Jay Franze from joins me this week as we talk about the latest tech gadgets and trends in the automotive world. We discuss Jay’s podcast, which focused on behind-the-scenes stories from musicians and his decision to buy a 2025 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid, highlighting the comfort and reliability of transporting artists. We explore hybrid technology, its modern integrations, and the future of automotive AI. Thanks for listening!

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg638

Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #638 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.

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Links

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Chapters

[0:07]  Introduction to Home Gadget Geek

[2:08]  Jay’s Podcast Journey

[2:58]  Music Industry Insights

[6:27]  Grieving and Moving Forward

[9:12]  Car Purchases and Decisions

[25:46]  The SUV Dilemma

[28:22]  Future Car Considerations

[32:31]  Technology Surprises in Cars

[38:01]  Conclusion and Future Thoughts

[40:36]  Car Maintenance Misadventures

[42:05]  Engine Myths and Realities

[42:59]  The Price of Features

[43:39]  Self-Driving Technology Insights

[45:06]  Oil Change Opinions

[48:36]  Wi-Fi in Cars: Worth It?

[51:51]  Adaptive Features: Love or Hate?

[56:28]  Comfort vs. Technology in Driving

[59:14]  Power Distribution Displays

[1:02:40]  A Surprising DNA Discovery

[1:06:46]  AI in Vehicles: The Future?

[1:17:39]  Upcoming AI Discussions

Extended Outline

• Welcome and Introduction[0:00]
  • Jim Collison introduces the Home Gadget Geeks show, episode 638, recorded on February 27, 2025.
  • Jim mentions the weather change from last week to this week and welcomes Jay Franze to the show.
  • Jay Franze jokes about warming Jim’s heart and mentions his Kentucky roots.
  • Jim and Jay discuss plans for a Bourbon Trail trip and thank Patreon subscribers for their support.
• Jay Franze’s Podcast and Music Industry Insights[2:07]
  • Jay Franze talks about his podcast, which focuses on the music industry, including artists and behind-the-scenes personnel.
  • Jay mentions interviewing various artists, from up-and-coming musicians to those at the end of their careers.
  • Jay describes his podcast format, featuring one-on-one interviews on Monday nights and co-hosted discussions on Wednesday nights.
  • Jim and Jay discuss the longevity of musicians and the concept of farewell tours, using examples like the Rolling Stones and the Oak Ridge Boys.
• Personal Reflections on Loss and Grief[5:54]
  • Jim and Jay share personal stories about losing family members and the impact of grief.
  • Jay talks about his wife’s uncle passing away and the emotional toll it had on her.
  • Jim reflects on the generational aspect of loss and the thought of his own turn coming next.
  • Both discuss the importance of cherishing moments and planning for the future.
• Jay Franze’s Car Purchase Experience[9:05]
  • Jay shares his experience of buying a new car, a Honda Accord Sport Hybrid, after his Nissan Murano’s transmission issues.
  • Jay explains his decision to switch to Honda for reliability and the benefits of the hybrid model for his driving needs.
  • Jim and Jay discuss the features of the Honda, including the large 12.3-inch touch screen, built-in Wi-Fi, and Alexa integration.
  • Jay mentions the cost-effectiveness of the hybrid, with lower fuel costs compared to his previous car.
• Technology and Features in Modern Cars[32:20]
  • Jay and Jim discuss the various technology features in modern cars, such as Apple Car Play, Android Auto, and built-in Wi-Fi.
  • Jay mentions the convenience of having a large screen and the ability to expand the Apple Car Play window.
  • Jim shares his experience with his 2021 Subaru Legacy and the issues he faced with the entertainment center.
  • They talk about the potential limitations of these features and the importance of updates and support from car manufacturers.
• Adaptive Driving Features and Personal Preferences[50:03]
  • Jay and Jim discuss the adaptive cruise control and lane departure features in their cars.
  • Jay expresses his preference for the adaptive cruise control but dislikes the lane departure feature due to its aggressive nature.
  • Jim shares his experience with Subaru’s different levels of lane change aggression and his preference for the most aggressive setting.
  • They talk about the balance between convenience and personal driving experience.
• Economy Mode and Driving Dynamics[56:33]
  • Jay asks about the impact of the econ mode on driving dynamics and fuel efficiency.
  • Jim suggests testing the econ mode to see how it affects performance and fuel consumption.
  • They discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using econ mode, especially in different driving conditions.
  • Jay mentions his experience with the econ mode and its impact on his driving habits.
• Power Distribution and Other Features[58:59]
  • Jay inquires about the meaning of the power distribution display in his Honda.
  • Jim explains that the display shows the power distribution to the wheels and is both informative and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Jay shares his observation of the back seat light indicating potential items left behind.
  • They discuss the convenience of such features and their practical applications.
• Final Thoughts and Personal Anecdotes[1:03:06]
  • Jim and Jay reflect on the importance of technology in modern cars and its impact on the driving experience.
  • Jay shares a humorous anecdote about receiving a DNA test result from his daughter’s school project.
  • They discuss the evolution of DNA testing and its implications for understanding ancestry.
  • The conversation ends with light-hearted banter and a reminder to cherish family moments.
• AI in Vehicles and Large Language Models[1:04:43]
  • Jim Collison and Jay Franze discuss the potential of AI infiltrating vehicles, noting that current large language models like ChatGPT are not yet fully integrated into this application.
  • Jay Franze shares his experience of connecting ChatGPT to his phone for better answers while driving, questioning the value of paying for AI features in cars.
  • Jim Collison explores the idea of using local large language models to analyze car data, suggesting that car data could be used to predict maintenance needs and improve vehicle performance.
  • Jay Franze agrees, noting that car manufacturers are reluctant to share detailed data because it affects their service revenue.
• AI Features and Integration in Daily Life[1:08:09]
  • Jim Collison mentions an update from Alexa adding more AI features, which he will get as it is included with his Prime membership.
  • Jay Franze shares his experience of using Alexa for quick answers, noting that he mutes the device to avoid unnecessary interactions.
  • Jim Collison reflects on his past attempts to integrate AI assistants into his show, finding them less helpful than expected.
  • Jay Franze recounts a co-hosted show where Alexa provided a quick fact about Shania Twain, demonstrating its usefulness in certain contexts.
• AI for Writing and Search[1:10:40]
  • Jim Collison primarily uses AI for writing and searching information, mentioning OpenAI and Google’s Gemini for specific tasks.
  • Jay Franze shares his positive experience with Gemini for quick news searches, finding it particularly useful for their entertainment news show.
  • Jim Collison discusses the differences between various platforms like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, noting their distinct content and algorithms.
  • Jay Franze and Jim Collison share their observations on the changing nature of social media platforms, with TikTok becoming more political and Instagram filled with scare videos.
• Personal Experiences with AI and Vehicles[1:14:24]
  • Jim Collison congratulates Jay Franze on his new vehicle, a Honda Accord, and discusses the challenges of ordering a Touring edition.
  • Jay Franze compares the cost of the Accord to the Civic, noting that the Accord was slightly more expensive but still not cheap.
  • Jim Collison reminisces about his own experiences with a Civic, highlighting its reliability for commuting and long drives.
  • Jay Franze and Jim Collison discuss their preferences for different vehicles, with Jay Franze opting for the Accord for passenger comfort and Jim Collison favoring the Civic for its cooler appearance.
• Final Thoughts and Upcoming Topics[1:16:29]
  • Jim Collison wraps up the conversation, mentioning the upcoming live show and the topic of modularization of AI with Jeff C.
  • Jim Collison encourages listeners to join the live show every Thursday at 8pm Central, 9pm Eastern, and to engage in the Discord group for more conversation.
  • Jim Collison thanks the participants and listeners, noting the absence of Ken and expressing appreciation for the regular attendees.
  • The conversation ends with Jim Collison and Jay Franze discussing the potential for future discussions on AI and its applications in various fields.

