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Explore every episode of the podcast The Really Useful Podcast

Dive into the complete episode list for The Really Useful Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Nintendo Switch 2 2024 Release Rumours and Modern Handheld Gaming15 Feb 202400:32:22

In this week's show, we look at how Nintendo gave the handheld gaming market a shot in the arm, and where it might go next...

This week, we will discuss the following:


Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. Oh, and don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!


You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player.

Image credit: Fairuz Rizky Prinanda/Shutterstock

What Are Smishing, Phishing, and Vishing?08 Feb 202400:31:24

One of the main purposes of this podcast is to help you get to grips with the risks scammers pose. As such, this week's show sheds light on phishing and its variant scams: smishing, vishing, and quishing. What are they, and how can you spot these scams?


Before we get to that, we've got the following tech news that matters:

We bring you these tips and tricks:


The show closes with the following recommendations:


Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. Oh, and don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player.


Image credit: Linaimages/Shutterstock

Don't Overshare! How to Avoid Sharing Too Much Online30 Nov 202300:35:30

Ever been accused of oversharing? Have you been labeled a "sharent" after posting pics of your children on social media? In this week's Really Useful Podcast, we take a look at online oversharing, its consequences, and what you can do to minimize "sharenting."

This week, we've got the following tech news that matters:

We've also got these tips and explainers:

The show closes with the following recommendations:

  • DOS_Deck (MS-DOS era retro gaming for browsers and Steam Deck)
  • Hopper (money-saving flight booking service)

Christian Cawley hosts this week's podcast, and is joined by Ben Stegner. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus, with your suggestions for future topics.

You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player.


(Image: Shutterstock)

Android Apps in Windows 11, Microsoft Edge Expands, and Why Is Nintendo Closing the Wii U and 3DS eShop?24 Feb 202200:31:43

 It's time for your weekly news of tech news and tips for technophobes. We look at the new Android app feature in Windows 11, how Microsoft Edge is dominating in the browser market, and understand the implication of Nintendo closing the eShop for Wii U and 3DS games.

Plus, we have our usual recommendations for you to check out.

Shownotes
In this week's show, we look at:


News

Tips

Recommendations


Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner host the show. Follow them on Twitter (@thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus) for updates and even make suggestions for future topics.
Don't forget to subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. 

Better Teams Performance, Material You Themes for Android 12, and Why Google Is Killing YouTube Originals17 Feb 202200:32:03

Microsoft Teams is widely used in business and other organizations, but will performance improvements make it a desirable alternative to Zoom? Will you Android phone or tablet get the new Material You theme on Android 12? What happened at the Nintendo Direct 2022 event? And will Call of Duty stay on PlayStation after Microsoft's acquisition of Activision?
Click play to learn more about all of this and learn why Google is killing a bunch of its services in 2022 - including YouTube Originals.

Shownotes In this week's show, we look at recent tech news that affects you, tech tips, and give you our recommendations.


News

Tips

Recommendations


Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics.
Don't forget to subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

Make Windows 11 Faster, Microsoft Defender Surprises, Data Recovery Explained, and Get Amazon Prime for Less09 Feb 202200:31:33

 Looking for clarity on the latest tech news or want some technology topics explaining? In this podcast, we do just that.
This week's Really Useful Podcast covers some easy performance boosts you can make to Windows 11, why you should trust Microsoft Defender, and explains data recovery. You'll also learn how to save money on Amazon Prime, and find out what we're recommending this week.

Shownotes
This week we talk about:


News

Tips and Tricks

Our recommendations

Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics.
Don't forget to subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips. 

Sony Buys Bungie, Wardle Sells Wordle, Facebook Quits Crypto, and eBay Scams03 Feb 202200:31:06

Sony was never going to let Microsoft's intended acquisition of Activision Blizzard through without a fight. Their retaliation? To buy Bungie, developer of the Destiny series. Meanwhile, Wordle gets too big for its creator and Facebook abandons the cryptocurrency everyone had forgotten about anyway.

We also take a look at eBay scams and our usual recommendations.

