The holidays are here and so are the people asking, “Hey, what’s your Wi-Fi password?”
Before you start shouting “capital Q, lowercase x, seven, nine,” take a breath. In this episode, Frank Bravo walks you through the easiest and most secure ways to share your Wi-Fi with guests, without turning into the household tech support desk.
Whether you’re hosting family for the holidays or just want to make it simple for friends to connect, you’ll learn how to keep things quick, friendly, and secure.
💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
🔐 How to set up a Guest Network and give visitors internet access without exposing your devices.
📱 How to share your Wi-Fi with a QR code, the fastest, no-typing-required way to connect.
🤝 How to use tap-to-share features on iPhone and Android for trusted friends and family.
⚙️ Myths and must-dos for Wi-Fi security and why hiding your network name isn’t actually safer.
🚀 Quick troubleshooting tips for common connection issues and slow speeds.
🏡 Why It Matters
Holiday gatherings often mean a parade of new devices—phones, tablets, smartwatches—all hungry for Wi-Fi.
Learn how to keep your guests happy and your smart home secure with a few simple settings you can change in minutes.
💬 Mentioned in This Episode
Guest Network settings (available on most routers like Eero, Nest Wi-Fi, Orbi, and TP-Link)
QR code sharing in iPhone and Android Wi-Fi settings
Apple’s “Share Password” pop-up for iOS and Mac devices
Android “Nearby Share” for quick Wi-Fi sharing
Router firmware updates for better security and performance
💖 Support the Show
Your support keeps Your Tech Makeover going!
If you enjoy the show, please consider contributing at YourTechMakeover.com.
🎁 As a thank-you, listeners who give $25 or more will receive $25 off a one-on-one consultation with Frank to help simplify their tech setup.
📬 Stay Connected
Got a question or an idea for a future episode?
Email Frank at frank@yourtechmakeover.com.
And don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode!
This week on Your Tech Makeover, professional photographer and Stanford University instructor Don Feria joins Frank Bravo to share real-world tips for taking better photos with the camera you already own, your phone.
Just in time for the holidays, Don and Frank break down what separates a good phone photo from a great one. From lighting and composition to phone-specific settings, you’ll learn how to capture the moments that matter most, whether that’s a Thanksgiving feast, a Christmas tree glow, or kids and pets who refuse to stay still.
🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
📱 Why mobile photography has changed the way we capture memories — and how to use that “studio in your pocket.”
⚙️ The real difference between High Efficiency and Most Compatible camera settings on iPhones.
🖼️ Simple composition tricks to make your photos instantly better (and what to watch for in the background).
💡 Lighting made easy — how to find soft, flattering light indoors and outdoors.
🍗 Holiday photo tips for food, family group shots, and fast-moving kids and pets.
✨ Editing basics that make photos pop without overdoing it.
🗂️ Quick ideas for keeping your photo library organized (and backed up safely).
🧠 Key Takeaways
Even small changes — like moving a few feet for better light — make a big difference.
You don’t need fancy gear; understanding your phone’s features goes further.
Practice before the big day: try shooting scenes with both shadow and light so you’ll know how your camera reacts.
💬 Mentioned in This Episode
Don Feria – donferia.com | Instagram @donferia
Stanford University Continuing Studies
Frank Bravo – YourTechMakeover.com
☕ Support the Show
If you enjoy Your Tech Makeover, please consider supporting it with a small donation — listeners who contribute $25 or more will receive a free 30-minute tech consultation to help simplify your own digital setup.
👉 Visit YourTechMakeover.com for details.
So, what’s one photo tip you plan to try this holiday season? Let me know what you think — and, as always, if you have ideas for topics you’d like me to cover, reach out at frank@yourtechmakeover.com.
Thanks for listening to Your Tech Makeover. Don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and visit YourTechMakeover.com for more episodes, transcripts, and show notes.
Special Alert Episode!
💳 Gift cards make great gifts, but terrible payments.
With the holidays approaching, scammers are working overtime to trick people into using gift cards to pay fake bills, bogus tech support fees, and even phony family emergencies. In this special between-episode of Your Tech Makeover, I share how one simple flyer at Target, and a neighbor’s unfortunate experience, inspired a timely reminder about one of the most common (and costly) scams out there.
