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. MAR 5

    Leadership & Cybersecurity: A College Senior’s Journey

    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

  2. FEB 22

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

    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

  3. FEB 10

    Vibe Coding Explained for Everyone: Curiosity, Creativity, and Tech

    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

  4. FEB 3

    Lost Tech Treasures: Yesterday’s Gadgets, Tomorrow’s Relics

    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

  5. JAN 28

    From Y2K to the Year 2038 Bug: When Time Breaks Computers | S2 Ep. 2

    While cleaning out his office, Mr. Fred uncovers a 3.5-inch floppy disk labeled “Y2K Startup Disk”, a quiet reminder of a moment when computers around the world were about to be confused by time itself. In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we revisit what the Y2K problem actually was, why it mattered, and how engineers addressed a design decision that had been quietly waiting to fail. From there, Mr. Fred connects that moment to the next major time-based computing challenge: the Year 2038 problem. You’ll learn how Unix systems track time, why 32-bit limits matter, which systems could still be affected, and whether this issue is already being addressed. This episode is a thoughtful explainer for tech professionals, educators, students, and curious listeners who want to understand how past assumptions shape today’s technology. Show NotesIn this episode, Mr. Fred explores how time can quietly break computers and what we can learn from it. Topics include: What a 3.5-inch floppy disk is and why it matteredWhat the Y2K problem really was (and wasn’t)Why early design shortcuts made sense at the timeHow Unix systems store timeWhat the Year 2038 bug is and how it compares to Y2KWhich systems may still be affectedWhether engineers are already addressing the issueA simple takeaway for younger listeners learning how computers work This episode isn’t about fear, it’s about understanding systems, assumptions, and why good engineering means revisiting old decisions. 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

  6. SEASON 2, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    The 2026 Coding Toy Idea Book: Where Play, Creativity, and AI Come Together

    What makes a good coding toy in 2026? Is it flashy tech… or something deeper? In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, I walk parents, educators, and caregivers through the 2026 Coding Toy Idea Book which is a curated guide designed to help families choose tech toys that actually build creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills. We talk about: What separates real learning toys from gimmicksHow AI is quietly showing up in kids’ toys and how to introduce it safelyWhy coding is about thinking, not screen timeHow outdoor play and imagination support the same skills used in programming This episode isn’t about buying the most expensive gadget. It’s about choosing toys that grow with your child and creating space for curiosity, tinkering, and play. Whether you’re shopping for the holidays or just trying to make sense of today’s tech-filled toy aisle, this episode will help you make confident, balanced choices. 🎁 Download the 2026 Coding Toy Idea Book 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

  7. 11/12/2025

    Passwords, Passphrases & Passkeys - The Next Generation of Login Security

    Mr. Fred explains how we’re moving from passwords to passphrases ...and now to passkeys, the future of secure, password-free login. Learn how passkeys are stored, what end-to-end encryption really means, and how special hardware like TPM chips keeps your private keys safe. Plus, find out whether hackers are cracking the system (spoiler: they’re not). Tech Tip: Explore passkeys in your device settings and try enabling one today. 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.

    19 min

  8. 10/13/2025

    Oh Behave! Why We Click What We Click | Cybersecurity Awareness Month Special Ep. 11

    This October, as the pumpkins glow and the phishing emails flow, Mr. Fred dives into the spooky side of cybersecurity! In this Cybersecurity Awareness Month special, we explore the Oh Behave! 2025-2026 report from Cybsafe & The National Cybersecurity Alliance revealing how people say they care about online safety but still make haunting mistakes. From zombie passwords and overconfident Gen Z users to privacy fatalism and AI-powered scams, we’re breaking down the human side of cyber risk. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why awareness doesn’t always change behaviorHow overconfidence makes Gen Z a hacker’s dreamWhat “privacy fatalism” is and how to beat itEasy daily habits to boost your protection Tech Tip of the Episode: “Brush Your Digital Teeth” — simple nightly habits that keep your data fresh and secure. 👉 Visit GetMeCoding.com for more resources and downloads. Stay curious. Stay safe. And remember to think before you click! 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.

    8 min
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About

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
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Fred Aebli
  • Show Website
    Mr. Fred's Tech Talks