Mac Power Users
Technology
About
Learn about getting the most from your Apple technology with focused topics and workflow guests. Creating Mac Power Users since 2009, one conversation at a time. Hosted by David Sparks and Stephen Robles.
Episodes
- 848: eReaders and Workflows with Jason Snell
On Mac Power Users, Jason Snell discusses the current state of e-readers, including a comparison of Kindle and Kobo, and their advantages over the iPad. The conversation also covers libraries, physical books, and note-taking devices.
- 847: Actually Useful AI Tools
David and Stephen from Mac Power Users explore practical AI tools, including dictation, browsers, agentic workflows, and Apple Intelligence. They also discuss their current AI projects, such as email triage and a customer service robot.
- 846: State of Apple Watch 2026
This episode of Mac Power Users explores the current state of Apple Watch, covering setups, faces, complications, and apps. The hosts also discuss potential improvements for the Apple Watch.
- 845: Intentional Technology with Patrick Rhone
Patrick Rhone returns to Mac Power Users to discuss intentional technology, including Apple Silicon, the Apple Refurb Store, and minimalist phones. The episode also covers various privacy and productivity tools.
- 844: Building the Ideal Apple Smart Home
This episode of Mac Power Users explores building an Apple Smart Home in 2026. David and Stephen discuss current standards, new devices, helpful automations, and how to get started with Apple Home, sharing their personal setups and insight…
- 843: Bear and Glass Teaches Keyboard Control
Brett Terpstra and Christopher Gamblée-Wallendjack introduce their Mac automation consultancy, Bear & Glass. They also discuss keyboard-driven workflows and various keyboard utilities.
- 842: Bribing the Fiber Guy
Stephen and David discuss listener feedback on iCloud security, Dropbox alternatives, AI robot assistants, Apple Intelligence Shortcuts, and Claude computer control. They also cover various tools and workflows.
- 841: The Robot Assistant Field Guide
David Sparks details his AI robot assistant built with Claude Cowork, covering tasks from file management to podcast production. The discussion also explains how managed AI agents improve upon previous chatbot limitations.
- 840: Finder is More Powerful Than You Think
This episode of Mac Power Users discusses Finder workflows, Hazel automations, and Alfred shortcuts for organizing macOS. It covers various tools and systems used to maintain an organized Mac environment.
- 839: Fifty Years of Apple with David Pogue
David Pogue joins the Mac Power Users to discuss his book, "50 Years of Apple," and his technology setup. The episode covers topics related to Apple's history and Pogue's personal tech choices.
- 838: iPhone Setup Showdown
This episode of Mac Power Users features Stephen Robles and David Sparks detailing their complete iPhone setups. They cover various aspects such as Home Screens, widgets, Focus Modes, Control Center, and the Action Button.
- 837: Menu Bar Mayhem
David and Stephen of Mac Power Users discuss their differing philosophies on customizing the Mac menu bar. They explore various utility apps and how macOS Control Centers are changing menu bar management.
- 836: Welcome, Stephen
David officially welcomes Stephen as co-host. They discuss his background in music, podcasting, and his Mac setup, and answer rapid-fire questions about Apple products.
- 835: Farewell, Stephen
David and Stephen discuss the past seven years of Mac Power Users, including topics, episodes, and the community. Stephen Robles is introduced as the new cohost for the show.
- 834: I Am The Tardis
Stephen and David discuss writing workflows, Keyboard Maestro, and notifications. They also attempt to answer listener questions quickly.
- 833: Chris Bailey and His Battle-Scarred M1
In this episode of Mac Power Users, Chris Bailey shares details about his unconventional tech setup. He discusses using TextEdit for writing, SimpleNote for tasks, and printing research on paper. Bailey also experimented with using an iPad…
- 832: All About Apple Weather
This episode covers the new Apple Creator Studio bundle and a review of the Apple Weather app after one month. Stephen shares his notes with David about his experience switching to the Apple Weather app.
- 831: Revisiting Our Writing Workflows
This episode of Mac Power Users revisits writing workflows. The hosts discuss different approaches to writing, including their pros and cons, and share their methods for getting words written. The episode also mentions various apps and too…
- 830: iOS 26: Focus Modes & Notifications
This episode of Mac Power Users features David and Stephen discussing strategies for managing notifications and using Focus Modes to regain control of your iPhone. They cover various aspects of notification management on Apple devices.
- 829: Tech That Worked in 2025
Stephen and David review the technology that worked for them in 2025, covering topics such as Apple silicon, Apple's default applications, AI utilities, home automation, and networking. This episode reflects on their positive technology ex…
- 828: Revisiting Keyboard Maestro
David and Stephen revisit Keyboard Maestro, discussing its use for automation and text expansion. The episode covers various features like triggers, actions, and clipboards.
- 827: Every Two Months or So
This Mac Power Users episode addresses listener feedback on topics such as smart home technology, iPadOS 26, the absence of a new iMac, and charging stations. The hosts revisit these discussions and more.
- 826: 2025 State of the Platforms (Part 2)
Mac Power Users discusses the 2025 state of Apple platforms, including iPhone, Apple TV, iCloud, other Apple services, and the greater Apple ecosystem. This is the second part of a series reviewing Apple's 2025.
- 825: 2025 State of the Platforms (Part 1)
Stephen and David discuss the current state of Apple's product lineup, covering the Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro, and audio products. This is the first part of their annual review of Apple platforms.
