
Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast
Spilling trash, talk, tech, and tea (though Tom says no politics). Plus, games, plenty of Apple tech, or whatever else comes into our heads. It’s a show where we get to hang out and talk tech, talk shit, and have fun every couple of weeks (and sometimes more often - only your podcast app knows for sure). We'll give you the lowdown on the gear we're using, some knowledge bombs to help you use your gear better, and answer listener questions.
Episodes
71 episodes
Chaos to Clarity in Apple Notes: Forever * Notes with Matthias Hilse
If you’re an Apple Notes user who’s feeling buried in folders, tags, or forgotten ideas — and you’ve struggled to bring order to your notes — this episode is for you.We dive deep into the Forever * Notes system with its creator, Matthias...
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Episode 69
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56:50

Beta Tested: Apple’s Big Software Updates
If you’re wondering whether it’s finally safe (or fun) to jump into the Apple public betas, this episode is for you. From iPadOS 26’s dramatic windowing overhaul to macOS Tahoe’s subtle UI tweaks — plus new features in iOS 26 and watchOS 26 — w...
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Episode 68
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50:33

Psychokinetics, Celsius 7, Brother, MC, Friend: Jacob Battersby
What happens when hip-hop meets theater, satire, and sibling bond? In this episode, we meet Jacob Battersby — artist, MC, and the man behind Celsius 7 — as he joins his brother Jeff and Tom for a funny and sometimes unfiltered journey through d...
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Episode 67
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52:06

An AI Diagnosis, iPadOS 26 First Look, and How to Beta Test Without Breaking Everything
If you’re itching to try iPadOS 26, or just curious how far AI has crept into everyday life, this episode is for you.Tom and Jeff share how well (or not) AI played doctor, deliver a first look at the iPadOS 26 developer beta, and break d...
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Episode 66
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37:10

Our Summer Vibes Check
We’re in between WWDC and the Public Betas, and it’s the perfect time for a summer vibe check!Tom and Jeff break down what they’re reading, watching, listening to, and playing with this summer. Books, newsletters, podcasts, the new Reply...
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Episode 65
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48:38

90 Days of Forever*Notes and Stress Awareness with Athlytic & Apple Watch
Tom and Jeff dive into three fun segments: Tom’s updated Mac recommendations for students, Jeff's update on his Forever Notes system using Apple Notes, and how both hosts are using health tracking apps to better understand their stress and reco...
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Episode 64
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42:25

WWDC 2025 Recap with Joe Moyer
Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby are joined by returning guest Joe Moyer for a comprehensive breakdown of Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote:Exploration of the new "Liquid Glass" design language unifying all Apple platformsNew Apple ...
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Episode 63
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1:10:05

WWDC 2025 Preview with Riley Hill
Riley Hill returns to the show to join Jeff and Tom for a preview of WWDC 2025. What's coming from Apple? What kind of AI company should Apple be? And is there less hype than normal for this year's event?The guys also throw around some t...
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Episode 62
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56:37

Tom Gets Snipd, Siri Lawsuit Settlement, and More Bruises on Apple
Tom’s queued up an AI podcast app experiment, and Jeff’s wondering if it’s really worth the $85 price tag. This week, the guys dive into Snipd’s AI-powered podcast magic, how it pairs with Readwise for smart highlights and spaced repetition, an...
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Episode 61
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50:37

Subscription Madness!
It’s easy to lose track of subscriptions, and Tom and Jeff are feeling it too. In this episode, they unpack the apps, services, and streaming platforms they’re paying for — the good, the bad, and the ones they forgot they even had. They swap st...
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Episode 60
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54:03

Beyond Features and Functions: Is Technology Missing What Humans Really Need? with Leah Reich
We sit down with writer and user researcher Leah Reich to explore the complex relationship between technology and the humans who use it. Leah shares insights from her newsletter and writing career before diving into the evolving landscape of us...
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Episode 59
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1:01:25

WWDC Announced, Gentler Streak Workout Tracker, and "The Cybernetic Teammate" by Ethan Mollick
In this episode:Apple announces WWDC will be June 9-13Jeff is experimenting with Gentler Streak and having a bit of nostalgia with Notebook ArtilleryA subtle AirPods Pro experienceThe boys continue to argu...
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Episode 58
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52:49

Apple Immersive Metallica and What's Going on at Apple with Siri?
Apple has updated the iPad Air, iPad, MacBook Air, and Mac Studio. The new Apple Immersive Metallica experience is phenomenal; is it a turning point for Apple's immersive content? And what in the world is going on at Apple with Siri? <...
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Episode 57
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58:50

iPhone 16e, New Betas, and a Love of Forever*Notes
There’s a new iPhone 16 family member, new betas, a new Apple News+ feature, and Jeff has a new thing going in Apple Notes using the Forever*Notes framework. Links from the show:iPh...
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Episode 56
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52:07

Who Pays for Calendar Apps & Next-Level Notes with Bill McLean
Jeff and Tom are joined by Bill McLean for a great discussion on third-party calendar app subscriptions, extending the capabilities of Apple Notes with Forever Notes, and a round-up of AI tools that Bill uses.Where to find mor...
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Episode 55
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1:01:19

Dungeons in the Attic
There's not a lot of tech in this one, but there's a ton of nerdy goodness as Jeff and Tom are joined by the fabulous cast of the Dungeons in the Attic podcast!Where to find Dungeons in the Attic:
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Episode 54
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1:02:33

Apple TV+ with Benjamin Jancewicz and Joe Moyer
The boys are joined by Benjamin Jancewicz and Joe Moyer for a fun discussion on Apple TV+.Looking for something to watch? Benjamin, Joe, and Jeff have plenty of recommendations. In fact, so many they wouldn't fit here, so we've posted t...
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Episode 53
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1:00:29

Grading Apple Intelligence with Adam Jones
In this episode of Basic AF, hosts Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby welcome back guest Adam Jones to discuss the latest features of Apple Intelligence. Topics include:• Privacy Concerns• Integration of ChatGPT•...
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Episode 52
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59:01

These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things (2024 Edition)
In this special holiday episode of Basic AF, Jeff Battersby and Tom Anderson share their favorite picks from 2024, blending tech, books, music, and apps. The duo kicks off with lighthearted banter about recording struggles, holiday vib...
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Episode 51
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52:17

iPhone 16 Photography with Chris Freitag
In our 50th episode, Chris Freitag returns to explore the world of iPhone 16 Pro photography. We discuss the new Camera Control features and usability in real-world scenarios, and how Apple’s new Photographic Styles tools can elevate your mobil...
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Episode 50
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45:21

Conversational Siri, ChatGPT, and Travel Gear & Tips with Gannon Nordberg
In this episode of Basic AF, hosts Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby welcome back Gannon Nordberg for a jam-packed conversation. Mark Gurman says Apple is working on a more conversational Siri, similar to ChatGPT's Voice mode, plus there...
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Episode 49
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49:47

New M4 Macs and Apple Intelligence
Join Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby in this episode as they unpack Apple’s latest announcements, with a nostalgic nod to an internet legend. Highlights include:Farewell, Elwood “You’ve Got Mail!” EdwardsThe voice that welc...
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Episode 48
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49:32

The Journaling Guide with Joe Moyer
Ever wondered if journaling could make a difference in your life? This week’s guest, Joe Moyer, believes it can. Joe shares his personal journey with journaling and practical advice on how to build a habit—even if you only have five minutes a d...
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Episode 47
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39:59

Latest Apple News, Vision Pro’s Submerged Debuts, and Zelda’s Epic New Puzzle Adventure
In this episode of Basic AF, Tom and Jeff cover a mix of Apple news, including minor OS updates, Apple’s immersive content plans for Vision Pro, and Submerged, Apple’s first short film for the Vision Pro. They also touch on Jeff’s new obsession...
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Episode 46
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36:30
