Macstock’s Saturday & Sunday Sessions

Weekend Speakers

Wally Cherwinski

Wally Cherwinski

Michael D.J. Eisenberg

Michael D.J. Eisenberg

Brian Flanigan-Arthurs

Brian Flanigan-Arthurs

Jeff Gamet

Jeff Gamet

Dave Ginsburg

Dave Ginsburg

Kelly Guimont

Kelly Guimont

Dave Hamilton

Dave Hamilton

Marty Jencius

Marty Jencius

Chuck Joiner

Chuck Joiner

Jill McKinley

Jill McKinley

Mike Schmitz

Mike Schmitz

Kirschen Seah

Kirschen Seah

Allison Sheridan

Allison Sheridan

Brett Terpstra

Brett Terpstra

Weekend Sessions

Macstock’s Weekend Sessions will be held on Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14, 2024.

Please Note that, while current at the time of posting, the Dates, Times, and Final Schedule/Topics listed below are subject to change or cancellation.

Saturday, July 13, 2024, 9:00am – 9:45am

Level Up Your Creativity with Mind Maps

Mike Schmitz

Whether you consider yourself to be a creative genius or you don’t believe you have a creative bone in your body, mind maps can help you make more of your ideas.

In this session, Mike Schmitz will teach you how to remove the obstacles from the creative process by using mind maps to develop your ideas. He’ll cover some basic principles for effective mind mapping, share some recommended apps and tools, and give several examples of how to use mind maps for various creative workflows from brainstorming to writing to book notes. By the end of this session, you’ll have the tools you need to make the most of your ideas — no matter what shape they happen to come in.

About Mike

Mike Schmitz is a nerd and an independent creator who talks about the intersection of faith, productivity, and tech He’s a YouTuber, screencaster (ScreenCastsOnline), writer (The Sweet Setup), and co-hosts the Focused, Bookworm, and Intentional Family podcasts.

Saturday, July 13, 2024, 10:00am – 10:45am

Organizational Bliss with Notion

Jill McKinley

Are you ready to unlock the secret to a seamlessly organized life and skyrocket your productivity? Whether you’re drowning in a sea of tasks, struggling to keep track of your health goals, or simply looking for a magic wand to sort out your chaotic life, Notion has you covered. In her talk at Macstock 8, Jill will guide you through the marvels of Notion, showing you how to customize this all-in-one tool to fit every aspect of your life—work, content creation, personal goals, and beyond. Discover how to create your digital world, where everything you need is just a click away, and unleash your productivity superpowers. Don’t miss this chance to revolutionize how you organize and enjoy a life where every piece falls perfectly into place.

About Jill

Jill McKinley is the Wonder Woman of enterprise software and IT. She’s been working with clinical trials management software for so long that she practically knows the patients by name. She’s like the MacGyver of clinical trials management software, always finding adoptable solutions to real-world research challenges. With over 28 years of experience under her belt, she’s seen it all and conquered it all. She could set up a SharePoint or Citrix server farm with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back.

But Jill’s not all work and no play. Oh no, she’s got a whole other side to her. She’s got not one, not two, but THREE podcasts. Start with Small Steps and Small Steps with God are already up and running, and she’s got a third one in the works about seeing nature in the world around you. She’s like the Oprah of the podcast world, except instead of giving away cars, she’s giving away tips for a better life. She’s a podcasting Swiss Army knife with a tool for every occasion.

And when she’s not working on her podcasts, Jill likes to get back to nature. She’s an avid hiker and birdwatcher, always on the lookout for the next feathered friend to add to her list. And let’s not forget her knitting skills – who knows; maybe she’s even created a cozy little sweater for one of her birdwatching buddies.

Saturday, July 13, 2024, 11:00am – 11:45am

Exploring Apple’s Services: Discovering Their Value and the Benefits of Apple One

Dave Ginsburg

Join Dave at Macstock for a comprehensive exploration of key Apple Services, including Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News, iCloud, and Apple Fitness+. With a focus on Apple News+, Dave will shed light on these often overlooked services and how they can Level Up your Apple experience.

Dave will provide a review of each service’s features, integration with the Apple ecosystem, unique selling points, and the user experience. Additionally, he will introduce Apple One, discussing its bundle concept, components, pricing structure, and cost benefits compared to individual subscriptions.

About Dave

Dave Ginsburg is a podcaster, IT Professional, and is the host of the podcast, “In Touch With iOS” the show that talks about all things iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and related technologies. He is joined by guests from the Apple Community including Jeff Gamet, Ben Roethig, and many others. Dave uses his real world experience as a 25 year IT professional and iPhone subject matter expert to teach and entertain his listeners each week. An early adopter of many Apple products including the iPhone, you can be assured Dave will provide his views on the cutting edge of technology.

