Welcome to the Secrets of Technology from the Star Quest Production Network, your weekly look at the world of technology from a uniquely Catholic perspective. We’re not the usual tech news from New York or San Francisco. We’re creating conversations around technology topics that affect all of us, including social media, privacy, AI, the ubiquity of gadgets, parenting tech-savvy kids, and more.
Geek and gadget culture is mainstream in society at all age levels now more than ever. By exploring the intersection of faith and technology, we give you the tools to live your faith life and spirituality in harmony with the work of technology and media that you are immersed in.
But you don’t have to be Catholic or a believer to get something out of Secrets of Technology. Our regular panel will discuss the top tech stories, offer up technology tips and lessons, and give you our picks of the week for software, hardware, web sites, or information that will make you more productive, more entertained, more informed, and more secure.
Printer Showdown: Inkjet? Laser?
What are the best printers for home use? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss the main types of printers, their pros and cons, and tips for avoiding the major pain points of printers and printing. Plus the Internet Archive is back!
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10/24/2024 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 8 seconds
Live Sports at Your Fingertips: The Ultimate Streaming Guide
TEC274: Sports is one of the last compelling reasons to keep your old cable TV. Dom Bettinelli and Patrick Mason discuss how we can enjoy our favorites sports via streaming to our devices and discover that it’s still not as easy as it could be. Get all new episodes automatically and for free:Follow by Email […]
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10/17/2024 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 12 seconds
Moral Black Hat Hacking?
Is it moral to hack into the computers of those engaged in evil activities to disrupt them? Dom Bettinelli and Thomas Sanjurjo consider one proposal that even if it's illegal to hack into an abortionist's system that it would be good. Plus Gen Z in the workplace.
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10/3/2024 • 1 hour, 55 seconds
Next-Level Photo Management with Apple and Google Photos
Preserve your family photo legacies by getting control of your photo collection. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss strategies for using Apple Photos and Google Photos to manage your ever-growing collection of precious photos.
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9/26/2024 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 7 seconds
Taming the Distraction: Schools vs. Smartphones
Smartphones are a big distraction for students. Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss how schools are trying to reduce the distraction to increase student focus and mental health, and what parents can do to help.
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9/19/2024 • 56 minutes, 27 seconds
Apple’s Glow Up
Apple had its annual rollout of new phones and watches so Dom Bettinelli and Joanne Mercier give their impressions of the new devices and new capabilities, cutting through the hype to determine if they are compelling upgrades.
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9/12/2024 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 43 seconds
Run Your Household Like a CEO
Many couples are bringing home the tools and techniques they use at the office to help run their households. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss the concept and the workflows and tech they use to organize their homes.
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9/5/2024 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 6 seconds
Smart Home Security Cameras on a Budget
Home security cameras are more capable than ever and more affordable. Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Pat Scott discuss what to consider when buying cameras, including video quality, storage, connection, and more. Plus: Are gamers less attractive?
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8/22/2024 • 1 hour, 43 seconds
The Shifts in Online Media
How are podcasts and YouTube videos changing? How are our habits changing them? Dom Bettinelli and Joanne Mercier discuss the state of online media and the changes in the business side and on the way consumers use them are changing the product.
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8/15/2024 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 25 seconds
Harness the Sun: Is Solar Right for Your Home?
Should you get solar panels for your home? Will you save money? Dom Bettinelli and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss the pros and cons, lease vs. purchase, and the lessons learned from having solar panels for the past 6 years.
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8/8/2024 • 1 hour, 12 minutes
Cut the Cord 2024: Embrace the Future
It's been 5 years since we discussed cord-cutting in a complete way. Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Pat Scott discuss what's changed since 2019, what mistakes they've made, and lessons learned to make the streaming lifestyle cheaper and more enjoyable.
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8/1/2024 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 11 seconds
Digital Serenity: Master Notifications for Focus and Peace
Everything wants our attention: Watches, phones, TVs, smart assistants, et al. Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss strategies for taming these notifications for greater peace, more focus, and to be present to others.
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7/25/2024 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 4 seconds
Shield Your Tech
Case or no case? Dom Bettinelli and Jack Baruzzini discuss the pros and cons of smartphone cases and screen protectors; the various options; and what steps to take if you decide to keep your phone au natural.
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7/11/2024 • 57 minutes, 4 seconds
Master Messaging Apps
We have a plethora of ways to communicate via text, voice, and video messaging, but which is the best? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss popular and lesser-known apps and the best practices for using them safely.
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7/4/2024 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 17 seconds
A Special Message from StarQuest
StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for all listeners and supporters of StarQuest's shows.
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6/28/2024 • 3 minutes, 30 seconds
Sunny with a Chance of Tech: Weather Apps
There are a plethora of weather apps to choose from? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Victor Lams discuss their different approaches to weather forecasts, from blasé to obsessive, and which apps they rely on to get the forecasts that suit them.
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6/27/2024 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 2 seconds
Pick of the Week Hits and Misses
Secrets of Tech began with Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha and now five years later they're saying goodbye to Fr. Cory. To mark the occasion, they go through their dozens of picks of the week to choose the enduring hits and the eventual misses.
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6/20/2024 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 6 seconds
Is Apple Intelligence Enough?
Apple revealed its latest software strategy this week, including its latest approach to artificial intelligence. Dom Bettinelli and Joanne Mercier take an in-depth look at the announcements as indicators of where consumer application of this tech could go.
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6/13/2024 • 0
Master Safe Surfing: Tips for Secure and Private Internet Browsing
Protect yourself. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Patrick Mason discuss tips for keeping you safe and private on the web, from VPNs to public wifi to avoiding social media scams and more. Plus the problem of web rot and link decay; an anti-scam coalition; and more.
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5/30/2024 • 0
Tech for the Faithful: Empowering Parish Pastoral Care with Modern Tools
Pastoral care is a person-to-person ministry, but as Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercer, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss, tech tools from remote meeting software to streaming video boxes to online messaging apps all provide essential assistance to parish staffs in reaching more people.
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5/23/2024 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 1 second
Stream Smart: Comparing Music Services for Every Budget and Need
You probably have a music streaming service but is it the best one for you? Dom Bettinelli and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss the 4 big music streamers (and a couple small ones), their prices and features, and how to decide which one is best for you.
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5/16/2024 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 24 seconds
Digital Shields Up: Defense Against Identity Theft and Breaches
With identity theft and data breaches becoming more common, Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss proactive security measure to protect yourself and what to do if your identity or privacy are compromised or if you think it has.
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5/9/2024 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 43 seconds
Lessons from Father Justin AI
Catholic Answers made a big splash with its AI-powered apologetics chatbot with good and bad reactions. Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the lessons to learn about AI and its best uses as well as how the Church should use and approach technology.
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5/2/2024 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 56 seconds
Our Tech Every Day Carry in 2024
What's in your pockets? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss the tech they carry in their pockets, wallets, keychains, and tech bags or as wearables. Plus dangerous USB accessories; health data breaches; and obsolete critical tech.
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4/25/2024 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 59 seconds
The Dead-Internet Theory
A conspiracy theory claims that that nothing on the Internet is real, but is just psyop. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss why the theory is not entirely wrong; plus why Find My is not a good basis for a search warrant and why AI doesn't explain the lack of aliens.
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4/18/2024 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 55 seconds
Ready Your Tech to Recycle or Resell
When it's time to get rid of old tech, wait! Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss the steps you need to take to safeguard your data and privacy BEFORE you dispose of old phones, tablets, and computers.
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4/11/2024 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 38 seconds
Demystify Home Networking Basics
Most homes have broadband but are you getting the most for your buck? Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss the basics of home networking, the common bottlenecks, and some tips and tricks for getting the most from your home network.
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4/4/2024 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 54 seconds
Buy Used and Refurbished Tech
Buying used tech gear can often make a lot of sense and save you money. Dom Bettinelli and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss where to get the best deals, how to evaluate the deals, the kinds of tech to buy used, how to tap into communal wisdom on used tech, and more.
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3/21/2024 • 56 minutes, 8 seconds
Emails Tools and Extensions
Email is a fact of life and Dom Bettinelli and Joanne Mercier look at some email tools and software to help us better manage the flow of email in our inboxes. Plus Roku's draconian TOS rollout; why not to put your phone in rice; and why musical alarms could save lives.
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Once you've taken photos on your phone, what next? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Victor Lams discuss software and workflows for editing and storing your precious photos securely. Plus, AI sacred art; parish podcasts; and America's last Morse code station.
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3/7/2024 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 4 seconds
A Marketplace of Girl Influencers
Protect the girls. Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the exploitation of girls on Instagram in accounts managed by moms and stalked by men and what we should do about it. Plus, Joanne's Vision Pro experience, the failure of self-checkout, and more.
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2/29/2024 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 10 seconds
What’s in your Software EDC?
What's in your software toolkit? Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss the software utilities and apps that keep them productive every day in their personal and work lives. Plus IRS e-file and why piracy is surging again.
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2/22/2024 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 53 seconds
Find Reliable News Sources Online
Tired of fake news? Dom Bettinelli and Pat Scott discuss how to find reliable news sources online to avoid disinformation, silos, and anxiety, by using critical thinking, a broad-based diverse approach, and helpful online tools.
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2/15/2024 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 44 seconds
Getting Started With Smart Home Automation
Smart home tech is ever more accessible, but if you're just getting started where do you begin? Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss the basic considerations, where to start, and why thinking of the others in your household first is necessary.
