Most tech stories feel isolated until you connect the dots.

John and Logan are back from the holiday break and dig into the stories that actually matter. Microsoft quietly ended phone activation for Windows 10 and Windows 11, which leads into the January 2038 problem and why some system “fixes” eventually hit a hard stop.

The conversation then shifts to an unexpected trend. Physical keyboards are coming back. Keyboard focused phones and minimal devices are gaining traction, and they talk through why people are pushing back on constant apps and notifications.

They also break down the Duolingo lock screen ad backlash and why user trust matters, then wrap with why car companies are ditching CarPlay and Android Auto and how data ownership is the real fight.

If you want to understand where tech is actually heading, this episode is worth your time.

Most people trying to break into IT are doing the right things in the wrong order.

If you are chasing certifications, trends, or degrees and still feel stuck, this conversation will challenge how you think about getting started. This is not an anti college episode. It is about what actually moves a tech career forward early.

We talk through what John would do differently if he were starting today, including the one decision that can speed up learning faster than any class, why proximity to real systems matters more than perfect credentials, and what employers are actually looking for when they hire entry level roles.

We also get into certifications and fundamentals, why some certs feel like table stakes now, and how hands on work with real environments builds confidence you cannot fake in an interview.

If you are trying to land your first IT job, move beyond help desk, or avoid wasting time early in your career, this episode is worth your time.

John sits down with Kevin Robinson, the City Manager of Spencer, Iowa, for a real look at how city government actually works, from the day to day responsibilities people never see to how priorities get set when staffing, infrastructure, and public expectations all compete. They break down what a city budget really means, where the money comes from, and how property taxes and local option sales tax connect to the services residents rely on. Kevin also shares what Spencer learned from the 2024 flood, why real time communication became a core part of resilience, and how the Spencer Iowa app and push alerts change emergency response when minutes matter.

If you want a clear and practical conversation about city operations, taxes, and what Spencer is building next, this episode is for you.