In this episode, Barry and Bobby swap stories about the crossover between caregiving, tech frustrations, and everyday home life. Bobby kicks things off with a home renovation project for his mom, complete with construction noise, remote monitoring via cameras, and a surprise internet outage. Barry jumps in with his own tale of upgrading his dad’s iPhone, getting forced into iOS 26, and discovering the magic of Apple Support’s DFU mode — while realizing his dad barely noticed the changes.

From there, the guys shift gears into lawn care. Bobby shares his experience testing the LawnStarter app, comparing it to Uber for yards, and weighing the pros and cons of robotic mowers. Barry relates how services like this could help his dad too, and together they reflect on how these solutions ease the caregiving load.

The episode closes with a bigger-picture takeaway: in caregiving — just like coding and life — it’s easy to “admire problems” instead of solving them. The real win is moving past hesitation and taking action, with community support and a little humor to keep things rolling.

Show notes and resources are here: https://bit.ly/caretechandtips-resources

• Renovations for aging parents bring unique challenges (noise, mobility, logistics).

• Remote monitoring tech (cameras) helps ease caregiver stress.

• Device upgrades often force you into new operating systems — be ready.

• Apple Support’s DFU mode is a lifesaver when things go sideways.

• LawnStarter is like Uber for lawn care — affordable, transparent, and flexible.

• Robotic mowers are getting closer to being practical for average yards.

• Caregivers need to test new tech before rolling it out to loved ones.

• Apple Support continues to be surprisingly excellent.

• Problem-solving beats “admiring problems” — take action instead of just worrying.

• Sharing stories builds community and helps other caregivers find solutions.

00:00 Home Renovation and Caregiving Challenges
04:20 Barry vs. iOS 26 (and Apple DFU Mode)
11:14 Caregivers Testing Tech First
13:38 LawnStarter App and Uber for Yards
22:00 Robotic Mowers: Cool or Costly?
26:30 Ratings, Trust, and Caregiving Services
28:30 Problem-Solving vs. Admiring Problems
30:50 Closing Thoughts and Community

• (00:00:00) - Home Renovation and Caregiving Challenges
• (00:04:20) - Barry vs. iOS 26 (and Apple DFU Mode)
• (00:11:14) - Caregivers Testing Tech First
• (00:13:38) - LawnStarter App and Uber for Yards
• (00:22:00) - Robotic Mowers: Cool or Costly?
• (00:26:30) - Ratings, Trust, and Caregiving Services
• (00:28:30) - Problem-Solving vs. Admiring Problems
• (00:30:50) - Closing Thoughts and Community

Barry experiments with a new recording setup while he and Bobby catch up on family, caregiving, and—of course—technology. Barry shares the saga of helping his dad navigate the real estate market (finances, Zillow, and chasing unicorn houses), while Bobby talks about exploring fall-detection tech for loved ones. The conversation flows naturally into Apple’s latest features—fall detection, gait monitoring, hypertension detection, and how an Apple Watch can be a caregiving lifeline.

The two also riff on sleeper features like Apple’s Focus modes—why they’re underrated, how they work across devices, and how they can keep interruptions at bay. With plenty of practical advice and humor, this episode is equal parts caregiving reality check and tech geek-out.

Show notes and resources are here: https://bit.ly/caretechandtips-resources

• 00:01 – Barn studio, travel “circuits,” and catching up

• 01:38 – Helping Barry’s dad with real estate decisions

• 02:50 – Pre-approvals, PDFs, and electronic paperwork hacks

• 04:51 – Location, price, amenities—the real estate unicorn triangle

• 06:26 – Losing the perfect house to developers

• 08:34 – Zillow filters, notifications, and workarounds for tech-challenged relatives

• 11:34 – Real-time tech riff: sharing listings via screenshots, videos, and apps

• 11:52 – Bobby on fall detection tech: wearables, AI cameras, gait monitoring

• 13:56 – Preventative monitoring and professional services

• 15:21 – New Apple releases: iOS 26, Watch updates, hypertension detection

• 17:36 – Apple Watch features for caregiving (AFib, sleep, mental health indicators)

• 18:49 – Persuading loved ones to wear Apple Watches, notifications vs. lifelines

• 19:33 – Personal stories: fall detection, Dick Tracy nostalgia, used watch bargains

• 22:27 – Spam call filtering and blocking for seniors

• 24:26 – Apple Focus modes explained and why they’re underrated

• 28:28 – Wrapping up: one-year podcast anniversary and looking ahead

• Real estate lessons for aging parents: loans, pre-approvals, and the “unicorn house” myth

• Zillow tips: filters, notifications, and workarounds for older family members

• Fall detection tech: wearables, AI cameras, preventative gait monitoring, professional services

• Apple Watch features for caregivers: fall detection, AFib alerts, hypertension warnings, location sharing

• Apple Focus modes: how they quietly change the game for reducing interruptions

Show notes and resources are here: https://bit.ly/caretechandtips-resources

In this packed episode, Barry and Bobby cover the latest in caregiving tech, health updates, and a few curveballs life throws at us. From Apple’s life-saving features to IRS rule changes, we’ve got you covered with practical tips, laughs, and real-world advice.