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2/8/2024 • 58 minutes, 56 seconds
The Future of Farming
Techie Farmer Matt Clark returns to talk to Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Thomas Sanjurjo about how climate change affects farms, the importance of connectivity to farms, population growth, and alternative proteins on the market. Plus headlines and picks of the week.
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2/1/2024 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 36 seconds
The Big Tech Trends for 2024
What are the big tech trends we can expect in 2024? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter look at what was big at the Consumer Electronics Show (and on product that wasn't there) to see what we can expect to see more of in the coming year and beyond.
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1/18/2024 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 46 seconds
Our Favorite Tech of 2023
Every year, tech geeks get new software and gadgets, so Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Victor Lams discuss their favorite tech from 2023, including retro gaming, home appliances, and more. Plus the problems of zombie scientific studies and other headlines.
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1/11/2024 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 18 seconds
Your Devices Aren’t Listening to You
A marketing company has claimed it can listen in on people's smartphones and digital assistants. Dom Bettinelli and Joanne Mercier discuss why it is likely untrue, but also how we can all do more to protect our privacy and be aware of how we "leak" data about ourselves all the time.
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1/4/2024 • 1 hour, 32 seconds
Christmas Gift Guide with Pat and Fr. Andrew
In our last Christmas gift guide of 2023, Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter give some ideas for last-minute gifts (or early Epiphany gifts!) Plus, they discuss Microsoft pushing OneDrive; DoorDash pushing tipping; and Google Maps pushing legibility.
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12/21/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 5 seconds
Christmas Gift Guide with Joanne and Fr. Cory
It's stocking stuffer time! Dom Bettinellli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha come up with a list of tech gifts perfect to put in those stockings hung by the chimney with care this Christmas.
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12/7/2023 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 22 seconds
A special message from StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli
StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for listeners as we approach the Christmas season. We need to hear from you this Advent and Christmas at sqpn.com/give
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12/7/2023 • 2 minutes, 38 seconds
Christmas Gift Guide with Thomas and Jack
On week 2 of our Christmas Gift Guide, Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini give some ideas of tech gifts that everyone from kids to grandparents would gladly receive. Plus, a look at the latest headlines and the picks of the week.
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11/30/2023 • 1 hour, 13 seconds
Christmas Gift Guide with Pat and Fr. Joseph
It's time again to start thinking about Christmas gifts, so Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Joseph Sund offer some gift ideas in the area of virtual and mixed reality entertainment and home automation. Plus news on UFOs, the Vision Pro social strategy, and why car radio is hanging on.
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11/16/2023 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 45 seconds
Must-Have Bare Minimum Smartphone Apps
If you had to pare down the apps and features on your phone to the bare minimum, what would make the cut? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss their lists and criteria. Plus, AI and the dignity of work; the decline of remote work; and more.
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11/9/2023 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 56 seconds
Thrifty Tech Spending
Every dollar counts these days and we want to be good stewards of our goods so Dom Bettinelli and Jack Baruzzini discuss their top tips and advice for sensible, thrifty spending on tech. Plus, New York's rules for AirBnB and 3D printing and a billionaire's new blimp.
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11/2/2023 • 56 minutes, 43 seconds
Debunking Bad Science and More Headlines
We delve into the headlines this time. Dom Bettinelli and Pat Scott look at AI used to debunk science fraud; More AI used to keep people from becoming homeless; Meta being sued by states and its plans to charge for ad-free social media; and more.
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10/26/2023 • 51 minutes, 39 seconds
Clean Your Tech
Your technology gets dirty. Filthy even. Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss tips, techniques, and tools for cleaning smartphones, computers, TVs, and more, safely and effectively. Plus, iPhone 12 radiation, Microsoft printer drivers, and net neutrality.
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10/19/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 29 seconds
Accessibility for Everyone
Every operating system has accessibility features for those who need extra assistance. However, Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha explore how those same features can also benefit those who don't have the same accessibility issues.
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10/12/2023 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 11 seconds
Home Maintenance Tech
Whether you own a house or rent an apartment, your home needs regular maintenance. Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss high and low tech tools, gadgets, software, and tips for maintaining your home in top condition.
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10/5/2023 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 6 seconds
Health and Wellness Tech
We have lots of tech dedicated to helping us get healthier. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss some tech to help us lose weight, eat healthier, track our vitals, and sleep better. Plus canceling phantom subscriptions and more.
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9/28/2023 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 16 seconds
Steam Deck Isn’t Just for Gaming
The Steam Deck is an amazing portable, handheld gaming console, but it's also a full-fledged miniature Linux computer. Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss many non-gaming uses for the versatile Steam Deck.
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9/21/2023 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 9 seconds
A message from Dom Bettinelli of Starquest
We need your help to continue to produce our great Catholic shows that explore the intersection of faith and modern culture and look at the world from a uniquely Catholic perspective.
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9/14/2023 • 2 minutes, 10 seconds
iPhone turns 15
What's new from Apple? Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss Apple's announcements of new phones and watches. What's new? Should you upgrade? And what about Apple's values-based touting of health and safety and environmental benefits?
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9/14/2023 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 12 seconds
How We Use ChatGPT
ChatGPT can be an incredible tool that helps at both work and home. Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss the specific ways that ChatGPT helps them every day; explain why we don't have to be afraid of this tool; and give hints, tips, and caveats as well.
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9/7/2023 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 47 seconds
Email Security
Your email account is the golden ticket for scammers and crooks. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss how to secure your email accounts with tips, hints, best practices, software, and services. Plus TSA facial rec; why we're all weather-obsessed; and a historic robocall fine.
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8/31/2023 • 1 hour, 46 seconds
Parish Management Tech
Catholic parishes have the tech needs of small businesses, charities, clubs, and schools are rolled into one. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Fr. Joseph Sund take a first step into parish tech, starting with communications, websites, and parishioner management.
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8/24/2023 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 1 second
Digital Detox
A periodic digital detox can be beneficial to your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss the benefits and the steps to take that can reduce stress and anxiety from the effects of constant digital engagement.
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8/10/2023 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 13 seconds
Best Features of Apple’s Public Betas
Get the scoop on the Apple public betas this summer from Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Pat Scott. It's safer than ever to install the betas, although there are still some cautions. Plus they discuss the features they think really stand out.
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8/3/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 40 seconds
Migrating to Linux from Windows and Mac
Tired of walled gardens and ready to give it up for the freedom of open source? Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo talk about taking the plunge by giving up Mac or Windows and making Linux your operating system of choice, including tips, instructions, and what to expect.
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7/13/2023 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 13 seconds
Browser Extensions and Content Blockers
Browser extensions and content blockers can make your web browsing safer, fun, and more efficient. Dom Bettinelli and Pat Scott discuss their favorites and give tips on how to improve your browsing. Plus power from space; doctors use AI; and laws for minors on the internet.
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7/6/2023 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 6 seconds
Tech for Grilling and BBQ
With warm weather, we want to get outside to grill and barbecue. Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss tech for this outdoor cooking, from grills to thermometers and more. Plus, Netflix password crackdown, GPS woes, and Uber for swimming pools.
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6/29/2023 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 47 seconds
Tech for Travel
Whether you're taking a road trip or getting on a plane, Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier have gadgets, software, services, and travel tips to make your travel easier and to help you manage all the gear we take with us everywhere.
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6/22/2023 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 19 seconds
Curate Your Social Media for Mental and Spiritual Health
Social media has a big impact on our well-being in the digital age. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss 12 steps to curating our social meda for greater mental and spiritual health. Plus, Steam Decks go to war; private space stations; and open-source UFO hunting.
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6/15/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 11 seconds
Another Apple Revolution?
Apple has introduced its AR headset, and Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Joanne Mercier discuss the Vision Pro and its promise and pitfalls, along with other Apple announcements, as well as news about the Vatican's own Earth-orbiting satellite.
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6/8/2023 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 27 seconds
The Latest on Teens and Social Media
The US Surgeon General's new report on teens and social media offers even more dire warnings about the consequences for children. Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss the report and recommendations for what families can do.
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6/1/2023 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 28 seconds
Subscriptions vs. Purchases
The old way of acquiring technology was through a straightforward purchase, but in recent years, subscriptions have become the norm. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss the pros and cons of each approach, as well as some tech subscriptions they deem worthwhile.
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5/25/2023 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 49 seconds
Google IO 2023 Highlights
Google's latest announcements of new hardware and software show where personal tech is going. However, Dom Bettinelli and Jack Baruzzini discuss the ethics and philosophy of how we use that technology in general. Plus, copyright's limitations on the internet and more.
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5/18/2023 • 52 minutes, 2 seconds
Favorite Productivity Apps
To-do lists, calendars, contacts, notes, and knowledge manager apps are the backbone for our productivity. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss their favorite productivity apps in these categories, how they use them, and some other options as well.
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5/11/2023 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 37 seconds
Favorite Communications Apps
There are many ways to stay in touch these day. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Victor Lams discuss what's available for email, messaging, video calls, VOIP, and more and their favorites for each. Plus, the end of Netflix DVDs, Amazon warnings, and future Windows plans.
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5/4/2023 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 7 seconds
Tech for Your Finances
Whether you're single, a couple, or a big family, managing your finances can be tricky. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss personal finance software, including free and paid and desktop, mobile, and cloud options.