In this week's show:


Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter (@thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus) with your suggestions for future topics.
Look out for our other shows - subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

Microsoft Buys Activision, Robovac Escapes, USB-C Explained, and Car Wi-Fi26 Jan 202200:31:51

It's been another busy week in the world of tech. But what does it all mean? The Really Useful Podcast is the tech podcast for technophobes, and we have the answers you need to make sense of the technological world.

Shownotes
This week, we discuss:


Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics.
Don't forget to subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips. 

Who Are YouTube's Top Earners, What Is Reddit, and What Game Consoles Launch in 2022?20 Jan 202200:42:33

This week's show has it all: retro gaming, cyberattacks, ransomware, Reddit, YouTube's rich list, Meta/Facebook being taken to court in the UK, and even recommendations!

This week, we discuss:

Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter (@thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus) with your suggestions for future topics.
Look out for our other shows - subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips. 

Amazon Fire, Roku, or Apple TV - Which Streaming TV Device Should You Use?13 Jan 202200:28:46

Planning on buying a new streaming device for your TV but not sure what to choose? Is there even any point when you have a Smart TV anyway? 

In this week's show, we look at the pros and cons of Amazon Fire, Roku, Apple TV, and similar services, along with app-enabled TV boxes for satellite, cable, and even Blu-ray players. Oh, and there's a bit about Smart TV apps, too.

One last thing: Christian inexplicably pronounces Roku as "rock-you" instead of "roh-koo" throughout this show. No one knows why.

Shownotes


Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics.
Don't forget to subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips. 

 

Have a Laugh With Your Smart Speaker With These Amusing Smart Assistant Instructions05 Jan 202200:30:36

 In this week's show, we rely on the following resources:

Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter (@thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus) with your suggestions for future topics.
Look out for our other shows - subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips. 

How to Make 2022 the Year for You30 Dec 202100:30:08

Ever felt that your current job or career doesn't quite satisfy you? While you can change direction at anytime, the start of a new year is a great time to make the changes in your life that you want to see. In this podcast, we look at how it is possible to change career, with a focus on freelancing.

This week, we discuss:

Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter (@thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus) with your suggestions for future topics.
Look out for our other shows - subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

How to Get the Best Network Speed in Your Home15 Dec 202100:24:26

Is your home network fast enough? We're going to venture that it isn't - but why? Is it the position of the router, your cabling, or something else?
In this podcast, we look at the various ways you can improve wired and wireless network speeds around the home. This includes the main living areas, attics, basements, and even outhouses. 

Shownotes


Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics.
Don't forget to subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips. 

Political Deepfake Controls on Meta, Spot Phishing Emails, and What Is a Gaming IEM?23 Nov 202300:27:44

This week, we've got the following tech news that matters:

We've also got these tips and explainers:


The show closes with the following recommendation:

You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player.

Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. Oh, and don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

What Is the Metaverse and How Will It Change Your Life?08 Dec 202100:36:19

You've heard about the "metaverse" but what is it really? Do you want to don a VR headset to attend meetings and other remote events, or would you prefer a different solution?
In this week's show, we consider how the metaverse might change the world.
To learn more, we're joined by Thomas Lorenz, the CEO and founder of Journee, a metaverse company that has been providing VR and AR solutions to big names in technology for the past few years. Thomas has a slightly different view of the metaverse to that you may have read about, and he's here to outline the possibilities of the technology. He'll also tell us why you may not need a VR helmet in a few years' time.

Shownotes

Some reference notes for this week:

Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics.
Don't forget to subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips. 

What Is the Supply Chain Crisis and How Does It Impact Your Online Shopping?01 Dec 202100:31:48

The term "supply chain" was largely unknown outside of manufacturing, shipping, and haulage until a couple of years ago. Now, we have a seemingly unending "supply chain crisis" which threatens to disrupt everything from Christmas to weddings to online shopping.

In this week's show, Christian Cawley chats with David Savage of Geotab, a fleet telematics company in the UK. He explains the supply chain and how it has come to be in crisis, as well as offer some thoughts as to how long the crisis might last.

Shownotes

Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics.

Don't forget to subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips. 

PC Building, Retro Games, Casual Games, and Memories24 Nov 202100:40:26

Welcome to the 100th edition of the Really Useful Podcast. To celebrate our centenary show, usual hosts Christian Cawley, Ben Stegner, and Gavin Phillips have got together to chat through a few thoughts about their preferred computer systems. Laptop, or desktop PC? Bought, or self-built?

