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Join Southern IT experts Donovan Adkisson and Ben Rehberg, along with occasional guest speakers, as they break down the latest in technology in a straightforward, relatable way for everyday listeners.
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Supporters Club
Explicit
18 APR 2025 · Donovan and Ben banter their way through a wide range of topics, starting with a quick sidebar about trying out Riverside.fm for podcast recording—and immediately plotting how to avoid the $29 charge after the trial ends. They go deep into a hilarious and oddly wholesome conversation about their kids’ driving journeys, DMV experiences, and the art (or lack thereof) of parallel parking. Donovan shares a recommendation for a cheeky Tim Minchin tune that got stuck in his daughter’s head, and the crew has a laugh about the accidental comedy that came from using an always-listening AI device that started suggesting to-do lists based on overheard conversations—everything from AC service follow-ups to international hostage negotiations. They wrap with some nostalgic geeking out over MacGyver, Stargate SG-1, and Richard Dean Anderson’s evolution from action star to silver fox. Ben talks about adding the MacGyver box set to his Amazon cart. Donovan throws out viewing order suggestions for anyone wanting to dive into the Stargate universe. The episode ends with a promise to look up more of Tim Minchin’s songs and a reminder that sometimes the best conversations come from just winging it. Casual. Random. Fun. Just another night on SGN: After Dark.
Explicit
Transcribed
18 APR 2025 · Episode 15 of SouthGeek News kicks off with Donovan and Ben catching up on their recent tech trials and domestic adventures. Ben dives into ongoing frustrations with sluggish Hyper-V VMs running on a weak RAID 5 setup and discusses experimenting with open-source surveillance tools like Shinobi and ZoneMinder, both of which fall short of expectations. Donovan shares his own camera setup woes, eventually conceding that consumer-grade NVRs like Lorex might be the way to go. They swap updates about property searches, lawn rehab, and an ailing Ford Explorer with a famously finicky sealed transmission. A trip down memory lane follows, from the high price of Tift County land to the painful rise of automotive repair costs and the need for backup vehicles—especially when yours might refuse to reverse. The pair shift gears into tech support talk, covering a voicemail transcription upgrade in 3CX and the odd mystery of why forwarded calls started showing up with no caller ID. Spoiler: the fix involved a SIP binding tweak that somehow wasn’t in the documentation. They also take shots at clunky modem suggestions from ISPs and share opinions on Hitron versus ARRIS hardware, SonicWall’s lingering legacy in modern networks, and how WireGuard is quickly becoming the gold standard in VPN tech—especially for those ditching slower protocols like IPSec and OpenVPN. The second half of the episode dives into the tech headlines: OpenAI’s rumored social network ambitions, Claude’s new Gmail integration (with some side-eye), Android 15’s storage requirements, and the absurdity of Microsoft breaking security patches with a missing empty folder. There’s also a nostalgic (and surprisingly passionate) moment where they debate the correct pronunciation of GIF—and retell the arcane saga of archive formats from the BBS era. They wrap up the show with laughter over someone actually paying for WinRAR, and OpenAI's "new" memory feature that everyone thought was already a thing. Along the way, there's snark, cookies, and the eternal struggle between dog lovers and people who just want a clean house. In short, it’s a classic SouthGeek blend of tech, humor, and real-world absurdity—all served with a strong side of geeky storytelling.
