NaPodPoMo 2026 - I'm doing it again!!

This year, I'm going to be doing it on a separate feed, talking about computer history and my history with computing, along with my planned switch to Linux as my daily driver. I will be announcing the new feed over at mikedell.com. 

It’s time for a summer update! Somehow we’re already getting toward the end of August, and I’m not exactly sure where the summer went.In this episode, I catch up on some of what I’ve been doing (and not doing) over the last few months.I talk about flying — or the lack thereof this summer and what’s been keeping me mostly on the ground.I also get into my continuing adventures with Linux vs. Mac vs. Windows. I’ve been spending a lot more time with Linux, trying different setups and figuring out what works, what doesn’t, and whether I can actually live without a Mac or Windows machine for most things.On the podcasting side, I talk about some of the new tech we’ve been working on at Blubrry, along with some of the interesting things happening behind the scenes.And speaking of new podcasting tech, this episode has video!If you’re watching the video version — or listening/watching through Apple Podcasts — let me know what you think. Do you actually want video with a podcast like Mike Dell’s World? Would you watch it regularly, occasionally, or would you rather just stick with audio?As always, thanks for listening (and now maybe watching)!73!

– The episode opens with a short introduction from Donald Trump praising “one of the most successful business leaders… Michael Dell” and his “really exciting announcement.” – Brett Butt follows with a nostalgic anecdote about growing up before the Internet and World Wide Web, and remembering early video games like Pac-Man, Asteroids, Wizard of War, Scrambled, and Defender. He jokes about wishing for something people now have. – Mike Dell then introduces himself (“Like Dell’s World… That’s me”) and frames the episode as covering two major topics: technology (how tech works and is used) and personal updates. He notes customer service issues he’d complained about previously have not improved. – Personal updates: – He reports attending multiple recent funerals: mentions having been to “three funerals in the last six months, or two,” and that he’s about to go to another in Detroit that weekend. – He names specific losses: Todd Cochran, founder of Blubrry, who passed “late summer, early fall”; his wife’s best friend Mary in Grand Haven, who died of lung problems and was younger than them; and his uncle Bill Busby, who turned eighty-eight at a recent party, helped start Motorola Semiconductors, was a US Air Force veteran (crew chief on a B-57 or B-58), and then passed away Monday morning. He says he and his nearly 98–99-year-old grandmother will be traveling to Detroit for that funeral. – Health update: Mike had a torn retina in his right eye, underwent emergency surgery, had to be face-down post-op while a bubble/oil was placed in the eye. At his second post-op checkup the doctor said things are looking good; vision in that eye is blurred by the oil bubble while the other eye is 20/20. He expects the oil to be removed and vision to clear later. He says this grounds him for about six weeks. – He mentions a lingering low-level cold over the past month. – Recent events and work: – He attended Military Creator Con in Arlington, Texas (several hundred participants, veterans/active military/spouses), where he saw Jamie Jay, Christopher Lochhead, Gordon Firemark (podcast lawyer), and others. The event ran long days and was busy but enjoyable. – At Blubrry he’s been promoted to VP of Operations, overseeing teams and day-to-day work; Barry (another cofounder) is now CEO. He encourages podcasters to contact him for help, states he uses Blubrry hosting and the PowerPress plugin, and plugs Blubrry’s services. – Technology and AI: – He discusses AI-generated content broadly: YouTube’s proliferation of AI-narrated slideshow-style or AI-generated videos; his guilty pleasure of “AI Karen stories” on YouTube (which he knows are AI and mostly fiction). – He references a MacRumors article reporting YouTube will automatically label AI videos even if creators don’t, and applauds the move, predicting many viewers will prefer non-AI content when labeled. – He raises concerns about AI in podcasting: AI-voiced podcasts and companies generating massive amounts of AI podcast content. He names a company, Inception PointAI, that reportedly generated a lot of AI podcast content and moved from Spreaker to Megaphone/Spotify; he says such AI content can hallucinate and produce factually untrue information, and that some AI podcasts present content as true. – He describes his own measured use of AI: he uses AI for transcripts and some artwork that he then tweaks, and he tried a cloned AI voice for one episode a few years ago but it didn’t sound right. He notes telltale patterns of AI-written scripts and advises never to ask AI for its opinion. – He touches on scams: modern scam emails are harder to spot because