Along the way, they discuss everything from racing games to Raspberry Pi, game controllers to shuttle PCs, and a whole host of other things. They also recall their favorite chats from the past 99 episodes of the Really Useful Podcast, just to crown the occasion.

Shownotes

Christian Cawley, Gavin Phillips, and Ben Stegner host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey, @gavinspavin, and @stegnersaurus, with your suggestions for future topics. 

Look out for our other shows - subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips. 

Finally, thanks so much for being with us for the past 100 episodes!

Here's Why Black Friday 2021 Will Be Different and How You Can Prepare17 Nov 202100:29:22

Black Friday 2021 is set to be the longest yet. But with supply chain issues limiting the production of certain hardware, it could also be the most frought. Will you see the bargain land on your doormat before Christmas?

In this Really Useful Podcast we take a look at how you can prepare for the biggest ever Black Friday, help you to grab the deals you want before they sell out, and show you the tools that will help you grab a genuine bargain. 

All the items in this week's Black Friday 2021 special are linked below.

Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus with your suggestions for future topics.
Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips. 

Where Should You Build Your Home Office?10 Nov 202100:29:25

If you've embraced home working, you've probably realised that the kitchen table isn't ideal. You need a dedicated space, which might be a spare room, in the attic, in the basement, or even in your garden.

But when that space is set up, how do you get reliable Wi-Fi - and does your home office even have a power supply?

This week, we take a look at the practicalities of networking a home office and ensuring a reliable power supply.

Shownotes

Useful links for this week's show:


Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this week's show. Contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin.
Look out for our other shows - subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.  

Should You Upgrade to Windows 11, How Easy Is It, and What Might Stop You?03 Nov 202100:26:30

ShownotesKeep hold of these links for Windows 11 coverage on MakeUseOf:


Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this week's show. Contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin.
Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips. 

How to Upgrade to a New iPhone and What to Do Next28 Oct 202100:29:01

Upgrading to a new iPhone? it can be expensive, not to mention time consuming with so many models to choose from. In this podcast we bring you all the information you need, from recognizing when it's time to upgrade and getting the best deal, to backing up your data and transferring it to a new iPhone.

Shownotes

In this week's show, we discuss:

Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus with your suggestions for future topics. 
Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips. 

How to Use All Your Devices and Still Save Power20 Oct 202100:26:56

Going green is tough, especially if you want to save money. In this episode, we look at the challenges and solutions around recharging phones and laptops.

This week, you'll need the following references:

Christian Cawley and Gavin Philips host this week's show. Contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin.
Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on iTunes and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips. 

How Technology Can Help Your Health and Wellbeing13 Oct 202100:34:41

We look at a selection of mobile and browser apps that can help you to improve your physical and mental health. This episode features a chat with Dr Angelica Kohlmann of Bloom Diagnostics, who tells us how their mobile app can be used to diagnose illness and find the right treatment.

Shownotes

 Christian Cawley and Gavin Philips host this week's show. Contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on iTunes and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips. 

Why Did Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram Go Down?06 Oct 202100:33:44

 In this week's show we discuss:

Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus with your suggestions for future topics.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips 

Really Useful Podcast Episode 200: Quiz Time!16 Nov 202300:43:31

In a special edition of our weekly tech podcast for technophobes, hosts Christian Cawley, Gavin Phillips, and Ben Stegner go head-to-head in a never-before attempted quiz. 

This week's edition is episode 200, and just a few weeks ago the show marked its 5th anniversary. So, what better way to celebrate than with a quiz, pitching the three hosts against each other? (Yes, there are probably better ways to celebrate these milestones.)

Who will win? What tech topics have been selected? And who has made the questions incredibly difficult? Click play to find out...

Everything You Need to Do After Buying a New Laptop or PC27 Jul 202100:39:02

If you're buying a new computer, there is always the temptation to open it up, plug it in, and start using it. But what you should actually do is spend time installing the apps you'll need and setting up the hardware and peripherals.


