Mr. Fred's Tech Talks

Fred Aebli
  • 5.0 (1)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 1D AGO

    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

  2. APR 7

    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

  3. MAR 27

    Vibe Coding Tools: I Built the Same App 4 Times… Here’s What Happened | S2 E8

    What happens when you try to build the same app using four different AI tools? In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, I set out to explore something called vibe coding… where you don’t write traditional code, you guide AI to build something for you. The idea was simple: Build a fun web app for kids called Backyard Coding Adventures that generates outdoor coding challenges based on age. What happened next surprised me. I tested: Base44 (free tier)Google AI (Gemini Pro)Replit (developer-style environment)Bolt (fast, but… interesting results) Along the way, I ran into: token limits (and what that actually means)differences in speed vs qualitythe tension between creativity and controland even a bit of anxiety as my “developer mindset” kicked in This episode isn’t just about tools. It’s about a shift in how we build. 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. MAR 21

    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. MAR 5

    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

  6. FEB 22

    Did AI Break the Final Exam? The Experiment That Won Best Track | S2 E4

    What if the final exam is not broken because of AI, but because we never redesigned it for a world where AI exists? In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, I share the story behind a classroom experiment I presented at an international conference. The session earned Best Track recognition, which was encouraging. More important, it confirmed something I almost talked myself out of trying. Instead of banning AI, I redesigned my final exam to include it. You will hear: • Why traditional finals may not measure what matters anymore • How I structured a two part exam with a foundational section and an open AI section • What surprised me most about student behavior • Why AI does not replace fundamentals, it reveals them • How educators and parents can experiment without freezing This episode is not about awards. It is about action. If you have an idea you have been overthinking, this may be your nudge to test it. AI is not going away. The question is whether we will design wisely around it. 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.

    11 min

  7. FEB 10

    Vibe Coding Explained for Everyone: Curiosity, Creativity, and Tech | S2 E4

    What does it mean when people talk about “vibe coding”? In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we take a human-centered look at vibe coding.....what the term means, where it came from, and why it resonates far beyond software development. You don’t need to be a programmer to follow along this episode. Vibe coding describes a way of starting with curiosity, trying something small, and learning through feedback before everything is perfectly planned. It shows up in everyday life, from cooking and teaching to problem-solving and design. We unpack: What “vibe coding” really means in everyday termsWhere the term came from and why it took offHow experienced developers like Andrej Karpathy helped popularize the ideaWhy understanding people and their needs still matters, even when you work looselyHow ideas get clearer after they exist, not beforeWhy cleaning things up later isn’t laziness, it’s part of the process Along the way, we use relatable examples like cooking dinner, giving directions, and explaining games to show how creativity and structure naturally work together. You’ll also get a simple, no-tech Build-Then-Explain Challenge you can try with kids, students, or coworkers to experience this mindset firsthand. Whether you’re a parent, educator, leader, or lifelong tinkerer, this episode will help you rethink how learning and building really happen. 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.

    18 min

  8. FEB 3

    Lost Tech Treasures: Yesterday’s Gadgets, Tomorrow’s Relics | S2 E3

    What happens when yesterday’s cutting-edge technology becomes today’s forgotten artifact? In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, Mr. Fred digs through the metaphorical (or maybe not) junk drawer of technology to uncover Lost Tech Treasures, old gadgets, habits, and tools that once shaped how we learned, tinkered, and problem-solved. From floppy disks and dial-up internet to burned CDs and screen-free creativity, this episode explores what older technology forced us to understand—and what modern technology often hides behind sleek interfaces. Then we flip the perspective and look ahead to Future Relics: the devices and habits we rely on today that may seem laughably outdated in just a few decades. Along the way, Mr. Fred connects nostalgia to modern learning, curiosity, coding, and creativity especially for kids growing up in a world where technology increasingly “just works.” This episode also brings back the Episode Tech Challenge, inviting listeners to rediscover old technology and reflect on what it taught us about thinking, building, and adapting. Whether you grew up rewinding VHS tapes or handing kids an iPad, this episode is a reminder that technology changes but the mindset behind it shouldn’t. The Lost Tech Treasure ChallengeFind an old piece of technology—a device, cable, disk, or gadget that’s no longer used. Ask: What problem was this solving?What skills did it require to use?What did it force people to understand?Then flip it: What replaces it today?What skills are now hidden?What might we be losing?Bonus: Have a kid explain modern tech to you—or explain old tech to a kid. That conversation is the lesson. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow or subscribe to Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks so you don’t miss future conversations. For hands-on coding ideas, tech challenges, toy guides, and ways to help kids think like creators not just consumers, visit GetMeCoding.com. You can also follow along on social media for behind-the-scenes builds, experiments, and encouragement as we explore technology together. Show Notes / LinksGetMeCoding Website: https://www.getmecoding.comCourses & Workshops: https://courses.getmecoding.comPodcast Page: https://www.getmecoding.com/podcast-mr-freds-tech-talks 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.

    16 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Fred Aebli
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Fred Aebli
  • Show Website
    Mr. Fred's Tech Talks