The Art of Magic at Work

In Episode 50, join Jeff Torello and Jeff Marek as they delve into a thought-provoking discussion on the current global tensions and the potential for a new world war. Drawing parallels from history, they explore the dynamics between major powers like Russia, China, Iran, and the US, and the intricate web of geopolitics that might be pushing us closer to a major conflict. From the Middle East crises to the technological strangleholds, this episode offers a deep dive into the complexities of international relations and the potential future scenarios we might face.

In Episode 49, Jeff Marek and Jeff Torello dive deep into the current state of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for businesses and individuals. While AI continues to be a buzzword in tech circles, is it truly the game-changer it's made out to be? From the overhyped promises to the genuine potential of AI, join the discussion as they debunk myths, share insights, and explore the future of this transformative technology.

In this insightful episode, JT and Jeff Marek delve deep into the challenges and importance of two-factor authentication (2FA). As JT recounts his struggles with lost backup passwords and the process of migrating to a new device, the duo discuss the vulnerabilities of relying solely on text messages for 2FA and share invaluable tips on safeguarding accounts. From choosing the right 2FA apps to securing phone numbers and understanding the risks associated with phone vendors, this podcast is a must-listen.

In a candid discussion, two tech enthusiasts delve deep into their experiences with computers, reflecting on their preferences from gaming mice to processors. With a rich history tied to Intel, they examine the competitive landscape, highlighting the dynamics with AMD and Apple's recent advancements. The dialogue then transitions into the automotive industry, shedding light on the changing perceptions of car brands and the current inflated state of the used car market. The chat is a fusion of nostalgia, market analysis, and personal anecdotes, bridging the worlds of technology and automobiles.

In this episode, we delve into the world of AI ethics and cybersecurity, discussing the risks associated with AI advancements and the need for digital inoculations to protect against malicious AI use. We explore the importance of open-source language models and the challenges in regulating AI. Additionally, we touch upon the right to repair movement and recent developments in the field. We emphasize the necessity of AI defenses and virtual assistants while acknowledging the limitations of current AI capabilities, especially in complex domains like healthcare. Microsoft is now offering Xbox Wireless controller replacement parts for DIY Repair https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-is-now-offering-xbox-wireless-controller-replacement-parts-for-diy-repairs/ Anker’s Eufy lied to us about the security of its security cameras https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/30/23486753/anker-eufy-security-camera-cloud-private-encryption-authentication-storage Anker 737 Power Bank on sale.. $99 https://a.co/d/gRDgd6T

Wondering why we can't have a reasonable discussion on politics or other topics? Why is society getting more advanced but less intelligent? These are the topics of discussion in Tim Urban's book, "What's our Problem?" Join Jeff Torello and Jeff Marek as we delve into the first chapter and talk about how this book relates to the real world and business. Tim Urban Website https://waitbutwhy.com Book - What's our Problem? https://www.amazon.com/Whats-Our-Problem-Self-Help-Societies-ebook/dp/B0BTJCTR58/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1689699813&sr=8-1

Today Jeff and I talk about The Fediverse... or basically how we are repeating technology used in the early days of the internet (i.e. Dial Up BBS). We cover privacy, security, and some tech details on how all this works. If you're looking to geek out, this a good episode. Links to some of the services below including a replacement for reddit... (kbin.social) https://fediverse.party/ https://mstdn.plus/explore https://kbin.social/all https://the-federation.info/platform/73

Today Jeff and I talk about The Fediverse... or basically how we are repeating technology used in the early days of the internet (i.e. Dial Up BBS). We cover privacy, security, and some tech details on how all this works. If you're looking to geek out, this a good episode. Links to some of the services below including a replacement for reddit... (kbin.social) https://fediverse.party/ https://mstdn.plus/explore https://kbin.social/all https://the-federation.info/platform/73

Student Loans start back up again in September. Jeff and I have been getting a lot of questions about whether you should postpone paying them off and even if you should invest the money elsewhere for a better return. Today we answer a few brief questions on student loans which meanders into the really interesting question, "Is a college degree still worth it?"

Today we start with a brief talk onabout reddit, their CEO, and their odd decision to alienate their users in pursuit of revenue. At the five minute mark we move on to the real discussion, why do people make bad decisions and hide behind ‘the company’ as an excuse. Ultimately, this is a discussion about standing up for what you believe and being ‘unreasonable.’ It’s important for your soul but not without consequences. Quotes: Unreasonable Man quote by George Bernard shaw “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world: the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/536961-the-reasonable-man-adapts-himself-to-the-world-the-unreasonable Hunter S. Thompson "Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!"

Today we start with a brief talk about reddit, their CEO, and their odd decision to alienate their users in pursuit of revenue. At the five minute mark we move on to the real discussion, why do people make bad decisions and hide behind ‘the company’ as an excuse. Ultimately, this is a discussion about standing up for what you believe and being ‘unreasonable.’ It’s important for your soul but not without consequences. Quotes: Unreasonable Man quote by George Bernard shaw “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world: the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/536961-the-reasonable-man-adapts-himself-to-the-world-the-unreasonable Hunter S. Thompson "Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!"

Today we talk about our experiences ordering products from Amazon, AliExpress and Alibaba. You really can start a business manufacturing overseas but ... beware. We discuss what we've ordered and talk briefly about tiny houses you can order... This episode was also our first created exclusively using riverside.fm. We're getting used to the process but it means releasing content in hours, not days compared to Descript. We also get to the point faster than usual :) practicing brevity. Website for ordering 'cheap' consumer products from China - AliExpress https://www.aliexpress.com/ Website for contacting and ordering 'professional products' from China. Just be sure to be SPECIFIC in what you want https://www.alibaba.com/ Volferda Capsuelhouse -- really awesome tiny houses available from China https://www.youtube.com/@Volferda https://youtu.be/vJrz6x77iec

Are companies that require 'return to work' just too lazy or uneducated to develop remote teams? Today we talk about remote work in a world of AR and VR and review a couple interesting 'bad' experiences with AI.