This week we talked about:

This week, Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner are your hosts. You can contact them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus with your suggestions for future topics.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

Nintendo Switch OLED and Steam Deck: The Next Stage of Portable Gaming?20 Jul 202100:29:41

You've heard of the Nintendo Switch, but what is the Nintendo Switch OLED? And why is Valve launching the Steam Deck portable gaming PC?

Ths week's show looks at these two very different developments in mobile gaming, considers the rationale behind both, their potential strengths and weaknesses, and asks: which one would you buy?


This week we discuss:

Christian Cawley and Megan Ellis are your hosts. You can contact them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @Megg_Ellis with your suggestions for future topics.

Look out for our other shows - subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

Why Are Audacity Users Concerned About Telemetry and Is It Really a Privacy Risk?13 Jul 202100:32:30

When open-source software projects are bought by profit-driven software publishers, it's never an easy ride. With the introduction of telemtry to digital audio workstation Audacity, recently, its new owners have discovered just how tenuous a grip on their audience they really have.

But what is all the fuss about? What is telemetry, anyway?

This week's relevant links

Christian Cawley and James Frew are this week's hosts. Follow them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @jimjamfroo.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

Why 2021 Is the Year of Ransomware06 Jul 202100:38:25

Ransomware is huge in 2021, taking down businesses, government departments, gas pipelines, and worse to come. Now is the time to familiarise yourself with ransomware, the risks, how it gets onto your system, what happens to your data if you don't pay, and the risks of actually paying the ransomware.


These are the links we used for this week's Really Useful Podcast.

Christian Cawley and Gavin Philips host this week's show. Contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on iTunes and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

Amazing and Simple DIY Tech Tricks to Make Your Life Easier29 Jun 202100:32:00

This week we take a look at some of the best DIY tech builds and fixes featured so far on the Really Useful Podcast. Featuring contributions from Christian Cawley, Ian Buckley, Gavin Phillips, and Ben Stegner


Here are those all-important reference links for this week's show.

Christian Cawley is your host this week. You can contact him on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey with your suggestions for future topics.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

How to Check If a Link Is Safe and Other Easy Online Security Tips22 Jun 202100:30:59

Are you safe online? Security software is expensive, but you don't have to spend money on it if you follow some straightforward, simple, computer and internet usage tips.


This week's Really Useful Podcast looks at link checkers and other easy, "soft" online security tips that you can use to develop safer habits and behaviors online.


In this week's show we used the following articles:

Christian Cawley and Ian Buckley host this week's show. Contact them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @ianmbuckley with your suggestions for future topics.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on iTunes and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

What Is Windows 11, When Is It Coming, and Why?15 Jun 202100:28:17

Windows 11 is coming - but what can you expect from it? Is there really any need to replace Windows 10?

This podcast looks at the coming Windows 11, what we know, what we can guess at, and what probably won't happen.


This week's podcast features these stories:

Christian Cawley and Gavin Philips host this week's show. Contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on iTunes and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

What You Need to Know About Android Auto08 Jun 202100:27:46

Most new cars feature integration with a smartphone. While Apple iPhones are typically compatible, it's more than likely that you're using an Android phone.

Android Auto is a useful handsfree in-car app from Google, designed to integrate your phone's apps with your automobile's entertainment system. You can also make calls using the digital assistant and generally enjoy safe use of mobile apps while driving.


These are your links for this week's discussion.

This week, Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner are your hosts. You can contact them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus with your suggestions for future topics.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.
(Image Credit: Maurizio Pesce/Wikimedia Commons)

How to Keep Your Tech Clean With These Top Sanitation Suggestions01 Jun 202100:25:04

Using technology daily means that the keyboard, mouse, computer screen, earphones, etc., are going to get dirty. Knowing how to clean them doesn't just protect you from infections, it helps to prolong your tech's usable lifespan.

In this week's show, we take a look at some of our best tech cleaning tips.

This week you'll need to refer to the following links:

Christian Cawley is your host this week. You can contact him on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey with your suggestions for future topics.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

Should You Buy a Nintendo Switch? Yes - Here's Why26 May 202100:39:00

The age old question: do Nintendo, Sony, or Microsoft produce the best console? Well, we're bypassing that and declaring the Nintendo Switch the winner. 

After all, it's lightweight, flexible, and designed with multiplayer in mind from the ground up. You might not get to enjoy intense single player or some AAA online multiplayer titles, but it is impossible to use the Nintendo Switch without having a whole bunch of fun.

