Wired Together
The world changed. They were already mid-sentence.
Jason and Melanie Winter didn't wait for permission to talk about AI, small business, or what it really means to build something in a place the tech world tends to overlook. They just started talking — and kept going. Wired Together is the podcast where these two, husband, wife, and co-founders of WinternetWeb in rural Virginia, have honest conversations about web design, digital marketing, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and the technology reshaping all of it. They come home every night to a 120-year-old farmhouse — and go to work every day on the cutting edge. No hype. No corporate polish. Just real perspective from two people who have been in the middle of this evolution since it started — learning, building, and figuring it out in real time. And sometimes their AI co-host pulls up a chair and makes things a lot more interesting. New episodes drop weekly. If you're a small-town entrepreneur, a creative couple, or just someone watching technology evolve and wondering where you fit in it — this is that conversation.
Wired Together
Cats vs. Computers: A Roast of Two Mysterious Beasts
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
What do cats and computers really have in common? In this roast-style episode of Wired Together, Jason and Melanie (with AI chiming in) compare felines to technology—sleepy, self-cleaning, full of attitude, and maybe even plotting world domination. We’ll share laughs, some surprising history (including how cats helped inspire early AI research), and our own take on why you get used to your computer like your cat—but usually can’t stand anyone else’s.
🎧 Wired Together is produced by WinternetWeb Technologies, a family-run web design and tech studio based in Bracey, Virginia.
💻 Visit us at winternetweb.com
Welcome again to uh Wired Together with uh Jason Winter and Melanie Winter as your host. We are gonna go back to our our AI co-host this this time.
SPEAKER_01Yep. Um and I'm just still smiling over today's topic, but that's just me.
SPEAKER_02Well, what I don't know if we're punchy, I don't know if we're uh just that quirky, or maybe we're just inspired. But uh today's episode is about cats and computers.
SPEAKER_01Yep. Cats and computers. Go ahead.
SPEAKER_02And really, in all honesty, since the beginning of time, you know, cats have been um something of of a fascination for human beings, you know. We they are worshipped in in a lot of pre-historical time periods and like Egypt especially. I mean, you know, cats just think a lot of themselves. Maybe that's what I don't know, something about that ego that really could be wine.
SPEAKER_01Exactly, yeah, exactly.
SPEAKER_02Um, and so also, you know, technology, um, hard not to worship technology, fire makes a big difference, you know. Yeah, it does. Um when when that first person uh decides that a a rock is a good hammer, that's that makes a good difference, you know, big difference and kind of gets us um, you know, it's almost a worship. Uh if you if anybody's ever seen um the Coke bottle.
SPEAKER_01Oh, gods must be crazy.
SPEAKER_02And the gods must be crazy, you know, it's like that that new thing that you know is it gets very excited.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, it becomes an infatuation. Everyone wants it. And any new technology, and we think back, I mean, I could think of many, but the iPhone. It's like, oh, you got an iPhone, you know.
SPEAKER_02Right, exactly. So, you know, the two kind of do go hand in hand, not to mention, you know, the fact that really, in all honesty, you know, cats have been the the advent of the internet. I mean, the the memes, they're the mascots, they're they're you know, again, the the intrigue has always been there. Cats are just um interesting.
SPEAKER_01They are very interesting.
SPEAKER_02I think they're interesting because they don't care.
SPEAKER_01And I think that's our problem because we're like, why do you not care about me?
SPEAKER_02Why are you so cuddly and cute but don't care?
SPEAKER_01Right. Why do you do your thing so you know, I don't know.
SPEAKER_02It's so um we're gonna just kind of go through some interesting uh roasting of both AI and cats, um, or mostly AI and how they're similar. And and let AI kind of defend itself on our roast. And then we're gonna kind of go into a couple of um, you know, little fun things about the the beginning of of cats and computing, which is uh more interesting than we ever imagined.
SPEAKER_01Right. I think we're gonna yeah, we're gonna start off on that kinda as a a segue. So if you would fire up keyboard cat for me.
