Mac Power Users

1,251

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 Hackett.

Recent Episodes
  • 771: Beauty & Friction
    Nov 17, 2024 – 01:21:29
  • 770: The 2024 MPU Gift Guide
    Nov 10, 2024 – 01:17:19
  • 769: Alex Cox, Vision Pro Champion
    Nov 3, 2024 – 01:29:17
  • 768: Getting Intentional with Chris Bailey
    Oct 27, 2024 – 01:28:25
  • 767: Apple in Education with Barrett Mosbacker
    Oct 20, 2024 – 01:15:44
  • 766: Automation Golden Age with Stephen Millard
    Oct 13, 2024 – 01:28:53
  • 765: Inventing the Internet, with Glenn Fleishman
    Oct 6, 2024 – 01:20:10
  • 764: New iPhones & Software Releases
    Sep 29, 2024 – 01:24:27
  • 763: Workflows with William Gallagher
    Sep 22, 2024 – 01:20:49
  • 762: It’s Glowtime
    Sep 10, 2024 – 01:32:38
  • 761: Mr. Automation: Matt Cassinelli
    Sep 8, 2024 – 01:32:58
  • 760: Production Workflow Check-In
    Sep 1, 2024 – 01:24:55
  • 759: The New Overcast, with Marco Arment
    Aug 25, 2024 – 01:30:10
  • 758: Apple Intelligence's Early Days
    Aug 18, 2024 – 01:11:45
  • 757: Four Great Mac Utilities
    Aug 11, 2024 – 01:02:15
  • 756: Exploring NotePlan with David Roth
    Aug 4, 2024 – 01:26:02
  • 755: 700 MB of GIFs
    Jul 28, 2024 – 01:12:21
  • 754: Passwords, Passkeys, & Beyond, with Damien Schreurs
    Jul 21, 2024 – 01:20:10
  • 753: Apple Gear & Accessories
    Jul 14, 2024 – 01:24:39
  • 752: Exploring Apple’s TV Efforts, with Sigmund Judge
    Jul 7, 2024 – 01:39:55
  • 751: Vision Pro Check-in
    Jun 30, 2024 – 01:16:22
  • 750: Our Betas Era (Summer 2024)
    Jun 23, 2024 – 01:20:34
  • 749: The Year of Apple Intelligence
    Jun 13, 2024 – 01:52:16
  • 748: On the 13th Day
    Jun 9, 2024 – 01:17:24
  • 747: Exploring the Arc Browser
    Jun 2, 2024 – 01:04:10
  • 746: All About iMessage
    May 26, 2024 – 01:23:50
  • 745: “Inventing the Future” with John Buck
    May 19, 2024 – 01:27:15
  • 744: Apple’s “Let Loose” iPad Event
    May 8, 2024 – 01:38:50
  • 743: The Current AI Moment
    May 5, 2024 – 01:28:01
  • 742: All About Mimestream, with Neil Jhaveri
    Apr 28, 2024 – 01:45:53
  • 741: In the Apple Trust Zone
    Apr 21, 2024 – 01:14:38
  • 740: “From The Beatles to The Libertines,” with Lee Garrett
    Apr 14, 2024 – 01:35:36
  • 739: Checking in on Freeform
    Apr 7, 2024 – 01:08:44
  • 738: Apple Collecting 101
    Mar 31, 2024 – 01:10:54
  • 737: Scoring a Movie, with David Metzger
    Mar 24, 2024 – 01:30:22
  • 736: Maintaining & Caring For Your Apple Hardware
    Mar 17, 2024 – 01:19:21
  • 735: Catching up with Ryan JA Murphy
    Mar 10, 2024 – 01:20:08
  • 734: I Got to Be the Hero
    Mar 3, 2024 – 01:24:08
  • 733: Our Favorite iPhone Apps
    Feb 25, 2024 – 01:20:15
  • 732: Catching up with Mike Vardy
    Feb 18, 2024 – 01:25:04
  • 731: “Tears Rolled Down My Light Seal”
    Feb 11, 2024 – 02:06:11
  • 730: “Treat it as an Intern,” with Jeff Richardson
    Feb 4, 2024 – 01:33:19
  • 729: Don't Hear What We Aren't Saying
    Jan 28, 2024 – 01:43:27
  • 728: All About AppleCare
    Jan 21, 2024 – 01:16:49
  • 727: The Productivity Field Guide
    Jan 14, 2024 – 01:08:50
  • 726: Journaling Update: Apple’s New App, Day One Updates & More
    Jan 7, 2024 – 01:16:59
  • 725: Tech that Worked in 2023
    Dec 31, 2023 – 56:38
  • 724: Catching up with Mikah Sargent
    Dec 24, 2023 – 01:39:17
  • 723: State of the Platforms (December 2023)
    Dec 17, 2023 – 01:43:00
  • 722: Bringing Devices Together
    Dec 10, 2023 – 01:46:27
Recent Reviews
  • Rich Aesthetic Reviews
    You can scan for free very easily in the iOS files app…
  • Tallysw
    Excellent Vision Pro Episode
    I thought the episode captured the nature and status of the Vision Pro very well. I am a VisionPro user and concur with most of their comments. I really like the device, but it needs more content. Appell also needs to adapt their apps for the device. However, it is a mind blowing piece of technology and is mostly a pleasure to use.
