Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

You start with Quick Tips that tighten up your daily Apple workflow fast. You learn how CarPlay scrubbing actually works while driving, how Siri can jump forward or back in precise time chunks, and why Apple’s vision for Siri, Gemini, and personal intelligence matters more than the hype suggests. You unlock practical wins like copying Voice Memos transcripts, using Continuity for clipboard magic across devices, mastering iPhone copy and paste gestures, and understanding when dragging photos quietly converts them to JPEGs. Along the way, you revisit Apple Newton roots, discover why tools like Yoink still matter, and pick up slick tricks for prepping images in Messages and pausing voice recordings mid-thought.

Then you move into real-world problem solving. You figure out how to record a selfie video on iPhone while reading a script without breaking your flow, why Sign in With Apple is still worth using, and how to monitor drive health without guessing. You finally get clarity on weird Trash behavior, stop your mouse from waking your Mac, and understand why green bubble RCS and SMS sometimes fail on macOS. The episode wraps with a discussion about Apple Creator Studio tools like Logic Pro, Final Cut Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Compressor, MainStage, and premium content across Apple’s productivity apps. Listen to sharpen your instincts so when it counts, you Don’t Get Caught.

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1125 for Monday, January 19th, 2026

January 19th: Brew a Potion Day

MGG Monthly Giveaway – Enter to win a copy of Ecamm Live or Carbon Copy Cloner 7!

The MGG Merch Store is Live!

MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors:

BusyCal (with code MACGEEK10)!

Eero

Ecamm for Zoom integration

MacPaw

CCC Backup

Quick Tips

00:00:01 Chris-QT-CarPlay lets you scrub while driving

00:04:01 QT-Use Siri to skip forwards and backwards in specific time increments

00:06:18 The future of Siri, Gemini, and Personal Intelligence

00:14:33 QT-See and copy transcripts from Voice Memos

00:15:44 QT-Continuity works for Clipboard Too

00:18:21 iPhone Copy/Paste Gestures

00:21:55 Doug-QT-Dragging photos on iPhone converts them to JPEG

Copying/Pasting on the Apple Newton

Yoink

00:27:01 Jeff-QT-Dragging an image into Messages preps it to send

00:28:15 Pete-QT-Pause Voice Recording on iOS

00:29:54 How do I record a selfie video on my iPhone while being able to read a script?

Teleprompter for Video for iPhone

Also Teleprompter is free with in app purchases

00:34:43 GW-QT-Don’t forget about Sign in With Apple

Sponsors

00:38:50 SPONSOR: Tempo. For a limited time, Tempo is offering my listeners SIXTY PERCENT OFF your first box! Go to TempoMeals.com/MGG.

00:40:22 SPONSOR: Stamps.com. Try Stamps dot com risk-free for sixty days at stamps.com and use code mgg! Sixty days gives you plenty of time to see exactly how much time and money you’re saving on every shipment.

00:41:42 SPONSOR: CleanMyMac. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use our code MACGEEK for 20% off at clnmy.com/MACGEEK

Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!

00:43:12 Andy-What should I use to monitor drive health?

Disk Drill

DriveDx

Techtool Pro for repairing APFS volumes

00:48:52 Gary-Why Sometime Trash? Why Sometimes NO Trash?

00:59:37 Andrew-How can I keep my mouse from waking up my Mac?

01:03:25 Caleb-Why can’t I send green bubble RCS/SMS messages from my Mac?

Cool Stuff Found

01:07:19 CSF? Apple Creator Studio

Logic Pro

Pixelmator Pro

Final Cut Pro

Compressor

MainStage

Premium content for Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Freeform, Motion and more

01:18:31 MGG 1125 Outtro

MGG Monthly Giveaway

Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly

MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors

Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)

The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!

Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts

MGG Merch is Available!

Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page

Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar

This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors

MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews

[email protected]

224-888-GEEK

Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List

BackBeat Media Podcast Network

You walk the CES 2026 floor with Pete and Dave and quickly realize this episode is about practical gear that earns its place in your life. You hear about clever headphones, smarter thermostats, compact travel tech, and simple photo organization that fixes real annoyances without overthinking them. The crew cuts through the hype, calling out what feels thoughtful versus what just looks flashy, so you can spot the difference between tools that solve problems and gadgets that will gather dust.

Then things get broader and more futuristic without losing focus. You explore consumer health tech that is finally becoming accessible, modular controllers that rethink how you interact with devices, and open-ear audio that fits real-world use. Robots take over yards and floors, smart calendars and water sensors aim to reduce daily friction, and networking gear shrinks without giving up power. It is a fast tour of ideas that are close enough to touch, if not already shipping, with one consistent reminder guiding the whole conversation: stay curious, stay selective, and Don’t Get Caught chasing shiny things that do not actually improve your day.

