Episodes

  • Convention Season, Summer Sales, and a Walk with Voice Vista
    Jul 8 2025

    This episode is a short and sweet one—many of us are busy enjoying both virtual and in-person convention fun! Convention Season Sale Our summer sale is live! From now through July 14, save 30% on all digital audio documentation. • We’re currently at the ACB convention in Dallas, then heading to our summer home in North Carolina, and will be back at our desks on August 25. • Hardware orders (like speakers and cables) will ship after we return to New York. • If you order physical media (thumb drives, SD cards, or NLS cartridges), we’ll do our best to ship from North Carolina, though some delays may occur. • Kim will personally reach out to anyone ordering hardware or physical media to keep you informed. Activate this link to begin shopping. Chris’s Walk with WeWALK and Voice Vista Chris recently took a stroll using his WeWALK Smart Cane 2 along with the Voice Vista app for iOS. Sorry, Android users, there’s currently no equivalent app for you. We chat about: • The origin of Voice Vista • Chris’s first impressions • Features he’s loving • What he’s excited to explore further • Hopes for future updates Wishing everyone a joyful, safe, and inspiring convention season. Thanks for listening—we appreciate you!

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    14 mins
  • Minisode – New Product announcement
    Jul 4 2025

    Hi everyone,

    We’re excited to share a brand-new episode with you! In this release, we introduce our latest product — Audible Adventures.

    This comprehensive offering explores the accessibility of the Audible service across a variety of platforms, giving you a clearer picture of how to enjoy your favorite audiobooks no matter how you listen.

    Thanks so much for tuning in and being part of our podcast community!

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    12 mins
  • Summer Sales, Rural Internet Adventures, and a Tour of the Audiobooks.com App
    Jun 24 2025

    In this episode, we’ve got a little something for everyone—from tech updates to travel logistics to summer savings! Summer Convention Sale We’re kicking things off with an announcement: our Summer Convention Sale is on! From June 24 through July 14, enjoy 30% off all audio documentation (hardware not included). If you’ve been interested in something from our catalog, now’s a great time to explore and purchase. Please note: • We’ll be attending the ACB convention in Dallas, followed by time in North Carolina from July 5 to August 25. • Hardware orders will ship after we return, but we’ll do our best to ship physical media like SD cards and cartridges while in North Carolina. Note that there may still be delays, however. • Kim will personally email all customers who order hardware or physical media with shipping reminders. Apple’s Latest Updates We briefly discuss highlights from the recent WWDC Apple event, including some upcoming software features we’re excited to try. We also touch on Apple’s new naming convention—with a helpful article Chris found that breaks it all down. Rural Internet Adventures Next up, we dive into our search for internet service at our rural summer home. After a few hiccups (you’ll hear all about them!), we landed on Verizon LTE Home Internet. In this segment, we share: • What equipment we received and a physical description • The setup experience • How it performs here in Western New York Bonus: It even worked post-Hurricane Helene in North Carolina—a big win! App Tour: Audiobooks.com To round things out, Kim takes you on a tour of the Audiobooks.com app. She explains how the service compares to Audible, why she decided to give it a try, and what she likes (and doesn’t) about the iOS app. Android users, don’t worry—there’s a version for you too. As always, thanks so much for listening. We’re grateful for your support!

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    45 mins
  • A Smarter Way to Stay Safe: Exploring the X-Sense Talking Smoke Alarm
    Jun 10 2025

    In this episode, we demonstrate the X-Sense Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm featuring voice location technology. Hear how it works, what sets it apart from traditional alarms, and why it might be a great addition to your home safety setup.

    If you choose to purchase through our Amazon affiliate link above, we may earn a small commission thanks for supporting the show!

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    37 mins
  • Steps, Screens, and Speaking Coffee Machines
    May 27 2025

    We hope you have as much fun listening to this episode as we had creating it! Come along as we walk a few steps (maybe more, maybe less—no judgment here!) through a mix of nostalgic tech, helpful tools, and safety tips.

    In This Episode: Blast from the Past: The Primula Talking Coffee Maker We revisit our Blast from the Past series to chat about the quirky and charming Primula talking coffee maker from 2009—billed as “the world’s first talking coffee maker.” Chris gives a live demo and walks you through the speech prompts this unique machine offers.

    StepUp App: A Fun Way to Track Your Steps Next, we step into the world of modern health apps with StepUp, a free and fun step-counting app available for iOS and Android. We explore its features, settings, and why it makes walking a little more rewarding (even if our step counts are embarrassingly low… oops!).

    Screen Protectors: Worth It or Not? We share personal horror stories and practical advice about screen protectors. Spoiler alert: Yes, they’re worth it—and yes, quality matters! If you have a device with a glass screen, this section is for you.

    Smoke Detectors & Safety Tips Finally, we discuss the now discontinued Google Nest Protect smoke detectors and our plan to refit our home with new ones after all these years. We also share a super important tip: Smoke detectors expire after ten years! This segment is part teaser, part public service announcement—we want you to be safe!

    Thanks for joining us! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss our upcoming demos and discussions.

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    37 mins
  • 200 Dollars Saved, 100 Hours of Music, and a Whole Lot of Rattling
    May 13 2025
    In this episode, we kick things off with a travel tip that recently saved us $200—and it just might save you money too! Whether you’re booking flights, rental cars, or hotel stays (especially via Expedia), this simple trick is worth knowing. While we haven’t found an equivalent for train travel yet, we hope this helps ... Read more
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    51 mins
  • Taste a New Place
    Apr 29 2025
    Episode Summary: In this episode, Chris and Kim kick things off by sharing some listener feedback, including a mention of Hartgen Consultancy’s valuable products and services. Next, with the deadline for obtaining a REAL ID quickly approaching, we dive into what you may need to know if you plan to fly and still need to ... Read more
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    38 mins
  • Beating the Heat + Planning for Summer Adventures
    Apr 15 2025

    In this episode, we’re helping you prep for late spring and summer with affordable ways to stay cool and escape the heat—wherever you are.

    Cool Gadgets for Warmer Days

    Chris shares his experience with the Vornado TRANSOM window fan, which he used in our summer home last year. This powerful fan features a weather-resistant case, reversible exhaust mode, and four speeds. There are two versions available—one with a remote, and one that works with Alexa. Chris explains the differences and demos the Alexa-compatible version he just installed in his NY office. Want to grab one for yourself? Click here to check it out on Amazon – both versions are listed, so be sure to choose the one that fits your setup. Check the correct radio button to choose the version you want. Note that this is an affiliate link, so we’ll receive a small commission if you purchase from it.

    We also chat about: – Tower fans and why touch buttons might not be ideal – Windmill fans and how they compare – Those quirky personal coolers you fill with ice (aka “swamp coolers” in the South)

    Need an Escape?

    We demo two relaxing Alexa skills that can mentally transport you far away: Virtual Vacation and Forest Sounds

    Summer Travel Plans

    We wrap up with exciting news—we’re headed to ACB in Dallas this July by train! We share why we love train travel and hope to see many of you there.

    Thanks so much for tuning in. Whether you came for practical tips or a bit of virtual escape, we’re glad you’re here.

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    38 mins