Michael and Damashe are back with a mix of tech talk, audio experiments, and laughs. Michael tests out two Shure microphones live on air (can you tell which is which?), shares what he learned from running a hybrid event, and rolls out a smart new feature in his automation tool, Builder—because yes, user feedback really does shape updates.

They dive into why investing in your craft (and your gear) pays off, the art of delegation, and how small process fixes make big differences. Damashe also reveals why he’s paying for search with Kagi and what makes the Helium browser worth a look.

Whether you’re a gearhead, builder, or productivity nerd, this one’s for you. 💡 Plus: download numbers are up, vacation plans are brewing, and there’s a reminder that sometimes “no new features” is the best feature of all.

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In this episode, Michael and Damashe dive into a grab bag of experiments, frustrations, and a few eerie surprises in the world of AI and audio.

Topics Covered

• 🎤 Mic Talk & Audio Gear Michael tests the Shure Beta 87A and debates keeping his wireless setup, while the guys swap stories about missing adapters, mic stands, and shock mounts.

• 🤖 AI Voices Gone Rogue Things take a weird turn when one of Michael’s AI voices starts adding its own opinions. The duo tests multiple Google Gemini TTS voices—some sound scarily real, others... develop personalities.

• 🧠 New AI Tools: HUX, Lere, and Apple Intelligence Damashe tries out HUX (an audio summary app from former Google Notebook LM engineers) and runs into some accessibility issues. They also chat about Apple Intelligence in Lere and how AI summarization is creeping into RSS reading.

• 🐍 Python + PySide6 on macOS 26 Michael shares how ChatGPT helped him build a Python GUI to manage Google AI Studio’s TTS system—and the quirks that come with macOS 26 compatibility.

• 💻 macOS 26, Homebrew Fixes, and Remote Screen Sharing Damashe upgrades early to macOS 26.0.1, discovers improved screen sharing, and finds creative ways to connect remotely with Tailscale.

• 🧩 Gravity Forms, Gravity Wiz, and Building Tools the Smart Way From API connectors to booking add-ons, the pair geek out over how Gravity Forms’ ecosystem can (almost) run an entire business website—if you can afford all the plugins.

• 💬 Closing Thoughts & Listener Shoutouts The hosts thank their Tip Jar supporters, remind listeners not to spend money they don’t have (even if it’s tempting), and share a good laugh about accidental listener spending sprees.

Mentioned Tools & Topics

• Shure Beta 87A, SM58, SM7B
• Google Gemini 2.5 Pro TTS
• PySide6 + Keyring for Python
• HUX app (by ex-Google team)
• Lere RSS Reader
• Gravity Forms, Gravity Wiz, Gravity Kit
• macOS 26 screen sharing with Tailscale
• Bedrock Innovations IVR experiment

Episode Summary

From AI voices that argue back to macOS updates that move your Safari tabs, this episode is a mix of practical tinkering and unpredictable AI fun. Whether you're into audio gear, accessibility, or the future of digital voices, TW131 brings laughs, lessons, and a reminder: always double-check what your AI is saying.

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Michael and Damashe dig into real-world audio and workflow upgrades—why Cleanfeed’s aux routing can quietly reset, how the DJI wireless kit performs (32-bit float, monitoring quirks, accessibility gaps), and when handheld SM58s beat Beta 58s for live/hybrid rooms. Damashe talks through pre-ordering the Meta Oakley Vanguard (and why the Seeing AI partnership nudged him), then shares first-hand notes from flashing GrapheneOS on a Pixel—eSpeak’s direct-boot advantage, practical setup caveats, and who this is actually for. Plus: Zoom H6 Studio vs. H6 Essential (hello, physical gain knobs), Windows 10 life support via ZeroPatch, and a simple plan to keep UTM links consistent when you reshare site content.

• Cleanfeed gotcha: Aux output mapping can revert when a guest reconnects—double-check before relying on a backup/stream path.
• DJI Wireless notes: dual TX, on-unit recording, 32-bit float, line-out monitoring; menu accessibility is limited.
• Live sound choice: SM58 handhelds for forgiving pickup and crowd control; add disposable windscreens for shared mics.
• Zoom H6 Studio: larger XY mics, physical gain knobs, 32-bit float or 16/24-bit mode, clearer layout for quick tweaks.
• GrapheneOS on Pixel: open-source, stronger posture; you’ll need sighted help during install; eSpeak enables speech at boot.
• Meta Oakley Vanguard: interest driven by Access API and Seeing AI tie-in—buy for what it does now, not just potential.
• Remote event tip: Always get an off-site listener to sanity-check your mix; in-room monitoring can mislead.
• UTM consistency: Prefer a simple builder (inside WP or a script) so source/medium names stay uniform over time.
• Win10 after EOL: Consider ZeroPatch if you must stay put—but be cautious online regardless.

• 00:00 Cleanfeed aux routing & backup recording
• 04:30 DJI Wireless kit: hardware tour & monitoring
• 17:45 Meta Oakley Vanguard pre-order & Access API musings
• 28:50 Zoom H6 Studio vs. H6 Essential
• 39:05 SM58 wireless set & live-room strategy
• 45:35 Remote sound-check best practices
• 47:00 Double Tap appearance & misc. follow-ups
• 50:00 Windows 10 options (ZeroPatch)
• 54:40 GrapheneOS setup, eSpeak, and security takeaways
• 1:08:15 UTM link-building idea for consistent sharing

Say hi: @damashe@technically.social • Follow updates: @tw@technically.social Feedback: feedback@technicallyworking.show

(Thanks for listening—and extra thanks to Tip Jar supporters for keeping the mics on.)

Support Technically Working by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/technically-working

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Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/technically-working/1de8e85e-4d98-4bf2-8595-7128d6d4b111

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.