Posts Tagged → mac power users

Mac Power Users 844: Apple Home

On this episode of Mac Power Users, Stephen and David compare notes on their Apple smart home setups and cover what you need to know to build one yourself. They get into the weeds on Matter, Thread, HomeKit Secure Video, smart locks, and which cameras are actually worth buying. David also shares his ongoing tension between a HomeKit-only setup and Home Assistant. If you’ve spent any time with HA, you already know the feeling. Plus a lightning round of their favorite devices and a walkthrough of the best automations to get running first.

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This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • Mercury Weather: Forecasts, beautifully done. Download now for free.
  • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.

Mac Power Users 842: Feedback

On this episode of Mac Power Users, Stephen and I dig into the feedback bag. We cover everything from Stephen’s secret Cloudflare image-hosting shortcut to the great Raycast vs. Spotlight vs. Alfred debate, Stream Deck setups (and whether that new XL is too much Stream Deck), iCloud security with Advanced Data Protection, and how I’m using Keyboard Maestro conflict palettes for window management across two monitors. We also announce something new for More Power Users subscribers: monthly bonus episodes starting with a Star Wars movie ranking that may test our friendship.

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Mac Power Users 841: Robot Assistant Field Guide

This week on Mac Power Users, Stephen and I go deep on the robot assistant system I’ve been building with Claude Cowork. We cover the whole journey — from why chatbots never quite delivered on their productivity promises to the combination of skill files, MCPs, and managed agents that finally made AI genuinely useful for the donkey work of running a creative business. I walk through practical examples including automated file renaming, email processing, sponsor invoicing, and podcast post-production pipelines. Stephen also shares his new Studio Display XDR setup and we dig into Perplexity Computer as another emerging option. Fair warning: I also confess to switching back to Gmail, so prepare your hot takes.

Episode Links

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • SaneBox: Take back control of your inbox.
  • Ecamm: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac.

Mac Power Users 840: Finder and File Mgmt

On this episode of Mac Power Users, Stephen and David take on the Finder. They compare their wildly different file management philosophies, dig into Finder toolbar customization, extensions, Quick Actions, and the apps that make file management actually enjoyable (or at least less painful). Stephen also reveals that he’s written what may be the shortest AppleScript in history, and David’s screen apparently grew a right ear. Plus, there’s a new Apple hardware roundup because they announced a lot last week. Of course, money was spent.

Episode Links

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • Ecamm: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac.
  • 1Password: Never forget a password again.

Mac Power Users 839: David Pogue

On this episode of Mac Power Users, Stephen and I sit down with the one and only David Pogue to talk about his massive new book, Apple: The First 50 Years, his career path from musical theater to tech journalism, and his current tech stack. We also get nerdy about voice dictation, AI, and what it’s like to write a book you could genuinely use as a doorstop. Fair warning: there’s a brief detour into Sondheim.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • Things: A fresh new look for OS 26. Download a FREE trial for your Mac.
  • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.
  • 1Password: Never forget a password again.

Mac Power Users 837: Menu Bar Mayhem

Join Stephen and me on this episode of Mac Power Users as we go deep on the Mac menu bar, comparing our contrasting philosophies and walk through our favorites. We also explore how macOS 26’s multiple Control Centers are changing the game.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • Insta360: Introducing the Insta360 Wave and the Link 2 Pro.
  • HTTPBot: A powerful API client and debugger for Apple platforms. Get a 7-day trial and 25% off your subscription.
  • Ecamm: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac.
  • 1Password: Never forget a password again.

Mac Power Users 836: Welcome, Stephen

On this episode of Mac Power Users, I officially welcome Stephen Robles as co-host, exploring his background in music, podcasting, and his Mac setup. Then, rapid-fire questions, putting Stephen on the spot for some Apple hot takes!

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • Insta360: Introducing the Insta360 Wave and the Link 2 Pro.
  • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.
  • Fundera, powered by NerdWallet: Compare real financing offers from trusted lenders — all in one place. Get VIP treatment using this link.
  • 1Password: Never forget a password again.

Mac Power Users 834: I Am the Tardis

Stephen starts this episode of Mac Power Users with an announcement, then we revisit writing workflows, Keyboard Maestro, notifications, and more. At the end, we attempt to answer some questions as quickly as possible, something we aren’t great at doing.

This episode of Mac Power Users is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code MPU.
  • Ecamm: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac.