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| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Goblin, the Drone, and the Wi-Fi Router Walk Into a Bar… | 16 Oct 2025 | 01:24:40 | |
In this week’s SouthGeek News, the guys dive deep into tech, AI, aliens, and all things absurdly geeky. Donovan’s upgrading networks like a mad scientist, Ben’s turning his studio into a low-budget EDM lab, and Sam’s exploring Fallout 76 because apparently the apocalypse is more relaxing than real life. They geek out over Wi-Fi 8 (“faster, but not that fast”), real estate agents using AI to catfish homebuyers, and Georgia Tech launching drones that’ll “respond in 90 seconds or less—whether you called them or not.” We also learn that your gaming mouse might be spying on you, SpaceX satellites are falling from the sky like cosmic junk mail, and ChatGPT is auditioning to be your next operating system. Then Sam steals the show with a spine-tingling tale of Kentucky’s Kelly-Hopkinsville Goblins—because nothing says “tech podcast” like glowing eyes in the Appalachian dark. Oh, and yes, someone inevitably made a genital-warts joke. It’s SouthGeek News. You were warned. LINKS TP-Link confirms successful Wi-Fi 8 trials — next-gen wireless standard to usher in advances in reliability and latency | Tom's Hardware Why perfect-looking homes for sale may be too good to be real Concerns grow after spate of social media posts showing SpaceX Starlink satellites burning in the sky — we are currently seeing a ‘couple of satellite re-entries a day,’ says respected astrophysicist | Tom's Hardware Georgia Tech’s drone first responder program cuts emergency response time to 90 seconds or less – WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta OpenAI wants to make ChatGPT into a universal app frontend - Ars Technica Synology comes to its senses, removes all HDD limitations from 2025 DiskStation models | Android Central Waymo pulled over by police officer during DUI enforcement operation | KRON4 Harvard study claims AI is manipulating users in terrifying warning Motion sensors in high-performance mice can be used as a microphone to spy on users, thanks to AI — Mic-E-Mouse technique harnesses mouse sensors, converts acoustic vibrations into speech | Tom's Hardware ICE Wants to Build Out a 24/7 Social Media Surveillance Team | WIRED Weird File Did you Know? The Pokemon Sableye was inspired by the Hopkinsville Goblin : r/Cryptozoology Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southgeek-news--6576669/support. Where to Find Us:
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| Scarlett Johansson.exe Has Entered the Chat | 02 Oct 2025 | 01:05:22 | |
Donovan and Ben hold down the fort without Sam, who’s apparently still wrestling zoo alligators. Ben drops a hard drive (RIP 10TB of forgotten MP3s), debates whether $1,300 iPads are just overpriced sketchpads, and confesses his Bitcoin stash started as free Monero mining. Donovan rants about Windows 11 upgrades, registry hacks, and Microsoft’s uncanny ability to make File Explorer even worse. The duo also roast Amazon’s latest “who asked for this?” gadgets, DoorDash’s delivery robots frying in the Phoenix sun, and the rise of AI-generated actresses like Tilly Norwood—because Hollywood definitely needed Scarlett Johansson without the salary. Other stops include Microsoft cutting Israel’s cloud access, Amazon coughing up $2.5 billion in “Prime shenanigans” refunds (a whole $51 each—don’t spend it all at once), Trump’s TikTok fire sale to his billionaire buddies, and a startup peddling psychedelics without the trip. They wrap up with nostalgia for landline phones—because apparently the hottest new gadget for kids in 2025 is… a corded phone that only calls grandma. It’s geek news, southern fried, with just enough cynicism to pair with a Reese’s and a Kit Kat. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southgeek-news--6576669/support. Where to Find Us:
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| It's So Secret, I Have No Idea What I'm Doing | 18 Apr 2025 | 01:40:18 | |
Episode 15 of SouthGeek News kicks off with Donovan and Ben catching up on their recent tech trials and domestic adventures. Ben dives into ongoing frustrations with sluggish Hyper-V VMs running on a weak RAID 5 setup and discusses experimenting with open-source surveillance tools like Shinobi and ZoneMinder, both of which fall short of expectations. Donovan shares his own camera setup woes, eventually conceding that consumer-grade NVRs like Lorex might be the way to go. They swap updates about property searches, lawn rehab, and an ailing Ford Explorer with a famously finicky sealed transmission. A trip down memory lane follows, from the high price of Tift County land to the painful rise of automotive repair costs and the need for backup vehicles—especially when yours might refuse to reverse. The pair shift gears into tech support talk, covering a voicemail transcription upgrade in 3CX and the odd mystery of why forwarded calls started showing up with no caller ID. Spoiler: the fix involved a SIP binding tweak that somehow wasn’t in the documentation. They also take shots at clunky modem suggestions from ISPs and share opinions on Hitron versus ARRIS hardware, SonicWall’s lingering legacy in modern networks, and how WireGuard is quickly becoming the gold standard in VPN tech—especially for those ditching slower protocols like IPSec and OpenVPN. The second half of the episode dives into the tech headlines: OpenAI’s rumored social network ambitions, Claude’s new Gmail integration (with some side-eye), Android 15’s storage requirements, and the absurdity of Microsoft breaking security patches with a missing empty folder. There’s also a nostalgic (and surprisingly passionate) moment where they debate the correct pronunciation of GIF—and retell the arcane saga of archive formats from the BBS era. They wrap up the show with laughter over someone actually paying for WinRAR, and OpenAI's "new" memory feature that everyone thought was already a thing. Along the way, there's snark, cookies, and the eternal struggle between dog lovers and people who just want a clean house. In short, it’s a classic SouthGeek blend of tech, humor, and real-world absurdity—all served with a strong side of geeky storytelling. Links OpenAI considering own social network to compete with Elon Musk's X Anthropic's Claude can now read your Gmail | TechCrunch Android 15 has a new requirement that could leave your phone behind | ZDNET Microsoft warns that anyone who deleted mysterious folder that appeared after latest Windows 11 update must take action to put it back | TechRadar Someone actually paid for WinRAR—here’s how the company reacted OpenAI updates ChatGPT to reference your past chats | TechCrunch Mark Cuban backs Skylight, a TikTok alternative built on Bluesky's underlying technology | TechCrunch China unveils GPMI, an HDMI and DisplayPort rival with 192 Gbps bandwidth and 480W power delivery | TechSpot Where to Find Us:
