Basic AF: a (mostly) tech podcast
Episodes
The Apple Gear We're Using in Late 2025
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Basic AF, Tom and Jeff revisit all the Apple hardware they use every single day, 18 months after their last gear rundown. From Macs...
Stroke!: An Account of Jeff’s Symptoms, Recovery, and What You Should Trust in a Medical Emergency
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode starts with listener feedback on window management in iPadOS 26, then Jeff opens up about his recent stroke. He walks through the initial...
New iPad Pros and iPadOS 26 with Riley Hill (And Jeff's Return!)
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jeff returns to the show 🥳 and Riley Hill joins us again to talk all things iPad. Riley and Tom have new M5 iPad Pros (11” and 13” models) and...
Apple Notes, Obsidian, Notion, Craft, and Bear (Oh My!) with Bill McLean
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jeff is taking a break from the show to recover from his recent stroke. He's recovering well and is working his butt off in rehab and hopes to re...
BAF Rewind: Tips & Tricks with Gannon Nordberg
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jeff and Tom are off this week so we're going into the vault! Join us for a rewind of our 2024 Tips & Tricks show with Gannon Nordberg!Over a...
The iPhone Air Experience with Chris Freitag and Gannon Nordberg
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Basic AF, Tom and Jeff welcome back Chris Freitag and Gannon Nordberg to share their experiences of using the iPhone Air. The guys...
Apple Event Recap: iPhone Air, iPhone 17 series, Apple Watch Series 11 & Ultra 3, Plus AirPods Pro 3
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We dig into the details of Apple’s recent “Awe Dropping” event! We take a look at the innovative features of the new iPhone Air, display improve...
Chaos to Clarity in Apple Notes: Forever * Notes with Matthias Hilse
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 —...
Beta Tested: Apple’s Big Software Updates
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
Psychokinetics, Celsius 7, Brother, MC, Friend: Jacob Battersby
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
An AI Diagnosis, iPadOS 26 First Look, and How to Beta Test Without Breaking Everything
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Our Summer Vibes Check
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, watc...
90 Days of Forever*Notes and Stress Awareness with Athlytic & Apple Watch
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tom and Jeff dive into three fun segments: Tom’s updated Mac recommendations for students, Jeff's update on his Forever Notes system using Appl...
WWDC 2025 Recap with Joe Moyer
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby are joined by returning guest Joe Moyer for a comprehensive breakdown of Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote:Exploration of...
WWDC 2025 Preview with Riley Hill
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Tom Gets Snipd, Siri Lawsuit Settlement, and More Bruises on Apple
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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’...
Subscription Madness!
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 platfo...
Beyond Features and Functions: Is Technology Missing What Humans Really Need? with Leah Reich
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
WWDC Announced, Gentler Streak Workout Tracker, and "The Cybernetic Teammate" by Ethan Mollick
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Apple Immersive Metallica and What's Going on at Apple with Siri?
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
iPhone 16e, New Betas, and a Love of Forever*Notes
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
Who Pays for Calendar Apps & Next-Level Notes with Bill McLean
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jeff and Tom are joined by Bill McLean for a great discussion on third-party calendar app subscriptions, extending the capabilities of Apple Notes wit...
Dungeons in the Attic
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
Apple TV+ with Benjamin Jancewicz and Joe Moyer
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Grading Apple Intelligence with Adam Jones
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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....
These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things (2024 Edition)
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special holiday episode of Basic AF, Jeff Battersby and Tom Anderson share their favorite picks from 2024, blending tech, books, music, and ap...
iPhone 16 Photography with Chris Freitag
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Conversational Siri, ChatGPT, and Travel Gear & Tips with Gannon Nordberg
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
New M4 Macs and Apple Intelligence
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby in this episode as they unpack Apple’s latest announcements, with a nostalgic nod to an internet legend. Highli...
The Journaling Guide with Joe Moyer
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 wit...
Latest Apple News, Vision Pro’s Submerged Debuts, and Zelda’s Epic New Puzzle Adventure
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
iPhone 16 Pro Max & New Operating Systems
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode:Jeff’s new iPhone case and Apple Watch bandTom's first impressions of his iPhone 16 Pro MaxThe new Camera Control button What ...
iPhone Event Recap with Joe Moyer
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's the Apple Glowtime event recap! Jeff and Tom are joined by Joe Moyer from 24Letters.net to recap all of the announcements at Apple's re...
