Mr. Fred's Tech Talks

Pencils? Check. Notebooks? Check. Four mysteriously specific black pens? Check.But as students return to classrooms with artificial intelligence at their fingertips, they need a few important supplies that cannot be purchased at a store.In this episode, Mr. Fred explores three skills students need in their digital backpacks: the confidence to solve everyday technology problems, enough healthy skepticism to question polished answers, and the judgment to recognize when AI supports learning and when it quietly replaces it.You’ll also hear a practical Tech Challenge that turns AI from an answer machine into a learning coach.Full episode description/show notesIt’s 11:47 on a school night. An assignment is due at midnight, the document is still blank, and an AI tool can finish the entire thing in minutes.Crisis avoided or learning avoided?As families prepare for another school year, students still need pencils, notebooks, folders, and all the traditional supplies. But succeeding in the age of AI also requires a different kind of preparation.In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, Mr. Fred explores three essential additions to the modern student’s digital backpack:Digital confidence to organize files, troubleshoot problems, and communicate clearlyHealthy skepticism when evaluating online and AI-generated informationGood judgment about when AI supports learning and when students need to work through the challenge themselvesMr. Fred also considers a better question for parents and teachers to ask, not simply, “Did you use AI?” but, “Did using AI leave you understanding more than when you started?”Mr. Fred’s Tech ChallengeChoose something you genuinely want to understand and give an AI tool this instruction:I am trying to understand [insert topic]. Do not give me the final answer. Ask me questions, provide clues, and help me work it out for myself.Then notice what changes when AI acts as a coach instead of an answer machine.Did it make you think more? Did you understand or remember more afterward?Try the challenge with your child, your students, or for your own learning and let Mr. Fred know what happened.Learn more and discover approachable coding and technology resources at GetMeCoding.com.If this episode made you think, share it with a parent, teacher, or student preparing for the new school year. Follow Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, subscribe to the GetMeCoding YouTube channel, and leave a review to help more curious families and educators discover the show.AI can help carry a few supplies. Just don’t let it carry the whole backpack.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 landed on the Moon.And then, just a few years later, humanity stopped going.So what happened?Did we forget how to get there? Did the technology disappear? And if we could reach the Moon using 1960s technology, why did it take more than 50 years for humans to travel there again?In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, Mr. Fred connects the story of Apollo to the new era of Artemis.We explore why the infrastructure behind Apollo could not simply be restarted, how Artemis is building a new path back to the Moon, what Artemis II accomplished, why Artemis III is an important step even without a lunar landing, and how each mission builds toward what comes next.Along the way, Mr. Fred also reflects on another July 20 milestone...his birthday...and how both birthdays and space missions can remind us to look back, learn, and ask an important question:What are we going to do next?You’ll also hear connections to coding, engineering, experimentation, and the idea that progress often comes from taking what someone else built and carrying the mission forward.In this episodeWhy humans stopped traveling to the Moon after ApolloWhy returning was about more than simply rebuilding old rocketsHow Apollo and Artemis differWhat Artemis II accomplishedWhy Artemis III is a critical testing missionHow future Artemis missions could return astronauts to the lunar surfaceWhat Moon missions can teach kids about coding, engineering, and iterationMr. Fred’s July 20 birthday connectionA new Tech Challenge: Carry the Mission ForwardCallbacks and related contentLongtime listeners may remember Season 1, Episode 2, where Mr. Fred explored the technology behind Apollo 11.You can also go deeper with Mr. Fred’s GetMeCoding.com article about the Apollo Guidance Computer and his YouTube video explaining the famous 1202 program alarm that appeared during the Apollo 11 lunar landing.LinksYouTube: Error Code 1202 ExplainedRelated GetMeCoding Apollo article (The Apollo 11 Software: 4 Things You Probably Didn’t Know): https://www.getmecoding.com/the-apollo-11-software-4-things-you-probably-didnt-know/GetMeCoding:https://www.getmecoding.comMr. Fred’s Tech Talks:https://www.getmecoding.com/podcast-mr-freds-tech-talks/CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fastest thing Mr. Fred has ever watched happen had no engine, no wheels, and no wings.In fact, he never actually saw it happen.He only pressed a button.In Season 2, Episode 21 of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we follow the hidden journey that begins every time you send a message, open a webpage, stream a video, join a livestream, or ask an AI tool a question.What looks like one simple click sets an incredible process in motion. Information is broken into pieces, labeled, routed through a worldwide network, delivered to the correct destination, and reassembled, often in less time than it takes you to blink.In this episode, you’ll discover:• Why information travels in small pieces called packets• How IP addresses help data find the correct destination• How routers direct internet traffic from one stop to the next• Why DNS works like the internet’s phone book• How shared protocols allow different devices to communicate• Why the internet can often reroute around slowdowns and failures• How modern AI still depends on the invisible internet underneath itMr. Fred explains it all with couches, pizza deliveries, phone books, traffic directors, struggling Wi-Fi, and blinking routers that are honestly doing their best.The internet is not magic.It is an amazing system built by people, and once kids understand that, they can begin to see themselves as builders, problem-solvers, and creators too.Tech Challenge: Trace Your Own RouteThis week’s challenge is to trace the path your data takes across the internet.On WindowsOpen Command Prompt and enter:tracert getmecoding.comOn Mac or LinuxOpen Terminal and enter:traceroute getmecoding.comYou will see a list of hops. Each hop represents another step your data takes on its way to the destination.Try running the command more than once. Compare the number of hops and response times to see whether the route changes.Parents and educators can ask young learners:• How many hops did the data make?