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| AI’s Got Jokes — And Malware | 04 Apr 2025 | 01:24:50 | |
In Episode 14 of SouthGeek News, Donovan, Ben, and guest host Sam Lewis return with a low-energy but content-packed discussion on recent tech happenings and personal adventures. Donovan opens with an update on the podcast’s move from Substack to Spreaker, triggered by a frustrating account suspension that Substack blamed on a false spam flag. An accidental annual payment to Spreaker sealed the deal, and now all of Donovan's podcasts—including Call Me Donovan and Tifton Talks—are hosted there, complete with dynamic ad insertion. Sam brings the gaming spotlight with a deep dive into inZOI, a new hyper-realistic life sim game positioned as a potential “Sims killer.” He breaks down the character customization, AI-generated textures, and a wild 3D scanning feature that lets users bring real-world objects into the game. While promising, Sam notes it lacks the whimsy that made The Sims a cultural hit. AI takes center stage again as the crew talks about ChatGPT’s massive revenue growth—$415 million a month and counting—and its expanding capabilities in image generation, video, and more. They test out creating strange image prompts (like an alien humanoid centipede in a space suit) and joke about how powerful and unsettling the AI is becoming. Ben also shares his experiments using AI to auto-generate prompts and notes the surreal ease of working with such tools. In other tech news, Amazon is rolling out Nova Act, an AI agent designed to control browsers and perform basic web tasks like making reservations—an effort to catch up to OpenAI and Anthropic, ironically both companies Amazon also invests in. Meanwhile, Microsoft is doubling down on requiring users to sign into Windows 11 with a Microsoft account, removing the popular “bypass NRO” command from upcoming builds—a move the team sees as another step toward locking down user control. Security concerns arise around Google Chrome’s password manager as researchers demonstrate how AI can now generate malware capable of stealing credentials, even without any coding experience. The group strongly advises against saving passwords in browsers and recommends Bitwarden or other secure managers. The episode also touches on Apple TV+ bleeding over $1 billion annually despite its subscriber base, and the hosts debate shows like Severance. As if to cap the vibe, a thunderstorm knocks out Ben’s power mid-recording, leaving him running on battery backup, which only adds to the show’s chill, improvised tone. From podcast platform migrations and image-generating AIs to operating system annoyances and centipedes in space suits, this episode proves that even when the energy is low, the geek content stays strong. ChatGPT generated images discussed in the show Centipede 1 Centipede 2 Doctor Who Article Links ChatGPT's subscribers and revenue soar in 2025 - here's why | ZDNET Amazon unveils Nova Act, an AI agent that can control a web browser | TechCrunch New Windows 11 build makes mandatory Microsoft Account sign-in even more mandatory - Ars Technica OpenAI says ‘our GPUs are melting’ as it limits ChatGPT image generation requests | The Verge Google Chrome Password Manager Compromised By New AI Code Attack How to Avoid US-Based Digital Services—and Why You Might Want To | WIRED Apple Streaming Losses Top $1 Billion per Year for Apple TV+: Report Where to Find Us:
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| Housekeeping Update | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:11:34 | |
SouthGeek News has moved to Spreaker due to an irritating issue I’ve had, for the 2nd time, with Substack. Please make sure your RSS feeds have updated in your favorite podcast app. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southgeek-news--6576669/support. Where to Find Us:
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| The Only CAPTCHA You Should Copy-Paste is ‘Nope’ | 21 Mar 2025 | 02:00:09 | |
In this episode, the hosts dive into various tech topics, starting with Samuel’s experience as a beta tester for the Bee wearable AI assistant, a device designed to summarize conversations and transcribe notes in real-time. He shares how it has helped him with podcasting and studying, despite its early-stage quirks. He also introduces Brick, a physical device that locks down distractions on an iPhone by utilizing Apple's Screen Time settings, requiring users to physically tap it to unlock access to apps.Ben discusses his ongoing tech projects, including fixing and breaking his article summarizer tool (used for SouthGeek News) and dealing with UPS package delays. Donovan shares insights into setting up SIP trunks for clients, highlighting frustrations with outdated procedures and corporate bureaucracy in the telecom industry. He also talks about upgrading firewall equipment for improved network performance and navigating the challenges of dealing with tech support for hardware exchanges. The team also discusses the rising costs of health insurance, government clawbacks, and the absurdity of modern ad-supported technology.The show covers several news topics, including Plex increasing prices and limiting remote playback behind a paywall, Roku testing autoplay ads on the home screen, and a malware campaign exploiting fake CAPTCHA prompts to trick users into running malicious scripts. They also discuss a Windows 11 update that inadvertently removed Copilot from the taskbar—something the hosts see as a feature rather than a bug.The conversation wraps up with thoughts on AI, including Google's new Gemma 3 model and the broader implications of AI in consumer tech, as well as reflections on gaming consoles, Linux, and the future of Windows. A lighthearted moment arises when Donovan rants about his struggle to find a non-smart TV and reminisces about classic gaming consoles.This episode is packed with humor, deep technical insights, and the usual candid banter among the hosts, making for an entertaining and informative listen. Sam’s Tech Suggestions Bee Links Apple will soon support encrypted RCS messaging with Android users | The Verge Gemini Live will learn to peer through your camera lens in a few weeks - Ars Technica Google calls Gemma 3 the most powerful AI model you can run on one GPU | The Verge FBI Warning—Gmail, Outlook And VPN Users Need To Act Now Windows 11 update accidentally erases Copilot for some users - here's how to get it back | ZDNET That weird CAPTCHA could be a malware trap - here's how to protect yourself | ZDNET Microsoft's Remote Desktop app is being killed soon | PCWorldhttps://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/they-curdle-like-milk-wb-dvds-from-2006-2008-are-rotting-away-in-their-cases/ “They curdle like milk”: WB DVDs from 2006–2008 are rotting away in their cases - Ars Technica Does the World Even Want Digg in 2025? Important 2025 Plex Updates | Plex Hosts Donovan Adkisson Ben Rehberg Samuel Lewis How to contact the show Email: podcast@southgeeknews.com Text: (229) 234-1307 Voicemail: Voicecast Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southgeek-news--6576669/support. Where to Find Us:
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| We Fixed Nothing, but Here’s a Podcast | 07 Mar 2025 | 01:41:30 | |
After a few weeks off, Donovan and Ben are back with stories of surprise houseguests, home repairs, and getting pulled over for expired tags. From leaking windows to the rising costs of cars, they share their latest life updates before diving into the tech news. This episode covers Twitter/X blocking Signal links, Windows 11’s latest update headaches, Starlink’s growing pains, and the growing role of AI in government. Plus, they say a not-so-fond farewell to Skype and debate just how much worse the internet can get. It’s classic SouthGeek News—a little bit of tech, a little bit of real life, and plenty of laughs along the way. Hosts Donovan Adkisson Ben Rehberg How to contact the show Email: podcast@southgeeknews.com Text: (229) 234-1307 VM; https://voicecast.app/sgn Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southgeek-news--6576669/support. Where to Find Us:
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| Where Have We Been? | 27 Feb 2025 | 00:01:20 | |
A quick note on why we haven’t repleased an episode recently. Thanks for for your patience. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southgeek-news--6576669/support. Where to Find Us:
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| Have You Seen My BeaverTail? | 07 Feb 2025 | 01:12:54 | |
In this episode of SouthGeek News, Donovan and Ben catch up on the unpredictable South Georgia weather and discuss recent IT projects, including network setups and dealing with frustrating Wi-Fi hardware. Ben shares his unexpected recognition with a Volunteer of the Year award for his hands-on work at a nonprofit.They dive into major tech stories, starting with OpenAI's launch of ChatGPTGov, designed for government agencies, sparking discussions on AI security and efficiency. Congress’s outdated tech is also a topic, with their new flag-tracking app finally catching up to technology Pizza Hut had in 2017.AppleCare’s shift to a subscription-only model raises questions about long-term costs, while the increasing use of subtitles in TV and movies highlights how poor audio mixing has become a growing issue. The conversation moves to DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that claimed to train a model for just $6M—later revealed to have spent over $1.6B on infrastructure.The hosts discuss the impact of state-level adult content bans on VPN usage, noting massive spikes in demand. Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Ring patent suggests gesture-based controls for devices, and Microsoft’s removal of an official workaround for installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs leads to a debate about unnecessary hardware restrictions.Cybersecurity concerns come up as North Korean malware is found targeting Mac users through fake job interview scams. They also touch on the FCC’s latest move allowing ISPs and landlords to enforce bulk internet deals, limiting consumer choice and competition.The episode wraps up with thoughts on NVIDIA’s stock dip and ongoing GPU pricing chaos. Tune in for the latest in tech news and how it affects everyday users.Links* ChatGPT Gov: OpenAI launches chatbot for US government agencies* The technology that runs Congress lags so far behind the modern world that its flag-tracking system just caught up to 2017-era Pizza Hut* Apple reportedly phasing out option to purchase multi-year plans of AppleCare+ - 9to5Mac* A lot of angry movie fans seem to be in agreement over why subtitles have become more of a necessary go-to in recent years. | Cinemablend* DeepSeek might not be as disruptive as claimed, firm reportedly has 50,000 Nvidia GPUs and spent $1.6 billion on buildouts | Tom's Hardware* Porn Ban—Millions Of iPhone, iPad, Android Users Now At Risk* Apple’s new Invites app is a showcase for iPhone ecosystem strengths - 9to5Mac* The Next Samsung Galaxy Ring Could Make One Sci-fi Dream Come True* Microsoft removes guide for installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs - but this hack still works | ZDNET* Macs under attack from North Korean malware stealing passwords and more — how to stay safe | Tom's Guide* FCC chair helps ISPs and landlords make deals that renters can’t escape - Ars Technica Hosts Donovan Adkisson Ben Rehberg How to contact the show Email: podcast@southgeeknews.com Text: (229) 234-1307 Voicemail: https://voicecast.app/sgn Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southgeek-news--6576669/support. Where to Find Us:
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| South Georgia Snowpocalypse | 24 Jan 2025 | 01:43:03 | |
South Geek News - Episode 10🎙️ Recorded January 22, 2025In this episode of South Geek News, Ben and Donovan cover a winter storm surprise in South Georgia, tech news highlights, and some personal stories. Here's what we discuss:❄️ Winter Wonderland in Georgia?* Winter Storm Enzo left South Georgia with 4–6 inches of snow! Ben and Donovan recount their snowy adventures and how rare this is for the area.🔧 Tech Talk & News Highlights* Apple Privacy Lawsuit: Details of Apple’s $95 million settlement over Siri privacy violations.* Mac Malware Alert: New Banshee Stealer malware targeting 100 million Apple users—what you need to know.* Affordable Internet Debate: AT&T halts 5G services in New York over broadband pricing laws.* AI in Office Apps: Microsoft 365's AI integration and its controversial price increase.* Intel Graphics Cards: Exploring the new Arc B570 graphics card and its competition with NVIDIA.🚗 OnStar Controversy* GM and OnStar settle an FTC case over selling user geolocation and driving data without consent.🌱 Longevity Research* OpenAI’s collaboration with Retro Biosciences to extend human lifespan by 10 years.🤖 Star Trek Tech?* Meta is working on real-time language translation tools akin to the Star Trek Universal Translator.🎮 Gaming Corner* Updates on GPUs and gaming rigs, including whether the Intel Arc B570 is worth it.