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The Really Useful Podcast

Education Podcasts

Struggling with your tech? Don't understand what's going on in social media? Just want to use your phone, tablet, laptop, or even your TV without losing your grip? We're here to help you out! Our team of inspirational technology writers are ready with words of encouragement to help you through any problem you're facing with your PC, social media account, home theater, whatever! Want to get to grips with your tech? Hit play!

Location:

United States

Description:

Struggling with your tech? Don't understand what's going on in social media? Just want to use your phone, tablet, laptop, or even your TV without losing your grip? We're here to help you out! Our team of inspirational technology writers are ready with words of encouragement to help you through any problem you're facing with your PC, social media account, home theater, whatever! Want to get to grips with your tech? Hit play!

Language:

English


Episodes
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Nintendo Switch 2 2024 Release Rumours and Modern Handheld Gaming

2/15/2024
In this week's show, we look at how Nintendo gave the handheld gaming market a shot in the arm, and where it might go next... This week, we will discuss the following: Nintendo Switch 2 Rumours DownplayedWorldwide Game Console Comparison 2023@CentroLeak on TwitterIs Microsoft Preparing a Handheld Xbox?Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. Oh, and don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player. Image credit: Fairuz Rizky Prinanda/Shutterstock

Duration:00:32:22

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What Are Smishing, Phishing, and Vishing?

2/8/2024
One of the main purposes of this podcast is to help you get to grips with the risks scammers pose. As such, this week's show sheds light on phishing and its variant scams: smishing, vishing, and quishing. What are they, and how can you spot these scams? Before we get to that, we've got the following tech news that matters: Elon Musk says Neuralink implanted wireless brain chip (BBC)TikTok pulls Taylor Swift and The Weeknd's music (BBC)Spotify's content filter fails to block explicit lyrics in dozens of hits (BBC)We bring you these tips and tricks: Smishing, Phishing, and Vishing: What's the Difference?How to Uninstall Unwanted Apps on Android The show closes with the following recommendations: ASUS ROG Asoth White Gaming KeyboardSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. Oh, and don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player. Image credit: Linaimages/Shutterstock

Duration:00:31:24

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Water-Resistant and Rugged Phones Explained (PLUS: Pokémon vs. Palworld)

2/1/2024
No so long ago, phones would be dead as soon as they were dropped, or got a bit wet in the shower. These days, they can withstand high impacts and remain undamaged underwater for hours. This week, we look at water-resistant and rugged phones, exploring what was behind this design change and which highlighting which phones are particularly hardy. As ever, we kick-off with the tech news that matters: Pokémon Company Investigates PalworldWhat Is Palworld?Netflix Enjoys 13.1m New Subscriptions What Is the Best Streaming Service for 2024?These waterproofing and ruggedisation explainers will come in useful: What Do Waterproof and Water-Resistant Mean?What MIL-STD-810G Is and Why It Doesn’t Mean What You Think3 Important Features That Make a Smartphone Rugged and DurableDoogee S95 Pro Modular Rugged PhoneBlackview BL8800 Pro Review: Thermal Imaging and Great Battery, but Not Much Else The show closes with the following recommendations: Witch RisePalworld Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. Oh, and don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player. Image credit: iliasphotography/Shutterstock

Duration:00:29:35

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Are AAA Game Publishers Just Getting Too Big?

1/25/2024
This week's show is a discussion around the recent comments from Ubisoft executive Philippe Tremblay concerning the future of game subscriptions. Our conversation covers: game ownership vs purchaseThe "process" behind unlinking Epic Games from Rockstar GamesSteamWe finish this week's show with these recommendations: SteamSwitchLEGO InsidersChristian Cawley hosts this week's podcast, and is joined by Ben Stegner. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus, with your suggestions for future topics. You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player. Image credit: Sergei Elagin/Shutterstock

Duration:00:33:50

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Which Is the Best Video Streaming Service for 2024?

1/18/2024
This week we discuss the news that Amazon Prime Video is adding adverts and a new ad-free tier. We then spin this off into a discussion about which is the best video streaming service in 2024. Netflix vs. Hulu vs. Amazon PrimeNetflix vs. Apple TVFool Me OnceWelcome to WrexhamDisney+ vs. NetflixFinally, a recommendation! Xbox 360 titles on Xbox Cloud Gaming Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. Oh, and don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player. Image: Ralf Liebhold/Shutterstock

Duration:00:33:54

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Our Ultimate Collection of PC Hardware Maintenance Tips!