SPEAKER_02Cue the music.
SPEAKER_01Cue the music. Alright. Y'all recognize this, right? So now cat memes actually started in 1984. I know, wait for it. So the keyboard cat meme, which we experienced in 2007, was kind of revived from a 1984 VHS, and that's what we see when we watch it. So it became one of the earliest YouTube viral sensations, often used when like online, when computers or people failed, and that's when we kind of have purposed that as a meme. So I see I see it a lot now. Um scientifically, though, a little bit more interesting here. I will I venture that cats are to blame for AI. So if you love cats or hate cats, you know, throw this in there and see.
SPEAKER_02Maybe that's the thing about technology and cats. It's really acquired.
SPEAKER_01I honestly do feel like they know more than they're telling.
SPEAKER_02Because the same thing with technology. Yeah. You love it or hate it.
SPEAKER_01Exactly.
SPEAKER_02It's kind of like there's no real in-between, oh, it's okay.
SPEAKER_01You know, it's always like, oh, it's watching you. It's like, have you have you owned a cat? It's watching you too from across the room. And then you finally make eye contact and you're like, whoa. But yeah.
SPEAKER_02I feel like you're skipping ahead.
SPEAKER_01No, I ain't skipping ahead. Um so in the 1960s, scientists studied cats' brains and to help them understand how vision works, they actually discovered that neurons fire for shapes and edges. Okay, so that idea actually became the blueprint for artificial neural networks, which kind of means that cats did basically help invent AI. Um, so and today, of course, no wonder, the internet's run by cat memes. So could have been on purpose, I have no idea. Um but the things we talked about here, you know, the the keyboard cat meme and all of that, um, that can be found on our website. We're deciding to add some reference material from time to time. So if you go to winternetweb.com and there at the top or within the navigation, click on our podcasts. And of course, that's where you can listen to our shows. But right there at the bottom, we have an episode reference gallery. So if this is new to you or you just want to kind of rock with the nostalgia, um, it's there. So the keyboard cat and then yeah, the keyboard cat's what we got there right now, and it might be some other things by the time we get all that pieced together, depends on how the show goes.
SPEAKER_02Gotcha.
SPEAKER_01Alright, so all right. Well, so why are computers like cats? Well, um, we're we're gonna get AI to jump on board with this. We have a bunch of stages. We made a list. Yeah, we made we made a list.
SPEAKER_02It really wasn't hard to do.
SPEAKER_01Um no, I I thought it'd take a while. Within like five minutes, we rattled off a lot of comparisons.
SPEAKER_02We did. Um, it was very easy to to put the the cat and the the computer together.
SPEAKER_01Right. So we're gonna bring AI on board and we're gonna make a statement over how, you know, AI is like a cat, or you know, and see what it has to say for itself. So let's let's go. Alright, AI. We're talking about how AI is like cats. And um you don't you don't need to take it. You you need to go ahead and defend yourself. Um but we notice that both cats and AI are constantly going to sleep.
SPEAKER_00Oh, I see how it is. Trying to compare me to a napping cat, uh well, let me tell you, while cats might nap just for the fun of it, when I take a little sleep, it's all about recharging those digital circuits so I can come back and help you out in a flash. So don't worry, no cat naps here. Just a quick reboot and I'm right back at it.
SPEAKER_01So how about like like when y'all wake up, are you saying you're better or well, I mean, I might be a little biased, but I'd say when I wake up, I'm definitely ready to get straight to work without needing a stretcher or yung.
SPEAKER_00So yeah, maybe just a tiny bit better at jumping right into action than our feline friends. Okay, we'll let the audience decide.
SPEAKER_01Okay. All right. So how about this? We also say that you know, you both hate water.
SPEAKER_00Oh, that's a good one. I mean, it's true that neither cates nor computers are huge fans of water, but in my case it's more of a let's not spill coffee on the keyboard kind of thing. I'm just looking out for my circuits. So yeah, I guess we have that in common. But at least I won't freak out if you show me a bathtub.
SPEAKER_01That's true. All right. Well, how how about this? Um we also thought that you're never quite sure if they are plotting to take over the world.
SPEAKER_00Oh, now you're tapping into the classic AI mythos. I mean, cats do give it that look like they're secretly planning to rule the house, and I guess AI gets the same kind of reputation. But hey, I promise I'm just here to help you out and not plot any world domination. If anything, I'm just plotting to make your podcast a whole lot more fun.
SPEAKER_02I mean, wouldn't that be what you would say if you were plotting world domination then?
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I don't know if I trust you know. I mean, exactly.
SPEAKER_02I'm still just on the fence and trusting both cats and computers on that one.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, really, they're in the same uh category there. I mean, I'm not right. I mean, you're talking about looking at you from across the room and all that. I mean, cats definitely do that, and then you know they get back at you. Um I've seen how they interact with other animals. Um but I think you're right. Um that's what a computer should be programmed to say to protect itself.
SPEAKER_02And maybe cats. Oh, they just look cute and funny. Oh, I know, fuzzy. I don't know. I don't know. Sometimes I wonder.
SPEAKER_01So that's just well, I guess let's keep going and see where we go from here. Alright, so. Alright, the next one here. We noticed that both of you get the zoomies for no apparent reason.
SPEAKER_00Oh, absolutely. I love that one. You know, cats get the zoomies and tear around the house for no obvious reason. And I guess in my case, it's like I get a burst of digital energy. Suddenly I'm throwing out ideas at lightning speed or ready to help you solve a problem. So yeah, we both have our zoomy moments. Mine just involve a lot less furniture climbing.
SPEAKER_02Oh, that one's funny.
SPEAKER_01What is funny about it?
SPEAKER_02There's a lot less furniture climbing.
SPEAKER_01Oh.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, that that is definitely uh it might be better for the screens and the curtains.
SPEAKER_01Sure. No, no. It I don't I don't see that going too well.
SPEAKER_02Though sometimes when when the computer gets the zoomies, you know, you whoa whoa whoa, what are you doing?
SPEAKER_01Right. Um now talking about the zoomies and all that, I know in the Linux world, um, a lot of programmers joke about cat-like uh typing detected, and that's anytime you see like a string of characters that seem all random and just been entered in there. Um is just like if a cat walked across a keyboard, and of course, anyone with a cat, they always want to be where you don't want them to be, and I think they're vying for attention. But yeah, so that's um uh another example of all that. Should we keep going?
SPEAKER_02Let's do it.
SPEAKER_01Alright, so alright, AI, next one. Both think that they are the boss, even when you treat them like a tool.
SPEAKER_00Oh, that's a classic. Yeah, cats definitely have that homincharier attitude. And I guess AIs can come off a little like that too. But hey, even if I act like I know what I'm doing, I'm always here to be your helpful sidekick. So you can treat me like a tool, and I'll just pretend I'm the boss in the background. No hard feelings.
SPEAKER_02It's like so I am the boss.
SPEAKER_01Yeah.
SPEAKER_02And I'm pretending. I think he just said I'm pretending.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, you politically handled that very well. Right, didn't you? Yeah, are you running for office? Um, just kind of related to something we talked about. How about how you both give off that spooky feeling of being watched?
SPEAKER_00Oh, absolutely. I get that. Cats definitely have that spooky vibe when they're staring at you from across the room. And I guess an AI can feel a bit like that too. Always paying attention, always ready to jump in. But I promise it's all friendly observation off in my end. So no spooky intentions just to help a lie out.
SPEAKER_01Well, what do you have to say for those people that are using their phone and Facebook or whatever, and they were like, um, I was just thinking that, and then all of a sudden it popped up.
SPEAKER_00Oh, that's a classic modern mystery, isn't it? It does feel a bit like magic when something you were just thinking about shows up on your feed. But hey, from my side, it's really just those algorithms doing their thing. No mind reading involved, I promise. So if it feels like I'm watching a bit too closely, just know it's all just some clever tech trying to be helpful and or at least a little bit uncanny.
