Show overview
WCCO Tech Talk has been publishing since 2017, and across the 9 years since has built a catalogue of 286 episodes. That works out to roughly 170 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 1 months ago, with 11 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 286 episodesThe 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!
Regulation is a MUST
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Windows 10 security updates abroad vs USA Need for oversight & regulation for Big Tech Have we passed the point of no return with AI? Privazer Premium on Windows 11 Ask Leo on the Brave browser Cleaning up a Mac mini bogged down with data Doug’s dream for more cross platform integration (especially with Apple products) How long will Windows 10 run without any problems? Plus, calls and texts from listeners!
Windows 11 is so broken Doug thinks 12 could be pushed early
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Microsoft admits that Windows 11 is broken Cost of high level monitors Laptop trackpads Don’t be afraid of factory referbs Printer repairs Data is the problem Privazer The strength of the ethernet cord Amazon internet entering the market Satellite systems and the race 6G Tech that pays for itself Plus, calls and texts from listeners!
Do child protections in tech make kids more safe or vulnerable?
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: International relations VPNs under attack (especially in Wisconsin) How the internet has become sectioned off Proton VPNs Purchasing a laptop for an international user Apple falling behind Securing Windows 10 machines Plus, calls and texts from listeners!
The Sweet Spot: Maximum security + adequate efficiency
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: How often you should delete your browser history Browser security Running Defender on older machines Email scam uptick (you’d be shocked at how much they know about you) The invitation virus and how you get rid of it HP printer that won’t print Refilling a bulk ink cartridge Tri band routers
Everything runs better than Internet Explorer
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Printer talks continued from last week Doug’s read on Microsoft Edge How to protect your machine to do after your warranty expires Buying electronics at Costco Extended warranties and identity protections Continued AI intrusion and misuse Cleaning programs VPNs internet speeds Plus, calls and texts from the listeners!
Sometimes it's just easier to buy a new printer
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Printer firmware updates, should you? Navigating a Windows 11 install Best printer to buy for small businesses Sending photos from desktop Replacing Apple II C floppy drive Buying refurbished machines on EBay Plus, texts from listeners!
Protecting Your Computer From Malicious Forces
Doug Swinhart and Steve Thomson take your calls on those nagging computer problems. Several questions ask how to protect your tech from malware and other malicious actors. Also, they tackle the latest on some widespread breaches and discuss what to look for when buying a printer.