Shareshot with Marc Palmer
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jeff and Tom have a delightful conversation with Marc Palmer, developer of the Shareshot app! We learn how Marc got started with computers and develop...
App Updates, Return to Craft, Rock Paper Pencil Check-In
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jeff and Tom discuss new apps and a return to an old writing companion, as well as update their experience with iPad screen covers.NotchNook: Making t...
Checking In On The Public Betas
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s time to check in on the Apple Public Betas! Jeff is running the latest builds of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and watchOS 11, while he and Tom are both r...
CrowdStrike, Apple's Public Betas, and More with Adam Jones
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us in this episode as we welcome Adam Jones, the innovative Founder and CEO of SkyBound Education. Our discussion kicks off with the global IT ou...
Grading Our Apple Gear
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tom and Jeff share candid reviews of every Apple product they currently own. You will get honest opinions on HomePods, AirPods, Beats, Apple Vision Pr...
You've Been Pwned!!!
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are frequently targeted by unscrupulous scammers and other criminals. Unfortunately, banks and other financial institutions sometimes use fear to p...
WWDC Recap: Apple Intelligence, iOS 18, watchOS 11, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia and more!
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's the best week of the year for Apple fans as WWDC is here! Tom and Jeff recap the keynote event and go in on the new Apple Intelligence featu...
WWDC Wishlists with Riley Hill
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Riley Hill is a software developer, Apple enthusiast, and YouTuber. He joins Tom and Jeff on this episode to discuss using the iPad Pro as his main co...
iPad Event Recap
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tom and Jeff unpack the latest Apple event!New iPad Air and iPad Pro models: We're slicing through the details of the new iPad Air and iPad Pro m...
Apple Event, the State of the iPad, and a Love of Photography with Chris Freitag
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Freitag is a long-time Apple user, photographer, and YouTuber. He joins Tom and Jeff on this episode to talk about the upcoming Apple Event, pot...
Taking Another Look at Apple News and Journaling Apps, Plus MARVEL SNAP
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tom and Jeff are back at it:An updated review of Apple News—why Jeff's come around to being a fan of the serviceTaking another look at Apple&ap...
Apple's DOJ Challenge and Vision Pro's Immersive Dilemma
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode looks into the US Department of Justice's lawsuit against Apple, exploring the claims of monopolistic behavior and its implications ...
Tom’s Apple Vision Pro Experience
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tom had initially said he wouldn't, but he eventually gave in to temptation and bought an Apple Vision Pro to test it out. In the past several we...
Clicks Keyboard for iPhone & The End of Apple's Car Ambitions?
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us in this episode as Tom reviews the Clicks Creator Keyboard for iPhone, highlighting its design, usability, and whether it's a worthy addi...
2024 Tips & Tricks Show with Gannon Nordberg
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Gannon Nordberg joins us again for the 2024 Tips & Tricks Show! Over a dozen new tips & tricks for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS and more!You ca...
Apple Vision Pro with Gannon Nordberg
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Gannon Nordberg returns to the show and Jeff got his hands on the new Apple Vision Pro at the Danbury, CT Apple store! JB shares his first impressions...
App Essentials: Our Go-To Tools
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jeff and Tom share their go-to apps for messaging, email, tasks and calendars, notes and office suites, with a tiny bit of automations thrown in for g...
Apple Watch Ban Update, Microsoft Copilot, Clicks Creator Keyboard - News Updates
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The year has just begun, and there’s a lot of news for Jeff and Tom to cover:The Apple Watch was banned from sale in the US just before Christmas an...
These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things
25 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this festive episode, Tom and Jeff cozy up with eggnog and share their favorite tech and media picks from the year. The duo dives into the melancho...
Spotify Wrapped and New Stuff We Have
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Spotify tells us we’re a Top 10 podcast for ten listeners, a Top 5 show for eight listeners, and a Top Podcast for 4 of you! Gratef...
Bonus Episode: The Return Journey
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a unique bonus episode as Greg Battersby follows up with us on his return journey to Southern California in his Subaru Solterra EV. Using ...
The Electric Vehicle's Long-Haul Challenge with Greg Battersby
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are joined by Jeff’s brother Greg to discuss his new electric vehicle, the Subaru Solterra. This episode delves into the heart o...
New M3 Macs and Using an iPad to Plan a Garage Gym
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode:The shorter shows are a hit!Apple has new MacBook Pros and iMacs powered by M3 chips, should you upgrade?RIP Touch BarHow Tom used the...