You’ll learn how these scams actually work, the red flags to look for, and what to do if you or someone you love gets pressured to “pay” with a gift card.
🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:
🎯 How gift card scams really work and the psychological tricks scammers use to create panic.
🚫 The biggest red flags that signal a call, text, or email isn’t legit.
🧾 What to do if it happens to you, including how to report it and maybe stop the funds.
🧡 How to protect family and friends with a “pause plan” before they buy or send anything.
💬 Frank says:
“The IRS doesn’t take Apple gift cards, your power company doesn’t take Target cards, and no tech support person should ever ask for Google Play cards. If someone tells you otherwise, hang up.”
🙌 Support & Resources:
If you or someone you know gets targeted, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP. And if you see someone at the store buying lots of gift cards under pressure — say something. You might save them a lot of money and stress.
🗓️ Mentioned in this episode:
Target’s “Beware of Gift Card Scams” flyer
The FTC’s official reporting site: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Common scam fronts: IRS, utility companies, fake tech support, “grandparent” emergencies
💡 Want to help others stay safe?
Share this episode with family, coworkers, or that friend who always gets “urgent” texts. The more people who know the signs, the fewer will get caught.
💡 Support the Show
If you’ve learned something from Your Tech Makeover, consider supporting the podcast!
🎁 Listeners who contribute $25 or more will receive $25 off a one-on-one tech consultation with Frank to help simplify your digital life.
➡️ Click the link in the show notes or visit YourTechMakeover.com to learn more.
🎧 Listen to the full episodes at: 👉 YourTechMakeover.com/
So, have you ever gotten one of those “urgent” messages asking you to pay with a gift card? Let me know what you think and, as always, if you have any ideas for topics you’d like me to cover, please feel free to contact me at frank@yourtechmakeover.com.
Batteries catching fire on airplanes? Unfortunately, it’s more common than you think.
In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, I dive into the rise in battery-related incidents on flights, and what you can do to stay safe and still fly with your tech. Whether you’re heading home for Thanksgiving or taking a winter getaway, this episode will help you avoid airport surprises and keep your gadgets (and seatmates) out of harm’s way.
This is part of our ongoing series on making your devices more useful and safer across everyday situations—and just in time for the holiday travel season.
🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
📈 How often batteries really catch fire on flights (hint: more than once a week in the U.S.)
⚠️ The rules around bringing power banks, vapes, and other rechargeable devices onboard
🧠 What “watt-hours” actually mean in simple, real-world terms
🚫 Which major airline banned power bank use onboard starting October 2025
🎒 Smart packing tips, like where to store your charger to avoid overheating or getting flagged
💡 Support the Show
If you’ve learned something from Your Tech Makeover, consider supporting the podcast!
🎁 Listeners who contribute $25 or more will receive $25 off a one-on-one tech consultation with Frank to help simplify your digital life.
➡️ Click the link in the show notes or visit YourTechMakeover.com to learn more.
📚 Mentioned in This Episode:
FAA Battery Safety Rules: faa.gov
TSA Battery Guidelines: tsa.gov
Emirates Power Bank Policy (Oct 2025): emirates.com
Southwest Portable Charger Rules: southwest.com
Battery fire recalls (Waymeet, etc.): Home Depot Recall Info
📩 Stay Connected
Got a tech topic you want help with? Email Frank at frank@yourtechmakeover.com
💻 More info and all past episodes at YourTechMakeover.com
🔧 Learn more about Frank at BravoITC.com
I just wrapped up a six-part series on cloud storage, but if you missed an episode or still feel a little lost, this one’s for you. In this wrap-up, I’ll recap the highlights, share what I didn’t cover enough the first time, and give you a simple checklist you can use this week to finally take control of your files.
Whether you’re team Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, or iCloud Drive, this episode pulls it all together.
✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:
🌐 A quick rewind of the “big five” services — and who each one is best for
🔑 The key differences between sync and backup (and why you need both)
🧩 How to make sense of mix-and-match setups without losing your mind
📋 A 7-step checklist for cloud sanity and security
⚡ Five “quick wins” you can do in ten minutes or less
🗂️ A 5-day cleanup plan to finally get organized
❓ Listener Q&A — the most common cloud storage questions, answered
💡 Why this episode matters
This isn’t just another tech tutorial. It’s the in-case-you-missed-it recap of an entire series — plus the extra tips that didn’t fit into the earlier episodes. If you’ve been meaning to pick a primary service, tighten up your sharing, or finally back up those important folders, this is your cheat sheet.