Shownotes

Some useful links to help you with this week's show:

Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner are your hosts. You can contact them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus with your suggestions for future topics.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

Amazon Accused of Price Manipulation, and the Best Windows Antivirus Tools09 Nov 202300:26:35

Need a Windows antivirus tool? The chances are you already have the best option installed. That's the focus of this week's podcast, which also looks at accusations against Amazon concerning price manipulation in the online retail market.

This week, we've got the following tech news that matters:

We've also got these tips and explainers:


We finish the show with the following recommendations:

Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. Oh, and don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player.

What the Heck Is Dogecoin, Is Chia Really Green, and What Is Internet Computer?18 May 202100:33:01

The world of cryptocurrency just doesn't seem to stop changing. With over 5000 different cryptocoins in circulation, new digital units of value need to stand out from the crowd in order to generate any sort of traction.

In this week's show, we take a look at the resurgent Dogecoin (and learn how to pronounce it) and try to work out if Chia is really a "green" cryptocurrency. There's also a look at The Internet Computer, a new approach to decentralizing the internet.

Shownotes

Here are the useful links for this week's show:

Christian Cawley and Gavin Philips host this week's show. Contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on iTunes and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

Can Headphones Be Vegan? A Look at Sustainability in Electronics11 May 202100:31:06

Vegan headphones might sound like the name of an indie band, but they're real. Headphones made without leather and using sustainable materials are just one of the ways in which using technology responsibly is becoming more important.

This week, we take a look at sustainability in technology, and how things might change going forward.

Shownotes

This week's vital links:

Christian Cawley and James Frew are this week's hosts. Follow them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @jimjamfroo.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

What Is a Dashcam and Do You Need One for Your Vehicle?05 May 202100:28:12

Dashcams might seem an expensive addition to your vehicle, but they are worth their weight in gold. In this week's podcast we look at dashcams, covering everything from looking at the best current models to the reasons to use a dashcam.

We also consider the various steps you should take when installing a dashcam for the first time, and how you can save money by making your own dashcam with a free mobile app.

Shownotes

This week's vital links:

Christian Cawley is your host this week. You can contact him on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey with your suggestions for future topics.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

What Is Crowdfunding and Can You Trust a Kickstarter Campaign?27 Apr 202100:31:59

Kickstarter, Indiegogo, Unbound, Blurb... the opportunities for crowdfunding campaigns are massive these days. But if you've never backed a project on Kickstarter and don't really know what crowdfunding is - or if you have concerns over their reliability - we're here to help you out.

Shownotes

Here are this week's links for everything we discuss in the show.

Christian Cawley and Gavin Philips host this week's show. Contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on iTunes and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

Is Learning to Code and Programming Easier Than You Think?20 Apr 202100:31:50

You've seen the ads, online and on TV. Courses for learning to code, build mobile apps, even start designing video games. But how easy is it really to learn to code? To find out, Ian Buckley - a man with a bit of programing experience under his belt - is here to explain if you should learn to code, where to find good resources, and whether or not you should be paying for the pleasure...

Shownotes

Christian Cawley and Ian Buckley host this week's show. Contact them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @ianmbuckley with your suggestions for future topics.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on iTunes and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

What Is Clubhouse and How Useful Is Social Audio, Really?13 Apr 202100:33:38

Heard about Clubhouse but not really sure what social audio is all about? You've come to the right place. In this podcast we take a look at Clubhouse, its "exclusivity" and what alternatives are coming along from Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other existing social platforms.

Use these links to learn more about Clubhouse in this week's show.

Christian Cawley and Megan Ellis are your hosts. You can contact them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @Megg_Ellis with your suggestions for future topics.

Look out for our other shows - subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

Our Top 5 Best Really Useful Tech Tips and Explainers06 Apr 202100:32:08

To celebrate 30 months since the launch of the Really Useful Podcast, we bring you a collection of the top 5 best tips from our most popular episodes.

As such, Christian Cawley is joined by various members of the Really Useful Podcast team to cover diverse topics such as Windows keyboard shortcuts, problems with Skype, old PC games, Microsoft Office alternatives, and a what is Raspberry Pi.