🏡 Personal Stories* A chaotic cat moment leads to an unexpected injury and home repair adventure for Donovan’s family.Links* Hey Siri, are you recording?': Apple agrees to pay $95M to settle privacy lawsuit* Critical Warning For 100 Million Apple Users—New Hack Attack Confirmed* AT&T Is Stopping Its 5G Internet Air Service in NY Because of New Broadband Law* It's official: All your Office apps are getting AI and a price increase* Intel Arc B570 review: At $219, the cheapest good graphics card - Ars Technica* OpenAI is trying to extend human life, with help from a longevity startup | TechCrunch* Meta takes us a step closer to Star Trek’s universal translator - Ars Technica* TSMC's Arizona Fab 21 mass produces 4nm chips at a higher price than Taiwan | Tom's Hardware* GM faces ban on selling driver data that can be used to raise insurance rates - Ars Technica* Microsoft just renamed Office on everyone's PCs, and the new name isn't great* Proposed New York Law Could Require Background Checks Before Buying 3D Printers - Slashdot* Apple Intelligence, previously opt-in by default, enabled automatically in iOS 18.3 - Ars Technica* Netflix Q4 2024 Earnings: NFL and Jake Paul Help Drive Subscribers Hosts Donovan Adkisson Ben Rehberg How to contact the show Email: podcast@southgeeknews.com Text: (229) 234-1307 Voicemail: https://vociecast.app/sgn Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southgeek-news--6576669/support. Where to Find Us:
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| The Firewall is Funky | 10 Jan 2025 | 01:30:54 | |
The latest episode of SouthGeek News dives into a mix of tech updates, personal anecdotes, and lighthearted banter. Ben and Donovan share their experiences with hardware upgrades, such as testing WireGuard VPN on high-speed networks and experimenting with budget-friendly equipment. They discuss the rising costs of gaming PCs and the challenges of balancing performance with affordability. Nostalgia also takes center stage, with reflections on outdated tech like Blu-ray players and Commodore 64 computers still in use. The conversation touches on the evolution of streaming services, frustrations with modern platforms, and the enduring appeal of physical media. Throughout, the tone remains casual and engaging, blending humor with practical tech insights.Donovan’s new firewall: Micro Firewall Appliance, 4 Inter i226-V 2.5Gbe LAN Ports, Fanless Mini PC Celeron N5100 Quad Core, Support AES-NI Barebone Router PC VPN HDMI DP (8GB/128GB)Antenna Donovan mentioned: Antennas Direct ClearStream 4MAX Indoor Outdoor TV Antenna, UHF VHF, Multi-Directional, 70+ Mile Range, 4K 8K UHD, NEXTGEN TV – w/ 20-inch Mast (Black)Network TV Tuner to use with Plex: SiliconDust HDHomeRun Flex 4K ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV: 2/4 Tuners HDFX-4KPlease note the links above are affiliate links!Links* LG stops making Blu-ray players, marking the end of an era — limited units remain while inventory lasts* Indiana bakery still using Commodore 64s originally released in 1982 as cash registers — Hilligoss Bakery in Brownsburg sticks to the BASICs* Building a gaming PC is too expensive, and GPUs really aren't helping* Microsoft Warns Millions Of Windows Users—Do Not Install This Update On Your PC* World's largest 3D-printed neighborhood nears completion in Texas* You Need to Create a Secret Password With Your Family* Nvidia’s $3,000 ‘Personal AI Supercomputer’ Will Let You Ditch the Data Center* AWS plans to invest at least $11 billion in Georgia to expand infrastructure to support AI and cloud technologies* Disney to Merge Hulu + Live TV With Fubo, Taking on YouTube TV and Ending Venu Lawsuit Hosts Donovan Adkisson Ben Rehberg How to contact the show Email: podcast@southgeeknews.com Text: (229) 234-1307 Voicemail: https://voicecast.app/sgn Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southgeek-news--6576669/support. Where to Find Us:
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| The Typhoon is Salty | 20 Dec 2024 | 01:43:53 | |
In this episode of SouthGeek News, recorded on December 18, 2024, Ben Rehberg and Donovan Adkisson were joined by guest host Samuel Lewis. The show opened with Ben calling in remotely due to COVID, while Samuel shared updates on his life, including his recent upgrade to a custom-built computer for streaming and gaming. Samuel detailed how the new setup has significantly improved his workflow and performance, sharing amusing anecdotes about quirky extras included with the build.The conversation also turned to Ben’s recent travels to Florida and North Carolina for Thanksgiving and soccer, during which he unknowingly had COVID. Meanwhile, Donovan recounted a humorous client story about troubleshooting a monitor setup where the user mistakenly tried to daisy-chain two monitors via HDMI, leading to a series of amusing tech misadventures.The hosts delved into several tech news topics, beginning with Google’s recent warnings about Gmail account security. They discussed the importance of recovery options in preventing account takeovers. Another topic covered was AT&T’s decision to phase out copper-based landlines by 2029, which raised questions about how rural and low-income areas will be affected. They also explored LG’s new stretchable display technology, imagining its potential applications in futuristic devices.Microsoft’s decision to allow Windows 11 installation on unsupported hardware sparked a discussion on the trade-offs involved, particularly for older systems. The team also critiqued Microsoft’s Recall feature, which raised serious privacy concerns due to its failure to secure sensitive information adequately, especially in environments requiring strict compliance like healthcare.The episode blended humor and tech insight, including a segment on Daisy, an AI-powered “granny” designed to waste scammers’ time with lifelike conversations. They also debated the FBI’s contradictory advice on encryption apps, highlighting the challenges of balancing privacy and law enforcement needs.The mix of personal anecdotes, tech commentary, and light-hearted banter made this episode an engaging listen for fans of technology and relatable everyday stories.Links* Gmail Takeover Hack Attack—Google Says You Have 7 Days To Act* AT&T to kill off landline phone service for most people by 2029 | ZDNET* LG's new stretchable display can grow by 50%, bendy panels can be deformed into new form factors | Tom's Hardware* FBI Says Everyone Should Use Encryption Apps for Their Calls and Texts After China Hack: ‘Encryption Is Your Friend’* FBI Urges iPhone, Android Users to Ditch WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Signal—Before It’s Too Late* O2 unveils Daisy, the AI granny wasting scammers’ time - Virgin Media O2* Microsoft allows Windows 11 to be installed on older, unsupported hardware but specifically nixes official support — minimum requirements for full compatibility remain unchanged | Tom's Hardware* Microsoft Recall screenshots credit cards and Social Security numbers, even with the "sensitive information" filter enabled | Tom's Hardware* Amazon is officially in the online car sales business | TechCrunch Hosts Donovan Adkisson Ben Rehberg Samuel Lewis How to contact the show Email: podcast@southgeeknews.com Text: (229) 234-1307 Voicemail: https://voicecast.app/sgn Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southgeek-news--6576669/support. Where to Find Us:
