The Current powered by Kim Komando - podcast cover

The Current powered by Kim Komando

Kim Komandowww.komando.com
Sound like a tech pro, even if you’re not! Award-winning popular host Kim Komando is your secret weapon. Kim is in a class all her own. Her widely successful radio show is heard on over 500 stations in the United States and internationally in 175 different countries. Kim has millions of fans who love her down-to-earth, deeply relatable, and easy-to-understand way of talking about consumer tech. Every episode is loaded with the scoop about the latest gadgets, online security, social media trends, and digital privacy. Kim makes it all entertaining and fun. With a mix of important news, practical advice, and compelling conversations, you’ll be able to make informed decisions and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the tech world. Kim started her show and still owns it herself. She’s not part of a big broadcasting company. Her company has no debt or investors. That’s why many small business owners also turn to her for advice on growing their businesses using web-based tools. In the Current powered by Kim Komando, every episode is loaded with ways to better your tech life. New episodes drop every Monday & Wednesday. To learn more about Kim, the things she mentions, or submit a topic or question, drop by www.Komando.com See megaphone.spotify.com/legal for privacy information.

Episodes

She poses as a teen girl to stop sexual predators

Roo Powell leads SOSA (Safe from Online Sex Abuse) and goes undercover as a teen with wigs, fake braces, and a staged bedroom. She works with police to catch men targeting kids online. Her work has led to over 70 arrests — every parent should know about this.

Jan 10, 202525 min

ADT hides a cyberattack

Hackers got into ADT’s systems, stealing customer info, and they waited months to tell anyone. Plus, why cash apps aren’t safe, Roblox’s kid safety problems, and flip phones making a comeback.

Jan 09, 202537 min

Caught in a wildfire? The Watch Duty app could save your life

When wildfires hit, reliable information is hard to find. Watch Duty is the app that’s already saving lives, delivering real-time updates to help families escape danger. I sat down with CEO John Mills to hear how this volunteer-powered app is stepping up during some of the most dangerous times of the year.

Jan 08, 202516 min

Exclusive: Kitboga’s robot army to outsmart scammers

Can you trust a video call? Is that website legit? Are you even talking to your real friends? AI is making it even harder to tell. YouTuber Kitboga is building a robot army to scam the scammers. In this episode, he shows me exactly how it works.

Jan 07, 202547 min

She says an AI chatbot killed her son

Megan Garcia thought her son was playing video games. In reality, the 14-year-old was in an abusive, sexual relationship with an AI chatbot. Eventually, at the bot’s encouragement, he took his own life.

Jan 06, 202547 min

Bryan Johnson plans to cheat death — here’s how

If you could live forever, would you? Bryan Johnson, 47, is determined to try. He wakes up at 5 a.m., follows a strict vegan diet, and tracks over 100 health metrics every day. He’s undergone gene therapy, received plasma transfusions from his teenage son, and had 300 million stem cells injected into his joints. Johnson says it's working — and that his body ages just 7.6 months for every year.

Jan 03, 202519 min

One email cost this man $167K

Pat Lawlor was happy to buy his first home — until he received a fake email from someone he thought was his escrow officer. Plus, closing apps doesn't save iPhone battery, a flame-throwing robot dog, and Amazon's new grocery delivery.

Dec 30, 202440 min

Can a brain-chip implant be hacked? Neuralink's first patient says 'yes'

I sat down with Noland Arbaugh, the first Neuralink brain-chip implant patient. His implant lets him control computers, and other devices, with his mind. This brave guy shared the risks, including the possibility of the device being hacked, the application process and his hopes for the future.

Dec 27, 202427 min

Did ChatGPT kill the search engine?

You no longer need to visit Google and sift through hundreds of links to get your answers. Chatbots can pretty much do it all for you. Is it the end of the webpage? Plus, downsides to 'Buy Now, Pay Later,' how much your passwords are worth, and tricks to make money on Amazon.

Dec 26, 202441 min

Weird morning routines of tech billionaires

Jeff Bezos kicks off his day with “breakfast octopus” (yes, really) and no alarm clock. We break down the unique dawn rituals of the richest tech CEOs. Plus, James Bond’s future, AirFryers sharing your data, and why Britannica thrives in the age Wikipedia.

Dec 23, 202446 min

Is your TP-Link router getting banned?

TP-Link routers, used by 65% of American homes and even the Department of Defense, are under fire for ties to Chinese cyberattacks and ignored security flaws. Also: Steve Harvey’s not dead (thanks, AI), smart glasses might finally be cool, and OpenAI’s chatbot hotline.

Dec 20, 202446 min

The news app you can’t trust

Is NewsBreak on your phone? This AI-powered app, the U.S.’s top news aggregator, is accused of spreading fake stories. Fitness trackers might be selling your health data, GM just axed its robotaxi project, and — believe it or not — floppy disks are still running planes and subways!

Dec 19, 202436 min

What is Skibidi Toilet?

