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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
Battery Life

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes152Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Technology

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Artwork for Hands-On Tech

Latest Episodes

In this week's episode of Hands-On Tech, Clint wants to know whether Telegram is truly safe to use or not.

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

Host: Mikah Sargent

Download or subscribe to Hands-O... more

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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

YouTube

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

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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

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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.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#50
Finland/Technology

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
HOT 264: Recovering Deleted Files - Can You Restore Deleted Files?
Q: Can you rescue a file that has been deleted permanently?
Yes, it is often possible depending on how long ago the file was deleted and what has happened on the machine since then; start with checking the Trash, then look at built-in backups like Time Machine or File History, and if those fail, consider third-party recovery tools or professional data recovery services, keeping in mind the costs and uncertain outcomes.

Audience Metrics

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

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Gender Skew
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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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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. This Week in Tech (Video)
2. MacBreak Weekly (Video)
3. iOS Today (Audio)
4. Rich On Tech
5. MacBreak Weekly (Audio)

How many episodes of Hands-On Tech are there?

Hands-On Tech launched 13 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.

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. 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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