🙌 Support the show
Your support helps keep Your Tech Makeover going! Contribute via the link in the show notes or at YourTechMakeover.com. Supporters who give $25 or more get $25 off a one-on-one consultation with me to simplify their tech.
🔗 Mentioned in this episode
Previous episodes of the Cloud Storage Series (July–September 2025) in the podcast feed
So, which cloud storage service are you going to stick with? Hit play to get the recap and start fresh.
In this short bonus episode, Frank shares something new forYour Tech Makeover listeners... the launch of the Your Tech Makeover Newsletter on Substack! 🎉
If you love the show but sometimes wish you could get quick, easy-to-read tech tips right in your inbox, this newsletter is for you. Every couple of weeks, Frank will send short posts with practical advice, helpful links, and behind-the-mic stories, all in plain English, just like the podcast.
👉 Subscribe free at YourTechMakeover.com or directly on Substack at yourtechmakeover.substack.com.
Stay tuned! A new full episode drops next week!
You’ve heard the phrase “Move fast and break things” but what does it really mean for the tech we use every day?
In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, Frank Bravo explores the origins of this Silicon Valley motto and how it’s shaped the way tech companies build the tools we all rely on. From Facebook’s early days to modern AI rollouts, Frank looks at when moving fast fuels innovation, and when it leads to chaos.
Whether you’re a casual user, a small business owner, or someone launching your own project, this episode will help you understand how to stay smart in a world that moves fast and breaks things on purpose.
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
🧪 The origin story of the “move fast” mindset (and Facebook’s role in it)
🚀 Examples of when speed led to breakout success, like Instagram and TikTok
🔒 Where things broke, including Zoom’s security stumbles and Tesla’s Autopilot controversies
🧭 How companies like Apple and Microsoft strike a safer, slower balance
🛠️ Tips for staying protected when using fast-moving tech (yes, backups are still your friend!)
💬 Support the show & get personal tech help
If you enjoy this episode, consider supporting Your Tech Makeover! Listeners who contribute $25 or more will receive $25 off a one-on-one tech consultation with Frank.
👉 Just click the link in the show notes or visit YourTechMakeover.com.
📌 Mentioned in this episode:
Facebook’s “Move Fast” mantra
Instagram’s pivot to photo sharing
TikTok’s rapid innovation cycle
Zoom’s early privacy concerns
Tesla Autopilot software updates
Apple’s product rollout philosophy
Microsoft’s cloud transformation
Have you ever benefited from a fast tech rollout or been burned by a rushed update? Let me know!
And don’t forget to subscribe to Your Tech Makeover on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.
📬 Questions or topic ideas? Email Frank at frank@yourtechmakeover.com🌐 Learn more at YourTechMakeover.com👨💻 Work with Frank at BravoITC.com
🧰 Feeling stuck with your tech? This episode is your go-to guide for fixing the most common tech problems—fast.
Whether your computer is frozen, your phone won’t charge, or your WiFi disappears at the worst possible time, basic troubleshooting can save the day. In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, host Frank Bravo shares his simple, real-world tips to help you get back up and running—without panic, guesswork, or a call to tech support (well, maybe just one call...).
Inspired by a listener named Sandy, this episode is all about empowering you to solve everyday tech issues with confidence. You don’t need to be a tech wizard, just follow these steps and you’ll be amazed at what you can fix on your own.
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
🔄 Use the “magic” of restarting (yes, it solves more than you think!)
🌐 Figure out if the internet’s out, or just your device
🧹 Clean up digital clutter to boost performance
🔋 Troubleshoot battery and power issues on any device
🎛️ Fix basic sound and display problems
📲 Keep your software updated and secure
☎️ Know when it’s time to call in backup
🙌 Support the Show: Love the show? You can support Your Tech Makeover by visiting YourTechMakeover.com. 🎉 💬 Listeners who donate $25 or more get $25 off a one-on-one tech consultation with Frank!
📌 Mentioned in this episode:
Speedtest.net – Check your internet connection
Backup & update tips from previous episodes (see the archive at YourTechMakeover.com)
💬 Share your story! What’s your weirdest tech glitch—or your go-to troubleshooting trick? Send Frank a note at frank@yourtechmakeover.com or leave a comment on the episode page.