More from ChatGPT

In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I connect with Jay Franze, a passionate podcaster and music industry aficionado, to explore a variety of topics surrounding technology, automobiles, and the ever-evolving landscape of media. Recorded on February 27, 2025, we dive deep into the gadgets and tools that shape our daily lives.

We kick off our conversation by discussing the latest updates in the tech world, specifically those gadgets that manage to find their way into our homes. I express my appreciation for our Patreon supporters and outline how their contributions help sustain our community and our ongoing discussions, underscoring the importance of collaborative content creation for the average tech enthusiast.

Jay shares fascinating insights about his podcast, which focuses on behind-the-scenes stories from the music industry. He explains how he interviews a wide spectrum of artists, from newcomers making their debut to seasoned musicians navigating the twilight of their careers. We delve into the challenges of booking these interviews, highlighting the particular interest in musicians who are transitioning and the unique perspectives they bring.

As the conversation progresses, we pivot to the topic of Jay’s recent vehicle purchase—a 2025 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid. He discusses the rationale behind his decision-making process, considering comfort, reliability, and passenger space, especially in his line of work where he often transports artists. Jay recounts his experiences with previous vehicles, particularly a Nissan Murano, and shares the challenges he faced which ultimately led to his switch to Honda.

We touch upon the nuances of hybrid technology, discussing the pros and cons of driving in economic mode, and how well the vehicle integrates modern technology like built-in Wi-Fi and Alexa. Jay reflects on the significance of these advancements in enhancing everyday driving experiences and the newfound conveniences they offer. Our conversation also covers topics like vehicle care, the increasing complexity of infotainment systems in cars, and how these factors influence consumer decisions today.

Additionally, we explore the intriguing intersection of automotive technology and AI, discussing how future advancements may lead to more intelligent vehicles. Jay and I contemplate how data could inform car manufacturers about maintenance needs and efficiency, contributing to smarter, more intuitive driving experiences.

As we wrap up the discussion, we pivot to more light-hearted anecdotes, including Jay’s amusing experience with the DNA test results of his daughter, showcasing how technology connects even in personal contexts. Throughout the episode, we experience an engaging blend of serious tech talk and humorous exchanges, emphasizing the relevance of technology in our lives, both personally and professionally.

This episode promises to offer not just valuable insights into tech and cars but also relatable human experiences, perfect for anyone interested in the intersections of technology and daily life.

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