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| Pumpkin Spice Pro Max | 18 Sep 2025 | 01:34:30 | |
This week on SouthGeek News, the gang dives headfirst into the holiday creep—yes, it’s already pumpkins, turkeys, and Christmas lights all battling for shelf space at Lowe’s. Donovan shares how his house has become a year-round “holiday tree zone” while Ben and Sam confess their own festive quirks (spoiler: seven Christmas trees might be too many). Sam plugs his new voice-acting project Everly Heights Tales, which sounds like if Parks and Rec and Twilight Zone had a baby and raised it in Ohio. Donovan flirts with the idea of using AI voices for screenplays, only to get roasted by Sam for being a “soulless robot enabler.” Tech talk gets juicy with stories from the trenches—Windows 11 upgrades that required more prayers than drivers, cloud storage projects that push terabytes like it’s nothing, and thin clients that are somehow still too expensive to make sense. Apple’s latest toys hit the spotlight too: iPhone 17 models, the wafer-thin iPhone Air (aka “the Kate Moss of smartphones”), and AirPods Pro 3 that might finally stay in your ears instead of popping out like champagne corks. Cloudflare flexes its muscles against the largest DDoS attack ever (11.5 Tbps of “Nope”), Apple TV+ quietly hikes its price again, and Sam resurrects the Weird File with a personal bombshell—a tattoo he didn’t sign up for. Yep, you read that right. From haunted subdivisions to folding phones nobody asked for, it’s another episode where geek meets snark, and tech meets therapy. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southgeek-news--6576669/support. Where to Find Us:
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| I've Been Influenced | 06 Dec 2024 | 01:33:15 | |
Episode 7 of South Geek NewsIn this episode of South Geek News, Donovan and Ben cover a wide range of topics, blending tech insights, personal anecdotes, and current events. They kick things off with Thanksgiving reflections, including travel woes, fuel economy talk, and a shared disdain for Black Friday crowds.The hosts dive into the evolving landscape of holiday shopping, noting how Cyber Monday has transformed into a week-long event and the broader shift to online purchasing. They also explore the economic implications of tariffs on Chinese goods, highlighting how these policies could drastically impact tech prices and availability.On the tech front, Donovan and Ben discuss recent challenges in their IT work, including troubleshooting a client’s double NAT network issue and tackling outdated equipment setups. They share tips on overcoming hardware limitations, from budget NAS setups to configuring modern Wi-Fi systems, and even discuss practical uses for ChatGPT in streamlining workflows.Listeners also get an update on the latest in consumer technology, including Walmart’s acquisition of Vizio and its potential implications for the electronics market and data privacy. They touch on Microsoft’s enforcement of Windows 11 hardware requirements and speculate about the future of Linux as a viable desktop alternative.With a mix of humor, practical advice, and thoughtful commentary, Episode 7 offers something for tech enthusiasts and casual listeners alike, making it another engaging installment of South Geek News.Links* Microsoft Windows Warning—Do Not Install This App On Your PC* New Warning For 2 Billion iPhone, iPad, Mac Users—Your Apple ID Is Suspended* Bluesky boom worries Chinese media* Microsoft ramps up pressure on users running Windows 11 on unsupported PCs* Walmart Closes $2.3 Billion Acquisition of Vizio* Australian Parliament bans social media for under-16s with world-first law* Bad influence* Elon Musk's X suing Amazon-owned Twitch for not advertising on the platform Hosts Donovan Adkisson Ben Rehberg How to contact the show Email: podcast@southgeeknews.com Text: (229) 234-1307 Voicemail: https://voicecast.app/sgn Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southgeek-news--6576669/support. Where to Find Us:
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| You Want to Use Your Phone Like It's 2024? | 22 Nov 2024 | 01:16:45 | |
In this episode, Ben and Donovan talk about holiday scheduling and how it impacted their recording plans, personal projects, and reflections on their decade-long careers. They delve into their experiences with client behaviors during the holiday season, technical challenges such as Wi-Fi performance and hardware configuration, and their thoughts on Microsoft's Office 365 and Outlook's new iterations.Further discussions include explorations of software development using AI tools like ChatGPT for coding assistance, reviews of modern apps like Earnify for fueling, and cybersecurity concerns involving phishing and malware tactics. They also touch on current events like Google's potential antitrust measures, Netflix's streaming hiccups during a live sports event, and broader discussions about technological advancements, including AI-powered applications and their future role in various industries. The conversation concludes with commentary on data privacy concerns related to DNA testing companies and practical observations about modern technology use and business practices.LINKS* ChatGPT can now read some of your Mac's desktop apps | TechCrunch* NFL, WWE fans worried after Netflix’s Tyson vs Paul streaming issues* OpenAI is developing an AI 'operator' that performs everyday tasks | PCWorld* Gmail's New Shielded Email Feature Lets Users Create Aliases for Email Privacy* Don’t Hold Down The Ctrl Key—New Warning As Cyber Attacks Confirmed* Report: DOJ wants to force Google Chrome sale, Android de-bundling - Ars Technica Hosts Donovan Adkisson Ben Rehberg How to contact the show Email: podcast@southgeeknews.com Text: (229) 234-1307 Voicemail: https://voicecast.app/sgn ---Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southgeek-news--6576669/support. Where to Find Us:
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| The Simulation is Optimized for Entertainment | 15 Nov 2024 | 01:48:06 | |
