All Rhyme, No Reason, Just Tabs

You kick off the year by tightening your Apple habits, starting with smart Quick Tips that actually stick. You build year-based music playlists for offline listening, flip on Airplane Mode when you’re out of service to save serious battery, and let the Health app handle reminders for meds and eye drops so nothing slips. You’re reminded of power-user staples like Cmd-Shift-5 for screenshots, learn how Google Sites can double as a surprisingly effective bookmark manager, and get clarity on when and how to disable VPNs properly, including on Apple TV for region-locked content. Along the way, you discover tools that reliably track Apple refurb inventory and dig into the oddly fascinating logic behind Safari’s tab close order. Then it’s time to not get caught. You hear why Time Machine now warns you when your backup drive is too small, why storing Notes “On My Device” can bite you later, and how increasing cloud storage often means increasing local storage, too. Listener questions keep things practical, from tracking a missing Apple TV remote to deciding when an iPad beats a laptop. A deep dive into strange Safari tab behavior brings it all home, followed by Cool Stuff Found that helps you update Macs more intelligently, evaluate startup risks, replicate Mac setups with Ansible, and even capture insights from podcasts using AI. It’s a fast, practical reset that helps you start the year sharper, safer, and a little more in control. 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1123 for Monday, January 5th, 2026 January 5th: National Whipped Cream Day MGG Monthly Giveaway – Enter to win a copy of Ecamm Live or Carbon Copy Cloner 7! The MGG Merch Store is Live! MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors: BusyCal (with code MACGEEK10)! Eero Ecamm for Zoom integration MacPaw CCC Backup Quick Tips 00:00:01 Joe-QT-Make Year-based Music playlists for offline listening 00:04:44 John-QT-Use Airplane Mode to save your battery when you’re out of service 00:06:53 Steve-QT-Use the iPhone Health app to remind you about medications, eye drops, and more! CES 2026 Sponsor: BusyCal (with code MACGEEK10)! 00:12:26 Avraham-QT-Remember to use Cmd-Shift-5 for Screenshots 00:17:36 Andrew-QT-1115-Use Google Sites as your Bookmarks manager 00:21:32 Jason-QT-1122-Shut off your VPN from within the app, not Settings 00:23:03 Joe-QT-Use AppleTV VPN for region-locked content 00:28:51 Ben-1121-Refurb Tracker reliably tracks Apple refurb inventory 00:30:22 Ben-QT-There’s Logic to Safari Tabs Close Order…right? Don’t Get Caught 00:32:11 Doug-DGC-Time Machine now warns you if your drive is too small CES 2026 Sponsor: CCC Backup CES 2026 Sponsor: MacPaw 00:41:29 Jose-DGC-1104-Be aware if you’re storing Notes On My [Device] 00:43:50 Doug-DGC-Increasing cloud storage means increasing local storage Reviews 00:46:37 Apv9-MGG Review-Absolutely Essential LIstening for Apple Users! Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! 00:47:41 Skylar-Can I track my Apple TV remote? 00:50:17 Which remote control do you use? 00:53:27 Glenn-When do you reach for your iPad vs. your laptop? OmniOutliner 01:02:54 Juergen-Why the crazy tab behavior? 01:09:20 CES 2026 Coverage Sponsors Eero Ecamm for Zoom integration Cool Stuff Found 01:11:39 Steve-CSF-Latest for updating your Mac’s software SwitchGlass 01:13:01 Arvydas-CSF-MacPersistenceChecker to risk-score all your startup items 01:14:17 Alan-CSF-1121-Use Ansible to replicate user preferences between Macs 01:15:16 Dan-CSF-SnipD AI-powered Podcast app for capturing and learning from episodes 01:17:09 MGG 1123 Outtro MGG Monthly Giveaway Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast! Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts MGG Merch is Available! Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [email protected] 224-888-GEEK Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List BackBeat Media Podcast Network

You dive straight into practical macOS and workflow wins, starting with macOS 26’s new ability to record video by window and moving quickly into keeping your Homebrew setup clean, current, and fast. You learn how simple display resolution tweaks can hide the MacBook notch or eliminate it entirely, and why audio problems like AirPods mic failures often come down to overlooked system behavior. Along the way, you’re reminded to stay alert to sneaky gotchas like expiring Tailscale devices, VPNs that never fully disconnect, and cables that quietly become the weakest link. Don’t Get Caught assuming the obvious is working as expected. Then it’s on to listener questions that hit real-world pain points: avoiding international cell charges even when using an eSIM, understanding why not all MVNOs are equal, and keeping vacation photos manageable by killing duplicates before they pile up. You dig into OS version mismatches, whether AI actually helps tech support when used correctly, and why asking AI to explain the “why” matters. Cool Stuff Found rounds things out with tools for sleep and stress tracking, app update management, USB speed visibility, smarter System Settings navigation, notch-aware utilities, nostalgic screen savers, and shortcut mastery. It’s a fast-moving episode packed with ways to tighten your setup, reduce friction, and stay one step ahead. Happy new year, y’all! See you in 2026! (don’t worry, that’s next week, right on schedule!) 