In this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joined by Christian Johnson. We start with a discussion about the new Apple AirPods Pro 3, which I’ve purchased and am waiting to try once they arrive. From there, Christian shares updates on life as a new father and his progress toward earning a pilot’s license. The second half of the conversation focuses on cryptocurrency and blockchain, with Christian explaining his changing perspective on the space, especially the role of Ethereum and its connection to the growth of AI technologies. Thanks for listening!

n this episode of Home Gadget Geeks, I’m joined by longtime guest Christian Johnson for a wide-ranging conversation that blends personal updates with big-picture tech insights.

We begin with the new Apple AirPods Pro 3, which I’ve ordered and am eager to test, especially their real-time translation features. Christian then shares how becoming a dad has shifted his priorities and perspective, offering a candid look at life with a six-month-old.

From there, we catch up on his progress toward earning a pilot’s license, including the challenges of instrument training and balancing study with family life.

The second half of the show focuses on cryptocurrency and blockchain. Christian explains why his view on crypto has changed, highlighting Ethereum’s potential as more than a digital currency — serving instead as a platform for smart contracts, tokenization, and decentralized applications. He also discusses how recent regulation is paving the way for broader institutional adoption.

We then explore the growing connection between AI and blockchain, considering how these technologies might combine to enable machine-to-machine payments, digital identity verification, and tokenized AI compute power.

This episode balances gadgets, personal stories, and forward-looking technology in a way only Home Gadget Geeks can deliver.

Q: Did Jim get the new Apple AirPods Pro 3 yet?
A: Not yet. Jim has ordered them and is waiting to test the new features, including real-time translation, which could be especially useful for international work and travel.

Q: What did Christian Johnson share about becoming a dad?
A: Christian talked about how fatherhood has shifted his daily priorities and given him a new perspective on life. He described the joy of rediscovering the world through his six-month-old son and learning new ways to communicate.

Q: How is Christian progressing with his pilot’s license?
A: He’s close to completing the requirements for his instrument rating, including a 250 nautical mile cross-country flight, and plans to be check-ride ready by early 2026. His long-term goal is to move on to a commercial license.

Q: Why has Christian changed his view on cryptocurrency?
A: After years of skepticism, Christian sees new value in crypto, especially Ethereum. He emphasized its role as a smart contract platform and a foundation for tokenization, decentralized applications, and stablecoins — beyond just being a currency.

Q: How do AI and blockchain intersect in this episode’s discussion?
A: Christian explained that blockchain can provide trust, verification, and identity for AI systems, while also enabling machine-to-machine payments and tokenized access to AI compute power. Together, AI and blockchain could reshape digital transactions, ownership, and reputation systems.

Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg658

Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #658 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.

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Chapters

• [0:07] – Introduction to Home Gadget Geeks
• [0:26] – New Apple AirPods Discussion
• [1:27] – Christian’s New Addition
• [5:04] – Changing Priorities of Fatherhood
• [9:07] – Pilot’s License Update
• [14:37] – Shifting Views on Crypto
• [21:52] – The Role of Ethereum
• [33:13] – AI and Crypto Intersection
• [43:18] – Reflections on AI and Blockchain
• [54:53] – Closing Thoughts and Farewell

Summary

Apple AirPods and Translation Technology[0:00]

• Jim Collison discusses his new Apple AirPods Pro 3 and their potential for translation technology, especially useful for his work in other languages.
• Christian Johnson expresses skepticism about the new AirPods, noting that his current AirPod Pros are already excellent.
• Jim mentions the high cost of the new AirPods and his plan to test them at work with a headset for international meetings.
• Jim thanks Patreon subscribers for their monthly support, which helps fund the show and its expenses.

• Patreon Support and Amazon Affiliate Links[2:14]
  • Jim Collison appreciates the support from Patreon subscribers, which helps sustain the show financially.
  • Jim encourages listeners to use the Amazon affiliate link on the averageguy.tv website to support the network.
  • Jim mentions the frequency of Amazon Prime Days, which now seem to occur quarterly, benefiting the network.
  • Jim thanks Dr. Brian Freelander for his recent appearance on the show, discussing assistive technology.
• Christian Johnson’s New Baby[3:50]
  • Jim Collison congratulates Christian Johnson on his new baby, who is about six months old.
  • Christian describes his baby as the “director of party services,” always lively and happy.
  • Christian shares his experiences of traveling with his baby and how it has changed his priorities.
  • Jim and Christian discuss the challenges and joys of parenthood, including the impact on their routines and the importance of family time.
• Christian Johnson’s Pilot’s License Journey[9:13]
  • Jim Collison inquires about Christian Johnson’s progress towards getting his pilot’s license.
  • Christian explains his upcoming long IFR cross-country flight, which is his last flying requirement for the instrument rating.
  • Christian discusses his study routine, using ChatGPT to help him review textbook knowledge and regulations.
  • Christian plans to take the check ride for the instrument rating in January and then start commercial training.
• Christian Johnson’s Changing Perspective on Cryptocurrency[14:48]
  • Jim Collison and Christian Johnson discuss Christian’s evolving perspective on cryptocurrency.
  • Christian explains his initial skepticism about cryptocurrency, focusing on its value, mining, and regulatory compliance.
  • Christian shares his experience attending a Vitalik Buterin talk in 2014, which helped him understand Ethereum’s potential.
  • Christian highlights the recent regulatory framework and institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies, making him more optimistic about its future.
• AI and Cryptocurrency Integration[32:22]
  • Christian Johnson discusses the integration of AI and cryptocurrency, particularly Ethereum’s role in stable coins and smart contracts.
  • Christian explains how AI can help verify the authenticity of AI-generated content and transactions on the blockchain.
  • Christian mentions the potential for AI models to run on the blockchain, making automated transactions more efficient.
  • Christian discusses the use of AI in proving human identity and building reputation on the blockchain.
• Open AI Models and Local AI Computing[49:07]
  • Jim Collison asks Christian Johnson about the practicality of running open AI models locally.
  • Christian explains the benefits of local AI computing, including data privacy and cost efficiency.
  • Christian predicts that open AI models will become more powerful and accessible over time.
  • Christian discusses the potential for local AI computing to provide value for home environments and enthusiasts.
• Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks[55:04]
  • Jim Collison thanks Christian Johnson for his insights and participation in the show.
  • Jim congratulates Christian on his new baby and expresses his appreciation for Christian’s partnership over the years.
  • Jim reminds listeners about the averageguy.tv/discord group for community interaction and support.
  • Jim mentions the secure and reliable hosting services provided by Maple Grove Partners and encourages listeners to consider them for their hosting needs.

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Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, Christian Johnson, Apple AirPods Pro 3, translation features, fatherhood, cryptocurrency, Ethereum, smart contracts, AI, blockchain technology