AwesomeCast: Tech and Gadget Talk

Gaming on the Go: Backbone Review & Xbox Without a Console | AwesomeCast 741

July 16th, 2025  |  1 hr 2 secs

pittsburgh, podcast, social media, sorgatron media, tech news

In this episode of AwesomeCast, co-hosts Michael Sorg and Dave Podnar dive into the latest tech trends, gadgets, and geek culture from Pittsburgh and beyond. Sorg shares a hands-on review of the Backbone USB-C mobile game controller, and Dave unveils a jaw-dropping 115-inch Hisense Mini-LED TV that costs as much as a car. We explore tech headlines including the consolidation of ChromeOS and Android, Google’s AI-powered NotebookLM, and how Xbox is pushing console-less gaming with Fire TV bundles. Plus, hear from Intern John about Picklesburgh adventures and travel plans, and enjoy a rapid-fire roundup in Chachi’s Video Game Minute, featuring a major shakeup on Steam and FBI action on ROM sites.

Adulting at Chuck E. Cheese, Pickle Triathlons & Fire Truck Cam Hacks | AwesomeCast 740

July 9th, 2025  |  58 mins 44 secs

pittsburgh, podcast, social media, sorgatron media, tech news

🎧 On this week’s AwesomeCast 740, we get geeky with Pittsburgh’s iconic Picklesburgh festival, explore high-tech safety gear for fire trucks, and unbox a McDonald’s Happy Meal inside a Happy Meal. Plus, we chat about Anthrocon’s $89K cat rescue donation, a Chuck E. Cheese arcade just for adults, and whether AirPods Pro 2 can replace hearing aids. Don’t miss Dave’s electric chipper review, Katie’s pickle adventures, and a Pope-signed Pokémon card! 🥒🐾⚡

AI Outfits & Tiny Happy Meals: Tech Gets Weird | AwesomeCast 739

July 2nd, 2025  |  53 mins 50 secs

pittsburgh, podcast, social media, sorgatron media, tech news

Password Leaks, Lizard Geeks & LEGO Sneaks | AwesomeCast 738

June 25th, 2025  |  51 mins 12 secs

pittsburgh, podcast, social media, sorgatron media, tech news

On this episode of AwesomeCast, Sorg and Katie Dudas dive into their behind-the-scenes experience streaming the Formula SAE EV competition, overcoming wireless challenges and unexpected tech hiccups. Katie shares a LEGO robotics kit from her niece’s STEM camp, Chachi reports on Netflix’s Dragon’s Lair adaptation, and we explore an incredible photo-enhancing app, a Godzilla-themed Alamo Drafthouse, and T-Mobile’s new Starlink satellite texting service. Plus, we cover urgent news on Facebook group shutdowns and a massive global password breach.

Project Indigo, Ponchos & Pittsburgh Pride | AwesomeCast 737

June 17th, 2025  |  58 mins 19 secs

pittsburgh, podcast, social media, sorgatron media, tech news

The AwesomeCast crew goes live from Adrian, Michigan to talk tech, travel, and gear in the field! Sorg, Katie, and Dave share behind-the-scenes insights from covering the Formula SAE EV competition, highlight Knockaround’s fun and functional sunglasses, and explore Adobe’s new AI-powered camera app, Project Indigo. Plus, they unpack Honda’s regulation-bending e-bike delivery vehicle and dive into the conspiracy lore of the Denver Airport. Don’t miss this week’s ChachiSays Video Game Minute featuring Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, PS5 milestones, and MLB meets gaming. Watch, listen, and get geeky at www.AwesomeCast.com!