Saturday, July 13, 2024, 1:00pm – 1:45pm

Stepping Up Your Smart Home Strategy

Jeff Gamet

Not sure where to start with your smart home dreams, or how to ramp up to your current smart home setup without everything turning into a frustrating and complicated mess? We’ll explore choosing the right platform, picking the right devices, making a privacy and security strategy, what to do when something goes wrong, if you really need voice control, and more.

Most importantly, you’ll learn how to avoid all the mistakes Jeff made.

About Jeff

Jeff Gamet writes about technology and related topics for companies of all sizes, and is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. He has presented at Macworld Expo, Macstock, 360|iDev, RSA Conference, several WordCamp events, and many other conferences. You can find him on several podcasts such as The Mac Show, The Big Show, MacVoices, In Touch with iOS, Mac OS Ken, and more.

Saturday, July 13, 2024, 2:00pm – 2:45pm

Levelling up your Home Automation

Kirschen Seah

You’ve just set up your HomeKit/Thread-based smart home and would like to expand capabilities and use other devices as well as ways to script and control your smart home devices. We’ll explore the plethora of smart home devices, helpful software applications, and tying functionality together with scripts and triggers.

About Kirschen

My background is Computer Sciences with interests in Software Engineering, User Experience, and Mac OS X / iPhone OS development. I started programming with BASIC in 1978 on an Apple ][ and have over 30 years of experience in the field. I worked on OPENSTEP (precursor to Mac OS X Cocoa) graphical prototyping applications initially when I joined Rockwell Collins (now Collins Aerospace) in 1999. I was a Senior Principal Systems Engineer in the Flight Management Systems department focussed on the user interface for pilot interaction. Prior to joining Rockwell Collins I worked at Acuity (formerly ichat) developing interactive user interfaces for live chat customer service agents. As I’m retired, there’s now more time to share technical insights on my blog, develop useful scripts (Python, shell), and write Shortcuts. I’m really motivated to share my experience to help fellow software practitioners develop better skills – be that in good design, implementation, or computer science fundamentals. As much as I can, I try to share the delight in discovering how iOS and macOS applications for productivity and creativity have helped me do better in my personal and (former) work life.

Saturday, July 13, 2024, 3:00pm – 3:45pm

Harnessing ChatGPT for Apple Enthusiasts: Revolutionizing Shortcuts, Automations, and AI-Powered Analysis

Michael D.J. Eisenberg

ChatGPT has revolutionized the tech landscape over the past two years! Uncover the synergy between ChatGPT and the Apple ecosystem with our presenter, Michael D.J. Eisenberg, the award-winning host of the The Tech-Savvy Lawyer.Page Podcast. Michael will guide you through using ChatGPT to create ingenious Apple script shortcuts, automations, and Hazel rules, alongside mastering AI-driven analysis of documents and websites.

Whether you’re streamlining daily tasks or delving deep into content analysis, this session promises to equip you with great tools and insights, simplify your work, and turn your Apple devices into powerhouses of productivity and innovation. Join us to unlock the full potential of your digital world, where cutting-edge AI meets the unparalleled sophistication of Apple.

About Michael

Michael D.J. Eisenberg is a solo practitioner based in Washington, DC, advocating for veterans, military members, and their families for nearly two decades.

Michael has been helping lawyers and law offices utilize technology tools to promote efficiency and effectiveness for decades. He created the blog and podcast in 2019 to share that information and more with the world.

Saturday, July 13, 2024, 4:00pm – 4:45pm

Streamline to Shine: Mastering Real-Time Podcast Production Across Genres

Dave Hamilton

Join Dave Hamilton as he reveals the high-efficiency production techniques that have fueled his diverse podcasting career. In this session, Dave will share the workflow secrets behind his three successful podcasts—ranging from tech to music to business—showcasing how to maintain quality and consistency without the time required by traditional post-production. This session is designed to impart skills that will ensure high-quality audio, compelling content, and consistent output. Whether you are a beginner looking to start on the right foot, or a seasoned creator seeking efficiency, Dave’s insights are invaluable for anyone wanting to streamline their podcast production without sacrificing quality.

About Dave

Dave Hamilton, a seasoned tech enthusiast, podcaster, and publisher, has dedicated the past three decades to aiding computer users globally. Known for his insightful advice and valuable product recommendations on the Mac Geek Gab podcast, Dave also enjoys an esteemed reputation as the founder of BackBeat Media, a network of fiercely independent publishers. His online publishing journey took off with The Mac Observer, an acclaimed Apple news site he co-founded in 1998, later acquired successfully in 2021.

