In this episode of Technically Working, Michael and Damashe dive into everything from broken safe keys and unexpected tech closets to streamlining code with AI and fighting Gravity Forms. Michael shares updates on the upcoming BITS AI course and his automations for scheduling Zoom events, while Damashe reveals his quiet move to the closet for better acoustics (and less heat). They discuss: Why more BITS members are tuning in—and how to join the AI course Using Google Classroom effectively vs. bl...
Jul 07, 2025•47 min
In this time-shifted episode of Technically Working, Michael and Damashe dive into a pile of long-overdue listener feedback. They kick things off with a detailed voice message from Lord Robin Christofferson about Cal Studio (formerly PFMM.ai ), a platform for building and monetizing custom AI tools. Then it’s on to GrapheneOS—Damashe shares updates on accessibility, eSpeakNG’s new direct boot support, and what it takes for blind users to flash the ROM. They also respond to Scout’s questions on P...
Jul 01, 2025•40 min
Michael got his MacBook back and shares the apps and tools he immediately reinstalled—including Audio Hijack, Raycast, Hazel, and Little Snitch—plus what didn’t quite make the cut. Damashe walks through Homebrew tips, Markdown Service Tools setup, and how to fix symlink issues for missing binaries. They also dive into Mac App Store automation with mas, speaker setup logistics for live events, and whether to send signal to a subwoofer first or last in the audio chain. They also cover: Autoplay an...
Jun 22, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Michael and Damashe are back with a full update after a few hectic weeks. Damashe shares how recent life events impacted work and how his new employee got thrown into the deep end early. They talk through ongoing audio adjustments, including Michael’s Mac OS beta install on a separate APFS volume and Damashe’s experience with the iOS beta leading to voiceover issues — and how Braille saved the day. The conversation shifts to Damashe’s ongoing Pixel 9 Pro experiment, using dual eSIMs, RCS messagi...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 5 min
In this episode of Technically Working , it’s a quick catch-up packed with gear decisions, GPT frustrations, and accessibility discoveries. Things kick off with some behind-the-scenes updates about live streaming improvements—including why ads are gone and how latency might get better with a little server tinkering. Then it’s time for a scanner showdown. After testing models from Brother, Epson, and ScanSnap, one portable scanner wins out thanks to battery life, duplex scanning, and microSD supp...
Jun 10, 2025•38 min
In this bonus-packed episode of Technically Working, Michael and Demasi share previously subscriber-only content, technical workflows, and fresh commentary on the shifting tides at Apple. Here's what you’ll hear: Migrating a WordPress Site : Michael walks through how to back up and move a WordPress site from one domain to another using UpdraftPlus and Dropbox. Navigating the Terminal with VoiceOver : Demasi shares tips for VoiceOver users working in Terminal, including VO text selection tricks, ...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 24 min
This week’s episode of Technically Working lives up to its name—emphasis on “technically.” Michael and Damashe dive into a chaotic but honest session filled with: Live streaming experiments using Owncast and Cloudron A rundown of unexpected audio and network issues (including Michael’s mysterious Mac Wi-Fi fail) Why you may have only heard one side of the live broadcast A heartfelt update from Michael about stepping back from Club Unmute and issuing prorated refunds Real talk about prioritizing ...
May 27, 2025•31 min
Michael and Damashe are back for another lively and unpredictable episode of Technically Working. As always, they jump right into the conversation—no theme music, no fluff—just two friends troubleshooting, laughing, and dropping Mac tips along the way. This week: Reaper, Audio Hijack, and VO shortcuts: Michael discovers Audio Hijack's behavior when blocks are disabled, and Damashe reminds us of handy VoiceOver key combos. Finder tip: Learn how to group selected items into a new folder using Comm...
May 18, 2025•1 hr 25 min
We’re back with a full plate: broken email, fixed automations, and a few new toys on the desk. Michael walks through how he’s rebuilding a Google Sheets to Word workflow to handle Zoom links, Clubhouse flags, and ACB Media stream details. Plus, some Word macros are now baked right into the default template—finally. Damashe shares updates on spinning up a streaming server with AWS, possibly tying it into Audio Hijack, and revisiting automation tools like Bunch and Keyboard Maestro. We also dive i...
May 11, 2025•1 hr 32 min
In this episode of Technically Working , Damashe and Michael kick things off with an unexpected Reaper backup and a PSA about Loopback and Rogue Amoeba’s ARC plugin update. Damashe walks through his workaround using debug mode to temporarily resolve broken audio routing after the update, while Michael cautiously avoids the update altogether—at least until after his next live stream. From there, the conversation jumps into LaunchBar indexing fixes, email quirks in macOS Mail, and whether podcasti...
May 04, 2025•1 hr 34 min
Damashe surprises Michael with the return of a legendary piece of gear—the Sound Devices USBPre 2. He breaks down why he repurchased this pricey, hardware-only audio interface, how it's now integrated into his workflow, and why going back to basics sometimes means investing more for long-term reliability. The conversation dives into practical audio setup tips, why sliders still hold a place in our hearts, and how a trusty backup system can save the day. They also cover unexpected changes to work...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 13 min
In this episode, Damashe uncovers a hidden switch that finally makes his mute button work the way he wants—after months of assuming he needed to rewire it. Meanwhile, Michael shares a chaotic behind-the-scenes story from an in-person board meeting, complete with misbehaving audio gear, last-minute fixes, and some DIY mix-minus routing. The two dive into: Why assumptions and leading questions can steer you wrong—even with AI. Lessons learned from a tough live audio setup and the temptation to bea...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In this episode, Michael admits he never called Apple—no surprise there—and shares what happened instead: experiments, frustrations, and the joys of not resetting VoiceOver live. Damashe breaks down his complicated relationship with to-do list apps, from OmniFocus quirks to why he’s sticking with Todoist (despite some platform inconsistencies). We also dive into ChatGPT’s deep research mode and how Michael used GPT and Google Apps Script to streamline weekly workflows—what used to take hours now...
Apr 13, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Michael shares some recent work slip-ups tied to automation and explains how a small formatting mistake threw off email quick links for thousands of people. He walks through how he’s checking Zoom links more carefully now using JAWS sounds and VoiceOver tweaks—and vents a bit about Apple's pronunciation settings and table editing headaches on the Mac. Damashe jumps in with thoughts on where VoiceOver stands in Apple’s priority list (spoiler: not high), and they both trade tips for avoiding Safar...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr
Tired of bloated apps and broken automation? Damashe and Michael dig into the everyday tech that actually works—and what still needs fixing. From Todoist frustrations to FaceTime workarounds, they share tools and tips that make their workflows smoother. In this episode, Damashe and Michael talk through weather delays, podcast recording quirks, and the growing complexity of Zoom and Slack. They discuss how apps often overreach—like Zoom trying to do everything but its core job—and why Apple and G...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Michael and Damashe are back with a longform bonus episode full of tech tangents, gear talk, and plenty of laughs. In this laid-back catch-up: Michael recaps CSUN takeaways, airport barbecue, and zinc-powered travel hacks. Damashe shares how ChatGPT helped him sound-dampen his room and why Velcro tape is now a top-tier solution. They both talk backpacks—Michael stuffed his to the brim, Damashe vacuum-sealed his—and share why they're both oddly excited about compartments. Talk turns to running li...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 28 min
<h4> Kicking Off with a Familiar Chaos </h4> Michael and Damashe reflect on how their episodes often start mid-conversation instead of with a structured intro. Michael notes that this mirrors their real-life calls—jumping straight into discussions without formal greetings. <h4> Damashe’s Office Overhaul </h4> New Layout: Desk now faces the room instead of the wall, giving a more executive feel. Tech & Workspace Adjustments: Boom Arm Swap: Back to the Rode boom arm for...
Mar 16, 2025•47 min
Michael and Damashe tackle an episode packed with tech, automation, and a little unexpected humor. From Zoom mischief and Audio Hijack quirks to Loopback mysteries , they navigate the complexities of their audio setups—sometimes solving problems, sometimes creating new ones. Then, they dive into Gravity Forms and how it might replace an entire workflow currently running on Google Sheets. Could automation save hours of manual work? Probably. Will Michael drop everything to build it right now? Alm...
Mar 09, 2025•58 min
In this celebratory 100th episode of Technically Working , Michael and Damashe reflect on the journey so far, share some big personal and professional news, and look ahead to the next hundred episodes. What to Expect in This Episode Hitting the 100th Episode Milestone Reflections on how the podcast has evolved since the DM Series The importance of consistent weekly recording and publishing Plans for growth and new ideas in the next 100 episodes Automation and Coding with Python How Michael’s Pyt...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 18 min
This week, we’re figuring things out as we go—talking about smart assistants, digital business cards, and how we’re using AI to simplify work. Podcast Growth the Direct Way – Inspired by Allison from Podfeet.com , we discuss an aggressive (but effective) approach to getting people to subscribe. Would You Buy a ChatGPT Speaker? – Damashe is diving into Home Assistant and debating whether a locally run AI assistant is worth the setup. Plod vs. B: The AI Recording Showdown – How do these two AI-pow...