Links
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/15/openai-considering-own-social-network-to-compete-with-elon-musks-x.html
https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/15/anthropics-claude-now-read-your-gmail/?guccounter=1
https://www.zdnet.com/article/android-15-has-a-new-requirement-that-could-leave-your-phone-behind/?utm_source=iterable&utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsalerts&utm_campaign=campaign_13231862&zdee=%5BContact.email_zdee%5D
https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-warns-that-anyone-who-deleted-mysterious-folder-that-appeared-after-latest-windows-11-update-must-take-action-to-put-it-back
https://www.wecb.fm/someone-actually-paid-for-winrar-heres-how-the-company-reacted/
https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/10/openai-updates-chatgpt-to-reference-your-other-chats/
https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/01/mark-cuban-backs-skylight-a-tiktok-alternative-built-on-blueskys-underlying-technology/
https://www.techspot.com/news/107439-china-unveils-gpmi-powerful-hdmi-displayport-rival-192.html
Where to Find Us:
- https://southgeeknews.com
- Leave a voicemail: https://voicecast.app/sgn
- Donovan: https://linktr.ee/donovanadkisson
- Sam: http://tscn.tv // @tscnsam on socials
- Ben: https://www.instagram.com/mythatlookstasty/
Supporters Club
Explicit
Transcribed
4 APR 2025 · In this members-only episode of SouthGeek News After Dark, the crew dives into a casual, behind-the-scenes conversation filled with tech talk, personal updates, and candid banter. They open with some light joking about video setup issues and Discord’s interface changes before moving into a nerdy discussion about LED Twitch beacons and Raspberry Pi gadgets. Donovan shares frustrations with Zoom’s video cropping and talks about upgrades to his streaming setup, including light panels and AI-generated album art—specifically mentioning updates to his “Call Me Donovan” podcast branding. Ben eventually joins the chat, sparking laughs over his stern-looking profile pic, and there's a fun exchange about quirky wall art, including a symbolic piece involving toy soldiers and scissors, which they analyze for its deeper message. The tone shifts briefly to politics and current events as they react to Trump’s proposed tariffs, which they jokingly frame as the end of disposable income. That leads into a thoughtful discussion about generational perspective and chaos in the world, sparked by a John Stewart segment. Donovan shares how his views have mellowed, emphasizing the difference between reacting with outrage and engaging in thoughtful disagreement. Sam, reflecting from a 55-year-old’s perspective, emphasizes that despite past challenges, the current moment feels uniquely unprecedented. They agree on the importance of acknowledging the chaos without letting it consume your mental health. The group hints at deeper mental health themes, including an idea Donovan had for a future Call Me Donovan episode. After some laughs about triple backups and readiness checks, they start planning the main show, joking about who goes first based on “most recent poop,” and agree to alternate reading the show’s discussion topics. They close out the pre-show ready to roll with a mix of lightheartedness and depth that defines the After Dark vibe.
Explicit
Transcribed
4 APR 2025 · In Episode 14 of SouthGeek News, Donovan, Ben, and guest host Sam Lewis return with a low-energy but content-packed discussion on recent tech happenings and personal adventures. Donovan opens with an update on the podcast’s move from Substack to Spreaker, triggered by a frustrating account suspension that Substack blamed on a false spam flag. An accidental annual payment to Spreaker sealed the deal, and now all of Donovan's podcasts—including Call Me Donovan and Tifton Talks—are hosted there, complete with dynamic ad insertion. Sam brings the gaming spotlight with a deep dive into https://playinzoi.com/en, a new hyper-realistic life sim game positioned as a potential “Sims killer.” He breaks down the character customization, AI-generated textures, and a wild 3D scanning feature that lets users bring real-world objects into the game. While promising, Sam notes it lacks the whimsy that made The Sims a cultural hit. AI takes center stage again as the crew talks about ChatGPT’s massive revenue growth—$415 million a month and counting—and its expanding capabilities in image generation, video, and more. They test out creating strange image prompts (like an alien humanoid centipede in a space suit) and joke about how powerful and unsettling the AI is becoming. Ben also shares his experiments using AI to auto-generate prompts and notes the surreal ease of working with such tools. In other tech news, Amazon is rolling out Nova Act, an AI agent designed to control browsers and perform basic web tasks like making reservations—an effort to catch up to OpenAI and Anthropic, ironically both companies Amazon also invests in. Meanwhile, Microsoft is doubling down on requiring users to sign into Windows 11 with a Microsoft account, removing the popular “bypass NRO” command from upcoming builds—a move the team sees as another step toward locking down user control. Security concerns arise around Google Chrome’s password manager as researchers demonstrate how AI can now generate malware capable of stealing credentials, even without any coding experience. The group strongly advises against saving passwords in browsers and recommends Bitwarden or other secure managers. The episode also touches on Apple TV+ bleeding over $1 billion annually despite its subscriber base, and the hosts debate shows like Severance. As if to cap the vibe, a thunderstorm knocks out Ben’s power mid-recording, leaving him running on battery backup, which only adds to the show’s chill, improvised tone. From podcast platform migrations and image-generating AIs to operating system annoyances and centipedes in space suits, this episode proves that even when the energy is low, the geek content stays strong.
ChatGPT generated images discussed in the show
https://tiftonmediaworks.com/images/sgn/cent1.png
https://tiftonmediaworks.com/images/sgn/cent2.png
https://tiftonmediaworks.com/images/sgn/doctorwho.png
Article Links
https://sgtopics.twks.cloud/chatgpt-s-subscribers-and-revenue-soar-in-2025-here-s-why
https://sgtopics.twks.cloud/amazon-unveils-nova-act-an-ai-agent-that-can-control-a-web
https://sgtopics.twks.cloud/new-windows-11-build-makes-mandatory-microsoft-account-sign
https://sgtopics.twks.cloud/openai-says-%E2%80%98our-gpus-are-melting%E2%80%99-as-it-limits-chatgpt-imag
https://sgtopics.twks.cloud/google-chrome-password-manager-compromised-by-new-ai-code-at
https://sgtopics.twks.cloud/how-to-avoid-us-based-digital-services%E2%80%94and-why-you-might-wan
https://sgtopics.twks.cloud/apple-streaming-losses-top-1-billion-per-year-for-apple-tv
Where to Find Us:
- https://southgeeknews.com
- Leave a voicemail: https://voicecast.app/sgn
- Donovan: https://linktr.ee/donovanadkisson
- Sam: http://tscn.tv // @tscnsam on socials
- Ben? Unplugged as always.