language models clean up grammar; he warns about requests for immediate payment, iTunes/gift cards, or crypto as signs of scams. – Advertising and social media observations: – Criticizes YouTube mid-roll ads that interrupt videos, and the perceived decline in value of TV ads—locally seeing many online gambling ads in Michigan. – Observes AI activity on Facebook: AI agents entering groups to start conversations (sometimes inane or provocative) and AI-generated video shorts (e.g., airplanes doing impossible things). He dislikes Facebook’s prompts to read more on Threads and says he doesn’t want more social media accounts. He mentions being on LinkedIn, using X a little, and participating on Reddit, and says he plans to use a flip phone when he retires. YouTube Will Now Automatically Label AI Videos Even When Creators Don’t – Podcasting industry and advice: – Clarifies his use of “podcast” to mean generally audio (though he acknowledges podcasts can be video) and emphasizes that podcasting is a distribution method open to anyone. – Contrasts highly produced, broadcast-style podcasts (teams of producers and sound designers) with indie, authentic podcasts (one person talking into a microphone from a shed). He values indie authenticity and accessibility. – References a report by Tom Webster of Sounds Profitable noting people seek authentic-sounding podcast audio. He warns the industry is bifurcating between highly produced shows and indie creators. – Gives practical advice: podcasting is inexpensive and accessible (buy a microphone, record, compress to MP3, upload to hosting or WordPress to create an RSS feed). Suggests inexpensive cover art via Fiverr and mentions Blubrry hosting around fifteen dollars. Warns that podcasting generally won’t replace a day job quickly—monetization takes time and consistency. – Lists three elements for podcast success: consistency, authenticity, and having content that is interesting/informative/compelling (he stumbles on phrasing but leaves the point authentic). He notes technology barriers are lower now; you don’t have to be a geek. – Explains distribution parity: small indie shows can sit beside big shows like Joe Rogan in directories; one can succeed without becoming huge. His personal goal is to have a place to speak freely rather than chase large monetization. – Plans and format changes: – He says they will restart the Podcast Insider show with a revamped, more conversational format with two or three hosts discussing industry trends (e.g., trend toward video). – Discusses video: video has always been part of podcasting but is getting more prominent; video production is harder (lighting, appearance, editing). Blubrry is working on a video product to better support creators. – Mentions his short-form series “Cup of Traverse City” (daily, five minutes) which he took a month off from and tried to restart; he intends for it to be five days a week, five minutes, when resumed. – Reiterates he podcasts when it’s fun and will take breaks when needed. – Closing: – He notes he has been talking for forty-five minutes, asks listeners if they’re still subscribed and what they think about technology trends (is tech “going off the deep end” or is he being a curmudgeon?), invites feedback via email (mike at mike dell dot com), and signs off saying “Catch me later.”

I stopped into a Shell station tonight to grab a couple things. Quick in and out. That was the plan. Instead I walked into one of those forced self checkout setups. No regular checkout. No cashier. Just this open area with cameras hanging over it where you’re supposed to set your stuff down and trust that some mystery system scans every barcode at once. It is not a normal self checkout with a screen and a scanner you control. It’s just awkward. Confusing. And honestly a little uncomfortable. I asked the person behind the counter if I had to use it. She said no, she could check me out “over there,” pointing at the regular register. The same register that was blocked off and covered in signs telling everyone to use the self checkout. So clearly that was not the plan. She was visibly irritated that I even asked. She rang me up manually. Didn’t ask if I needed a bag. I had four items that were not exactly pocket sized. Didn’t offer a receipt. The whole interaction felt like I was a problem for simply wanting to pay for what I was buying. What happened to basic customer service? Nobody asks if you need a bag anymore. They just assume you don’t. You get side eyed if you want to use cash. And more and more, it feels like asking someone to do the core function of their job is some massive inconvenience. I work in customer service every day. Different space. Software, podcast hosting, support tickets, real technical problems. But the principle is the same. When someone asks for help, especially something completely reasonable and within scope, you help them. You do not act annoyed. You do not make them feel like they are in the way. And you definitely do not expect applause (A Tip) for doing the bare minimum.