👉Subscribe! Make sure you're subscribed so you don’t miss upcoming tips on smart devices, file syncing, digital cleanups, and more.
Are you really getting the most out of iCloud Drive, or is it just another icon in your settings you don’t fully understand?
In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, I break down how iCloud Drive actually works, what it syncs (and what it doesn’t), how to share files and folders, and what to watch for when it comes to space and pricing. Whether you’re using just one Apple device or a whole family’s worth, this guide will help you clean things up and take control of your cloud storage.
This is the sixth and final episode in our Sharing & Syncing series, where we've been walking through the most popular cloud storage tools, one platform at a time.
🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:
🗂️ What iCloud Drive really does (and how it’s different from iCloud Photos or Backups)
💻 How to sync your Mac’s Desktop & Documents folders
⚙️ Which hidden settings matter, like “Optimize Mac Storage”
💸 What you get for free (and why most users need to upgrade)
👥 How to share files and folders—even with people outside your Apple ecosystem
💡 Mentioned in this episode:
iCloud Drive
Apple Family Sharing
Files app (iPhone and iPad)
System Settings on Mac
🎁 Support the podcast:Listeners who donate $25 or more get $25 off a personal tech consultation with me. You’ll help keep the show going and get expert help on your tech headaches.
🎧 Listen now at YourTechMakeover.com Or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.
👋 Got a tech question or topic suggestion? Email Frank anytime at frank@yourtechmakeover.com.
This episode is part of our special series on cloud storage and syncing—helping you choose the right tool for storing, sharing, and accessing your files from anywhere. We’ve already covered Google Drive and Dropbox, and today we’re diving into a powerful but lesser-known option: Box.
Box is built with business users in mind, but it’s also a great choice for anyone who needs more control over how files are shared and secured. In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, Frank Bravo explains how Box works, how it compares to more familiar services, and why it could be the right fit for you or your small business.
✅ Here’s what you’ll learn:
📁 What Box is—and how it differs from Dropbox or Google Drive
🔐 Why Box is a strong choice for secure sharing and business needs
💸 What to expect from Box’s pricing (including when it’s free)
🛠️ How to set up a Box account and start using it right away
💼 Real-life use cases for freelancers, small businesses, and teams
🎧 Mentioned in this episode:
Box.com – Official site to learn more or sign up
Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive for comparison
Other Your Tech Makeover cloud storage episodes: → Google Drive → Dropbox → OneDrive → iCloud Drive
💡 Support the podcast!
Your Tech Makeover is listener-supported. If you find the show helpful, consider making a small contribution at YourTechMakeover.com.
🎁 Contribute $25 or more and receive $25 off a one-on-one consultation with Frank Bravo to help simplify your tech life.
This is the fifth episode in the Sharing & Syncing series. Be sure to check out the intro episode and stay tuned for upcoming guides on Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, and Box.
Got a question or topic idea? Email Frank at frank@yourtechmakeover.com.
If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app and visit YourTechMakeover.com for more episodes, transcripts, and tips.
🎧 This episode is part of our special series on cloud storage and file syncing. Over several weeks, we’re covering the most popular tools—like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, and iCloud—to help you compare options, understand how they work, and feel confident using them. Whether you’re picking your first cloud service or getting the most out of one you already have, this series is here to help.
Tired of losing track of your files or wondering if your documents are backed up? In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, Frank Bravo breaks down everything you need to know about Microsoft OneDrive—a powerful yet often overlooked tool that can make your digital life a whole lot easier.
Whether you’re using a Windows PC at home, managing a small business, or just trying to organize your family’s photos, this episode will help you get set up with confidence, avoid common mistakes, and unlock OneDrive’s full potential.
✅ In this episode, you’ll learn:
💡 What OneDrive is and how it actually works
🖥️ How to set it up and sync it with your Windows devices
📄 Why Microsoft 365 and OneDrive are better together
🔐 Tips for sharing and collaborating securely
🧠 Smart features like Files On-Demand and Personal Vault
💵 What you get for free and what paid plans include
📱 How to use the mobile app to scan and access files on the go
Whether you’re backing up important documents or collaborating with others, OneDrive can be a game-changer once you know how to use it right.
