You can catch it in your favorite podcast app for free — or pay a few bucks to listen commercial free. Score!
How to know if you’re being stalked or are just paranoid
I’ve heard it all on my national radio show. There was the guy totally freaked out because too many strangers in public knew his name for it to be a coincidence. (His name was Buddy.)
There was a woman who swore one of Metallica’s band members hacked her iPhone to stalk her after she rejected him online. And another who bought and sold three cars because she thought they all had hidden trackers.
They all ask the same question: “Is it me or is someone/something tracking everything I do on my device?”
Tracking happens, no doubt, and it’s getting worse, given how easy these tools are for anyone to use. But I also know sometimes, it’s paranoia at work. Before you panic, let’s talk through a few scenarios.
‘I see ads for things I talked about’
I was talking to my husband about taking a hiking trip in Patagonia. I walked upstairs, sat at my laptop, and travel ads for a Patagonian getaway were on my screen. Tech companies insist this is a coincidence.
If you don’t want to believe Big Tech (I don’t blame you), take privacy into your own hands. Skip the smart speaker or turn off its microphone when it’s not in use. On your phone or computer, pop into your settings to turn off your mic for specific apps and sites, or force your device to ask you each time before enabling it.
‘They know where I am’
Dana called my show with a frightening story. Her daughter is a college student who was afraid to leave the house because unknown numbers sent her threatening texts no matter where she went. “They know what time we eat dinner, our workplaces and our schedules,” Dana told me.
This case was true harassment. I called Ricoh Danielson, a friend of the show and digital forensics expert, who helped track down the guy. Turns out, it was someone Dana’s daughter had talked to on a dating app. Here are Danielson’s tips for if something like this happens to your family.
‘Is Google stalking me?’
I once had a caller concerned Google knew his schedule too well. A few weekends in a row, he drove to his son’s house to mow his lawn while his son was out of town. The following Saturday, a pop-up from Google Maps told him how long it’d take to get to his son’s home in current traffic.
Time-saving tricks using your keyboard
I spend hours and hours (and hours) online every week looking for the latest in tech for my national radio show, podcasts and, of course, newsletter.
I rounded up eight browser keyboard shortcuts I use so you can spend less time clicking around for the right button, too.
⌛ Quick podcast tip: Want to listen to a podcast more quickly to save time or more slowly to understand every word? There’s usually a “1x” on the now-playing screen. It’s your playback speed. You can increase it (e.g., by 1.25x, 1.5x or 2x) or decrease it (e.g., by 0.75x).
3 podcasts to fall asleep to
You’re in your pajamas, ready for bed, but can’t fall asleep. Try this trick: listen to a podcast.
🎧 Free (malware) to a good home: Cybercriminals are slipping malware into podcasts. They’re targeting podcast-hosting services, inserting links to pirated software and game cheats in episode descriptions and playlists. The links bypass Spotify’s filters and get a nice little boost in search engine rankings. Say it with me: Don’t click on random links, especially for “free” software.
11 minutes
Of brisk walking each day can add years to your life and lower your chances of cardiovascular disease. It also improves your mood, increases energy levels and burns calories. Stuck inside? You can use a walking pad while watching TV. (This one’s 45% off!). Pro tip: You’ll have more fun walking if you take me with you — just tune into my podcast on your next stroll!
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Trending now on Komando.com and Kim’s free podcasts
Humble brag: I do a lot. Between the national radio show, this newsletter, my website, podcasts, Sirius XM show and columns for sites like the Daily Mail, Fox and USA Today … I’m willing to bet you missed something.
This tech mistake is costing you money every single month
It’s easy to overspend on consumer tech or make a purchase that won’t last long. For example, you don’t need to pay for Microsoft Office and shouldn’t waste money on cheap chargers. Tap or click for five ways you’re wasting cash on tech.
Making money in podcasting: It’s not easy. Spotify wants to lure creators away from YouTube. Their plan? Pay hosts of popular shows and let premium subscribers watch ad-free (paywall link). YouTube pays creators 55% of ad revenue; Spotify estimates a show pulling in between 1 million and 2 million views a month would earn about $50,000 with them. That’s not a bad return, btw.
450,000 podcasts
Are currently publishing new episodes. But get this: The 25 most popular podcasts account for nearly 50% of all U.S. weekly listeners. Wow, I need each and every one of you to tune into my show’s podcast. Maybe I can break into the top 100!
✅ Check out my new website: Komando.com is now full of all kinds of surprises, including 60% less advertising, a search tool that actually works, and better ways to listen to my podcasts and watch my videos. Reply to this email and let me know what you think, or drop a comment when you rate this issue below.
“My radio station used to carry your show, but this is a great replacement,” wrote Nancy in Miami, Florida. Now, friends, my free newsletter isn’t a replacement for my national award-winning radio show. The show is loaded with things you won’t find here, along with the best callers ever. Find my show on a radio station near you or as a podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
3 steps to make your (or a family member's) phone safer
When it comes to tech questions, I’ve gotten them all. More than ever, I’m hearing from people inundated with requests from older family members to fix their devices.
Maybe they clicked a bad link, and their computer is acting up. Tap or click for eight signs it’s infected with malware or other malicious software.
Wait, what? 5 amazing things you don’t know your phone can do
Remember when a cell phone was for calls and a round or two of Snake? Today’s phones are pro-grade cameras, PDF scanners and even car keys.
I keep a digital copy of my driver’s license on my phone because it’s just so handy. Here’s how to do that.
4 podcasts to fix your awful night's sleep
Do you struggle to sleep throughout the night? If you need extra help getting eight hours, download one of the best sleep aid apps onto your iPhone or Android.
Sleep helps avoid illness, reduce stress, and think more clearly. Get this: A single restless night can cause an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, Harvard reports.
The big mistake you’re making cleaning your TV
Once the TV is on and you’re watching your favorite show, you have something else to contend with: All that tracking. Yes, your TV will likely keep tabs on you and share that data. Tap or click here for the steps you can take to stop the privacy invasion.
3 secrets about email marketing and sending your own newsletters
Email marketing is one of the best ways to reach your target audience. It helps send personalized messages straight to your ideal customer’s inbox. Don’t overlook it when planning cross-channel campaigns. If you’re new to email marketing, use these three strategies for success.
WinAmp revamp takes on Patreon
WinAmp is making waves for the first time in a long time, mainly because we all forgot it was still in the water. The iconic media player has been used by a dedicated few million fans all this time, but now it’s making a big comeback in a new way. It’s going after Patreon.
Are the "golden years" of podcasts over?
NPR just cancelled a podcast thought to be untouchable. What’s next for others? Here’s my take in one minute.