- There’s so much being said about Artificial Intelligence these days, like how it’s going to take over the world some day (kidding, not kidding), so I thought I’d do an episode on what it is, and specifically how to use it without paying for it, at least for now. To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQMentioned on the Show:Here are some safe, smart, and practical ways to use AI in everyday life, depending on what you want to do: (Note - this list was generated by Chat GPT(AI):💼 For work and productivity- Email and writing help: Ask AI to draft, summarize, or polish emails or reports — then review and personalize them.- Research shortcuts: Use AI to get overviews of topics, then check reliable sources for confirmation.- Meeting prep: Have it outline questions or summaries before or after a meeting.🧠 Tip: Always verify facts before sending or publishing — AI is great for speed, but not always perfect on accuracy.📚 For learning and curiosity- Ask for simple explanations: “Explain quantum physics like I’m in 8th grade.”- Language practice: Chat with AI in another language or ask it to correct your sentences.- Test yourself: Have it quiz you on something you’re studying.🧠 Tip: Use it as a teacher’s assistant, not a substitute — let it guide your understanding, not do your homework.🎨 For creativity- Brainstorm ideas: Titles, stories, gift ideas, or design concepts.- Music and art inspiration: Ask for themes, lyrics, or color palettes.- Cooking and travel: Get recipe ideas or itineraries tailored to your tastes.🧠 Tip: AI is great at sparking ideas — but your creativity gives them life.🧘 For daily organization- Reminders and schedules: Use AI-powered apps to plan your day or prioritize tasks.- Budgeting help: Some AI tools categorize your expenses and spot trends.Health tracking: AI can help analyze sleep or exercise data — though medical advice should always come from a doctor.
The topic of this show is one of the most hotly debated subjects in parenting these days. This is because of all the press regarding how mobile phones and specifically social media can be so harmful.And yet the utility of the mobile phone for a teenager can’t be denied - how often does a parent want to communicate with their youth, and vice versa, or just know they are safe. So I this show I wanted to bring on an expert (teen) to talk about When to give a teen a phone.DISCUSSED DURING THIS EPISODEThe Greenlight Card - The debit card for kids. The #1 family finance and safety app. https://greenlight.com/To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ
When I bring up the subject of journalling I usually get a frown. Most people either love or hate the process of writing things down, or, if they do try it, they just don’t feel the creative juices flowing. If that’s you, I want you to give this episode a listen, because I’m going to:- Talk about the benefits- Give some helpful suggestions- Describe some tools that workIn short I’m going to show you How to make journalling fun againMentioned in this show:
Prompts for daily inventory:Ask yourself the below questions at the end of the day - write down your thoughts:Highlights- The day’s happening (AM/PM)- The bad - I felt unrest when...- God is showing me that...- One way I can improve tomorrow is...- How have I given glory to God...The vowel check: AEIOUY:A = Have I been Abstinent today? (Lived my own life, not intertwined with others). E = Have I Exercised today? I = What have I done for myself today? O = What have I done for Others today? U = Am I holding on to Unexpressed emotions today? Y = Yeah! What is something good that surprised me today?To follow this podcast:Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330YouTubehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfjSpotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ
I’ve always been a person that didn’t like to keep a lot of paper documents so I create them on my computer. So when I’m out somewhere and I don’t have the document with me what can I do?
Well…I access it from my phone or iPad.
How, you may ask? - the answer is - I store my documents in the cloud.
Now I know what you’re thinking…Bruce - those puffy white things in the sky don’t hold documents do they? And you’d be right. Of course, I’m talking about the internet cloud.
If you are like me and want to learn more about the HUGE topic of storing and accessing documents in the cloud, well you just HAVE TO Make Google drive and Google docs your friends
I have in front of me a pile of books that I’m currently reading. I imagine you have one just like this. Or maybe larger???
So what happens when you need to travel? Travel is one of those peaceful times when reading can really happen.
Or what if you are out at a doctor’s appointment waiting, and you find you have the time or want to read? You have to have your book handy right? That’s where this episode will help you, as we talk about Reading books online.
