The Quick Tinker Podcast

Bradford Harris
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Tech, Talks & Tangents! Whether you are heading to work, driving to school, running an errand, or taking a break, spend a little time with me. I share practical thoughts, honest reflections, and the occasional tangent about STEM, gaming, esports, emerging technology, digital confidence, learning, and life. Sometimes I am exploring a new idea. Other times, I am working through something in real time. You may be thinking about some of the same things too. Let’s get into it. Let’s tinker.

  1. Sep 8

    Why I Didn’t Finish Season 2

    I had a goal for Season 2 of the Quick Tinker Podcast: 12 episodes. I didn't make it. And I'm okay with that. In this episode, I'm reflecting on why I stopped before reaching that goal, what stepping away taught me about content creation, and why sometimes finishing isn't really the point. I talk about slowing down, reassessing where my energy is going, learning to budget my time differently, and giving myself permission to pause instead of forcing something just because I said I was going to do it. Sometimes you have to tell your story, recognize when you've said what you needed to say, step away, recalibrate, and come back when you're ready. So, what have you had to put on pause to get your energy back?

  2. Aug 24

    Know Your Bandwidth

    How much can you really take on before something starts to give? I’m thinking about something that kept coming back to me throughout the summer: knowing your bandwidth. Between work, teaching, dissertation work, consulting, content creation, technology, and life, I’ve realized that being capable of doing something doesn’t always mean I have the capacity to take it on. I talk about recognizing the warning signs, learning when to pause, asking for clarity and support, celebrating what actually gets accomplished, and understanding that everything doesn’t have to happen today. As we move into the fall, I’m asking myself a different question: How far can I stretch before I need to pull back? Maybe it’s a question worth asking yourself too. Let’s get into it. Let’s tinker.

    Know Your Bandwidth

  3. May 31

    Your Skills Still Matter

    A random AI-generated video sparked a bigger question for me: In a world that demands faster results, are we forgetting the value of the skills we've spent years developing? In this episode of the Quick Tinker Podcast, I reflect on a story about a new employee who is hired for their expertise But this isn't an episode about AI. It's a conversation about: Recognizing the skills you already have Understanding how transferable skills show up in unexpected places Learning how to amplify your expertise instead of replacing it Why documenting your work and accomplishments matters Using reflection, journaling, and even AI as tools to identify your strengths Moving beyond the resume to tell the story of your impact I also share a simple practice I've started using to track my own growth: capturing moments, projects, and accomplishments so I can better understand the skills I'm building and how they apply across work, life, and personal projects. Whether you're changing careers, exploring emerging technology, preparing for your next opportunity, or simply wondering what you bring to the table, this episode is a reminder: Your skills didn't disappear. They evolved. Let's keep learning. Let's keep growing. Let's keep tinkering.

  4. May 18

    Surviving with Limited Resources

    In this episode of the Quick Tinker Podcast, I reflect on my fascination with games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill—and why I realized it has very little to do with jump scares or monsters. After a random conversation with AI while editing gameplay footage, I started unpacking something deeper: horror games mirror many of the ways I think about work, life, family, and problem-solving. From limited resources and controlled pressure… to immersion, storytelling, and critical thinking… these games tap into skills and emotions that show up far beyond gaming. In this episode, I talk about: Why horror games help me mentally disconnect from work The connection between gaming and transferable skills Learning to navigate pressure with limited information Why immersion and focus matter to me How horror games relate to leadership, protection, and survival The parallels between gaming, work, and personal growth I also reflect on how these themes connect to my doctoral research around esports, workforce development, and video game design. This episode is part gaming reflection, part mindset conversation, and part exploration into why certain experiences resonate with us more deeply than we realize. Whether you're a gamer, educator, or just someone who’s ever wondered why you connect so strongly to certain hobbies—this one’s for you. Let’s keep tinkering.

