Techsploder

Jason Howell

Join veteran tech podcaster Jason Howell as he sits down with intriguing tech minds for casual conversations that explore the human experience in a world engulfed by technology. From tech journalists and creators to entrepreneurs, Jason invites guests to share their journey through tech and reflect on the triumphs and struggles of being immersed in the always-evolving tech landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Valentin on Why Community Matters More Than Algorithms

    JUN 7

    Valentin on Why Community Matters More Than Algorithms

    Jason Howell chats with Valentin, the European creator guy, about his path from growing up around cameras in Vienna to eight years in New York’s indie film scene, and ultimately to YouTube and community leadership. They discuss the realities of working solo versus in a team, and Valentin opens up about his motivation for Orbit for Creators, lessons learned from fostering a creator community, and the enduring appeal of classic gear. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor. CHAPTERS: 0:00:00 - Podcast episode kicks off 0:01:34 - Tips for managing multiple YouTube accounts for different interests 0:04:00 - Introducing Valentin and the Orbit for Creators community; motivation behind starting it 0:06:21 - The importance of social support and celebrating small victories as a solo creator 0:09:25 - Valentin’s background in television production and transition to YouTube 0:11:15 - Early influence of music videos and MTV on creative ambitions 0:12:28 - First job in live TV production and challenges of studio camera operation 0:14:25 - Moving to New York for film school and working in the indie film scene 0:17:17 - Returning to Vienna: reasons, quality of life, and career changes 0:19:35 - Working at a marketing agency for Canon and nostalgia for the DSLR revolution 0:20:25 - How the pandemic led to experimenting with YouTube and creative independence 0:21:25 - The natural progression from YouTube channel to building an online creator community 0:23:46 - The role of community in supporting creators, sharing real experiences, and overcoming failure 0:26:34 - Realities of freelance life vs. traditional employment and their trade-offs 0:29:40 - Lessons learned and surprises from running an online creator community 0:30:38 - Evolving role as a community leader and experimenting with new engagement formats 0:33:19 - Balancing priorities as a creator and making time for learning and community 0:34:54 - Valentin’s passion for camera gear, favorite equipment, and nostalgia for old devices 0:39:11 - The evolution of camera technology and the diminishing importance of specs in 2025 0:43:20 - Jason's unique teleprompter solution for his Osmo Pocket 3 0:45:25 - Managing gear acquisition syndrome, renting vs. buying, and selling unused equipment 0:49:43 - Valentin’s alternate universe interest in physics and research 0:52:19 - Be sure to check out Orbit for Creators! 0:53:03 - Thank you Valentin! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 hr
  2. Lexy Savvides on Leaving CNET & Building Her Own Tech Empire

    APR 29

    Lexy Savvides on Leaving CNET & Building Her Own Tech Empire

    Jason Howell sits down with tech creator Lexy Savvides to discuss her journey from CNET to creative independence, her passion for music tech, and the evolving landscape of media and community. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Podcast episode kicks off 01:47 - Guest Lexy Savvides joins the conversation 02:51 - Lexy shares her passion for headphones and reviewing them 07:47 - Lexy’s early days hosting music radio at FBI in Sydney 12:16 - What first inspired Lexy to pursue radio broadcasting 15:53 - Lexy reflects on listening back to her old broadcasts 18:40 - Looking back on the memorable “glory days” at CNET 19:42 - Lexy describes her move from CNET to independent creator 25:33 - Unexpected joys Lexy discovered in independent work 28:41 - How a supportive community shapes Lexy’s creative journey 32:21 - Two pivotal tech experiences from Lexy’s childhood 35:20 - Lexy’s first encounter with the Super Nintendo console 38:06 - How technology’s magic can fade as we grow older 40:06 - Lexy’s fascination with MiniDisc and music tech nostalgia 41:44 - Lexy reminisces about her beloved DiscMan 45:50 - Imagining Lexy’s life and career without technology 50:20 - Wrapping up the episode and final thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    57 min
  3. Becca Farsace

    JAN 3

    Becca Farsace

    Jason Howell sits down with Becca Farsace to explore her transition from The Verge to independent content creation, managing ADD as a creator, her nostalgic attachment to the iPod Touch, and her goals for 2025. Becca also shares her number one piece of advice for people looking to start a YouTube channel in 2025. 🔔 Please support our work on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/jasonhowell Note: Time codes subject to change depending on dynamic ad insertion by the distributor. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Podcast begins 02:05 - Introducing Becca Farsace! 03:28 - Authenticity in content creation and connecting with the audience 07:11 - Allowing children access to social media and technology 08:51 - Becca's first cell phone and early mobile devices 13:59 - The iPad Touch and its impact on Becca's interest in technology 17:40 - Raving about the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 21:18 - Becca's experience creating the iJustine video as her last project at The Verge 26:39 - Transitioning from working at The Verge to becoming an independent creator 28:21 - Octopus Arms analogy and goals for 2025 33:07 - Becca's approach to creativity and breaking the rules in video production 34:11 - Challenges of being an independent creator, including thumbnails and titles 35:40 - Becca's experience with ADD and how she manages her work 39:55 - How Becca moved from behind the camera to in front of it 42:39 - Becca's big tip on how to start a YouTube channel in 2025 43:57 - The Apple QuickTake 200 camera and nostalgic tech 49:51 - Discussion about Google Glass and the future of smart glasses 53:32 - The Unihertz Jelly smartphone and minimalist phone designs 55:14 - THANK YOU to Becca! 57:39 - Everything else you need to know about Techsploder Podcast Catch Becca on her awesome YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/BeccaFarsace Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 6m
5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Join veteran tech podcaster Jason Howell as he sits down with intriguing tech minds for casual conversations that explore the human experience in a world engulfed by technology. From tech journalists and creators to entrepreneurs, Jason invites guests to share their journey through tech and reflect on the triumphs and struggles of being immersed in the always-evolving tech landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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