Shownotes

We talk about so many things this week, but the following links will help you find the key resources.

Christian Cawley hosts this week's show, with contributions from Ben Stegner, Gavin Philips, James Frew, and Ian Buckley.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on iTunes and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

What Are Non-fungible Tokens and Why Are Graphics Cards So Expensive?31 Mar 202100:28:42

You've seen the term NFT but what does it mean? How can you buy digital art for $1000s without even owning it? What is the real ecological damage of cryptocurrency mining? And why are graphics cards so expensive?

In this podcast we explore non-fungible tokens, the madness of this latest crypto bubble, whether cryptocurrency is as bad for the environment as some claim, and why there is a shortage of graphics cards.

Some links to help you with this week's show:

Christian Cawley and Gavin Philips host this week's show. Contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on iTunes and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

Everything You Need to Know About Your Amazon Fire Tablet23 Mar 202100:31:02

The Amazon Fire tablet is one of the most popular alternatives to Apple's iPad. Equipped with the Android-based Fire OS, these are versatile tablets aimed at the whole family.

But are you getting the most our of your Amazon Fire tablet? Is the tablet really suitable for children or is it more geared towards a media consuming adult? How do you change the way it looks, or install games from Android Play? And what happens if you crack the screen?

These questions, and more, are answered in this week's Really Useful Podcast - the tech podcast for technophobes.

This week's vital links:

Christian Cawley is your host this week. You can contact him on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey with your suggestions for future topics.

Is Video Gaming Too Expensive?16 Mar 202100:33:36

Some new Xbox and PS5 games are launching at around $70. Game controllers are around the same price. And if you can get hold of a next generation console, that's going to set you back a few hundred dollars too.

So: is video gaming becoming to expensive? 

This week's discussion draws on these resources:

Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner are your hosts. You can contact them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus with your suggestions for future topics.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

Get Data Off an Old HDD and the Best Ways to Use a Raspberry Pi02 Nov 202300:33:58

Getting data off an old HDD is easier than you think, as demonstrated in this week's podcast. Plus, we look at the best uses for a Raspberry Pi, consider the arrival of rules and guidelines for AI, and celebrate the end of the PlayStation 5 shortage.

This week, we've got the following tech news that matters:

We've also got these tips and explainers:

We finish the show with the following recommendations:

Christian Cawley hosts this week's podcast, and is joined by Ben Stegner. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus, with your suggestions for future topics.

You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player.

Raspberry Pi, Pico, Arduino, and Other Single-board Computers and Microcontrollers09 Mar 202100:36:16

You've probably heard of a Raspberry Pi, but how does this single-board computer (SBC) differ from a microcontroller? 

In this Really Useful Podcast, we discuss the Raspberry Pi and its clones, the Raspberry Pi Pico and other microcontrollers, and the Arduino. How do they differ? What projects suit each type of board? Click play to find out.


Some resources for this week's show:

Christian Cawley and Ian Buckley host this week's show. Contact them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @ianmbuckley with your suggestions for future topics.

Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on iTunes and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

How to Recycle Old PCs, Phones, and Other Tech02 Mar 202100:26:34

Everyone has an old phone or two at the back of a drawer. Your old PC might be stuck under a desk somewhere---meanwhile, you've switched to a laptop.

Old hardware takes up space, but simply throwing it away is dangerous. Without the correct recycling techniques, discarded tech can be an ecological nightmare. Fortunately, there are various ways that you can recycle archaic tech, whether old phones, computers, PC components, media players, and even all that waste paper your printer invariably creates.

In this week's show:

Christian Cawley is your host this week---contact him on Twitter via @thegadgetmonkey with your suggestions for future topics.

Look out for our other shows - subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

How to Find Followers For Your Stream, Social Account, or Podcast23 Feb 202100:28:56

If you have a YouTube channel, Twitch stream, podcast, Facebook page, Instagram account, or TikTok, you're probably keen to find and audience. But how do you find followers and build a following?

This week, we take a look at the various techniques you can use across several social platforms and mediums. You may be surprised at how similar some of the techniques are...

In this week's show:

Christian Cawley and Megan Ellis are your hosts. You can contact them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @Megg_Ellis with your suggestions for future topics.

Look out for our other shows - subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips.

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