The latest episode of *South Geek News* covers a range of tech-related topics, including updates about platforms like Blue Sky and X (formerly Twitter), reflecting on user shifts and preferences on these social networks. There's also mention of an amusing tech issue involving an old printer containing a surprise—a dead mouse—which led to further printer replacements. The episode touches on recent updates from Apple regarding new M4 Mac devices, Microsoft's plans to start charging for Windows 10 updates, and ongoing security concerns with IoT devices, specifically Ecovacs robot vacuums. Discussions expand into policy and security topics, like the U.S. government's surveillance capabilities and the role of A.I. in healthcare, highlighting some concerning issues with the accuracy of transcriptions by tools like OpenAI's Whisper.Resources* Apple updates the MacBook Pro with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips* Apple’s $1,299 M4 iMac at long last bumps the base model to 16GB of RAM* Apple’s first Mac mini redesign in 14 years looks like a big aluminum Apple TV* Hacked Robot Vacuums Across the U.S. Started Yelling Slurs* San Francisco will spend $212 million to bid 5.25-inch floppy disks goodbye — Muni Metro light rail upgrade represents a $700 million investment* Can't quit Windows 10? Microsoft will charge for updates next year. Here's how much* Researchers say an AI-powered transcription tool used in hospitals invents things no one ever said* Inside the U.S. Government-Bought Tool That Can Track Phones at Abortion Clinics* Regulators deliver successive blows to Amazon and Meta’s nuclear power ambitions* Meta nuclear powered AI data center scuppered by discovery of rare bee species* Hackers hijack over 16,000 TP-Link network devices, creating a big ol' botnet that's absolutely slamming Microsoft Azure accounts* OpenAI’s search engine is now live in ChatGPT* I just tested Google vs ChatGPT search — and I’m shocked by the results* Howard Stern one of many TiVo users affected by end of CableCARD Hosts Donovan Adkisson Ben Rehberg How to contact the show Email: podcast@southgeeknews.com Text: (229) 234-1307 Voicemail: https://voicecast.app/sgn ---Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southgeek-news--6576669/support. Where to Find Us:
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| Three-Edged Sword | 24 Oct 2024 | 01:41:58 | |
In this episode, Donovan and Ben dive into their recent internet troubles with half the internet being down, and a frustrating experience with their provider, TruVista. They recount how a botched router upgrade caused outages. Ben discusses his experiments with large language models, image generation, and his exploration of the Hugging Face community. They debate the implications of AI advancements like Claude 3.5's computer control abilities, and what the future holds for AI's role in automation and network security.More topics covered in this episode:Internet Archive Hack; Internet Domain Disappearing; Lost HHD with Bitcoin; Cybersecurity Burnout; Air Taxis; New Kindles; YouTube TV DVR Upgrades; Claude 3.5 Sonnet; Tesla Crashes, and more!Source Links:* Internet Archive hacked, data breach impacts 31 million users* The Disappearance of an Internet Domain* Man who lost half-billion dollar Bitcoin HDD sues local authority for $500 million for not letting him dig through landfill* The Cybersecurity Burnout Crisis Is Reaching The Breaking Point* Air taxis and other electric-powered aircraft cleared for takeoff with final FAA rules* Amazon announces first Kindle ever with color screen, retailing for $279* YouTube TV DVR Gets a Picture Quality Boost* Introducing computer use, a new Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and Claude 3.5 Haiku* Fatal Tesla crash with Full-Self-Driving (Supervised) triggers NHTSA investigation Hosts Donovan Adkisson Ben Rehberg ---Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Voicemail: https://voicecast.app/sgn Text: 229-234-1307 Email: podcast@southgeeknews.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southgeek-news--6576669/support. Where to Find Us:
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| Hurricanes, Hammers, and High-Tech Shenanigans | 11 Oct 2024 | 01:20:37 | |
The latest episode explores technology topics, including machine learning, AI tools in podcast hosting, and the impact of emerging tech like Meta's smart glasses with facial recognition. The hosts share personal stories about handling tech repairs after a hurricane and the challenges of aging equipment, blending humor with insights. The episode highlights how technology shapes daily life, and the privacy concerns tied to new innovations.Takeaways:
Links referenced in this episode: Companies mentioned in this episode:
Hosts Donovan Adkisson Ben Rehberg ---Try Visible and get $20 off! ---Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.---
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| Cruisin' the Crazy | 25 Sep 2024 | 01:37:12 | |
In this episode, Donovan from SouthTech Network Solutions and Ben from Tifton Tech Works cover a variety of tech topics and share personal anecdotes. They monitor Hurricane Helene's expected landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm via Zoom.Earth, sharing humorous commentary on its impact on personal plans like golf cancellations.The hosts discuss spending excessive time on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the chaotic conspiracy theories present on the platform. Donovan recounts a personal story about his son, whose Twitter handle was stolen and recovered twice, criticizing Twitter's support under Elon Musk's leadership.The conversation then shifts to emerging AI technologies, such as Google’s Notebook LLM, which generates realistic podcast-style conversations, sparking interest in enhancing their own shows. They provide detailed insights into using OpenAI's Whisper for podcast transcription, covering the technical process involving FFMpeg and ChatGPT for generating show notes.Donovan and Ben explore the potential applications of large language models (LLMs) for automating tasks and discuss challenges, including a client's failed AI experiment. They critique the service provider Truvista for its lack of redundancy during storm outages, sharing a humorous DIY lawnmower repair story.The episode also discusses the introduction of RCS support on iOS 18, allowing iPhone users to send rich media messages to Android users, along with personal perspectives on messaging preferences and security. Finally, they reflect on DirecTV’s new agreement with Disney for smaller, genre-specific packages, considering the evolution of cable TV and personal viewing habits in the streaming age.Special guest Sam Lewis joins to review the Apple AirPods 4. Join them for an engaging mix of tech insights, personal stories, and the latest trends! Hosts Donovan Adkissonhttps://www.tiftontech.com/ Ben Rehberg ---Try Visible and get $20 off! ---Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm.---
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| The AGI is STINKY | 12 Sep 2024 | 02:02:49 | |
