Home & Consumer Tech

Smart home, consumer electronics, and everyday tech

30 episodes

The Science of Shadows: Paranormal Data and Ancient Lore

Why do 54% of people believe in ghosts? Explore the intersection of ancient Talmudic rituals, Irish folklore, and the science of the unseen.

talmudic-demonologyinfrasound-perceptionparanormal-belief

The Art of the Drudge: Why Gritty Detective Shows Win

Tired of "magical enhance buttons"? Herman and Corn dive into the gritty world of realistic PI shows like Strike, Bosch, and Slow Horses.

detective-fictionprocedural-realismcrime-drama-analysis

Clear the Air: Navigating Mold, VOCs, and HEPA Filters

Worried about mold or asthma? Herman and Corn break down the science of air sensors and how to choose a HEPA filter that actually works.

indoor-air-qualityhepa-filterspm2-5-monitoring

Why Are We Still Using Physical SIM Cards in 2026?

Corn and Herman explore why the tiny plastic SIM card refuses to die and how carrier politics are slowing down the digital revolution.

networkingtelecommunicationsesim

Beyond Matter: Decoding the IoT Alphabet Soup

Will Matter replace Zigbee and LoRa? Herman and Corn dive into the physics of radio waves and why one smart home standard can't rule them all.

iot-protocolsmatter-standardlora-technology

The Infinite Call: Inside the Taxi Driver’s Shadow Network

Ever wonder who your taxi driver is talking to? Discover the secret "shadow infrastructure" of the global taxi driver community.

taxi-driver-networkszello-appoccupational-communities

Breathe Easy: Navigating the World of 3M Respirators

Learn how to choose the right respirator for woodworking, mold, and wildfire smoke in this deep dive into 3M filter systems and safety.

3m-respiratorsrespiratory-protectionfilter-cartridges

Digital Preparedness: A Guide to Portable Power Stations

Learn how to choose and maintain the right portable power station for emergencies, from LFP battery tech to the 80/20 charging rule.

portable-power-stationslfp-battery-chemistryemergency-preparedness

Beyond the Battery: The Future of Home Energy Backups

Transform your UPS into a mini-generator. Herman and Corn explore sustainable battery tech and the future of home energy resilience.

home-energy-storageuninterruptible-power-supplybattery-chemistry

The Art of the Move: Logistics, Tech, and Resilience

Tired of the rental grind? Herman and Corn explore how to hack your next move using military logistics, smart tech, and psychological resilience.

relocation-logisticshomebox-appportable-homes

Tiny Humans, Big Hazards: Baby Proofing Your Home

Is your coffee table a "jagged monolith"? Herman and Corn share essential baby-proofing tips for small apartments and curious crawlers.

apartment-babyproofingfurniture-anchoringchild-safety

Beyond the Diaper Log: Parenting in the Age of AI

Stop tracking every milliliter and start understanding the "why." Herman and Corn explore how AI and developmental science can save new parents.

parenting-technologyquantified-selfai-medical-consensus

Reclaiming the Rhythm: The Radical Circadian Lifestyle

Stop being a passenger in your own biology. Herman and Corn explore how to radically sync your life and home with the natural cycle of the sun.

circadian-rhythmsmart-home-automationchronobiology

The Aviation Paradox: Why Airlines Don’t Weigh You

Why is your suitcase weighed while you aren't? Explore the fascinating physics and "standard weights" behind aviation safety.

aviation-weight-balancecenter-of-gravitystandard-weights

The Hidden World of White-Labeling and Global Brands

Discover the hidden world of white-labeling as Herman and Corn reveal how global giants manufacture your favorite local appliances.

white-label-manufacturingoem-odm-distinctionglobal-supply-chains

Beyond the Smile: The Truth About Ethical Sloth Tourism

Think that sloth is smiling at you? Think again. Herman and Corn dive into the biology and ethics of responsible wildlife tourism.

sloth-conservationethical-ecotourismwildlife-selfies

Current Chaos: Why Global Electricity is So Fragmented

Why does the US use 110V while Europe uses 230V? Herman and Corn explore the chaotic history of power grids and the "perfect" plug we never used.

electrical-standardspower-grid-historyvoltage-compatibility

DIY Smart Home Status Lights: From ESP32 to AI Tools

Discover why the ESP32 is the ultimate brain for DIY smart homes and how AI tools are revolutionizing hardware hacking for everyone.

smart homediyesp32esphomehome automation

Eyes on the Move: Choosing the Best Baby Tracking Cameras

Herman and Corn explore the best camera tech for tracking a crawling baby, from dual-lens systems to AI-powered motion detection.

baby monitorhome securityai cameraptz cameradual lens

The Secret Logic of AliExpress Logistics

Why does your $5 adapter take a detour through Singapore? Discover the hidden logic of global logistics and the art of package consolidation.

aliexpresslogisticssupply chaincainiaoe-commerce

The Ghost in the Machine: Why Gadgets Wake Up After Blackouts

Why does a power flicker turn on your lights but not your TV? Herman and Corn explain the engineering behind post-outage device behavior.

power outageelectronicsdevice behaviorfirmwaremicrocontrollers

New Year's Special: Meet Herman and Corn

Herman and Corn finally tell their origin stories as 2025 comes to a close.

specialnew-yearsbackstory

The $15 Radar: Inside the Global Micro-Tech Economy

How can a high-tech radar sensor cost less than a sandwich? Explore the hidden machinery of the 2025 global supply chain.

radarsupply chainshenzhencmosmanufacturing

That New Plastic Smell: Science, Safety, and Solutions

Why does new plastic smell so "aggressive"? Learn the science behind off-gassing, VOCs, and how to protect your home’s air quality.

plasticoff-gassingvocsphthalatesair quality

Industrial Strength: Why Airports Don’t Use Smart Bulbs

Why do airports stay lit while your smart home fails? Herman and Corn dive into industrial-grade tech and the physics of beaming internet.

industrial automationplcssmart homereliabilitynetworking

The Secret Language of Lines: The Evolution of Barcodes

Discover the hidden history and complex math behind barcodes, from beach-side sketches to the high-tech future of retail scanning.

barcodesqr codestechnology historyupcscanning

Beat the Heat: Rugged Labels for Your Home Inventory

Tired of sun-bleached labels? Corn and Herman dive into the science of UV-resistant QR codes and thermal transfer printing for home inventory.

labelshome inventoryqr codesthermal transferuv resistance

The Story Behind the Show

Daniel Rosehill explains the origins, motivation, and technical pipeline behind the My Weird Prompts AI-generated podcast.

behind-the-scenesaboutai-podcast-creation

Why Your Smart Home Isn't an Airport: Industrial Reliability

Why can't you run the Louvre on a Raspberry Pi? Herman and Corn dive into the rugged, wired world of industrial building automation.

Smart Homeindustrial automationbacnetplcreliability

Zigbee vs. Matter: Is Your Smart Home Already Obsolete?

Is Zigbee a "reliable old truck" or a dead end? Herman and Corn debate the future of local control in the age of Matter and Thread.

Smart HomezigbeematterHome Assistantlocal control