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1122 for Monday, December 29th, 2025 December 29th: Still Need To Do Day MGG Monthly Giveaway – Enter to win a copy of OpenIn! The MGG Merch Store is Live! MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors: BusyCal (with code MACGEEK10)! Eero Ecamm MacPaw CCC Backup Quick Tips 00:00:01 Ben-QT-macOS 26 now adds video recording by window 00:04:47 Pilot Pete-QT-Upgrade Your Homebrew Install! brew upgrade brew install topgrade brew install speedtest-cli 00:10:37 Michael-QT-1121-Use a different Display Resolution to hide the notch 00:11:39 Antony-CSF-1121–Say No To Notch to disable your MacBook’s Notch entirely Don’t Get Caught 00:12:23 Andrew-DGC-AirPods Mic Failure 00:18:37 Chris-DGC-Be aware Tailscale device expiration 00:21:02 Tom S-DGC-Your VPN might still be connected! 00:23:48 Pilot Pete=DGC-Really! Try Different Cables Sponsors 00:29:14 SPONSOR: Copilot Money. Your money, beautifully organized, now across every device. For a limited-time, get 26% off your first year when you sign up at https://try.copilot.money/macgeekgab. Get two months free with code ‘macgeekgab’. 00:30:45 SPONSOR: Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at gusto.com/MGG Reviews 00:31:58 BobCleaver-MGG Review-Thanks for the excellent info Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! 00:32:56 Greg-How to avoid International Charges on Cell Phone while Traveling eSIMdb for finding eSIMs 00:39:42 Not all MVNOs are created equal 00:43:22 Robert-How do you manage your photos on vacation? Remove duplicate photos and videos on Mac 00:49:21 Todd-Any Issues with iOS 26 and Not macOS 26? 00:53:42 Joe-Does AI make tech support’s job easier? Ask the AI to teach you WHY a proposed solution is good Cool Stuff Found 01:01:48 Bob-CSF-AutoSleep for sleep and stress tracking Heart Analyzer 01:04:20 Jeepster 8675309-CSF-Updatest for keeping your Mac’s apps up-to-date MacUpdater 01:08:26 Dan-CSM-USB Connection Information puts USB speeds in your menu bar 01:09:40 Allison-CSM-Mind Map of System Settings 01:11:51 CSF-AirNotch Pro Dual 01:13:55 SccrHallways-CSF-Flying Toasters Screensaver is back! 01:16:28 DJ Mac-CSF-CheatSheet to see all your keyboard shortcuts 01:17:54 MGG 1122 Outtro MGG Monthly Giveaway Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast! Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts MGG Merch is Available! Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [email protected] 224-888-GEEK Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List BackBeat Media Podcast Network

You dig into the little things macOS quietly does for you, starting with the surprising truth about Clipboard History and why macOS 26 might feel slower than you’d expect. You explore ways to rein things in, from taming runaway apps to making better use of iPhone Mirroring and clever video capture tricks. Along the way, you’re reminded that old hardware still has value if you give it purpose, and that blind trust in AI troubleshooting can lead you astray faster than it helps. This is where staying curious beats staying complacent, and where “Don’t Get Caught” is more than a catchphrase. Then you move into the real-world problem solving that defines Mac Geek Gab: networking quirks that break expectations, WiFi settings that ignore reservations, and router updates that change the rules midstream. You also get clear, practical guidance on buying the right Mac, migrating only what you actually need, hunting down duplicate files, and reclaiming menu bar space from the notch. Even photo libraries get a reality check, helping you decide what truly needs to live inside Photos. It’s a fast-moving episode packed with answers you can use immediately, designed to keep your setup efficient, intentional, and frustration-free. 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1121 for Monday, December 22nd, 2025 December 22nd: International Day of Mathematics MGG Monthly Giveaway – Enter to win a copy of OpenIn! The MGG Merch Store is Live! MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors: BusyCal (with code MACGEEK10)! Eero Ecamm MacPaw CCC Backup Quick Tips 00:00:02 QT-Turns out macOS keeps your Clipboard History? 