Technology continues to race forward at an incredible pace, and the Brothers are typically happy to be along for the ride. But, while it is easy to see all the good that can come from faster tech evolution and development, there are also some dangers that we should keep a close eye on. On this episode of Brothers in Tech, a friend of the show Mike Geraci (Digital Media professor @ Pacific University Oregon) breaks out his tinfoil hat and leads a discussion of concerns with the current state and future direction of technology. Although listening may make you want to go live in a van down by the river…this is one you need to hear!

Passwords? Passwords? We don’t need not stinking passwords! Well, actually we do… and sorry to tell you, Password123 is no longer a good one. So, what should you be doing to keep your information safe online, should you be using a password manager, and what the heck is two-factor authentication? Check out this episode of Brothers in Tech as the brothers (along with the help of Mike Geraci, Digital Media professor at Pacific University Oregon) discuss the current state and best practices of personal online security. And, if you are asked to enter a password to listen to the episode, try 1-2-3-4.

The popcorn, the stadium seating, the big screen. Oh, movie theaters…how we have missed thee. The last year has forced us to make a number of changes in our life, and many have chosen to try and replicate the cinema experience at home. In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers welcome fellow tech enthusiast Mike Geraci (Digital Media Professor @ Pacific University) to discuss the ins and outs of how to set up your own home cinema!

It is what you wait all month for…it’s the BiTs (Brothers in Tech Suggestions) episode! The Brothers, along with returning guest Chris Frye, perform a little show and tell with some tech that they think you should check out. This episode has a bit of everything…an app, a service, and a device…free, minimal costs, and a chunk of change. Check it out and let us know what you think! 

Well, it is no secret that the Brothers are fans of the Mac (and basically all things Apple). But, with all of the focus on iOS over the past few years…has Apple put enough attention on MacOS? In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers (along with returning guest Chris Frye) discuss the current state of MacOS, likes, dislikes, and where we think things are going in the future. Bonus…Alan and Brian geek out a bit on their hopes for the future of personal computing. You won’t want to miss that!

Heard about the new social media app Clubhouse? Well, if you haven’t…you are not alone…but you may just be missing out on the next big thing. Luckily, we have Alan, who is so hip and up on the times. So, come and listen to Alan educate Brian and returning guest Chris Frye (Media Producer @ Jackson Creative) on the ins and outs of Clubhouse…what it is, how it could be used, and whether we should be using it as a new source of information or entertainment.

A lot has happened in the year since our streaming services series, and the Brothers wanted to discuss the current state of services and where we feel they are going. No, we are not simply recycling topics this season…we actually have some new things to say! Along with their guest, Chris Frye (Media Producer @ Jackson Creative), the Brothers debate which services are on the right/wrong track, and most importantly…which are worth your money.

Now we get to have some fun… Our Brothers in Tech Suggestions (BiTs) are now their own episode, so you can get your new tech fill once a month! In the final episode with our first guest, Jeff Hartman, we each bring a tech item (app, device, service) to share. Will it be supported or ridiculed…that is the question.

Well, as working from home has continued to be a norm for many, we felt this topic deserved another chat. After ~9 months of working from home, the Brothers (with guest Jeff Hartman) discuss their current home office set-up, tips for juggling a shared workspace, and what tech has helped make the transition easier/more efficient. If you haven’t already, check out the “BONUS: Working from Home” episode from Season 1. Turns out that a lot of our tips actually held up! Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Email info@themesh.tv. Alan Jackson is a director with Jackson Creative, a marketing content production company, and director of Jackson Insight, a survey research firm, Executive Producer of The MESH podcast network , and founder and director of the Footcandle Film Society and Film Festival. And voted most likely in school to have too many job titles in the future. Brian Jackson is Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University, a “motor behaviorist” (which Alan still has to look up to understand), former tennis coach and a current craft beer connoisseur. Special guest Jeff Hartman is Professor of Exercise Science at Garner-Webb University with an interest and passion for wellness and fitness. Jeff is also the purveyor of the typewritten word… and Alan & Brian’s “brother from another mother”.

So, you have your usual New Year’s resolution to get in shape…and you are looking for some technology to help out. Enter Apple’s new service, Fitness+. At $9.99/month (or $29.99 as part of the highest level of Apple One subscription, which includes several other services), Fitness+ attempts to compete in a crowded fitness service market. Check out this episode as the Brothers (and our guest, Jeff Hartman) discuss how the service stacks up, and where it has fallen short. Unsurprisingly, Alan chose to play the “haven’t had a chance to try it out” role in this one.