1/11/2024
This week, we've got the following tech news that matters: Wi-Fi 7 Officially LaunchesTesla Recalls 1.6 million Cars in China (BBC)Microsoft Launches an AI Key on Windows Keyboards (BBC)Google Chrome Phases Out Third-Party CookiesThis week, we bring you these PC maintenance tips and explainers: How to Check CPU TemperatureSigns Your Motherboard Is DeadCommon GPU Problems and How to Fix ThemHow to Fix RAM Not Detected ErrorsWarning Signs Your SSD Is About to FailThe show closes with the following recommendations: The Retro Hour BookGamesir G8 GallileoChristian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. Oh, and don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player. Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. Oh, and don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Image: Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock

Duration:00:34:39

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What You Shouldn't Share Online, Android Wi-Fi Tips, and Twitter Authentication Explained

1/4/2024
This week, we bring you these tips and explainers: View Passwords for Saved Networks on AndroidHow to Get Verified on TwitterInformation You Should Never Post OnlineWe also have a couple of behind-the-scenes chats around these topics: How to Install Microsoft OneDrive on UbuntuWhat Is Video Game Preservation? Christian Cawley hosts this week's podcast, and is joined by Ben Stegner. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus, with your suggestions for future topics. You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player. Image credit: Shutterstock

Duration:00:28:13

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Prepare for Your Post-Christmas Detox With These Apps

12/21/2023
Our final Christmas-themed podcast for 2023 looks at the impact of eating too much, sitting around a lot, and what apps and websites you can use to combat the post-Yuletide bulge. Worried you'll pick up a spare tire? Concerned about feeling too lethargic to enjoy the holiday? This podcast is for you. Shownotes This week, we bring you the following year-end detox and workout apps referring to these links: Top Christmas Workouts to TryThe Best Ways to Detox This Holiday SeasonHow to Avoid Weight Gain Over the Christmas HoildaysThe show closes with the following recommendations: The RingwayThe 8-Bit GuyWe'll be back for a new show in 2024. Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. Oh, and don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player. (Image: Shutterstock)

Duration:00:55:10

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Use Apps and Websites to Save Money on Unique Gifts This Christmas

12/14/2023
In our second seasonal podcast for 2023, we look at the ways you can save money on unique Christmas gifts bought online. We also tell you where to find gifts for electronic tinkerers and makers. This week, we bring you the following seasonal tips: Ways to Save Money Christmas Shopping OnlineChristmas Gift Ideas for Makers and Electronic TinkerersPerfect Gift Cards for ChristmasWebsites Selling Unique Christmas Gifts You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player. Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. Oh, and don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! (Image: Shutterstock)

Duration:00:30:24

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How to Use Tech to Create the Ultimate Christmas Atmosphere

12/7/2023
This week, we bring you the following seasonal tips: Ways to Make Your Own Christmas Lights3D Printing Christmas Ideas for ChristmasCreate a Holiday Spotify PlaylistMicrosoft Christmas SweaterAtari Club attireTop Sites to Listen to Christmas Music OnlineChristmas Carols and Karaoke Sites Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. Oh, and don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player. (Image: Shutterstock)

Duration:00:26:02

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Don't Overshare! How to Avoid Sharing Too Much Online

11/30/2023
Ever been accused of oversharing? Have you been labeled a "sharent" after posting pics of your children on social media? In this week's Really Useful Podcast, we take a look at online oversharing, its consequences, and what you can do to minimize "sharenting." This week, we've got the following tech news that matters: Ex-Nvidia "caught" with sensitive industry docs in video callWe've also got these tips and explainers: All the Things You Should Never Share on Social MediaWhat Is Sharenting?The show closes with the following recommendations: DOS_DeckHopperChristian Cawley hosts this week's podcast, and is joined by Ben Stegner. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus, with your suggestions for future topics. You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player. (Image: Shutterstock)

Duration:00:35:30

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Political Deepfake Controls on Meta, Spot Phishing Emails, and What Is a Gaming IEM?

11/23/2023
This week, we've got the following tech news that matters: Meta demands political ads declare deepfake useDeepfakes ExplainedWe've also got these tips and explainers: Completely Remove Norton and McAfee Antivirus from Your PCExamples to Help You Spot Fake EmailsWhat Are Gaming IEMs? The show closes with the following recommendation: TAITO Super PocketYou can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player. Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. Oh, and don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Duration:00:27:44

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Really Useful Podcast Episode 200: Quiz Time!

11/16/2023
In a special edition of our weekly tech podcast for technophobes, hosts Christian Cawley, Gavin Phillips, and Ben Stegner go head-to-head in a never-before attempted quiz. This week's edition is episode 200, and just a few weeks ago the show marked its 5th anniversary. So, what better way to celebrate than with a quiz, pitching the three hosts against each other? (Yes, there are probably better ways to celebrate these milestones.) Who will win? What tech topics have been selected? And who has made the questions incredibly difficult? Click play to find out...

Duration:00:43:31

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Amazon Accused of Price Manipulation, and the Best Windows Antivirus Tools

11/9/2023
Need a Windows antivirus tool? The chances are you already have the best option installed. That's the focus of this week's podcast, which also looks at accusations against Amazon concerning price manipulation in the online retail market. This week, we've got the following tech news that matters: Amazon's "Project Nessie" Manipulated PricesElon Musk Launches X AIAuthor Stephen King Demands Elon Musk Revert X to TwitterWe've also got these tips and explainers: Best Antivirus Tools for Windows 10Best Open Source Antivirus ToolsCompletely Remove McAfee or Norton Antivirus from Your PC We finish the show with the following recommendations: Spotify AI DJWe Have Ways of Making You TalkChristian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. Oh, and don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player.

