
Show overview
WCCO Tech Talk has been publishing since 2017, and across the 9 years since has built a catalogue of 293 episodes. That works out to roughly 180 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 34 min and 39 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Technology show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 2 weeks ago, with 18 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2025, with 46 episodes published. Published by Audacy.
From the publisher
NewsRadio 830 WCCO
Latest Episodes
View all 293 episodesDoug can’t put a dollar value on your data
NOTHING in this world is for free
Have you tried turning it off and turning it back on?
Your old computer does not belong in the garbage
Can we get an kill switch for this rougue AI?
Steve got tricked by IT but at least it was a training exercise
Protection and Staying Up with the Times
The overlords want you to live in their subscription based model

There is no toggle off with AI anymore (was there ever?)
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: More excitement around Macbook Neo Windows 11 letdown AI in search engines How to avoid AI AI backlash VirtualBox Spam emails on Linux Worst case malware Why Doug loves Linux Be wary of emotional calls to action Plus, calls and texts from listeners!

If Apple can change with the times, we all can
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! We have a short show today due to the Twins running long down in Fort Myers. Topics include: More reasons to like Apple’s new product, Macbook Neo How the competition is reacting to Apple The need for customizable tech Concepts of the new Slate pickup Necessity of recycling machines What to do when Windows 10 is no longer covered Locked out of Facebook and they’re asking for passport pics… is this legit? Plus, calls and texts from listeners!

Apple makes a BIG move… an accessibly priced machine
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Macbook Neo… Doug’s really excited! Apple’s competitive culture and the what the shift in strategy signifies Doug breaks down the specs Messages popping up on a machine running Linux Cinnamon Cleaning a Linux machine Don’t make multiple changes at once Downloading a printer driver for an HP Inspire Plus, calls and texts from listeners!

We’re at a dangerous crossroads with AI
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Anthropic falls out with US government Setting the table for tech/DoD battle, what it means for the future Doug’s concerns on privacy and why not being online isn’t enough Buying a desktop What’s going to be the wakeup call for the world and AI? Troubleshooting a slow machine Battle of the PC cleaners Plus, calls and texts from listeners!

Control and Comfort Over Your Data Safety
Doug Swinhart and Steve Thomson take your calls and texts during this week's edition of the program. Topics include the differences between Windows 11 & 10, the best ways to backup your documents and data, and how to recover your forgotten passwords.

The Price of Safety and Security
Doug Swinhart and Steve Thomson are in to take your tech questions. On this week's edition of the program, there's a focus on concerns with security. They discuss the anxieties around Flock Safety, upgrading your internet provider, and the steps needed to clear that hard drive before donating your old computer.

Opening Our Tech-Driven Minds
Doug Swinhart and Steve Thomson are in to answer your tech questions. This week, those include the latest push for Open Source programming, why you should use Privazer to help your computer's efficiency, and making the most out of your printer.

When in doubt, reboot
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Printer connections at home Changes in WiFi Windows 11 issues The future is web–based The future of Windows Must dos if you’re getting rid of an old machine Plus, calls and texts from listeners!

Open source systems may become a normal option
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: The necessity of keeping your gas tank full during cold winter months Backing up your encrypted hard drive Windows 11 struggles Converting a Windows laptop to Linux Encrypted hard drives Security issues using Proton VPN Macbooks vs Windows vs Chromebooks Plus, calls and texts from listeners!

Dinosaurs do Tech Talk
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Doug’s thoughts on the current state of Microsoft The impact of AI at work Shutting off AI Getting WiFi to your garage & extenders Getting hacked by a birthday invitation Brave as a search engine Steve converting a Lenovo machine to Linux Plus, calls and texts from listeners!

Sinclair warned us about this, Orwell warned us about this, will we heed?
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Giant data centers fueling the AI boom The necessity of AI regulation Steve and Doug’s fears The unlikelihood of AI disclaimers What is the true human cost of AI? Network attached storage Was this popup malware? Emails meant to be sent ending up in the trash on an iPhone Running Privazer Plus, calls and texts from listeners!

Beware of the call to action
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Managing humidity indoors for static management Being wary of scam season Doug’s distrust of scannable codes Amazon cracking down on piracy apps/streams The optimizing tool that is Privazer Amazon Leo Amazon satellites vs Starlink satellites BitDefender upgrade The greatness of Youtube Steve’s printer story Plus, calls and texts from listeners!