860: The Friday Incident with Merlin Mann
Aug 02, 2026
Merlin Mann returns to Mac Power Users 16 years after being our very first guest to break down the AI system he's built — Codex, "triangulation," 31 cross-indexed data sources, and the infamous…
Learn about getting the most from your Apple technology with focused topics and workflow guests. Creating Mac Power Users since 2009, one conversation at a time. Hosted by David Sparks and Stephen Robles.
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Episodes
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859: Tangential Gadgets
Jul 26, 2026
David and Stephen turn the show on themselves: bags, chargers, MagSafe batteries, and fitness trackers. No tangential gadget is left behind.
858: Making Educational Videos for 17 Years with Ian Byrd
Jul 19, 2026
Teacher of teachers Ian Byrd returns to share how he's created thousands of videos using an unlikely stack: Keynote for visuals, Descript for editing, and iPad Pro for using AI remotely.
857: Sparmerica
Jul 12, 2026
A stacked feedback mailbag: Siri AI's per-device indexing, a Gmail-to-Siri trick, iOS 27's Extend and Reframe photo tools, subscription fatigue, Wispr Flow dictation, and an automated email robot…
856: iOS 27 Beta Features and Siri AI
Jul 05, 2026
David bought his MacBook Pro at the *perfect* time, then we discuss Siri AI, iOS 27 beta, and the cultural reception of AI.
855: Federico Viticci Reverse Engineered Shortcuts
Jun 28, 2026
Federico Viticci breaks down iOS 27's Shortcuts updates: Describe a Shortcut, Else If, new automation triggers, and built-in data storage. Plus his coder era, Shortcuts Playground 2.0, and training a…
854: Obscure (and Excellent) Mac Apps
Jun 21, 2026
Lesser-known Mac apps that deserve way more attention: from AI typing assistants, to hacky Stream Decks, note-taking apps, helpful utilities, and beautiful desktop enhancements.
WorkBrew ad, E-Cam ad
853: Siri AI and WWDC 2026
Jun 14, 2026
Stephen reports live from Apple Park on WWDC 2026: the post-keynote tech talk, Gemini partnership explained, and Siri AI that finally works. Plus shortcuts, photos AI, and more.
852: Designed in California and WWDC Wishlist with Myke Hurley
Jun 07, 2026
Myke Hurley joins us to discuss the launch of Designed in California, a new Apple history podcast with Jason Snell. Then we share our hopes for WWDC, what AI features we may see, and more!
851: I Have Contraband
May 31, 2026
David and Stephen answer listener feedback: rebuilding Apple Home with Aqara power-over-Ethernet cameras, smart scales, raw photo editing, connecting AI to email, off-site backups, the new TRMNL X…
850: Overcast Transcripts and 48 Mac minis with Marco Arment
May 24, 2026
Marco Arment joins us to dive deeper on Overcast transcripts, the 48 Mac mini server powering it all, how AI is changing app development, restaurant tech, and more!
849: Surviving Your Camera Roll
May 17, 2026
David and Stephen take on the wide, messy world of Apple photo management, from pruning fifty-thousand-photo libraries to backing up iCloud Photos. They cover Shared Library trade-offs, the cleanup…
848: eReaders and Workflows with Jason Snell
May 10, 2026
Jason Snell joins the show to discuss the state of e-readers, why dedicated reading devices still beat the iPad, Kindle vs Kobo, plus libraries, physical books, note-taking devices, and color e-ink.
847: Actually Useful AI Tools
May 03, 2026
David and Stephen take stock of where AI is actually useful right now. They cover dictation, browsers, agentic workflows, MCP, and Apple Intelligence, plus the real projects each runs today…
846: State of Apple Watch 2026
Apr 26, 2026
After brief thoughts on John Ternus becoming Apple's next CEO, we dive into the current state of Apple Watch. We explore our setups, faces, complications, apps, and what we hope to see improve.
845: Intentional Technology with Patrick Rhone
Apr 19, 2026
Patrick Rhone returns. The gang discusses Apple Silicon rewriting the Mac upgrade cycle, the Apple Refurb Store, and minimalist phones.
844: Building the Ideal Apple Smart Home
Apr 12, 2026
A comprehensive look at the state of Apple Smart Home in 2026. David and Stephen share their setups, cover the latest standards, new devices of interest, helpful automations, and how to get started…
843: Bear and Glass Teaches Keyboard Control
Apr 05, 2026
Brett Terpstra and Christopher Gamblée-Wallendjack introduce Bear & Glass, their human-focused Mac automation consultancy. Brett shares his ultimate keyboard-driven workflow, previews Marked 3 and…
842: Bribing the Fiber Guy
Mar 29, 2026
Stephen and David dig into listener feedback on iCloud security, Dropbox alternatives, AI robot assistants, Apple Intelligence Shortcuts, Claude computer control, and more!
841: The Robot Assistant Field Guide
Mar 22, 2026
David walks through the AI robot assistant he built with Claude Cowork, from file management and email to invoicing and podcast production. Plus, why managed AI agents finally solve the memory and…
840: Finder is More Powerful Than You Think
Mar 15, 2026
We break down Finder workflows, Hazel automations, Alfred shortcuts, and the systems that keep us organized on macOS.
839: Fifty Years of Apple with David Pogue
Mar 08, 2026
Author and broadcaster David Pogue joins the Mac Power Users to talk about his new book, 50 Years of Apple, and his tech stack.
838: iPhone Setup Showdown
Mar 01, 2026
We break down our entire iPhone setups including Home Screens, widgets, Focus Modes, Control Center, Action Button, and more! Stephen *may* have inspired David on this one.
837: Menu Bar Mayhem
Feb 22, 2026
David and Stephen go deep on the Mac menu bar, comparing their contrasting philosophies and walk through their favorites. They also explore how macOS 26's multiple Control Centers are changing the…
836: Welcome, Stephen
Feb 15, 2026
David officially welcomes Stephen as co-host, exploring his background in music, podcasting, and his Mac setup. Then, rapid-fire questions, putting Stephen on the spot for some Apple hot takes!
835: Farewell, Stephen
Feb 08, 2026
David and Stephen celebrate the last seven years of Mac Power Users, reflecting on the topics, episodes, and community that make MPU so special. Then, Stephen Robles joins to accept the baton before…
834: I Am The Tardis
Feb 01, 2026
Stephen starts the episode with an announcement, then he and David revisit writing workflows, Keyboard Maestro, notifications, and more. At the end, the guys attempt to answer some questions as…
833: Chris Bailey and His Battle-Scarred M1
Jan 25, 2026
Chris Bailey shares his unconventional tech stack: TextEdit for writing, SimpleNote for tasks, and printing research on paper. He also tried using an iPad mini as his phone to create friction with…
832: All About Apple Weather
Jan 18, 2026
After talking through the new Apple Creator Studio bundle, Stephen shares his notes with David after switching to the Apple Weather app for a month.
831: Revisiting Our Writing Workflows
Jan 11, 2026
From fancy pens to blank screens with a blinking cursor, there are more ways to write than ever. This week, the guys discuss several of them, weighing their pros and cons, and share how they get the…