PODCAST · technology
Examining
by Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans
Examining is a technology-focused podcast that dives deep. Our co-hosts, Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans examine the technology industry, productivity, and education, and provide practical tech tips. (The podcast started as EdTech Examined in July 2020 with the goal of helping educators transition to online education in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.)
Episodes
-
100: Slow and Steady
In this episode, Erik and Kris celebrate their 100th episode by discussing Cal Newport's Slow Productivity. They go through the book's three principles: do fewer things, work at a natural pace, and obsess over quality. They also reflect on what 100 episodes of Examining have taught them. SHOW…
more -
99: Two Airs Stuck Together
Erik and Kris discuss the latest Apple Event - "Surprise and Shine" - including the new phones, watches, and headphones. CONTACT Website: examining.ca Twitter: @ExaminingPod Erik Christiansen, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: erikchristiansen.net Kris Hans, Co-Founder & Co-Host Website: krishans.ca...
-
98: Rewind - Building Better Teams, Dr. Tom O'Neill
Erik and Kris interview Dr. Tom O’Neill, an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary. This episode was originally released on August 4, 2020. We are revisiting Tom's interview where he discusses ITP Metrics, a free online teamwork and behavioural assessment...
-
97: Soroush Sabbaghan
In this episode, Erik and Kris Interview Soroush Sabbaghan an Associate Professor at the University of Calgary's Weklund School of Education. The interview centres around Soroush's interest in AI and how it can be ethically and appropriately used in education. Soroush's website:...
-
96: Goblins in the Cloud
In this episode, Erik and Kris discuss Apple’s MacBook Neo and what it may mean for the future of the iPad. They also look at OpenAI’s GPT-5.5 release, including benchmark results, agentic coding, AI in medical triage, and the strange story of ChatGPT’s “goblin” habit. Finally, they revisit the...
-
95: Focus on the Product
In this episode, Kris and Erik discuss the announcement that Tim Cook will be stepping down as Apple's CEO and turning over the role to John Ternus. Could this be a signal that Apple is returning to products with a hardware engineer at the helm? They discuss what it means for a tech industry...
-
94: Hadi Fariborzi
In this episode, Kris and Erik interview Dr. Hadi Fariborzi, an Assistant Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Mount Royal University. His research is situated at the intersection of international entrepreneurship. Dr. Fariborzi co-founded Hub Meta — an AI powered tool for conducting...
-
93: Ross ‘MEMPHIS’ Pambrun
In this episode, Erik and Kris chat with Ross "Memphis" Pambrun about his unique path across healthcare, firefighting, technology, music, and media. They discuss how Ross built a career that spans public service, AI and cyber innovation through The Memphis Group, storytelling through Red River...
-
92: Walk It Back
In this episode, Erik and Kris discuss how trust keeps becoming the real story in tech. They look at Paul Thurrott’s skepticism about Microsoft’s latest promises to improve Windows, Anthropic’s massive global interview project on what people actually want from AI, OpenAI’s plan to nearly double…
more -
91: Is Neo the One?
In this episode, Erik and Kris explore the growing gap between AI adoption and AI literacy, highlighting how institutions, governments, and workplaces are struggling to keep up. They discuss practical frameworks for using AI responsibly, the risks of poorly implemented automation, and the...
-
90: Sasha Ivanov - Maple Scan
Kris and Erik speak with Sasha Ivanov, creator of Maple Scan, a mobile app that helps Canadians identify products made in Canada while shopping. Sasha explains the motivation behind the project, how the app works, and what it reveals about Canadian manufacturing and supply chains. Maple Scan:...
-
89: AI Frenemies
In this episode, Erik and Kris discuss the ongoing saga between Apple and Google, including the $20 billion deal that made Google the default search engine on Apple devices and the recent DOJ review of their partnership. Additionally, they explore how AI is changing the game for search behaviors...
-
88: Rewind - AI Soap Opera & Velcro Hacks
*This episode was originally published on December 8, 2023 In this episode, Erik and Kris tackle the unfolding drama at OpenAI and its implications. Kris discusses his recent AI panel discussion at MRU, while Erik offers an overview of his latest home organization project. Both hosts will share...