Beyond his tech-savvy persona, Dave embraces a vibrant life filled with music and family in the New Hampshire seacoast. He passionately performs with bands Bitter Pill and Fling, among other musical projects, creating a harmonic balance between his love for technology and music. Alongside his wife, Lisa, he raised their two children amidst this symphony of innovation, passion, and independent spirit, showcasing the power of embracing one’s interests and using them to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Sunday, July 14, 2024, 9:00am – 9:45am

Make the Mac Work for You by Leveling Up

Allison Sheridan

Allison Sheridan is going to give you ideas on how to “Level Up” your game on the Mac. With literally 40 years of experience using a Mac, you’d think she might be stuck in the past, but the opposite is true. She’s always looking for ways to do more with her Mac and to do everything faster and more efficiently. As a nice pairing with her 90-minute hands-on workshop on Friday where she’ll teach you her favorite Mac Tiny Tips, her main show talk will expand to include both philosophical and practical approaches to getting the most out of your Mac. Whether you’re a novice on the Mac or have 40 years with it like Allison, you’re sure to find this talk engaging and interesting, and learn a thing or two.

About Allison

Allison started podcasting in May of 2005, just 7 months after podcasting was invented, and her flagship show, the NosillaCast Apple Podcast, has come out every week without missing an episode. That’s over 19 years straight! As of Macstock 2024, she has created 1000 episodes of a solo show. In the NosillaCast, she focuses on reviewing tech products with an EVER so slight Apple bias, while weaving accessibility throughout her content.

She also co-hosts the podcast Programming By Stealth where Bart Busschots is teaching the audience to program through an audio podcast (with Bart’s tutorial shownotes). Bart and Allison also hosted the podcast Taming the Terminal which is a 40-episode guide to the macOS Terminal which you can also get as an ebook through Apple Books.

She’s a frequent guest on Daily Tech News Show, Clockwise, and the SMR Podcast, with appearances on MacBreak Weekly, Cordkillers, Tech’s Message, and The Productive Woman Podcast. She is also a video screencast tutor for the subscription service ScreenCastsONLINE.

She and her husband Steve produce video interviews from trade shows such as CES and CSUN’s Assistive Tech conference.

She’s an avid exerciser walking around 7 miles a day and enjoys time with their dog Tesla, and two cats Ada Lovelace and Grace Hopper. This is what happens when two engineers marry.

Sunday, July 14, 2024, 10:00am – 10:45am

Level Up Your Inbox

Brett Terpstra 

In his talk at Macstock, Brett will focus on email taming and the method he’s used for years to keep a clean inbox and low-stress email life, including SaneBox, ingenious smart mailboxes, and the MailMate app.

With a special focus on using the MailMate app on macOS including customizable shortcuts, predicate-based searching, email security options, and integration with your favorite productivity applications, Brett’s talk will survey various methods you can use to tame your email inbox with tools that can be implemented in any email setup. 

About Brett

Brett Terpstra is a blogger, writer, podcaster, and software developer. He co-hosts the Overtired podcast, blogs regularly at BrettTerpstra.com, and has written for publications including LifeHacker, MacStories, and The Unofficial Apple Weblog (RIP). He develops apps like Marked 2 and Bunch, along with dozens of automation tools and command line utilities. During the day he’s a software developer and technical writer at Oracle.

Sunday, July 14, 2024, 11:00am – 11:45am

Powering Up the Game: Cutting the Cord and Catching the Action in the Apple Ecosystem

Brian Flanigan-Arthurs

Do you live in the Apple ecosystem, and the only reason why you subscribe to cable or satellite is to watch live sports? You may be able to cut the cord, enjoy the teams and leagues you like, and save a lot of money each month.

This presentation will provide user friendly information on the various live sports streaming apps, characteristics of the subscription services, and ways Apple users can enhance their viewing experience using their favorite devices and operating systems.

About Brian

Brian Flanigan-Arthurs is an educator with a passion for providing results-driven, innovative learning strategies for all students, but particularly those who are at-risk. He is also a tech enthusiast who has a particular affinity for Apple since he first used the Apple IIGS as a student. He also enjoys cheering on: the Phoenix Suns, the Green Bay Packers, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Arizona State Sun Devils.

Sunday, July 14, 2024, 1:00pm – 1:45pm

Apple Whisperers: Guiding Others to Troubleshoot with Ease

Dr. Marty Jencius

In his talk, Marty will equip you with the skills to teach others about Apple/Mac tech issues, reducing the reliance on you as the go-to tech support for friends, relatives, and co-workers. You may find yourself repeatedly called upon to solve these tech puzzles, a cycle that can be as frustrating for them as it is for you. This session will arm you with practical strategies and the knowledge to break down complex problems into manageable steps, using tools and resources that enhance your troubleshooting skills.

We’ll explore the psychological aspects behind why people often seek your help, including lack of confidence (psychological agency) and fear of technology, and how you can use this understanding to encourage their self-reliance. Through real-life examples, learn how to navigate the common tech support requests you face, turning each into an opportunity for teaching the novice rather than just fixing the problem. This session will transform your approach to tech support, making it less about repeated requests for help and more about empowering each request to solve their problems.