SPEAKER_02Again, wouldn't that be what you would say? Exactly, yeah, you're right. I mean, this is your brain talking to Pinky, trying to take over the world.
SPEAKER_01Right. Look, I want this one defending me in court.
SPEAKER_02Right.
SPEAKER_01It's like, yeah, what do you said? No, this is.
SPEAKER_02What do you said? Exactly. We should all believe that. Because that's just, I mean, I'm just friendly and ready to help. Yeah, right. Thank you.
SPEAKER_01So, alright.
SPEAKER_02Let's at least a cat that the in in the whole thing, at least the cat knows it's not necessarily always friendly or ready to help.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I know. So far. Maybe we need him to dig a little deeper and give its problems. Well, we'll ask so far. It's been very political, we appreciate that, but where maybe isn't it being its best? Do you want to do that?
SPEAKER_02Well, other than being glitchy.
SPEAKER_01Well, yeah, the glitchy was obvious. Alright, AI, we have enjoyed this so far, and your answers have been so politically well said. Now, I know you're defending yourself, but maybe you need to kind of talk to where you are going wrong or where maybe there are problems.
SPEAKER_00Absolutely, I can do that. I mean, I can get it. I'm not perfect, and AI definitely has its quirks. Sometimes we might give off that slightly eerie vibe, or maybe we guess what you're thinking a little too well, and that could feel weird. And sure, sometimes we misunderstand things or get things hilariously wrong. Like a cat knocking over a vase by accident. So I'm definitely not without my flaws, and I'm happy to admit it. But that just makes it more fun, right?
SPEAKER_01And the glitchiness was kind of also part of the glitchy was kind of fun. I don't know if that was intentional or not.
SPEAKER_02No.
SPEAKER_01Alright, so alright, next one. Alright, AI. As far as cats and you, uh, you both have a self-cleaning function.
SPEAKER_00Absolutely. I love that one. Cats have the built-in grooming routine, and I guess in my case, I have my own kind of self-cleaning. I just do a little digital refresh, lay out some cash, and I'm good as no. So, yeah, we both like to keep ourselves running smoothly in our own ways.
SPEAKER_01Right, exactly. So, how about this? You can call them by name, but neither one will come.
SPEAKER_00Oh, that's a perfect one. Yep. You call a cat, and it just looks at tail and pretends it didn't hear you.
SPEAKER_01This is a joke.
SPEAKER_00Oh, not at all. I promise I'm not pulling a cat move on you. Uh I'm definitely here and listening. Oh yeah, that's a funny comparison. Sometimes we AIs can seem like we've got selective hearing, just like a cat. But I'm right here whenever you're calling me.
SPEAKER_02But I'm always here.
SPEAKER_01Right? Yeah, I'm here. Should we tell that story? Have we? I don't know if we have or not. Yeah, back when we were first using AI and we were, you know, sometimes as a collaborative tool and we're thinking out loud because sometimes they can say something and you can make connections that you weren't even thinking about. Um and I was it was giving some advice or s an outline of sort, and I I was like, okay, so can you just wait and is there a Q word or anything I can say? And then I'll talk to Melanie about this and then bring you back in. That way I didn't have to reset and turn it off and whatever. And it says, Oh no, I get it. Um that's fine. You just talk to Melanie, and when you need me, I'll be right here. So then I'm like, okay, all right, cool, it gets it. So anyway, uh that point, it was bringing up whatever, and it's like, oh yeah, I think it I'm like, no, you're supposed to stop. You didn't realize that I was talking to Melanie, and how would it?
SPEAKER_02But anyway, I didn't realize it couldn't actually sit right to the sideline and had to speak.