Apple Halloween Event, Managing Subscription Costs, Rock Paper Pencil, and FineWoven is…Fine?
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode:What to expect at Apple’s upcoming “Scary Fast” eventApple is raising the prices on some of its services againManaging your subs...
Riding Shotgun: Inside the Subie & YOU! Podcast with Rafael Ruiz
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how to turn a passion into a successful podcast? Join us as we chat with Rafael Ruiz, the charismatic host of the Subie & YOU! podca...
iPhone 15 Pro Max First Impressions, watchOS 10 Upgrade Remorse
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jeff upsized to the iPhone 15 Pro Max in titanium titanium (what?) and has some thoughts, and perhaps just a tiny bit of buyer's remorse. We talk...
Apple Event: New Apple Watches & iPhones, Buying Recommendations
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hey there tech enthusiasts! Ready to immerse yourself in a refreshing conversation about the latest Apple watches and iPhones? Good! Because we'r...
iPhone Event Preview, Betas Update, and Can the iPad Be Your Only Computer?
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready for a trip down memory lane? We kick things off with a discussion on the resurgence of USENET, exploring why it's making a comeback...
Switchin' It Up with Nintendo and Gaining Focus with the Session App
21 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How often do you find yourself wishing for a better way to manage your work and productivity, and mental well-being? Well, we've got you covered!...
The Best Tech for Back to School
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you prepared for the upcoming academic year? Having the right tech tools at your disposal can make all the difference in your productivity and suc...
The Art of Automation and Productivity with Adam Olson
24 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you prepared to conquer the chaos of daily tasks? Today, we're thrilled to be joined by our old friend and tech aficionado, Adam Olson. Adam ...
What We Think We Like in the New Apple Operating Systems
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to unravel the tapestry of tech? As the drama with Twitter continues, Meta smells blood in the water and releases its new Threads service, which...
AI and Creativity: Exploring the Impact on Education, Art, and the Workforce
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What if AI could replace your creativity? Discover the implications of artificial intelligence in education and creative fields as we sit down with gr...
WWDC & Apple Vision Pro
10 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode:Did our wishes come true? (Only Tom’s!)MacBook Air 15”, updated Mac Studio, Mac Pro with Apple SiliconiOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 1...
The WWDC Wishlist
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode:Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad ReviewsOur WWDC Wishlist All Mac and No Play - new boygenius albumLinks from the show:Final Cut ...
Apple's iCloud Apps vs Google & Microsoft
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode:We have more stickers and magnets to giveawayFinal Cut Pro and Logic Pro coming to iPadiCloud.com apps comparison against Google &...
Airing of Grievances
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode:We’re doing a giveawayDreary SiriMulti-display disappointmentsSystem SettingsAirPlay anomaliesMacBook keyboard shineLinks from the s...
Apple Music Classical with Kirk McElhearn
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The great Kirk McElhearn joins us for an in-depth discussion on Apple Music Classical. Kirk is a long time tech writer, having contributed to Macworld...
California Stealin’, Apple Updates Galore, Apple Music Classical
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode:Jeff returns to discuss his California adventureEase of setting up new devices in a cloud-based worldNew podcast artwork!WWDC announce...
The Big Tips & Tricks Show
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode:Jeff’s stuff gets stolen and Gannon Nordberg sits inYellow iPhone 14New iPhone cases and Apple Watch BandsApple Maps expands city ex...
Security...What a Pain in the Pass!
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode:The boys get some new toysLastPass breachThe Big Security ShowKeeping your devices secureWhy you should install software updatesManagi...
Apple Services with Gannon Nordberg
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode:Apple security updates you should installThoughts on the rumored MacBook Air 15” Gannon’s Apple products and his wild keyboardWha...
Folding iPad or MacBook, Apps We Pay For vs Apps We're Using
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode:Jeff has not one, but two (!!) new Watch bandsNew 🔥 wallpapers from Basic Apple GuyApple’s folding something though the “expert...
HomePod is back, new Macs, and Jeff’s “Ultra” experience.
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
OverviewIt’s the debut episode of Basic AF: a mostly tech podcast, with Tom Anderson and Jeff Battersby! In this episode:- The HomePod is back!- New...
Trailer!
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hi there! It’s a new year and you’re invited to check out our new show, Basic AF. It’s a (mostly) tech talk show where we’ll get together ever...