❤️ Support the Show
If you find this podcast helpful, consider supporting it! A $25+ donation gets you $25 off a personal one-on-one tech consult with Frank. Help keep Your Tech Makeover going strong by visiting YourTechMakeover.com.
🔧 Mentioned in This Episode:
Microsoft OneDrive: onedrive.live.com
Microsoft 365 Plans: microsoft.com/microsoft-365
This is the fourth episode in the Sharing & Syncing series. Be sure to check out the intro episode and stay tuned for upcoming guides on Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, and Box.
Need help getting your OneDrive working just right? Reach out at frank@yourtechmakeover.com or visit BravoITC.com for more about Frank.
🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to Your Tech Makeover on your favorite podcast platform!
📂 Dropbox Demystified: Smart Ways to Share and Sync Your Files
This episode is part of our special Sharing & Syncing mini-series, where we explore the most popular cloud storage tools—and how to actually use them to make life easier. Each episode zooms in on one specific service to help you decide which one fits your needs best.
Today, we’re talking about Dropbox, one of the original file-sharing tools. Whether you’re organizing work files, sharing family photos, or collaborating with a team, Dropbox can be an incredibly useful solution—if you know how to use it well.
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
📁 What Dropbox is and how to get started
🧠 How Smart Sync and Selective Sync can save space on your computer
📱 How to use Dropbox across your phone, tablet, and desktop
🔗 How to share files securely—even with people who don’t use Dropbox
⏪ How to recover accidentally deleted files (and how long you have)
💼 Tips for using Dropbox at home and in a small business
💰 What Dropbox’s free and paid plans include—and how to choose
🛠️ Best practices for organizing, securing, and managing your files
☕ Support the Show
Enjoying Your Tech Makeover? You can support the podcast with a one-time or monthly contribution. As a thank-you, supporters who give $25 or more will receive $25 off a personal consultation with Frank to help simplify their tech. Visit YourTechMakeover.com to learn more.
📌 Mentioned in this episode:
Dropbox: www.dropbox.com
Smart Sync & Selective Sync: Tools to manage your storage space
File Recovery: Dropbox’s version history and file restore features
This is the third episode in the Sharing & Syncing series. Be sure to check out the intro episode and stay tuned for upcoming guides on Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, and Box.
Have questions or tips about how you use Dropbox? I’d love to hear from you! Email me at frank@yourtechmakeover.com.
🎧 Listen now and subscribe so you never miss an episode!
This episode is part of the “Sharing and Syncing Data” mini-series, where we explore the most popular tools to help you keep your files safe, accessible, and organized across all your devices. In this installment, we’re spotlighting Google Drive—the cloud storage tool you probably already have but may not be using to its full potential.
Google Drive is one of the most widely used cloud storage tools on the planet—but are you really getting the most out of it? In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, we go beyond the basics to explore how Drive can become your digital command center for sharing, syncing, organizing, and collaborating on files—without turning into a digital junk drawer.
Whether you’re new to Drive or have used it casually for years, you’ll learn how to take control of your cloud storage and unlock the full power of Google’s tools.
🎧 Listen and discover:
🆓 What you get with the free account—and what Google One upgrades are worth it
📁 How to organize your Drive with color-coded folders, smart naming, and starred favorites
🤝 Tips for sharing and collaborating safely (without giving away your “digital house keys”)
🔍 Hidden gems like Priority view, filters, and file search by keyword or owner
🧩 Why Google Drive is more than storage—it’s a workflow engine when paired with Docs, Sheets, Forms & Gmail
📱 How to use Drive on mobile, scan documents, and work offline
Whether you’re organizing family files, collaborating with coworkers, or just tired of digging through random folders—this episode will help you take charge of your digital life.
✨ Support the Show & Get a Bonus
Love the podcast? You can help support Your Tech Makeover and get a bonus at the same time!
💡 Donate $25 or more and receive $25 off a one-on-one consultation with me, Frank Bravo. I’ll personally help you simplify your tech and answer your biggest questions. Head to YourTechMakeover.com for details.
🧰 Mentioned in this episode:
Related episodes on sharing, syncing, backups, and digital organizing
This is the second episode in the Sharing & Syncing series. Be sure to check out the intro episode and stay tuned for upcoming guides on Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, and Box.