• Which hop was the fastest?• Which one took the longest?• Did the route change when you tried it again?• What surprised you most?You do not need to understand every line.Curiosity is the win.Listener Call to ActionTake the traceroute Tech Challenge and share what you discover in the GetMeCoding community or on social media using:#MrFredsTechTalksExplore more beginner-friendly coding activities, technology explainers, parent resources, and podcast episodes at:GetMeCoding.comCONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The American Revolution should not have worked.The British had professional soldiers, experienced commanders, better supplies, and the most powerful navy in the world. The Americans had courage, impossible odds, and something else that helped change history: secret communication.In this special 250th Fourth of July episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we travel from Revolutionary War spycraft to the little lock icon on your browser. Mr. Fred explores George Washington’s spy network, the Culper Ring, invisible ink, coded numbers, Caesar ciphers, and how those early ideas connect to the encryption protecting your digital life today.You will learn what encryption is, why it matters, how plaintext becomes ciphertext, and why digital trust is about more than hiding information. It is also about knowing whether a message is private, authentic, and protected from being changed along the way.This episode also includes a hands-on Tech Challenge where listeners can create their own Caesar cipher message and experience the basic idea behind secret keys and coded communication.Want to help your kids understand technology instead of just consume it? Visit GetMeCoding.com for beginner-friendly coding activities, tech explainers, podcast episodes, and resources that help families and educators raise confident digital creators.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before Wi-Fi, smartphones, and AI tools that answer in seconds, getting online meant connecting a computer to a modem, plugging into a phone line, and hoping nobody picked up the phone in the other room.In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, Mr. Fred continues the From Atari to AI series with Part III: The Doorway Moment.This time, the story moves from the Timex Sinclair to the Christmas gift that changed everything: the Commodore 64. From there, Mr. Fred shares what it was like to connect through a modem, explore CompuServe, deal with the limits of dial-up, head to college with an IBM PS/2 Model 25, and later discover how digital communication changed the workplace during active duty in the Marine Corps.Along the way, we pause to explain what a modem actually did, why dial-up made those strange sounds, and how the movie WarGames gave many people a memorable picture of computers talking over phone lines.But this episode is not just nostalgia.It is a bridge to today’s AI moment.Just like dial-up once made computers feel connected to something bigger, AI now feels like another doorway. It is faster, more powerful, and a little unnerving. But the lesson remains the same: tools can help us, but humans still own the judgment, responsibility, and final decision.In This EpisodeMr. Fred explores:How the Commodore 64 became a major step beyond the Timex SinclairWhat a modem is and why it converted digital data to analog signals and back againHow dial-up, CompuServe, and phone lines shaped early online experiencesWhy early technology was exciting, limited, and sometimes boringWhat college computing looked like with an IBM PS/2 Model 25 and computer labsHow active duty introduced lessons about spreadsheets, email, reach, and responsibilityWhy AI feels like another “doorway moment”What parents, students, and teachers can learn from earlier technology shiftsIf this episode brought back a memory of dial-up, CompuServe, early email, computer labs, or someone yelling for you to get off the phone line, share it with someone who remembers that era too.And if you are raising or teaching kids in this AI moment, visit GetMeCoding.com for more coding ideas, family-friendly tech guidance, and resources to help kids become creators, not just consumers.Website Linkhttps://www.getmecoding.comCONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 1 of From Atari to AI, we talked about Atari, arcades, joysticks, cartridges, and the magic of playing the game.But in Part 2, something changes.This episode is about the moment technology stopped being something we only played with and became something we could create with.Mr. Fred shares memories of learning to program on the Timex Sinclair 1000, receiving a BASIC programming book from one of his mother’s coworkers, building a text adventure game with a friend, saving code on cassette tapes, and later experiencing the Apple IIe in a high school computer science classroom.Along the way, we explore why that blinking cursor mattered so much.A game console said, “Here is the game. Play it.”A computer said, “Here is the machine. Tell it what to do.”That shift from player to maker is at the heart of this episode and at the heart of GetMeCoding.In this episode:The difference between playing a game and programming a machineWhy the blinking cursor felt like an invitationMemories of the Timex Sinclair 1000Learning BASIC from an old-school programming bookBuilding a text adventure game on Saturday morningsSaving code on cassette tapesThe Apple IIe and turtle graphics in high schoolWhy coding helps kids build confidence, patience, and problem-solving skillsThis week’s screen-free Tech Challenge: Be the ComputerWhether you grew up with BASIC, Apple IIe, cassette tapes, or you are simply curious about how we got from early home computers to today’s AI tools, this episode is a fun look back at the moment many of us realized:Technology was not magic.It was something people made.And maybe we could make something too.Tech ChallengeBe the ComputerOne person acts as the programmer.The other person acts as the computer.The programmer gives step-by-step instructions for a simple task, such as drawing a square, walking across the room, stacking cups, or making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.The computer can only do exactly what the programmer says.No guessing.No filling in the blanks.Then debug the instructions and try again.It is a fun, screen-free way to teach sequencing, precision, debugging, and computational thinking.