  5. Apr 6

    The Version of Me I Didn’t Expect

    In this episode of the Quick Tinker Podcast, I take a step away from the usual tech conversations to reflect on something more personal: how my perspective on work, life, and identity has shifted over the past few years. Recently, I noticed myself speaking differently in meetings and conversations—expressing boundaries, priorities, and ideas in ways I never would have before. That realization sparked a deeper reflection about how much growth can happen when you give yourself the space to evolve. After navigating career changes, personal challenges, and a new professional environment, I’ve started approaching life with more intention. I'm learning to slow down, be clearer about my goals, and embrace who I am in this stage of life. In this episode, I talk about: Recognizing how your mindset changes over time Setting boundaries with work and protecting your time Balancing professional responsibilities with personal passions Rediscovering your identity while approaching a new chapter of life Learning to move slower, but with greater intention This conversation is part reflection, part self-discovery, and part reminder that growth doesn’t stop—it simply evolves. If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Wow… I wouldn’t have said that a few years ago,” this episode might resonate with you. Let’s keep tinkering.

  6. Mar 9

    Where Do I Start? The Real Conversation About Digital Confidence

    We have a lot of conversations on the latest emerging tech trends, and the latest innovations, but I’ve been noticing something different: there’s a large group of people who are still trying to figure out the fundamentals. Not because they’re unwilling to learn—but because they’re unsure where they fit in this fast-moving digital world. Through conversations, I’ve seen firsthand how many people are simply looking for a place to start. This episode explores: Why digital confidence matters more than digital expertise The gap between tech experts and everyday technology users How slowing down can help people build real confidence with digital tools Why meeting people where they are is the key to meaningful tech learning How basic productivity tools can be the first step into emerging technology spaces Rather than rushing to the latest trends, this episode encourages a different approach: focus on the basics, build confidence first, and grow from there. Whether you’re an educator, tech enthusiast, or someone still figuring out your place in the digital world, this conversation is about creating space for learning at every level. Let’s keep tinkering.

  7. Feb 17

    The Buddy Check In: A Simple Shift That Changed My Workday

    I don’t usually share much about my core professional work — but this episode felt important. In this conversation, I open up about a new feature of my current role: a recurring “buddy” check-in with a coworker. It started as part of onboarding, but it’s evolved into something much more meaningful. These aren’t required meetings. They aren’t performance reviews. They aren’t therapy sessions. They’re short, intentional conversations that help me: Level set at the start of the day Process challenges without judgment Reflect on workflow and growth Build a real professional relationship in a remote environment What makes it even more fascinating? It’s a coworker from overseas. This episode explores: The difference between onboarding and ongoing support Why an optional connection can feel more powerful than required meetings How a simple listening ear can reset your mindset And whether something like this exists in your workplace Do you have a “work sounding board”? Would something like this change how you start your day? Let’s talk about it.

  8. 11/23/2025

    Factory Resetting My Digital Mindset

    It started with a laugh—and ended with me completely locked out of my phone. But what I thought was a tech hiccup turned into something deeper: a full reset of how I think about my digital life. In this episode, I reflect on: What happens when your phone starts from zero Why I didn’t miss some of the apps I thought I “needed” The difference between digital convenience and digital clutter How intentional tech choices help us breathe and focus Whether you’re overwhelmed by screen time, buried in notifications, or just feeling “digitally tired,” this story might be the reset you didn’t know you needed. 🎧 Let’s reboot with purpose. Let’s keep tinkering.

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About

Tech, Talks & Tangents! Whether you are heading to work, driving to school, running an errand, or taking a break, spend a little time with me. I share practical thoughts, honest reflections, and the occasional tangent about STEM, gaming, esports, emerging technology, digital confidence, learning, and life. Sometimes I am exploring a new idea. Other times, I am working through something in real time. You may be thinking about some of the same things too. Let’s get into it. Let’s tinker.

Information

  • Creator
    Bradford Harris
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bradford Harris
  • Show Website
    The Quick Tinker Podcast