The Life Hacks and Stuff Podcast

Ahh food

I'm a photographer, drone pilot, ham operator, and cook. This week we revisit food.

3D printing and AI

I discuss my use of AI with my 3D creations and how AI is not a creative tool but can help drive creativity.

Emergency Communications

You know I care about emergency communications. The most efficient way is using digital modes, when we talk about lists and lots of information. But to make it second nature takes practice. Let's face it, our passion for ham radio is not cheap. Enter the DigiPi, a series of software on a Raspberry Pi Zero capable of handling (with the use of your phone or a tablet) digital modes. This makes an inexpensive way to get in the practice you need. This is not a toy, but a fully functional platform for FLDigi, WinLInk, FT8, and JS*Call (I even leave mine on overnight set to WSPR so people can see the propagation). There will be a companion blog post on communitystrong.us with more on the DigiPi .

Practical 3D Prints

Don't print if you can buy, most of the time. Sometimes it is easier and cheaper to print something useful.

2026 Topics

What topics I plan to cover this year, and a hack on having multiple cat litter pans.

Recapping 2025

Ham Radio digital modes

DMR, FT8, Winlink, JS8, FLDigi, Varac

The next project

While it is too cold and snowy to work outside on an antenna project, it is a perfect time to design one. It is also a good time to plan out where it can go. When putting up a horizontal wire antenna, do you have an intense laser and the right height? Why not use it to help plan the path? The light would show anything in the way. Plus, winter reminds us that branches dip under the weight of the snow.

Time once again to remember

These are the people and channels that inspired me this year.

Critical Thinking and Self Reflection

Two things that should be taught as early as possible.