Liquid Glass & AI Sass: WWDC 2024 Breakdown | AwesomeCast 736

June 11th, 2025  |  1 hr 3 mins

pittsburgh, podcast, social media, sorgatron media, tech news

On this episode of AwesomeCast, Michael Sorg and Dave Podnar are joined by Greg McMillan of the iPhoneography Podcast to break down the biggest announcements from Apple’s WWDC 2024. They dive into the iOS 18 redesign, new iPadOS multitasking features, Apple Intelligence updates with ChatGPT integration, and major improvements to CarPlay. Plus, they explore what the new tools mean for podcasters and content creators. Chachi delivers a packed Video Game Minute, and pro wrestler Zeke Mercer drops in to talk about Apple vs Android from a creator’s perspective.

From Star Wars Coolers to Self-Driving Cars: Geek Tech Goes Mobile | AwesomeCast 735

June 3rd, 2025  |  1 hr 6 mins

pittsburgh, podcast, social media, sorgatron media, tech news

In this special on-location episode of AwesomeCast 735, recorded live from the Hilton Garden Inn in Ann Arbor during the SAE Autodrive Challenge, Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar are joined by Pittsburgh-based cinematographer Scotty Swemba. The crew dives into new tech discoveries including the Bing AI video creator, Apple’s latest game studio acquisition, and Katie’s OmniBreeze fan obsession. They also explore how Scotty brings a cinematic eye to live productions, including their evolving video work for SAE events. Plus: robot droids that follow you, iPhone filmmaking in Hollywood, and the return of Cat Wars. It’s geeky, techy, sweaty (thanks to the heat), and wonderfully weird — exactly what you expect from AwesomeCast.

Birds, Bytes & Barrel Rolls: Tech Takes Flight | AwesomeCsst 734

May 28th, 2025  |  55 mins 5 secs

pittsburgh, podcast, social media, sorgatron media, tech news

On this episode of AwesomeCast, Michael Sorg, Dave Podnar, and Katie Dudas dive into geeky goodness and tech trends with plenty of laughs and thoughtful discussion. Dave unboxes his TMS Vegas 2025 swag bag and shares insights on community-building through podcast merchandise. Katie introduces the Merlin Bird ID app by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, perfect for identifying bird sounds offline. Sorg finally rides Kennywood’s Steel Curtain coaster and gives us a coaster-lover’s review. The crew also discusses the importance of game ownership vs. price hikes in Chachi’s Video Game Minute rant. Plus, there’s a touching moment celebrating the engineer who saved Apollo 13. They close with a look at Surf Social, a new content aggregation app from the creators of Flipboard, and preview upcoming projects in video streaming, pro wrestling, and tech production.

From Pac-Man Donuts to Pit Lane Cams: Streaming the Storm | AwesomeCast 733

May 20th, 2025  |  57 mins 40 secs

pittsburgh, podcast, social media, sorgatron media, tech news

On this episode of AwesomeCast, Sorg and Dave recount Sidekick Media’s wildest production yet—livestreaming Formula SAE from Michigan International Speedway during severe storms and tornado watches. From wireless camera challenges to global collaborations with Brazilian media, they break down the tech and teamwork behind the scenes. Plus, the crew covers the latest from Google I/O 2025, including AI-powered tools, Flow video generation, and new AR glasses. Chachi drops gaming news with Tekken’s Waffle House stage, Krispy Kreme’s Pac-Man donuts, and the ongoing Apple vs. Epic Fortnite saga. Oh—and Sesame Street is saved by Netflix!

Motherboard Memories: How Mom Inspired a Tech Career | AwesomeCast 732

May 11th, 2025  |  34 mins 3 secs

pittsburgh, podcast, social media, sorgatron media, tech news

On this special Mother’s Day edition of AwesomeCast, Michael Sorg is joined by his mom, Cathy (aka Mom Sorg), for a heartwarming and insightful conversation. They revisit their day at Kennywood, talk theme park accessibility, and dig into Cathy’s trailblazing career as a female drafter and AutoCAD specialist—including the surprising reveal that she helped design a piece of Epcot’s iconic Spaceship Earth. Plus, Chachi drops the latest gaming headlines in the Chachi Says Video Game Minute.