supplies. The hosts also discuss custom PC build…
- 304: Gamify Your Sleep
In this episode, the hosts discuss the announcements from Apple's iPhone 17 event, including the new iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, Apple Watch health features, and third-generation AirPods Pro. They also share their thoughts on these updates…
- 303: Spaceships Built for Cats
Brendon Chung and Sanjay Madhav join the podcast to discuss the development of the game Skin Deep, which uses a modified Doom 3 engine. They explore the challenges of working with older code, utilizing legacy engine features, and restoring…
- 302: The System Tray Is No Man's Land
In this episode, the hosts discussvarious links, including the No BS Podcast, a cyberdeck project, and Chicago-style hot dogs. The episode also includes information on supporting the show through Patreon.
- 301: Will Ruined the Internet
In this episode, the hosts discuss virtual machines and provide resources for users interested in running Windows 95. The episode also includes information on supporting the podcast via Patreon.
- 300: Never Stop Talking
In the 300th episode of Brad & Will Made a Tech Pod, the hosts reflect on significant developments in the technology landscape since they began the show in September 2019. They discuss topics including the rise and fall of trends like cryp…
- 299: Donkey Kong Is a Florida Man
In this episode, the hosts discuss the process of buying a budget-friendly refrigerator in 2025 and the application of the Unix philosophy to home maintenance. Additionally, Will shares his recent experience at Super Mario Land, detailing…
- 298: Don't Accidentally Become a Bank
The hosts provide updates on the situation regarding payment processors and adult content on platforms like Steam and itch.io. The episode also includes a discussion on different types of OLED display technology.
- 297: The AI-Content Centipede
In this monthly Q&A episode, the hosts discuss the implications of AI consuming AI-generated content, ad-blocking, blogging for tech projects, and using Spotify. The conversation also covers electricity and power supplies, geolocation, the…
- 296: The Slopposite
In this episode, the hosts discuss a variety of topics including EV charging etiquette, managing older gasoline, the utility of office "crap tables," procedural generation in games, and the design of modern glue sticks.
- 295: Hacker Tourism
In this episode, the hosts review the December 1996 issue of Wired magazine. They provide show notes and page numbers covering the discussion topics from the publication.
- 294: The God-Tier GPU
The hosts discuss Brad's historical YouTube video featuring Destiny 2 gameplay at 4k60 resolution. The episode also includes information on supporting the podcast via Patreon.
- 293: J-ing and K-ing
In this monthly Q&A episode of Brad & Will Made a Tech Pod, the hosts discuss topics ranging from managing cognitive load in hobbies and jury duty experiences to indie web discovery, power cord repair, passkeys, and sports broadcasting tec…
- 292: Winning the Hummingbird War
In this episode, Brad and Will discuss their upcoming tech projects, ranging from travel networking gear and e-reader modifications to Twitch streaming upgrades and outdoor camera setups. They evaluate the utility and investment required f…
- 291: Evil Finder Icon
The hosts discuss Apple's WWDC, focusing on the company's notable lack of new AI features compared to recent industry trends. They recap key announcements, including major UI, iPad, and MacOS updates.
- 290: Earn Your Nintendo License
In this episode, Will shares his hands-on impressions of the Switch 2 following the launch event at Nintendo's San Francisco store. The discussion covers the console's hardware, including new haptics, magnetic Joy-Con attachments, performa…
- 289: Computer Shangri-La
Will shares his experience at the grand opening of a new Bay Area Micro Center, discussing the current retail landscape for PC builders. The hosts also examine Nvidia’s new GeForce Now client for the Steam Deck, evaluating its performance…