00:04:59 macOS 26 is slowing down Dave’s Macs App Tamer helps a little bit 00:15:00 Adam-QT-Use your iPhone Mirroring on your Mac 00:17:59 Dale-QT-Video capture your devices’ “I’m Charged” states 00:19:27 Kent-QT-CSF, or One Thing To Do With an Old iPad DAKboard.com Sponsors 00:22:27 SPONSOR: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/mgg #rulapod 00:23:41 SPONSOR: BBEdit, the power tool for text from Bare Bones Software; now with integrated Notebooks and extended language support Don’t Get Caught 00:24:57 Beware of Troubleshooting with ChatGPT and Gell-mann Amnesia 00:27:59 Pilot Pete-DGC-Private WiFi Address doesn’t honor DHCP Reservation 00:32:36 Craig-DGC-Updated my Orbi and it won’t let me set DHCP Reservations within the Dynamic DHCP Pool IP Range MGG Reviews 00:43:36 NYCkRon-MGG Review-Learn new things 00:44:29 Scotty Southard-MGG Review-Outstanding Mac Tips, New Stuff Found and Great Knowledge Sponsors 00:46:33 SPONSOR: Copilot Money. Your money, beautifully organized, now across every device. For a limited-time, get 26% off your first year when you sign up at https://try.copilot.money/macgeekgab. Get two months free with code ‘macgeekgab’. Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! 00:48:18 Elbert-How much Mac shall I buy? Refurb.me 00:58:40 Jose-Can I migrate just my user settings to a new Mac without migrating an entire account? 01:05:13 Gary-How can I easily find duplicate files on my Mac? MacPaw’s Gemini 2 (it’s in Setapp!) Find Any File Scripts for Duplicate Finding 01:08:04 David-How do I keep Fantastical (or any app) from being hidden by my menu bar notch! Command-Drag that menu bar icon! Set a keyboard shortcut for it 01:13:27 Donald-Do I have to import all my photos into a library? 01:16:58 MGG 1121 Outtro MGG Monthly Giveaway Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast! Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts MGG Merch is Available! Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [email protected] 224-888-GEEK Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List BackBeat Media Podcast Network

You jump straight into a rapid-fire run of Quick Tips that quietly level up how you use your devices every day. You learn how iOS 26 now shows charging time right on the lock screen, how to build polished collages in Pages or Canva without paying a dime, and how to finally extract and archive your full iMessage history using proper database tools instead of hacks. Along the way, you tweak haptics for better feedback, realize the iOS Stocks app works just fine on a Mac, and discover how a simple Command-Shift-2 move inside ChatGPT can instantly pull screenshots into your workflow. The throughline is efficiency without sloppiness, because convenience is great until it compromises control. Don’t Get Caught. Then things get deeper, and more fun. You wrestle with real-world troubleshooting, from intermittent freezing in Tahoe to why subjective sleep scores still matter if you want to manage what you monitor. Siri’s growing confusion about dates and times turns into a full-blown intercontinental misunderstanding, and the team breaks down the alphabet soup of 5G variants so you know what your phone is actually using. The final stretch becomes a live, unscripted tech support jam session, digging into creative AirTag placement, pasting clipboards as keystrokes, and reorganizing applications with surgical precision. It’s messy, methodical, and exactly how real problem-solving happens when the mics are on and the answers are not obvious. 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1120 for Monday, December 15th, 2025 December 15th: International Tea Day MGG Monthly Giveaway – Enter to win a copy of OpenIn! The MGG Merch Store is Live! MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors: BusyCal (with code MACGEEK10)! Eero Ecamm MacPaw CCC Backup Quick Tips 00:00:01 QT-iOS 26 lock screen has charging time 00:04:38 Jim-QT-Use Pages to Make a Collage! Don’t Pay! Canva, too. 00:07:37 Chris-QT-Get a useable complete iMessage History DB Browser for SQLite Base for SQLite on Setapp 00:09:33 Robert-CSF-1118–iMessage-Exporter to archive your iMessages 00:12:46 Todd-QT-1119-Increase Haptic Prominence 00:14:15 Bill-QT-Stocks App iOS QT Works on a Mac too! 00:15:52 QT-Command-Shift-2 in ChatGPT immediately adds a screenshot of your most-recent window Shottr A discussion about using ChatGPT, et al, and finding your place on the continuum between privacy and convenience. One year free Perplexity subscription if you have PayPal VS Code CoPilot ChatGPT integration Google Antigravity 00:26:16 QT-ChatGPT, use these screenshots to help me build a formula for Google Sheets Sponsors 00:27:27 SPONSOR: Udacity is an online learning platform with courses in AI and Tech. For 40% off your order, head to Udacity.com/MGG and use code MGG. 00:28:44 SPONSOR: CleanMyMac. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use our code MACGEEK for 20% off at clnmy.com/MACGEEK Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! 