  • hannibal87
    Great, but not inclusive
    The constant and needless gendered language is hard to listen to and isn’t welcoming.
  • tbdoom
    Great podcast for Techies
    Heck, even if you just have an iPhone, there are episodes of this show that will help you. Hosts are relaxed and interested; and put their advice in lots of context. The real treat is when they have developers on the show - Bring back Brett Terpstra!
  • Michael D.J.
    MPU is a Must-Listen Podcast for Unlocking the Full Potential of Apple!
    The Mac Power Users Podcast is an exceptional resource for Apple enthusiasts and power users alike. David and Stephen (and previously Katie [we miss you Katie!]) delivers insightful discussions, tips, and tricks that unlock the full potential of Apple devices. The hosts' deep knowledge and passion for the subject matter shine through in each episode, making it a pleasure to listen to. This is a go-to podcast regardless of your professional or tech skill. Whether you're seeking productivity hacks, software recommendations, or expert interviews, the Mac Power Users Podcast consistently delivers valuable content that helps you make the most of your Apple ecosystem. It's a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their Mac and iOS experience. Michael D.J. - The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page
  • Koochiboo
    What are you thinking?
    This podcast occasionally provides useful information. However, the lawyer talk is too much time bear, even after David’s law practice abandonment. David also needs to tone down his dopey fanboyism a lot. Also, there are way too many episodes about some unknown person’s “workflow”, whatever that means exactly. Must be some buzz word. What is wrong with the term “work” instead of “workflow”? I don’t know why they invite some of these unknown guests on to the podcast to pontificate endlessly on their work that I could not care less about. So eye-wateringly boring. Why should I care. Whenever I see the show title that says “Workflows with Unknown So-and-So, I will not be listen. That aside, many of the episodes are generally useful, especially hardware discussions. Those are great. Please just cut the lawyer talk and workflow nonsense. Also, for the love of God, please never mention Hazel, Keyboard Maestro, Obsidian, and Disneyland ever again. What mature adult cares about Star Wars or the Disneyland experience anymore. Please stop! Been to Disneyland and Disneyworld many times with all my kids over the years, and I never want to see or hear about this overpriced and overrated place ever again. Steven, cut the talk about your small business and all your first-world travails. Not interested. Just present concise hardware and software discussions. I almost prefer Katie from the old days with her negative non-use of Apple products and her lawyer talk. She was at least objective. Please improve.
  • Dezotl
    Very helpful
    I often find good suggestions for Mac hardware and software. Thank you for a great podcast!!
  • Mike Stanley
    I look forward to each new episode
    David and Stephen are a great pair of co-hosts. I enjoy their take on all things Apple and the variety of guests they have on the show.
  • Hillary P B
    A podcast for people who love to nuance on technology
    I love it! It’s my style. Also I noticed someone gave the podcast a 1 because the hosts are white? That’s a podcast review I’ve never seen before. I hope Apple weeds out those kinds of “reviews”.
  • tech302
    Please keep focusing on Apple’s apps
    Third party apps are often discussed, but I really liked a recent episode that talked about Reminders and Mail. Please keep focusing on Apple’s apps. Everyone has those apps and can gain a lot from the discussion.
  • Karres
    Transition sound is jarring, obnoxious, and TOO LOUD
    Voice podcasts need to be louder than for listening to music. You need to comfortably discriminate every word to understand and make sense of the content. If you are in a gym, on a walk, or anywhere in public you generally have to turn the sound up. With Mac Power Users you get blasted with a jarring, obnoxious, and TOO LOUD sound to announce each commercial. To make matters worse, they blast the sound again at the end of the commercial. A VU meter may show that jarring sound to be within normal range, but just like TV commercials from years ago, it is too loud to match the voice content. I listen to the podcast for the great content, but get angry each and every time I am blasted by that sudden, jarring, obnoxious, and TOO LOUD riff of sound.