-
87: Randall Herd—Arkhet
In this episode, Erik and Kris interview Randall Herd—VP Marketing at Arhket. Arhket is an AI driven prototyping tools that allows users to quicky get from ideation to prototype through a clever combination of visual wireframing tools and AI prompts. SHOW NOTES Arkhet: https://arkhet.app/ *For...
-
86: One Ring to Record It All
In this episode Kris and Erik discuss Microsoft's latest report on global AI adoption trends, explore highlights from CES 2026 including LEGO's groundbreaking Smart Bricks, Samsung's triple-folding phone, and AMD's new AI-powered laptop processors. Plus, we check out Repebble's new smartwatches…
more -
85: The AI Architects
In this episode Kris provides a long-term review of the iPhone Air, our co-hosts discuss Time Magazine's person of the year—The AI Architects—and Erik discusses how to run AI locally using Ollama. SHOW NOTES TIME: Person of the Year 2025 — AI Architects...
-
84: Windows 10 to Linux
In this episode, Erik discusses Linux has never quite become the everyday desktop operating system, despite powering much of the modern Internet and having a passionate community behind it. He explores what has held Linux back from mainstream adoption, and looks at how the end of Windows 10…
more -
83: Why AI prompting is hard
In this episode, Erik dives into why prompting AI is hard, especially for those of us who have spent twenty years being trained to search the web with short, concise queries. He unpacks the shift from keyword-driven search habits to the more detailed, creative instructions AI systems require, and...
-
82: The Agentic Web
In this episode, Erik talks about the rise of Agentic Web Browsers. These "next generation" web browsers are the new hotness, and companies like OpenAI, Perplexity, and Microsoft claim they can save you time by doing tasks on your behalf. But do they actually work? What are the risks of letting…
more -
81: Rewind - AI Hype
This episode was originally published on September 8, 2023 (Episode 60), during the AI hype cycle. What is still true today? Does Amazon still want to own the AI highway? Is higher education and business responding to ChatGPT the same way today? --- Examining is a technology-focused podcast that...
-
80: Rewind- Digital Detox
This episode was originally published on February 1, 2022. In this episode, Kris and Erik return after their Winter break 'sabbatical.' Kris gives an update on the latest books he's read on work productivity, specifically those that force us to rethink how we work. Our co-hosts also discuss their...
-
79: Alt-F4 for Windows 10
In this episode, Kris and Erik discuss the legacy of Windows 10 (successes and controversies), Windows' evolution, how to get an extra year of Windows 10 support for free, and our favourite Windows features. SHOW NOTES Bloomberg: Apple is enticing Windows 10 users to switch to Mac/iPad Paul...
-
78: Leaked from Orbit
In this episode, Erik and Kris discuss the new Sora 2 video generator from OpenAI and a startling Wired report about how public and government information was gathered from satellites using only $800 worth of equipment. SHOW NOTES Sora 2 AI video generator Wired: Satellites are leaking the…
more -
77: Rewind - A World Without Email
This episode was originally published September 21, 2021. ---- In this deep dive episode, Kris and Erik discuss Cal Newport's most recent book "A World Without Email." Newport argues that email and messaging apps (asynchronous communication) have led to what he calls "the hyperactive hive mind."...
-
76: Fall 2025 Productivity Roundup
In this episode, Erik and Kris do their Fall 2025 productivity tips roundup and summarize some advice from author David Pink. They also compare sleep tracking apps, cover some mindblowing Microsoft data centre news, and share some early impressions of the new Apple Watch SE 3. SHOW NOTES…
more -
75: Liquid Glass Design
Following up on episode 74 on the September 2025 Apple event, Erik and Kris discuss Apple’s newly released operating systems for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and macOS. This year brings perhaps the largest design overhaul since 2013’s iOS 7. Across all its operating systems, Apple has introduced a...
-
74: Thin Air and Budget Devices
In this episode, Kris and Erik break down the September, 2025 Apple event. Apple launched a new iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, the iPhone Air, new Apple Watches (Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3), and AirPod Pro 3. SHOW NOTES: Watch the Sep 2025 Apple event PCMag: You Probably Missed These 7...