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4/27/2023 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 23 seconds
Family Tech Day
Are you the go-to person for all things tech in your family? Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini have tips for how to make the most out of Family Tech Day, to help you maintain all your family's gadgets but also teach them best practices to use them safely and efficiently. From laptops to smartphones, they'll provide you with all the expert advice you need to keep your family's tech gear up to date and optimized.
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4/20/2023 • 55 minutes, 32 seconds
Tech for Students and Studying
Now is a great time to start prepping for the next school term, so Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Pat Scott discuss tech for students, including hardware and software for notetaking, studying, and more. Plus lunar data centers and Tik Tok time limits.
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4/13/2023 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 57 seconds
Handheld Retro Gaming
Are you a fan of vintage video games? Well, get ready to take a trip down memory lane because the retro gaming scene is booming, especially when it comes to handheld devices! Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Victor Lams explore the ins and outs of portable retro gaming. So grab your favorite classic game and join us as we dive into the world of handheld retro gaming and learn how to start your own adventure!
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4/6/2023 • 57 minutes, 47 seconds
April Fool’s Tech Ideas
April 1 is a great opportunity to use your tech for some fun pranks. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier bring some ideas for harmless pranks and remember some of their favorite tech company pranks of the past.
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3/30/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 21 seconds
Free and Open Source Software
You can get a lot of free software as alternatives to the pricey commercial apps, so Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss options across many categories that work on Linux, Windows, and Mac.
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3/23/2023 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 49 seconds
PC and Mobile Security Basics
What basic steps can you take to protect your computer, phone, and tablet from hacks, malware, and ransomware? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss software and best practices for basic security.
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3/16/2023 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 17 seconds
Tech for Gardening
As spring arrives in the global north, Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss tech that wll help with gardening, whether indoors or outdoors. Plus followups on ChatGPT and iPhone security, and new teen social network, curated news app, and a solar law.
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3/9/2023 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 38 seconds
Tech in the Kitchen
Tech belongs in the kitchen, and so Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss tech for finding and organizing recipes, grocery lists. menu planning, plus cooking gadgets. Also, protecting yourself from identity theft, Amazon's healthcare offering, TikTok ban, and trashing MacBooks.
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3/2/2023 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 12 seconds
Why Are TVs So Cheap?
As everything else goes up in price, TVs have been going down. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss the economic, privacy, and technology reasons why TVs are getting cheaper. Plus Bing's new AI has promise and pitfalls.
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2/23/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 42 seconds
Worst Tech Upgrades in History
Some tech upgrades just leave us worse off than before. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Victor Lams discuss some of the worst tech upgrades they've experienced, plus mysterious antennas popping up on Utah's remote hills; password manager follies; and a pillow to stop snoring.
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2/9/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 42 seconds
Avoid Job Scams
There's been an increase of scammers targeting people looking for jobs. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss the current state of job scams and the best tips for avoiding getting scammed. Plus foldable iPad rumors, automated McDonald's, and more.
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2/2/2023 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 6 seconds
How to Leave LastPass
After the LastPass debacle, former users need a new password manager. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss four alternatives, plus what to look for in any password manager. Also, saying no to meetings and family update night.
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1/26/2023 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 23 seconds
Best of CES 2023
The annual Consumer Electronics Show is often a peek into where tech manufacturers think tech is headed, so Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter dive into what were the most interesting categories, concepts, and products at the 2023 show.
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1/19/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 24 seconds
Tech for Farming
Farming is among the oldest vocations, but it is surprisingly high-tech today. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Victor Lams are joined by farmer Matthew Clark to discuss his family farm, how tech plays a key role, and what farming means to him.
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1/12/2023 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 38 seconds
When Old Tech is Better Than New
Sometimes newer is not better. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Victor Lams discuss tech where new versions were a step back in quality or utility and where it may be better to be happy with what we have already.
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1/5/2023 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 4 seconds
ChatGPT and the AI Great Leap Forward?
Chat AIs and art AIs are all the rage; Do they signal a great leap forward in AI? Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss the potential and pitfalls, the possible benefits and problems of the latest AI gizmo.
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12/30/2022 • 55 minutes, 56 seconds
Christmas Gift Guide for VR
The final week of our Christmas gift guide, and this time Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss gift ideas related to virtual reality. Plus, why shopping on Amazon has gotten worse; Are police robots really robots?; and the future of movie theaters.
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12/22/2022 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 39 seconds
Christmas Gift Guide for Every Day Carry
Week 3 of our Christmas gift guide and this time Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund are discussing gifts ideas for Every Day Carry, all those items we would want carry with us when out and about. Plus headlines and picks of the week.
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12/15/2022 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 38 seconds
Christmas Gift Guide for Hobbies
Week 2 of our Christmas gift guide for tech features gifts for our hobbies. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss gifts related to various hobbies that use tech. Plus headlines and picks of the week.
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12/8/2022 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 10 seconds
Christmas Gift Guide for Wearables
It's an annual tradition. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini give some Christmas gift ideas in wearable tech, then discuss the future of voice assistants, brain scanning at work, and the disinformation police.
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12/1/2022 • 1 hour, 31 seconds
Blessed Advent, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from StarQuest
Dom Bettinelli, CEO of StarQuest, has a special Advent and Christmas greetings for all listeners and an important message about the mission of StarQuest.
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12/1/2022 • 1 minute, 7 seconds
Gaming on Linux
Linux isn't just for servers any more, but is it a good gaming platform. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Victor Lams discuss the rise of Linux gaming, including new dedicated Linux gaming hardware. Plus, high-tech auto repair, the passkey promise, and content moderation panels.
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11/17/2022 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 6 seconds
What’s Going On At Twitter?
Big changes are coming to Twitter, one of the big social networks. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss what the changes mean to the average user and even what it means to those who don't use the network.
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11/10/2022 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 45 seconds
Managing Misinformation
We all have to deal with misinformation online, but how? Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss what misinfo/disinfo are, why it's a problem, and how to combat it with charity and truth. Plus, people cutting luxuries over subscription service; Amazon's no-mo-robos; and more.
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11/3/2022 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 25 seconds
The Future of AI Religion?
Futurists predict that one day our relationship with AI will be a religious one. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Pat Scott discuss why they think that, why that won't work, and what a Catholic response to such ideas would be.
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10/27/2022 • 43 minutes, 58 seconds
Focusing on Focus Modes
Most devices now include Focus Modes to help us avoid distractions. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Victor Lams discuss how to set them up and give examples and tips for how to use them best, including in church and while driving. Plus the latest Amazon hardware.
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10/20/2022 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 54 seconds
Should You Switch to Mint Mobile?
We pay a lot of money to our phone carriers. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss whether low-cost Mint Mobile is really a better deal than the Big Three competitors. Plus, the morality of an AI mistress; the EU's love for USB-C; and the muzzle microphone.
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10/13/2022 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 4 seconds
Kailash Duraiswami and Fidei.email
Can we trust Big Tech? Dom Bettinelli and Thomas Sanjurjo welcome Kailash Duraiswami of Fidei.email to discuss his email service aimed at Christians as well as why we should be concerned about doing business with tech firms not aligned with our values.
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10/6/2022 • 56 minutes, 22 seconds
Deep Dive into Instagram Safety and Security
Instagram can be a fun way to share photos and videos, but you and your kids need to use it safely. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Victor Lams are kicking off a series of episodes on using social media safely and securely, beginning with Instagram.
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9/22/2022 • 56 minutes, 26 seconds
Apple Goes Ultra Adventure
Apple announces new iPhones, AirPods, and Watches. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier talk about a new feature that will be attractive to couples practicing NFP, as well as other features to keep you safe when traveling.
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9/8/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 51 seconds
A Match Made in the Heavens
Starlink and T-Mobile are teaming up for satellite coverage of mobile phone dead zones. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss what it might mean for future mobile connectivity. Plus Facebook's economic graph; data centers v. homes; and Amazon's Roomba.
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9/1/2022 • 47 minutes, 32 seconds
Who Watches the Workers?
More and more employers are using technology to track workers' every moves. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Victor Lams discuss the tech limits of the approach as well as how it can ignore the human elements of employment and the dignity of the worker.
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8/25/2022 • 59 minutes, 7 seconds
What’s Up With Teens and Tech?
The latest survey tells us how teens are using the Internet and tech. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss the implications for families, society, and the Church. Plus, green v. blue bubbles; the Bitcoin treasure hunt; and the AI philosopher.
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8/18/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 31 seconds
Your Tech Has A Death Date
More and more of our tech has become unrepairable and disposable. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Bazruzzini discuss how to determine the inevitable death date of tech, how to mitigate these losses, and what we all should do about it.
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8/11/2022 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 3 seconds
The Question of AI Art
Are AI art generators creating art? Who is the artist in this case? Dom Bettinelli and Pat Scott discuss art and technology and the limits of artificial intelligence in creating art or assisting artists in its creation. Plus Amazon dark patterns and smart thermostat's unexpected strains.
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8/4/2022 • 53 minutes, 8 seconds
Here Come the Killer Robots
Should autonomous weapons ever be developed? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Victor Lams discuss the morality and ethics and the Church's response, and perhaps the inevitability of weapons that think for themselves.
