In this week's show: Is Social Media Making You Sad? Can't See a Therapist? Try These Apps Free Positivity Apps Christian Cawley and Megan Ellis are your hosts. You can contact them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @Megg_Ellis with your suggestions for future topics. Look out for our other shows - subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips....
Nov 24, 2020•30 min•Season 6Ep. 9
Listening to this week's show you'll find the following links useful. Easy Windows 10 tweaks Customize Windows 10 with these tools Best Windows 10 themes Make Windows better with Group Policy Create a custom Rainmeter theme for Windows Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner are your hosts. You can contact them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus with your suggestions for future topics. Look out for our other shows - subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on iTunes and YouTube (be sure to...
Nov 17, 2020•27 min•Season 6Ep. 8
This week's useful links: Which PS5 Model Should You Buy? Which Xbox Series Model Should You Buy? Nintendo Switch vs Switch Lite Christian Cawley and Gavin Philips host this week's show. Contact them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @gavinspavin with your suggestions for future topics. Look out for our other shows---subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on iTunes and YouTube (be sure to hit the bell icon to be notified of new episodes) for more tips....
Nov 10, 2020•32 min•Season 6Ep. 7
3D printing looks amazing, but it can be a bit of a mystery to most of us. This week, Christian Cawley chats with Ian Buckley about getting started with 3D printing, and what you need to know about the different between types of 3D printer. Beginner's guide to 3D printing Best sites to order 3D prints Recycle failed 3D prints 3Doodler Create pen for kids Useful 3D printing projects for home Educational toys you can 3D print Cool games to 3D print at home Engine 3D printing benchmark "Bengine" Ch...
Nov 03, 2020•36 min•Season 6Ep. 6
Whether you're planning to buy online for a special event, you're inspired to buy on Black Friday, or have a bit of spare cash to spend, buying with confidence is vital. Christian Cawley and James Frew discuss how to buy confidently, check online reviews and discern which ones are honest and which are paid for, and how to spot online scams to help you shop safely and securely. How to Spot Fake Reviews on Amazon Filter Fake Amazon Reviews AliExpress Scams Avoid These Online Shopping Postal Scams ...
Oct 27, 2020•33 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Here are the links you need to learn more about this week's show topics Popular Turn-Based Strategy Games Play Google Stadia on Mobile Data Project xCloud for Xbox Game Streaming Free Games from Epic Budget Game Offers from Humble Bundle Retro and Indie Game Bundles Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner are your hosts. You can contact them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @stegnersaurus with your suggestions for future topics. Look out for our other shows - subscribe to the Really Useful Podcast on...
Oct 20, 2020•34 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Want to know more about VPNs? In this week's show we explain what the term means, why you need one, how to sign up to a VPN, and why you should avoid free VPNs. Here's what we talk about this week: What is a VPN? VPN protocols explained Some of the best VPN routers The reasons you should use a VPN Best VPN services available This week's show is brought to you by Christian Cawley and Gavin Philips. You can contact them on Twitter as @thegadgetmonkey and @GavinSpavin with your suggestions for futu...
Oct 13, 2020•35 min•Season 6Ep. 3
It has been one of the most unusual years in recorded history. But linking us together during lockdowns, social distancing, travel restrictions, and more, has been Facebook. Groups supporting mental health, messenger rooms for vital social and family contact, and even the ability to watch videos together with "watch parties" have all been embraced. Facebook is far from perfect. But it continues to offer these methods of group contact to help you stay in touch during the lonely, frustrating times...
Oct 07, 2020•29 min•Season 6Ep. 2
The Really Useful Podcast is back with a brand new set of tips and tricks for finding, choosing, and buying a new laptop. Drawing on long experience of laptop buying, MakeUseOf's Christian Cawley and Ian Buckley discuss how to set a budget, determine a purpose, find the right specification, and choose your laptop in your own time, without any pressure from sales staff. We've also prepared some reading for you: The best laptop for programming and coding Choose the best computer for college How to...
Sep 30, 2020•41 min•Season 6Ep. 1
What have we got for you this week? First off: Tetris-like games you can play in your browser Want to know what's on Netflix/Prime Video/Disney+? Use JustWatch Everything you need to know about the PlayStation 5 We also bring you some productivity tips: Fix problems with Skype with these tricks Sick of Skype? Try these alternatives Finally, if you need a boost of inspiration during times of trouble, try these inspiring movies on Netflix You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach m...
Mar 31, 2020•27 min•Season 5Ep. 9
We start off this week looking at how Big Tech is helping families deal with the unscheduled school holidays happening across the Northern Hemisphere Rent movies still playing in theatres Use Scribd free for 30 days Get Audible Stories for free Enjoy Amazon Prime Video free We've got some personal ideas on how to cope with lockdown as a family and as individuals, too. Get your kids fit daily with Joe Wicks, The Body Coach Chill out daily with your kids thanks to Cosmic Kids Yoda Learn daily with...