In this episode of “Mike Dell’s World,” host Mike Dell interviews Dan Jonkhoff, the founder and chairman of Legacy Aviation Learning Center in Traverse City. The episode discusses the unique opportunity to earn an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license in just one year, as opposed to the typical two or more years required by other programs. He begins the interview with Dan, who shares his background as a former funeral director and his journey into aviation. Dan discusses how his retirement was dull, prompting him to seek involvement in the airport authority, leading to the creation of Legacy Aviation. The conversation covers the school’s unique one-year program, facilitated by new FAA regulations aimed at addressing a significant shortage of A&P mechanics projected in the coming years. Dan explains how they turned the idea of creating a mechanic school into reality, assisted by Dr. Sean Galligan, who helped them develop the program within a year. The school allows students to learn in a hands-on environment, focusing on practical experience with various projects like safety wiring and riveting. Dan highlights that students can expect a tight-knit learning environment, with a favorable instructor-to-student ratio, and discusses the school’s job placement success rate, boasting that all graduates find jobs shortly after completing their training. He outlines how the school has gradually increased its student enrollment and plans to accept even more in the future. Throughout the interview, they touch on the various learning facilities, the support for veterans, and the exciting community atmosphere that has emerged around the school. The program includes additional support to ensure all students can take their FAA licensing exams without the financial burden typically associated with such tests.

Episode 30 of NaPodPoMo2025 is in the books, and it’s got me thinking — I’m not quite ready to stop doing daily episodes. But instead of continuing that here on Mike Dell’s World, I’m spinning up something new. Starting December 1st, 2025, I’m launching a brand-new weekday morning show called “Cup of Traverse City.” You’ll find it on its own feed at: https://podcast.show/cotc/ https://cupoftraversecity.com The plan is simple: a 5-minute (or so) episode every weekday around 8 a.m. Traverse City time. I’ll be recording while I’m having my morning coffee, chatting about whatever’s going on — interesting weather, life stuff, and what’s happening in and around Northern Michigan. The format will be a bit of a work in progress at first. I’m sure I’ll settle into a groove over time, and my hope is that it becomes a nice little part of your morning routine. I’d really love your feedback as this gets rolling. You can reach me: By email: [email protected] On social media: mostly Facebook or X Let me know what you think, and what you’d like me to talk about on Cup of Traverse City.  

In this episode, I spend some time reflecting on what makes podcasting such a unique and enduring medium. After more than twenty years behind the microphone, I’m still struck by how something so simple — an audio file delivered through a humble RSS feed — continues to connect people in a way no other medium really does. I talk about how podcasting grew up as an open technology, free from the control of big platforms or gatekeepers. That openness is part of its magic. Anyone can start a show, anyone can subscribe, and no single company controls whether a podcast lives or dies. It’s the last truly open publishing system on the internet, and that freedom is worth celebrating. But podcasting is special for more than just the technology. There’s a kind of intimacy in audio that you don’t get with video or with text on a screen. When someone listens to a podcast, the host is right there with them — in their car, on a walk, working in the garage, or flying along on a cross-country in the RV-12. It’s a personal connection, one voice to one listener, in a way that feels almost old-fashioned, yet perfectly modern. I also talk about how easy podcasting is to get started with and how accessible it still is for anyone who wants to share a story. You don’t need fancy cameras or editing suites. You just need a microphone, a place to publish, and something to say. That simplicity has helped the medium grow without losing its soul. Toward the end, I share a bit of personal appreciation — how even after all these years, podcasting still feels fun, creative, and liberating. It’s a place where I can talk about anything from Northern Michigan history to flying to everyday life, and people choose to come along for the ride. If you’ve ever wondered why podcasting still matters, or if you’ve been thinking about starting your own show, this episode is my way of reminding you what makes this medium so special.