  • vanderwal
    About 10 Years of Loving this Apple Sharing Podcast
    I’ve listened to MacBreak Weekly since around the beginning and had 10 to 15 years of using Apple products and thinking I knew everything I needed. MacPower Users always adds new insights and perspectives that I always find helpful and often they are deeply valuable to me.
  • Stillwaiting16
    Like, I don’t like it
    It baffles my mind when intelligent people use the word ‘like’ excessively. I can’t even concentrate on the content because it’s so distracting. Now the words ‘right’ and ‘ narrative’ are making their way into the mix and I’m unsubscribing left and right. Come on people, clean it up.
  • galflorida
    Not a Power user but This helps me learn
    Hi guys. I am more like one of David’s family members (the ones that use what comes with!) and I love this show. I am learning a lot. Plus, I have to say the episode about Mac Os Monterey and the apple apps that need polishing totally resonate and I am SO GLAD I as a lesser-than pro experience the same things you pro folks talk about (reenter icloud password a zillion times, messages sync problems etc). I am glad to see you will be talking about the PHOTOS APP and maybe you will go over again how TIME MACHINE BACK UPS do or don’t work better, different, etc in that new OS for the Mac MONTEREY. Thanks.
  • ciccarelli2595
    Always great
    You guys are and have always been great. Keep going and thank you!
  • Mini Makes It
    Great detail on everything Mac
    I have been listening for years but I use overcast and have never really got a chance to come here and leave a review. They will give you all the details you need for everything Mac
  • IridescentIguana
    Good Stuff
    I have to say that if you want to be a Mac Power User then you have found yourself in the right place
  • jcarucci
    John Siracusa
    I really loved the episode with John Siracusa and a focus on the Mac and Mac Development. Please have more guests like that.
  • Calebism
    I really love
    These guys, they are so honest and sincere and full of great information!
  • Dave Stachowiak
    Get the most from your Mac and other Apple devices
    Mac Power Users has been my consistent home for making technology work for me over the last decade. David, Stephen (and previously Katie) have done a fantastic job in zeroing in on topics and guests that are useful, practical, and fun. Thanks for all the Relay.FM team continues to do in supporting us all in getting the most from our technology.
  • Mundo Inhumano
    Top Apple tech podcast!
    The details given for the various subjects discussed in this podcast is superb. Mr. Sparks and his guests have a deep understanding of everything they discuss and I’ve learned much more about Apple and Apple related products. Keep it coming!
  • dzovak
    Always useful, engaging, and Apple oriented
    I've been listening to these David and Katy/Stephen for years and I've never felt disappointed with what they deliver. Obviously, some topics and guests are more relevant to my interests, but they always bring in valuable insights, questions, and applications to help me be more productive and aware of things going on in the world of technology. The hosts’ friendship creates a great conversational context for getting your "geek" on!
  • sizemoresr
    My favorite Apple Podcast
    Love this podcast! Always worth my time!
  • mill0470
    Great podcast for novice Apple lovers to Apple power users!
    This is hands down my favorite podcast! The structure of the show is great. They tend to start with a more basic information about the topic and then build into more advanced content through the showe. This has been a great way for me to learn more and more about the Apple products I love. The content is relevant and presented in a very approachable way so you can see how to get the most from your Apple products in your everyday personal and professional life. Whether you love Apple products, want to learn about great tool to help you be more productive or just want to learn how other people approach their work this is a great podcast for you to subscribe to.
  • Increased my own productivity
    Late Bloomer
    I’m a late-bloomer in regards to using Mac / Apple products. I bought the original iPhone in 2007 and upgraded once to the 3G then made the switch back to Android. After several issues with these devices, I made a full switch to Apple by upgrading my phone, tablet and pc. This podcast has been incredibly helpful with not only setting up these devices, but keeping my devices safe, up to date and driving my own productivity through app recommendations.
