In this episode of Technically Working, Michael and Damashe dive into everything from broken safe keys and unexpected tech closets to streamlining code with AI and fighting Gravity Forms. Michael shares updates on the upcoming BITS AI course and his automations for scheduling Zoom events, while Damashe reveals his quiet move to the closet for better acoustics (and less heat).

They discuss:

• Why more BITS members are tuning in—and how to join the AI course
• Using Google Classroom effectively vs. bloated school tech platforms
• Damashe’s safe disaster and impromptu locksmith plan
• Michael’s TikTok growth and Gravity Forms pet peeve
• Recording setups, GitHub Copilot agent mode, and code workflows with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini
• How Lisi's AI integration streamlines tasks right from JAWS
• The behind-the-scenes of automating newsletter audio with Azure voices
• Prime Day skepticism, API usage surprises, and tip jar shout-outs

It's an episode filled with laughs, tech experiments, and just a touch of closet-based podcasting.

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In this time-shifted episode of Technically Working, Michael and Damashe dive into a pile of long-overdue listener feedback. They kick things off with a detailed voice message from Lord Robin Christofferson about Cal Studio (formerly PFMM.ai), a platform for building and monetizing custom AI tools. Then it’s on to GrapheneOS—Damashe shares updates on accessibility, eSpeakNG’s new direct boot support, and what it takes for blind users to flash the ROM.

They also respond to Scout’s questions on ProtonMail, network gear placement, and smart home setups—complete with temperature sensors and leak detectors. Michael wonders how far he can push smart home automation, and the duo get inspired by a wild idea involving a Bluetooth toothbrush starting a car.

Plus: Reolink doorbell app accessibility, the ongoing debate between Ubiquiti vs. Reolink, and Damashe’s slow march toward buying a Synology NAS.

Got feedback? Email feedback@technicallyworking.show or toot it with #TechnicallyWorking.

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Michael got his MacBook back and shares the apps and tools he immediately reinstalled—including Audio Hijack, Raycast, Hazel, and Little Snitch—plus what didn’t quite make the cut. Damashe walks through Homebrew tips, Markdown Service Tools setup, and how to fix symlink issues for missing binaries. They also dive into Mac App Store automation with mas, speaker setup logistics for live events, and whether to send signal to a subwoofer first or last in the audio chain.

They also cover:

• Autoplay and accessibility considerations in web players
• Comparing Raycast, LaunchBar, and Alfred for Mac navigation
• The realities of editing audio with a giant powered speaker in your office
• Speaker feedback issues with the Shure Beta 87A and experiments with the Q2U
• Why most apps shouldn't request local network access—and when it's okay
• Little Snitch vs. BlockBlock for app-level firewall protection
• Homebrew cleanup, Hazel automation, and uninstall tips
• Using Perplexity and GPT for real-world tech support and research
• Frustrations with Gemini on Android and Google's assistant transitions
• GitHub Copilot changes, Claude for coding, and the fading GitHub Pro tier
• Ubiquiti Device Bridge, mesh Wi-Fi fixes, and fiber dreams
• The dangers of not running a backup audio recording
• An idea to revisit old episodes and reflect on how far they’ve come
• Whether they’ll ever do a feedback episode (spoiler: maybe tomorrow)

And yes—there’s KFC grease jokes, egg prices, Flipboard flashbacks, and why the Technically Working bot is the real one to follow on Mastodon.

Follow the Show: Subscribe, share, and support at technicallyworking.show. Email: feedback@technicallyworking.show Mastodon:

• Michael: @payown@dragonscave.space
• Damashe: @damashe@technically.social
• Bot: @TW@technically.social (follow it—seriously)

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This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-431b7d for 40% off for 4 months, and support Technically Working.