Shows
Tech BrewedHidden Gems in Brave Browser That Boost Productivity and PrivacySend us a textOn today's episode of Tech Brewed, Greg Doig uncovers some of Brave browser’s coolest, most overlooked features—far beyond just blocking ads. Most people know Brave for its privacy shields, but it’s packed with hidden tools that can totally transform your browsing experience. From a supercharged article reading mode and a built-in AI assistant named Leo, to privacy-focused search, smart memory management for your endless tabs, and a personalized news hub, Greg Doig walks you through five features you probably never knew existed. Tune in and learn how to unlock a smarte...
2025-12-2305 min
Weird in the Wade38 Demon Dogs and Creepy Canines (Live)Recorded live at the Bigg Theatre in Biggleswade, this is a special Christmas episode of Weird in the Wade! Nat with special guest Owen Staton explore tales of demon dogs, creepy canines and haunted hounds. Avoiding the most famous of them all Old Shuck, this episode considers lesser-known tales including those shared by listeners, as well as folktales from Bedfordshire and across the UK. From Luton’s fiery hound of Galley Hill to a tragic Welsh folktale, as well as tales of kindred canines who seem to guide human companions out of danger.
Special thanks to Owen Staton from Ti...
2025-12-221h 00
Tech BrewedTP-Link Router Ban: Should You Be Worried or Take Action to Secure Yours?Send us a textOn this episode of Tech Brewed, host Greg Doig tackles the swirling controversy around TP-Link routers and the potential for a US sales ban. Are the national security concerns reason enough to ditch your device, or is there a more innovative, calmer approach? Greg Doig breaks down what’s actually happening with federal investigations, why router security matters in any household, and—most importantly—what steps you can take right now to keep your network safe, regardless of the brand you use. Tune in for practical security tips, timely updates, and clear guidance on whe...
2025-11-1702 min
Tech BrewedMake Your Pixel Pop with Personalized Calling CardsSend us a textWelcome back to Tech Brewed! In this episode, Greg Doig dives into Google’s latest personalization feature for Pixel phones: Calling Cards. Tired of those bland incoming call screens? Greg Doig shares how you can jazz up your contacts with full-screen custom images, fonts, and colors—turning every call into a mini welcome experience. Plus, a heads up on what happens to your creations when you upgrade or reset your device. Tune in for this simple yet impactful tech tip and stay connected for more ways to make your tech truly yours.Flyw...
2025-11-0501 min
Tech BrewedThe Hidden Windows 11 Feature That Could Lock You Out of Your Own ComputerSend us a textWelcome back to Tech Brewed! In today’s episode, Greg Doig uncovers a hidden Windows 11 feature that could affect every user: automatic drive encryption. If you logged into your computer with a Microsoft account during setup, Windows 11 may have silently encrypted your hard drive—no warning, no fanfare. This behind-the-scenes security boost is great, until you need to reinstall Windows or recover your data and realize your recovery key is missing. Greg Doig walks us through how to check if your device is encrypted, the critical steps to back up your recovery keys, and...
2025-11-0502 min
Tech BrewedKeeping Your Conversations Private with Proton’s Lumo AI AssistantSend us a textGreg Doig is the knowledgeable voice behind Tech Brewed, where he delivers insightful tech tips with a focus on privacy and security. Always keen to explore new developments in technology, Greg recently shared his take on Proton’s Lumo AI—a privacy-first assistant from the makers of encrypted email. He emphasizes the hidden risks behind mainstream AI tools like ChatGPT, raising awareness about how every question, upload, and sensitive conversation might be stored or used to train future models. With a passion for demystifying technology and protecting user privacy, Greg Doig stands out as a...
2025-09-1002 min
Tech BrewedFive Powerful AI Prompting Hacks That Transformed My WorkflowSend us a textWelcome back to Tech Brewed, where we cut through the noise to bring you the most practical tech tips, news, and guides you need. In today’s episode, host Greg Doig dives into the world of AI productivity by sharing five game-changing AI prompting hacks that have completely transformed his workflow. Inspired by a talk from Stanford’s Jeremy Utley, Greg explores how treating AI more like a helpful intern, rather than an all-knowing guru, can unlock a whole new level of collaboration and creativity. From context engineering and chain of thought reasoning to f...