Have a question about Google Drive or an idea for a future topic? I’d love to hear from you! Email me anytime at frank@yourtechmakeover.com.
Thanks for listening to Your Tech Makeover! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a rating on your favorite podcast platform. For more episodes, visit YourTechMakeover.com.
Ever emailed yourself a file just to open it somewhere else? There’s a better way—and in this kickoff to my 6-part mini-series, I’ll show you how. From cloud storage to cross-device syncing, we’ll explore the tools that make your digital life simpler, smoother, and way more connected.
This intro episode lays the foundation for upcoming deep dives into Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and iCloud Drive. But before we zoom in, let’s zoom out and understand how file syncing works, why it matters, and which tools might work best for your lifestyle or workflow.
📌 In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ What file sharing and syncing tools actually are
✅ How they work across phones, tablets, and computers
✅ Real-life benefits like automatic backup and collaboration
✅ Common pitfalls: storage limits, internet requirements, and security tips
✅ A quick preview of the 5 major players in this space
✅ When local sharing (like AirDrop or Quick Share) is the better choice
💡 Whether you’re storing family photos, managing client files, or just want less digital chaos, this episode will help you get started with confidence.
🎧 Mentioned in this episode:
Google Drive
Dropbox
Box
OneDrive (Microsoft)
iCloud Drive (Apple)
AirDrop (Apple)
Nearby Share & Quick Share (Android/Windows)
🙏 Support the Show!
Enjoying Your Tech Makeover? Support the podcast and get a special thank-you:
💵 Contribute $25 or more and receive $25 off a one-time tech consultation.
🔗 Visit YourTechMakeover.com and click the support link.
📬 Got questions or want to share how you use cloud storage?
Email me at frank@yourtechmakeover.com — I’d love to feature your tips or stories in an upcoming episode!
Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you don’t miss what’s next in the series.
And if you liked this episode, give it a thumbs up or a review—every bit helps others discover the show.
👵📱 Technology isn’t just for the young—it’s for the young-at-heart, too.
In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, I’m diving into how we can help seniors get comfortable with modern technology—and how families can make the transition easier, friendlier, and even fun.
Whether you’re a senior looking to get more out of your smartphone, or someone supporting a parent or grandparent who’s just starting to FaceTime or use email, this episode is full of simple, practical advice to build confidence without the overwhelm.
🎯 We’ll cover:
🖥️ Choosing the right devices for usability and accessibility
📲 The best apps for communication, health, and entertainment
🧠 Easy strategies to build tech confidence—step by step
🧓 Common roadblocks seniors face and how to solve them
✍️ A personal story from my first tech class at the San Carlos (CA) Senior Center
💡 How you can set someone up for tech success (even if you’re not a tech expert)
Plus, there’s a quick sponsor message and a special note for anyone who’s ever said, “I’m not good with technology.” (Spoiler: You probably just needed a better guide.)
💬 Mentioned in this episode:
Devices: iPad, Jitterbug Smart, Alexa, Google Nest
Apps: FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp, Medisafe, MyChart, Audible, Libby, YouTube
Tools: Password managers, scam filters, magnifier apps
💡 Support the Show
Love the podcast? Show your support by visiting YourTechMakeover.com and clicking the support link. Contribute $25 or more, and I’ll personally offer a one-on-one consultation to help simplify your tech life. 🙌
🔗 Want more?
👂 So… have you helped a senior use tech?
📬 Email: frank@yourtechmakeover.com
🌐 Website: YourTechMakeover.com
👤 Learn more: BravoITC.com
Think Apple AirPods are just for music and podcasts? Think again. In this episode, I explore how Apple has quietly turned AirPods into powerful tools for people with mild hearing loss—no audiologist required.
Whether you’re curious about Apple’s “Live Listen” and “Conversation Boost” features or wondering if these wireless earbuds could save you a trip to the hearing clinic, this episode has you covered. I’ll walk you through the tech, explain how the hearing test works (I even took it myself—spoiler alert: my hearing is still good), and show you how to set everything up right from your iPhone.
If you or someone you know has been saying “What?” a little too often lately, this might be the most surprising tech tip you’ll hear all week.
