Examining

Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans
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  • TECHNOLOGY
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Examining is a technology-focused podcast that dives deep. Our co-hosts, Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans examine the technology industry, productivity, and education, and provide practical tech tips. (The podcast started as EdTech Examined in July 2020 with the goal of helping educators transition to online education in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.)

  1. 1D AGO

    93: Ross ‘MEMPHIS’ Pambrun

    In this episode, Erik and Kris chat with Ross "Memphis" Pambrun about his unique path across healthcare, firefighting, technology, music, and media. They discuss how Ross built a career that spans public service, AI and cyber innovation through The Memphis Group, storytelling through Red River Gold, and performing with his band, Memphis and The Grande. SHOW NOTES Ross Pambrun The Memphis Group Memphis and The Grande Red River Gold CONTACT Website: examining.ca Twitter: @ExaminingPod Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca

    1h 4m
  2. 92: Walk It Back

    5D AGO

    92: Walk It Back

    In this episode, Erik and Kris discuss how trust keeps becoming the real story in tech. They look at Paul Thurrott’s skepticism about Microsoft’s latest promises to improve Windows, Anthropic’s massive global interview project on what people actually want from AI, OpenAI’s plan to nearly double its workforce as it pushes further into enterprise adoption, and the gamer backlash to Nvidia’s DLSS 5. SHOW NOTES Trust But Verify: https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-11/334053/trust-but-verify-2  What 81,000 people want from AI: https://www.anthropic.com/81k-interviews  OpenAI to nearly double workforce to 8,000 by end-2026, FT report: https://www.reuters.com/business/openai-nearly-double-workforce-8000-by-end-2026-ft-reports-2026-03-21/  Gamers react with overwhelming disgust to DLSS 5’s generative AI glow-ups: https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2026/03/gamers-react-with-overwhelming-disgust-to-dlss-5s-generative-ai-glow-ups/  The hidden advantage of being over 50 in the age of AI: https://www.inc.com/joel-comm/the-hidden-advantage-of-being-over-50-in-the-age-of-ai/91312602  CONTACT Website: examining.ca Twitter: @ExaminingPod Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca

    1h 7m
  3. 91: Is Neo the One?

    MAR 18

    91: Is Neo the One?

    In this episode, Erik and Kris explore the growing gap between AI adoption and AI literacy, highlighting how institutions, governments, and workplaces are struggling to keep up. They discuss practical frameworks for using AI responsibly, the risks of poorly implemented automation, and the opportunity for skilled professionals to stand out. They also break down Apple’s March 2026 product lineup, with a deep dive into the MacBook Neo, a $599 laptop that signals a major shift in Apple’s strategy and could redefine entry-level computing. SHOW NOTES MRU Library: Generative AI Applications Guide: https://library.mtroyal.ca/ai/applications Alberta AI Academy: https://albertaaiacademy.com/  Maclean’s: AI Has Entered the Cubicle: https://macleans.ca/longforms/ai-has-entered-the-cubicle/  New Apple hardware Apple: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/03/macbook-neo-iphone-17e-ipad-air-with-m4-and-more-are-now-available/  MacBook Neo reviews https://daringfireball.net/2026/03/the_macbook_neo https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/10/macbook-neo-review/ https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/macbooks/apple-macbook-neo-a18-pro-review https://www.macworld.com/article/3081612/macbook-neo-a18-pro-review.html CONTACT Website:examining.ca Twitter: @ExaminingPod Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host  Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca Website: krishans.ca

    54 min

  4. MAR 4

    90: Sasha Ivanov - Maple Scan

    Kris and Erik speak with Sasha Ivanov, creator of Maple Scan, a mobile app that helps Canadians identify products made in Canada while shopping. Sasha explains the motivation behind the project, how the app works, and what it reveals about Canadian manufacturing and supply chains. Maple Scan: https://maplescan.app/ CONTACT Website:examining.ca Twitter: @ExaminingPod Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host  Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca Website: krishans.ca

    33 min
  5. 89: AI Frenemies

    FEB 11

    89: AI Frenemies

    In this episode, Erik and Kris discuss the ongoing saga between Apple and Google, including the $20 billion deal that made Google the default search engine on Apple devices and the recent DOJ review of their partnership. Additionally, they explore how AI is changing the game for search behaviors and user expectations, citing a study from the NN Group. The co-hosts also share their personal experiences with using AI (over the long term) to boost productivity and reduce research friction. SHOW NOTES Google's Deal with Apple: Google paid $20 billion to become the default search engine on Apple devices in 2022 https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/05/02/google-paid-apple-20-billion-to-be-default-search-engine-in-2022 DOJ Re-Reviews Google-Apple Search Deal: The US Department of Justice has appealed and re-reviewed Google's deal with Apple, putting it back under scrutiny https://www.macobserver.com/news/google-and-apple-search-deal-back-under-review-after-doj-appeal/ Alphabet's Silence on AI Deal: Despite investor pressure, Alphabet (Google's parent company) remains tight-lipped about its AI agreement with Apple https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/04/alphabet-wont-talk-about-the-google-apple-ai-deal-even-to-investors/ The Future of Search: A recent report highlights how AI is changing search behaviors and user expectations https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ai-changing-search-behaviors/ CONTACT Website:examining.ca Twitter: @ExaminingPod Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host  Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca Website: krishans.ca