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1124 for Monday, January 12th, 2026

January 12th: National Curried Chicken Day

MGG Monthly Giveaway – Enter to win a copy of Ecamm Live or Carbon Copy Cloner 7!

The MGG Merch Store is Live!

MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors:

BusyCal (with code MACGEEK10)!

Eero

Ecamm for Zoom integration

MacPaw

CCC Backup

Cool Stuff Found at CES 2026

00:03:41 TDM Twist Headphones

00:06:36 Eve Thermostat

00:08:08 FotoStax – $25 for a 10-pack

00:11:09 Targus Voyager EXP – $89.99

00:14:04 NOMATIC Travel Pack

00:15:52 Eloquens Email AI Autoresponder

00:21:25 Consumer-focused Blood Glucose Monitors

Abbott Lingo, Stelo by Dexcom, Isaac from PreEvent, Y-Brush Halo, Actxa Core Smart Ring

Sponsors

00:27:27 SPONSOR: Copilot Money. Your money, beautifully organized, now across every device. For a limited-time, get 26% off your first year when you sign up at https://try.copilot.money/macgeekgab. Get two months free with code ‘macgeekgab’.

00:28:49 SPONSOR: Shopify. In 2026, stop waiting and start selling with Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at Shopify.com/MGG

00:30:25 SPONSOR: Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at gusto.com/MGG

MOAR Cool Stuff Found at CES 2026

00:31:33 Modue – Modular controllers for gamers, creators, and more

00:35:00 Shokz OpenFit Pro Earbuds

00:38:58 Robot Lawn Mowers

Yarbo M-Series, Segway Navimow, Worx, Lymow

00:43:58 Robot Vacuums

Eureka E10 Evo Plus – $299

Eureka Z50 $799

Roborock Saros Rover

00:51:13 Skylight Calendar 2

00:53:28 Droplet Smarthome Water Sensor from Hydrific

00:58:04 TP-Link Aireal Digital in-app assistant

01:00:31 TP-Link BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 Portable Travel Router TL-WR3602BE

01:03:21 CubicScreen.com

01:06:22 MGG 1124 Outtro

MGG Monthly Giveaway

Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly

MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors

Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)

The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!

Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts

MGG Merch is Available!

Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page

Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar

This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors

MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews

[email protected]

224-888-GEEK

Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List

BackBeat Media Podcast Network

The Mac Geek Gab iPhone app

Follow us on Mastodon

Mac Geek Gab on Mastodon

Adam Christianson on Mastodon

Dave Hamilton on Mastodon

Pilot Pete on Mastodon

Mona for Mastodon (for Mac, iPhone, iPad)

Adam Christianson on X/Twitter

You kick off the year by tightening your Apple habits, starting with smart Quick Tips that actually stick. You build year-based music playlists for offline listening, flip on Airplane Mode when you’re out of service to save serious battery, and let the Health app handle reminders for meds and eye drops so nothing slips. You’re reminded of power-user staples like Cmd-Shift-5 for screenshots, learn how Google Sites can double as a surprisingly effective bookmark manager, and get clarity on when and how to disable VPNs properly, including on Apple TV for region-locked content. Along the way, you discover tools that reliably track Apple refurb inventory and dig into the oddly fascinating logic behind Safari’s tab close order.

Then it’s time to not get caught. You hear why Time Machine now warns you when your backup drive is too small, why storing Notes “On My Device” can bite you later, and how increasing cloud storage often means increasing local storage, too. Listener questions keep things practical, from tracking a missing Apple TV remote to deciding when an iPad beats a laptop. A deep dive into strange Safari tab behavior brings it all home, followed by Cool Stuff Found that helps you update Macs more intelligently, evaluate startup risks, replicate Mac setups with Ansible, and even capture insights from podcasts using AI. It’s a fast, practical reset that helps you start the year sharper, safer, and a little more in control.

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1123 for Monday, January 5th, 2026

January 5th: National Whipped Cream Day

MGG Monthly Giveaway – Enter to win a copy of Ecamm Live or Carbon Copy Cloner 7!

The MGG Merch Store is Live!

MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors:

BusyCal (with code MACGEEK10)!

Eero

Ecamm for Zoom integration

MacPaw

CCC Backup

Quick Tips

00:00:01 Joe-QT-Make Year-based Music playlists for offline listening

00:04:44 John-QT-Use Airplane Mode to save your battery when you’re out of service

00:06:53 Steve-QT-Use the iPhone Health app to remind you about medications, eye drops, and more!

CES 2026 Sponsor: BusyCal (with code MACGEEK10)!