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before smartphones, apps, YouTube, and AI chatbots, there was a box connected to the family television, a joystick with one button, and a generation of kids discovering that technology was not just something you watched.It was something you controlled.In Part 1 of the From Atari to AI series, Mr. Fred goes back to the moment technology first came home. From saving quarters for Atari 2600 cartridges at Kmart to the glowing magic of mall arcades like Aladdin’s Castle, this episode explores how early games and shared tech experiences sparked curiosity, pattern recognition, problem-solving, and a lifelong love of learning.This is not just nostalgia. It is the beginning of a bigger story about how kids move from playing with technology to wondering how it works — and eventually learning how to build with it.In this episode, Mr. Fred talks about:The Atari 2600 and how it changed the family living roomWhy early video games were simple but powerful learning experiencesThe social magic of arcades like Aladdin’s CastleHow games like Pac-Man and Galaga taught pattern recognition and strategyWhy every generation has a “gateway technology”How curiosity can move kids from consumers to creatorsThis week’s Tech Challenge: The First Tech WowIf you grew up with Atari, arcades, early video games, or simply want to help kids understand technology instead of just consume it, this episode is for you.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is a funny thing we do with our phones.We back up everything.Photos. Videos. Contacts. Documents. Messages. Voice memos. The random screenshots we forgot we even took.But Memorial Day asks us to think about a different kind of memory.Not the kind stored in the cloud.The kind we carry.In this special Memorial Day episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, Mr. Fred takes a respectful pause to reflect on the meaning of the day. He explains the important difference between Armed Forces Day, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day, and why Memorial Day is specifically set aside to remember those who died while serving our country.As a former Marine officer and the father of an active duty Marine officer, Mr. Fred shares how service, sacrifice, and remembrance are deeply personal.This episode also brings in a meaningful technology connection. In an age where we can scan letters, preserve old photographs, digitize records, and share family stories across generations, technology gives us powerful tools to help preserve the legacy of the fallen.But technology cannot remember for us.It can store the data.It can preserve the record.But only we can preserve the meaning.This Memorial Day, may we pause, remember, and carry forward the stories of those who never came home.Episode Notes / BulletsIn this episode:The difference between Armed Forces Day, Veterans Day, and Memorial DayWhy Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembranceA personal reflection from Mr. Fred as a former Marine officer and military dadHow technology can help preserve military stories, photos, letters, and recordsWhy digital archives matter, but human memory matters moreA simple Memorial Day tech tip for families, students, and educatorsTech TipUse technology this Memorial Day to remember someone specifically.Look up the story of someone from your town or region who gave their life in service. Search a local memorial. Scan an old photo. Preserve a letter. Record a family story. Help make sure their name and sacrifice are not forgotten.Call to ActionIf this episode helped you pause and remember, please consider sharing it with someone else who may need that same pause this Memorial Day.You can also visit GetMeCoding.com for more episodes, resources, and reflections on technology, learning, and the world our kids are growing up in.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was finals week. Students were trying to submit work, check grades, finish projects, and prepare for graduation.Then Canvas, the learning management system used by many schools and universities, became part of a major cybersecurity story.In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, Mr. Fred breaks down the recent Canvas breach and uses it as a teaching moment for students, parents, educators, and anyone who uses email, school platforms, or online accounts.But this episode is not just about hackers or software.It is about the human side of cybersecurity.Mr. Fred shares how students and faculty experienced the confusion in real time, how communication from schools and vendors mattered, and why stress, urgency, and uncertainty can make people more vulnerable to cyberattacks.He also shares something personal: during the same stressful environment, he fell for what appeared to be a phishing email that looked legitimate and seemed connected to a real student issue.That is the heart of this episode.Cybersecurity is not always a high-tech movie scene. Sometimes it is an email. Sometimes it is a nervous student. Sometimes it is a rushed decision. Sometimes it is realizing that even people who teach cybersecurity can get caught when the story feels believable.In this episode, you’ll learn:What happened with the Canvas cybersecurity incidentWhy social engineering is so effectiveHow phishing emails use urgency, trust, and timingWhy AI may make scam messages more convincingWhy we should avoid speculation while still understanding the risksWhat students, parents, teachers, and families can do to stay saferHow to use the “pause test” before clicking, entering a code, or approving a requestThis week’s Tech Challenge is the Social Engineering Audit: find one suspicious email, inspect it carefully, and look for signs of urgency, fear, curiosity, or pressure without clicking anything.If this episode helps you think differently about cybersecurity, share it with a student, parent, teacher, coworker, or anyone who has ever clicked something a little too fast.And as always:Keep learning. Keep questioning. And keep building.