In this episode of Technically Working, Michael and Damashe dive into everything from broken safe keys and unexpected tech closets to streamlining code with AI and fighting Gravity Forms. Michael shares updates on the upcoming BITS AI course and his automations for scheduling Zoom events, while Damashe reveals his quiet move to the closet for better acoustics (and less heat).

They discuss:

• Why more BITS members are tuning in—and how to join the AI course
• Using Google Classroom effectively vs. bloated school tech platforms
• Damashe’s safe disaster and impromptu locksmith plan
• Michael’s TikTok growth and Gravity Forms pet peeve
• Recording setups, GitHub Copilot agent mode, and code workflows with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini
• How Lisi's AI integration streamlines tasks right from JAWS
• The behind-the-scenes of automating newsletter audio with Azure voices
• Prime Day skepticism, API usage surprises, and tip jar shout-outs

It's an episode filled with laughs, tech experiments, and just a touch of closet-based podcasting.

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In this time-shifted episode of Technically Working, Michael and Damashe dive into a pile of long-overdue listener feedback. They kick things off with a detailed voice message from Lord Robin Christofferson about Cal Studio (formerly PFMM.ai), a platform for building and monetizing custom AI tools. Then it’s on to GrapheneOS—Damashe shares updates on accessibility, eSpeakNG’s new direct boot support, and what it takes for blind users to flash the ROM.

They also respond to Scout’s questions on ProtonMail, network gear placement, and smart home setups—complete with temperature sensors and leak detectors. Michael wonders how far he can push smart home automation, and the duo get inspired by a wild idea involving a Bluetooth toothbrush starting a car.

Plus: Reolink doorbell app accessibility, the ongoing debate between Ubiquiti vs. Reolink, and Damashe’s slow march toward buying a Synology NAS.

Got feedback? Email feedback@technicallyworking.show or toot it with #TechnicallyWorking.

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Michael got his MacBook back and shares the apps and tools he immediately reinstalled—including Audio Hijack, Raycast, Hazel, and Little Snitch—plus what didn’t quite make the cut. Damashe walks through Homebrew tips, Markdown Service Tools setup, and how to fix symlink issues for missing binaries. They also dive into Mac App Store automation with mas, speaker setup logistics for live events, and whether to send signal to a subwoofer first or last in the audio chain.

They also cover:

• Autoplay and accessibility considerations in web players
• Comparing Raycast, LaunchBar, and Alfred for Mac navigation
• The realities of editing audio with a giant powered speaker in your office
• Speaker feedback issues with the Shure Beta 87A and experiments with the Q2U
• Why most apps shouldn't request local network access—and when it's okay
• Little Snitch vs. BlockBlock for app-level firewall protection
• Homebrew cleanup, Hazel automation, and uninstall tips
• Using Perplexity and GPT for real-world tech support and research
• Frustrations with Gemini on Android and Google's assistant transitions
• GitHub Copilot changes, Claude for coding, and the fading GitHub Pro tier
• Ubiquiti Device Bridge, mesh Wi-Fi fixes, and fiber dreams
• The dangers of not running a backup audio recording
• An idea to revisit old episodes and reflect on how far they’ve come
• Whether they’ll ever do a feedback episode (spoiler: maybe tomorrow)

And yes—there’s KFC grease jokes, egg prices, Flipboard flashbacks, and why the Technically Working bot is the real one to follow on Mastodon.

Follow the Show: Subscribe, share, and support at technicallyworking.show. Email: feedback@technicallyworking.show Mastodon:

• Michael: @payown@dragonscave.space
• Damashe: @damashe@technically.social
• Bot: @TW@technically.social (follow it—seriously)

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Michael and Damashe are back with a full update after a few hectic weeks. Damashe shares how recent life events impacted work and how his new employee got thrown into the deep end early. They talk through ongoing audio adjustments, including Michael’s Mac OS beta install on a separate APFS volume and Damashe’s experience with the iOS beta leading to voiceover issues — and how Braille saved the day. The conversation shifts to Damashe’s ongoing Pixel 9 Pro experiment, using dual eSIMs, RCS messaging, Android accessibility, and the ongoing challenge of cross-platform messaging. Michael shares his first steps into creating a Personal Voice for VoiceOver while fighting some failed attempts. They dive into smart home updates: Damashe has Home Assistant hardware sitting in boxes ready to be deployed alongside his POE-powered setup, a Home Assistant Yellow, Tailwind garage opener, and some highly recommended Matter-compatible smart bulbs. Michael discusses HomeKit updates, smoke alarm detection on HomePods, and explores some new VoiceOver features for iOS 18, like resetting VoiceOver settings and sharing VoiceOver profiles across devices. They wrap up with future plans for home automation content after convention season, shout-outs to listeners, Tip Jar supporters, and a reminder to share the show or follow the bot account on Mastodon for updates.

feedback@technicallyworking.show.

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In this episode of Technically Working, it’s a quick catch-up packed with gear decisions, GPT frustrations, and accessibility discoveries. Things kick off with some behind-the-scenes updates about live streaming improvements—including why ads are gone and how latency might get better with a little server tinkering. Then it’s time for a scanner showdown. After testing models from Brother, Epson, and ScanSnap, one portable scanner wins out thanks to battery life, duplex scanning, and microSD support (plus a healthy dose of velcro). The conversation shifts to recent AI weirdness:

• Struggles with inconsistent GPT model behavior
• Tips on preserving your writing style before resetting memory
• Voice mode quirks like excessive filler words
• Model-switching experiments to improve output

Also covered:

• Why some interfaces make or break AI tools
• Mac accessibility wins and workarounds for scripting and coding with VoiceOver
• An ongoing Mac setup experiment: LaunchBar vs. Alfred

Finishing things off, there's a quick reflection on podcast automation bots, a reminder about using the #TechnicallyWorking hashtag, and appreciation for listeners and Tip Jar supporters who keep the show going.