Mar 24, 2020•31 min•Season 5Ep. 8
We take a look at some ways big tech has been helping Joe Public cope with COVID-19 coronavirus: Use your gaming PC to fight COVID-19 Disney+ releases Frozen 2 early MSI offers warranty extension for coronavirus sufferers We've also put together some tips and tricks for home working Strategies and tools for remote work Be more productive when working from home PLUS: a list of things to do in self-isolation: Play Call of Duty: Warzone (battle royale game) Play steam games Fix old photos with mobi...
Mar 17, 2020•29 min•Season 5Ep. 7
This week's news: Google Assistant reads the internet aloud Alexa can tell you all about the US Election 2020 We have a single recommendation this time: The Heimatdamisch on YouTube Some tech tips and tricks: Get fit with these video games Bitcoin email scams Affordable Windows 10 upgrade options We also take a look at the latest giveaways and reviews: Creality LD-002R resin printer Simbans TangoTab (Android tablet) MegaModz PS4 Controller Leave us a rating or review on iTunes will help us reach...
Mar 10, 2020•31 min•Season 5Ep. 6
This week's news highlights: Sony 2020 Phone lineup Spotify mobile app becomes easier to use Find out what's popular on Netflix Our recommendations: Christian: WhatNerd's Tech Geeks Quizzes Megan: Every Kid Gets a Robot These techy tips and tricks might change your life: The best two-player mobile games Should you switch to Facebook Like? Ways to reuse that old internet router What you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S20 phones We also take a look at these awesome giveaways and reviews: Cr...
Mar 03, 2020•41 min•Season 5Ep. 5
In this week's show: The Moft-Z "Invisible" Laptop Stand and Standing Desk Redbox Free Live TV Our recommendations: Christian: Theo Cooks Ben: DekuDeals These tips and tricks should help you improve your tech life: Optimize your Wi-Fi reception at home Ways to legally download movies and watch them offline Windows 7 hits End of Life - what next?! And there's a look at these awesome giveaways and reviews: VAV 4K UHD Dashcam XP Pen Note Plus...
Feb 25, 2020•29 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Blocks Decoded Coinbase Help us help more people by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts . In just a few seconds you can help us find a bigger audience and with a higher rating we can help more listeners. We'll also read out some of the reviews you leave. Don't miss the Really Useful Podcast---subscribe for automatic downloads and notifications: Apple Podcasts Spotify Transistor.fm Player.FM Google Podcasts Stitcher.com YouTube See you next week!...
Feb 18, 2020•30 min•Season 5Ep. 3
This week, Christian Cawley and Megan Ellis bring you news of: Steam Link for iOS YouTube Originals Unlocked Messenger Kids Parental Control They also have a pair of excellent recommendations for you to follow: Peter McKinnon's YouTube Channel Glad You Asked on YouTube You should also check out this week's tips and tricks to make your tech work better for you: Improve Your Mobile Data Speed What's the Difference Between a Modem and a Router? Choosing a Chromebook vs Tablets Meanwhile, these Make...
Feb 11, 2020•33 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips have a packed show for you this week, looking at: How to watch YouTube TV on PS4 Try on makeup with Pinterest Clear your off-Facebook activity How to remove a broken headphone jack from your phone Fix image burn-in on your LCD or plasma TV Video game-themed Valentine's Day gifts We've also got some recommendations for you to check out: Paul Davids guitar tutorials and reviews on YouTube Tifo Football informative analysis We also take a look at two current give...
Feb 04, 2020•38 min•Season 5Ep. 1
James Frew and Christian Cawley bring you a wealth of Black Friday topics and tricks this week: Find the best Black Friday deals with these curated links Make sure your Black Friday deal is a massive bargain Watch out for these Black Friday and Cyber Monday scams Our pick of the best Black Friday deals Great VPN deals this Black Friday Your rating or brief review on iTunes can help us reach more listeners. Or share the Really Useful Podcast via email and social media. We're available wherever yo...
Nov 26, 2019•38 min•Season 4Ep. 13
This week's Really Useful Podcast features Christian Cawley and Megan Ellis discussing: Google helps you pronounces foreign words Google Maps translates place names Apple Music compiles your favorite songs Spotify creates a soundtrack for your journey Twitter lets you follow topics Recommendations: Christian: Colin Furze on YouTube Megan: SciShow on YouTube Run Android apps on Windows Find the most affordable rent with Rentometer The best way to scan old photos Print your own board games Your ra...
Nov 19, 2019•47 min•Season 4Ep. 12
In this week's Really Useful Podcast we talk about: Britbox launches its streaming service in the UK YouTube makes its homepage easier to use Netflix lets you "skip politics" Google Stadia invite codes are sent Recommendations: Christian: Hyperland - Douglas Adams documentary about the web from 1990 Ben: Cuphead animation Learn how to use Morse code Why is a 1TB hard disk drive only 931GB? How to clean a computer, phone, or tablet screen Use your mobile phone as a home wireless network Your rati...