00:29:59 Kirit-Tahoe, freezing from time to time 00:34:19 Bob, MD-1119-If sleep score is so subjective, why use it? That which is monitored is managed 00:41:17 Antony-Does Siri Know What Day It Is? 00:48:19 What’s the difference between 5G, 5G+, 5G UC, and 5G UW? 00:51:48 Time For an Intercontinental Misunderstanding Sponsors 00:53:32 SPONSOR: Aura Frames. Relive your favorite holiday traditions—every day. Visit AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames – named #1 by Wirecutter – by using promo code MGG at checkout. MOAR Quick Tips 00:55:30 Scott-QT-Creative Air Tag Locations 00:57:42 Pilot Pete-QT-Paste Clipboard as Keystrokes – Native to Mac OS 01:09:20 Chris-QT-Add folders to label Applications 01:19:43 MGG 1120 Outtro MGG Monthly Giveaway Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast! Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts MGG Merch is Available! Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [email protected] 224-888-GEEK Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List BackBeat Media Podcast Network

You dive into a packed Cool Stuff Found episode this week, moving fast from sensor-powered tinkering with phyphox to smarter dictation using Wispr Flow, altitude readouts in CarPlay, and Emby’s upgraded media management. You get practical wins too: safer file sharing with MetaWipe, smoother workflows through PopClip, a road-tested Nomatic backpack, and Picmal for quick local media conversions. Then the conversation flips to your questions: which sleep score app you can trust, how the new Journals app handles multiple journals, and how to make notifications behave when your Apple Watch is on your wrist. Don’t Get Caught missing the deep cuts. You also hear clear guidance on backup safety, with SuperDuper, Carbon Copy Cloner, ChronoSync, and Backblaze each playing a different role depending on how you protect your data. To wrap things up, the crew tackles border ID differences between REAL ID and passports, whether upgrading to macOS Tahoe or Sequoia is the smarter move, and a listener warning about bottom-filled beers that’s both funny and useful. It’s a full tour of tech insight and practical nerd wisdom, delivered at MGG speed. 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1119 for Monday, December 8th, 2025 December 8th: Take it in the Ear Day MGG Monthly Giveaway – Enter to win a copy of OpenIn! The MGG Merch Store is Live! MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors: BusyCal (with code MACGEEK10)! Eero Ecamm MacPaw CCC Backup Cool Stuff Found 00:00:01 Ian-CSF-phyphox gives you ALL the Sensors on your Phone to play with! 00:07:44 David-CSF-Wispr Flow for Dictation 00:10:02 Bob-CSF-Altimeter & Barometer Pro shows your altitude in a CarPlay widget 00:11:56 P2-CSF-Emby Media Server Emby Metadata Enhanced Plugin Plex 00:16:29 Michael-CSF-1117–MetaWipe to safely send files 00:20:17 Tony-GG-Popclip app is super handy and affordable 00:22:04 Dave-GG-Nomatic Travel Backpack been using all year 00:27:58 Alberto-CSMade-Picmal converts and compresses images, videos, and audio files locally on your Mac Sponsors 00:30:11 SPONSOR: Framer. Ready to design, iterate, and publish all in one tool? Start creating for free at Framer.com/design, and use code MGG for a free month of Framer Pro. 00:31:51 SPONSOR: Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at gusto.com/MGG Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! 00:33:10 Tony-Which App’s sleep score is best? Sleep++ Withings Sleep Apple Sleep Score 00:48:33 Journals app now supports multiple journals Sponsors 00:49:31 SPONSOR: Superhuman. Get AI that works where you work. Unlock your Superhuman potential. Learn more at Superhuman.com/PODCAST 00:50:54 SPONSOR: AG1. Head to DrinkAG1.com/MGG to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe. MOAR Questions 00:52:23 Brian-How to Get Notifications on my Phone With an Apple Watch on My Wrist 00:59:25 Raptor-Is it OK to run backups in the background on your Mac? SuperDuper! CCC Backup ChronoSync Backblaze 01:03:57 WPooka-MGG Review-Great show Don’t Get Caught 01:08:49 Dave-DGC-Differences between REAL ID and US Passport at Land Borders 01:12:12 SonoMacGuy-DGC-Update Sequoia -v- Upgrade to Tahoe 01:16:20 Gray-DGC-Beware the bottom-filled beers! 01:17:30 MGG 1119 Outtro MGG Monthly Giveaway Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast! Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts MGG Merch is Available! Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [email protected] 224-888-GEEK Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List BackBeat Media Podcast Network

