Summary In today's episode, I walk through how to build a DIY podcast transcription pipeline using generative AI and free local tools instead of paying for SaaS services. Here's what this means for you. You unlock a repeatable method for slashing software costs while owning your automation end to end. You'll also learn these concepts:…
Summary In today's episode, I walk through identifying plumbing system components by matching manuals to physical parts and explaining how to safely address a dripping pressure relief valve. Here's what this means for you. You'll gain a practical troubleshooting mindset that prioritizes safety before touching any valve or lever in a residential plumbing system. You'll…
Summary In today's episode, I walk through a cheap DIY hack for using a lavalier microphone handheld-style by rigging it to a no-name power bank with a USB-C cable, as an alternative to Rode's $29 plastic holder. Here's what this means for you. You get a budget-friendly, travel-ready setup that improves your audio quality and…
Summary In today's episode, I break down a popular misconception about video lighting pushed by expensive gear companies and show why technique trumps price. Here's what this means for you. You can produce a professional-looking video presence on a shoestring budget by mastering a few lighting positions instead of buying costly equipment. You'll also learn…
This week, let’s look at a general pest repellant for the garden. I’m a fan of natural solutions when the science behind them is sound. I’m also a fan of making things yourself whenever possible, because that’s the only surefire guarantee that you know what the ingredients are. The intent of this DIY garden pest…
One of my favorite genres of explainer videos is the stop-motion animation/stop-action animation video. First made by Common Craft for explaining Internet concepts, then used by Kathy Maister’s Start Cooking video podcast, these have been a select part of video online for over a decade: The tough part about doing the stop-motion animation on paper…
I have a nearly irrational love of PVC piping. PVC is incredibly versatile stuff: strong, durable, flexible, resistant to breaking down. True, it does break down over time, but that timeframe is roughly 140 years, longer than our operational lifetimes. Over the years I’ve made instructions for how to build camera stabilizers, strawberry towers, and…
It’s a Summer Friday, so let’s kick back and relax with some foodblogging. Today, we’re going to make a DIY Nutella, but one that’s marginally better for you. I say marginally because I don’t want you thinking it’s some kind of health food. It’s not. For reference, here are the official product’s ingredients: Ingredients: sugar,…
It’s funny. I write about marketing, social media, business strategy, and productivity a ton. But make one mention of a strawberry tower and the Interwebs light up like a Christmas tree with people wanting to know more. Message received, my friends. Let’s dig into this fun construction project. First, what is a strawberry tower? Simply…
Looking for advice, bids, and suggestions: I have a 1950’s era Cape with these sort of cardboard/wood pulp tile ceilings: (click for larger image) and This is in a room that is approximately 144 sq. ft. I want to get them replaced with this kind of ceiling tile from Armstrong, available at the big box…