To follow this podcast:
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330
YouTube
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfj
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ
Do you have an idea, or a passion for a ministry, or a small business, but feel overwhelmed by all the hurdles you might have to overcome?
Maybe you’ve thought about how to do something big, but don’t understand how to start with technology.
If this is you, you’re going to want to watch or listen to this episode on
Running a ministry using technology
Paul and Joyce Ciotta are co-founders of Communicating With Purpose Ministries. CWP is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, dedicated to serving the Lord and serving God’s people. Find out more about the organization and the work they do at: cwp-now.com
To follow this podcast:
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330
YouTube
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfj
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ
Do you have a pile of these? (I”m showing a handful of cables) -
Or maybe you have sorted collection of these (I’m showing handful of ziplock bags filled and labeled) -
In either case, you're going to enjoy and maybe laugh or even cry a little with this episode, when I talk about the many cables and connectors for your mobile devices.
To follow this podcast:
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330
YouTube
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfj
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ
Thank you for your support all season long. This show gives highlights from the 2024 season where my guests included family and talked about the below topics:
(Each topic is covered is a full episode - be sure to check out the full episode for much more!!)
2024 Highlights:
- Using Google Calendar
- Different ways to use the Camera on your iPhone
- Sharing a location by dropping a pin
- Managing YOUR email inbox
- Some Creative things to do with Pinterest
- Can an iPad replace a computer?
To follow this podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfj
https://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ
Apple introduced the iPad in 2010, and when they were first released, many wondered what they would do with it, and would it even take off.
Over a decade later these devices have become a part of the mainstream, and many people use them for everything from web browsing to smart home control.
My guest is very adept at making an iPad work for him, and is on today to show the versatility of this device. We also address the question of whether an iPad can replace a computer as a primary device.
To follow this podcast:
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330
YouTube
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfj
Spotify
- https://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ
If you are like me and the word Pinterest draws up a mental picture of a question mark, then you are going to benefit from this episode.
I really have only a brief acquaintance with Pinterest, and yet even I can see how it can be so useful for creatives and beginners alike.
My guest today has a real passion for using Pinterest in her daily life to help her in so many ways. I’m sure you will find this show enlightening and useful too.
To follow this podcast:
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330
YouTube
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfj
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ
How many of us have inboxes that are overflowing with everything from junk email, to messages that we haven’t responded to but need to, and every in-between.
My guest is my daughter, Stephanie Braun - she has a real passion for this topic, and has some helpful tips for how to do a better job managing YOUR inbox.
Jeyson and Stephanie Braun serve through missionary aviation with JAARS. You can find out more about their ministry here: https://www.cten.org/us-canada-missionaries/jeyson-and-stephanie-braun?rq=braun
Links mentioned in this Episode:
Demo - Create a folder in Apple Mail and Gmail https://youtu.be/dFW5x8idYCY
To follow this podcast:
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330
YouTube
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfj
Spotify
Did you ever want to tell someone an EXACT where to meet you, even if you are moving around? Well your mobile phone has some very useful tools to do just that.
It’s called -Dropping a pin, and in this episode I talk with my daughter Jamie, who is super-passionate about this topic.
Links mentioned in this Episode:
To follow this podcast:
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330
YouTube
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfY1hKlCpuqJK3kxAMgPWG_dlt7-3p56G&si=kM2Ssj0jlEEsWhfj
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/556gkqPY2gUungskPONIsa?si=b4NsPR8BQSmxaEwK1caJtQ
Some people use the Camera on their phone to take pictures of scenery on a trip, or for taking pictures of groups of people at a gathering, or the plate of food in front of them.
- My wife Vickie uses her phone/camera in what I would describe as many non-traditional, yet very practical ways I think our audience will find helpful:
So for this show Vickie and I will discuss Different ways to use the Camera on your Phone. I hope you’ll find this discussion very useful and fun too.
Stay tuned
YouTube - https://youtu.be/ugzPgE7cd_M
Apple Podcasts -
Spotify - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bruce271/episodes/33-Different-ways-to-use-the-Camera-on-your-Phone-e2h519q
My wife uses a paper planner, I use electronic (this is true about just about everything with us).