00:12:26 Avraham-QT-Remember to use Cmd-Shift-5 for Screenshots

00:17:36 Andrew-QT-1115-Use Google Sites as your Bookmarks manager

00:21:32 Jason-QT-1122-Shut off your VPN from within the app, not Settings

00:23:03 Joe-QT-Use AppleTV VPN for region-locked content

00:28:51 Ben-1121-Refurb Tracker reliably tracks Apple refurb inventory

00:30:22 Ben-QT-There’s Logic to Safari Tabs Close Order…right?

Don’t Get Caught

00:32:11 Doug-DGC-Time Machine now warns you if your drive is too small

CES 2026 Sponsor: CCC Backup

CES 2026 Sponsor: MacPaw

00:41:29 Jose-DGC-1104-Be aware if you’re storing Notes On My [Device]

00:43:50 Doug-DGC-Increasing cloud storage means increasing local storage

Reviews

00:46:37 Apv9-MGG Review-Absolutely Essential LIstening for Apple Users!

Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!

00:47:41 Skylar-Can I track my Apple TV remote?

00:50:17 Which remote control do you use?

00:53:27 Glenn-When do you reach for your iPad vs. your laptop?

OmniOutliner

01:02:54 Juergen-Why the crazy tab behavior?

01:09:20 CES 2026 Coverage Sponsors

Eero

Ecamm for Zoom integration

Cool Stuff Found

01:11:39 Steve-CSF-Latest for updating your Mac’s software

SwitchGlass

01:13:01 Arvydas-CSF-MacPersistenceChecker to risk-score all your startup items

01:14:17 Alan-CSF-1121-Use Ansible to replicate user preferences between Macs

01:15:16 Dan-CSF-SnipD AI-powered Podcast app for capturing and learning from episodes

01:17:09 MGG 1123 Outtro

MGG Monthly Giveaway

Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly

MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors

Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)

The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!

Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts

MGG Merch is Available!

Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page

Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar

This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors

MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews

[email protected]

224-888-GEEK

Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List

BackBeat Media Podcast Network

You dive straight into practical macOS and workflow wins, starting with macOS 26’s new ability to record video by window and moving quickly into keeping your Homebrew setup clean, current, and fast. You learn how simple display resolution tweaks can hide the MacBook notch or eliminate it entirely, and why audio problems like AirPods mic failures often come down to overlooked system behavior. Along the way, you’re reminded to stay alert to sneaky gotchas like expiring Tailscale devices, VPNs that never fully disconnect, and cables that quietly become the weakest link. Don’t Get Caught assuming the obvious is working as expected.

Then it’s on to listener questions that hit real-world pain points: avoiding international cell charges even when using an eSIM, understanding why not all MVNOs are equal, and keeping vacation photos manageable by killing duplicates before they pile up. You dig into OS version mismatches, whether AI actually helps tech support when used correctly, and why asking AI to explain the “why” matters.

Cool Stuff Found rounds things out with tools for sleep and stress tracking, app update management, USB speed visibility, smarter System Settings navigation, notch-aware utilities, nostalgic screen savers, and shortcut mastery. It’s a fast-moving episode packed with ways to tighten your setup, reduce friction, and stay one step ahead.

Happy new year, y’all! See you in 2026! (don’t worry, that’s next week, right on schedule!)

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1122 for Monday, December 29th, 2025

December 29th: Still Need To Do Day

MGG Monthly Giveaway – Enter to win a copy of OpenIn!

The MGG Merch Store is Live!

MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors:

BusyCal (with code MACGEEK10)!

Eero

Ecamm

MacPaw

CCC Backup

Quick Tips

00:00:01 Ben-QT-macOS 26 now adds video recording by window

00:04:47 Pilot Pete-QT-Upgrade Your Homebrew Install!

brew upgrade

brew install topgrade

brew install speedtest-cli

00:10:37 Michael-QT-1121-Use a different Display Resolution to hide the notch

00:11:39 Antony-CSF-1121–Say No To Notch to disable your MacBook’s Notch entirely

Don’t Get Caught

00:12:23 Andrew-DGC-AirPods Mic Failure

00:18:37 Chris-DGC-Be aware Tailscale device expiration

00:21:02 Tom S-DGC-Your VPN might still be connected!

00:23:48 Pilot Pete=DGC-Really! Try Different Cables

Sponsors

00:29:14 SPONSOR: Copilot Money. Your money, beautifully organized, now across every device. For a limited-time, get 26% off your first year when you sign up at https://try.copilot.money/macgeekgab. Get two months free with code ‘macgeekgab’.

00:30:45 SPONSOR: Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at gusto.com/MGG

Reviews

00:31:58 BobCleaver-MGG Review-Thanks for the excellent info

Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!

00:32:56 Greg-How to avoid International Charges on Cell Phone while Traveling

eSIMdb for finding eSIMs

00:39:42 Not all MVNOs are created equal

00:43:22 Robert-How do you manage your photos on vacation?