2025-08-2905 min
Tech BrewedApple’s Urgent Zero Day Patch for iPhone, iPad, and Mac ExplainedSend us a textWelcome to Tech Brewed! In this urgent update, your host Greg Doig brings you the latest security alert from Apple. A newly discovered zero-day vulnerability—CVE2025-43300—has put iPhones, iPads, and Macs at risk, prompting Apple to release emergency patches. Greg explains what this flaw means, which devices are affected, and why it’s crucial to update your Apple devices immediately to stay protected. He walks you through how to install these updates and emphasizes the importance of acting quickly, especially as attackers have already been leveraging this vulnerability in targeted attacks. Tune i...
2025-08-2602 min
Weird in the Wade33. A Spectral Army at SempringhamOn a summer wander away from the wade, Nat visits a South Lincolnshire hillside which has attached to it an intriguing medieval tale of a phantom army. In a strange coincidence, Nat learns that her brother who runs there regularly has a tale to tell about that hillside as well. Sempringham was the site of an abbey and a monastic order founded by an Englishman, St Gilbert. The site holds a holy well and a link to a Welsh princess, as well as possibly Vikings. Join Nat, her brother Chris and Dr Francis Young as they uncover the secrets...
2025-08-2555 min
Tech BrewedMobile Carrier Privacy Tips: Reduce Data Sharing and Stay SafeSend us a textWelcome back to Tech Brewed! In today's episode, host Greg Doig dives into the hidden world of mobile carrier privacy. Your phone provider isn’t just connecting your calls—they’re collecting mountains of personal information, from your name and address to your location history and even your browsing habits. Greg breaks down exactly what your carrier knows about you, why that matters, and explains how these details are often shared with advertisers and third parties. But don’t worry—Greg’s got practical, easy-to-follow tips on how to protect your privacy, reduce your risk, a...
2025-08-1502 min
Tech BrewedDon’t Fall for Facebook Phishing: Protect Your LoginSend us a textWelcome back to Tech Brewed! In this episode, we’re diving into a tricky new phishing scam targeting Facebook users. Our own Greg Doig breaks down how scammers are using innocent-looking “mailto” links to lure people into handing over personal information. We’ll teach you how to spot these sneaky tactics, why replying to suspicious emails can put you in a scammer’s crosshairs, and which tools can help keep your accounts safe. Whether you’re a casual Facebook user or a tech pro, this episode has practical tips to help you stay a step ahead...
2025-08-1202 min
Tech BrewedFive Essential Websites to Supercharge Your Tech Skills and ProductivitySend us a textWelcome to another episode of Tech Brewed, where your host Greg Doig cuts through the digital noise to deliver tech tips and tools that make a real difference in your life. In today’s show, we’re unveiling five powerful websites that can instantly boost your productivity, creativity, and problem-solving skills—whether you want to look like a math genius, access timeless web content, score a free Ivy League education, level up your designs, or finally tame your digital clutter.Join us as we break down resources like Wolfram Alpha, archive.org, C...
2025-08-0510 min
Tech BrewedUnlocking AI’s Dark Side: Data Risks and Creative Industry BattlesSend us a textWelcome back to Tech Brewed! In this episode, host Greg Doig dives into the latest high-stakes drama shaking up the tech world. First up, we're breaking down IBM's eye-opening 2025 data breach report, which reveals that AI is quickly becoming a hacker's favorite target—and most companies are dangerously unprepared. With alarming stats showing weak AI security, shadow AI tools running wild, and costly cleanup bills, Greg unpacks why a lack of governance could put all our data at risk.Then, we switch gears to the heated battle between European voice actors an...
2025-08-0104 minTech BrewedSeagate’s Game-Changing NVMe Hard Drives for Scalable AI WorkloadsSend us a textWelcome to Tech Brewed! In this episode, host Greg Doig takes you deep into the cutting edge of AI infrastructure, focusing on Seagate’s bold move to bring NVMe technology to traditional hard drives. As AI workloads balloon to petabyte—and even exabyte—scales, companies are facing a storage crisis: SSDs are fast but prohibitively expensive, while traditional hard drives and cloud storage come with their own frustrating trade-offs.Greg breaks down how Seagate’s NVMe hard drives could change the game, combining the speed and streamlined software of NVMe with the cost...
2025-07-3109 min
Tech BrewedMicrosoft and OpenAI: The High-Stakes Poker Game Shaping AI’s FutureSend us a textWelcome to "Tech Brewed," where your daily dose of piping hot tech news is served fresh and fast. In this debut episode of "Take Two," host Greg Doig dives into two of the most buzzworthy stories shaping the future of technology. First up, it's a high-stakes showdown between Microsoft and OpenAI as the two powerhouses renegotiate their partnership in the race towards artificial general intelligence—the so-called holy grail where AI can match human abilities. Then, Greg shifts gears to unpack Micron’s big move in AI hardware, unveiling a new line of SSDs...
2025-07-3002 minWeird in the WadeThe BurrymanOn a summer wander away from Biggleswade, Nat investigates one of the UK's strangest seasonal folk customs, the Burryman of Queensferry. For centuries a man covered from head to ankle in spiky burdock seedheads has walked along the banks of the Firth of Forth, bringing luck and banishing evil from the town. Uniquely Scottish, looking like a man covered in bees or a bear walking on his hind legs, scaring young children, but fascinating them all the same, the Burryman is a striking vision indeed.
But as Nat joined the Burryman procession in 2024 she became intrigued by...
2025-07-281h 08
Tech BrewedHow Operating Systems Drive Innovation and Shape Our Digital LivesSend us a textGreg Doig remembers a time when computers were the domain of experts, and operating systems were little more than bare-bones tools for managing hardware. In those early days, users had to memorize intimidating command-line instructions just to complete basic tasks—a far cry from the intuitive experiences of today. As technology advanced, Greg watched with fascination as these complex interfaces gave way to revolutionary graphical user interfaces, opening up computers to everyone. Over the decades, he has witnessed operating systems evolve from simple mediators to powerful platforms that integrate cloud services, artificial intelligence, an...
2025-07-1805 min
Tech BrewedGrok Controversy, Copilot in UK Government, and Next-Gen Robotics on Tech BrewedSend us a textWelcome back to Tech Brewed, your go-to source for the latest buzz in AI, hardware, and everything tech. In today’s episode, host Greg Doig dives into five stories shaping the future—some inspiring, others a bit troubling. From controversies with Elon Musk-backed AI chatbots and hard questions about ethics and moderation, to major productivity boosts in the UK’s public sector thanks to Microsoft Copilot, there’s a lot brewing in the tech world. Greg also explores the next wave of AI-driven robotics, cutting-edge edge-computing tech from Eventech powered by Qualcomm, and AMD’s bo...
2025-07-1004 min
Tech BrewedMicrosoft Build 2025 Recap: Top AI, Data, and Developer HighlightsSend us a textWelcome back to Tech Brewed, the podcast where we dive deep into the latest tech trends and innovations shaping our world. In this episode, host Greg Doig unravels all the highlights from Microsoft Build 2025—a powerhouse event packed with groundbreaking announcements, hands-on experiences, and a clear message: AI is no longer the future, it's the now. From major upgrades to Azure AI Foundry and the introduction of intelligent coding agents in GitHub Copilot, to new data tools like SQL Server 2025, Microsoft is weaving artificial intelligence into every layer of its ecosystem. Grab your fa...
2025-07-0106 minWeird in the Wade31. Biggleswade's Phantom ArmyThe medieval chronicles are peppered with odd tales amongst the mundane, when folklorist and historian Dr Francis Young came across one of these peculiar stories he shared it with Nat, because it happened at Biggleswade. In this episode Francis and Nat ask, and hopefully answer the questions: what was this strange sight? What did it mean to the witnesses? How have our interpretations of the uncanny and otherworldly changed over the centuries? They also explore how landscape shapes and holds secrets about our past beliefs and activities.