• 00:00 – Back-to-school chaos & catching up

• 01:18 – Apple Health app: Medication tracking & alerts

• 04:01 – Apple Watch: Blood oxygen monitoring returns after patent dispute

• 08:09 – Setting up emergency contacts on iPhone & Apple Watch

• 10:32 – Sharing health data securely with loved ones or caregivers

• 14:18 – IRS ditching paper checks after Sept 30 – what you need to do

• 18:13 – Show notes, reviews, and the podcast’s 1-year milestone

• 19:26 – Shoutout: Carolina Code Conference and geeky T-shirts

• 20:37 – Tech gadgets: Apple betas & accessibility features

• 21:57 – Caregiver syndrome response from last episode

• 23:01 – Spectrum cable change-up in assisted living facilities: what to watch for

• 26:19 – Surprise: New routers bring high-speed internet upgrades

• 28:01 – Wrapping up & how to support the show

• Apple Health App: Medication tracking with pill shape/colors & critical alerts.

• Apple Watch Updates: Blood oxygen monitoring restored (watchOS 11.6.1 + iOS 18.6.1).

• Emergency Contacts: Setup tips for iPhone and Apple Watch.

• Health Data Sharing: Options for iPhone, Android, MyChart, and family access.

• IRS Digital Payments: Direct Pay & ID.me setup before Sept 30 deadline.

• Spectrum TV Changes: Assisted living tips, favorites setup, and ZoomO box info.

• Carolina Code Conference: Shoutout to Barry Jones & the geeky coder community.

• Caregiver Support: Responses to caregiver syndrome episode (#22).

Join Barry and Bobby as they dive into the world of email spoofing, passkeys, and caregiving syndrome. Discover how to protect yourself from digital scams, simplify your online security, and manage the emotional toll of caregiving. With practical tips and a touch of humor, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of modern tech and caregiving.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Email Spoofing and Passkeys
05:30 - Understanding Email Spoofing
12:15 - The Rise of Passkeys
18:45 - Caregiving Syndrome: Challenges and Solutions
25:00 - Tech Tips for Caregivers
30:00 - Closing Thoughts and Resources

Key Topics

• Email Spoofing: What it is and how to avoid it
• Passkeys: A new era of password-free security
• Caregiving Syndrome: Recognizing and managing burnout
• Tech tools for caregivers: Simplifying daily tasks
• The importance of asking for help and self-care

Resources

• Mango Display: mangodisplay.com
• Cleveland Clinic Study on Caregiving Syndrome
• YouTube Channel: youtube.com/caretechandtips
• Show notes and resources are here: https://bit.ly/caretechandtips-resources

email spoofing, passkeys, caregiving syndrome, tech tips, digital security, caregiver support, online safety, burnout management, Mango Display, Cleveland Clinic

In this grab bag episode, Barry and Bobby cover everything from scams and digital hygiene to emotional moments in caregiving. Barry opens up with a story about learning the hard way that being “right” isn’t always helpful—especially in caregiving situations. They debunk the overhyped 16-billion credential breach, share essential password and scam-spotting tips, give an update on DMV ID changes, and dive deep into how fear often hides behind our need for control. Barry wraps with a reflective story inspired by a bicycle ride and some programming wisdom that unexpectedly applies to caregiving.

• 00:00 — Barry’s “do you want to be right or do you want it to work?” story

• 01:20 — Summer heat check-in and life updates

• 02:00 — The overhyped “16 billion credential leak” explained

• 04:45 — Why password managers and multi-factor auth still matter

• 06:00 — Have I Been Pwned? and cleaning up your password hygiene

• 07:45 — Email scams, AI-powered phishing, and red flag spotting

• 09:00 — Barry’s real-life PayPal scam attempt and how to respond

• 12:00 — The psychological toll of scams on older relatives

• 13:00 — South Carolina DMV changes: no more same-day IDs

• 15:00 — Real ID, fraud prevention, and planning ahead for ID renewals

• 15:45 — Deep thoughts from Barry’s morning ride: why we nitpick and correct

• 18:00 — Fear, control, and the importance of talking to others

• 19:30 — The power of shared fears and building emotional support

• 21:00 — Listener email invitation and how to reach out

• 21:45 — Tech meets psychology: Perl’s “3 virtues” and how they don’t always serve you in caregiving

• 24:08 — Final thoughts and sign-off

• Caregiving psychology: control vs compassion

• Digital hygiene and password safety

• Phishing and AI-powered scam prevention

• South Carolina’s DMV shift & Real ID changes

• When tech virtues don’t serve caregiving moments

• Emotional self-awareness and fear sharing

• Have I Been Pwned? – Check if your email was in a breach

• What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith

• DMV state list for Real ID policies (see show notes)

• Show notes and resources are here: https://bit.ly/caretechandtips-resources

Show Notes:

This week, Barry and Bobby dive into extreme summer heat and how it uniquely affects seniors and their caregivers—plus, they uncover the magic of senior-friendly ride services that don’t require a smartphone. And yes, Barry once again brings the cookies from the "retired nap club."