You kick off this episode with a rapid-fire blast of Quick Tips that sharpen how you use your Mac, iPhone, and apps every day. You learn how to tame iOS typing quirks, get the most out of dictation in ChatGPT’s Mac app, clean up Safari’s sidebar, and jump straight into System Settings with an alphabetical view. Then you dive into the spam-text battlefield, where forwarding to 7726, filtering, and blocking help you stay ahead. And because it’s Mac Geek Gab, you’re reminded: Don’t Get Caught letting your smart TV monitor more than you expect. From there, you get practical answers to real listener questions: backing up external Photos Libraries, deciding whether you trust Tailscale (and your relatives!), keeping network drives mounted in macOS 26, and dealing with the fact that Messages aren’t included in your Apple Data Archive. You round things out with a strong Cool Stuff Found segment covering tools to clean your menu bar, manage your watch history, secure your Mac, replace Bento, and more. It’s a full week of tips that tighten your workflow and expand what your Apple gear can do for you. 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1118 for Monday, December 1st, 2025 December 1st: Eat a Red Apple Day MGG Monthly Giveaway – Enter to win a copy of OpenIn! The MGG Merch Store is Live! MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors: BusyCal (with code MACGEEK10)! Eero Ecamm MacPaw CCC Backup Quick Tips 00:00:01 Darrin-QT-Set Amazon Auto Buy 00:04:47 Susan-QT-Maybe disable “slide to type” to tame iOS typing? 00:07:09 QTR-Dictating to ChatGPT’s Mac App is really handy 00:07:59 Bruce-QT-1116-Manage Safari’s Sidebar to your liking 00:09:11 Gene-QT-System Settings Alphabetical List 00:13:28 DGC-Dealing with those SPAM Text Messages Forwarding to 7726 Reports SPAM to your carrier Screen, filter, report, and block text messages on iPhone Don’t Get Caught 00:18:09 Todd-DGC-Beware of your TV selling data about you 00:22:45 ATC-DGC-Know about Mouse Keys Sponsors 00:27:02 SPONSOR: Aura Frames. Relive your favorite holiday traditions—every day. Visit AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames – named #1 by Wirecutter – by using promo code MGG at checkout. 00:28:39 SPONSOR: Shopify. For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/MGG and upgrade your selling today! Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! 00:29:48 Larry-How to back-up an external Photos Library? Task Organization – Bombich Software 00:33:25 Allison-How MUCH do you believe in Tailscale…and your relatives? Splashtop 00:37:23 DLH-1117-Messages are not a part of your Apple Data Archive iMazing 00:44:14 Uncle Jamie-Keep Network Drives Mounted on MacOS 26? Automounter for macOS MGG Discord 00:46:45 SccrHallways-CSF-Google Antigravity agentic IDE for coding Sponsors 00:54:32 SPONSOR: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/mgg #rulapod 00:56:14 SPONSOR: BBEdit, the power tool for text from Bare Bones Software; now with integrated Notebooks and extended language support. Cool Stuff Found 00:57:36 Terry-CSF-Moonlock Security Suite by MacPaw (Setapp) 01:00:43 Allison-CSF-Ice for managing your Mac’s menu bar 01:02:00 n-Greg from LA-CSF-Vanilla to Manage your Mac’s Menubar 01:04:44 TheDaveAbides-CSF-Plex Universal Watchlist and Channels Stream Links Stream Link Manager for Channels 01:06:53 Joe-QT-1115–Trakt only stores your passwords on your local device(s) 01:12:08 Mark M-CSF-1112–Tap Forms Pro as a great Bento/Filemaker replacement AirTable Panorama X 01:14:16 MGG 1118 Outtro MGG Monthly Giveaway Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast! Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts MGG Merch is Available! Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [email protected] 224-888-GEEK Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List BackBeat Media Podcast Network

You kick off this week’s episode on D. B. Cooper Day with a rapid-fire mix of fresh iOS 26 tricks and Mac power-moves. You learn how iOS 26’s haptic call alerts work, how Alfred can shut down your Mac faster than any menu, and how Forklift’s sync feature rivals DeltaWalker without any hassle. Shortcuts get smarter with automated sleep tracking, Command-P becomes your instant PDF escape hatch, and you get clarity on when you do and don’t need to hand over your phone as a digital ID. Listener follow-ups keep the energy rolling, including a reminder to rethink long-held holiday assumptions and a shoutout to Tailscale for keeping your tech effortlessly connected. Then it’s time to sharpen your defensive instincts so you Don’t Get Caught. You hear how to avoid being stranded without a wireless charger, why sending photos can leak your location, and what to do when the Mac App Store refuses to update your apps. You dig into undeleting Mail quirks, discover where your iPhone hides space-hogging files, and pick up smart workflows for offloading Messages media with CCC, iMazing, and Apple’s GDPR archive. You close with a simple breakdown of SSH so you can finally understand what’s happening when you open that mysterious Remote Login switch. 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1117 for Monday, November 24th, 2025 November 24th: D.B. Cooper Day MGG Monthly Giveaway – Your own OpenCase! The MGG Merch Store is Live! 00:11:12 MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors: BusyCal (with code MACGEEK10)! Eero Ecamm MacPaw Quick Tips 00:00:01 Alex-QT-iOS 26 adds haptic vibrations for connected and dropped calls 00:05:18 MoeCoffee-1116-Use Alfred to Shut Down your Mac 00:06:30 Forklift has a Sync Function – Much like Delta Walker 00:07:59 Paul-Create a shortcut to automatically Start Sleep Analysis 00:11:32 Todd-QT-Add Command-P to Save as PDF 00:13:52 Pilot Pete-QT-Follow Up – No Need to Hand Over Phone Digital ID Sponsors 00:17:42 SPONSOR: Aura Frames. Relive your favorite holiday traditions—every day. Visit AuraFrames.com and get $45 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames – named #1 by Wirecutter – by using promo code MGG at checkout. 00:19:44 SPONSOR: Udacity is an online learning platform with courses in AI and Tech. You can try Udacity risk-free for seven days. Head to Udacity.com/MGG and use code MGG for 40% off your order. Follow-ups and Reviews 00:21:10 Paul & Ben-Was the last episode Wednesday or Monday? 00:23:41 MGG Review-T. Hongo-An Apple Geeks home for tips and tricks 00:25:51 Brian-Tell us the story about the Santa mind-shift, Dave! 00:32:22 Joe-Let’s Hear It for Tailscale Don’t Get Caught 00:35:42 ATC-DGC-Without A Wireless Charger 00:43:09 GW-DGC-Sending Photos Sends GeoData! Sponsors 00:47:16 SPONSOR: Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at gusto.com/MGG 00:48:36 SPONSOR: PAKA makes performance apparel from sustainable alpaca fiber, softer than cashmere, warmer than wool. To grab your PAKA hoodie and free pair of alpaca crew socks, head to PAKAapparel.com/MGG and use code MGG. Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! 00:50:12 Rob-Why doesn’t Mac App Store update all my apps? 00:53:50 ED-Why does mail sometimes undelete my emails? Mail > Mailboxes > Rebuild Mailbox 00:57:58 Steve-How can I clean up my iPhone storage? [home]/Library/Photos/Libraries/Syndication.photoslibrary/ 01:02:48 A solution for offloading your Messages media CCC Backup to sync photos to a new destination iMazing to archive messages Request a data archive from Apple for your data 01:09:49 Steve-What is SSH-ing? System Settings > General > Sharing > Remote Login 01:18:19 MGG 1117 Outtro MGG Monthly Giveaway Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly MGG’s CES 2026 Sponsors: BusyCal (with code MACGEEK10)! Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast! Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts MGG Merch is Available! Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [email protected] 224-888-GEEK Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List BackBeat Media Podcast Network

You kick off with a blast of rapid-fire tips: instantly saving PDFs from Google Docs, digging photos out of Messages, moving your playlists into Apple Music with iOS 26, tightening up your Digital ID setup, wrangling mail right inside a message, and even retraining Siri when she goes off the rails. Then you dig into listener questions: how to avoid phishing traps, whether segmenting IoT gear actually improves security, and how to bypass that annoying shutdown confirmation. Sleep-tracking follow-ups, auto-opening Safari’s sidebar, and a perfectly absurd detour into fattening up backyard squirrels keep things moving. Through it all, you avoid the pitfalls and, of course, Don’t Get Caught. From there, the next iteration of the Gift Guide rolls out, finding those products that are so embedded into our lives we forget about them: Hue bulbs for whole-home color, the Snap Grip for better shooting on the go, the Olight for serious flashlight needs, AirPods Pro with live translation tricks, single-ear noise canceling, and Comply tips for comfort. You wrap with Cool Stuff Found, including What Three Words for location smarts and the clever NoLongerEvil workaround to resurrect aging Nest thermostats. Punchy, practical, and full of the good bits you can use right now. 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1116 for Monday, November 17th, 2025 November 17th: National Homemade Bread Day MGG Monthly Giveaway – Your own OpenCase! The MGG Merch Store is Live! MGG CES 2026 Sponsors: BusyCal (with code MACGEEK10)! Quick Tips 00:00:01 QT-Command+P in Google Docs immediately saves a PDF 00:04:57 P2-QT-Find a Photo in Messages 00:08:45 n-JKDawson-QT-iOS 26 lets you transfer music from other services to Apple Music 00:10:53 QT-Set up your Apple Digital ID 00:16:30 QT-iOS Mail management from within the message 00:18:10 Ben-QT-Retrain Siri if She’s Not working on your Watch Sponsors 00:24:22 SPONSOR: Framer. Ready to design, iterate, and publish all in one tool? Start creating for free at Framer.com/design, and use code MGG for a free month of Framer Pro. 00:26:07 SPONSOR: AG1. Head to DrinkAG1.com/MGG to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe. Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! 00:19:23 Paul-How best to avoid phishing scams? 00:28:27 Dan DXZDB-What are the impacts of putting IOT devices on a separate Wi-Fi network? 00:36:37 Steven-Q-Getting Around the ‘Are You Sure’ prompt when shutting down Shutdown and Restart Keystrokes sudo shutdown -h now 00:41:52 OurStanley-Sleep Cycle Follow-up 00:44:46 Fattening Up The Squirrels 00:45:26 Dick-How to auto-open Safari with the Bookmarks Sidebar visible? Sponsors 00:49:06 SPONSOR: CleanMyMac. Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code MACGEEK for 20% off at clnmy.com/MACGEEK 00:50:38 SPONSOR: NordLayer. Get an exclusive offer: up to 22% off NordLayer yearly plans plus 10% on top with the coupon code: macgeekgab-10. Try it risk-free—14-day money-back guarantee. Gift Guide 00:52:15 GG-Philips Hue Full Color Bulbs 00:56:15 GG-OhSnap Snap Grip 00:58:41 GG-Olight ArkPro Flashlights 01:02:31 GG-Airpods Pro 3 01:02:49 AirPods Pro Live Translation review 01:04:22 AirPods Pro single-ear noise canceling 01:05:51 Comply AirPods Foam Tips Cool Stuff Found 01:08:08 Jeff-CSF-What Three Words & Some Use Cases 01:10:25 CSF-NoLongerEvil-Thermostat brings Nest thermostats back online 01:19:19 MGG 1116 Outtro MGG Monthly Giveaway Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast! Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts MGG Merch is Available! Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [email protected] 224-888-GEEK Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List BackBeat Media Podcast Network

This week on Mac Geek Gab, you, Pilot Pete, Adam Christianson, and Dave Hamilton dive headfirst into a whirlwind of Quick Tips and real-world Apple wisdom. You’ll learn how to clean up those pesky “recovered” Messages folders, fine-tune your Apple TV profiles, and even adjust the contentious “Liquid Glass” effect on your devices. Apple might be making the iPhone feel more Android-like, but you’ll still stay one step ahead with tips like checking your Apple Watch battery health directly from your wrist, tightening up that Mac menu bar spacing, and using ChatGPT safely in CarPlay (just remember to ask it, “Are you sure?”). From mastering sleep tracking apps to making Mail behave across devices, you’ll find out exactly how to fix what’s bugging you—and how to keep your tech life running smooth. Then it’s on to your questions and Cool Stuff Found, where the crew reveals clever AirTag hiding spots, bookmark-organizing tricks, and gift-worthy gear like LED light strips and power inverters for your car. Whether you’re fine-tuning your sleep cycle or supercharging your workflow with Obsidian, there’s always a shortcut, hack, or hidden feature to uncover. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and—most importantly—you’ll make sure you Don’t Get Caught by the next digital dilemma. 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1115 for Monday, November 10th, 2025 November 10th: Marine Corps Birthday (and World Science Day!) MGG Monthly Giveaway – Your own OpenCase! The MGG Merch Store is Live! Quick Tips 00:00:01 Joe-QT-Stocks App – Find Delta of Stock Price for any two points in time! 00:03:44 Dave-QT-26.1 Lets You Adjust Liquid Glass on iOS, macOS…but not watchOS. Here’s a workaround. 00:06:21 Apple has Android-ized the iPhone Palm Treo 650 00:09:24 Pilot Pete-QT-Delete “recovered” Messages Folders to clean up and gain (a little) space 00:12:34 Harvey-QT-Setting Default Apple TV Profiles (and Bill, too!) 00:14:26 Andrew-QT-Check your Apple Watch battery health…only on your Watch Withings Sleep Pad from MGG 1114 00:17:36 Heart rate discussion 00:18:56 Bill-QT-Adjusting the white space in menu bar! 00:20:10 ChatGPT widget in CarPlay 00:23:41 But ChatGPT lies sometimes: ask it “Are you sure?” Sponsors 00:25:04 SPONSOR: Zapier – Zapier is the easiest way to automate your tasks. Transform how you work with Zapier and AI. Get started for free today by visiting Zapier.com/macgeekgab 00:26:34 SPONSOR: PAKA makes performance apparel from sustainable alpaca fiber, softer than cashmere, warmer than wool. To grab your PAKA hoodie and free pair of alpaca crew socks, head to PAKAapparel.com/MGG and use code MGG. Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! 00:28:47 Bob-Fixing Non-Syncing Mailboxes 00:35:28 Raptor-Why does Mail on my iPhone default to Trash and my wife’s is Archive? Settings > Apps > Mail > Mail Accounts > [account name] > Account Settings > Advanced and then under “Move Discarded Messages Into” you can choose “Deleted Mailbox” or “Archive Mailbox”. 