Mike Wieger joins me to talk through the latest in home tech and personal gadgets. We cover his switch from Cox to MetroNet fiber and compare Omaha’s evolving internet options, including T-Mobile and Great Plains. Mike shares his 2.5 and 10 Gbps networking upgrades, covers DIY repairs, and explores self-hosting with Oracle VPS and VPNs via Tailscale. We also break down his experience with the WHOOP fitness tracker, from sleep and recovery data to hardware upgrades. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, we dive into a range of captivating topics with Mike Wieger, exploring innovations in home technology and personal gadgets that enhance our everyday lives. We start off by discussing the rapidly approaching College World Series and how the warming weather impacts our local landscape, setting the stage for an engaging conversation about the tech we utilize in our homes to navigate daily challenges.

The conversation shifts to recent upgrades in internet service options, with Mike sharing his experience as he transitions from Cox Communications to MetroNet for fiber internet. He highlights the competitive landscape in Omaha, where residents now have multiple high-speed internet choices, and how his decision to opt for a two-gigabit plan reflects the growing trend towards faster, more reliable service. We explore the importance of upload speeds in everyday use and how this can affect home network setups.

As the discussion deepens, we transition into the realm of home lab setups, with Mike detailing his recent upgrades designed to optimize network performance. He outlines his journey to implement 2.5-gigabit networking gear to maximize efficiency while discussing the intricacies of setting up a network that can adequately handle the demands of modern technology, especially with the upcoming fiber internet installation. His recommendations on equipment and strategies provide insights for tech enthusiasts looking to enhance their home networks.

We also broach the subject of DIY repairs and sustainability in technology, with Mike sharing thoughts on the fix-it movement. He compares modern gadgets’ repairability to older models, highlighting the importance of accessibility to repairs in today’s fast-paced technology market. This leads to a broader conversation on the implications of our choices, from purchasing new devices to investing time in repairs.

Towards the end of the episode, Mike lifts the curtain on his experience with health technology, discussing his use of the Whoop band. He elaborates on its features, particularly the “Whoop age” metric, which compares physical performance against biological age and emphasizes the role of sleep in overall health. Listeners will find Mike’s enthusiasm for this technology infectious, coupled with practical tips on how he leverages data to inform lifestyle choices.

This episode is rich with professional insights, personal anecdotes, and practical advice, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the latest in home tech innovations, personal health tracking, and a thoughtful approach to modern living. Join us for an informative discussion that will equip you with knowledge and inspiration to improve your own home technology experience.

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg650

Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #650 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.

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Links

Sodola Switch – https://amzn.to/3ZuQDgo

Whoop Peak – https://amzn.to/3TsNOc4

https://www.oracle.com/cloud/free

Chapters

[0:06] – Introduction to Home Gadget Geeks
[4:43] – Getting hands-on in the fix-it space and why DIY matters
[6:29] – A look at current internet options in Omaha
[9:40] – Comparing T-Mobile’s home internet to traditional fiber
[14:45] – Mike’s full transition from Cox to MetroNet fiber
[20:41] – Upgrading to 2.5 and 10 Gbps networking gear
[23:31] – Why cable management still makes a big difference
[27:57] – Ubiquiti gear, rack setup, and building out the home lab
[28:58] – Moving media servers: Plex vs. Jellyfin
[39:47] – The struggle with carrier-grade NAT and home hosting
[41:19] – How Cloudflare Tunnels solve access challenges
[42:31] – Pangolin: A new option for smarter self-hosting
[45:08] – VPS providers worth considering
[47:31] – Making the most of Oracle’s free hosting resources
[56:04] – Using Tailscale for simple, secure VPNs
[59:03] – Mike’s take on the WHOOP band and “WHOOP age”
[1:04:20] – How wearables help track recovery, sleep, and health
[1:09:43] – Journaling as part of a daily wellness routine
[1:17:21] – Can AI co-host a podcast? Early thoughts
[1:23:05] – Wrap-up, shoutouts, and what’s coming next