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7/28/2022 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 51 seconds
Cloud Services for Your Church
Some churches have been relying on free cloud services that are going away. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss the alternatives and why they're better anyway. Plus a Find My failure; Meta accounts; ADT and Google; and Amazon ditching Basics?
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7/21/2022 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 52 seconds
More Tech for Camping
Camping gear is tech and Dom Bettinelli and Thomas Sanjurjo revisit the topic to discuss more essential gear like backpacks, clothing, sleeping bags and more. Plus, a strange Vatican foray into NFTs; death online; and subscribing to your car's options.
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7/14/2022 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 37 seconds
Jeff Geerling
We talk to Jeff Geerling, a popular Tech YouTuber who is also Catholic. Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha ask him about his mission, how he grew his channel, the Church's relationship to tech, and his favorite tech topics. Plus headlines and picks of the week.
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7/7/2022 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 15 seconds
Grandma Alexa in the Box
Is putting a deceased loved ones voice in your smart assistant a step too far? Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Victor Lams discuss the ethical and tastefulness limits of deepfaking, plus more tech news and picks of the week.
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6/30/2022 • 56 minutes, 48 seconds
Can Artificial Intelligence Have a Soul?
With claims that a Google AI is sentient and has a soul, Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss whether this is possible and what a Catholic understanding of personhood would say about this.
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6/23/2022 • 56 minutes, 18 seconds
Apple’s 2022 OS Announcements
Not only do billions of people use Apple tech, they have a huge influence on the industry. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss Apple's announcements, particularly those that would appeal to this audience.
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6/9/2022 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 28 seconds
Build Your Own PC
You don't have to be a super-geek to build your own computer. Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss the pros and cons, benefits and potential pitfalls of building your own computer from individual components.
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6/2/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 18 seconds
Delete Yourself from the Internet
For most of us, our presence is all over the internet after years of using it. Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how we can remove ourselves or even just reclaim a little bit of our privacy by removing our data from the Internet.
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5/26/2022 • 1 hour, 13 seconds
What’s New From Google
Google I/O 2022 is complete and Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo talk about all the new announcements and sift out what's most interesting. Plus, CDC tracking phones; mental health app privacy; and swarming and submarine drones .
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5/19/2022 • 1 hour, 5 seconds
Stop Spam
Spam is a scourge of modern communications. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Jack Baruzzini discuss their strategies for dealing with unwanted communications and scams that come in via email. text, and calls. Plus, the Vatican's new VR gallery and the end of the iPod.
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5/12/2022 • 55 minutes, 41 seconds
Make Music with Technology
It's never been easier or cheaper to make beautiful music in your home. Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss how to get started, the software and hardware to consider, and how to share your creations with others. Plus Kindle changes, Apple abandoned app policies, and your data in the Facebook lake.
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5/5/2022 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 43 seconds
Linux on a Mac
If you've got an old Mac you'd like to extend the life of, why not install Linux on it? Fr. Cory Sticha, Dom Bettinelli, and Joanne Mercier discuss the why and the how, the benefits and potential pitfalls of installing Linux especially on older Macs that no longer receive macOS updates.
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4/28/2022 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 30 seconds
Tech for Camping
Camping is as old as Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, but Dom Bettinelli and Thomas Sanjurjo have some tech gadgets, gear, apps, and web sites that will make your next trip safer, more convenient, and more comfortable, whether on a backcountry hike or car camping with the family.
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4/21/2022 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 2 seconds
Tech for Getting Outdoors
If you're looking to get outdoors more, whether after winter or after lockdown, Dom Bettinelli and Pat Scott have apps and web sites to recommend that will help you find great walking trails, look at the stars, learn more about that mountain, bird, or plant nearby, or play a fun game.
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4/14/2022 • 1 hour
Biggest Tech Flops of All Time
What are the biggest software and hardware flops? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Victor Morton discuss their choices for the dubious award and note how often the flops were just ahead of their time and showed up as successful products later in a different form.
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4/7/2022 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 18 seconds
Choosing, Buying, and Using a UPS For You
A good power backup can not only keep you working in a blackout, but can extend the life of your delicate electronics. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss how to choose a UPS and tips for making the most of it. Plus, more headlines and picks of the week.
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3/31/2022 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 58 seconds
Kids and Home Assistant
Alexa, Google Home, and Siri are all good at hearing their names called, but one listener wants to know how to stop them from listening to his toddler. Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo give their advice and then also discuss weaponizing open source and drilling into the Earth for unlimited energy.
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3/24/2022 • 56 minutes, 8 seconds
Search for a New Search Engine
If you're looking for a search engine that censors less or protects privacy more, Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter have some suggestions. Plus, stay on top of your kids' screentime without taking down your town's internet and is it wrong to make the Amazon driver dance for TikTok?
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3/17/2022 • 57 minutes, 6 seconds
Streaming Completely Changed Music
Is old music killing new music? Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Pat Scott discuss how streaming music up-ended the music industry, including what kinds of music people listen to; Apple's latest Silicon announcements; wireless electric roadways; and patients left stranded when a bionic implant company closes.
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3/10/2022 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 4 seconds
Tech Connects Us to World Events
As the war in Ukraine grabs our attention, Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how tech is shaping coverage and how we can use (and not use) our tech to stay connected without doomscrolling. Plus, the FBI warns on QR codes and then more on tracking tags.
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3/3/2022 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 35 seconds
Catholic Beliefs in the Tech Space
A Catholic techie was removed from a public crypto project for an old tweet expressing his beliefs. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss what happened and how we can be openly Catholic without running afoul of the crowd. Plus, what is the digital dollar and why should we care?
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2/24/2022 • 50 minutes, 53 seconds
What’s New in Oculus VR?
VR tech is more exciting than ever, so Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter have revisited their discussion of the Oculus Quest with more hints, tips, and techniques for getting the most out of it. Plus, the new Samsung Galaxy S22 and more.
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2/17/2022 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 36 seconds
The Government Wants Your Face
The IRS has backtracked on its plan to require facial recognition to access your tax data, but Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss why the plan was so controversial and problematic. Plus, how much faster our computers are today; a Linux smartphone; and crypto to help those in need around the world.
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2/10/2022 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 58 seconds
Privacy and Prayer Apps
Should we have an expectation of privacy in prayer apps? Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss reports that some faith-related apps are collecting and even sharing how people are using the apps. Plus, Google v. Apple on messages; autonomous car liability; and recycling appliances.
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2/3/2022 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 30 seconds
Car Security Tech
Keeping your car secure can involve lots of high and low tech. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss the rings of security and the cost-benefit balance of various tech to guard your vehicle. Plus Meta's new AI supercomputer; Intel's new chip plant; and Alexa going to the moon.
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1/27/2022 • 50 minutes, 34 seconds
Choosing Personal Cloud Storage
Which cloud storage service is best? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the various options for personal cloud storage and their pros and cons, and then offer their own recommendations. Plus, whether government should default to choosing free, open-source software.
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1/20/2022 • 58 minutes, 54 seconds
Our Favorite Videogames
What are our favorite videogames of all time and now? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Victor Lams discuss their favs, why games aren't just frivolous, and what makes a good game. Plus, cryptomining, 3-d printed homes, and weird CES announcements.
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1/13/2022 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 58 seconds
Will Virtual Disney Replace the Real Things?
As VR becomes more real and accessible, will virtual reality experiences replace real world experiences? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Joanne Mercier discuss the good and the bad, the potential consequences, and what a Catholic worldview has to say about living in the metaverse.
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1/6/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 10 seconds
Big Brother on the Shelf
Is the Elf on the Shelf teaching kids bad privacy hygiene? Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss some security experts warnings, plus the faith-based concerns as well. Also, a weird Alexa challenge; the world's biggest nuke; and a half-billion in Bitcoin in the trash.
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12/30/2021 • 56 minutes, 37 seconds
Notification Distraction
With so many beeps and dings from our devices, Dom, Fr. Andrew, and Pat discuss the distraction problem and strategies for mitigating them, including in our prayer lives. Plus Google locking down files; Facebook live chat support; and the internet's effect on our memory.
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12/23/2021 • 53 minutes, 41 seconds
Is Tech Moving Too Fast?
As the pace of tech change increases, Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss how the Church and Christians need to adapt to keep up. Plus Big Apple updates to recent stories; a DJ goes AI; and using VR for older drivers.
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12/16/2021 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 38 seconds
Christmas Gift Guide with Jack and Thomas
Rounding out the 2021 Christmas tech gift guide, Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo offer up ideas for presents for the tech head in your life that may be off the beaten path. Plus they discuss NunTok, AirTags as theft tools, and Grinch bots.
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12/9/2021 • 58 minutes, 36 seconds
Christmas Gift Guide with Pat and Fr. Andrew
In our second installment of the 2021 Christmas tech gift guide, Dom, Fr. Andrew, and Pat make some suggestions at various price points, including one super nostalgic pick. Plus the singing cactus toy to avoid at all costs.
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12/2/2021 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 27 seconds
Christmas Gift Guide with Joanne and Fr. Cory
It's the first part of our annual Christmas tech gift guide with Dom, Joanne, and Fr. Cory, plus Dom shares some tech lessons recently learned; Youtube dislikes dislikes; and 3G going away could affect more people than we realize.
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11/18/2021 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 38 seconds
No More Catholic Ads?
Will a new policy by Meta prevent Catholic orgs and businesses from targeting their ads? Jack Baruzzini, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss what has really changed and why Catholics should probably not be concerned.
