Mr. Fred's Tech Talks

Fred Aebli

Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks is your backstage pass to the world of coding, tinkering and technology made simple, fun, and family-friendly. Hosted by Mr. Fred (a former Marine officer turned college professor and lifelong tech tinkerer), each bi-weekly, 10–15 minute episode breaks down real-world tech topics into bite-sized lessons you can use today. Whether you’re a parent trying to understand what “JavaScript” really means, a teacher looking for fresh STEM activities, or a kid who dreams of building your own game or robot, Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks delivers: Clear, jargon-free explanations of coding languages, tools and AIBehind-the-scenes stories from tech history (like the 64 KB computer that landed on the Moon)Hands-on project ideas and step-by-step tips you can try at home or in the classroomInspiring interviews and sound bites from the pioneers who built our digital world Come for the “Tech Tip of the Day,” stay for the celebratory sound bites and community call-outs. Subscribe now on Acast and join a growing community of curious minds because at GetMeCoding.com, I believe that everyone can learn to code, explore technology, and build confidence…one byte at a time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. HACE 19 H

    How Netflix, YouTube & Spotify Know What You Want

    How do Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify seem to know exactly what you want next? It’s not random and it’s not your phone listening. Ever feel like your phone knows you better than your friends? You watch one video… and suddenly you’re two hours deep. You hear one song… and your playlist is perfect. You browse one product… and it follows you everywhere. That’s not random. It’s recommendation algorithms. In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we break down how platforms like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon decide what to show you next—and why it works so well. You’ll learn: What recommendation algorithms actually are (in plain English)The difference between collaborative filtering and content-based filteringHow your behavior shapes what you see every dayWhy it sometimes feels like your phone is listening—even when it’s notHow to take back control and become a more intentional user This isn’t about fear or hype. It’s about understanding the technology you interact with every single day and using that knowledge to your advantage. 🎯 TECH CHALLENGE 💡 Try the “Algorithm Audit” For the next 24 hours, ask yourself: Why is this being shown to me?Do I actually want this?Did I choose this—or did it lead me here?You might be surprised by what you notice. 🌐 Learn more: https://www.getmecoding.com 🎓 Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.com 🎤 Book Mr. Fred to speak: https://www.getmecoding.com Interested in bringing this kind of conversation to your school, workplace, or church? Visit GetMeCoding.com and let’s connect. CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.com FOLLOW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCoding Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecoding Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCoding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/ Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    17 min
  2. 14 ABR

    What Is Data?

    What is data, really? We hear the word everywhere. Data privacy. Data breaches. Big data. AI and data. But if someone asked you to actually explain what data is, could you? In this episode of Mr. Fred's Tech Talks, we answer that question in plain language and show you why understanding data is one of the most important things you can do in a world that runs on technology. Mr. Fred breaks down what data actually means, walks through the types of data you already create every single day, and explains why data is the invisible fuel behind everything from your streaming apps to artificial intelligence. In this episode, you will learn: •     what data actually is, explained simply •     the types of data you interact with every day (text, number, image, audio, location, and behavioral) •     why behavioral data might be the most powerful type of all •     a simple analogy that makes raw vs. organized data click instantly •     why AI does not work without data •     how a single day in your life creates hundreds of data points •     a hands-on Tech Challenge you can try with your family, students, or coworkers Mr. Fred also shares a key insight from his recent keynote at an AI Summit about why the value of thoughtful people rises as tools become more powerful. Whether you are a parent, teacher, student, or someone who just wants to understand the digital world a little better, this episode gives you a foundation that makes everything else in technology make more sense. Explore more at https://www.getmecoding.com CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.com FOLLOW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCoding Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecoding Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCoding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/ Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    12 min
  3. 7 ABR