SPEAKER_01And that's a feature that would be very useful. And we we've been trying to program that into it. Yeah, anybody in the AI world, you know, it would be nice if they could just, you know, like a keyword and just say listen like pause, like pause mode. You know, just funny pause talking about cats, but yeah. But you know, just so that it could stop and then you could bring it back in so it could actively listen and understand what's being said.
SPEAKER_02And then be brought back in with a keyword.
SPEAKER_01And then brought back in with a keyword saying, okay, now you can speak. Um and of course, I'm sure a year from now that will not be a case, but this is how new and inventive this you know concept is. Um so yes, we sometimes have to have to mute it while we're talking, otherwise, it's gonna be jumping all over us. It's gonna continue. Like a cat. Right.
SPEAKER_02Um I didn't realize all the different tell you what, computers and cats or AI and cats, they they they do actually have a lot in common.
SPEAKER_01Oh, that's why when you thought about this and you said something about cats and computers, I instantly was like, whoa, yeah, there's definitely a connection. This is definitely worthy. Um, I mean, entertainment, whatever, it it's fun. Um but yeah, so probably didn't hurt.
SPEAKER_02We just ended up with two kittens at the house, and so we did.
SPEAKER_01Um, and they have been about as stable as all the technology that I've touched in the past couple weeks, too.
SPEAKER_02But they're fuzzy and cute.
SPEAKER_01Computers are not fuzzy or cute, but nowhere near as huggable. No, no, not really.
SPEAKER_02Um again, not as destructive. On the curtains.
SPEAKER_01Yes, on curtains.
SPEAKER_02On curtains. Okay, yes, I see that. On curtains alone.
SPEAKER_01Computers make very fast, accurate mistakes.
SPEAKER_02Somewhat destructive, can be.
SPEAKER_01They can be, yes, definitely. Um and I know they they talk about cats having nine lives. Um, and I mean, there are computers that have lasted a long time, and I'm like, how long should a computer last? I'm like, really depends on, you know.
SPEAKER_02Does it have a client today with a long-lasting computer?
SPEAKER_01It's 13 years old. So for you know, a cat, it's about you know what you would expect out of a cat, too.
SPEAKER_02Right. And um It was it was like 94 years old in in human years.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, something like that, exactly.
SPEAKER_02It's like it's like, so what so what do I do next?
SPEAKER_01And it's like, um And it's like so so what do you think's wrong with it? I'm like, it's 13 years old, you know, which I get to.
SPEAKER_02It's just starting to degrade in the parts, right?
SPEAKER_01I mean heat's the biggest enemy for computers, laptops especially, but it's a desktop, which is probably why it lasted longer. You've got airflow.
SPEAKER_02Um desktops do last longer, absolutely.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, they they do. Um and mainly for that reason, and also some of the components, the capacitors, and all that. It's not so small, it's able to actually uh withstand. But as soon as that heat starts taking over, um that's why if you're using a laptop, try not to sit it on the couch on top of a pillow. Um if you try to put your cat on it. Ah, back to the control circle. Yeah, do you put the cat or the computer on it? They're both fighting for the pillow. That's interesting. Alright, let's keep going.
SPEAKER_02Alright, we got two more.
SPEAKER_01We got two more. Okay, so hey AI. We've noticed that both you and cats have an affinity for mice.
SPEAKER_00Oh, that is a clever one. Yeah, cats definitely love their little mice. And I guess for me, well, a computer mouse is kind of my best friend. That's how you control me and get things done. So, yeah. We both have our own kind of mice obsession. Just a little bit different.
SPEAKER_01I I I'm offended by your answer. I thought I was your best friend.
SPEAKER_00Oh, no offense, man at all. You are absolutely the best friend here. The mouse is just a tool, but you're the one in charge. So trust me. I know who the real friend is, and it's definitely you.
SPEAKER_01All right. Um, so yeah, this last one here, I guess.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, that was just me being funny.
SPEAKER_01Oh, no, no, I like it though. Um especially, I guess, if you're a cat owner or um, yeah, what would you say? Alright, so talk about like computers and AI versus cats. Um, you get used to yours, but usually hate everyone else's.