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it look like when someone has spent decades writing real software, then walked into a classroom to help the next generation figure it out? In this episode, Mr. Fred sits down with a longtime colleague, Dr. Hal Smith, a professor of Information Sciences and Technology, former software developer at Raytheon, and yes, a ukulele player, for one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations the show has had yet.Dr. Hal traces his journey from a Cub Scout field trip to a power facility, where a computer playing Hangman lit a spark, to programming on a Timex Sinclair, learning Basic in a Cornell enrichment class, and eventually writing missile guidance algorithms in Tucson, Arizona. He talks about what industry taught him that no textbook could, including the time he had to debug a compiler and the time he built a globe display for a ground-based radar tracker from scratch.But this conversation goes deeper than origin stories. Mr. Fred and Dr. Hal dig into the real challenges of teaching software development today: the students who arrive expecting to build video games by week two, the disconnect between how young people experience technology and what a first-semester class actually looks like, and why the elegance of code still matters even in an age of AI.They also tackle the big questions parents and students are asking right now. Should kids learn to code? Are we too late? What does AI mean for the future of software development? And is curiosity something that can be taught, or does it have to be sparked?This one runs longer than a typical episode, and every minute is worth it. Whether you are a parent wondering where to start, an educator trying to keep up with a world that will not slow down, or a curious person who has always wondered how the tech around you actually works, this conversation is for you.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today is May the Fourth, and for Mr. Fred, that means more than just Star Wars jokes, lightsabers, and fun social media posts.In this special episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, Mr. Fred looks at Star Wars through the lens of technology, coding, artificial intelligence, Disney Imagineering, and the future of young builders.Star Wars has always been a technology story disguised as an adventure. From the Death Star’s catastrophic design flaw to R2-D2’s creative problem-solving, the galaxy far, far away gives us a fun and surprisingly useful way to talk about how we build, why we build, and what happens when powerful tools are created without enough wisdom behind them.Mr. Fred also gives a personal nod to his son, whose birthday falls on May the Fourth, and celebrates former student and friend, who now works in Disney Imagineering in systems automation.This episode explores how Disney gets STEM right, why storytelling makes technology more meaningful, and how today’s kids are already becoming builders through coding toys, robotics, AI tools, games, and hands-on tinkering.And of course, there is a May the Fourth Tech Challenge: pick one piece of Star Wars technology, find its real-world equivalent, and ask what it would take to close the gap.May the Fourth be with you. Always.Links mentioned:GetMeCoding.comhttps://www.getmecoding.com/Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks Podcast Homehttps://www.getmecoding.com/podcast-mr-freds-tech-talks/How A Walt Disney World Vacation Can Inspire Learninghttps://www.getmecoding.com/5-must-see-stem-related-disney-attractions/What Is a Database? A Simple Explanation Using Star Warshttps://www.getmecoding.com/what-is-a-database-a-simple-explanation-using-star-wars/The 2026 Coding Toy Idea Book for Kidshttps://www.getmecoding.com/episode-26-2026-coding-toy-idea-book/Coding Toy Idea Book 2026: The Best Coding and STEM Toys for Kidshttps://www.getmecoding.com/best-coding-toys-2024/STEM Activity: Build a Model of Disney’s Rockin’ Roller Coasterhttps://www.getmecoding.com/stem-activity-rocknrollercoaster/Explore coding courses:https://courses.getmecoding.com/Keep learning. Keep questioning. And keep building.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify seem to know exactly what you want next?It’s not random and it’s not your phone listening.Ever feel like your phone knows you better than your friends?You watch one video… and suddenly you’re two hours deep.You hear one song… and your playlist is perfect.You browse one product… and it follows you everywhere.That’s not random.It’s recommendation algorithms.In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we break down how platforms like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon decide what to show you next—and why it works so well.You’ll learn:What recommendation algorithms actually are (in plain English)The difference between collaborative filtering and content-based filteringHow your behavior shapes what you see every dayWhy it sometimes feels like your phone is listening—even when it’s notHow to take back control and become a more intentional userThis isn’t about fear or hype.It’s about understanding the technology you interact with every single day and using that knowledge to your advantage.🎯 TECH CHALLENGE 💡 Try the “Algorithm Audit”For the next 24 hours, ask yourself:Why is this being shown to me?Do I actually want this?Did I choose this—or did it lead me here?You might be surprised by what you notice.🌐 Learn more: https://www.getmecoding.com🎓 Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.com🎤 Book Mr. Fred to speak: https://www.getmecoding.comInterested in bringing this kind of conversation to your school, workplace, or church?Visit GetMeCoding.com and let’s connect.