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.

Would you like me to add a short promotional blurb (2–3 sentences) for the podcast feed and website too?

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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.)

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• Backup recordings that save the day: Audio Hijack vs. Reaper, why Cleanfeed still sounds great, and how one Safari input setting ruined a “perfect first take.”

• Smart glasses roundup: – Meta Display now has a screen reader and an Access API. Why that could open the door to third-party apps and what it might mean for Envision and other niche devices. – Real-world wants: trigger descriptions without saying “Hey Meta,” FaceTime/Zoom/Meet compatibility, and using glasses as a true external camera. – Ray-Ban/Oakley interest: better cameras and battery life make them tempting. Ship dates and why Mike probably won’t have them for the cruise. – Samsung rumors: watching the late-month event to see how XROS-based glasses might change the landscape.

• iPhone 17 Pro Max first impressions: – Trade-ins, in-store luck, and day-one battery life that actually lasts. – The new camera button (and ideas like mapping Seeing AI), plus the action button still set to ring/silent for now. – USB-C is still the quality-of-life upgrade that changes everything. – Apple Intelligence tied to ChatGPT: handy that Siri queries show up in your ChatGPT history… until they clutter it.

• AirPods and Apple Watch: – Eyeing AirPods Pro (3rd gen) for smaller size, better ANC, and battery bumps. – SE is a solid value; Ultra 3 is appealing for battery and the physical action button—no new sensors this year, lots of ML-driven insights.

• Privacy and platforms: – Using AI where it’s strongest, keeping assistants in their lanes, and tying AI apps to shortcuts/action buttons for real device control.

• Domestic interlude: – Potato-and-sausage crock-pot soup (Tabasco optional). Turkey or beef swap works.

• Quick bugs and fixes: – macOS Calculator chatters “left-to-right mark” with VoiceOver. For quick math, use LaunchBar. For deeper work, try Soulver. Nerds: PCalc.

• Housekeeping and how to reach us: – Tip Jar keeps the lights on (and maybe funds a pair of smart shades). If you’re enjoying the show, head to technicallyworking.show and chip in. – Feedback: feedback@technicallyworking.show – Mastodon: Michael = Payown @ dragonscave.space • Demasi = Demasi @ technically.social – Follow the bot for episode posts: TW @ technically.social

• P.S. – If you work at Meta (or any smart-glasses team) and want real-world feedback, we’re happy to test. Listeners picking up the Meta Display or new Oakleys—tell us how you’re using them.

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In this episode, Michael and Damashe kick things off by comparing recording setups with Cleanfeed, Reaper, and Audio Hijack before diving into a spontaneous story about nose injuries and streaming credentials.

The conversation shifts to gear talk, including Ben’s upcoming birthday gifts—a Sennheiser Profile microphone, boom arm, and windscreen—and why headset mics didn’t make the cut. Michael and Damashe share candid opinions on the Sennheiser Profile versus classics like the ATR2100X, with plenty of laughs about Amazon “streaming bundles” and discontinued favorites.

They also chat about e-bikes, Twitch streaming versus YouTube, and what makes an affordable but effective setup for creators just getting started.

If you enjoy a mix of tech banter, practical gear advice, and a dose of humor, this episode has it all.

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In this episode of Technically Working, Michael and Damashe dive into email management frustrations and fixes. From 1Password’s latest quirks with VoiceOver on iOS to hidden keystrokes in Mac Mail, they share practical tips to keep your inbox manageable. Michael experiments with Keyboard Maestro to make the delete key archive instead of trash, while Damashe drops shortcuts you probably didn’t know existed.

They also chat about UPS shipping tricks, buying gear on eBay without getting burned, and whether Apple is overreaching—or finally catching up—in AI. With Apple’s September event on the horizon, the guys weigh in on what’s coming with new iPhones, Watches, and maybe even AirPods with health tracking.

Got a take on the next iPhone or a favorite automation trick? Reach out and let us know what’s working for you.

