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Hands-On Tech (Audio)

TWiT
Apple
Apple Vision Pro
Apple Watch
Icloud
Iphone
Windows 11
Linux
Iphone 16 Pro Max
Technology
Siri
Google Photos
Multi-Factor Authentication
Macos
Windows 10
Gmail
Usb-C
Iphone 17 Pro Max
Android Auto
Apple Silicon
Windows

Welcome to Hands-On Tech, where host Mikah Sargent turns tech troubles into tech triumphs. Each episode zooms in on a specific theme, unpacking listener questions with expert analysis and easy-to-follow advice. From decoding the latest gadgets to simplifying everyday tech, Mikah's got you covered. Submit your tech queries through email at HOT@twit.tv or via TWiT's social media. You might hear your... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes236Founded21 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Technology

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Latest Episodes

On this week's episode of Hands-On Tech, listener Lenny asks Mikah for advice on how to get the best performance out of an external SSD connected to his MacBook Pro.

Don't forget to send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show! hot@twi... more

On this week's episode of Hands-On Tech, David asks Mikah whether his old, out-of-service Windows Home Server is worth bringing back online now that he has a fast fiber internet connection, and what the best way to set it up would be.

Don't forget t... more

In this week's episode of Hands-On Tech, Robert asks Mikah for help choosing a new Windows laptop suited for heavy photo and video editing work, including guidance on GPU and VRAM requirements for his specific software stack, as well as advice on whe... more

On this week's episode of Hands-On Tech, George asks Mikah whether he should set up a mesh router system or install multiple wired access points throughout his multi-floor home as he prepares to run ethernet cables.

Send in your questions for Mikah ... more

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
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Recent Guests

Chris Marquardt
Photography expert and host of This Week in Space.
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Episode: ATTG 2025: Bitcoin Pizza - iPad Pros, Safari Photography, Multiple Emails
Sam Abuelsamid
Principal researcher at GuideHouse Insights
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Scott Wilkinson
Home Theater Geek and expert on home cinema technology
TWiT.tv
Episode: ATTG 2023: Choco Tacos for Cinco de Mayo - Sony 2024 TV's, HDMI Cables, Safari Browser
Dick DeBartolo
Mad Magazine writer and gadget expert
Mad Magazine
Episode: ATTG 2022: Which Wife? - TikTok's U.S. Ban, Off-Site Backups, AirPrint
Anthony Henderson
Author and Self-Publisher
Self-published
Episode: ATTG 2014: Picasa Es Su Casa - Bob Heil, Password Managers, Anker
Father Robert Ballecer
Digital Jesuit and tech commentator
TWiT.tv
Episode: ATTG 2007: I'm In the Mood for Pasta - CES 2024 Recap, Equalizing Music Files, WMIC
Johnny Jet
A travel expert and journalist.
JohnnyJet.com
Episode: ATTG 2003: Beware the Cannibal Solar Storm - Focus Mode, Apple Podcasts, eero Routers
Rod Pyle
Space expert and author
Ad Astra Magazine
Episode: ATTG 2001: The Definition of Dapper - Sam Altman, iMessage, SpaceX Starship

Host

Mikah Sargent
Host of Hands-On Tech, focused on turning tech troubles into practical, repeatable solutions.

Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars from 2.5k ratings
  • Leo was far FAR left but decent on tech

    New guy hides his far left-ness BUT gets the tech wrong. 5 minutes of ads even mid sentence to push nonsense unread by the host ads.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    boyfromthedwarf9
    United Statesa year ago
  • Ads With A Little Tech Talk

    Just listened to the latest episode. At least half of it was ads plus the obligatory plug for Club TWIT. I don’t blame Mikah but the format is awful and way too short with way too many ads.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    MichaelHarmon
    United Statesa year ago
  • Not good since the format change

    This used to be my go-to podcast for weekly tech news - it had a good mix of news, “live” troubleshooting, and interesting tech topics. New format is too troubleshooting focused. I used to be excited about what I would discover in the next episode…now, I look at the show notes before I play it. I have skipped a lot of these episodes in the recent months.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    NHW1055
    United Statesa year ago
  • Not a subscriber

    Some good information but making everything subscriber after a certain amount of time is lame.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    sometimesbeard
    United Statesa year ago
  • Not hands on