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11/11/2021 • 50 minutes, 52 seconds
Does Meta Matter?
Facebook is becoming Meta and proposes a metaverse for us all. Jack Baruzzini and Pat Scott discuss the trend of Big Tech wanting to curate our culture, but also looking at some positive potential.
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11/4/2021 • 44 minutes, 17 seconds
How to Fix Social Media
It's clear social media is broken. Fr. Cory Sticha and Joanne Mercier explore advice for not just how to fix our own use, but how it can be fixed by regulation. Plus, strong-arming by a cable company; AI composing Beethoven; and Alexa in care facilities.
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10/28/2021 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 23 seconds
Is It Really Hacking or Cheating?
Looking at a pair of stories in the news, Thomas Sanjurjo and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss what hacking and cheating with tech really mean, including the moral, ethical, and legal questions. Plus new Macs, new Pixels, and an AI Bill of Rights.
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10/21/2021 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 49 seconds
When Tech Companies Cooperate with Evil
What are we as Christians to do when the tech companies we patronize promote laws and policies and social change that are opposed to our moral standards? Jack Baruzzini, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Pat Scott discuss the principles we ought to follow.
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10/14/2021 • 54 minutes, 59 seconds
Should You Consider Starlink?
Starlink promises to provide high-speed Internet access anywhere on Earth. Fr. Cory Sticha and Joanne Mercier discuss Fr. Cory's experiences as a beta tester of the service. Plus Facebook's woes, Windows 11, and Apple shares Charlie Brown with PBS.
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10/7/2021 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 44 seconds
Which Game System to Buy
Some say the console wars are effectively, but there's still decisions to be made. Jack Baruzzini, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss the different kinds of video gaming and all the various options, now and in the future. Plus they discuss sourcing computer parts ethically.
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9/30/2021 • 1 hour, 46 seconds
WSJ’s The Facebook Files
The Wall Street Journal has revealed Facebook's internal files on a variety of areas. Dom Bettinelli and Pat Scott discuss the revelations and how they affect and perhaps should affect in the future how we use their and other's services.
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9/23/2021 • 55 minutes, 35 seconds
iPhone Lucky 13
Apple's latest phones are here and they're an incremental update. Dom, Joanne, and Fr. Cory discuss the latest iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watch and who will want them. Plus, resurrecting the woolly mammoth; tech companies buying up houses; and goodbye to the magnetic stripe.
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9/16/2021 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 51 seconds
Buy Your Own Cable Modem
Most people are renting their modems from the internet providers, but Dom, Jack, and Thomas explain how you can save a lot of money, by buying your own modem. Plus, they discuss AIs and personhood and more.
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9/9/2021 • 59 minutes, 27 seconds
Big Tech in Small Towns
When Big Tech data centers come to small towns, what is the true cost to people and communities? Dom Bettinelli and Pat Scott discuss this and other topics, including China's restrictions on kids' gaming time, Tesla's electric grid ambitions, and Amazon's drone delivery woes.
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9/2/2021 • 51 minutes, 34 seconds
Tech for Disaster Preparedness
When a natural disaster strikes, will you be prepared? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss how tech can help you prepared for disasters, but also how to prepare your tech for disaster scenarios. Plus, would you sell your biometrics to Amazon?
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8/26/2021 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 24 seconds
Whither Livestream Masses?
As dispensations end, should churches stop livestreaming Masses to encourage in-person attendance? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss why they should consider continuing. Plus Apple's new child safety measures, privacy, and slippery slope arguments.
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8/12/2021 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 14 seconds
We Won’t Own Our Gadgets
In the future, we won't own our gadgets; we'll lease or rent or subscribe. Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Joanne Mercier talk about the changing reality of ownership, plus dark patterns in Big Pharma and why virtual contact may be worse than none.
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8/5/2021 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 23 seconds
Billionaires in Space
Is it ethical for billionaires to spend their money for joyrides to space? Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss the recent criticism over Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson taking a ride on their companies' spaceships and why it's a good thing they did so.
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7/29/2021 • 1 hour, 36 seconds
Millennial Saint for the Internet Age
When Blessed Carlo Acuitis died in 2006 at 15, he was a Star Wars and video game fan who coded and built web sites. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Pat Scott discuss what makes Carlo notable, and more importantly, holy. Then they discuss a big data privacy story in Catholic news this week.
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7/22/2021 • 49 minutes, 45 seconds
Windows 11 First Look
The preview of Windows 11 is out and Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier take a first look at what's new; plus a critical Windows patch, new remote worker incentives, Oculus VR ad woes, and Windows 3.1 on an iPad.
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7/15/2021 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 51 seconds
Email Security For Your Organization
Very few churches, schools, organizations, or businesses are taking basic steps to prevent their email addresses from being spoofed by scammers. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss the basic email security that 90% of organizations ignore.
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7/8/2021 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 52 seconds
Tech for Your Pet
What kind of tech can help you care for your pet? Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss tech to find, feed, and stay connected with your furry friend. Plus, E3 highlights, Hubble, and Apple's public betas.
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7/1/2021 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 5 seconds
Use That Cartoon Face App Safely
Every few months a new photo alteration app goes viral followed by dire warnings about it. Dom, Fr. Cory, and Joanne discuss how you can use such apps safely and ways to balance security and privacy vs. convenience and utility.
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6/24/2021 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 50 seconds
Secure Your Home Network
We have them, but are we using them to our best benefit? Dom, Thomas, and Jack discuss home wifi networks and what we need to think about when keeping them secure. Plus the new Apple podcast subscriptions and more headlines.
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6/17/2021 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 15 seconds
Tech Memento Mori
What happens to your digital life and tech when you die? Dom and Pat discuss how to prepare so your survivors can pick up the digital pieces after you're gone, not just your social media accounts, but cloud services, finances, app stores, and more.
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6/10/2021 • 53 minutes, 4 seconds
Buy and Sell Safely Online
Whether you're buying or selling stuff online, how can you stay safe and not get ripped off? Dom, Fr. Cory, and Joanne have their best tips for avoiding scams and having good outcomes. Plus US nuclear secrets in the cloud, cybersecurity job boom, and changes you need to be aware of.
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6/3/2021 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 57 seconds
Avoid Dark Patterns
Dark patterns are ways that websites and software try to trick or manipulate you into a certain behavior or action. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini provide examples and discuss how to avoid them by educating ourselves and being careful.
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5/27/2021 • 51 minutes, 33 seconds
My OS Is Obsolete!
When my computer and operating system are officially obsolete, but still works fine, should I upgrade? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss what do with old computers. Plus what Google announced at I/O; Commodore 64 in VR; and what the pipeline hack was about.
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5/20/2021 • 59 minutes, 31 seconds
The Sky is Falling?
Falling Chinese rockets were in the news this week, and Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter talk about assessing relative risk and trusting in God, as well as the problem of orbital space debris. Plus, infrastructure hackers and deadly Snapchat filters.
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5/13/2021 • 52 minutes, 44 seconds
Amazon Kindle Tips and Tricks
Whether you own a Kindle device or just use the Kindle apps, buy Kindle books or get free ebooks, Dom, Thomas, and Jack share their best tips and tricks for getting the most from your ebooks. Plus the latest space news, a Linux dustup, and more.
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5/6/2021 • 59 minutes, 16 seconds
Get Rid Of Your Old Tech Responsibly
When you have old technology that you no longer need, what can you do with it? Dom, Jack, and Thomas discuss the options to sell, give away, donate, recycle, or trade in your old computer, phones, and other technology.Plus the latest Big Data news.
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4/29/2021 • 56 minutes, 37 seconds
Apple Was Spring Loaded
Apple had a flurry of announcements this week and Dom, Joanne, and Fr. Cory discuss them all--new iMac, new iPad Pro, new AppleTV, AirTags, and more--including whether they're worth your time and money and what the new technologies tell us is coming in the future.
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4/22/2021 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 2 seconds
What is an NFT?
NFTs or non-fungible tokens are hot, but what are they? Dom, Pat, and Thomas explain NFTs and how they may be compared to relics of saints. Plus discussing employer required apps on personal phones and more.
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4/15/2021 • 57 minutes, 59 seconds
Choosing Web Hosting, Domain Registrar, and Email Server
When you want to stake your claim on the internet, you need your own web site and email address. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss some options for choosing, what to look for, and some providers they've had experience with.
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4/8/2021 • 58 minutes, 53 seconds
Avoiding Fleeceware
Fleeceware are apps that trick you into spending a lot more money on them than you wanted and Dom, Joanne, and Fr. Cory discuss how to identify these apps and how to avoid them. Plus VR for seniors improves their lives, Amazon's biometric consent, and movies back in theatres next year.
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4/1/2021 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 6 seconds
Retro Gaming in Emulation
Retro gaming is hot! Dom, Fr. Andrew, and Jack talk about how to find and play classic video games on your modern tech and why you might want to. Plus, T-Mobile's privacy misstep, Facebook's mindreading tech, and what happens to learning tech after lockdown.
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3/25/2021 • 55 minutes, 16 seconds
Vaccine Passports
Some countries are saying you'll need a vaccine passport to travel there. Dom, Pat, and Jack discuss what kind of technology might be involved--if any. Also, Apple's clearing the decks, Netflix on account sharing, prison software bugs, and Microsoft's decentralized ID.