Feb 23, 2025•1 hr 22 min
In this episode of Technically Working, Michael and Damashe dive into a variety of tech topics and personal anecdotes, all while keeping the conversation light and engaging. Here’s what you can expect: New Tech Adventures: Michael shares his experience with the Dot Card Metal and Dot Band, digital business cards that use NFC technology. He discusses the setup process, challenges with accessibility, and the overall functionality of these innovative tools. Dynamic Ad Insertion: The duo discusses t...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 6 min
In this episode, Demasi and Michael dive into their tech routines and recent changes. They discuss the challenges and solutions for managing audio settings on Mac, the simplicity of using tools like SoundSource and Audio Hijack, and the frustrations with TestFlight on new Macs. They also share an interesting experiment involving AI and non-techie users, and Demasi's recent experience purchasing a pistol online. The conversation shifts to productivity tools, with Michael detailing his Python scri...
Feb 09, 2025•1 hr 30 min
TW96: Time, Energy, and the Struggle of Doing Too Much 🎙️ Listen now: TechnicallyWorking.show Damashe’s juggling a lot—running multiple businesses, managing employees, and trying to keep things moving while dealing with exhaustion. In this episode, he breaks down what’s been working (and what hasn’t), including hiring struggles, time mismanagement, and why being too busy can actually set you back. Michael jumps in with some outside-the-box ideas, like tapping into Uber drivers and cleaning crew...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 18 min
In this episode of Technically Working , Michael and Damashe dive into their experiences with the latest AI tools and devices, including the Google Gemini and the B Pioneer wearable assistant. They explore: Google Gemini in Gmail : How it helps with searching email efficiently and what works better on iOS vs. the web interface. The B Pioneer Wearable : Michael’s initial impressions, setup process, and concerns about privacy, accessibility, and utility. Damashe shares thoughts on AI summarization...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Show Notes: In this episode of Technically Working , Michael and Damashe cover a range of tech topics, including the promising Bee Pioneer AI wearable, accessibility tools, and navigating virtual machines. Here’s what’s inside: Bee Pioneer AI : Michael orders the Bee Pioneer Edition , a personal AI device designed to convert conversations into tasks, summaries, and reminders. They discuss its potential for productivity, accessibility, and their first impressions of the app. VOCR Automation : Mic...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 11 min
In this episode of Technically Working, Damashe and Michael tackle the quirks of mute switches, explore the seamless setup of the DJI Mic 2S, and share workspace frustrations with practical solutions. The duo also reflects on their 2024 themes and the lessons learned—In 2025 we learn about Michael’s focus on education and Damashe’s drive to build infrastructure. Plus, thoughts on the ever-reliable Pixel 5, innovative workflows, and the importance of getting back to basics. A must-listen for tech...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 24 min
In this laugh-filled and tech-focused episode of Technically Working , Damashe and Michael are joined by Sean Preece from Double Tap . Together, they explore: Sean’s journey into podcasting and how Double Tap evolved into a daily show. How AI tools like ChatGPT can solve real-life problems and enhance workflows. The balance between quality and authenticity in podcast editing. Smart home automation and what features would make users pay for AI assistants. Join us for laughs, insights, and practic...
Jan 04, 2025•1 hr 32 min
In this final episode of 2024, Michael and Damashe dive into a casual yet insightful conversation about the past year, their annual themes, and how they’ve evolved. They reflect on the “Year of Purpose” and “Year of Connections,” sharing lessons learned, missed opportunities, and plans for the future. They also discuss: The practicality and challenges of XLR versus USB microphones for podcasting and live events. Michael's adventures in Python scripting with GitHub Copilot to simplify podcast pro...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 29 min
In this episode of Technically Working , Michael sits down with JJ Meddaugh, founder of Blind Bargains and AT Guys. Together, they explore JJ's journey through entrepreneurship, tech, and accessibility, offering listeners a mix of inspiration, insights, and humor. Highlights: The Origins of Blind Bargains JJ shares how Blind Bargains started as a resource for finding affordable tech and accessible products, evolving into a platform for podcasts and breaking industry news. From MobileSpeak to AT ...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 7 min
In this episode of Technically Working : Smart Power Strips : Michael and Damashe explore the pros and cons of using Meross smart power strips, including their functionality and limitations. Contact Management Chaos : A humorous and reflective discussion on cleaning up years of cluttered contacts and managing digital address books. macOS 15.1 and 15.2 Updates : They dive into the fixed Notification Center with VoiceOver, issues with the broken Escape key in the Dock, and the usability of LaunchB...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 22 min