-
73: $3000 A Book
SHOW NOTES: Bloomberg Law: Anthropic Judge Blasts Copyright Pact as “Nowhere Close to Done” Reuters: Anthropic Agrees to Pay $1.5 Billion to Settle Author Class Action Tom’s Guide: Claude AI Will Start Training on Your Data Soon — Here’s How to Opt-Out Before the Deadline Futurism: Sam Altman…
more -
72: AI Agent or Data Broker?
In this episode, Kris and Erik discuss AI Agents. They cover what they are, how they operate, and the pros and cons of having these agents roaming the Internet. SOURCES The Verge: AI agents are science fiction not yet ready for primetime Microsoft: Copilot and AI Agents OpenAI: Introducing…
more -
71: AI Companions
SHOWNOTES "AI Coding Tools Could Bring Us the 'One-Employee Unicorn'": Fast Company "Chamath Palihapitiya tweet about not studying code": X (formerly Twitter) "Interview with Ray Kurzweil": Intelligent Machines Podcast "Microsoft Thinks AI Colleagues Are Coming Soon": Fast Company "Your…
more -
70: Wasted Bytes
The State of Apple Daring Fireball: https://daringfireball.net/2025/03/something_is_rotten_in_the_state_of_cupertino HEY World: https://world.hey.com/dhh/age-is-a-problem-at-apple-f7ae6eca AI Discussion Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ClaudeAI/comments/1d4h1h9/claude_versus_chatgpt/ Featured…
more -
69: Kleenex of Video Conferencing
Quantum Computing Breakthrough from Microsoft Microsoft News: Microsoft’s Majorana-1 Chip Carves New Path for Quantum Computing Nature: Microsoft’s Quantum Computing Bet: Topological Qubits Finally Arrive Popular Mechanics: Majorana-1 Topological Qubit Could Revolutionize Quantum Computing…
more -
68: DeepSeek Disruption
SHOW NOTES The Verge: How DeepSeek Crashed the AI Party The Wall Street Journal: Six Takeaways From a Monumental Week for AI Nature: How China Created AI Model DeepSeek and Shocked the World Fortune: Researchers Had a '100% Attack Success Rate' vs. DeepSeek Microsoft WorkLab: Research Proves Your...
-
67: AI, AI, and more AI
News Articles * Inc.: AI Isn’t Magic, and It Isn’t a Strategy Either * Ars Technica: It’s Remarkably Easy to Inject New Medical Misinformation into LLMs * Reuters: OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle to Invest $500 Billion in AI, Trump Says * MobileSyrup: OpenAI's Operator Can Browse the Web and Perform...
-
66: 2024 Highlights
In this episode, we explored the latest tech highlights of 2025, covering Nvidia's advancements, the rise of AI devices and applications, Microsoft's recall issues, and Apple's innovations with Silicon and the Vision Pro. We wrapped up with a lighthearted tangent on decluttering projects, diving...
-
65: AI Subscription Overload
Erik and Kris explore subscription creep, hidden digital costs, AI tools, and DIY tech, offering tips to regain control over recurring expenses. Book: When Things Don't Go Your Way By Haemin Sunim ---- Digital Privacy and Security 404 Media: Leaked Docs Show What Phones Cellebrite Can and Can't...
-
64: Mac Mini M1 & AI Retrospective
In this episode, Kris takes us through a comprehensive three-year journey with his M1 Mac Mini, sharing insights and experiences that highlight the device's impact and longevity. Our co-hosts also weigh in, exploring other Apple computers that merit consideration and diving deep into the current...
-
63: AI Soap Opera & Velcro Hacks
In this episode, Erik and Kris tackle the unfolding drama at OpenAI and its implications. Kris discusses his recent AI panel discussion at MRU, while Erik offers an overview of his latest home organization project. Both hosts will share their holiday gift guide tips, perfect for the tech-savvy…
more -
62: Megahertz & Mandating AI Morals
This week Erik and Kris discuss Apple's Halloween-themed 'Scary Fast' event and its slew of new tech, the implications of Biden's AI executive order, and OpenAI's influence on startup innovation. Show Notes The Verge, "Apple's Spooky 'Scary Fast' Event Introduces M3 Chip Family," Provides an...