Explicit
Transcribed
1 APR 2025 · SouthGeek News has moved to Spreaker due to an irritating issue I’ve had, for the 2nd time, with Substack. Please make sure your RSS feeds have updated in your favorite podcast app.
Explicit
Transcribed
21 MAR 2025 · In this episode, the hosts dive into various tech topics, starting with Samuel’s experience as a beta tester for the Bee wearable AI assistant, a device designed to summarize conversations and transcribe notes in real-time. He shares how it has helped him with podcasting and studying, despite its early-stage quirks. He also introduces Brick, a physical device that locks down distractions on an iPhone by utilizing Apple's Screen Time settings, requiring users to physically tap it to unlock access to apps.Ben discusses his ongoing tech projects, including fixing and breaking his article summarizer tool (used for SouthGeek News) and dealing with UPS package delays. Donovan shares insights into setting up SIP trunks for clients, highlighting frustrations with outdated procedures and corporate bureaucracy in the telecom industry. He also talks about upgrading firewall equipment for improved network performance and navigating the challenges of dealing with tech support for hardware exchanges. The team also discusses the rising costs of health insurance, government clawbacks, and the absurdity of modern ad-supported technology.The show covers several news topics, including Plex increasing prices and limiting remote playback behind a paywall, Roku testing autoplay ads on the home screen, and a malware campaign exploiting fake CAPTCHA prompts to trick users into running malicious scripts. They also discuss a Windows 11 update that inadvertently removed Copilot from the taskbar—something the hosts see as a feature rather than a bug.The conversation wraps up with thoughts on AI, including Google's new Gemma 3 model and the broader implications of AI in consumer tech, as well as reflections on gaming consoles, Linux, and the future of Windows. A lighthearted moment arises when Donovan rants about his struggle to find a non-smart TV and reminisces about classic gaming consoles.This episode is packed with humor, deep technical insights, and the usual candid banter among the hosts, making for an entertaining and informative listen.
Sam’s Tech Suggestions
https://bee.computer
Links
https://www.theverge.com/news/629620/apple-iphone-e2ee-encryption-rcs-messaging-android
https://arstechnica.com/google/2025/03/gemini-live-will-learn-to-peer-through-your-camera-lens-in-a-few-weeks/
https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/627968/google-gemma-3-open-ai-model
https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2025/03/16/fbi-warning-enable-2fa-for-gmail-outlook-and-vpns-now/
https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-11-update-accidentally-erases-copilot-for-some-users-heres-how-to-get-it-back/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_12926866
https://www.zdnet.com/article/that-weird-captcha-could-be-a-malware-trap-heres-how-to-protect-yourself/?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_12881061
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2633919/microsofts-remote-desktop-app-is-being-killed-soon.html
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/they-curdle-like-milk-wb-dvds-from-2006-2008-are-rotting-away-in-their-cases/
https://gizmodo.com/does-the-world-even-want-digg-in-2025-2000572119
https://www.plex.tv/blog/important-2025-plex-updates/
Hosts
https://southtech.network/
https://www.tiftontech.com/
https://tscn.tv
How to contact the show
Email: podcast@southgeeknews.com
Text: (229) 234-1307
Voicemail: https://voicecast.app/sgn
Explicit
Transcribed
7 MAR 2025 · After a few weeks off, Donovan and Ben are back with stories of surprise houseguests, home repairs, and getting pulled over for expired tags. From leaking windows to the rising costs of cars, they share their latest life updates before diving into the tech news. This episode covers Twitter/X blocking Signal links, Windows 11’s latest update headaches, Starlink’s growing pains, and the growing role of AI in government. Plus, they say a not-so-fond farewell to Skype and debate just how much worse the internet can get. It’s classic SouthGeek News—a little bit of tech, a little bit of real life, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Hosts