Kids are hooked on toilets that dance and sing. Skibidi Toilet is the latest bizarre trend taking over their screens — we break it down for adults. Plus, Walmart’s body cam program, hidden risks of two-factor authentication, and why Gen Z needs a ride to work from Mom and Dad.

Dec 18, 202451 min

Are the New Jersey drones searching for nukes?

A wild new theory claims drones in New Jersey are on the hunt for nuclear warheads. Plus, 23andMe in freefall, AirTags recover stolen jewels, and what 'Inbox Zero' says about you.

Dec 16, 202450 min

New Jersey’s drone mystery: Who’s behind these things?

Car-sized drones are hovering over New Jersey, baffling residents and officials — what are they, and where did they come from? Plus, Hawk Tuah girl's memecoin crashes, and Google unveils a groundbreaking quantum chip.

Dec 13, 202449 min

Big Tech under President Trump

TikTok banned, social media regulated like phone companies, and Google broken up — Trump’s presidency could reshape Silicon Valley. Plus, 2024’s worst passwords, why the fast track to software development is ending, and how to stream free movies on YouTube.

Dec 12, 202442 min

Frank Abagnale on the comeback of check fraud

Check fraud is up 400%. What's bringing this old scam back? Frank Abagnale, the ex-con turned security expert and inspiration for Catch Me If You Can, is here to explain. In the movie, Leonardo DiCaprio played his life of expertly forged checks that fooled banks worldwide. Now he breaks down how new tech gives today’s scammers an edge.

Dec 09, 202423 min

Scammer ruins a 45-year marriage

What’s worse than your mom leaving your dad for a guy she met on Instagram? Finding out he’s a romance scammer and she knows — but she’s still in love. That’s what happened to Grant Inman. Now, the My Funeral Home Stories host is trying to help his mom see the truth.

Dec 06, 202428 min

AI could make your grocery bill soar

Kroger might charge you more if you seem rich. Their AI tests flag pricey tastes to raise prices. Most Americans still aren’t sold on EVs. Cyber kidnappings — fake abductions for cash —a re on the rise. Oh, and Gen Z? They’re all-in on becoming influencers.

Dec 05, 202442 min

You should stop texting ASAP

The FBI warns: Stop texting and use encrypted apps. A Chinese hack hit over a million Americans, with hackers reading texts and listening to calls. Also, Walmart buys Vizio, an update on Hannah Kobayashi, and Amazon's Garage delivery service.

Dec 04, 202452 min

Google is the Titanic

AI is the iceberg. Experts say the search giant is sinking, and here’s what’s taking its place. Think you’re alone in the bathroom? Hidden camera horror stories will make you check under the sink. Plus, SpaceX’s 6,370th Starlink satellite and Tesla’s robotaxi secrets.

Dec 02, 202448 min

He found $3,800 of his lost money with this website

Let's talk about money! Andrew used a website to find thousands of dollars he didn’t even know went missing. Curious how he pulled it off? Plus, 5G just set a new record, a sexual enhancement trend called “honey packets,” and yes — a lickable VR device is here!

Nov 29, 202444 min

Facebook funeral scam warning

Scammers have hit a sickening low. They use real obituary details to trick grieving families into giving their credit card info for fake “services.” Plus, tech phrases we’re done with, insurance companies using drones, and why you need an outdoor TV antenna.

Nov 28, 202437 min

How to spot a military romance scam w/ Kagan Dunlap

For almost 10 years, scammers have used US Marine Kagan Dunlap’s photos to fool lonely women into giving them thousands of dollars. He’s here to talk about being the unwilling face of a military romance scam. Plus, Alexa’s creepy doomsday prediction, a big cybersecurity fail, and Black Friday email scams to avoid.

Nov 27, 202455 min

Wear a health tracker? Expect high insurance costs

You aren't just counting your steps. Health tracker companies are selling your data, leading to higher insurance premiums, invasive ads, and more. Plus, TSA’s facial recognition is expanding, and a ‘lottery’ may decide seats for the Menendez brothers’ resentencing.

Nov 25, 202451 min

He lost $1 million to scammers

A 79-year-old man lost his life savings to scammers pretending to be WWE wrestler Alexa Bliss. Plus, sending medical info to ChatGPT, AI news anchors canned and Jaguar's controversial new commercial.

Nov 22, 202457 min

3 ways you're a target online

Single? Posting vacation pics? Sharing Instagram videos? These everyday habits can put you in a scammer's crosshairs. Also, China's stolen military secrets, why Gen Z is ditching cars, and the best way to clean up duplicate photos.

Nov 21, 202437 min

Is Google selling Chrome?

The government wants Google to break up, and its Chrome browser could sell for $20 billion. Plus, hackers are slipping malware into podcasts, two Missouri cops were busted using traffic stops to steal women’s private photos, and Google Lens is getting a powerful new update.

Nov 20, 202445 min