  • Mynameisted
    Once great show... flaws make it hard to keep listening
    I owe much of my love of the Mac and productivity apps to this show. I enjoy the new cohost and most of my issues with the show have nothing to do with this recent change. MPU episodes take a long time to get off the ground. You can skip the first 10-25 percent of most episodes which is uninteresting followup and meta discussion rather than meat. Once you have listened to this show for about a year, the episode topics, app recommendations, and guests start to become very repetitive. Occasional guests bring something great to the table but it is difficult to sift through. All of the great tips on this show are thrilling at first but after a while, how many times do I need to hear about Bartender, SaneBox, and Hazel? It is also clear that app sponsors get more attention in discussion while other software is more often ignored. One of many examples is PDF Pen which is a buggy, overpriced, slow mess of an app on Mac and especially iOS, but gets discussed all the time. On the flip side, PDF Expert has never received the same treatment, even though it is adored by Apple fans. Anyway. Just my two cents. This show is great but I think it has lost its repeat listening worth over the years.
  • wheatshock
    Good for not so powerful users too
    I skip the workflow stories as the Macs are not primary tools for me but I do find the Apple hard and soft ware discussions incredibly helpful.
  • Dr David W
    Pretty good, but not what it used to be
    I agree with some of the other sentiments here. Something about this show feels very commercial now, whereas it used to feel more like genuine opinions. Nowadays, I feel like every episode touts the benefits of TextExpander, 1Password, and OmniFocus. And then there are the ones that DON'T pay to advertise, but they get free advertising anyway: Keyboard Maestro, Hazel, Alfred, Setapp (and apps within Setapp like CleanMyMac, iStat Menus, Bartender, etc.), ScreenFlow, Ulysses, LaunchBar, etc.... I'd blame it on losing Katie Floyd and picking up Stephen Hackett, but it seems the problem was there even during the last year or two with Katie. I think it's more to do with them being part of RelayFM. Back when they were on the 5by5.tv network, or before they were on a network, it seemed to be more honest. Now to be clear, I'm not a fool, and I get what David Sparks always says: "This is how I pay for my shoes, gang." So, my advice to new listeners is to take it all with a grain of salt. Yeah, we get that David and Stephen need to make a living and I would never begrudge them the right to do that. They've found a niche market and they're good at what they do. But the commercialization of the show brings it from a 5 star show down to a 4 star show. It's still entertaining and I like listening to it. But I know I'm going to hear the same points week after week about their favorite products (at least some of which PAY to be their favorites). Occasionally, I pick up some new information about some new products or some new insight into software and hardware updates. But I miss the SOUL of this show that existed back at the beginning. It's feeling a little old, predictable, recycled, and well, commercialized.
  • CubbieBlueNWI
    Used to be good. Now it’s just an ad
    I used to like this podcast. It was about problem solving on the Mac. But now it just seems to be one long ad for products and software. Maybe my needs have just changed.
  • Dr Psicoloco
    I agree, it used to be great
    Other than Katie leaving, I'm not sure what exactly has changed in this show, maybe it's that now David has 3 shows that he saves the content he used to share on here on the 2 other podcats? I think David really carries the show though. Maybe it would work better for him to do it alone with a different guest (like the most recent one). The one with Brett Terpstra worked for me. I like Stephen in other podcasts, but I don't feel the chemistry between him and David works.
  • Fritz Klug
    A classic show that keeps getting better!
    Each week I learn something new and exciting
  • WebGuy9402
    Always solid
    This is one of the podcasts that I “stalk” for new episodes. The ability of David and Stephen (and Katie in the past) to produce such quality every single week is awe-inducing. Thank you.
  • JRan7
    Always something new
    I always loved the dynamic between David & Katie. But the change with Stephen has been rad. Every time I listen I learn something. Relay FM and MPU is best podcast with a personal touch and loads of personality out there. Thanks for the Excellent content
  • RobbieGB
    Used to be good now it's same old same old
    When Katie Floyd was a co-host this podcast was 5-star. Not only was it interesting to have two lawyers talking about using the Mac, but it was one of those rare Mac geek podcast that had a woman host. AND she was a great speaker. You'd think she'd been a professional announcer she was so good. Now there's a new male co-host who is also a Mac geek and not a regular user. And even though he co-hosts other podcasts, it's obvious he has no decent broadcasting training. He mumbles his way through the advertisements which make me forward past them. Although I've been a listener since the beginning and don't begrudge Katie for leaving, I would've preferred a different choice. I'm a woman apple geek and I'm pretty tired of hearing only guys talk about the Mac and computer things when there are plenty of smart talented women who have a different and wonderful take on it. As nice as the new co-host seems, what was unique and special about the podcast is now same old, same old. Sadly I'm unsubscribing. With my limited free time I want something different.