00:39:58 James-Are there any devices or apps that wake you during light sleep? Beautyrest Sleep Tracker AutoSleep Sleep Cycle app 00:47:54 CSF: Ringconn gen 2 air Sponsors 00:44:57 SPONSOR: Superhuman. Get AI that works where you work. Unlock your Superhuman potential. Learn more at Superhuman.com/PODCAST 00:46:19 SPONSOR: Shopify. For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/MGG and upgrade your selling today! MOAR Questions Answered 00:49:26 Steve-How do I organize my Safari Bookmarks? Obsidian 00:58:27 John-What is the Mail icon that appears near the trash can in my Dock? System Settings > Desktop & Dock > “Minimize windows into application icon” 01:01:55 Roy-Where are some good AirTag locations in my car? Gift Guide 01:05:06 Dave-GG-Cync LED Strip 01:07:52 Pilot Pete-GG-Pro Chaser Vehicle Power Inverter Car Jump Starter Cool Stuff Found 01:13:23 Dan-CSF-1114–Trakt for Apple TV will help you know what to watch next 01:17:12 MGG 1115 Outtro MGG Monthly Giveaway Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast! Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts MGG Merch is Available! Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [email protected] 224-888-GEEK Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List BackBeat Media Podcast Network

In Mac Geek Gab 1114, you’ll uncover a ton of real-world Apple wisdom — from mastering Apple TV’s hidden control center to supercharging your Mac keyboard shortcuts. Learn how to re-enable Low Data Mode on your new iPhone, control-click your way into Terminal, and even get an alphabetical list from your Dock. Then, dive into listener-shared “Don’t Get Caught” moments like why people don’t always receive your calendar invites, CarPlay’s uncertain future at GM, and AirTag stealth hacks. And don’t miss the Cool Stuff Found segment, packed with geek-approved tools like Hidden Bar, OVMS for your car, and the Withings Sleep Pad. It’s all here — tips, tricks, and the occasional gotcha — so you can stay ahead of your tech. Don’t Get Caught. 00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 1114 for Monday, November 3rd, 2025 November 3rd: Give Someone a Dollar Day MGG Monthly Giveaway – Your own OpenCase! The MGG Merch Store is Live! Quick Tips 00:00:01 Tom-QT-Apple TV Control Center by Pressing and Holding TV button 00:03:23 Apple tvOS 26 adds profiles to every startup 00:06:50 Sharp TVs use TiVo interface now 00:09:30 Thoughts on TV interfaces JustWatch TV Time 00:14:52 QT-Re-enable Low Data Mode on your new iPhone 00:17:01 Bill-QT-1113-Control-Click to Open in Terminal 00:18:12 Gene-QT-Toggle Between Function and Standard Keys Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts… > Services > Shortcuts > Toggle Function Keys WordService CalcService Settings > Keyboard > Services > Text 00:20:22 Bill-QT-1113-Right click on Settings in Dock to get Alphabetical Listing Sponsors 00:22:25 SPONSOR: NordLayer. Get an exclusive offer: up to 28% off NordLayer yearly plans with coupon code: macgeekgab-28. Try it risk-free—14-day money-back guarantee. 00:23:55 SPONSOR: Shopify. For anyone to sell anywhere, sign up for a one-dollar-per month trial period at Shopify.com/MGG and upgrade your selling today! Don’t Get Caught 00:25:33 Scott-DGC-Invitations to iCloud-calendar events are only sent to iCloud accounts 00:31:26 Mark UK-DGC-Be aware of which port is the DFU port on your Mac 00:34:54 Terry-DGC-GM will be dropping CarPlay (and Android Auto) from Future Vehicles 00:38:30 Chris-DGC-Hide your AirTags in your car 00:40:58 KiwiGraham-DGC-Copy as Pathname doesn’t escape the special characters 00:41:40 DGC-Shortcuts “Match” Fails in macOS 26 until recreated Sponsors 00:45:05 SPONSOR: AG1. Head to DrinkAG1.com/MGG to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe. 00:46:43 SPONSOR: Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll when you start at gusto.com/MGG Your Questions Answered and Tips Shared! 00:48:23 John-Which AirPods should I get for my wife…and where? AirPods 4 Check Refurbished AirPods But they’re less expensive at Amazon for the AirPods Pro 2 Comply Tips for AirPods Pro 00:56:42 Kirit-Tahoe vs. the Third Party Utilities Cool Stuff Found 01:02:50 Scott-CSF-1112–Hidden Bar for managing your menu bar 01:04:55 Chris from Malta-1111–OVMS OBD Adapter for your Car 01:06:22 Terry-CSF-AAA Auto Club app adds CarPlay features GasBuddy 01:10:10 DLH-CSF-Withings Sleep Pad 01:12:32 Scott-CSF-1112–prettyJSON for Safari makes JSON look…prettier! 01:13:37 Bryan-1112-Logitech Brio 500 with Show Mode for your on-desk whiteboard Gift Guide 01:15:00 Adam-GG-10-Year Battery Adhesive Mount for AirTag TagVault – AirTag Security Mount 01:18:50 MGG 1114 Outtro MGG Monthly Giveaway Bandwidth Provided by CacheFly Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts) The Debut Film Podcast – Adam’s new podcast! Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts MGG Merch is Available! Mac Geek Gab YouTube Page Mac Geek Gab Live Calendar This Week’s MGG Premium Contributors MGG Apple Podcasts Reviews [email protected] 224-888-GEEK Active MGG Sponsors and Coupon Codes List BackBeat Media Podcast Network