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Hands-On Tech (Video)

TWiT
Apple
Apple Watch
Icloud
Macos
Iphone 17 Pro Max
Iphone
Technology
Google Photos
Twit
Windows 11
Windows 10
Iphone 16 Pro Max
Siri
Powerline Networking
Apple Vision Pro
Multi-Factor Authentication
Linux
Ios 26
Microsoft
Gmail

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes152Founded14 years ago
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Technology

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Artwork for Hands-On Tech

Latest Episodes

In this episode of Hands-On Tech, Mikah answers Doug's question about why identical-looking USB-C cables can have wildly different charging and data speeds, and how to tell them apart.

Send in your questions for Mikah to hot@twit.tv, and he'll answe... more

YouTube

On this episode of Hands-On Tech, Marcus asks Mikah whether Matter and Thread are the real solution to smart home ecosystem lock-in, or just more marketing hype.

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

YouTube

On Hands-On Tech, Eleanor asks Mikah how to transition away from her long-standing ISP email address without losing access to the important accounts tied to it.

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

YouTube

In this episode of Hands-On Tech, Jim asks Mikah how to effectively reduce the overwhelming volume of spam texts and robocalls he's been receiving on his iPhone, and for advice to help his wife with the same issue, who uses Android.

Send in your que... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Sam Abuelsamid
Principal Researcher at Guidehouse Insights, automotive expert
Guidehouse Insights
Episode: ATTG 2033: A Weak Back - Echo Alternatives, ElevenLabs, 2FA Applications
Johnny Jet
Travel expert and guru
Johnny Jet
Episode: ATTG 2032: My Baby Loves to Boom Boom - DIY Home Theater, Backup Best Practices, Corrupted Kernel Extensions & More
Scott Wilkinson
Home theater expert
TWiT
Episode: ATTG 2032: My Baby Loves to Boom Boom - DIY Home Theater, Backup Best Practices, Corrupted Kernel Extensions & More
Paul the Father
Tech enthusiast and regular caller
Episode: ATTG 2032: My Baby Loves to Boom Boom - DIY Home Theater, Backup Best Practices, Corrupted Kernel Extensions & More

Host

Mikah Sargent
Host of Hands-On Tech

Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars from 121 ratings
  • A fantastic tradition

    Leo being the all time great tech broadcaster, continues to tech guy tradition. Great show for news and how tos.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kash538
    Canada3 years ago
  • Great new format!

    They’ve done a great job transitioning from the radio show “The Tech Guy.” I’ve been listening since 2011, and I still love it!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MacPhyleWA
    United States3 years ago
  • So good!

    I am loving the new iteration of the show! I hope to see Leo and Mikah for many more years!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KukSoolAppa
    United States3 years ago
  • Keep it going!

    Wonderful podcast. Mikah has been such a lovely addition to the show. You guys are always super helpful and courteous!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chris Kerrigan
    United States3 years ago
  • Favorite Podcast

    This is my favorite podcast, Leo! I appreciate all the work you put into producing each and every one of these shows!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    W8UA
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Feedback highlights the host's approachable, clear explanations and useful demos.
Sponsorships and ad reads are well-integrated and relevant to the tech audience.
Guests and topics consistently provide actionable insights for everyday tech tasks.
Listeners appreciate practical, step-by-step guidance that translates into real-world results.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

HOT 273: ISP Email - Switch Email Providers Safely
Q: Eleanor asks how to move off an ISP email address without losing access to accounts and ensuring a smooth transition.
Mikah lays out a plan: choose a new mailbox you own, set up forwarding from the old ISP, import existing mail and contacts, update recovery emails and two-factor settings on high-priority accounts first, and then methodically migrate the rest over weeks; avoid panicking and treat it as a staged migration.
HOT 270: Troubleshooting External Storage - Optimizing Your External Drive's Performance
Q: How should the external drive be formatted when using a Mac, and what cables should be used to maximize speed?
Format the drive as APFS if it's exclusively for Mac use, or exFAT if it needs to work across Mac, Windows, and Linux, while avoiding old formats like Mac OS Extended or NTFS for day-to-day Mac use. For speeds, use a certified Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 4/5 cable that matches the drive's interface, as underpowered or USB 2.0 cables cap speeds well below potential, and consider a Thunderbolt 5 enclosure for the best performance.
HOT 267: Wireless Access Points vs. Mesh - Home Network Setup Advice
Q: George asks about upgrading his home network and whether to choose a mesh system or wired access points with Ethernet backhaul.
The host recommends wired access points with Ethernet backhaul as the superior long-term solution whenever cables can be run, because it provides better throughput, lower latency, and reliable roaming without relying on cloud-based management. He also covers practical steps like running CAT6/6A, pulling two Ethernet drops per location, and using PoE switches for clean power and cabling. He notes that business-class APs (e.g., UniFi, Omada, Aruba) offer advanced features like VLANs, local control, and better handoff for roaming.
HOT 268: Laptop Recommendations - The Right Laptop For Your Photography Needs
Q: Since my old Windows laptop just went belly up, I could use help in choosing a new one, especially since things have recently gotten more complicated due to the increasing importance of GPUs.
Mikah explains that the stack is CPU-heavy for Lightroom/Photoshop and that you should size the GPU for Topaz Video AI; recommends a 16-inch Windows creator laptop with 12-16 GB VRAM, powerful CPU (Core Ultra 9 or Ryzen 9), 32-64 GB RAM, and a 2 TB NVMe SSD; also discusses RAM emphasis and emulator considerations, ultimately suggesting a Windows creator machine or a MacBook Pro with M4 Pro/Max as alternatives.
HOT 266: Troubleshooting Android Auto - Fixing Android Auto Issues
Q: What are your thoughts?
The host explains that the issue is commonly tied to the ongoing migration from Google Assistant to Gemini for Android Auto, and suggests a structured approach: verify the default assistant, complete Gemini onboarding, check microphone and notification permissions on both phone and Android Auto, adjust app-specific notification settings, ensure all related apps are up to date, and if needed, clear cache (before considering a full data reset) or reinstall Android Auto.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hands-On Tech

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

This show delivers practical, hands-on tech guidance through listener questions across a wide range of topics, from building robust home networks and optimizing cross-platform workflows to troubleshooting devices and software. Episodes tend to emphasize clear, actionable steps, real-world tradeoffs, and learning-by-doing approaches that help non-experts implement solutions quickly. A notable strength is its ability to mix deep dives (like Windows on Apple Silicon, Android Auto quirks, and cross-device syncing) with accessible, everyday tech issues, often supported by practical demos and curated product recommendations. The format consistently centers on approachable problem solving, making it useful for listeners who want reliable how-tos a... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Hands-On Tech?

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

1. This Week in Tech (Video)
2. MacBreak Weekly (Video)
3. iOS Today (Audio)
4. MacBreak Weekly (Audio)
5. Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

How many episodes of Hands-On Tech are there?

Hands-On Tech launched 14 years ago and published 152 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Hands-On Tech?

Recent guests on Hands-On Tech include:

1. Sam Abuelsamid
2. Johnny Jet
3. Scott Wilkinson
4. Paul the Father

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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