https://southtech.network/
https://www.tiftontech.com/
How to contact the show
Email: podcast@southgeeknews.com
Text: (229) 234-1307
VM; https://voicecast.app/sgn
Explicit
Transcribed
27 FEB 2025 · A quick note on why we haven’t repleased an episode recently. Thanks for for your patience.
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Transcribed
7 FEB 2025 · In this episode of SouthGeek News, Donovan and Ben catch up on the unpredictable South Georgia weather and discuss recent IT projects, including network setups and dealing with frustrating Wi-Fi hardware. Ben shares his unexpected recognition with a Volunteer of the Year award for his hands-on work at a nonprofit.They dive into major tech stories, starting with OpenAI's launch of ChatGPTGov, designed for government agencies, sparking discussions on AI security and efficiency. Congress’s outdated tech is also a topic, with their new flag-tracking app finally catching up to technology Pizza Hut had in 2017.AppleCare’s shift to a subscription-only model raises questions about long-term costs, while the increasing use of subtitles in TV and movies highlights how poor audio mixing has become a growing issue. The conversation moves to DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that claimed to train a model for just $6M—later revealed to have spent over $1.6B on infrastructure.The hosts discuss the impact of state-level adult content bans on VPN usage, noting massive spikes in demand. Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Ring patent suggests gesture-based controls for devices, and Microsoft’s removal of an official workaround for installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs leads to a debate about unnecessary hardware restrictions.Cybersecurity concerns come up as North Korean malware is found targeting Mac users through fake job interview scams. They also touch on the FCC’s latest move allowing ISPs and landlords to enforce bulk internet deals, limiting consumer choice and competition.The episode wraps up with thoughts on NVIDIA’s stock dip and ongoing GPU pricing chaos. Tune in for the latest in tech news and how it affects everyday users.Links*
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/01/28/openai-chatgpt-gov-artificial-intelligence/77995373007/?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter%3E* https://theconversation.com/the-technology-that-runs-congress-lags-so-far-behind-the-modern-world-that-its-flag-tracking-system-just-caught-up-to-2017-era-pizza-hut-245931* https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/02/applecare-plan-change-phasing-out/* https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/fans-talking-about-why-they-use-subtitles-infuriating-common-theme-here* https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/artificial-intelligence/deepseek-might-not-be-as-disruptive-as-claimed-firm-reportedly-has-50-000-nvidia-gpus-and-spent-usd1-6-billion-on-buildouts* https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/01/21/new-porn-ban-threat-millions-of-iphone-ipad-android-users-now-at-risk/* https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/04/apples-new-invites-app-showcase-iphone-ecosystem/* https://gizmodo.com/the-next-samsung-galaxy-ring-could-make-one-sci-fi-dream-come-true-2000559375* https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-removes-guide-for-installing-windows-11-on-unsupported-pcs-but-this-hack-still-works/* https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/online-security/macs-under-attack-from-north-korean-malware-stealing-passwords-and-more-how-to-stay-safe* https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/01/fcc-chair-nixes-plan-to-boost-broadband-competition-in-apartment-buildings/
Hosts
https://southtech.network/
https://www.tiftontech.com/
How to contact the show
Email: podcast@southgeeknews.com
Text: (229) 234-1307
Voicemail: https://voicecast.app/sgn
Explicit
Transcribed
24 JAN 2025 · South Geek News - Episode 10🎙️ Recorded January 22, 2025In this episode of South Geek News, Ben and Donovan cover a winter storm surprise in South Georgia, tech news highlights, and some personal stories. Here's what we discuss:❄️ Winter Wonderland in Georgia?* Winter Storm Enzo left South Georgia with 4–6 inches of snow! Ben and Donovan recount their snowy adventures and how rare this is for the area.🔧 Tech Talk & News Highlights* Apple Privacy Lawsuit: Details of Apple’s $95 million settlement over Siri privacy violations.* Mac Malware Alert: New Banshee Stealer malware targeting 100 million Apple users—what you need to know.* Affordable Internet Debate: AT&T halts 5G services in New York over broadband pricing laws.* AI in Office Apps: Microsoft 365's AI integration and its controversial price increase.* Intel Graphics Cards: Exploring the new Arc B570 graphics card and its competition with NVIDIA.🚗 OnStar Controversy* GM and OnStar settle an FTC case over selling user geolocation and driving data without consent.🌱 Longevity Research* OpenAI’s collaboration with Retro Biosciences to extend human lifespan by 10 years.🤖 Star Trek Tech?* Meta is working on real-time language translation tools akin to the Star Trek Universal Translator.🎮 Gaming Corner* Updates on GPUs and gaming rigs, including whether the Intel Arc B570 is worth it.