    The new format without Leo and call- ins just doesn’t have an exciting listen.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    CNS1978
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The depth and clarity of explanations are commonly praised, though some listeners miss earlier formats or personalities.
Listeners value practical, step-by-step guidance and real-world setup tips.
Ads and sponsorships are frequently noted in feedback, with mixed reactions to format changes.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#247
United States/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#234
United Kingdom/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#219
Australia/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#114
New Zealand/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#140
Ireland/Technology
Apple Podcasts
#177
Finland/Technology

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

HOT 267: Wireless Access Points vs. Mesh - Home Network Setup Advice
Q: George asks whether to go with a mesh system or multiple wired access points, given he can run ethernet in his home.
The host explains that wired access points with ethernet backhaul outperform mesh systems in throughput, latency, and roaming, and they avoid cloud dependencies; if possible, run CAT6A with PoE and deploy two or three business-class APs for a longer-lasting, locally controlled network.
HOT 266: Troubleshooting Android Auto - Fixing Android Auto Issues
Q: What steps should Jeff take first to diagnose and fix Android Auto issues tied to the Gemini transition?
First, ensure the digital assistant is set to Gemini (or Google Assistant if Gemini isn't available). Then complete Gemini onboarding, sign in, grant permissions, and re-check microphone and notification permissions for Android Auto and Gemini. Clear caches for Android Auto and Gemini if problems persist, and only reset data if cache clearing doesn't work. Finally, verify that Android Auto notifications and car settings match on both the phone and car, and consider updating all involved apps or reinstalling Android Auto if necessary.
HOT 262: Syncing Bookmarks Between Chrome and Safari - Chrome & Safari Bookmark Sync
Q: How can I sync bookmarks between Chrome and Safari without a Windows PC or Docker?
Use Apple's own iCloud Bookmarks extension for Chrome, install it on every Chrome instance, sign in with your Apple ID, and your Chrome bookmarks will sync with iCloud and then with Safari across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. This first-party solution avoids the complexity and unreliability of third-party bridges.
HOT 260: Ethernet vs. USB-C for File Transfers - Which Connection for My NAS?
Q: Micah, just curious, should I spend the extra money to get a 10 gig ethernet port or find a USB-C to 10 gig ethernet dongle? USB-C is much faster.
USB-C can reach speeds comparable to 10Gb Ethernet depending on the USB-C standard, but a dongle introduces bottlenecks and potential failure points; for video editing and NAS workloads, a native or Thunderbolt-based solution generally provides more reliable, sustained throughput, with Thunderbolt 3 offering the strongest performance in direct NAS connections.
HOT 261: Remote Accessing Your Computers - Syncing Two Computers
Q: My question is, what is the best way to set up two laptops, whether Mac or PC, one at each of my two offices that are duplicates of each other, so that when I sit in front of either one, I am seeing the identical programs and content.
Use two machines of the same platform, store files in cloud-synced folders, sync browser and app settings, install the same core apps on both, and maintain a one-time setup to align preferences; you may use iCloud Drive or OneDrive for files and supplement with Dropbox/Google Drive for sharing, while recognizing a small residual 5% of fine-tuning may remain.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Hands-On Tech

What is Hands-On Tech about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Hands-On Tech focuses on practical tech guidance, with episodes built around listener questions and hands-on demonstrations. Topics regularly cover hardware networking, operating system tips, software utilities, and troubleshooting workflows, always with clear, actionable steps. A standout aspect is the emphasis on local control, practical setups, and realistic trade-offs (e.g., wired access points vs. mesh, managing new apps and platforms, and cross-device workflows). The format often includes step-by-step instructions, gear recommendations, and troubleshooting when things go wrong, making it especially useful for tech-savvy listeners who want tangible results. The show tends to blend clean, friendly delivery with in-depth nerdy detail, wh... more

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How many listeners does Hands-On Tech get?

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To see how many followers or subscribers Hands-On Tech has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Hands-On Tech?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Hands-On Tech:

1. iOS Today (Audio)
2. Rich On Tech
3. This Week in Tech (Audio)
4. MacBreak Weekly (Audio)
5. Windows Weekly (Audio)

How many episodes of Hands-On Tech are there?

Hands-On Tech launched 21 years ago and published 236 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Hands-On Tech?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

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What guests have appeared on Hands-On Tech?

Recent guests on Hands-On Tech include:

1. Chris Marquardt
2. Sam Abuelsamid
3. Scott Wilkinson
4. Dick DeBartolo
5. Anthony Henderson
6. Father Robert Ballecer
7. Johnny Jet
8. Rod Pyle

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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