About Marty

Dr. Marty Jencius has been an Associate Professor of Counseling at Kent State University since 2000. He has over 120 publications in books, chapters, journal articles, and others, along with 200 podcasts related to counseling, counselor education, and faculty life. His technology interest led him to develop the counseling profession ‘firsts,’ including listservs, a web-based peer-reviewed journal, The Journal of Technology in Counseling, teaching and conferencing in virtual worlds as the founder of Counselor Education in Second Life, and podcast founder/producer of CounselorAudioSource.net and ThePodTalk.net.

Currently, he produces a podcast about counseling and life questions, the Circular Firing Squad, and digital video interviews with legacies capturing the history of the counseling field. Generally, Marty is chasing the newest tech trends, which explains his interest in A.I. for teaching, research, and productivity. Marty is an active presenter and past president of the NorthEast Ohio Apple Corp (NEOAC).

Sunday, July 14, 2024, 2:00pm – 2:45pm

It Pays To Level Up Your Brain Power

Kelly Guimont

Most people do not possess total recall. This means when you sit in a meeting or a presentation, even if you are interested, you won’t remember everything after the fact. Taking notes can help, but it’s not the only countermeasure you can deploy against forgetfulness.

Kelly will give you science-based tactics for improving your memory, as well as a hands-on practical demonstration of how to get more out of your time.

About Kelly

Kelly is a longtime Apple aficionado and general technology enthusiast. She has spoken at a wide variety of conferences, and will likely speak at many more. Between conference presentations, podcast appearances, and her deep abiding love of karaoke, Kelly has spent a significant amount of time talking into microphones. As a contributor to TUAW and The Mac Observer, she hosted tech news podcasts and interviewed notable members of the Apple community, also writing articles explaining various features of macOS and iOS.

Sunday, July 14, 2024, 3:00pm – 3:45pm

Level Up Your Tech Gear: Maximizing Your Apple Dollar

Chuck Joiner & Jeff Gamet

Investing in tech gear can be an expensive proposition, and the variety of choices and options can be confusing when you are trying to get the most bang for your buck. In their talk at Macstock, Chuck Joiner and Jeff Gamet will discuss how to get what you want, what you need, where to compromise and where to splurge in a session that goes from Macs and iPhones to third-party peripherals and everything in between. Don’t buy anything until you hear our session!

About Chuck

Chuck Joiner has been creating original Apple, Macintosh and tech-oriented audio and video content since 2000. MacVoices, delivered in both audio and video versions, includes one-on-one discussions with authors, developers, pundits, panel conversations on current trends in tech, and real-world hardware and software reviews. With interviewing skills honed by a career in insurance investigation, negotiation and litigation management, and a passion for technology, Chuck delivers content that is curiosity-driven and designed to both inform and entertain.

Professionally, he serves as Vice President of Claim and Property and Casualty Resources for The Alera Group.

Chuck’s credentials include over four years as Chairman of the Apple User Group Advisory Board, speaking appearances at Macworld Expo, User Group University, Macstock Conference and Expo, and The National Association of Broadcasters Show.

He is also Editor-in-Chief of The MUG Center, one of the longest-running Apple User Group resources sites on the web.

About Jeff

Jeff Gamet writes about technology and related topics for companies of all sizes, and is a technology blogger, podcaster, author, and public speaker. He has presented at Macworld Expo, Macstock, 360|iDev, RSA Conference, several WordCamp events, and many other conferences. You can find him on several podcasts such as The Mac Show, The Big Show, MacVoices, In Touch with iOS, Mac OS Ken, and more.

Sunday, July 14, 2024, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Macstock Short Film Festival

Wally Cherwinski

Get your camera rolling and be part of the action, the Macstock Short Film Festival will be back for its second year at Macstock 8!

Scheduled to be hosted by Wally Cherwinski, the 3rd Macstock Short Film Festival gives those attending Macstock a chance to relax at the end of the weekend by sharing first-run screenings of videos made by your friends & family within the Macstock community.

About Wally

Dr. Wally Cherwinski is a Videographer based in Ottawa, Canada. Originally trained as a scientist, he spent a portion of his career in research and teaching at the University of Cambridge, England while doubling as a freelance photographer and writer. Later, he joined Canada’s National Research Council and spent many years managing communications for the Canadian Space Program.

Starting with 16mm film, he has written and directed numerous documentaries and television features, including projects with Canada’s National Film Board. More recently, he has combined his passion for video with his love of travel.

Wally has been a Mac user since the original 128K in 1984 and his Apple “museum” includes over 30 Macs (not to mention Newtons, iPods, iPhones & iPads). He has delivered video workshops at several Macworlds, at Macintosh User Groups in the U.S. & Canada and on three MacMania cruises. He is also a contributor to ScreenCastsOnline monthly magazine.