The Tech Files

A sophisticated supply chain attack successfully bypassed official Microsoft marketplace by hiding in the one place no one thinks to look. We uncover how hackers used Unicode characters to hide malicious payloads in plain sight, impersonating popular tools like React and Tailwind to steal credentials and drain crypto wallets. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ⁠⁠ Join the Community : ⁠buymeacoffee.com/rushenwick/membership⁠ Donations⁠⁠ : ⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/rushenwick⁠ Submit Your Questions : rushenwick.com

In an era of digital exhaustion, thousands are "downgrading" to the simplicity of the 1990s. They’ve traded glass screens for plastic buttons and infinite scrolls for 12-key pads. It’s called the Dumb Phone Experiment, and for many, it feels like the ultimate escape from a world that won’t stop watching. But while you're enjoying the silence, someone else is listening. We discuss the paradox of the digital detox: how the very device you bought to reclaim your privacy might be the weakest link in your security. Just because you can't see the threat on your screen, doesn't mean it isn't there. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ⁠⁠ Become a Patreon⁠⁠ : ⁠⁠patreon.com/rushenwick⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ One time Donations⁠⁠ : ⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com/rushenwick Connect : rushenwick.com

In 2026, we treat an empty minute like a medical emergency. Whether we are standing in a grocery line, waiting for an elevator, or sitting at a red light, we reflexively reach for our phones to "medicate" the discomfort of being alone with our thoughts. But what if that "itch" for stimulation is actually a warning sign that we are starving a vital part of our biology? In this return episode of The Tech Files, we explore the silent crisis of Solitude Deprivation. After a two-year hiatus from the digital noise, I’m breaking down why the human brain isn't just "resting" when it’s bored—it’s performing essential maintenance that our modern world has systematically optimized away. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ⁠⁠ Become a Patreon⁠⁠ : ⁠patreon.com/rushenwick⁠ ⁠⁠ One time Donations⁠⁠ : ⁠buymeacoffee.com/rushenwick

A mysterious figure known as "Iceman" has emerged as a kingpin. Who is Iceman? What's his endgame? SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ⁠⁠Become a Patreon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠One time Donations⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow on Twitter⁠

Hacking isn’t always about a guy wearing a hoodie behind a screen, typing furiously in a dark room. The heart of hacking is simpler. And hackers wouldn’t talk about it. Ever. It might surprise you. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST Become a Patreon One time Donations Follow on Twitter

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This story was a watershed moment in the history of hardware hacking. It showed that even the most complex consumer electronics devices could be reverse engineered and modified. It also inspired a generation of hackers and makers to learn about hardware hacking and to build their own devices. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ⁠Become a Patreon⁠ ⁠One time Donations⁠ ⁠Follow on Twitter⁠

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There is a massive difference between loneliness and solitude. Loneliness is a state of lack—the feeling that you are incomplete without someone else. Solitude, however, is a state of abundance. It is the ability to be your own best company, to process your thoughts without outside interference, and to find a sense of home within your own skin. In this episode, we explore Mastering the Art of Being Alone. In a world that views "being by yourself" as a problem to be solved, we reframe it as a superpower to be developed. We discuss why the most creative, resilient, and self-assured people in history were those who mastered the skill of aloneness. Whether you are currently single, living solo, or just seeking more mental independence, this episode will show you how to turn your "isolated" moments into your most "inspired" ones. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ⁠⁠ Become a Patreon⁠⁠ : patreon.com/rushenwick ⁠⁠ One time Donations⁠⁠ : buymeacoffee.com/rushenwick

Most of us spend our lives curated. We build a version of ourselves that is palatable for our bosses, our partners, and our social feeds. But beneath that polished surface lives the "Shadow"—the parts of ourselves we’ve suppressed, ignored, or deemed "too much." We think we’re keeping these traits locked away to stay safe, but in reality, the person we are avoiding is the one who holds the key to our greatest strengths. In this episode, we step into the mirror. We discuss the psychological cost of self-alienation and how to begin the brave work of Radical Self-Inquiry. This isn't just about identifying your flaws; it’s about reclaiming your hidden talents, your suppressed desires, and your authentic voice. It’s time to stop running and finally sit down for a conversation with the stranger who knows you best: yourself. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ⁠⁠ Become a Patreon⁠⁠ : patreon.com/rushenwick ⁠⁠ One time Donations⁠⁠ : buymeacoffee.com/rushenwick

We spend most of our lives trying to outrun, numb, or silence our pain. We treat it like a malfunction—a broken part of the human experience that needs to be "fixed" as quickly as possible. But what if pain isn't the enemy? What if it’s the body and soul’s most honest way of grabbing our attention? In this episode, we reframe our relationship with discomfort. We move away from the "fix-it" mindset and toward the "listen-to-it" mindset. We explore how physical and emotional pain act as biological red flags, pointing us toward deep-seated needs, boundary violations, or necessary life changes that we’ve been ignoring. It’s time to stop shooting the messenger and start decoding the message. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ⁠⁠ Become a Patreon⁠⁠ : patreon.com/rushenwick ⁠⁠ One time Donations⁠⁠ : buymeacoffee.com/rushenwick