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3/18/2021 • 53 minutes, 25 seconds
DeepFake Grandma
A new service lets you upload old photos and turn them into brief animations. Dom, Fr. Cory, and Joanne talk about animating relatives and the ethics of simulcrams of real people. Plus some Apple-related woes in the news and new high-tech dine and dash schemes.
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3/11/2021 • 1 hour, 24 seconds
Cybersecurity for College Students
College students have particular tech-related security needs and challenges. Dom and Thomas offer some tips to help them and their parents, plus discuss the latest SpaceX launch, wonder when we'll get streamed Masses in VR, and dream of a free trip to the Moon.
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3/4/2021 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 48 seconds
Oculus VR Hints, Tips, and Picks
The Oculus Quest is a standalone virtual reality headset that delivers on the promise of VR. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss why they enjoy Oculus, their favorite VR apps, their best hints and tips, and why it may be right for anyone, young or old.
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2/25/2021 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 37 seconds
After a Year of Livestreaming Church
About one year ago now, thousands of Catholic churches in the US were suddenly thrown into deep end of livestreaming their Masses when the churches were shut. Dom, Joanne, and Fr. Cory talk about lessons learned and what could happen with streaming in the future.
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2/18/2021 • 59 minutes, 2 seconds
How to Evaluate Web Services and Apps
As recent news has shown, the web sites and apps we use every day may have massive hidden security flaws. Dom, Pat, and Thomas discuss how it happens, how we can protect ourselves, and how to evaluate such services for best practices.
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2/11/2021 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 6 seconds
Our Favorite Tech of All Time
It's our 100th episode! And to celebrate we have the entire Secrets of Tech crew--Dom, Jack, Fr. Andrew, Joanne, Thomas, Fr. Cory, and Pat--on together as they discuss their favorite tech of all time and its impact on us.
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2/5/2021 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 36 seconds
Should You Use VidAngel?
VidAngel promises to clean up your streaming shows as you watch them. Dom, Fr. Cory, and Joanne discuss the service's promises, pros and cons, and whether they'd use it themselves. Plus Facebook's promised oversight board and users' rights.
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1/28/2021 • 54 minutes, 4 seconds
Remote Control Your Computer
What is the best tool for fixing a friend's computer or connecting to your own computer remotely? Dom, Jack, and Thomas discuss the options for remote access software and give their recommendation. Plus the trends from CES 2021.
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1/21/2021 • 59 minutes, 59 seconds
Future-Proof Your TV and Movie Media
Blu-Ray or streaming? Dom, Pat, and Jack answer listener questions about the best way to ensure you'll be able to play those movies and TV series that you love for the longest time. Plus fears about de-platforming and Big Tech manipulating our devices.
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1/14/2021 • 54 minutes, 50 seconds
What Did Santa Bring?
Did you get new tech goodies for Christmas? Dom, Joanne, and Thomas discuss what ended up in their stockings or under the tree. Plus, letting kids use your gadgets without making unapproved purchases, the end of Flash, and a Grinchy employee phishing test.
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1/7/2021 • 57 minutes, 56 seconds
Would You Buy a Hardware Subscription?
Would you pay a monthly fee to always have the latest and greatest hardware without buying it? Dom, Fr. Cory, and Joanne discuss whether they'd be interested and how much they'd pay. Plus some Google and YouTube policy changes you should know about. And the ultra-expensive Steve Jobs "relic" iPhone.
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12/17/2020 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 44 seconds
Blessed Advent, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from StarQuest
StarQuest (SQPN) wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are grateful for all your support in 2020 whether by listening to our programs, sharing them with your friends, or providing financial support. Please consider supporting our media apostolate with a US tax-deductible gift and help us continue making the programs you love.
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12/15/2020 • 2 minutes, 39 seconds
Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly
What is the best Wifi router for a large family? Dom, Thomas, and Jack discuss the options and give their pick. Plus, why the SpaceX Starship test was a success despite the crash and how lazy internetting has narrowed our choices and freedom online.
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12/10/2020 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 22 seconds
Home WiFi Security Tips
We all have WiFi routers in our homes now, but is it secure? Dom, Pat, and Fr. Andrew give their best WiFi security tips for home setups, as well as the near-paranoid security you likely won't need. Plus headlines and picks of the week.
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12/3/2020 • 59 minutes, 53 seconds
Christmas Gift Ideas for Techies
Black Friday, CyberMonday, and Advent are all coming fast and you may need to do some Christmas shopping. Dom, Fr. Cory, and Joanne are here with some gift ideas for the techie in your life (or to put on your own Christmas wish list) for all ages and budgets and interests.
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11/26/2020 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 20 seconds
The Broken Smart Home
The promise of the smart home hasn't exactly lived up to the hype yet. Dom, Fr. Cory, and Jack talk about the pitfalls and friction that having smart home and IoT devices still involves and some workarounds they've found. Plus a review of Amazon's Halo fitness band.
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11/19/2020 • 51 minutes, 42 seconds
Three More Things
In its third event of the fall, Apple introduced three new Macs using its new CPUs. Dom, Pat, and Fr. Andrew discuss whether you should think about buying one of these if you're looking for a new Mac and then which one. Plus, who will make the laws on Mars? And older Android web problems.
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11/12/2020 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 56 seconds
Ready for Virtual Holiday Gatherings
Many of us will only be able to gather with family and friends for the holidays virtually this year, so Dom, Fr. Cory, and Joanne go over the best options for video calling and give their tips for making the best looking and sounding get-togethers.
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11/5/2020 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 3 seconds
Zoom Towns, Space Headlines, and Quibi Quashed
If you can work over Zoom, then why not live and work in your favorite vacation spot? Dom, Thomas, and Jack talk about Zoom towns, the latest news about space exploration, and the completely expected demise of Quibi.
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10/29/2020 • 50 minutes, 8 seconds
What’s In Your Tech Every Day Carry?
What tech is in your pocket, your bag, or your car? Dom, Pat, and Fr. Andrew discuss what tech they have with them every day from perspective of a dad, a priest, and a tech pro; a millennial, a Gen Xer, and a Boomer. What's in your pocket?
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10/22/2020 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 2 seconds
The New iPhone 12: Should You Upgrade?
With Apple's annual rollout of new iPhones, Dom and Fr. Cory consider whether the iPhone 12 is a worthy upgrade, if 5G is ready for primetime, where the bezels have gone, and if the Homepod mini is finally the Apple smart speaker worth getting.
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10/15/2020 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 28 seconds
An Important Update from StarQuest’s Dom Bettinelli
An important thank you message and update from StarQuest's Dom Bettinelli.
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10/8/2020 • 1 minute, 36 seconds
New Hardware from Google and Amazon
Tis the season for new hardware announcements, so Dom, Thomas, and Jack look at the offerings from Amazon and Google and ask whether we're being corralled into citizenship in corporate nation-states and whether all this home security is making us more paranoid.
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10/8/2020 • 49 minutes, 32 seconds
The Social Dilemma
The 2020 docudrama The Social Dilemma reveals how social networks manipulate our behavior and make us addicted. Dom, Fr. Cory, Thomas, and Jack discuss what was new in this presentation, how scary the information is, and how they've applied the lessons learned.
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10/1/2020 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 12 seconds
Fitness Bands and Health & Activity Trackers
If you want to track your health and fitness 24/7, there are a myriad of options. Dom, Fr. Cory, and Pat discuss the different gadgets and apps for tracking weight, diet, glucose, exercise, and more. Plus, Dom interviews TL Putnam of Verbum on the state of digital tech in the Church.
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9/24/2020 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 47 seconds
Are Family Setup and Apple One For You?
Apple has announced two new services that may interest our listeners. Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo look at how Family Setup and Apple One might make sense for families looking to save a little on their tech budget.
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9/17/2020 • 55 minutes, 42 seconds
Don’t Overshare Online
How much sharing is too much? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Pat Scott discuss how to avoid sharing too much online and avoid making yourself vulnerable, especially young people susceptible to cyberbullying.
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9/10/2020 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 3 seconds
Where Church Tech Stands in 2020
2020 was a seismic event for Church technology that upended everything. Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss where we stand and more importantly where they expect Church technology to go in the future.
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9/3/2020 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 3 seconds
Tech for School in 2020
School in 2020 is going to be different than we've ever experienced and the right tech will be vital. Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo get to the core of what hardware to consider, whether you're homeschooling, remote schooling, in-person schooling, or a hybrid.
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8/27/2020 • 58 minutes, 37 seconds
Back Up Your Kindle Ebooks
If you own Kindle ebooks, you should make backups. Dom, Pat, and Fr .Cory discuss why and how. Also, what the battle between Apple, Google, and some app store developers means for you, robots in distress, can there be good malware, and our picks of the week.
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8/20/2020 • 57 minutes, 49 seconds
To-Do Lists and Project Managers
How do you keep track of your daily tasks and the bigger projects in life? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Joanne Mercier discuss their favorite software for keeping track and getting stuff done so that nothing falls through the cracks.
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8/6/2020 • 57 minutes, 15 seconds
Getting Started with Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi is a small, inexpensive computer that can be used for a nearly unlimited number of projects, but where do you begin? Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss some of their favorite uses and some tips for beginner resources.
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7/30/2020 • 59 minutes, 46 seconds
Back It Up
A listener asked about Windows backup, so Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter go over the basics, including tips for Mac users too. Plus, lessons being learned from everyone working from home, including pros and cons.