Remove duplicate photos and videos on Mac

00:49:21 Todd-Any Issues with iOS 26 and Not macOS 26?

00:53:42 Joe-Does AI make tech support’s job easier?

Ask the AI to teach you WHY a proposed solution is good

Cool Stuff Found

01:01:48 Bob-CSF-AutoSleep for sleep and stress tracking

Heart Analyzer

01:04:20 Jeepster 8675309-CSF-Updatest for keeping your Mac’s apps up-to-date

MacUpdater

01:08:26 Dan-CSM-USB Connection Information puts USB speeds in your menu bar

01:09:40 Allison-CSM-Mind Map of System Settings

01:11:51 CSF-AirNotch Pro Dual

01:13:55 SccrHallways-CSF-Flying Toasters Screensaver is back!

01:16:28 DJ Mac-CSF-CheatSheet to see all your keyboard shortcuts

01:17:54 MGG 1122 Outtro

MGG Monthly Giveaway

Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly

MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors

Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)

The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!

Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts

MGG Merch is Available!

Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page

Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar

This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors

MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews

[email protected]

224-888-GEEK

Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List

BackBeat Media Podcast Network

You dig into the little things macOS quietly does for you, starting with the surprising truth about Clipboard History and why macOS 26 might feel slower than you’d expect. You explore ways to rein things in, from taming runaway apps to making better use of iPhone Mirroring and clever video capture tricks. Along the way, you’re reminded that old hardware still has value if you give it purpose, and that blind trust in AI troubleshooting can lead you astray faster than it helps. This is where staying curious beats staying complacent, and where “Don’t Get Caught” is more than a catchphrase.

Then you move into the real-world problem solving that defines Mac Geek Gab: networking quirks that break expectations, WiFi settings that ignore reservations, and router updates that change the rules midstream. You also get clear, practical guidance on buying the right Mac, migrating only what you actually need, hunting down duplicate files, and reclaiming menu bar space from the notch. Even photo libraries get a reality check, helping you decide what truly needs to live inside Photos. It’s a fast-moving episode packed with answers you can use immediately, designed to keep your setup efficient, intentional, and frustration-free.

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1121 for Monday, December 22nd, 2025

December 22nd: International Day of Mathematics

MGG Monthly Giveaway – Enter to win a copy of OpenIn!

The MGG Merch Store is Live!

MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors:

BusyCal (with code MACGEEK10)!

Eero

Ecamm

MacPaw

CCC Backup

Quick Tips

00:00:02 QT-Turns out macOS keeps your Clipboard History?

00:04:59 macOS 26 is slowing down Dave’s Macs

App Tamer helps a little bit

00:15:00 Adam-QT-Use your iPhone Mirroring on your Mac

00:17:59 Dale-QT-Video capture your devices’ “I’m Charged” states

00:19:27 Kent-QT-CSF, or One Thing To Do With an Old iPad

DAKboard.com

Sponsors

00:22:27 SPONSOR: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/mgg #rulapod

00:23:41 SPONSOR: BBEdit, the power tool for text from Bare Bones Software; now with integrated Notebooks and extended language support

Don’t Get Caught

00:24:57 Beware of Troubleshooting with ChatGPT and Gell-mann Amnesia

00:27:59 Pilot Pete-DGC-Private WiFi Address doesn’t honor DHCP Reservation

00:32:36 Craig-DGC-Updated my Orbi and it won’t let me set DHCP Reservations within the Dynamic DHCP Pool IP Range

MGG Reviews

00:43:36 NYCkRon-MGG Review-Learn new things

00:44:29 Scotty Southard-MGG Review-Outstanding Mac Tips, New Stuff Found and Great Knowledge

Sponsors

00:46:33 SPONSOR: Copilot Money. Your money, beautifully organized, now across every device. For a limited-time, get 26% off your first year when you sign up at https://try.copilot.money/macgeekgab. Get two months free with code ‘macgeekgab’.

Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared!

00:48:18 Elbert-How much Mac shall I buy?

Refurb.me

00:58:40 Jose-Can I migrate just my user settings to a new Mac without migrating an entire account?

01:05:13 Gary-How can I easily find duplicate files on my Mac?

MacPaw’s Gemini 2 (it’s in Setapp!)

Find Any File Scripts for Duplicate Finding

01:08:04 David-How do I keep Fantastical (or any app) from being hidden by my menu bar notch!

Command-Drag that menu bar icon!

Set a keyboard shortcut for it

01:13:27 Donald-Do I have to import all my photos into a library?

01:16:58 MGG 1121 Outtro

MGG Monthly Giveaway

Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly

MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors

Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)

The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast!

Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts

MGG Merch is Available!

Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page

Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar

This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors

MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews

[email protected]

224-888-GEEK

Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List

BackBeat Media Podcast Network