How do you calendar? - Paper, Sticky notes, computer? My special guest Danielle Barger is going to discuss her experience, and the benefits of using Google calendar.
I've also published a short video on how to create an event on google Calendar here - https://youtube.com/shorts/nzOldu0bs1w?feature=share YouTube - https://youtu.be/aoJEZ2zqtGY Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tech-tips-for-seniors/id1699277330
The holidays are here and this means wishing all our podcast listeners a happy, safe and blessed holiday season.
A whole new season of Tech Tips are just ahead in 2024 - stay tuned as we bring new topics on many of the emerging tech subjects which are sure to keep all of us on our toes.
Thanks for being a faithful listener - I hope you will join me in the coming year for a new season of Tech Tips for Seniors (or anyone really).
Here’s a Tech Tip that’s going to be routine for some people, and a never done - want to try tip for others.
Scenario - you need a ride someplace, let’s say the airport, or to the doctor, or shopping - but no one is available to take you, or you just don’t want to ask. Maybe your car is in the shop, or as in my case, you don’t want to take a car to park it someplace for days. What do you do?
- This Tech Tip is about Using Uber or Lyft Ride Sharing
YouTube version of this show - https://youtu.be/4ulOQdaRCJk
Also on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
There are some funny squiggly square boxes showing up on signs, in magazines and well just about everywhere - these are called QR codes. But what do they do, are they safe and how do you use them?
- The tech tip discusses How to scan a QR code.
How to scan a QR code using an Android phone - https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/9283368?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid#:~:text=On%20your%20compatible%20Android%20phone,your%20Android%20phone%20or%20tablet.
YouTube version of this show - https://youtu.be/zSOh8EeqHJY
(Also on Apple Podcasts and Spotify)
We all understand that technology can take control of our lives, and there’s no place where this is more apparent than how we use our smartphones - how they seem to use up our valuable time and attention. But have you ever thought of taking control of your smartphone, instead of it taking control of you?
- today’s tech tip discusses Setting limits for Apps on your Phone.
This episode show how to use Screen Time App Limits on an iPhone. The link below is for Android:
How to set up app controls on Android using Digital Wellbeing - https://support.google.com/android/answer/9346420?hl=en
YouTube version of this show - https://youtu.be/Q8u4eoarNms
In the (seems like distant) past we purchased music recordings on vinyl, magnetic tape (8-track or cassette), or via iTunes. But today the music industry has moved to streaming music via the internet and purchasing a subscription to a service provides access to millions of songs at any time.
In this episode we describe the evolution to streaming, who the big players are. We also describe how to create playlists using Apple Music.
A link for doing the same in Spotify is below.
Please remember to Like, Subscribe and Share this show with a friend If you got something out of it. We’d also appreciate if you left us a rating and review. If you’ve done that already, thank you very much!
Creating a playlist with Spotify - https://support.spotify.com/us/article/create-playlists/
YouTube version of this show - https://youtu.be/5TiLsRd0lKQ
We’ve talked about Minecraft - but getting started with the game is a bit of a learning curve.
My grandson Noah is a Minecraft pro - so I wanted to speak with him about the basics, that is if he can even remember the basics - of getting up and running. Noah has been on the show before when we were discussing the benefits of Minecraft in relationships with your kids and grandkids.
This extended episode discusses getting started with Minecraft basics with my grandson and special guest Noah. We also include demos along with the discussion to show the basics.
Please remember to Like, Subscribe and Share this show with a friend If you got something out of it. We’d also appreciate if you left us a rating and review. If you’ve done that already, thank you very much!
YouTube video version - https://youtu.be/dUemsfe0lCU?si=EfjXnk6QTjWLnj9c
A special note to my audio listeners:
The content in this episode is a bit technical and may be hard to listen to without the video to follow along. So I recommend that you check out YouTube version of this podcast. There are visuals throughout the entire episode that will fill in what you would be missing in the audio-only version.
Thanks so much!