Who were these "monstrous fighting men," and do t...
2025-06-301h 03
Tech BrewedChromebooks Secure Computing FeaturesSend us a textIn this episode of Tech Brewed, host Greg Doig dives into the ever-popular question: Are Chromebooks actually secure? Greg explains why Chromebooks are considered some of the most secure devices available, highlighting features like Chrome OS's multi-layered Defense in Depth, automatic and seamless background updates, a tamper-proof read-only operating system, and full disk encryption for sensitive data protection. He also discusses the recovery process, the Titan C security chip, and the longevity of security updates that outpace many competitors. Whether you're a business user or just security-conscious, tune in to learn why a...
2025-06-2402 min
Tech BrewedWix, Squarespace, Shopify or WordPress? Choosing the Right Website Builder for YouSend us a textWelcome to Tech Brewed! In today’s episode, host Greg Doig takes us on a guided tour through the world of website builders in 2025. Whether you’re a small business owner, creative professional, or just looking to launch your own corner of the internet, Greg breaks down the latest trends, innovations, and top-rated platforms in website creation—all without needing to code. You’ll hear insights from ZDNet’s comprehensive testing of major site builders like Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, and WordPress, complete with their pros, cons, and standout features. Greg also shares tips for choosi...
2025-06-2306 min
Tech BrewedGuarding Against PLAY Ransomware: Simple Steps for Stronger SecuritySend us a textWelcome to Tech Brewed, where we break down the latest cybersecurity threats and tech trends in plain English! Hosted by Greg Doig, each episode delivers practical tips and insights to help you stay secure in our rapidly evolving digital world. From deep dives into high-profile cyber attacks—like the notorious PLAY ransomware group—to straightforward advice on protecting your data and taking proactive steps against online threats, our show is here to keep you informed, prepared, and ahead of the curve. Tune in for accessible discussions, expert guests, and helpful resources so you can...
2025-06-0603 min
Tech BrewedYour Login May Be at Risk: Breaking Down the Massive Credential ExposureSend us a textWelcome to a new episode of Tech Brewed! This week, we’re diving into one of the year’s biggest—and most alarming—security breaches. Host Greg Doig breaks down the jaw-dropping discovery of a massive database containing 184 million real usernames and passwords, left completely unprotected on the open internet. We’ll explore how your data could have ended up in this trove, the rapid rise of info-stealer malware targeting everyday internet users, and why you need to take action—now—to protect your digital life. From how these credentials were collected to practical step...
2025-06-0413 minTech BrewedFixifier: The Swiss Army Knife for Fixing Sluggish Windows ComputersSend us a textHost Greg Doig dives into a must-know tool for anyone struggling with a slow or glitchy Windows PC. He introduces Fixyfier—a powerful, user-friendly app designed to tackle everything from corrupted files to stubborn Windows updates. Whether you’re a beginner or an IT pro, Fixyfier brings a suite of repair tools into one straightforward package. Greg shares pro tips on how to get the best results and shows how this handy tool could save you plenty of headaches. Tune in for today’s tech tip and keep your system running fast, safe, and sm...
2025-05-3001 minWeird in the Wade30 The Secrets of Royston CaveBeneath the pretty market town of Royston in Hertfordshire, lies a cave that was carved out of the chalk by hand, in the distant past. After being dramatically rediscovered in the mid 18th century, Royston cave has spawned competing theories about its use and meaning and has been a tourist attraction ever since. Smothered in medieval carvings which in turn have been covered by more recent etched graffiti, this cave is unique in many ways. Linked to the Knights Templar by some, an important spiritual site to many, and an historical curiosity from the moment a small boy climbed...