-
61: Big 4 Hardware Round Up
This week Erik and Kris discuss hardware and software events by Apple, Microsoft, and Google, and throw in some Meta news for fun. Both co-hosts have been working flat out the last two weeks, so this episode is a little later than normal. Thank you for your patience! Apple iPhone Event Article...
-
60: AI Hype
Examining is a technology-focused podcast that dives deep. Our co-hosts, Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans examine the technology industry, branding, productivity, and education, and provide practical tech tips. As we make this transition to "Examining" we will be updating our various account…
more -
59: AI Detectors. Friend or Foe?
In this episode, Kris and Erik discuss up on AI detector tools, Microsoft 365 Copilot pricing, US Ed Department AI guidance, and more. SHOW NOTES OpenAI Quietly Shutters Its AI Detection Tool https://decrypt.co/149826/openai-quietly-shutters-its-ai-detection-tool?amp=1 AI text detection tools are...
-
58: AI Rocks, Big Tech Sucks
In this episode, Kris and Erik discuss AI data scraping, the academy's under-preparedness for AI, how Kris allows AI use in his class, Apple news (new MacBook Air and Vision Pro headset), prompt engineering, RSS readers, and how to greyscale your phone screen to reduce usage. SHOW NOTES The…
more -
57: Rewind - Atomic Effort
This episode originally launched August 5th, 2022. --- In this episode, Erik and Kris review essential Windows 10 tips, edtech privacy in schools, tech industry layoffs, 3D Google Maps, Chromebook updates, Intel mini desktops, and iOS Lockdown Mode. Kris reviews the book Atomic Habits by James...
-
56: Emergent Properties
In this episode, we talk about ChatGPT and Bing AI (again), why the godfather of AI left Google, how a professor is offering an experimental course taught with AI tools, and what are the best AI chatbots available in 2023. Show Notes Wired: “ChatGPT has entered the classroom” - A report on how...
-
55: Bing it on!
Please support this podcast :) Please show us your support by becoming an EdTech Examined patron. https://www.patreon.com/EdTechExamined SHOW NOTES Chat bots/AI Wharton professor uses AI tools to complete a business project in 30 minutes with superhuman results Gen Z tech skills gap: Dell study...
-
54: AI Wars
Please support this podcast :) Please show us your support by becoming an EdTech Examined patron. https://www.patreon.com/EdTechExamined SHOW NOTES AI Wars: Google's AI chatbot, Bard, made a mistake during an exoplanet demo, causing some embarrassment for the company. (source:...
-
53: ChatGPT Moral Panic
Please support this podcast :) Please show us your support by becoming an EdTech Examined patron. https://www.patreon.com/EdTechExamined SHOW NOTES ChatGPT "Deconstructing ChatGPT: The Future of Continuing Education" from Inside Higher Ed...
-
52: FrankenPad
Erik and Kris discuss new hardware announcements from Microsoft and Apple. They provide their take on the new Surface devices and iPads. Our co-hosts also discuss the purchase of edX and the pros and cons of outsourcing online learning program development. PATREON Please show us your support by...
-
51: Bricking News
In this episode, Kris and Erik discuss podcast discovery tools and strategies, the firing of an NYU chemistry prof, Lego's purchase of Brain Pop, edtech surveillance, edtech layoffs, and a new EdTech book from Athabasca University Press. We're sorry for some of the audio issues. The Internet was…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Examining is a technology-focused podcast that dives deep. Our co-hosts, Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans examine the technology industry, productivity, and education, and provide practical tech tips. (The podcast started as EdTech Examined in July 2020 with the goal of helping educators transition to online education in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.)
HOSTED BY
Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Examining have?
Examining currently has 104 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Examining about?
Examining is a technology-focused podcast that dives deep. Our co-hosts, Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans examine the technology industry, productivity, and education, and provide practical tech tips. (The podcast started as EdTech Examined in July 2020 with the goal of helping educators transition...
How often does Examining release new episodes?
Examining publishes regularly with 104 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Examining?
You can listen to Examining on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Examining?
Examining is created and hosted by Erik Christiansen and Kris Hans.
URL copied to clipboard!