In this episode, Mike dives into the deep and fascinating history of one of Traverse City’s most iconic landmarks: the Traverse City State Hospital, also known historically as the Northern Michigan Asylum and the Traverse City Regional Psychiatric Hospital. Recorded on November 28, 2025 (yes, Black Friday—no, he’s not out shopping), Mike shares personal stories, local history, and some memories connected to the vast and beautiful grounds of what is now called the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. What Mike Covers in This Episode ???? A Brief History of the State Hospital Established in 1881 and opened in 1885. Founded by Dr. James Decker Munson, namesake of Munson Healthcare, alongside Traverse City’s “father,” Perry Hanna. Built as a Kirkbride Plan psychiatric hospital—one of four in Michigan and the only one still standing and in active use today (though no longer as a hospital). ????️ Architecture & Design Beautiful Victorian-style buildings with spires, long wings, wide porches, and landscaped grounds. Built on the idea of beauty, light, and nature aiding psychiatric healing. Gorgeous gardens supported by on-site greenhouses that provided year-round flowers. ???? A Self-Sustaining Community The hospital operated as its own little world: Farms with cattle, pigs, chickens, crops, and orchards Their own power plant Workshops and barns (now part of Historic Barns Park) Many patients (or “clients,” as some staff called them) worked on the grounds as part of daily life. ????‍⚕️ Mike’s Personal Connections Both of Mike’s paternal grandparents worked there—his grandmother as an RN and his grandfather as an orderly. He shares memories of neighbors and relatives who worked on the hospital farm and grounds. He also reminisces about staying as a kid in the Perry Hanna House (now a funeral home)—a mansion connected to the founders of the hospital. ????️ Abandonment and Renewal After closing in the late 20th century, some buildings fell into disrepair. Today, Building 50 has been reborn with: Condos and apartments Offices Shops, galleries, and restaurants in the lower level, known as The Grotto Other “cottages” are slowly being restored, while tours still visit the untouched and eerie sections. ???? Ghost Stories, Tunnels & Tours The site is rich with lore—including tunnels connecting buildings. Mike mentions wanting to have his friend Chris (a local historian and photographer) on the podcast to go deeper into the legends, stories, and details. ☕ Coffee Deliveries at Sunrise Mike also shares a personal memory of delivering bagels to Cup of Joe in Building 50’s grotto back when his wife ran a bagel shop—always grabbing a cup of coffee around 5:30 a.m. ???? A Landmark on the Hill As you drive into Traverse City from the south (US-31 / M-37), the spires of Building 50 rise out of the trees—a recognizable introduction to town. ????️ Coming Up November 29: “Why Podcasting Is So Special” November 30: A special final NaPodPoMo episode to close out the month Thanks for listening, and catch Mike tomorrow for more!    

