Kim and the crew break down the latest tech news, including a global chip shortage that’s going to make getting your hands on electronics and appliances even more expensive. Plus, a 21-year-old Blockbuster rental came back to haunt a woman applying for a new driver’s license. The team reminiscences over the best cell phones from years past, and see if Ben can fool Mike and Allie in Brand New or Not True.
Taxes and the pandemic: New rules to watch out for
It’s tax time. Get ready for hair-pulling, nail-biting and double-checking numbers so you don’t upset the IRS. Luckily, I’m here with everything you need to know this tax season, from COVID’s impact to the different tax websites you can file through. We’re talking about loans, finding your tax rates, common pitfalls and more with Rachel Cheek, a certified public accountant.
Website growth hacks: Avoid these 7 deadly sins
If you have a website, you’re probably always hungry for more traffic. I know I am! That’s why I sat down with Tim Ash, an expert on digital marketing and evolutionary psychology. There are seven common mistakes you might be making that are tanking your results. After this, you’ll be ready to attract more eyes to your site than ever before.
Tech Refresh: History on Mars, crypto 101, dream smart home tech
After a year of binge-watching, Netflix is losing subscribers. They have a new way to make money, and Kim has the details on how it could impact the movies you already love. Ben nerds out over the little rover-that-could flying on Mars, and the crew talks smart home tech. What would you buy if money were no object? And find out if Allie can fool the guys this week in Brand New or Not True.
Does 5G cause cancer or other health problems?
The 5G revolution is here, and boy, has it caused a splash. Conspiracy theories spread through forums like tornadoes, whipping up fear about contamination and health issues. People are toppling cell phone towers, thinking they cause COVID-19. But how valid are these concerns? Kim sits down with radio wave expert Kenneth Foster, a University of Pennsylvania professor with all the facts. After this episode, you’ll be ready for the newest generation of wireless technology.
Tech Refresh: Taking down the internet, sending secret messages, tech spring cleaning
Kim has the story of a guy who tried (and failed) to take down the internet. Is that even possible? A look at Google’s new ad tracking tech that might be active in your browser right now, and a secret way to send hidden messages from iPhone to iPhone. Find out how the crew cleans their tech inside and out, and see if Ben can fool Mike and Allie in Brand New or Not True.
Full episode of The Kim Komando Show
This week’s exclusive episode of Kim Komando Explains is a full hour of The Kim Komando Show, airing on more than 420 stations across the U.S. Listen to the full show on your schedule for 30 days free at getkim.com. Coming up, in the first hour, another massive data breach involving Facebook, this time involving more than 530 million people. Find out what to do. Plus, while doctors might tell you it’s a bad idea to Google medical symptoms, a new study says otherwise. And be on the lookout for “Zoom Zombies” on the road. Sounds like a bad movie, but it’s real.
Tech Refresh: Facebook data breach, PC vs. Mac, display photos on your TV
The U.S. government is buying up phone, power and water records. If you have smart devices in your home, you need to hear this. More bad news from Facebook: Half a billion user records were leaked. Plus, the best ways to display photos on your TV. And can Allie fool Ben and Mike in this week’s Brand New or Not True?
A new social network takes on Facebook putting privacy first
Social media used to be fun. Remember those days? You’d chat with old friends, post a few photos and move on. Fast forward to today and social media is addictive, intrusive and even harmful. Jim Fournier, the mind behind a new social media platform, says it’s even a threat to our democracy. Kim jumps into the murky world of social media, from data collection to insurance schemes. There’s a lot you have to watch out for, and we’ll shed light on the greatest threats in this episode.
Tech Refresh: Crypto 101, deepfake warning, free up computer space
In this episode, Kim breaks down PayPal’s new addition: Paying with cryptocurrency. Why would you want to do this? Find out. Plus, a deepfake warning from the FBI and tips for spotting fake videos and photos. And two simple ways to free up storage space on your computer. See if Ben can beat Mike and Allie in Brand New or Not True.