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Michael hunts down a mystery whining noise in his studio and walks through a clean, step-by-step troubleshooting plan: strip the setup to basics, test the Vocaster solo, then re-introduce the mixer and cabling one piece at a time. We talk about when gear isn’t designed for how screen reader users actually use it, and what to do when a board might be internally crosstalking. Backup plan if the mixer’s down? Michael may swap to a Soundcraft; Damashe offers a loaner.

TipJar bonus this week: a concise Reaper tutorial from Michael on saving projects the smart way—defaults, folder structure, and why it’s always FLAC.

We compare render times (Intel Windows vs Apple silicon), touch on Windows on ARM machines and battery life, and swap notes on iZotope tools (D-Verb love, when Dialog Isolate shines). Then we nerd out about real-time translation: Google’s call demo, Microsoft’s past Skype magic, and Michael’s hands-on with Meta Ray-Bans translating Spanish in the wild.

iOS 26 chatter: a friendlier Phone app, voicemails in the calls list, and the delightfully simple “Set as Ringtone” from an audio message. Also: SharePlay memories, dictation auto-capitalizing hashtags, and Mastodon clients we like.

Shout outs to Garth (ReaProducer, Reaper wiki crew), Jacob, Robin, and Sean. Thanks to every listener spreading the show. If your podcast app lets you rate, that helps a ton. Want to go the extra mile? Add “Technically Working” to your email signature or share a link on social—tag #TechnicallyWorking with the T and W capitalized for screen reader clarity.

Get in touch Email: feedback@technicallyworking.show Mastodon: Michael is payown at dragonscave.space, Damashe is damashe at technically.social Follow the bot for new episode posts: twatecniche at technically.social

TipJar Subscribers get the Reaper “Save Projects Like a Pro” mini-episode and notes. Not a member yet? You’ll get early, practical extras that make your audio life easier.

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In this episode of Technically Working, Michael and Damashe dig into the messy world of search, messaging apps, and productivity tools:

• Search and Safari Limits – Why Safari won’t let you set a truly custom search engine and how paid options like Kagi might be worth a look for cleaner, ad-free results.
• Keyboard Maestro Adventures – Michael finally convinced a friend to try Keyboard Maestro. The two share tips on disabling default macros, using ChatGPT for macro ideas, and avoiding the “Command+Tab hijack” surprise.
• Ad Overload and Usability Woes – A candid rant on how ads and cluttered websites break the browsing experience, and why many sites are losing trust with readers.
• Playing With Android – Michael activates a Samsung phone and runs headlong into AT\&T’s frustrating two-factor process, sparking a bigger conversation on usability and accessibility.
• VoIP and Short Code Roadblocks – Damashe shares insights from Doug on handling SMS for 2FA with VoIP numbers, SIM card workarounds, and forwarding solutions.
• Signal vs. WhatsApp – A deep dive into what works and what frustrates in both apps, from voice message playback speeds and call quality to cluttered interfaces and cross-device limitations.
• Beeper and Consolidation – Exploring how Beeper (now owned by Automattic) tries to unify messaging apps like Signal, WhatsApp, Google Messages, and more.
• BSI Braille Input – Michael and Damashe trade notes on Braille Screen Input across iOS and Android, including iOS 18’s expanded command mode.
• Passwords and Productivity – From being locked out after updates to GitHub’s new AI agents, the duo talk about tools that make workflows smoother—and the risks when they don’t.
• Community Thanks – A shout-out to tip jar supporters, reminders to rate the show in your favorite podcast app, and a call for listener feedback on search engines, messaging apps, and accessibility quirks.

Feedback is always welcome at feedback@technicallyworking.show, or connect on Mastodon:

• Michael: @payown@dragonscave.space
• Damashe: @damashe@technically.social
• Bot updates: @tw@technically.social

Hashtag your thoughts with #TechnicallyWorking so we can join the conversation!

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