🏡 Personal Stories* A chaotic cat moment leads to an unexpected injury and home repair adventure for Donovan’s family.Links* https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/01/03/apple-siri-class-action-lawsuit/77426858007/* https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2025/01/12/100-million-apple-users-warned-about-new-credential-stealing-hack-attack/* https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/att-is-stopping-its-5g-internet-air-service-in-ny-because-of-new-broadband-law/* https://www.zdnet.com/article/its-official-all-your-office-apps-are-getting-ai-and-a-price-increase/* https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/01/intel-arc-b570-review-at-219-the-cheapest-good-graphics-card/* https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/17/openai-is-trying-to-extend-human-life-with-help-from-a-longevity-startup/* https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/01/meta-takes-us-a-step-closer-to-star-treks-universal-translator/* https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/tsmcs-arizona-fab-21-mass-produces-4nm-chips-at-a-higher-price-than-taiwan* https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/01/gm-faces-ban-on-selling-driver-data-that-can-be-used-to-raise-insurance-rates/* https://www.xda-developers.com/microsoft-renamed-office-everyones-pcs/* https://hardware.slashdot.org/story/25/01/18/2115242/proposed-new-york-law-could-require-background-checks-before-buying-3d-printers* https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/01/ios-18-3-macos-15-3-updates-switch-to-enabling-apple-intelligence-by-default/* https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/netflix-earnings-q4-2024-nfl-subscribers-1236113836/
Hosts
https://southtech.network/
https://www.tiftontech.com/
How to contact the show
Email: podcast@southgeeknews.com
Text: (229) 234-1307
Voicemail: https://vociecast.app/sgn
Supporters Club
Explicit
18 APR 2025 · Donovan and Ben banter their way through a wide range of topics, starting with a quick sidebar about trying out Riverside.fm for podcast recording—and immediately plotting how to avoid the $29 charge after the trial ends. They go deep into a hilarious and oddly wholesome conversation about their kids’ driving journeys, DMV experiences, and the art (or lack thereof) of parallel parking. Donovan shares a recommendation for a cheeky Tim Minchin tune that got stuck in his daughter’s head, and the crew has a laugh about the accidental comedy that came from using an always-listening AI device that started suggesting to-do lists based on overheard conversations—everything from AC service follow-ups to international hostage negotiations. They wrap with some nostalgic geeking out over MacGyver, Stargate SG-1, and Richard Dean Anderson’s evolution from action star to silver fox. Ben talks about adding the MacGyver box set to his Amazon cart. Donovan throws out viewing order suggestions for anyone wanting to dive into the Stargate universe. The episode ends with a promise to look up more of Tim Minchin’s songs and a reminder that sometimes the best conversations come from just winging it. Casual. Random. Fun. Just another night on SGN: After Dark.
Supporters Club
Explicit
Transcribed
4 APR 2025 · In this members-only episode of SouthGeek News After Dark, the crew dives into a casual, behind-the-scenes conversation filled with tech talk, personal updates, and candid banter. They open with some light joking about video setup issues and Discord’s interface changes before moving into a nerdy discussion about LED Twitch beacons and Raspberry Pi gadgets. Donovan shares frustrations with Zoom’s video cropping and talks about upgrades to his streaming setup, including light panels and AI-generated album art—specifically mentioning updates to his “Call Me Donovan” podcast branding. Ben eventually joins the chat, sparking laughs over his stern-looking profile pic, and there's a fun exchange about quirky wall art, including a symbolic piece involving toy soldiers and scissors, which they analyze for its deeper message. The tone shifts briefly to politics and current events as they react to Trump’s proposed tariffs, which they jokingly frame as the end of disposable income. That leads into a thoughtful discussion about generational perspective and chaos in the world, sparked by a John Stewart segment. Donovan shares how his views have mellowed, emphasizing the difference between reacting with outrage and engaging in thoughtful disagreement. Sam, reflecting from a 55-year-old’s perspective, emphasizes that despite past challenges, the current moment feels uniquely unprecedented. They agree on the importance of acknowledging the chaos without letting it consume your mental health. The group hints at deeper mental health themes, including an idea Donovan had for a future Call Me Donovan episode. After some laughs about triple backups and readiness checks, they start planning the main show, joking about who goes first based on “most recent poop,” and agree to alternate reading the show’s discussion topics. They close out the pre-show ready to roll with a mix of lightheartedness and depth that defines the After Dark vibe.
Join Southern IT experts Donovan Adkisson and Ben Rehberg, along with occasional guest speakers, as they break down the latest in technology in a straightforward, relatable way for everyday listeners.
Information
| Author | Donovan Adkisson |
| Organization | Tifton Media Works |
| Categories | Tech News , Technology |
| Website | www.spreaker.com |
| southgeeknews@gmail.com |
Copyright 2025 - Spreaker Inc. an iHeartMedia Company
