Episode Details

The panel covers Anchor's power bank recall over fire risks, debates iPhone durability and repairability, and reviews ExpressVPN's ad-supported "EventVPN." Chuck Joiner, Dave Ginsburg, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius Jim Rea, and Web Bixby also share travel safety tips for lithium-ion batteries, discuss Apple's design shift toward easier repairs, and joke about Facebook's new AI-powered dating feature before wrapping up with their latest Apple tech experiences and projects.

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Chapters:

[0:00] Episode topics overview [0:33] Anchor power bank recall and lithium safety [2:46] Power bank reliability and manufacturing [4:19] Airline and aircraft lithium-battery precautions [7:31] iPhone Air bend test and titanium discussion [9:17] Everyday phone-carrying habits and new straps [11:08] Introduction to ExpressVPN's EventVPN [13:21] Limitations and ad-supported model [17:32] Free VPN comparisons and travel use [17:45] iPhone repairability and right-to-repair trends [21:56] Facebook's AI dating feature reactions [30:16] New shows and AI workflow podcast [31:49] Closing chat and wrap-up

Links:

iPhone Air bend test affirms Apple's claim of most durable iPhone ever, front glass scratch resistance also impresses https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/20/iphone-air-bend-test-most-durable-iphone-ever/

Well-Known VPN Provider Announces New Free VPN Service for Apple Users https://www.mactrast.com/2025/09/well-known-vpn-provider-announces-new-free-vpn-service-for-apple-users/

Here's how EventVPN is different from other free VPNs https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/heres-how-eventvpn-is-different-from-other-free-vpns-213014671.html

Facebook adds an AI assistant to its dating app https://www.engadget.com/social-media/facebook-adds-an-ai-assistant-to-its-dating-app-225754544.html

Guests:

Web Bixby has been in the insurance business for 40 years and has been an Apple user for longer than that.You can catch up with him on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, but prefers Bluesky.

Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him on Twitter, by email at embolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast.

Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. You can contact Brian on twitter as @brian8944. He also recently opened a Mastodon account at @brian8944@mastodon.cloud.

Jeff Gamet is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public s