In this Thanksgiving Day episode, Mike reflects on the holiday, family, and the evolving character of Traverse City. It’s a bittersweet year—his family’s first Thanksgiving without his dad—but also a moment to appreciate traditions, good food, and time spent together. From recent crime stories to long-standing local quirks, Mike explores whether Traverse City still feels like the small town he grew up in. He shares personal stories, local history, neighborhood breakdowns, and observations about everything from fast food failures to the layout of the airport and high schools. Topics Covered Thanksgiving Reflections Sending well-wishes to listeners celebrating the holiday. The first Thanksgiving without Mike’s dad and the tradition of leaving an empty chair at the table. Is Traverse City Still a Small Town? Recent unusual crime events: The Walmart stabbing last summer. A fatal parking-deck shooting involving car break-ins. An attempted abduction at the Meijer gas station. Why these big incidents still feel like “small-town news.” Population & Geography 2020 Census: About 16,000 people inside Traverse City limits. Metro area: ~153,000 across four counties (Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Kalkaska). Mike’s spot just outside the city—technically East Bay Township, but “still Traverse City” in daily life. Neighborhoods & Areas Mentioned Downtown District Traverse Heights Old Town Central Neighborhoods Greilickville Acme / Williamsburg “Miracle Mile” – hotels and tourist strip on the bay Tourism & Seasons Summer vs. winter crowds Winter visitors: snowmobilers, skiers, ice fishermen Bars downtown still feel local and familiar in the off-season Traverse City Schools Current schools: Central, West, Traverse City High School (Mavericks), plus Catholic Central. Stories about the old buildings, snow-exposed walkways, and campus redesigns. The near-identical design of TC West and the Columbine High School campus. Airports & Travel Cherry Capital Airport still feels small—Mike knows most of the airline and TSA staff. No Amtrak service in Traverse City yet; nearest connections are Grand Rapids or Holland. Mike’s go-to workaround: driving to New Buffalo to catch the train to Chicago. Parking & Downtown Life Legacy of parking meters (now digital), plus multiple parking decks. Cherry Festival setup: rides, games, food stands—including local favorite Gibby Fries. Arnold Amusements (based in Acme) runs many Michigan carnivals. Roundabouts, Traffic, and Small-Town Quirks Late-night flashing signals The ongoing roundabout debate Getting across town in only ~15 minutes even on a busy day Fast Food in Traverse City – A Unique Landscape Chains that didn’t survive: several McDonald’s, Burger Kings, Arby’s, Ruby Tuesday, Hooters Three Meijer stores serving the area (original, Acme/Williamsburg, and soon Chum’s Corners) Local burger highlights: Slabtown Burgers, Bubba’s, Eastfield’s Proper Burger (with commentary) Local Dining Identity Traverse City tends to favor local restaurants over big chains Well-loved local Mexican places like La Señorita Closing Thoughts Mike wraps up with a warm Thanksgiving message—hoping listeners enjoy good food, family, and gratitude—and shares appreciation for being able to create a daily episode for NaPodPoMo.

In this episode, Mike takes a break from Northern Michigan stories and heads far north—way far north—to share memories from his year living in Keflavik, Iceland in the early 1990s while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Life on the NATO Base Mike talks about being assigned to Naval Air Station Keflavik, a joint-base environment with Air Force, Navy, Marines, and other NATO personnel. He recounts working with the 57th Fighter Interceptor Squadron – the Black Knights, maintaining F-15 electrical and environmental systems, and occasionally pulling duty in “FISneyland,” the alert barn for interceptor operations. The Journey to Get There Before Iceland came a whirlwind of military orders: Originally headed to remote Galena, Alaska, the Air Force cancelled those orders at the last minute. The next day, new orders arrived sending him to Keflavik instead. He completed F-15 training at Tyndall AFB in Florida, drove across the country, shipped his belongings, and ultimately hopped a Hawaiian Airlines DC-8 from Philadelphia to Iceland—a strange but memorable experience. Daily Life Before the Internet Mike recalls what it was like living overseas before modern connectivity: Expensive phone calls back to the States ($1.06 per minute!) Mail arriving once a week on the “rotator” DC-8 Magazines being precious entertainment Trading software, playing early PC games, and marveling at a 286 computer with 1MB of RAM A handful of TV channels including AFRTS, BBC, RTL4, and Sky News/Sports Food, Weather, and Icelandic Oddities Mike shares a mix of practical and quirky details: The legendary Icelandic hot dogs (a recurring theme!) Navy chow halls, the USO, and Friday fish fries with cod caught the same day Wild weather with winds over 100 mph, handrails along sidewalks, and dumpsters blowing around Surprisingly mild temperatures thanks to the Gulf Stream Extreme daylight shifts—near-constant darkness in winter and 24-hour light in summer Exploring Iceland During his tour, Mike bought a quirky little Škoda 120 and used it to explore beyond the base. He describes: Driving through the first roundabouts he’d ever seen Visiting the Hard Rock Café in Reykjavik, where one of his Idaho ham-radio license plates hung from the ceiling Cheap hops on Navy P-3 “airline-style” flights to London or Shannon, Ireland Customs rules that prohibited gas cans, extra cigarettes, and oddly… cassette tapes Looking Back Mike reflects on how much Iceland has changed—from relatively untouched in the early ’90s to a major European travel destination today. He also notes a past interview he did on the All Things Iceland podcast in May 2020, sharing more of his experiences from that era.   I appeared on an episode of All Things Iceland Episode 61 in May of 2020.