In the maiden episode for the relaunch of the SouthGeek News podcast, hosts Donovan Adkisson and Ben Rehberg are joined by Donovan's son, Tyler to discuss the Apple event, cars that use outdated technology to perform software updates along with other features on the car, some Apple TV+ stuff, OpenAI and AGI, issues with a local Internet/VoIP provider (TruVista), the Chase Bank "glitch" and the stupid people that fell for it, and a Navy Ship, Starlink, and a WiFi named STINKY. Hosts Donovan Adkisson Ben Rehberg Guest Host Tyler Adkisson
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| Is This Thing On? | 24 Jul 2024 | 00:02:23 | |
Relaunching of the SouthGeek News podcast. Maybe. Hopefully. We'll see. LOL Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southgeek-news--6576669/support. Where to Find Us:
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| Fiber Good, Starlink Dumb | 21 Aug 2025 | 02:03:13 | |
This week on SouthGeek News, the crew goes full nerd. Samuel dives headfirst into “building a second brain” with Notion and the PARA method—because apparently one brain isn’t enough when you’re juggling classes, jokes, and memory gaps. Ben battles Proxmox and GRUB with GPT’s help, proving that even Linux admins occasionally pray to the AI gods. Donovan and Tyler reminisce about running enterprise-style phone systems on Intel Atoms (yes, really), before diving into the absurdity of subscription-based cars—pay extra if you want to accelerate faster, or worse, keep your steering wheel. From there, it’s a ride through Windows 11 updates that nuke SSDs, streaming services that are driving people back to piracy faster than you can say “buffering,” and the ever-ridiculous broadband battles—where Starlink insists satellites are just as good as fiber (spoiler: they aren’t). Finally, Perplexity AI tries to flex by offering $34.5 billion to buy Chrome, which is basically like a college kid offering to buy Apple with whatever’s in his Venmo account. In short: bad subscriptions, exploding SSDs, streaming greed, and Elon’s internet toys all take a beating. Where to Find Us:
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| Tech We Can’t Quit (But Might Complain About) | 07 Aug 2025 | 01:31:40 | |
After an extended hiatus (because life, DNS, and jury duty happen), Donovan, Ben, and Samuel return with a jam-packed episode full of geekery, Amazon horror stories, and deep philosophical questions like: “Do you have a butt?” This week, the trio dives into:
Also: the soothing joy of watching overgrown lawns get mowed on YouTube. Seriously, it’s a thing. Where to Find Us:
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| We're on Hiatus Until the End of July | 10 Jul 2025 | 00:00:43 | |
The show is on hiatus until the end of July. Thanks! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southgeek-news--6576669/support. Where to Find Us:
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| Grok, Telegram, and Other Things You Won’t Use | 12 Jun 2025 | 01:09:08 | |
This week on SouthGeek News, we’re not entirely sure which episode number this is (19-ish?), but Donovan and Ben bravely press on without Samuel, who’s out for this one. The guys kick things off with a recap of Apple’s WWDC, where Apple Intelligence still isn’t quite intelligent, iOS 26 looks suspiciously like Windows Vista with Liquid Glass, and the iPad continues its identity crisis as a wannabe MacBook. Ben also discovers the joy of trying to find the Do Not Disturb button on a Mac—because apparently "it just works"... after a treasure hunt. They then marvel at Amazon dropping $10 billion on a rural North Carolina data center that will create a whopping 500 jobs (math is hard). Richmond County is about to get faster internet and maybe an upgraded water system—all so Alexa can work on her Southern accent. The conversation shifts to Ukraine’s remarkable drone strike, which used open-source software (ArduPilot) and hobbyist drones to wipe out a third of Russia’s strategic bombers. Kamikaze pilots of yore are somewhere in the afterlife shaking their heads. Next up is the saga of Builder.ai, an "AI-powered" app builder that actually relied on 700 human engineers and some creative bookkeeping. If this reminds you of Theranos with less blood and more code, you’re not alone. Microsoft then promises that Windows 11 will finally clear up USB-C confusion—because in 2025, it’s apparently still a mystery which port will charge your laptop and which will only power your mouse. Finally, the crew tackles the baffling news that Elon Musk’s XAI is forking over $300 million to integrate Grok into Telegram. The guys ponder why anyone needs AI-generated stickers in their private chats, and whether Grok even likes its own creator. Donovan and Ben also share tales of flying out of Valdosta, airport parking chaos, USB-C headaches, and the eternal question of why DisplayPort isn’t more popular. And remember: if you’ve got thoughts, gripes, or your own tech turds to polish, you can drop the team a line at podcast@southgeeknews.com or leave a voicemail at southgeeknews.com/voicemail. Links Amazon's $10B investment in North Carolina to create 500 jobs in Richmond County | AP News Ukraine's Massive Drone Attack Was Powered by Open Source Software Builder.ai used 700 engineers in India for coding work it marketed as AI-powered, after hype now goes bust - India Today Microsoft promises it is 'ending USB-C port confusion' with updated Windows 11 certified program | Tom's Hardware xAI to pay Telegram $300M to integrate Grok into the chat app | TechCrunch Where to Find Us:
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| I Get Rich. You Die. | 29 May 2025 | 02:23:23 | |
This episode marks a milestone—our first with four hosts—and naturally, things spiral into glorious tech chaos, mountain tales, and existential dread about encryption. Tyler returns from a mountain cabin in Gatlinburg where the Wi-Fi was literally duct-taped to a stick, proving once again that satellite internet is just hope with lag. Donovan descends into full-blown network madness trying to understand why HP laptops refuse to connect to Wi-Fi unless you bribe them with a separate SSID and some emotional support. Ben, on the other hand, is apparently the internet’s Golden Boy, receiving a surprise $132 via Venmo for a birthday that wasn’t his—from someone he doesn’t know. He did the noble thing and returned the money, which means he’ll never make it as a professional Venmo fisherman. Opportunity lost. Samuel brings the wholesome vibes (and a touch of chaos) with a story about gifting begonias, falling down a succulent rabbit hole, and diving into a cozy game made by the creator of The Stanley Parable—which means it’s not cozy, it’s therapy disguised as farming. In tech news:
