Best Avalon Media Podcasts (2025)

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From Met Ray Band Promise to TSA Love Letters | AwesomeCast 751 1:02:05

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5d ago1:02:05

1:02:05

This week on AwesomeCast, Michael Sorg and Dave Podnar are joined by intern Mac to dive into the latest in Apple tech, production travel hacks, and wearable innovation. Sorg shares stories from producing Defy Wrestling in Seattle, including packing $30K worth of video gear and dealing with TSA “love letters.” Dave brings real-world testing of the i…

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From Blogger to Tech Founder: How Virginia Montanez Created PastFinders | AwesomeCast 750 58:09

12d ago58:09

58:09

This week on AwesomeCast, we dive into tech, history, and a little pumpkin spice! We’re joined by Virginia Montanez — acclaimed writer, author, and creator of the PastFinders app, which turns everyday walks into immersive historical tours. We also talk: • Apple Watch’s new “Workout Buddy” voice coaching (is it helpful or just annoying?) • iJustine’…

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Apple iPhone 17 Lineup EXPLAINED: Pro Camera Tricks, AirPods Translation, Watch Ultra 3 | AwesomeCast 749 59:35

19d ago59:35

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Apple’s September event brought us the iPhone 17 family, AirPods Pro 3, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3, packed with features for creators and adventurers alike. Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar break down what’s exciting (and what’s eyebrow-raising) in this week’s AwesomeCast. We also dive into Sesame Street moving its library to YouTube and…

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Opus Pro vs CapCut, Mortal Kombat Kollection & Amazon Lens Live Tested! | AwesomeCast 748 56:03

26d ago56:03

56:03

This week on AwesomeCast 748, hosts Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar break down the latest in tech, gadgets, and geek news: • AI tools for creators: why Opus Pro beats CapCut for quick, high-quality clips • Instagram’s new Picture-in-Picture mode for Reels • Testing Amazon Lens Live for smarter shopping • Retro gaming hype with the Mortal…

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AwesomeCast 747: SkillBuilder’s AI Colleagues Are Taking Over Pittsburgh w/ Kit Mueller 56:34

1M ago56:34

56:34

AwesomeCast 747 – Floating Bars, Hello Kitty Games, and AI Colleagues Hosts Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar are joined by Kit Mueller of SkillBuilder.io to explore the latest tech, gaming, and Pittsburgh innovations. • Pittsburgh’s new Riverlife “Shore Thing” floating pop-up on the Allegheny, run by Brew Gentlemen. More info • Nintendo S…

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Jack Clemo 37:44

1M ago37:44

37:44

Frank loves the clay, machinery and scary religion in the poetry of Jack Clemo. The poems reference are ‘A Calvinist in Love’, ‘Christ in the Clay-Pit’, ‘The Excavator’ and ‘Sufficiency’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Avalon

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Climate Tech That’s ACTUALLY Working (SuperCool w/ Josh Dorfman) | AwesomeCast 746 59:49

1M ago59:49

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Cohosts Michael Sorg and Dave Podnar welcome Josh Dorfman, Co-founder, CEO, and host of SuperCool, to talk about the adoption era of climate tech—where real solutions are cutting emissions and saving money today. Josh shares insights from BrainBox AI’s energy-saving building systems, Google’s Project Sunroof, and even a Pennsylvania school district…

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Greta Stoddart 53:02

1M ago53:02

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The poet, Greta Stoddart, instructs Frank on the deeper meanings of three tulips in a milk bottle. The poems referenced are ‘Fool’ and ‘Three Tulips in a Milk Bottle’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Avalon

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Ford Bets Big, Hello Kitty Bricks In, and GPT 5 Takes Over Your Terminal | AwesomeCast 745: Ford Bets Big, Hello Kitty Bricks In, and GPT 5 Takes Over Your Terminal 59:37

2M ago59:37

59:37

Hosts Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar are back with another fun-filled episode of AwesomeCast, bringing their favorite geeky picks and tech stories of the week from Pittsburgh and beyond. 🔸 Highlights from this episode: 🧱 Katie’s Awesome Thing – Hello Kitty x BLDR Toy Bricks Jazwares’ new toy brick line BLDR introduces a Hello Kitty set …

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Scott McKendry 37:20

2M ago37:20

37:20

Frank joins a secret society with Pebbles Flintstone and the poet, Scott McKendry. The poems referenced are ‘Keepers of the Pedigree’ and ‘Hi-Vis’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Avalon

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Cat Wars, Retro Macs & the Coolest AI Trick Yet | AwesomeCast 744 1:04:11

2M ago1:04:11

1:04:11

In this week’s tech and pop culture roundup, the crew swaps travel tales, dives into toy news, and tries out new gadgets. Hear about a massive indoor amusement park experience, a quirky calendar mash-up, a McDonald’s Happy Meal toy line combining pop culture icons, a nostalgic Mac-style USB-C hub, live object recognition from a mobile AI assistant,…

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Amy Clampitt 36:43

2M ago36:43

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Frank finds the beauty in Amy Clampitt's poetry and written-off cars. The poem referenced is ‘Salvage’ from ‘The Kingfisher’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Avalon

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Grok This! Google AI, Chainsawed Sandwiches & Mario Paint Returns | Episode 743 59:49

2M ago59:49

59:49

Join Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar for another wild ride through the latest in tech, geek culture, and digital oddities. From chainsawed sandwiches and pygmy hippos to new AI-powered tools from Google and fun gaming tie-ins, AwesomeCast 743 dives into the fun, weird, and sometimes terrifying world of tech. Whether you’re curious about …