Marty Cooper 'Father of the Cellphone' shares the history and future of the cellphone
Cellphones changed the world. They revolutionized the way we communicate and paved the way for today’s Big Tech companies to emerge. In this episode, Kim takes a trip to the past with Marty Cooper, a tech legend known as the father of the cellphone. You’ll learn a ton of surprising and funny stories behind your smartphone. For example, cellphones were once shaped like shoes. Find out even more in this fun and informative episode.
Tech Refresh: Windows woes, NFT craze, Clubhouse copycat app
The latest Windows 10 update is a mess. Find out if it’s finally safe to download. Plus, the team dives deep into the NFT craze. Why are people ponying up millions for things they’ll never touch? Plus, there’s a copycat of the social media app Clubhouse floating around. Get the details on how to spot the fake.
Insider tricks to make money on Amazon
Amazon can seem like a jungle to new sellers. But this jungle is ripe with opportunities for those who are willing to research market data, listen to customers and pounce on trends. In this episode, Kim’s talking with Jason Boyce, an Amazon expert and an e-commerce veteran. Together, they’ll share some top-secret tips for making the most out of the world’s largest online realtor. This is a must for anyone who sells online!
Tech Refresh: Travel scams return, military jetpacks, stimulus warning
As the COVID vaccine rolls out, travel-related searches are booming. Scammers have caught on and Allie has details on what to watch out for. The Pentagon’s research agency opened up bids for tech that sounds an awful lot like superhero gear, and Netflix says no more password sharing. Plus, as the next round of stimulus payments roll out, a quick warning to protect your wallet.
Right to Repair: The fight to fix our own tech
Farmers have always been ready to jump into the dirt and fix their tools. But over the past few decades, tractors and other farm gadgets have complex software that’s hard to decode. The same has happened with our computers, phones, appliances and just about any other tech you can think of. In this episode, Kim dives into the nitty-gritty world of repair politics. Do we really own our tech if we can’t fix it? Are large manufacturers monopolizing the right to repair? Kim talks to Gay Gordon-Byrne, a consumer rights advocate at the heart of this debate, as well as a farmer on the front lines.
Tech Refresh: $2M tweet, new Alexa commands, iPhone update
The very first tweet is set to sell for $2.5 million. Ben, Allie and Mike dive into the weird world of non-fungible tokens. Plus, an urgent update alert for iPhones and several Android apps you need to delete now. In the tech tip, a smart new trick for your Alexa, and the crew talks all things cookies — on the web and the baked good.
How to leave behind a digital legacy
When you’re coming to the end of your life, it’s natural to want to leave a legacy behind. Charles, a Kim Komando Show listener, called for advice after his doctor said he had two years to live. Kim walked him through the process of crafting a digital legacy to leave behind for his young son. In this hopeful, uplifting and inspiring podcast, Kim helps you plan for one of life’s inevitable stages — especially when you come to it sooner than you expected.
Tech Refresh: Alexa privacy, Twitter's new strike system, mobile gaming
Yes, your smart speaker is always listening for the wake word, but there’s another privacy concern you need to know about. Plus, Twitter has a new five-strike policy for people caught sharing misinformation, and you may qualify for $50 off your internet bill each month. Then, the team talks all things mobile gaming.
Tech Refresh: Space internet, Mac malware, Windows 10 pro tip
SpaceX is poised to bring fast internet to the areas that need it most, and it just got faster. Malware is targeting new Macs, and Ben has a Windows 10 pro tip every PC user should know. Plus, the crew talks about the best ways to sell old tech — or which cupboard to stash it in if you can’t be bothered.
Digital privacy in 2021: Take a hard look at your apps
If you’ve ever used an app for messaging, dating or even praying, your secrets have gone to X-Mode, which sells location data to military contractors. Which apps are tracking you the most? Kim talks to Sean O’Brien, the principal researcher at ExpressVPN’s Digital Security Lab, about all the creepy details. By the time you’re done, you’ll be looking at your phone in a whole new light.