  • Bob98070
    This One Has Run Its Course
    Used to be one of my favorite podcasts, but the nice balance of the show was lost when Katie Floyd left the show at the end of 2018. Sponsors have taken hold of the objectivity of the hosts, putting a lot of their recommendations in question. A peril of the of the current podcasting business model unfortunately.
  • Sara9
    Turning the page
    Well the page has been turned. It’s a new chapter and we welcome Stephen!!! Looking forward to many more episodes. You guys are gonna be a great team. Enjoyed the first episode!!!!
  • JohnHimm
    Used to be good
    Be warned that originator Katie Floyd has left this show. She was the one who brought a sense of unbiased. It is a shell of what it was.
  • filteq
    Excellent podcast
    Just found this podcast in the last couple of months. Lots of great content and very approachable. Not for geeks only. If you like iOS/MacOS give it a listen. Very organized and loaded with valuable content. Looking forward to see what Stephen adds to the fold.
  • Get get ninja
    Outstanding
    Best possible podcast for Mac users. They are true experts.
  • Dan Quan
    Great podcast!
    Super useful information, great hosts.
  • pkondo
    So many great tips
    I've been listening to this show for several years now. I'm always amazed how consistent they are in getting out their show on a weekly basis. I've learned so many tips and their Facebook community (now over at Discourse) is a fantastic resource for Apple related questions.
  • cwb1945
    The best
    I don't bother with any other Mac podcasts anymore. I rarely review podcasts but this one is worth it.
  • simplyjimriley
    My go to podcast for all things iOS and MacOS
    I enjoy EVERY episode of this podcast. Kate and David delve into a range of topics on iOS and MacOS. They have great guests who share ideas and best practices for tools to use, workflows, and productivity tips. Thanks to Katie and "Macsparky" for doing this podcast.
  • JFBmusic
    Such a top-notch show!
    (As of this review, Happy Birthday, Katie!) On this special day I just wanna say Love the show Helps me grow
  • MarkinCalifornia
    Always fresh
    Am a long time listener and love it. Very professional and honest. Want to be a better power user and the show helps. Great content.
  • IrishPirQueen
    Doesn’t get any better!
    I have listened to MacPowerUsers since its' inception several years ago. I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would give anything but praise for the remarkable team of David Sparks and Katie Floyd. I have learned so much from this show. Even more for the pair's enthusiasm carries over so much that it’s downright contagious! Insightful, personable and knowledgeable, they understand the ins and outs of the Apple ecosystem and are most user friendly. David and Katie cover the Mac, the iPhone and the iPad thoroughly. Things are explained clearly and in a manner that most everyone can get something out of each show. David is more laid back than Katie but together they make the perfect couple and cover more material as they try, prefer and often concentrate upon varying things. The show notes are detailed so I know which episodes might not interest me or might be not relevant personally. I so look forward to listening to MPU, often for reruns! I love my little iPad computer and I love MacPowerUsers!
  • Bob Port
    Must-listen podcast for Apple users
    Own an iPhone, an iPad or a MacBook? You MUST subscribe-to and listen to, in-full, this podcast on a weekly basis. (Good advertisers, too.) David is a lawyer who understands tech, which most lawyers still sadly do not. Katie is just a person who is obsessive about, and conservative about using computers, which she loves.
  • woundedbreakfast
    New listener, never again
    David needs to grow up. I listened to the WWDC episode and everything Katie said or offered David would just be like “yeah who knows, anyway back to something I want to talk about.” ZERO engagement. I can only imagine David is one of those stuck up nerds full of hot air that thinks he knows more than everyone else and needs to hear himself talk. Huge ego. Basically the worst personality you could ask for to host a podcast. I’m leaving an extra star for Katie because I fee bad for what she has to put up with.
  • N7965w
    Not a divorced couple...great geeks who share
    I just happened to see the most recent review that criticize the podcast Not for the content but for the seeming strained relationship between David and Katie. I disagree about that. DAVID and Katie are geeks. They are proud of being geeks and have every right to be. I have listen to almost every episode and have learned tremendous amounts of things that were helpful from them. They do this freely and are not afraid to show their own foibles. They go out of their way to be helpful. It is a podcast for people with a fairly decent level of basic understanding however anyone can listen and anyone can benefit. These two people, virtually every week, provide an hour and a half of content that is practical, timely, and accurate. They bring in gas who are superb. I never fail to pick up something useful from every single podcast. They are professional performers they are lawyers. They are extremely knowledgeable and generously helpful. Frankly they are a lot like most of us and that is what makes their help so useful.
  • claynferno
    Best!
    Best and most informed software and hardware Mac podcast around!
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