Category: Geekitude

Damn You Tomy. Just Take My Money.

March 9, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Last fall, I found out that Takara Tomy was releasing a “re-imagined” version of the Legioss fighter from Genesis Climber Mospeada – which was one of the series that made up Robotech. The Legioss was renamed the Alpha fighter in Robotech, and I was always partial to it. The re-imagined one is pretty close to the original with enough updates to make it look like the next version.

Then, they came out with an ELINT version. Which I’ve always liked the veritechs converted to ELINT versions.

The Wife and I discussed, and we agreed that I could order the ELINT. So, I went to my dealer of choice and found out they just released a heavy weapons version. Yeah, The Wife encouraged me to get both. So, this fall should be interesting.

State of the Podcasts 2026

February 4, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Previous posts:

State of Podcasts 2018

State of Podcasts 2019

State of Podcasts 2020

State of Podcasts 2021

State of Podcasts 2022

State of Podcasts 2023

State of Podcasts 2024

State of Podcasts 2025

This is the eighth year I’ve reviewed which podcasts I listen to, how I listen to them, and when I listen to them. Part of it’s my own curiosity at how my podcast habits change. I’m also curious what others think about the same podcasts and which podcasts come and go.

I listen to my podcasts in Overcast. I prefer Overcast because the app deletes podcasts I’ve listened to, plus it has a smart speed feature which will speed up if it hears dead air. Generally, I listen to my podcasts at 2X speed.

The Podcasts

Active Self Protection Podcast – I listen to build up my “scenario card file” for self-defense. I generally don’t listen to the episode with Steve Gutowski because he covers much of the same topics on his own podcast.

Advisory Opinions – This one helps me understand how the law “thinks” and why it sometimes is at odds with what people think it should think. It’s helped me gain perspective on why things happen the way the do when it comes to the courts.

Alienating the Audience – Andrew Heaton goes into aspects of science-fiction with authors and his friends. This one makes me think and introduces me to new sci-fi properties.

Angry Planet – Another of my “opposing view” podcasts with a focus on conflict in the modern world.

Assorted Calibers Podcast – Weer’d Beard and Erin Pallette are the real reason I listen to this, but the other segments are generally surprisingly good. I’m also a patron, and listen to the Mag Dump round tables, Film Tracks, and Blooper Reels (which are hysterically funny).

Bound By Oath – This is another legal podcast, but dives into a specific subject throughout a season.

The Bradenton Times Podcast – This is one I use to get to know what’s going on in my local community. And as much as I disagree with the host, at least he makes me think and re-evaluate my stances. I will admit to fast forwarding when they start talking national politics. It’s not what I listen to them for.

Chambers, Changes, & Conversations – The official podcast of Manatee County government, which is why I listen to it. I want to know what the government wants me to hear about what they’re doing. I’ve learned a lot about some of the workings of the county government and other entities.

The Charles C. W. Cooke Podcast – I will always listen to Charlie Cooke, and he brings in some very interesting guests to talk over their books.

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History – This podcast is a master craft in how to tell history in an exciting and entertaining way. It’s probably better to treat the arcs as audiobooks and just listen to them all at once to get the width and breadth of the story. This updates very infrequently.

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History: Addendum – A companion to the Hardcore History podcast where Dan Carlin does segments outside his normal narrative style. Often very informative.

The Dispatch Podcast – Roundtables with Dispatch writers, editors, and contributors to discuss the issues of the day.

Econtalk– This is one of those podcasts that discuss a wide range of topics – almost always interesting.

The Editors – Editors from National Review discussing the issues of the day. Part of my keeping an idea of the conservative side of the issues of the day.

Fall of Civilizations Podcast – This is a good companion to Hardcore History in its story-telling style. Not that they cover the same things, but this one does an excellent job in showing the decline and fall of various civilizations from every level.

FBI Case File Review – This has been very useful in dispelling some misconceptions about how the FBI works. Plus, many of the cases are very compelling and excellent for storytelling.

The Fifth Column – This is an excellent roundup focusing on the issues of the day and how the media reports them. They also bring on guests who will disagree with them and have excellent discussions.

The Handgun Radio Show – Delving more into the history and technological aspects of guns – mostly handguns. Also, just fun musings on different aspects of guns. Sometimes they bring on interesting guests.

Honestly – Sometimes this one is interviews, and sometimes Bari brings on several guests for a panel to discuss an issue. This is also one where opposing views are a common and welcome feature. Currently on hiatus.

Honoverse Today – The three hosts analyze the Honor Harrington books in publication order. The nifty catch is that two of them are brand new to the series, while the third is a fan who has read the series multiple times. It’s interesting to hear the different items they pick out from the books. Plus, David Weber makes an occasional appearance.

How The World Works – Kevin Williamson is another person I always enjoy listening to, and his podcast focusing on the work people do is excellent. Mainly, a lot of intellectuals, but he’s been doing a good job bringing on other occupations.

Left, Right, & Center – I generally like the format of the show, particularly as the hosts debate, but are not confrontational. I’ve heard many folks whose opinions I completely oppose but wouldn’t mind having the discussion.