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do video games, hospitals, restaurants, airlines, and social media all have in common? Databases.In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, Mr. Fred breaks down what a database really is, why it matters, and how database thinking helps us design better systems before a single line of code is written. From saved game progress to medical records and restaurant orders, databases are one of the most important invisible technologies in our world.You’ll also learn the difference between structured and unstructured data, why smart database design matters, and how design thinking plays a critical role in building technology that actually works.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is data, really?We hear the word everywhere. Data privacy. Data breaches. Big data. AI and data. But if someone asked you to actually explain what data is, could you?In this episode of Mr. Fred's Tech Talks, we answer that question in plain language and show you why understanding data is one of the most important things you can do in a world that runs on technology.Mr. Fred breaks down what data actually means, walks through the types of data you already create every single day, and explains why data is the invisible fuel behind everything from your streaming apps to artificial intelligence.In this episode, you will learn:•     what data actually is, explained simply•     the types of data you interact with every day (text, number, image, audio, location, and behavioral)•     why behavioral data might be the most powerful type of all•     a simple analogy that makes raw vs. organized data click instantly•     why AI does not work without data•     how a single day in your life creates hundreds of data points•     a hands-on Tech Challenge you can try with your family, students, or coworkersMr. Fred also shares a key insight from his recent keynote at an AI Summit about why the value of thoughtful people rises as tools become more powerful.Whether you are a parent, teacher, student, or someone who just wants to understand the digital world a little better, this episode gives you a foundation that makes everything else in technology make more sense.Explore more at https://www.getmecoding.comCONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever mentioned something like an air fryer, vacation, or random gadget out loud, only to open your phone later and see ads for it everywhere?It is one of the most common questions people ask about technology:Is my phone listening to me?In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we bust the myth and explain what is really happening.Mr. Fred explores the difference between voice assistants listening for wake words and the much bigger system of behavioral tracking that powers modern advertising. You will learn how apps, websites, devices, and algorithms can make ads feel incredibly personal without secretly recording your everyday conversations.In this episode, we cover:whether your phone is actually listeninghow targeted ads really workwhy algorithms seem to know what you wanthow microphone permissions fit into the picturethe real privacy concern with data collection and cross-device trackinga practical tech challenge you can try with your family or studentsIf you have ever felt like your phone was reading your mind, this episode will help you understand what is really going on and why that matters.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you try to build the same app using four different AI tools?In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, I set out to explore something called vibe coding… where you don’t write traditional code, you guide AI to build something for you.The idea was simple:Build a fun web app for kids called Backyard Coding Adventures that generates outdoor coding challenges based on age.What happened next surprised me.I tested:Base44 (free tier)Google AI (Gemini Pro)Replit (developer-style environment)Bolt (fast, but… interesting results)Along the way, I ran into:token limits (and what that actually means)differences in speed vs qualitythe tension between creativity and controland even a bit of anxiety as my “developer mindset” kicked inThis episode isn’t just about tools.It’s about a shift in how we build.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the apps on your phone could change after you install them… without an update?In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we explore the emerging world of shape-shifting apps - applications powered by AI that can evolve, adapt, and even reveal hidden features over time.Mr. Fred breaks down this complex topic in a way parents, educators, and students can understand, including the concept of “ghost features”....tools already inside an app that can be activated remotely based on your behavior.You’ll also learn:How AI is changing the way apps are built and updatedThe difference between on-device AI vs cloud-based AI (and why it matters for privacy)How this technology could reduce app fatigue and simplify your digital lifeThe real cybersecurity risks behind dynamic app behaviorWhy companies like Apple are pushing backThis episode connects the dots between AI, cybersecurity, and everyday technology use, helping you better understand what’s happening behind the screen.👉 Whether you're a parent navigating apps your kids use, an educator teaching digital literacy, or a student curious about AI - this episode will give you a fresh perspective.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does a great college experience actually look like for a technology student today?In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, I sit down with Gavan Quimby, a senior Information Technology major with a cybersecurity option at Penn State Scranton. Gavan is not only preparing to graduate, he also serves as Student Government Association President and has been deeply involved in campus leadership, research, mentorship, and internships.We discuss:• Transitioning from computer science to IT • What cybersecurity really looks like in 2026 • How AI is shaping (not replacing) tech careers • Balancing academics with leadership roles • The importance of getting involved early in college • Why asking questions changes everything • Misconceptions about IT and cybersecurity majorsGavan shares practical advice for high school students interested in technology, reassurance for parents wondering what college can offer, and encouragement for anyone unsure if they are “good enough” for tech.This episode is about growth, initiative, leadership, and discovering that college is more than classes.....it’s a launching pad.If you are a parent, educator, or student curious about cybersecurity careers and college life, this conversation is for you.