2025-05-261h 22Tech BrewedHow Safe Is Your Data? Backblaze Hard Drive Stats for Q1 2025 ExplainedSend us a textWelcome to Tech Brewed, where your hosts Greg Doig cuts through the digital clutter to bring you the week’s most important tech news and practical advice. In this episode, we’re diving into Backblaze’s Q1 2025 Drive Stats Report—a treasure trove of insights on hard drive reliability from one of the industry’s storage giants. Whether you’re safeguarding precious family photos or running a business, this episode will help you make smarter decisions about your data storage options. From surprising performances by tried-and-true 4TB drives to the reliability of massive 20TB giants, w...
2025-05-1405 min
Weird in the Wade29. Return to the Haunted PoundstretcherAs a celebration of two years of Weird in the Wade, Nat returns to the subject of her first ever episode: The Haunted Poundstretcher. The site is now a café and gym where Nat and her team of friends hold a ghost hunt overnight. They have access to the café, gym, attic and cellar space. They hear from staff and visitors who have experienced something uncanny in and outside of the building.
Nat also explores why the rumour that the ghost girl who haunts the site, died in a fire, might have a grain of truth to it...
2025-05-051h 06Tech BrewedTech Tariffs, AI Manipulation, and Satellite Showdowns: April 30, 2025 Tech News RecapSend us a textWelcome to Tech Brewed, your go-to podcast for the freshest updates and boldest conversations in the world of technology. In today’s Tech News Brief for April 30, 2025, host Greg Doig serves up a quick yet insightful roundup of the top stories making waves across the tech landscape.From the impact of rising tech tariffs and how they’re exacerbating the digital divide, to AI’s ability to subtly manipulate our preferences with every like and swipe, Greg offers a critical look at the trends shaping how we live and connect. You’ll also...
2025-05-0106 minTech BrewedChoosing the Best Power Bank for Travel and EmergenciesSend us a textWelcome to another episode of Tech Brewed, where we dive into a handy tech tip with your host, Greg Doig. Ever been in the middle of capturing the perfect Instagram story or traveling for work when your device suddenly runs out of juice? That's where power banks come to the rescue! Think of them as portable outlets, ready to charge your devices on-the-go. Whether you're at a festival, going on a camping trip, or just need backup during an outage, power banks have got you covered. From compact models perfect for emergencies to...
2025-04-0903 minTech BrewedBeyond Power Banks: Discover Portable Power Stations for Off-Grid AdventuresSend us a textWelcome back to another insightful episode of "Tech Brewed." Today's adventure is all about turbocharging your off-grid lifestyle. While your trusty power bank might keep your phone alive, what do you do when you need to power a mini fridge or a movie night projector miles from civilization? That's where portable power stations come in—think power banks on steroids. Greg Doig takes us through the essentials of these heavy hitters, from choosing the right size for your adventure to examining the cool features that make them an indispensable part of your gear. Wh...
2025-04-0904 minTech BrewedImprove Your Online Resilience with Basic Security HabitsSend us a textWelcome to this episode of Tech Brewed, where we're diving deep into the essential steps you need to take to safeguard your digital life. Greg Doig guides us through a comprehensive security checklist that includes keeping your software updated, using strong unique passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication. We'll also learn about the importance of avoiding sketchy downloads, utilizing firewalls and antivirus software, and the critical three-two-one backup rule. Whether you're tech-savvy or a digital novice, these straightforward practices will help enhance your resilience against online threats. So, buckle up for some invaluable tips...
2025-04-0805 min
Tech BrewedDiscover the Best Features from Apple's Latest UpdatesSend us a textWelcome to another episode of Tech Brewed, where we dive into the latest updates from the tech world. In today's episode, host Greg Doig highlights the best features from Apple's recent update. From expanded language support in Apple Intelligence to smarter notifications on your lock screen, there's plenty to explore. We also delve into new visual intelligence capabilities and innovative features like ambient music playlists for relaxation and productivity. Plus, we can't forget the creative tools with Image Playground's new sketch mode and smart mail categorization in Mac OS. Don't miss out on...