Today we dive deep into the features and implications of the newly announced Apple VR headset, discussing its innovative aspects along with potential drawbacks, like privacy concerns and social isolation. The conversation extends to the impact of wearable tech on society and the potential pitfalls of our increasing reliance on these devices. Jeff Torello also endorses Tim Urban's book, "What's Our Problem?", which examines societal dysfunction and political polarization. Tim Urban - What's Our Problem https://waitbutwhy.com/whatsourproblem

Are we really talking about AI again? Yep. For those that haven’t lived through a major culture shift around technology, this is one as significant as the introductory of computers, cellular phones, or even Google search. Join us as we reflect and force ourselves to experience the technology first hand. We won’t be the people who have to ask a ten year old how to program their VCR. Wait, what’s a VCR? Exactly my point.

Today we interview Scott Egbert and listen in as he talks about his journey from corporate finance to Career Development Transition Coach. He has some insights on our personal narratives and what it takes to drive change.

This podcast is an interview with Jen Miller. She shares her career path and outlook on 'getting things done'. We also share how we disconnect and relax.

Today we talk about whether a four day work week really works. Is it a trap like "unlimited" vacation time off? We also spend a little time pondering what career options exist over the next 50 years given all this AI discussion. Great list of AI tools to get engaged with... https://www.futuretools.io

Today we talk about the implications of the Chinese "Weather Balloon" / Spy plane. We describe the issue and put it all into perspective related to satellite, air traffic, and risk. We also share what books we are reading. Articles Inside Biden’s decision to ‘take care of’ the Chinese spy balloon that triggered a diplomatic crisis https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/04/politics/china-spy-balloon-tick-tock/index.html Military experts provide frank assessment of US shortcomings in potential China conflict https://www.foxnews.com/world/military-experts-provide-frank-assessment-us-shortcomings-potential-china-conflict Death Dust: The Little-Known Story of U.S. and Soviet Pursuit of Radiological Weapons https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/death-dust-the-little-known-story-of-radiological-weapons/ Solution Unsatisfactory by Robert A Heinlein https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solution_Unsatisfactory https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26812313-solution-unsatisfactory Dismantled U.S. Spy Plan e Flown Out of China https://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=80826&page=1 What we’re reading Tipping point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2612.The_Tipping_Point?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=BdyeFwldew&rank=1 Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War by P.W. Singer https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22749719-ghost-fleet?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=50iMkRJtpa&rank=1

Today's episode is a little different.. It's a stream of consciousness as we jump around a couple topics before ending up on a challenge for the listener!

ChatGPT has been all over the news. Today we talk about it's specific use as a tool to help software development in Github CoPilot... but then we decide to feed it a resume and ask it tough career questions. ChatGPT https://chat.openai.com/ How to use Github Copilot (with chatGPT) https://youtu.be/tG8PPne7ef0 I, Robot by Isaac Asimov https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41804.I_Robot

We have a little fun in today's episode. First we read an article by Morning Brew reviewing top trends from companies at CES. Jeff and Jeff take a moment to translate the corporate speak into plain English. This leads to an interesting discussion around 'right to repair' your own equipment and why do you care. Three Takeaways from CES, Morning Brew, Hayden Field https://www.morningbrew.com/series/ces-2023/stories/2023/01/10/three-takeaways-from-ces iFitit - Right to repair https://www.ifixit.com/Right-to-Repair Deere & Co. will allow farmers to repair their own equipment https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/farm-bureau-deere-co-sign-mou-ensuring-farmers-right-repair-equipment-2023-01-08/ https://m.slashdot.org/story/409304 John Deere memo: Farmers have NOT won, but that won't stop the news from pretending they did. https://youtu.be/7-RgOUT3zeo Actual Memorandum https://www.fb.org/files/AFBF_John_Deere_MOU.pdf Tesla’s $16,000 Quote for a $700 fix is Why Right to Repair Matters https://www.thedrive.com/news/41493/teslas-16000-quote-for-a-700-fix-is-why-right-to-repair-matters Apple Self Service Repair now available https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/04/apples-self-service-repair-now-available/ Massachusetts right to repair https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Massachusetts_Question_1 … and Alliance for Automakers is suing in Federal court https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/automakers-have-ground-massachusetts-right-to-repair-law-to-a-halt/ar-AA16jpiu Repairing broken gadgets for a greener future https://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-63737951

Episode #27 talks all about layoffs and real life experiences. Watch the trailer here. https://Shiningoutcomes.com

Layoffs are happening everywhere these days even when you least expect it. Today we talk with Shawna Champlin, CEO of Shining Outcomes about her experience living through 13 layoffs and life after. Listen in as we discuss the experience for people that are cut as well as those that stay. We talk about rediscovering your life after layoffs and share our own stories where we failed to balance work and life. The discussion will help you think of new possibilities. Shining Outcomes https://shiningoutcomes.com

We’ve invested thousands in home automation for well over ten years. After all that time what can we actually do with it? In today’s discussion we debate whether home automation really just a fancy scheduler for lights? We also spend a few minutes discussing wired vs wireless internet and take a look at Jeff Torello’s new background - with … Rockets :) Alarm Monitoring https://www.themonitoringcenter.com/ https://alarmrelay.com/internet-alarm-monitoring/ Home assistant https://www.home-assistant.io Software to bring other Ecosystem Products and make them look like HomeKit https://www.homekit.com Software and Hardware you can purchase that does the HomeKit integration for you https://hoobs.com