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7/23/2020 • 56 minutes, 38 seconds
Online Grocery Shopping Secrets
In 2020, grocery shopping online went from convenience to necessity. Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the various options, which work best, and tips for making them work for you. Plus YouTubeTV's price hike and more.
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7/16/2020 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 48 seconds
Tech of Job Hunting in 2020
Finding a job in 2020 requires more tech savvy than ever in all fields, not just technology. Dom Bettinelli and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss the technology of searching job listings, resume writing, networking, certification and training, and auditing your online presence.
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7/9/2020 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 7 seconds
An important message from StarQuest’s Dom Bettinelli
Dom Bettinelli shares an important message about the future of this podcast and all the shows at StarQuest.
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7/8/2020 • 1 minute, 43 seconds
Getting started with Smart Home
How do you get started with making your home into a smart home? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter start the first of an occasional series of episodes diving into the smart home topic by asking some basic questions, like Why do it?
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7/2/2020 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 46 seconds
Apple’s Big Announcements
Apple had their annual reveal of their upcoming software plans so Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Pat Scott talk about all the new features from the perspective of the average user, sifting out the most interesting for a wide audience and breaking down the technical aspects.
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6/25/2020 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 39 seconds
Facial Recognition Reckoning
With big tech companies shutting down their facial recognition software for law enforcement use, Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss where the tech will go from here. Plus the dangers and pitfalls of online voting.
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6/18/2020 • 58 minutes
Keep Old Tech Alive
How long should our technology last? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss how long companies should support and repair devices and our expectations for how long they last, and whether we should have a right to repair them. Plus cleaning up your privacy leaks and social media.
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6/11/2020 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 35 seconds
Are Social Media Platforms or Publishers?
What are social media? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss whether they should be treated like public utilities, regulated monopolies, or something else, and whether public officials should be treated differently on them. Plus more hackintosh; watch parties; Alexa Guard; online class refunds; and Internet Archive vs. book publishers.
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6/4/2020 • 1 hour, 49 seconds
Space Tech: Cool and Inspiring
Inspired by the SpaceX manned mission, Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss how space-related technology's coolness factor can inspire the rest of us. Also a lickable display; Zoom buys Keybase; Police can't look at your lock screen; AP exam iPhone fails; and eBay port-scanning you.
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5/28/2020 • 53 minutes, 42 seconds
FaceTime as Lifeline
For many families, being able to video chat with parents and grandparents living alone or in nursing homes has been vital during lockdown. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss the various options as well as the unique ways seniors have used tech to stay connected. Plus headlines and picks of the week.
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5/21/2020 • 58 minutes, 35 seconds
Hackintosh
Not all Macintoshes come from Apple. Fr. Cory Sticha tells Dom Bettinelli and Joanne Mercier the details of how he built a Mac using off-the-shelf PC parts, the pitfalls, the advantages, and who should consider it. Plus cable company have woes, Wink hits users with charge, and iPhone saves Hollywood.
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5/14/2020 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 42 seconds
Ethics and Apple Support Questions
Listener John asks Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini about technical and ethical questions that came up when he had trouble with his iPhone. Plus Apple & Google contact tracing advances; bad apps for ex-cons; Tesla's autopilot advances; and ESPN's deepfake ad concerns.
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5/7/2020 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 29 seconds
Who is Facebook Gaming For?
Facebook has a new gaming app. So who is it aimed at? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss Facebook's new offerings; an Apple Mail bug or exploit; Google Meet for free; Unlocking your iPhone while wearing a mask; and extending useful life of your Chromebook.
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4/30/2020 • 55 minutes, 53 seconds
Privacy vs. Pandemic
Tech experts are debating the balance between our individual privacy and the vast amounts of data needed to fight the pandemic. Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha look at where they land on the issue. Also, can tech help bring us the sacraments and catechesis over the long-term?
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4/23/2020 • 53 minutes, 6 seconds
Smartphone Contact Tracing
Should we be worried embrace Apple & Google working together on contact tracing? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Thomas Sanjurjo conclude it's a good thing. Plus concerns about students missing out on remote learning; giving kudos to the IT folks who keep the internet running; and new iPhone SE.
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4/16/2020 • 59 minutes, 50 seconds
Happy Easter from StarQuest
From all of us at StarQuest, we wish you a Happy and Blessed Easter with this brief message from our chaplain, Fr. Cory Sticha.
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4/12/2020 • 3 minutes, 37 seconds
Quibbling with Quibi
In this unusual Holy Week, Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss ways we can enter into the Triduum remotely, plus Facebook helps faith communities; trying to understand Quibi; phone tracking increases; Minecraft colleges; and you can now buy from Amazon on Apple devices.
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4/9/2020 • 59 minutes, 57 seconds
Technology and April Fools 2020
This year, some tech companies thought April Fools pranks would be in bad taste, but Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier agree that laughter is the best medicine right now. Plus, avoiding zoombombing, potential delays in new tech products, and Microsoft 365.
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4/2/2020 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 19 seconds
Zoom Follies and How to Avoid Them
Remote video conferencing etiquette is more important than ever now. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, Jack Baruzzini look at the potential pitfalls and give advice on how to avoid them. Plus, how 3-D printing is helping to save the world.
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3/26/2020 • 45 minutes, 22 seconds
Staying Connected under Social Distancing
We're all getting used to the new normal, so Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter and Pat Scott talk about how we're using tech to stay connected and occupied, especially priests and seniors and families, but also setting it aside when necessary. Plus Apple surprises us with a new iPad, MacBook Air, and more.
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3/19/2020 • 49 minutes, 17 seconds
Tech, the Virus, and You
As both fear and skepticism around the coronavirus spread, Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss some of the tech aspects, including avoiding scams and fake news, keeping your personal hardware clean, using tech to ease the effects of isolation, and the Catholic aspects of dealing with the pandemic, and more.
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3/12/2020 • 53 minutes, 49 seconds
The Vatican and Ethical AI
The Vatican working with Big Tech has put forth a set of principles for ethical artificial intelligence. Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo agree that the Church should be at the forefront of this issue and that the real danger isn't Skynet, but something much more present today.
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3/5/2020 • 56 minutes, 56 seconds
How Tech Can Help Your Lent
As Lent begins, Catholics are being encouraged to limit their technology use to be more mindful of the season. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Pat Scott look at how to use tech to enhance our Lenten observance as well as ways to put limits on our tech use in that spirit.
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2/27/2020 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 6 seconds
Tech for the Seniors in Your Life
If you have older folks in your life who may not be comfortable with technology, Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Pat Scott discuss the kinds of tech that can make their lives easier and safer and help you have peace of mind. Plus, the ethics of online DNA genealogy matching.
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2/20/2020 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 45 seconds
Plugging Data Privacy Leaks
Our private data is leaking out of our technology in thousands of ways. Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss ways to plug some of those leaks and the obstacles keeping us from data security. Plus Google's new search ads, headlines, and picks of the week.
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2/13/2020 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 59 seconds
The Promises and Pitfalls of Tech in Elections
With the recent tech troubles in the Iowa caucus and fears of social media disinformation affecting the November vote, Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss the future of e-voting and what we can do to safeguard democracy while bringing elections in the 21st century.
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2/6/2020 • 56 minutes, 41 seconds
Password Manager Showdown: LastPass vs. 1Password
A password manager is a vital tool for everyone, expert or newbie, but which one should you choose. Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha compare the two top options, LastPass and 1Password, head to head, feature for feature, to help you decide which is best for you.
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1/30/2020 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 44 seconds
Your Social Credit Score
Some tech companies are starting to decide whether you can do business with them based on your online activity, profession, political beliefs, and more. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini look into the implications of this trend and what, if anything, we can do.
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1/23/2020 • 59 minutes, 15 seconds
Defense Against Spearfishing
How can you protect yourself against spearfishing attacks? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Pat Scott discuss what it is and why you might be a target. Also the most interesting or just bizarre new technology at the Consumer Electronic Show.
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1/16/2020 • 1 hour, 35 seconds
Who’s Watching in Your Home?
With the recent news about Ring cameras being "hacked", Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Fr. Michael Gossett discuss where the responsibility for security lies, with owners or manufacturers. Plus, bone marrow donor chimaerism, the Far Side online, and Apple Watch helps an autistic child.
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12/19/2019 • 58 minutes, 21 seconds
Security Beyond Passwords
Even good passwords are no longer considered enough to be secure online today, so Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss the basics of two-factor authentication and some best practices. Plus our final installment of Christmas gift ideas for tech geeks.
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12/13/2019 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 10 seconds
The Morality of Impossible Meat
Plant-based meat products are a hot, new technology, but are they morally and ethically superior? Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Jack Baruzzini discuss that and whether you could eat it on Fridays in Lent. Plus more Christmas gift ideas for your gadget geeks.
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12/5/2019 • 57 minutes, 36 seconds
Christmas Tech Gift Ideas
It's almost time to start Christmas shopping and for the next few weeks we'll have some gift ideas for the techies in your life. Also, Dom, Thomas, and Jack discuss Google Stadia's launch and how and whether the Constitution protects digital rights, especially against search and seizure.
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11/21/2019 • 50 minutes, 46 seconds
Setting Up a Mac for a Friend
As techies, we're often asked to help friends and family with setting up their new computers, which is usually different from how we would do it for ourselves. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Pat Scott give their advice and tips and essential software for setting up a new Mac for an elderly parent or a child or a friend.