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Rebecca Goss 45:15

2M ago45:15

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The poet, Rebecca Goss, shows Frank life in a rearview mirror. The poems referenced are ‘Pheasant in Rear-View Mirror’ and ‘Sylvia’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Avalon

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From Sci-Fi to Surgery: Real Holograms with Avalon’s Wally Haas | AwesomeCast 742 1:00:15

2M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

This week on AwesomeCast, we’re diving into the future of visual technology with Wally Haas, the founder of Avalon Holographics. From real, light-field holographic displays to the practical applications in medicine, defense, and entertainment, this episode is a glimpse at the future of immersive 3D visualization. We also break down tech updates fro…

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RS Thomas 39:29

2M ago39:29

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Frank shares a pulpit with RS Thomas. The poems referenced are ‘Border Blues’, ‘Service’ and ‘Poetry For Supper’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy Avalon

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Gaming on the Go: Backbone Review & Xbox Without a Console | AwesomeCast 741 1:00:02

3M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

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 …

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Adulting at Chuck E. Cheese, Pickle Triathlons & Fire Truck Cam Hacks | AwesomeCast 740 58:44

3M ago58:44

58:44

In Episode 740 of AwesomeCast, hosts Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar go full geek across Pittsburgh happenings, practical gadgets, and a dash of nostalgia. From the chaotic charm of Picklesburgh to high-tech fire truck cameras, we spotlight local events, incredible DIY tools, and how Pokémon made its way to the Pope. Discover how furries…

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AI Outfits & Tiny Happy Meals: Tech Gets Weird | AwesomeCast 739 53:50

3M ago53:50

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In this eclectic and geek-fueled episode of AwesomeCast, Michael Sorg and Katie Dudas (with a quick cameo from Dave Podnar) dive into everything from espresso martinis and new podcasts to the latest in airport infrastructure and retro gaming. Plus, get a firsthand review of Google’s experimental AI fashion app and marvel at micro-sized McDonald’s n…

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Password Leaks, Lizard Geeks & LEGO Sneaks | AwesomeCast 738 51:12

3M ago51:12

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In this action-packed episode of AwesomeCast, hosts Michael Sorg and Katie Dudas recap their high-tech adventures at the Formula SAE EV event at Michigan International Speedway. From streaming challenges and tech problem-solving to a surprise appearance by a lizard named Hank, it’s a wild ride through the world of engineering and media production. …

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Project Indigo, Ponchos & Pittsburgh Pride | AwesomeCast 737 58:19

3M ago58:19

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Live from the Hampton Inn in Adrian, Michigan, the AwesomeCast crew brings another jam-packed episode of tech talk and geeky goodness! Michael Sorg, Katie Dudas, and Dave Podnar discuss their latest adventures covering the Formula SAE Electric Vehicle competition, highlighting the gear upgrades and behind-the-scenes prep for video production and li…

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Liquid Glass & AI Sass: WWDC 2024 Breakdown | AwesomeCast 736 1:03:25

4M ago1:03:25

1:03:25

On this episode of AwesomeCast, co-hosts Michael Sorg and Dave Podnar welcome Greg McMillan of the iPhoneography Podcast to unpack Apple’s latest WWDC 2024 announcements. From the iOS 18 redesign with liquid glass effects to groundbreaking video tools and local AI integrations, the crew dives into the most impressive—and sometimes frustrating—devel…

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From Star Wars Coolers to Self-Driving Cars: Geek Tech Goes Mobile | AwesomeCast 735 1:06:35

4M ago1:06:35

1:06:35

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 s…

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Birds, Bytes & Barrel Rolls: Tech Takes Flight | AwesomeCsst 734 55:05

4M ago55:05

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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…

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From Pac-Man Donuts to Pit Lane Cams: Streaming the Storm | AwesomeCast 733 57:40

4M ago57:40

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In AwesomeCast 733, co-hosts Michael Sorg and Dave Podnar dive into a jam-packed week of tech, video games, and behind-the-scenes adventures. Sorg shares a wild look at Sidekick Media Services’ most ambitious SAE live stream production yet—from setting up gear at Michigan International Speedway during a tornado watch to integrating wireless cameras…

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Motherboard Memories: How Mom Inspired a Tech Career | AwesomeCast 732 34:03

5M ago34:03

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It’s a special Mother’s Day edition of AwesomeCast! Host Michael Sorg is joined by his mom, Cathy—better known as Mom Sorg—for a heartfelt, humorous, and insightful conversation spanning decades of tech, theme parks, drafting, accessibility, and family stories. From tales of riding the Turtle at Kennywood to helping design parts of Epcot’s Spaceshi…

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From Baja to Buns: Star Wars, Sandstorms, and Seth Rogen Skins | AwesomeCast 731 57:38

5M ago57:38

57:38

On this episode of AwesomeCast, the crew returns after a stormy week in Pittsburgh that knocked out power citywide! Sorg, Katie, and Dave catch up on their tech-filled travels, including live streaming Baja SAE Arizona and rock shopping in Tucson. Katie dives into her Star Wars-themed social media marketing for Mancini’s Bread on May the 4th, while…

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Ice Cream Dreams & Roller Coaster Schemes | AwesomeCast 730 1:02:20

5M ago1:02:20

1:02:20

Get geeky and get awesome as the AwesomeCast crew dives into home dessert tech, theme park tricks, and tech-infused Vegas experiences! 🎙️ Hosts: Michael Sorg, Dave Podnar, Katie Dudas 🎮 Special Segment: ChachiSays Video Game Minute 🔹 Awesome Things of the Week: • Dave’s Pick: Ninja Creami Frozen Treat Maker • Make protein-based or fruit-based ice c…