We are the first generation in history to be reachable every second of the day. Between the ping of notifications, the roar of the 24-hour news cycle, and the internal chatter of our own "to-do" lists, true silence has become a luxury—perhaps even a lost art. But without it, we lose our ability to think deeply, heal, and hear our own intuition. In this episode, we explore Silence in the Age of Noise. This isn't just about turning off your phone; it’s about reclaiming your mental sovereignty. We dive into the science of "Acoustic Ecology" and why the human brain requires periods of low-input to function. Learn how to carve out a "quiet zone" in a world that never stops talking, and why the most important things you’ll ever hear are found in the gaps between the sounds. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ⁠⁠ Become a Patreon⁠⁠ : patreon.com/rushenwick ⁠⁠ One time Donations⁠⁠ : buymeacoffee.com/rushenwick

Should you quit your job? Move across the country? Propose? We often treat these "Big Choices" as high-stakes gambles, paralyzed by the fear of making the "wrong" move. But the world’s most effective leaders and thinkers don't rely on gut feelings alone—they use a repeatable system to filter noise from signal. In this episode, we move beyond pros and cons lists to build A Framework for Big Choices. We explore the mental models used by strategic decision-makers to minimize regret and maximize clarity. Learn how to stop agonizing over the "what ifs" and start making moves with the confidence of someone who has a plan. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ⁠⁠ Become a Patreon⁠⁠ : patreon.com/rushenwick ⁠⁠ One time Donations⁠⁠ : buymeacoffee.com/rushenwick

We often treat "big ideas" like rare lightning strikes—unpredictable, elusive, and reserved for the lucky few. We search for inspiration in faraway places or complex strategies, ignoring the goldmine sitting right under our noses. But the truth is, the most transformative solutions aren't missing; they’re just masked by our own mental filters. In this episode, we explore the psychology of Inattentional Blindness and why our brains are wired to ignore the obvious. We’ll discuss how to cultivate "Beginner’s Mind," break through the fog of routine, and learn to spot the opportunities that your competitors and peers are walking right past. If you’ve been waiting for a "lightbulb moment," this episode will show you how to finally flip the switch. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ⁠⁠ Become a Patreon⁠⁠ : patreon.com/rushenwick ⁠⁠ One time Donations⁠⁠ : buymeacoffee.com/rushenwick

We are living in an era that worships the "grind." From viral social media posts about 4:00 AM routines to the glorification of the 80-hour work week, we’ve been sold the lie that if we aren’t exhausted, we aren’t working hard enough. But what is this constant "hustle" actually costing us? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the High Cost of Hustle Culture. We explore the diminishing returns of overwork and the physiological toll of chronic stress. This isn't just about being tired; it's about the erosion of creativity, the strain on our relationships, and the "productivity debt" we eventually have to pay back with our health. It’s time to stop wearing burnout as a badge of honor and start building a life that is sustainable, not just scalable. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ⁠⁠ Become a Patreon⁠⁠ : patreon.com/rushenwick ⁠⁠ One time Donations⁠⁠ : buymeacoffee.com/rushenwick

We all carry a list of things we "can’t" do—goals that feel too big, changes that feel too late, or dreams that feel too "unrealistic." But if you trace those limitations back to their source, you’ll rarely find a law of physics. Instead, you’ll find a comment from a teacher, a societal expectation, or a fear-based story you’ve been telling yourself for years. In this episode, we take a sledgehammer to your self-imposed boundaries. We explore the psychology of internalized limits and how to audit the "truths" you’ve accepted about your own potential. It’s time to stop negotiating with your fears and start questioning the origin of your "impossible." SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ⁠⁠ Become a Patreon⁠⁠ : patreon.com/rushenwick ⁠⁠ One time Donations⁠⁠ : buymeacoffee.com/rushenwick

We are constantly told to "look on the bright side," but what happens when optimism starts to feel like an obligation? When we force a smile over a wound, we aren’t healing—we’re hiding. In this episode, we investigate the moment healthy optimism turns into toxic positivity. We explore how the pressure to remain "upbeat" can actually trap us in a cycle of shame, preventing us from processing real grief, anger, and disappointment. By demanding "good vibes only," we inadvertently build a prison that locks out our most honest emotions. It’s time to break down the bars of forced happiness and rediscover the healing power of being real. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ⁠⁠ Become a Patreon⁠⁠ : patreon.com/rushenwick ⁠⁠ One time Donations⁠⁠ : buymeacoffee.com/rushenwick

There comes a moment in every great transition where you realize you can’t go back. Whether it’s a career change, the end of a relationship, or a shift in your identity, the "old you" no longer fits the current reality. While that realization can feel like a loss, it is actually the necessary clearance for your next evolution. In this episode, we tackle the grief and liberation of outgrowing your previous life. We discuss why we cling to the familiar—even when it's painful—and how to navigate the "liminal space" where the old is gone but the new hasn't yet arrived. It’s time to stop mourning the person you used to be so you can finally meet the person you are becoming. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ⁠⁠ Become a Patreon⁠⁠ : patreon.com/rushenwick ⁠⁠ One time Donations⁠⁠ : buymeacoffee.com/rushenwick

We’ve been conditioned to believe that a crossed-off to-do list is the ultimate sign of a successful day. But what if your efficiency is actually a distraction? What if you’re becoming world-class at tasks that don’t actually move the needle? In this episode, we expose The Trap of Getting Things Done. We examine the seductive nature of "low-value productivity"—that dopamine hit we get from answering emails and clearing notifications while our biggest, most important goals sit gathering dust. It’s time to stop measuring your worth by your output and start measuring it by your impact. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ⁠⁠ Become a Patreon⁠⁠ : patreon.com/rushenwick ⁠⁠ One time Donations⁠⁠ : buymeacoffee.com/rushenwick