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11/14/2019 • 58 minutes, 28 seconds
Cord Cutting in 2019
Are you ready to cut the cableTV cord? Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about when the time is right to do so, what services to consider, what hardware you need, and potential costs or savings. Plus Fr. Cory's review of the new Google Pixel 4.
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11/7/2019 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 9 seconds
Do Tech Rumors Do More Harm Than Good?
Do all those rumors of unannounced products do more harm to both companies and consumers than good? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Thomas Sanjurjo also discuss the effect of social media on your job search and what you should do about, plus a lesson learned setting up new wifi.
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10/31/2019 • 1 hour, 21 seconds
Moon by 2024; Mars by 2035
NASA wants to be on Mars by 2035. SpaceX plans to have a city there by 2050. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Pat Scott ask whether this is a good idea, the potential pitfalls, and the benefits. Plus the perils and promise of AR glasses that replace your phone.
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10/24/2019 • 49 minutes, 53 seconds
Revealing Selfies and China Censorship
American tech companies are bowing to Communist China's demands. Dom, Fr. Cory, and Joanne discuss how we as tech consumers and Catholics should respond and react. Plus are our selfies revealing too much personal information and the new Google Pixel phones.
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10/17/2019 • 53 minutes, 51 seconds
Encryption, Ebooks, and Catalina
Governments are demanding Facebook put a backdoor in their end-to-end encryption plans, plus publishers and libraries are at war over ebook lending restrictions. Dom, Thomas, and Fr. Michael dig into the whys and hows and then Dom explains why he's not upgrading his Mac to Catalina yet.
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10/10/2019 • 59 minutes, 44 seconds
Pope Francis on Tech’s New Barbarism
Pope Francis has a warning on the danger of deepfakes and AI; the US Census weighs accuracy vs. privacy; and Mr. Robot's tech guy warns you need to keep your devices updated. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss these topics plus picks of the week.
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10/3/2019 • 57 minutes, 25 seconds
Buy Your Teen A Smartphone?
When should you buy your child a smartphone? Dom, Pat, and Fr. Cory tackle this question that many parents wrestle with, weighing the pros and cons. Plus, evangelistic fervor found at the Microsoft Store and Amazon's new Echo Ring that in the darkness binds us to Alexa.
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9/26/2019 • 49 minutes, 48 seconds
Tech’s Real World Congestion
All the new tech products and services promise to make life convenient--Uber Eats, Amazon Prime, Waze, delivery drones, etc.--but are they just making our streets more crowded? Dom, Thomas, and Fr. Michael consider what we can do to ensure peace and quiet in our neighborhoods.
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9/19/2019 • 48 minutes, 18 seconds
Apple’s iPhone Goes to 11
Apple's annual iPhone show is done and Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Pat Scott discuss all the announcements and come to the consensus that Apple decided this year to appeal to the mainstream consumers with more reasonable prices and desired features.
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9/12/2019 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 15 seconds
Ring and Police Working Together; Doxxing; and Apple’s iPhone Event
Dom Bettinelli and Joanne Mercier talk about civil libertarian warnings about police and Amazon's Ring system working together; the dangers of social media-based cancelling and doxxing; and Apple's upcoming iPhone event.
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9/5/2019 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 9 seconds
Googling Speech Crackdown
Google has decided that its free-wheeling internal message boards have become too political. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Fr. Michael Gossett discuss the limits of non-work talk at work and what may be some unintended consequences. Plus a new national robocall agreement.
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8/29/2019 • 35 minutes, 5 seconds
Get Your Digital Life in Order
If you died tomorrow, who would take care of cleaning up your digital life, shutting down your social media accounts, paying your bills, preserving your photos, etc.? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter give practical advice, whether you're married or single, on how to prepare and not leave your loved ones scrambling in their grief.
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8/22/2019 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 40 seconds
A Special Message from StarQuest’s Dom Bettinelli
Dom Bettinelli has an urgent message to all listeners of StarQuest shows. We need your help right now. Please listen to this brief recording and then visit sqpn.com/give today. Thank you. (If you subscribe to multiple StarQuest shows, you may receive this message more than once.)
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8/20/2019 • 2 minutes, 15 seconds
Tech Frustrations
We all have technology frustrations those little annoyances in products we normally love to use. Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about them in some podcast therapy. Plus a bill in Congress that would limit your social media time and a car owner who accidentally hacked himself.
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8/15/2019 • 58 minutes, 33 seconds
Mars and Music
While some are planning to create a permanent Mars colony, others say it will never happen. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Fr. Michael Gossett look at the societal, biological, and moral hurdles to permanent settlements in space. Plus, a look at their past and present in music and tech.
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8/8/2019 • 58 minutes, 21 seconds
25 Great Smartphone Tips and Tricks
Are you getting the most out of your iPhone or Android? Dom, Pat, and Fr. Andrew have 25 of their best tips and tricks for making your smartphone work more for you, including some that are specifically helpful to Catholics. Plus picks of the week.
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8/1/2019 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 24 seconds
Facebook Bans and FaceApp Fears
When Dom Bettinelli had a quote from St. Augustine banned by Facebook as hate speech, it raised questions that he discusses with Joanne Mercier and Fr. Cory Sticha about social media censorship and this new public square. Plus they discuss the FaceApp freakout over fears of Russian hacking.
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7/25/2019 • 58 minutes, 53 seconds
Technology for Bookworms
Summer is a great time to read a book and Dom, Pat, and Fr. Andrew discuss some great technology for books, both ebooks and paper, including tech to help you discover new books, to help you organize, and to keep track, as well some caveats for ebook ownership.
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7/11/2019 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 15 seconds
911: Would They Be Able to Find You?
Your Uber can drive up in front you when summoned, but call 911 and they may think your blocks away. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini talk about how to overcome this technology obstacle and then discuss how Chrome may be allowing 3rd parties to track you and how to stop it.
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6/27/2019 • 50 minutes, 26 seconds
Please and Thank You, Alexa and Siri and Google
Should we be polite to our smart assistants to encourage good social habits in us or does it blur the lines between machines and people? Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Pat Scott discuss the pros and cons and then discuss which smartphone is best for hearing aid users.
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6/20/2019 • 53 minutes, 7 seconds
Breakup Big Tech?
Calls for regulating or even breaking up big technology firms--in the areas of ecommerce, social media, hardware, and more--have been coming with greater frequency from all across the political spectrum. Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha the problem as described, the solutions proposed, and the pros and cons of what could result.
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6/13/2019 • 59 minutes, 9 seconds
Apple’s WWDC Goodies
At its annual developer conference, Apple unveiled its plans for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Watch software for the next year as well as a much-awaited new Mac Pro. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Fr. Michael Gossett evaluate the new offerings, including the features that most interest them.
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6/6/2019 • 57 minutes, 43 seconds
Who Decides What’s Offensive?
With app store rules and social media community standards, who decides what constitutes offensive content? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Pat Scott discuss recent app store removals and their implications. Plus what is a VPN, what is used for, why should you think about getting one, and how to choose?
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5/30/2019 • 59 minutes, 30 seconds
Android vs. iPhone: Which one for you?
With so many smartphones and so many features, how do you decide between the major kinds: Android and iPhone? Dom Bettinelli moderates the discussion between iPhone maven Joanne Mercier and Android fan Fr. Cory Sticha to see where the differences and advantages of each platform are.
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5/23/2019 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 55 seconds
Password Security for Work, Church, and Yourself
With news of an Ohio Catholic parish getting hacked for $2 million, Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, Thomas Sanjurjo agree that the best protection is commonsense. They also discuss Google's recent announcements and what SpaceX's Starlink satellites could mean for internet access.
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5/16/2019 • 1 hour, 44 seconds
Facebook Changes and Crushes
Facebook is making big changes to the News Feed, Messenger, and Instagram, but as Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Pat Scott discuss them, the worst idea is Secret Crushes. Plus health apps sharing your private data and picks of the week.
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5/9/2019 • 48 minutes, 59 seconds
Living Through the ‘Gram and iOS 13 Rumors
Are we spending so much time recording our life that we're not actually living it? Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Joanne Mercier discuss how to find the balance so we don't miss the here and now. Plus a discussion of the rumored features of iOS 13.
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5/2/2019 • 40 minutes, 38 seconds
The Recommendation Engine Problem and The Evolution of Gaming
Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss the trap of the recommendation algorithms many sites employ that discourage curiosity and then talk about the evolution of gaming in light of the Game Boy's 30th anniversary.
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4/25/2019 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 55 seconds
Using–And Fasting From–Technology During Holy Week
How can technology help us live the spirit of Holy Week and Easter better and when should we just turn it off? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Pat Scott also discuss the newly revealed details about Disney+ and its implications for the streaming business.
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4/18/2019 • 51 minutes, 1 second
The GPS Rollover Bug and Catholic Blog Revival
Our panel of Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the dreaded GPS rollover bug that turned out not to be a big deal as well as efforts by some people to revive Catholic blogging as they become disenchanted with social media.
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4/11/2019 • 46 minutes, 34 seconds
TEC013: Tech Addiction and Impossible Whoppers
Some boys are reportedly becoming self-destructively addicted to Fortnite while other kids are tied to texts 24/7. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Pat Scott talk about the reasons for it and discuss tips to help concerned parents. Plus is Burger King's Impossible Whopper okay for Lent?
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