Your Tech Makeover

Simplifying the technology in your life

Everyone has tech issues and they are usually because things are more complicated then they have to be. Listen and learn how to simplify your tech life. With Frank Bravo.

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Most Recent Episode

Stop Emailing Yourself Files: Intro to my Cloud Storage Series

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 13:30:52 GMT

Ever emailed yourself a file just to open it somewhere else? There’s a better way—and in this kickoff to my 6-part mini-series, I’ll show you how. From cloud storage to cross-device syncing, we’ll explore the tools that make your digital life simpler, smoother, and way more connected.

This intro episode lays the foundation for upcoming deep dives into Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and iCloud Drive. But before we zoom in, let’s zoom out and understand how file syncing works, why it matters, and which tools might work best for your lifestyle or workflow.

📌 In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ What file sharing and syncing tools actually are

✅ How they work across phones, tablets, and computers

✅ Real-life benefits like automatic backup and collaboration

✅ Common pitfalls: storage limits, internet requirements, and security tips

✅ A quick preview of the 5 major players in this space

✅ When local sharing (like AirDrop or Quick Share) is the better choice

💡 Whether you’re storing family photos, managing client files, or just want less digital chaos, this episode will help you get started with confidence.

🎧 Mentioned in this episode:

Google Drive
Dropbox
Box
OneDrive (Microsoft)
iCloud Drive (Apple)
AirDrop (Apple)
Nearby Share & Quick Share (Android/Windows)

🙏 Support the Show!

Enjoying Your Tech Makeover? Support the podcast and get a special thank-you:

💵 Contribute $25 or more and receive $25 off a one-time tech consultation.

🔗 Visit YourTechMakeover.com and click the support link.

📬 Got questions or want to share how you use cloud storage?

Email me at frank@yourtechmakeover.com — I’d love to feature your tips or stories in an upcoming episode!

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Become a supporter!

Contribute to the Your Tech Makeover podcast and as a special thank you, supporters who give $25 or more will get $25 off a one-on-one consultation with me to help simplify your tech. Thanks for being part of the Your Tech Makeover community!

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More recent episodes

✅ Digital Confidence at Any Age: Helping Seniors Master Tech

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:00:00 GMT

👵📱 Technology isn’t just for the young—it’s for the young-at-heart, too.

In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, I’m diving into how we can help seniors get comfortable with modern technology—and how families can make the transition easier, friendlier, and even fun.

Whether you’re a senior looking to get more out of your smartphone, or someone supporting a parent or grandparent who’s just starting to FaceTime or use email, this episode is full of simple, practical advice to build confidence without the overwhelm.

🎯 We’ll cover:

🖥️ Choosing the right devices for usability and accessibility
📲 The best apps for communication, health, and entertainment
🧠 Easy strategies to build tech confidence—step by step
🧓 Common roadblocks seniors face and how to solve them
✍️ A personal story from my first tech class at the San Carlos (CA) Senior Center
💡 How you can set someone up for tech success (even if you’re not a tech expert)

Plus, there’s a quick sponsor message and a special note for anyone who’s ever said, “I’m not good with technology.” (Spoiler: You probably just needed a better guide.)

💬 Mentioned in this episode:

Devices: iPad, Jitterbug Smart, Alexa, Google Nest
Apps: FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp, Medisafe, MyChart, Audible, Libby, YouTube
Tools: Password managers, scam filters, magnifier apps

💡 Support the Show

Love the podcast? Show your support by visiting YourTechMakeover.com and clicking the support link. Contribute $25 or more, and I’ll personally offer a one-on-one consultation to help simplify your tech life. 🙌

🔗 Want more?

👂 So… have you helped a senior use tech?

📬 Email: frank@yourtechmakeover.com

🌐 Website: YourTechMakeover.com

👤 Learn more: BravoITC.com

🦻 Can Your AirPods Help You Hear Better? Apple’s Surprising Feature Explained

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 13:44:40 GMT

Think Apple AirPods are just for music and podcasts? Think again. In this episode, I explore how Apple has quietly turned AirPods into powerful tools for people with mild hearing loss—no audiologist required.

Whether you’re curious about Apple’s “Live Listen” and “Conversation Boost” features or wondering if these wireless earbuds could save you a trip to the hearing clinic, this episode has you covered. I’ll walk you through the tech, explain how the hearing test works (I even took it myself—spoiler alert: my hearing is still good), and show you how to set everything up right from your iPhone.

If you or someone you know has been saying “What?” a little too often lately, this might be the most surprising tech tip you’ll hear all week.

🔑 Key takeaways:

🎙️ How Apple’s Live Listen and Conversation Boost work with AirPods
📈 What your hearing test results mean—and how to run one
🧠 The difference between these features and true hearing aids
📱 Who this works for (and what Android users can try instead)
🛠️ Step-by-step instructions for setup and customization
⚠️ Legal and medical disclaimers you need to know

💡 Support the Show

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

Apple’s Hearing Health tools (Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual)
AirPods Pro and AirPods Max
Live Listen support page (Apple)

Whether you’re dealing with hearing changes or just want to geek out over how Apple’s repurposing everyday tech for health, this one’s worth a listen.

👂 So… have you tried the hearing test on your iPhone yet? Let me know what you think.

📬 Email: frank@yourtechmakeover.com

🌐 Website: YourTechMakeover.com

👤 Learn more: BravoITC.com

Smart Thermostats: A Small Upgrade That Saves Big

Tue, 27 May 2025 13:00:00 GMT

💡 Want to save money, reduce your energy use, and stay comfortable year-round?

A smart thermostat might be the easiest way to do all three. In this episode of Your Tech Makeover, I’ll explain what a smart thermostat is, how it works, and why it’s a worthwhile upgrade for nearly any home.

We’ll talk about how these devices:

✅ Learn your schedule automatically

✅ Optimize heating and cooling based on usage and weather

✅ Integrate with smart assistants like Alexa, Google, and Siri

✅ Can even qualify you for rebates from your utility company

🔍 Plus, you’ll learn:

📊 Real energy-saving stats from the U.S. Department of Energy
📱 Tips for using geofencing and mobile scheduling• 💸 How to get utility rebates to offset the cost
🏡 How to use smart home routines for hands-free comfort

🙌 Support the Show!

If this episode helped you, consider becoming a supporter of Your Tech Makeover.

🎁 Listeners who donate $25 or more will receive $25 off a one-time tech consultation with me.

🔗 Visit YourTechMakeover.com and look for the link.

📌 Mentioned in this episode:

U.S. Department of Energy thermostat efficiency tips
Google Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell Home, Amazon Smart Thermostat
Local utility rebate programs and ENERGY STAR discounts

📬 Got a tech topic you’d like me to cover?

Email me at frank@yourtechmakeover.com or visit YourTechMakeover.com.