The Michael Shermer Show – Very thought-provoking conversations as Dr. Shermer interviews scientists, scholars, and other intellectuals – generally on their new books.

The Pack Podcast – This discusses the Mercy Thompson-universe of books, which The Wife and I highly enjoy.

The Political Orphanage – Andrew Heaton interviews a variety of individuals to discuss issues that aren’t normally covered by other podcasts. And sometimes he does deep dives into subjects that I just don’t get other places. Then he does musicals based on those deep dives, which is amusing.

Politics Politics Politics – This is essentially an ESPN-style podcast for politics. Not calling whose position is wrong or right, but what makes sense politically. I find it intriguing for the sausage-making side of politics.

The Reason Roundtable – The Reason crew discusses the issues of the day from their unique libertarian point of view.

The Remnant With Jonah Goldberg – This is mostly another interview show with mostly interesting guests. Jonah also does a weekly solo rant on the issues of the day.

The Rest Is History – I’ve learned quite a bit of new historical tidbits. Plus, I have a lot of other podcasts that reference this one, so it helps to keep in the conversation.

The Rewatchables – Variety panel of guests discussing a movie that is considered highly rewatchable. Depending on what movie they’re reviewing, if it’s one I haven’t seen, I’ll delete it. The categories are neat, but sometimes I get lost when they make sports references.

Tactical Tangents – I picked this one up originally because it has some excellent breakdowns of historical gunfights and mass shootings. It’s mostly geared to the professional, but the regular person can pick up some really good info. I tend to delete if it’s too “service focused” and less stuff I can use as a civilian or writer.

Tracer Burnout – This has been a good podcast for me to learn small details that make up service in the American military.

Urban Warfare Project – I picked this one up after hearing the host discuss the Gaza War. I found some interesting points to consider about the unique nature of urban warfare.

We’re Not Wrong – This is another one of those I listen to because the hosts bring different views than my normal feeds and challenge my ideas.

The Weekly Reload Podcast – The audio companion to The Reload newsletter. The host interviews a wide variety of pro-gun and anti-gun guests, or those who just have something important to add to the world around guns.

Wells Said – This is the podcast from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. I’ve learned about some interesting local programs and initiatives from the MCSO to deal with crime and welfare.

What the Hell Is Going On – This is another one of those that keep me apprised of the what’s going on in conservative world. Or more to point, what are some of the talking points and issues high on the minds of the conservatives.

Words & Numbers – An economist and a political scientist discuss different aspects of economics from a libertarian perspective. Sometimes dipping into issues of the day.

Writer Dojo – This one has helped me with the art of writing. If I ever decide to actually get my stories published, I’ll probably go back through those episodes on the business of writing.

Ten Years and Ten Thousand Hours

December 24, 2025 / / 0 Comments

If you ask me if I’m a gamer, I will tell you “Nope, I just play a couple of games – and I play those games a lot.” Apparently quite a lot.

I have crossed the 10,000 hour threshold on Civ 6. To be fair, the Civ 6 I play today is not the same game I played many moons ago. But it’s a game I can play, keep interested, and enjoy.

The other game I play quite a lot is Star Wars Galaxy of Heroes. It celebrated its 10-year anniversary last month, and I joined not too long after it originally came out. It’s The Brother’s fault. He got me into it. Again, the game I’m playing now is not the same game I played many moons ago. New features, new dynamics. Yet, I just enjoy grinding through my characters. It’s not the most efficient for all the events the game wants me to do, but it’s satisfying for me. Most of the time.

What does the future hold? Well, SWGOH has been acting more “grab the whale money” and putting critical items that were grindable to purchase-only or rare drops. It’s frustrating, but I figure I’ll give it until at least 2027. I kinda want to see what they’re going to do for the big 50th anniversary. As for Civ? I keep hearing how they’re “fixing” Civ 7 to deal with player concerns. I’m probably going to go back and at least try to play again. If for no other reason than the game is gorgeous and it has some neat mechanics. Until I get as comfortable with Civ 7 as I am with Civ 6, I will still be clocking hours on Civ 6. Because it’s my relax game.

Battery Happenings

December 3, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Earlier this year, I got an Olight Ostation for recharging AA batteries. At the time, I was wishing they also had one that did AAA batteries.

Then, I stumbled across Olight’s Ostation Pro that would recharge both AA and AAA. Cool. Backed it. Expect to get it sometime this year or early next.

Then I found out Olight does have an Ostation for recharging AAA’s. It came in last week right before Thanksgiving. I did some quick rearranging in the home office to put all my major rechargers into one spot. Plus, there’s enough room for the Pro when it comes in.

So, as The Wife looked on bemusedly, I went through and recharged the family’s inventory of AA and AAA batteries. She’s also amused that I added another battery caddy to the mix. Now, I have one for upstairs, one for downstairs, one near the battery station that will hold all the recharged batteries until time to reload the others, and then one final one to hold all my one-shots and my lithiums.

So far, I have only one complaint about the new Ostation. Olight really just did the minimum amount to swap it over to AAA, which means the little lever dispenser is sized for AA, not AAA. This means instead of getting one at a time like I do with the original, they tend to pour out in spurts of two to three.

So It Is Written…

December 1, 2025 / / 0 Comments

The Brother sent me Ars Technica’s Black Friday post. Not because I needed any tech, but because of the intro.

Earlier in 2025 we celebrated Prime Day—the yearly veneration of the greatest Transformer of all, Optimus Prime (in fact, Optimus Prime is so revered that we often celebrate Prime Day twice!). But in the fall, as the evenings lengthen and the air turns chill, we pause to remember a much more somber occasion: Black Friday, the day Optimus Prime was cruelly cut down by the treacherous hand of his arch-nemesis Megatron while bravely defending Autobot City from attack. Though Optimus Prime did not survive the brutal fight, the Autobot leader’s indomitable spirit nonetheless carried the day and by his decisive actions the Decepticons were routed, fleeing from the city like the cowardly robots they truly are and giving over victory to the forces of light.

Although Optimus Prime’s death was tragic and unexpected, things are often darkest just before dawn—and so, even though today is called “Black Friday” to remind us of the day’s solemnity, we choose to honor him the way we honor other important historical figures who also laid their lives upon the altar of freedom: we take the day off to go shopping!

I, unfortunately, had to work last Black Friday. And I swear I didn’t go and watch the ’86 Transformers movie while I was supposed to be working. I promise.

Edit: They kept the schtick up for Cyber Monday.

Scenes From Ward Life

October 1, 2025 / / 0 Comments

I’ve been eyeing this pre-order for a few days.

I’ve been a big fan of the Alpha Fighter since I saw it 40 years ago. The VF-1 is more iconic, but there’s always been something about the Alpha. This one is apparently part of a “re-imagining” of the original Genesis Climber Mospeada. While not exactly the same as the original Alphas, I think it looks neat.

I showed it to The Wife, who encouraged me to place the order. I may have put up some proforma protest, but I expect it to show up sometime in May.

When explaining its size, I mentioned this exquisite Alpha that’s being released. I will admit that it’s incredibly detailed.

The Wife: Well, why didn’t you get that one?

Me: That one’s $600! I’m not spending $600 on a toy. That’s gun money.

Monday Links

July 21, 2025 / / 0 Comments

I have a couple of links from The Verge, courtesy of The Brother.

First, EcoFlow is going up against Tesla’s PowerWall.

EcoFlow is powering up its first permanently installed whole-home energy solution for the US. The Ocean Pro system launches this week, featuring the new Ocean Pro Battery with 10kWh of storage expandable to 80kWh, and the Ocean Pro Inverter, which supports solar arrays of up to 40kW.

EcoFlow claims the system delivers 24kW of continuous power, enough to support all your appliances, including two 5-ton HVAC systems. Ocean Pro will also work with EcoFlow’s new Smart Home Panel for more advanced energy monitoring and control capabilities.

This is very interesting to me. I would love to eventually have Ward Manor upgraded with something like this and solar panels. Personally I would like where the power coming in from the grid or solar goes to the batteries, which then power the house. Not sure if that is feasible, but it’s something.

Second, Lego is continuing its Transformer offerings with Soundwave.

There are two features that set this Lego model apart from its other Transformers sets. The first is the inclusion of an electronic sound brick that “activates specially recorded voice and sound effects.” In the ’80s cartoon, Soundwave’s distinct monotone synthesized voice, performed by Frank Welker, helped make the character a fan favorite. The sound brick includes snippets of the cartoon’s music and the character speaking. It’s not Welker, but it’s still fun that Lego has gone the extra mile to re-create this character’s most memorable feature.

The other thing that makes this set unique is that it actually includes three Transformers. In addition to Soundwave, you get buildable versions of Ravage and Laserbeak that transform into cassette tapes that can fit inside Soundwave’s chest compartment. Lego also includes a display plaque showing the Decepticon’s power statistics alongside a tiny model of Soundwave in cassette player mode.

The sound block is what piques my interest in that. Soundwave’s voice and the sound of a Transformer transforming are two of those audio memories ingrained into me from multiple viewings of the old cartoons.

Monday Links

July 7, 2025 / / 0 Comments

I don’t know if it’s just the times we’re in or what, but I’m kind of drained on politics. So, for the time being, I’m going to post links here on things that interest me. Intellectually or feeds into one of my interests.

First, one of my favorite animes “Gate” is getting a second season 10 years after the first debuted.

The long-awaited second season, which is officially titled Gate 2: Tides of Conflict, will adapt the first two volumes of the Gate Season 2 sequel series, focusing on the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

So, it feels less like a direct sequel and more of a “setting sequel.” Which I thinks sets up my expectations well.

Second, the new Transformers / Macross 7 collab toy was set up for pre-order.

Okay, I don’t hate it. I like how they merged Optimus and the Firebomber mecha. However, the more I watch of Macross 7, the more I really dislike the Basra character.