Duration:00:26:35

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Get Data Off an Old HDD and the Best Ways to Use a Raspberry Pi

11/2/2023
Getting data off an old HDD is easier than you think, as demonstrated in this week's podcast. Plus, we look at the best uses for a Raspberry Pi, consider the arrival of rules and guidelines for AI, and celebrate the end of the PlayStation 5 shortage. This week, we've got the following tech news that matters: AI Governance Announced by President BidenSony Confirms PlayStation 5 Stock Shortages Are OverWe've also got these tips and explainers: How to Get Data Off an Old HDD How to Build an External HDD EnclosureSome of the Best Uses for a Raspberry PiWe finish the show with the following recommendations: TheC64 Collection 2 for EvercadeDuke Nukem on EvercadeSuper Mario Bros. WonderChristian Cawley hosts this week's podcast, and is joined by Ben Stegner. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus, with your suggestions for future topics. You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player.

Duration:00:33:58

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Exploring AI Apps, AI Crypto Trading Bots, and Useful Websites You Might Have Missed

10/26/2023
This week, we've got the following tips and explainers: The Best AI AppsWhy Your Smartphone Needs a Screen ProtectorShould You Trust AI Crypto Trading Bots?Alternatives to StumbleuponThe Most Useful Websites You're Not Already UsingWhat Is Brave Search Engine?Christian Cawley, Gavin Phillips, and Ben Stegner host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey, @gavinspavin, and @stegnersaurus, with your suggestions for future topics. You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player.

Duration:00:31:07

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Microsoft Buys Blizzard, AI Art and Translation Explored

10/19/2023
This week, we've got the following tech news: Google Causing Internet to Fall into a "Spiral of Decline"Minecraft Becomes First Video Game to Hit 300m SalesMicrosoft's Activision Blizzard Purchase Cleared by UK GovtWe've also got these AI tips and explainers: Public AI vs. Private AI vs. Personal AI: What's the Difference?Photoshop Generative Expand vs. Canva Magic Expand: Which Generative AI Tool Is Better?ChatGPT vs. Google Translate: Which Is Better At Translation?We finish the show with the following recommendations: resellers listLemokey L3 QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical KeyboardDALL-E 3Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. Oh, and don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Duration:00:32:02

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Raspberry Pi 5, Chromebook Plus Announced PLUS Fake SSDs Explained

10/12/2023
This week, we've got the following tech news: Raspberry Pi 5 Announced, Available This YearSnapchat AI Bot Could Be BannedAI Facial Recognition RisksChromebook Plus Hardware Standard AnnouncedWe've also got these tips and explainers: How to Spot a Fake SSDIs Your Smartphone Listening to You?Should You Use Facebook Marketplace?We finish the show with the following recommendations: Steam Next FestPixel Addict, Amiga Addict, and Amstrad Addict Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player.

Duration:00:37:57

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Ads on Prime Video, Microsoft/Blizzard Approved, and Dark Mode Explained

9/28/2023
This week, we've got the following tech news: Amazon Prime Video introducing ads in 2024George RR Martin sues OpenAIUK approves Microsoft/Activision Blizzard mergerWe've also got these dark mode tips and explainers: Light Mode vs. Dark Mode on iPhoneEnable Dark Mode on Google Chrome for AndroidEnable Dark Mode on Windows NotepadEnable Dark Mode on the Windows Calculator AppSet Dark Mode on Adobe Reader We finish the show with the following recommendation: Amazfit Balance Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. Oh, and don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player.

Duration:00:33:47

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France Pulls iPhone 12, USB Cables Explained, and the Best Linux Distros for Old PCs

9/21/2023
This week's podcast looks at the MGM Resorts casino cyberattack and France's iPhone 12 radiation concerns. Meanwhile, did you know that headphone splitters are still a thing? We explain how they work, and there's chat about USB cables, Linux distros, and recommendations. This week, we've got the following tech news: France Bans Sale of the iPhone 12"Overwhelming Consensus" on AI RegulationBill Gates Congressional Deposition, 1998Las Vegas Casino Subject to CyberattackWe've also got these tips and explainers: What Is a Headphone Splitter and How Does It Work?How Long Can a USB Cable Be?Lightweight Linux Distros for an Old PC We finish the show with the following recommendations: Carpio 2 Ergonomic Wrist RestSoundcore Space One headphonesVantrue Nexus 5 Review Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips host this podcast. You can contact them on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin, with your suggestions for future topics. Oh, and don't forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! You can subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Audible, Player FM, or copy the RSS feed into your podcast player.

Duration:00:33:39