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the final exam is not broken because of AI, but because we never redesigned it for a world where AI exists?In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, I share the story behind a classroom experiment I presented at an international conference. The session earned Best Track recognition, which was encouraging. More important, it confirmed something I almost talked myself out of trying.Instead of banning AI, I redesigned my final exam to include it.You will hear:• Why traditional finals may not measure what matters anymore • How I structured a two part exam with a foundational section and an open AI section • What surprised me most about student behavior • Why AI does not replace fundamentals, it reveals them • How educators and parents can experiment without freezingThis episode is not about awards. It is about action. If you have an idea you have been overthinking, this may be your nudge to test it.AI is not going away. The question is whether we will design wisely around it.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean when people talk about “vibe coding”?In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we take a human-centered look at vibe coding.....what the term means, where it came from, and why it resonates far beyond software development. You don’t need to be a programmer to follow along this episode.Vibe coding describes a way of starting with curiosity, trying something small, and learning through feedback before everything is perfectly planned. It shows up in everyday life, from cooking and teaching to problem-solving and design.We unpack:What “vibe coding” really means in everyday termsWhere the term came from and why it took offHow experienced developers like Andrej Karpathy helped popularize the ideaWhy understanding people and their needs still matters, even when you work looselyHow ideas get clearer after they exist, not beforeWhy cleaning things up later isn’t laziness, it’s part of the processAlong the way, we use relatable examples like cooking dinner, giving directions, and explaining games to show how creativity and structure naturally work together.You’ll also get a simple, no-tech Build-Then-Explain Challenge you can try with kids, students, or coworkers to experience this mindset firsthand.Whether you’re a parent, educator, leader, or lifelong tinkerer, this episode will help you rethink how learning and building really happen.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when yesterday’s cutting-edge technology becomes today’s forgotten artifact?In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, Mr. Fred digs through the metaphorical (or maybe not) junk drawer of technology to uncover Lost Tech Treasures, old gadgets, habits, and tools that once shaped how we learned, tinkered, and problem-solved.From floppy disks and dial-up internet to burned CDs and screen-free creativity, this episode explores what older technology forced us to understand—and what modern technology often hides behind sleek interfaces.Then we flip the perspective and look ahead to Future Relics: the devices and habits we rely on today that may seem laughably outdated in just a few decades.Along the way, Mr. Fred connects nostalgia to modern learning, curiosity, coding, and creativity especially for kids growing up in a world where technology increasingly “just works.”This episode also brings back the Episode Tech Challenge, inviting listeners to rediscover old technology and reflect on what it taught us about thinking, building, and adapting.Whether you grew up rewinding VHS tapes or handing kids an iPad, this episode is a reminder that technology changes but the mindset behind it shouldn’t.The Lost Tech Treasure ChallengeFind an old piece of technology—a device, cable, disk, or gadget that’s no longer used.Ask:What problem was this solving?What skills did it require to use?What did it force people to understand?Then flip it:What replaces it today?What skills are now hidden?What might we be losing?Bonus: Have a kid explain modern tech to you—or explain old tech to a kid.That conversation is the lesson.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow or subscribe to Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks so you don’t miss future conversations.For hands-on coding ideas, tech challenges, toy guides, and ways to help kids think like creators not just consumers, visit GetMeCoding.com.You can also follow along on social media for behind-the-scenes builds, experiments, and encouragement as we explore technology together.Show Notes / LinksGetMeCoding Website: https://www.getmecoding.comCourses & Workshops: https://courses.getmecoding.comPodcast Page: https://www.getmecoding.com/podcast-mr-freds-tech-talksCONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While cleaning out his office, Mr. Fred uncovers a 3.5-inch floppy disk labeled “Y2K Startup Disk”, a quiet reminder of a moment when computers around the world were about to be confused by time itself.In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we revisit what the Y2K problem actually was, why it mattered, and how engineers addressed a design decision that had been quietly waiting to fail. From there, Mr. Fred connects that moment to the next major time-based computing challenge: the Year 2038 problem.You’ll learn how Unix systems track time, why 32-bit limits matter, which systems could still be affected, and whether this issue is already being addressed. This episode is a thoughtful explainer for tech professionals, educators, students, and curious listeners who want to understand how past assumptions shape today’s technology.Show NotesIn this episode, Mr. Fred explores how time can quietly break computers and what we can learn from it.Topics include:What a 3.5-inch floppy disk is and why it matteredWhat the Y2K problem really was (and wasn’t)Why early design shortcuts made sense at the timeHow Unix systems store timeWhat the Year 2038 bug is and how it compares to Y2KWhich systems may still be affectedWhether engineers are already addressing the issueA simple takeaway for younger listeners learning how computers workThis episode isn’t about fear, it’s about understanding systems, assumptions, and why good engineering means revisiting old decisions.