- 824: Life After iPadOS 26
This episode of Mac Power Users features David and Stephen discussing workflows that benefit from the new features in iPadOS 26, including its windowing system, audio recording, and background tasks. They explore how these improvements mak…
- 823: The 2025 Holiday Gift Guide
The "Mac Power Users" podcast offers its 2025 Holiday Gift Guide. The hosts share gift ideas and explore a new life philosophy, with one host already an expert in it.
- 822: iPhone 17 Photography with Tyler Stalman
Tyler Stalman joins Mac Power Users to discuss the camera improvements in the iPhone 17 line and the limitations of the iPhone Air. He also shares the applications he uses for editing images and videos.
- 821: Developer Roundtable 2025
Casey Liss, Charlie Chapman, and James Thomson join Stephen and David to discuss software development on Apple platforms in 2025. Topics include Liquid Glass, SwiftUI, documentation, subscriptions, and Apple Intelligence.
- 820: The Apple Productivity Suite Field Guide
David and Stephen from Mac Power Users discuss the Apple Productivity Suite, including Reminders, Calendar, and Notes. They also cover the M5 and iOS 26 changes.
- 819: The User Interface at 60 MPH
In this episode of Mac Power Users, the hosts cover listener feedback, the return of Slide Over, and iCloud Family Sharing. They also discuss David's experience with his Rivian vehicle.
- 818: "Recreational Math," with Dr. Drang
In this episode of Mac Power Users, Dr. Drang discusses iPhone cases, the argument for LLMs, and his preferred automation tools. He also explains why Shortcuts on the Mac is not among his go-to tools.
- 817: macOS Tahoe, visionOS, & watchOS 26
This episode of Mac Power Users discusses new features in macOS Tahoe, visionOS, and watchOS, including updates to Spotlight and Apple's native applications.
- 816: iOS & iPadOS 26
In this episode of Mac Power Users, the hosts discuss the new features of iOS and iPadOS 26, including Liquid Glass, updated apps, and multitasking improvements. They also share their impressions of the latest iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Wa…
- 815: Automation Update with Sal Soghoian
Sal Soghoian joins David to discuss the current state of automation and the best ways to get started with automation in 2025.
- 814: The iPhone 17 Event
David and Stephen share their reactions and thoughts following the Apple iPhone 17 event. They discuss the newly announced hardware, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone Air, and new Apple Watch models.
- 813: Spending All Our Time Saving Things
In this feedback episode, the hosts discuss backing up iCloud data, read-it-later services, automation, travel tech, and various productivity tools. They also cover topics including Markdown conversion, the No List, and recent developments…
- 812: AV & Vibe Coding with Tyler McRae
Tyler McRae joins Mac Power Users to discuss his work in church AV technology and the impact of AI on coding practices. The conversation covers tools, workflows, and current developments in the field.
- 811: Apple in Education with Steve Benner
Educator Steve Benner joins the show to discuss how his school district utilizes Apple technology in the classroom. The episode explores the history and evolution of Apple's role in the education sector.
- 810: Unlocking PowerPhotos with Brian Webster
Brian Webster from Fat Cat Software joins the show to discuss PowerPhotos, a tool for managing Apple Photos libraries. The discussion covers the app's features, including merging libraries and finding duplicates.
- 809: Exploring Kagi with CEO Vladimir Prelovac
In this episode of Mac Power Users, CEO Vladimir Prelovac joins hosts David and Stephen to discuss the offerings of the search engine and browser company, Kagi. They explore the company's approach as an alternative to major tech products.
- 808: "The Momentum is Building," with Simon Støvring
Developer Simon Støvring joins Mac Power Users to discuss his app development process, his use of Apple applications, and his thoughts on upcoming iOS updates.
- 807: A Sign of Maturity, with Federico Viticci
Federico Viticci joins David and Stephen to discuss his current Apple gear, iPadOS 26, his work at MacStories, and the impact of AI on automation tools.
- 806: Automators Takeover
Rosemary Orchard joins the show to discuss the latest Shortcuts updates and her new medication tracking app, Capsule. They also review updates related to automation and app development.
- 805: The Most MPU Possible
Stephen and David answer listener questions covering Apple betas, networking, dictation, email management, and paperless workflows. This feedback episode revisits classic Mac Power Users topics.
- 804: From NeXT to Liquid Glass, with Ken Case
Ken Case, CEO of The Omni Group, discusses his career in technology development for Apple platforms. He shares insights on his experiences with early Apple gear, his methods for communicating with customers, and his perspectives on WWDC.
- 803: Checking in on the Betas
David and Stephen share their experiences testing early betas of the upcoming Apple software updates, including macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and visionOS. They discuss new features and design changes arriving to Apple devices this fall.
- 802: The Ubiquiti Universe
Stephen and David explore the networking products offered by Ubiquiti, focusing on their UniFi line of routers, switches, access points, security cameras, and other hardware for home and business use.
- 801: WWDC 2025: A Return to Form
David and Stephen discuss the announcements from Apple's 2025 WWDC, including the new design system, iPad multitasking updates, and new features for Messages, Phone, and CarPlay. The conversation also covers macOS Tahoe, iOS 26, iPadOS 26,…
- 800: Three Weeks Too Late
In this feedback-focused episode of Mac Power Users, the hosts cover a variety of listener topics including NAS setups, document scanning, email providers, and applications that integrate with Notes. They also discuss managing work phones…
- 799: The State of Apple, with Jason Snell
Jason Snell joins the Mac Power Users podcast to discuss Apple's current legal and technological landscape in this episode. They explore various topics, including the company's recent challenges and the state of the Mac.