Key Topics:

• Heat dome warnings and heat stroke signs to watch for

• Tips for keeping seniors safe and cool

• HVAC maintenance and hydration reminders

• New ride services that cater to seniors—smartphone optional!

• Personal stories about simple tech tasks that aren’t always so simple

• Time zone bugs, clock confusion, and how caregivers can help with “easy” phone features

️ Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Welcome & heat wave reality check

• 01:00 – Recognizing signs of heat stroke in seniors

• 02:30 – AC maintenance & hydration reminders

• 03:30 – Barry’s personal heat warning symptom

• 05:38 – Ride services for seniors (Uber Caregiver, GoGo Grandparent, etc.)

• 10:00 – Helping seniors with simple tech tasks (alarm clocks, time settings)

• 13:00 – Obscure phone bug from a cell tower

• 13:30 – Shout-out to new listeners in New Orleans & Slidell!

Resources Mentioned:

• Uber Caregiver

• Uber Call to Ride

• Lyft Silver

• GoGo Grandparent

• Arrive

• SilverRide

• Comfort Keepers

Show notes and resources are here: https://bit.ly/caretechandtips-resources

Summary:
Barry and Bobby cover a wide spectrum of caregiver insights in this info-packed episode. They start with the importance of "margin" in daily life, then dive into cognitive screening tools like the BOCA and MOCA tests. They discuss the Real ID deadline (yep, it happened!) and break down the DMV scam surge. Barry shares a clever reminder system for his dad using iOS shortcuts, while Bobby highlights the overlooked world of donation tracking. They finish strong with critical advice on pre-registering loved ones with memory issues for safety services. Full of wisdom, tech tips, and the usual warmth and wit.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Barry’s “margin” philosophy: build breathing room
01:13 – What’s the difference between BOCA and MOCA?
05:20 – Real ID deadline hit in May 2025: what caregivers need to know
08:39 – DMV scams and phishing: how to spot and avoid
14:31 – Underused amenities in assisted living: how to encourage your loved one
20:28 – Barry’s robo-text calendar system for senior reminders
25:13 – Don’t forget donation tracking: more than just bills
27:01 – Registering wandering-prone loved ones with local safety programs
30:15 – Prevention is power: act before the emergency

Highlighted Topics:

• BOCA vs. MOCA cognitive assessments

• Real ID documentation hurdles for seniors

• Text/email/phone scam spotting tips

• Encouraging elders to use services they’ve paid for

• Personalized reminder systems via iOS shortcuts

• Donation and gift tracking for aging parents

• Registering loved ones with dementia in local/national databases

Show notes and other resources at: ➡️ https://bit.ly/caretechandtips-resources

In this early summer episode of Care, Tech & Tips, Barry and Bobby unpack the challenges—and the laughs—that come with traveling during peak wedding season, especially when elderly loved ones are in tow. From construction-packed airports to overzealous Siri mishaps, this one’s full of practical advice and real-life anecdotes.

You’ll get five must-know airport travel tips for caregivers, a breakdown of TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR vs. Global Entry, and a hilarious (and slightly alarming) story about how one aunt accidentally triggered iPhone call recording with her earlobe. Tech hiccups and thoughtful planning meet in this travel-savvy, care-conscious episode.

Show notes and resources are here: https://bit.ly/caretechandtips-resources

• 00:00 – 03:00 → Family reunions, weddings & Nashville’s new “state bird” (the construction crane)

• 03:01 – 07:00 → Top 5 travel tips for flying with aging loved ones

• 07:01 – 12:40 → TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR vs. Global Entry: Which is worth it?

• 12:41 – 15:30 → Accidental iPhone call recording: What happened, why, and how to disable it

• 15:31 – 19:30 → TeamViewer’s big changes + Apple screen sharing insights

• 19:31 – 21:16 → Shout-out to new listeners in Serbia & community call-to-action

• Elderly travel considerations

• Airport and airline accessibility tips

• CLEAR vs. TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry

• How to disable iOS call recording

• TeamViewer changes & alternatives

• Apple screen sharing, FaceTime support quirks

• Podcast listener community growth