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a good coding toy in 2026?Is it flashy tech… or something deeper?In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, I walk parents, educators, and caregivers through the 2026 Coding Toy Idea Book which is a curated guide designed to help families choose tech toys that actually build creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills.We talk about:What separates real learning toys from gimmicksHow AI is quietly showing up in kids’ toys and how to introduce it safelyWhy coding is about thinking, not screen timeHow outdoor play and imagination support the same skills used in programmingThis episode isn’t about buying the most expensive gadget. It’s about choosing toys that grow with your child and creating space for curiosity, tinkering, and play.Whether you’re shopping for the holidays or just trying to make sense of today’s tech-filled toy aisle, this episode will help you make confident, balanced choices.🎁 Download the 2026 Coding Toy Idea Book CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mr. Fred explains how we’re moving from passwords to passphrases ...and now to passkeys, the future of secure, password-free login. Learn how passkeys are stored, what end-to-end encryption really means, and how special hardware like TPM chips keeps your private keys safe. Plus, find out whether hackers are cracking the system (spoiler: they’re not).Tech Tip: Explore passkeys in your device settings and try enabling one today.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This October, as the pumpkins glow and the phishing emails flow, Mr. Fred dives into the spooky side of cybersecurity! In this Cybersecurity Awareness Month special, we explore the Oh Behave! 2025-2026 report from Cybsafe & The National Cybersecurity Alliance revealing how people say they care about online safety but still make haunting mistakes. From zombie passwords and overconfident Gen Z users to privacy fatalism and AI-powered scams, we’re breaking down the human side of cyber risk.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why awareness doesn’t always change behaviorHow overconfidence makes Gen Z a hacker’s dreamWhat “privacy fatalism” is and how to beat itEasy daily habits to boost your protectionTech Tip of the Episode: “Brush Your Digital Teeth” — simple nightly habits that keep your data fresh and secure.👉 Visit GetMeCoding.com for more resources and downloads. Stay curious. Stay safe. And remember to think before you click!CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this final episode of the five part AI mini-series, Mr. Fred tackles three real-world questions: how AI affects learning in schools, what it means for medicine, and whether your prompts actually train chatbots. Hear clear answers about how AI tools are changing our world and how curiosity and creativity keep us ahead of the machines. Download the Prompt Guide and graduate from AI user to AI thinker! 🎓 Grab the free Prompt Guide → getmecoding.com/prompt-guideCONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 9 of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we continue our AI mini-series by tackling one of the most important skills you can build: prompting with precision.Just like following a software specification or a cybersecurity checklist, details matter. Mr. Fred shares a story from his days navigating with topographic maps and a lensatic compass, proving that clarity and focus have always been survival tools.We’ll break down the CRAFT acronym for effective prompting:Clear – Be specific with your request.Role – Give AI a perspective.Add Details – Context strengthens results.Format – Shape how output is delivered.Tweak – Refine until it’s right.Along the way, we add some nostalgic soundbites (yes, even Bill and Ted get a cameo) to make it fun and memorable.This Episode’s Tech Tip: Treat every prompt like a specification document—precision pays off.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does ChatGPT actually learn? In Episode 8 of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we go behind the curtain to explore how Large Language Models are trained and why the process isn’t as magical as it looks.You’ll discover:How Large Language Models train step by step, billions of rounds of “guess the next word.”Why tokens are the LEGO bricks of AI learning.How GPUs, servers, and warehouse-sized data centers form the backbone of AI training.A simple library analogy that makes servers easy to understand.What happens when training goes wrong: bias, hallucinations, and overfitting.AI isn’t just software, it’s powered by huge amounts of energy, specialized hardware, and careful fine-tuning by humans. And while it’s powerful, it’s not perfect. These systems don’t “think” like we do they predict patterns, one token at a time.💡 Tech Tip of the Episode: Try asking ChatGPT/CoPilot/Gemini/Grok etc. a simple question, then twist it:“Who was the first person to walk on the moon?” → Neil Armstrong“Who was the first person to walk on the sun?” → Watch how it tries to answer the impossible.This little experiment shows why AI can amaze us one moment and confuse us the next.Join me in Episode 8 to learn how AI models are trained, what really happens inside data centers, and why understanding this matters for parents, teachers, and anyone curious about the future of technology.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 7 of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, I dive deeper into Large Language Models (LLMs) and explore how they’re trained. Using the fun analogy of a parrot that never stops practicing, Mr. Fred explains the 9-step training pipeline: from collecting massive datasets and tokenizing text, to neurons, weights, backpropagation, GPUs, fine-tuning, and safety alignment...but in a LOW TECH JARGON way.I’ll also talk about probability math, why LLMs don’t really “understand” but instead predict the most likely next word, like rolling loaded dice. Along the way, enjoy some nostalgic sound bites from movies and TV that connect the dots between memory, patterns, and AI.