    48 min
  6. 88: Rewind - AI Soap Opera & Velcro Hacks

    FEB 6

    88: Rewind - AI Soap Opera & Velcro Hacks

    *This episode was originally published on December 8, 2023 In this episode, Erik and Kris tackle the unfolding drama at OpenAI and its implications. Kris discusses his recent AI panel discussion at MRU, while Erik offers an overview of his latest home organization project. Both hosts will share their holiday gift guide tips, perfect for the tech-savvy and the organized. SHOW NOTES AI Soap Opera OpenAI Announces Leadership Transition (OpenAI Blog): OpenAI announces significant changes in its leadership structure. Sam Altman Returns as CEO of OpenAI (The Verge): Sam Altman reclaims the CEO position at OpenAI, marking a new chapter for the company. AI Panel Discussion Highlights: Context of AI in Research: Discussing the evolving role of AI in academic and professional research settings. Panelist Introductions: Each panelist shares their background and how AI intersects with their research. Diverse Perspectives on AI: Highlighting unique insights from each panelist, providing a broad view of AI's role in different research areas. Practical Applications of AI: Exploring how panelists currently use AI in their work, including specific tools and methodologies. Successes and Challenges: Discussing what has worked well in AI-driven research and addressing the limitations and issues faced. The Future of AI in Research: Debating whether AI is a permanent fixture in research and the value of investing in AI knowledge and tools. AI as Collaborator or Competitor: Examining views on whether AI is augmenting human research capabilities or posing a threat to traditional research roles. Human Skills vs. AI Capabilities: Delving into which human skills might remain irreplaceable by AI and what research aspects can be effectively outsourced to AI technologies. Impact on Research Quality: Analyzing how AI tools influence the quality and rigor of research and their implications for academic integrity. Ethical Considerations in AI Research: Addressing the pressing ethical concerns in integrating AI into research and discussing potential norms for ethical AI use. AI, Accessibility, and Inclusivity: Exploring the implications of AI on inclusivity in research, especially between well-funded and under-funded programs, and discussing measures for fair representation. Organizational Guide: Cable Management: Emphasize the importance of Velcro ties for efficient cable organization. Labeling Essentials: Discuss the use of label tape and whiteout pens for clear labeling, even without a label maker. Consistent Systems: Stress the importance of grouping related items and maintaining a consistent organizational system. Space Utilization: Highlight the use of 3M Command hooks for maximizing space, especially inside cupboards. Document Organization: Recommend accordion folders for essential document storage, such as receipts and manuals. Life Consolidation: Encourage listeners to avoid having multiples of items and to refrain from collecting unnecessary tools (e.g., notebooks, notes apps, to-do lists). Digitization and Decluttering: Advice on using a scanner app to digitize important papers, followed by shredding the physical copies, except for sentimental items like children's artwork or per...

    1h 34m
  7. 87: Randall Herd—Arkhet

    JAN 26

    87: Randall Herd—Arkhet

    In this episode, Erik and Kris interview Randall Herd—VP Marketing at Arhket. Arhket is an AI driven prototyping tools that allows users to quicky get from ideation to prototype through a clever combination of visual wireframing tools and AI prompts. SHOW NOTES Arkhet: https://arkhet.app/ *For those interesting a discount on the Arkhet platform, contact Randall on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallherd/  CONTACT Website:examining.ca Twitter: @ExaminingPod Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host  Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca Website: krishans.ca

    58 min
  8. 86: One Ring to Record It All

    JAN 15

    86: One Ring to Record It All

    In this episode Kris and Erik discuss Microsoft's latest report on global AI adoption trends, explore highlights from CES 2026 including LEGO's groundbreaking Smart Bricks, Samsung's triple-folding phone, and AMD's new AI-powered laptop processors. Plus, we check out Repebble's new smartwatches and voice-recording ring. SHOW NOTES Zorin OS https://zorin.com/os/ (Linux-based operating system designed as a user-friendly alternative to Windows and macOS, featuring familiar desktop layouts and extended hardware support) Ollama https://ollama.com/search (Local LLM runtime platform enabling privacy-focused AI model deployment on personal hardware) Microsoft AI Economy Institute Global AI Adoption Report 2025 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/corporate-responsibility/topics/ai-economy-institute/reports/global-ai-adoption-2025/ (Comprehensive analysis showing AI adoption reached 16.3% globally with widening divide between Global North and Global South) Repebble Index 01 https://repebble.com/index (Voice-recording smart ring with button and microphone for capturing thoughts, requiring no charging for years of use) Repebble Watch https://repebble.com/watch (New e-paper smartwatches including Pebble Round 2 and Pebble Time 2 with long battery life and open-source PebbleOS) AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series Announcement https://www.amd.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2026-1-5-amd-expands-ai-leadership-across-client-graphics-.html (Next-generation processors featuring 60 TOPS NPU for AI workloads, 12 Zen 5 cores, and enhanced performance for laptops and mini-PCs) Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold Coverage https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-z-trifold-hands-on-flexing-is-believing-at-ces-2026-224343480.html (Hands-on coverage of Samsung's triple-folding smartphone with 10-inch display that won Best Overall Product at CES 2026) LEGO Smart Bricks Star Wars Sets https://www.lego.com/en-us/aboutus/news/2026/december/lego-smart-play-announcement (Interactive LEGO platform featuring Smart Bricks with embedded sensors, speakers, and processors smaller than a LEGO stud, launching March 2026 with Star Wars sets) CONTACT Website:examining.ca Twitter: @ExaminingPod Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host  Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca Website: krishans.ca

    49 min
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About

Examining is a technology-focused podcast that dives deep. Our co-hosts, Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans examine the technology industry, productivity, and education, and provide practical tech tips. (The podcast started as EdTech Examined in July 2020 with the goal of helping educators transition to online education in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.)

Information

  • Creator
    Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    97
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans
  • Show Website
    Examining