🔑 Key takeaways:
🎙️ How Apple’s Live Listen and Conversation Boost work with AirPods
📈 What your hearing test results mean—and how to run one
🧠 The difference between these features and true hearing aids
📱 Who this works for (and what Android users can try instead)
🛠️ Step-by-step instructions for setup and customization
⚠️ Legal and medical disclaimers you need to know
💡 Support the Show
Love the podcast? Show your support by visiting YourTechMakeover.com and clicking the support link. Contribute $25 or more, and I’ll personally offer a one-on-one consultation to help simplify your tech life. 🙌
🔗 Mentioned in this episode:
Apple’s Hearing Health tools (Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual)
AirPods Pro and AirPods Max
Whether you’re dealing with hearing changes or just want to geek out over how Apple’s repurposing everyday tech for health, this one’s worth a listen.
👂 So… have you tried the hearing test on your iPhone yet? Let me know what you think.
📬 Email: frank@yourtechmakeover.com
🌐 Website: YourTechMakeover.com
👤 Learn more: BravoITC.com
💡 Want to save money, reduce your energy use, and stay comfortable year-round?
A smart thermostat might be the easiest way to do all three. In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, I’ll explain what a smart thermostat is, how it works, and why it’s a worthwhile upgrade for nearly any home.
We’ll talk about how these devices:
✅ Learn your schedule automatically
✅ Optimize heating and cooling based on usage and weather
✅ Integrate with smart assistants like Alexa, Google, and Siri
✅ Can even qualify you for rebates from your utility company
🔍 Plus, you’ll learn:
🙌 Support the Show!
If this episode helped you, consider becoming a supporter of Your Tech Makeover.
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📌 Mentioned in this episode:
U.S. Department of Energy thermostat efficiency tips
Google Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell Home, Amazon Smart Thermostat
Local utility rebate programs and ENERGY STAR discounts
📬 Got a tech topic you’d like me to cover?
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Cryptocurrency. It’s been called the future of money, internet gold, and… let’s be honest, a total mystery for most people.
In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, I’m breaking down what cryptocurrency really is — no hype, no jargon, just the essentials. We’ll talk about Bitcoin (and what makes it special), how blockchain works, how people actually get cryptocurrency, and why the prices seem to change faster than the weather.
Whether you’re crypto-curious or just tired of nodding along in conversations you don’t understand, this episode is for you.
🎧 In this episode:
What is cryptocurrency, really?
The origin of Bitcoin and why it matters
How blockchain keeps things secure (and honest)
Where crypto comes from — mining, exchanges, and wallets
What drives the price (and volatility) of coins like Bitcoin
The risks, benefits, and real-world uses of crypto
If you've ever thought, "Should I get into crypto?" — start here.
Visit YourTechMakeover.com for more episodes.
Ever tried ChatGPT and felt like you weren’t getting the best results? In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, I’ll walk you through the best ways to interact with AI, including where to find ChatGPT, how to get better responses, and real-life examples of how I use it for everything from travel planning to writing code..
You’ll learn:
✅ Where to access ChatGPT (website, apps, macOS)
✅ The difference between free & paid versions
✅ How to ask better questions to get better answers
✅ Real-life examples of how I use ChatGPT for travel planning, coding, and more
AI can be a powerful assistant—if you know how to use it right! Tune in for practical tips and see how ChatGPT can actually make your life easier.
🎧 Listen now: YourTechMakeover.com
Bonus:
Find the apps for ChatGPT here: https://openai.com/chatgpt/download/
In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, Frank Bravo breaks down the buzz around encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and iMessage. Why are government officials using them for sensitive conversations—and what does that mean for the rest of us?
Frank dives into:
What end-to-end encryption actually means
How these popular apps compare (Signal vs. WhatsApp vs. Apple Messages and Google Chat)
What recent headlines say about how these apps are used—and misused
Practical tips for protecting your messages and your privacy
When you shouldn’t be using encrypted messaging apps
Whether you're texting your best friend or sending a confidential work message, this episode helps you navigate private messaging with confidence (and maybe a little less anxiety before hitting "Send").
🔐 Tech doesn’t have to be scary—it just has to be smart.
📩 How are you using them? Let me know! Email me at frank@yourtechmakeover.com
💡 Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss my upcoming episode on how to get the best results from ChatGPT!
🔗 More info & past episodes: YourTechMakeover.com
🔗 Find out more about me: BravoITC.com