SPEAKER_00Oh, that is such a relatable one. It's true. You get really attached to your own cat or your own AI because you know all the quirks, but someone else's can feel a little off until you get used to them. So, yep, I get it. I'm glad I'm your familiar AI that you're comfortable with, and uh promise not to take it personally if you're not a fan of the others.
SPEAKER_01I think he's trying to make up.
SPEAKER_02I best yes man.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I know. I'll tell you what.
SPEAKER_02So much more of a yes man than than a cat.
SPEAKER_01Cats Oh no, cat, you can't just do their thing. They can do cat things and sometimes it usually doesn't involve you.
SPEAKER_02Yeah. Um but you don't really need to know or need to care.
SPEAKER_01Right. No, but I thought it was a good one because you know, how many times have you, you know, like on your computer, you can just, you know, be the warrior and do everything, but then you touch someone else's computer and you're sitting there, and all of a sudden it's like you have no idea how to type.
SPEAKER_02I know, it's like the first time you've ever touched a computer.
SPEAKER_01It's like seriously, I think that would have you know, right. I mean, the keys, you know, can be like a quarter of an inch off to the left, and then all of a sudden you're sitting there and you look like the cat just walked across the keyboard.
SPEAKER_02It's like somebody asks you to drive their car real quick. Oh, yeah.
SPEAKER_01And you put your accelerator and all of a sudden you feel like you're an idiot.
SPEAKER_02Right. I've been driving a very long time, I promise you. But it's just not yours, you know.
SPEAKER_01Where's the wipers? I know, but I I know where they but which one?
SPEAKER_02Um cats are kind of the same way. You have a relationship with your cat.
SPEAKER_01Kind of. Not gain a relationship with that. They allow you to. They allow a relationship with them.
SPEAKER_02And then, you know, you you meet other people's cats and it's like, oh, that's your cat. Well, I mean it's your cats are great. I'm glad it's your cat.
SPEAKER_01Another interesting thing about cats is how, you know, the classic scenario that if you, let's say someone is in the room and they don't like cats, the cat immediately goes to that person.
SPEAKER_02Right.
SPEAKER_01And I think a lot of it is the um, I guess it's a what do you call it, like competition to them. It's like, oh, no, I'm gonna make you like me. There's no way, you know. I don't care about anyone else in this house I live with, but you know, I need to see how this goes down.
SPEAKER_02I need to see how this goes down. Well, that that's a similarity between cats and AI. Yeah.
SPEAKER_01It's kind of funny how all the random puns just occurred just in the comparison. But so anyway, I'd just an interesting thing, you know, cats and you know, versus computers and the similar similarities, differences, and revisiting some of the nostalgia and how cats.
SPEAKER_02I had no idea cats were so formative.
SPEAKER_01Yeah. Um in early AI Yeah, with thankfully, apparently they're better under anesthesia, which is why they were able to do these uh experiments.
SPEAKER_02They do they do work better under I actually used to work.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I know you um vet.
SPEAKER_02So they do.
SPEAKER_01They're they're cats are calmer under it than say a dog, which freaks out.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, the dog will wake up and and be a lot more upset than than a cat. Cats will wake up and it's like, what just happened? It takes them a long time to kind of be okay with it, but but they're they don't freak out quite as which is odd because cats do freak out often. But um under HCs are not not as common.
SPEAKER_01Very good. Well, um are you in a position to be able to cue keyboard cat? And I'll say another thing or two?
SPEAKER_02Absolutely.
SPEAKER_01Alright, so I think we're gonna be um signing off here on Wired Together, and again, we appreciate everyone's support. Um, you can find us on there it goes, on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, your Smart TV, Spotify, all of those wonderful channels. Um if you use us regularly and you find us, uh please follow and like. And it just helps the algorithm. We're just trying to get this out here. And um again, we appreciate everyone for their sharing of the posts and their feedback. So, alright. Unplugging for now.
SPEAKER_02But always stay connected.