🎧 Highlights:The parrot analogy for LLMsWhat AI “neurons” are (tiny math functions, not brain cells)Why data quality and fine-tuning matterProbability explained with dice and jokesTech Tip: Ask AI how it got its answerWhether you’re a parent, teacher, student, or just curious about AI, this episode will give you a fun and clear view of how language models actually learn.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for science fiction anymore...it’s all around us. From Netflix recommending your next favorite show to Siri answering your questions, AI is already part of everyday life. But what is Artificial Intelligence, really?In Episode 6 of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, I kick off a brand-new AI series that leads straight to ChatGPT. In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ The simple definition of Artificial Intelligence✅ The difference between Narrow AI and General AI✅ How algorithms act like recipes for machines✅ Why machine learning is practice for computers✅ The programming languages (Python, C++, CUDA) that bring Large Language Models to life✅ How GPUs—the same graphics cards used in video games—make AI training possibleWhether you’re a student, parent, or teacher, this episode will help you understand how AI really works without the jargon. It’s the perfect first step into a series where we’ll dive deeper into Large Language Models and explore how tools like ChatGPT are changing the way we learn, work, and create.Tune in now and subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode in this AI journey!Learn more at GetMeCoding.comCONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 5 of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we dive into the fun (and sometimes frustrating) world of teamwork with the LEGO Chicken Challenge.This popular activity challenges teams to build a LEGO chicken—but with one big twist: the person who’s seen the design can’t touch the bricks, only describe it. The results are often hilarious, but the lessons are powerful: clear communication, trust, and collaboration matter more than ever.Mr. Fred then connects this challenge to today’s world of artificial intelligence, where working with AI requires the same skills—clear instructions, teamwork, and creativity.Highlights:What the LEGO Chicken Challenge is and why it works so well in classrooms, clubs, and teamsHow the challenge pushes us to communicate clearly and listen carefullyThe connection between teamwork and how we collaborate with AI tools3 big lessons: communication, collaboration, and confidenceTech Tip: How to treat AI like a teammate in your next projectTry the LEGO Chicken Challenge for yourself! Visit GetMeCoding.com or the course at Courses.GetMeCoding.com.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Why should you learn to code — especially now, when artificial intelligence can write code for you?In Episode 4 of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we dig into the real reasons coding matters: ✅ Building problem-solving superpowers ✅ Unlocking creativity ✅ Opening career opportunities in any fieldI’ll also share my favorite puzzle analogy for why coding is worth learning even if you never become a programmer and explain how it gives you an advantage when using AI tools.Plus: this week’s Tech Tip to explore coding and AI at the same time.Links & Resources:Blog post: Why Learn to CodeBlog post: What Is Coding? (Episode 3)Scratch with AI Extensions: https://resources.scratch.mit.edu/www/lessons/en/ScratchLearningResource_ScratchAILesson.pdfCONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered what ‘coding’ actually means? In this episode of Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, we strip away the tech jargon and explain coding in a way that anyone can understand. You’ll learn how coding is like writing a recipe for a computer, discover where it shows up in your daily life, and explore the different ‘flavors’ of coding languages.We’ll also share a Tech Tip of the Week to help you try coding today without installing a thing.This episode is based on my GetMeCoding.com blog post ‘What is Coding?’, perfect for beginners of all ages. And stick around, because next time we’ll answer the big follow-up question: Why Learn to Code? Links & Resources:Blog post: What is Coding?Try Microsoft MakeCode Arcade: https://arcade.makecode.com/Visit Scratch: https://scratch.mit.eduAda Lovelace Book Review: https://www.getmecoding.com/ada-lovelace/CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special July episode, I mark two momentous occasions: my own birthday and the anniversary of Apollo 11’s historic Moon landing. Join us as we highlight four surprising “nuggets” from the Apollo 11 guidance computer’s software -things you probably didn’t know. These are based on my deep-dive blog post. Learn how a 64 KB computer and real-time error recovery made lunar history, and discover how those lessons can supercharge your own coding projects.👉 Read the full article: https://www.getmecoding.com/the-apollo-11-software-4-things-you-probably-didnt-know/👉 Watch the YouTube video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03cSAwOC8X0Plus, stick around for our Tech Tip of the Day—“Learning from Legacy Code”CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this kickoff episode, I introduce myself....a college professor-turned-tech tinkerer and introduce Mr. Fred’s Tech Talks, the new podcast from GetMeCoding.com. You’ll learn what to expect from my bi-weekly 10 to 15 minute (a longer from time to time) bite-sized deep dives into coding, AI, and hands-on tech projects—without the jargon. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes peek at our virtual coding camps, discover our “Tech Tip of the Day,” and find out how you can join the conversation and start building confidence in technology, one byte at a time.Ready to dive deeper? Explore our full catalog of hands-on courses at courses.getmecoding.com, and turn your curiosity into real-world skills.CONNECT Website: https://www.getmecoding.com Courses: https://courses.getmecoding.comFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetMeCodingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/getmecodingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetMeCodingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrfred77/Follow, rate ★★★★★, and share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.