Mac browser Arc being discontinued in favor of new Dia app - 9to5Mac FBI Wants Access To Encrypted iPhone And Android Data—So Does Europe Java turns 30, and there’s no stopping it now | InfoWorld Destructive malware available in NPM repo went unnoticed for 2 years - Ars Technica US solar keeps surging, generating more power than hydro in 2025 - Ars Technica AI learns how vision and sound are connected, without human intervention | MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology “Microsoft has simply given us no other option,” Signal says as it blocks Windows Recall - Ars Technica EA Tried to Stop an ‘Anti-DEI Mod’ for ‘The Sims 4’—but More Keep Surfacing | WIRED Where to Find Us:
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| Don’t Ask What Your Social Media Can Do for You… | 16 May 2025 | 01:48:47 | |
In this episode of SouthGeek News, Donovan, Ben, and Samuel dive headfirst into the absurd and the technical, starting with a cash drawer that connects via Ethernet—because apparently, your money needs its own IP address now. Samuel goes full tabletop nerd, wrangling the chaotic card sprawl of Munchkin into a collector's box roughly the size of a microwave, while also recommending a book called How Minds Change, which argues that screaming facts at people is a great way to make them never, ever change their minds. Georgia’s new social media law gets the trio talking: minors will soon need parental consent and maybe a driver’s license just to post a meme, and platforms will be banned from targeting them with ads—unless, of course, they know how to use a VPN. Meanwhile, Apple has decided to soothe the masses with a lo-fi remix of Katy Perry’s “Double Rainbow,” perfect for anyone who wants to nap in technicolor. The team also breaks down Broadcom’s villain arc—sending cease-and-desist letters to anyone using outdated VMware licenses like it’s the software mafia. Microsoft joins the chaos with an AI that can adjust your Windows 11 settings whether you like it or not. RDP logins still work with old, revoked passwords, but don’t worry—Microsoft says that’s a feature, not a security failure. You know, totally fine. Xbox prices shoot through the roof, controllers now cost more than a steak dinner, and first-party games hit $80, because the best way to handle economic pressures is to make your customers suffer with you. They also warn about a wave of “wrong number” text scams that go from “oops, wrong person” to “want to invest in crypto with me?” in five texts or less. Microsoft continues its baffling streak by killing password storage in the Authenticator app and nudging everyone toward Edge for managing credentials, which definitely won’t raise any security eyebrows. Oh, and passkeys are now the default for new accounts—just don’t ask your uncle how to set them up unless you have an hour to spare. All this, plus sleep cycles, digital naptime hacks, Suicide Sheep playlists, and just enough tech grief to make you want to switch careers. Again. Links How Minds Change: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion What Ga.'s new social media law HB 351 means for kids, parents and the courts | 13wmaz.com Apple turned pop songs into lofi beats to work / study / sleep to | The Verge VMware perpetual license holders receive cease-and-desist letters from Broadcom - Ars Technica Microsoft will soon allow AI to change your Windows 11 settings | Tom's Hardware Delete Any Texts On Your Phone That Include These Messages Microsoft Issues June 1 Warning — Do Not Wait, Save Your Passwords Now Windows RDP lets you log in using revoked passwords. Microsoft is OK with that. - Ars Technica Microsoft hikes prices of Xbox consoles, controllers, headsets, and games worldwide - cites market conditions and price of development | Tom's Hardware Microsoft makes passkeys the default authentication method for all new accounts | Tom's Hardware An AI-generated radio host in Australia went unnoticed for months | The Verge The Volonaut Airbike Brings the Flying Speeder from Star Wars to Life | Moss and Fog What’s that rash? Put some thought into asking Google for medical help | AP News Where to Find Us:
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| Forgetting to Silence the Truck | 02 May 2025 | 01:38:32 | |
In Episode 16 of SouthGeek News, Donovan and Ben are joined once again by guest co-host Samuel Lewis for a wide-ranging and often hilarious dive into the week’s tech, life, and pop culture happenings. Sam kicks things off by sharing his deep love for Disney Dreamlight Valley, especially the latest Alice in Wonderland update that adds fan-favorite characters and surprisingly emotional storylines to the whimsical life sim. Ben talks about surviving a wild week that included long commutes, a solo network install in a crawlspace, and narrowly avoiding a possible tornado that tore through part of town. Donovan shares his recent experience with HexOS, a $200 UI wrapper for TrueNAS Scale that left him wondering why he bought into it in the first place. While visually slick, the software adds little for experienced users and relies heavily on TrueNAS under the hood, making it a tough sell at any price. The trio also digs into Synology’s controversial decision to require branded drives for their upcoming NAS models, drawing comparisons to Apple’s historic hardware lockdowns. There’s plenty of discussion around Intel’s latest GPU driver update—offering up to 25% performance boosts for those rare few using Intel ARC graphics—and a deep dive into newly discovered AirPlay vulnerabilities that could expose millions of devices to Wi-Fi-based attacks. Later in the episode, they explore how connected cars and subscription-based features are quietly becoming surveillance tools, with many manufacturers sharing data with law enforcement. The conversation wraps up with some skepticism (and amusement) over Sam’s Club’s plan to eliminate checkout lanes in favor of AI-powered Scan & Go shopping, where trust in tech might run headfirst into human nature. Along the way, there are sidebars on The Sopranos, Walter Goggins’ performance in Fallout, and the shared horror of realizing you now qualify for a senior citizen discount at 55. It's another laugh-filled, geek-friendly episode that blends tech insight with personal stories and just the right amount of snark. Links Disney Dreamlight Valley Intel says it’s rolling out laptop GPU drivers with 10% to 25% better performance Millions of Apple Airplay-Enabled Devices Can Be Hacked via Wi-Fi Car Subscription Features Raise Your Risk of Government Surveillance, Police Records Show Synology confirms that higher-end NAS products will require its branded drives Sam’s Club phasing out checkouts, betting big on AI shopping Fitbit is dying a slow death Bluesky Is Rolling Out Official Verification Where to Find Us:
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