2025-04-0802 minTech BrewedDiscover How NotebookLM's Update Revolutionizes Research with Automatic Source GatheringSend us a textWelcome back to another episode of Tech Brewed! Today, we're diving into Google's latest update to NotebookLM—an essential note-taking service, especially for those tackling extensive research projects. Host Greg Doig unpacks Google's new Discover feature, an innovative tool that promises to save you time by automatically collecting the most relevant sources for your research. Forget the tedious task of scouring the web for sources; simply describe your topic, and let NotebookLM handle the rest. Imagine generating a curated list of sources and even creating a study guide or a briefing document with ju...
2025-04-0502 minTech BrewedBluetooth Pizza Ovens and AI-Packed Phones Take Center Stage in Tech NewsSend us a textWelcome back to Tech Brewed! I'm your host, Greg Doig, bringing you the latest and most exciting tech stories from this week. It's Friday, April 4th, 2025, and today's episode is packed with thrilling updates. We're diving into everything from smart pizza ovens and AI-powered smartphones to the latest in wireless headphones and industry news from tech giants like Apple and IBM. Whether you're a fan of futuristic kitchen gadgets or on the lookout for the next big upgrade in your tech arsenal, we've got something for you. So, grab your favorite drink, settle...
2025-04-0407 minWeird in the WadeWitches Apprehended! Mary and Mother SuttonIn 1612 in Milton Ernest, a village five miles north of Bedford, two women, a mother and daughter are accused and tried by their village for witchcraft. Their story is written up in a propaganda pamphlet the following year, and their case is used in a 1627 legal guide for witchcraft cases. Yet even those who are familiar with the dark tales of England's witch trials often have not heard of their story. The 1612 Northampton witch trial is often credited as the first documented evidence of ducking being used in such trials. But Mary Sutton was ducked at least a month...
2025-03-311h 39Tech BrewedDiscover Simple Ways to Find Your IP Address on Windows and MacSend us a textGreg Doig, a tech enthusiast and expert, is a key contributor to Tech Brood, where he shares practical technology tips and insights. With a knack for simplifying complex tech processes, Greg helps users tackle everyday tech issues with ease. In one of his popular segments, Greg demystifies the process of finding an IP address on Windows devices. Emphasizing the importance of knowing your IP address for troubleshooting network issues or setting up new devices, Greg guides users through a straightforward process: access the network connections via the start menu, navigate to your active...
2025-03-2603 minTech BrewedExploring Nvidia's Game Plan: A Look into GTC 2025 AnnouncementsSend us a textWelcome back to another exciting episode of Tech Brewed! Today, we're diving deep into NVIDIA's latest groundbreaking announcements from the GTC 2025, often dubbed the Super Bowl of AI. Hosted by Greg Doig, we're about to explore how NVIDIA is not just shaping but revolutionizing the AI landscape. From unveiling jaw-dropping advancements in chip technology to partnerships with automotive giants like General Motors and Toyota, NVIDIA is setting the stage for a future where AI isn't just intelligent but is integrated into our physical world. Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, introduced us to concepts...
2025-03-2006 minTech BrewedIoT and HomeKit: Advancing Smart Home EfficiencySend us a textWelcome to another exciting episode of Tech Brewed! Today, we're diving into the ever-evolving world of Apple's HomeKit platform—where smart home innovation meets seamless integration. Whether you're a seasoned HomeKit user or just starting your journey into home automation, we've got some hot digital knowledge just for you. Our host, Greg Doig, will guide us through the latest advancements in HomeKit, focusing on enhanced smart home automation through IoT technologies. From device control to user experience and system efficiency, we'll explore how these improvements are transforming living spaces. So, grab your favorite be...
2025-03-1302 minWeird in the WadePart Two: The Witches of BedfordshireIn this episode Nat completes her exploration of witchcraft in Bedfordshire starting with a 19th Century ghost sighting of a witch.
The episode covers a case of Victorian girls playing at witches to horrific and cruel effect. Then moves through the 20th Century with it's contrast between the rise of wicca and nature based neo pagan witchcraft, and the persistent fear of "black magic" and the satanic panic.
Nat ponders whether we have moved far enough away from the causes and motivations of the 17th century witch trials. But ends the episode with a delightful...
2025-03-1244 min