    Your Phone Is Listening… But Not How You Think

    Have you ever mentioned something like an air fryer, vacation, or random gadget out loud, only to open your phone later and see ads for it everywhere? It is one of the most common questions people ask about technology: Is my phone listening to me? In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we bust the myth and explain what is really happening. Mr. Fred explores the difference between voice assistants listening for wake words and the much bigger system of behavioral tracking that powers modern advertising. You will learn how apps, websites, devices, and algorithms can make ads feel incredibly personal without secretly recording your everyday conversations. In this episode, we cover: whether your phone is actually listeninghow targeted ads really workwhy algorithms seem to know what you wanthow microphone permissions fit into the picturethe real privacy concern with data collection and cross-device trackinga practical tech challenge you can try with your family or students If you have ever felt like your phone was reading your mind, this episode will help you understand what is really going on and why that matters. CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.com FOLLOW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCoding Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecoding Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCoding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/ Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    15 min
  4. 21 MAR

    Shape-Shifting Apps: When Apps Change After You Install Them | S2 E7

    What if the apps on your phone could change after you install them… without an update? In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we explore the emerging world of shape-shifting apps - applications powered by AI that can evolve, adapt, and even reveal hidden features over time. Mr. Fred breaks down this complex topic in a way parents, educators, and students can understand, including the concept of “ghost features”....tools already inside an app that can be activated remotely based on your behavior. You’ll also learn: How AI is changing the way apps are built and updatedThe difference between on-device AI vs cloud-based AI (and why it matters for privacy)How this technology could reduce app fatigue and simplify your digital lifeThe real cybersecurity risks behind dynamic app behaviorWhy companies like Apple are pushing back This episode connects the dots between AI, cybersecurity, and everyday technology use, helping you better understand what’s happening behind the screen. 👉 Whether you're a parent navigating apps your kids use, an educator teaching digital literacy, or a student curious about AI - this episode will give you a fresh perspective. CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.com FOLLOW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCoding Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecoding Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCoding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/ Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    13 min
  5. 5 MAR

    Leadership & Cybersecurity: A College Senior’s Journey | S2 E6

    What does a great college experience actually look like for a technology student today? In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, I sit down with Gavan Quimby, a senior Information Technology major with a cybersecurity option at Penn State Scranton. Gavan is not only preparing to graduate, he also serves as Student Government Association President and has been deeply involved in campus leadership, research, mentorship, and internships. We discuss: • Transitioning from computer science to IT • What cybersecurity really looks like in 2026 • How AI is shaping (not replacing) tech careers • Balancing academics with leadership roles • The importance of getting involved early in college • Why asking questions changes everything • Misconceptions about IT and cybersecurity majors Gavan shares practical advice for high school students interested in technology, reassurance for parents wondering what college can offer, and encouragement for anyone unsure if they are “good enough” for tech. This episode is about growth, initiative, leadership, and discovering that college is more than classes.....it’s a launching pad. If you are a parent, educator, or student curious about cybersecurity careers and college life, this conversation is for you. CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.com FOLLOW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCoding Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecoding Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCoding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/ Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min

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Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks is your backstage pass to the world of coding, tinkering and technology made simple, fun, and family-friendly. Hosted by Mr. Fred (a former Marine officer turned college professor and lifelong tech tinkerer), each bi-weekly, 10–15 minute episode breaks down real-world tech topics into bite-sized lessons you can use today. Whether you’re a parent trying to understand what “JavaScript” really means, a teacher looking for fresh STEM activities, or a kid who dreams of building your own game or robot, Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks delivers: Clear, jargon-free explanations of coding languages, tools and AIBehind-the-scenes stories from tech history (like the 64 KB computer that landed on the Moon)Hands-on project ideas and step-by-step tips you can try at home or in the classroomInspiring interviews and sound bites from the pioneers who built our digital world Come for the “Tech Tip of the Day,” stay for the celebratory sound bites and community call-outs. Subscribe now on Acast and join a growing community of curious minds because at GetMeCoding.com, I believe that everyone can learn to code, explore technology, and build confidence…one byte at a time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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