Summary

• College World Series and Weather Discussion[0:00]
  • Jim Collison mentions the College World Series starting in Omaha and the associated severe weather.
  • Mike Wieger agrees, noting the forecast for storms on Monday and Tuesday.
  • Jim humorously comments on the predictability of the weather during the CWS.
  • Jim thanks the Patreon team for their continued support and mentions the affiliate link on the average guy.tv site.
• Fix It Space and Repairability[2:07]
  • Jim discusses the FIX IT space, mentioning Kevin Schoonover’s talk about it.
  • Mike Wieger expresses a preference for repairable items but notes the challenges due to modern designs using more plastic and glue.
  • Jim shares a story about his son Timmy, an auto mechanic, and his experiences with engine replacements.
  • Mike and Jim discuss the technical inclination required for repairing modern vehicles.
• Internet Service Providers and Fiber Rollout[6:31]
  • Jim talks about his switch from Cox Communications to T Mobile for internet service.
  • Mike Wieger explains his current situation with Cox and the upcoming fiber options from Great Plains and MetroNet.
  • Mike details his pre-order with MetroNet for a two-gigabit plan and the expected cost savings.
  • They discuss the potential for fiber companies to share lines and the reliability of fiber internet.
• Network Upgrades and Pfsense[16:02]
  • Mike Wieger shares his upgrades to his server room, including a managed 2.5 gigabit switch and a 10 gigabit NIC for his Pfsense box.
  • He explains the benefits of these upgrades, including faster backups and better local bandwidth.
  • Jim Collison considers his own network setup and the potential need for upgrades.
  • Mike emphasizes the importance of labeling cables and managing network gear for optimal performance.
• Home Lab and Self-Hosting[39:02]
  • Mike Wieger discusses his home lab setup, including the use of Pfsense and the challenges of Carrier Grade NAT with MetroNet.
  • He explains his use of Cloudflare tunnels and the introduction of the self-hosted alternative, Pangolin.
  • Mike details his experience with various VPS providers, including Oracle, Linode, and Rack Nerd.
  • He highlights the benefits of Oracle’s always free resources and the ease of setting up a VPS for self-hosting.
• Tailscale and Wireguard[55:55]
  • Mike Wieger introduces Tailscale as a simplified alternative to Wireguard for VPN access.
  • He explains how Tailscale allows for easy access to devices on the network and the ability to mark nodes as exit points.
  • Jim Collison and other listeners discuss the pros and cons of using Tailscale, including security and ease of configuration.
  • Mike shares his positive experience with Tailscale and its integration with his home lab setup.
• Woo Band and Health Monitoring[59:01]
  • Mike Wieger talks about his experience with the Woo band, a health monitoring device he uses alongside his Apple Watch.
  • He explains the benefits of the Woo band, including its thin design, minimal impact during sleep, and the convenience of wireless charging.
  • Mike shares his preference for the Woo band’s focus on sleep and overall health, compared to other fitness trackers.
  • Jim Collison and other listeners discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of using multiple health monitoring devices.
• Woo Fitness Tracker Features and Benefits[1:01:56]
  • Mike Wieger discusses the Woo fitness tracker, emphasizing its continuous wearability and recent updates like the “Woo age” feature.
  • The Woo age feature helps visualize data by comparing one’s actual age to their biological age, providing insights into aging factors.
  • Mike highlights the importance of heart rate zones, sleep consistency, and sleep debt in influencing one’s Woo age.
  • The tracker provides meaningful alerts, such as suggesting early bedtimes to reduce sleep debt, which Mike finds effective.
• Woo Tracker Models and Pricing[1:04:31]
  • Mike explains the different Woo tracker models: the medical-grade version, the Peak, and the Life.
  • Jim Collison mentions the availability of cheaper knockoffs on Amazon, advising caution.
  • Mike shares his subscription cost and the benefits of upgrading to new equipment as part of the subscription.
  • The new hardware lasts 14 days on a single charge, and the puck can be charged separately for extended use.
• Comparison with Other Health Monitors[1:06:27]
  • Mike and Jim discuss the similarities between the Woo tracker and the Oura ring.
  • Jim expresses interest in health monitors like the glucose monitor but worries about the impact of constant monitoring on anxiety.
  • Mike’s colleague at work is skeptical about the Woo tracker due to its potential to increase anxiety.
  • Jim considers using an Apple Watch during the day and a different tracker for sleep to avoid wearing two devices simultaneously.
• Daily Journal and AI Integration[1:09:55]
  • Mike describes the daily journal feature of the Woo tracker, which allows users to track various aspects of their life.
  • The tracker uses AI to make correlations between different activities and their impact on recovery and sleep.
  • Mike finds the AI-driven conversations fun and useful for making lifestyle changes.
  • Jim shares his experience with conversational AI in his car, highlighting its learning capabilities and potential for future integration.
• AI Co-Host Concept[1:10:55]
  • Jim introduces the idea of using an AI co-host named Mick for the podcast, which would involve live interactions.
  • Mike suggests testing the AI’s reactions to being a podcast guest to see how it interacts differently.
  • Jim discusses the technical details of integrating Mick, including the need for a virtual microphone.
  • The conversation touches on the potential benefits and challenges of having an AI co-host, including the possibility of an uncanny valley effect.
• Parenting and Personal Updates[1:18:17]
  • Mike shares his excitement about becoming a dad again, noting the differences in parenting styles over the years.
  • Jim and Mike discuss the practical aspects of parenting, such as the evolution of diaper bags and essential items.
  • Mike mentions his upcoming paternity leave and the impact on his hockey schedule.
  • Jim and Mike conclude the conversation with light-hearted banter about parenting and future podcast plans.

More from ChatGPT

Jim Collison and Mike Wieger discuss the latest tech gadgets and home automation on The Average Guy Network. They talk about the upcoming College World Series in Omaha and the associated severe weather. Jim thanks his Patreon supporters and mentions the affiliate link on averageguy.tv. They discuss the shift from Cox Communications to T-Mobile for internet and the upcoming fiber options from Great Plains and MetroNet. Mike shares his network upgrades, including a 2.5 Gbps switch and a 10 Gbps NIC for his Pfsense router. They also explore using Oracle’s free VPS for self-hosting and the benefits of Tailscale for VPN management. Mike Wieger discussed his experience with the WHOOP fitness tracker, highlighting its “woo age” feature, which compares actual age to biological age, and its detailed data on heart rate zones, sleep quality, and recovery. He appreciates the meaningful alerts, such as sleep debt notifications. Wieger mentioned the new hardware, which lasts 14 days on a single charge, and the different models available, including a medical-grade version. Jim Collison noted the availability of cheaper knockoffs on Amazon. They also touched on the potential of using AI for conversational interactions and the benefits of tracking various aspects of health and lifestyle.

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