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In this bonus-packed episode of Technically Working, Michael and Demasi share previously subscriber-only content, technical workflows, and fresh commentary on the shifting tides at Apple. Here's what you’ll hear:

• Migrating a WordPress Site: Michael walks through how to back up and move a WordPress site from one domain to another using UpdraftPlus and Dropbox.
• Navigating the Terminal with VoiceOver: Demasi shares tips for VoiceOver users working in Terminal, including VO text selection tricks, bash vs. zsh navigation shortcuts, and piping output to files.
• Switching Back to Bash: Why Demasi still prefers bash over zsh, how to install the latest version with Homebrew, and how to set it as your default shell on macOS.
• MultiMarkdown to Rich Text: Demasi demos Brett Terpstra’s services for converting Markdown to formatted email with rich links and bullet lists.
• A Deep Dive into LaunchBar: Get a full walkthrough of Demasi’s customized LaunchBar preferences—from clipboard history to file actions—plus how to remove its Dock icon for a cleaner workflow.
• Apple’s Developer Drama: The hosts weigh in on Judge Gonzalez Rogers' ruling, Apple's hostile handling of third-party links, and what it says about Apple’s current priorities.
• Where Is Apple Headed? A passionate discussion on accessibility, developer trust, and whether Apple’s user-first culture is fading.

This episode is loaded with practical tips, frustrations, and honest conversations about tech. Be sure to follow:

• Michael on Mastodon: @payown@dragonscave.space
• Demasi on Mastodon: @demasi@technically.social
• Show bot: @tw@technically.social

Want early access to bonus clips and behind-the-scenes chatter? Support the show at technicallyworking.show and get the Tip Jar feed.

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This week’s episode of Technically Working lives up to its name—emphasis on “technically.” Michael and Damashe dive into a chaotic but honest session filled with:

• Live streaming experiments using Owncast and Cloudron
• A rundown of unexpected audio and network issues (including Michael’s mysterious Mac Wi-Fi fail)
• Why you may have only heard one side of the live broadcast
• A heartfelt update from Michael about stepping back from Club Unmute and issuing prorated refunds
• Real talk about prioritizing passion, family, and work
• Listener feedback from Tim, Robin, Shazard, and Scout
• Damashe’s upcoming trip to the Alabama School for the Blind tech symposium
• Shout-outs to Rogue Amoeba (yes, someone’s listening) and longtime fans like Matthew
• Honest download numbers and a much-needed perspective check
• Future plans for federated social, website improvements, and maybe merch—but definitely not mugs

Despite the rocky audio and robot voices, this episode is a raw behind-the-scenes glimpse of what happens when two tech heads push through chaos to keep the show going.

📧 Feedback? Send it to feedback@technicallyworking.show
🐘 Follow the show: @tw@technically.social
💬 Use hashtag #TechnicallyWorking on Mastodon to join the convo

No bonus show this week—but we’ll be back. Probably with fewer glitches.

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Michael and Damashe are back for another lively and unpredictable episode of Technically Working. As always, they jump right into the conversation—no theme music, no fluff—just two friends troubleshooting, laughing, and dropping Mac tips along the way.

This week:

Reaper, Audio Hijack, and VO shortcuts: Michael discovers Audio Hijack's behavior when blocks are disabled, and Damashe reminds us of handy VoiceOver key combos.

Finder tip: Learn how to group selected items into a new folder using Command-Control-N. The duo explores Finder views (column vs. list) and relives the chaos of a long-past Finder bug.

LaunchBar, Hazel, and file organization: Damashe shares how he uses LaunchBar to move files efficiently. Michael appreciates Hazel for keeping his Downloads folder neat.

Rage-quitting Todoist: Michael shares how missing a single day ended a streak and triggered a dramatic break-up with his task manager.

TikTok accessibility talk: Michael compares the experience between iOS and Android, and Damashe wonders about passkeys, logins, and using multiple accounts.

Doorbell drama: Listener Shahzad wants to know which video doorbell works best for blind users. Michael and Damashe dive into pros and cons of Reolink, Eufy, Ring, and Akara options—plus some thoughts on creepy listening features.

Screen recognition rants: The guys debate Apple’s screen recognition and its reliability—or lack thereof.

Chapters in podcasts? Shahzad's feedback leads to a bigger conversation about how chaotic their episodes are and whether chapters would help (hint: it’s complicated).

The future of the Technically Working website: Damashe breaks the site while trying to add pagination and a summary button. They explore self-hosting, podcast membership plugins, and maybe even building their own subscription system.

Belkin's tracking stand as a DIY CCTV: A surprise use case for a MagSafe stand shows how accessibility tools sometimes come from the most unexpected places.

Apple's new magnifier for Mac: Could your Mac become your CCTV with Continuity? Possibly.

Tip Jar perks: A teaser for Tip Jar subscribers—bonus episodes, early access, and a soon-to-be test group for new site features.

Links mentioned:

Double Tap on Air - Subscribe

Reolink Video Doorbell

Eufy Security

Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand

To share your thoughts, email: feedback@technicallyworking.show Want early access and bonus drops? Become a Tip Jar supporter at technicallyworking.show

Follow on Mastodon:

Michael: @payown@dragonscave.space

Damashe: @damashe@technically.social

Bot: @tw@technically.social

We’re not organized, but we’re still here.

Enjoy what’s next in your queue—it won’t be us. Not until next time.

Recorded with questionable Finder settings and occasional muting that wasn't muting.

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This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-431b7d for 40% off for 4 months, and support Technically Working.