Nov 12, 2019•41 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Check these shownotes for links to everything we discuss in this week's show: HBO Max launch details Amazon Fresh goes free on Prime Spotify launches kids app Recommendations: Find car repair tips on YouTube Computerphile YouTube channel Chromebook parental controls SimCity-like online city building games Manage RAM on Android Make space on iPhone and iPad Your rating or brief review on iTunes can help us reach more listeners. Or, you can share the Really Useful Podcast via email and social medi...
Nov 05, 2019•43 min•Season 4Ep. 10
We've squeezed more into this show than any other, so refer to these shownotes for help: Christian's tablet update Apple TV app for Amazon Fire Sticks Google apps to reduce smartphone use NordVPN "hacked" Recommendations: Alex G singer/songwriter Deep sea exploration Free VPN services Windscribe VPN review Manage screen time on a Mac Cancel app subscriptions on iOS Best record players Netflix horror movies for Halloween Amazing Halloween makeup tips Your can help us reach people by subscribing, ...
Oct 29, 2019•43 min•Season 4Ep. 9
This week: More from Christian's ongoing tablet repair saga Disney+ content announced " Justin Morgan Had a Horse" on Rotten Tomatoes Giphy Arcade Free shows on Roku Make your old Mac feel like new Conspiracy websites Is Paul McCartney dead? Tesla connected cars hacked Five Amazon price trackers Your can help us reach people by subscribing, reviewing, and sharing the Really Useful Podcast via email and social media. We're available anywhere you can listen to podcasts, including: iTunes Spotify T...
Oct 22, 2019•43 min•Season 4Ep. 8
In this week's show, we bring you: The ongoing saga of Christian's Samsung tablet Amazon Kindle for kids Detailed voice guidance on Google Maps Google Assistant adds Issa Rae's voice Maximise gaming performance on macOS The best apps for cashback How to boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode Great text adventures to play in your browser...
Oct 15, 2019•35 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Beat Instagram bullies Add podcasts to a Spotify playlist Use Google Password Checkup to stay safe online Watch old cartoons online Smartphone upgrade checklist Improve your router speed Measure distance and area on Google Maps Help us reach more people by subscribing, reviewing, and even sharing the Really Useful Podcast. You'll find us on these services: iTunes Spotify Player.FM Google Podcasts Stitcher.com YouTube If you enjoyed this show, check back in a week for a new Really Useful Podcast!...
Oct 08, 2019•38 min•Season 4Ep. 6
This week we covered: YouTube Music Preinstalled on New Android Devices Bing Bong Song Chinese fugitive found by drone How to Fix Scratched DVD Recover Data from a Scratched DVD Stop Facebook Tracking Can You View Private Facebook Profiles? Help us reach more people by subscribing, reviewing, and even sharing the Really Useful Podcast. You'll find us on these services: iTunes Spotify Player.FM Google Podcasts Stitcher.com YouTube If you enjoyed this show, check back in a week for a new Really Us...
Oct 01, 2019•37 min•Season 4Ep. 5
What did we talk about this time? Huawei Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro specs Was your iPhone hacked by a website? Rockstar gives you a free copy of GTA San Andreas No more new movies at home as MoviePass closes Netflix to stream Seinfeld from 2021 Fascinating educational YouTube channels Instagram privacy settings you didn't know about Amazing discounts you can get with a EDU email address Reckon you could help us reach more people? If you know anyone who would would benefit from some clarity about te...
Sep 24, 2019•37 min•Season 4Ep. 4
This week: Hardware highlights from IFA Can you trust Huawei? Relive memories with Google Photos Clean your filthy EarPods Accounts sold on the Dark Web Use these apps to unsubscribe from newsletters How to handle the Windows Tech Support scam This Really Useful Podcast was hosted by Christian Cawley and James Frew. You can follow them both on Twitter for tech tips and thoughts: Christian Cawley: @thegadgetmonkey James Frew: @jimjamfroo Know someone who would would benefit from some clarity abou...
Sep 17, 2019•48 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this week's show: Stop Google Calendar Spam Google Helps You Decide What to Watch Play Nintendo SNES Games with Switch Classic PC Games You Can Play on Android Desktop vs Windows Store Apps Ridiculous EULA Clauses You Agreed To Telltale Signs You're Talking to a Telephone Scammer This Really Useful Podcast was hosted by Christian Cawley with Ben Stegner. You can follow them both on Twitter for tech tips and thoughts: Christian Cawley: @thegadgetmonkey Ben Stegner: @stegnersaurus If you think ...
Sep 10, 2019•35 min•Season 4Ep. 2
